What is the diffrence between gel nails and arcyrlic nails?

Gel nails are really lightweight and natural looking... whereas acrylics tend to be thick and ';fake';. Gel nails also don't damage the natural nail like acrylics.What is the diffrence between gel nails and arcyrlic nails?
Gel nails look more natural, than acrylics in my opinion.What is the diffrence between gel nails and arcyrlic nails?
Gel costs about twice as much and they supposably last longer, are stronger and overall better. But everyone that I know that's had them say they broke even easier and are a waste of money. I wouldn't spend $50 on gels when normal acrylics are $20.