Best Tattoo Pen Machines To Buy In 2023

With the rapid growth of the tattoo industry, more and more people are looking into starting their tattooing businesses. Getting the perfect pen machine is difficult, as there are many factors to consider. This article will discuss the best tattoo pen machines, stroke lengths, tattoo cartridges, and power supplies to help you make the right choice.

What Is A Tattoo Pen Machine?

The tattoo pen is a relatively new addition to tattoo machines. These machines resemble rotary tattoo machines because they have direct-drive motors, making them easy to use and suitable for tattoo artists just starting. Plus, they’re lightweight and make very little noise, making them quite convenient for the artist and the person getting a tattoo. 

A set stroke is often the defining feature of the pen tattoo gun, so the artist can’t manipulate and change the stroke. On the downside, most pen machines don’t have a disposable grip, meaning the artist will need access to an autoclave to avoid cross-contamination. 

How Does Tattoo Machine Gun Works?

Before you splurge on the best tattoo gun kit, you should learn how everything works. The first thing to know is that different tattoo machines work in different ways, but the principle is essentially the same. The coil machine works on an electromagnetic current, which turns the magnets on and off. The magnets then move the armature bar. The rotary machine motor is directly attached to the armature and moves it up and down. 

In both machines, the needle is attached to the armature bar, and when the bar moves up and down, so does the needle. Moving up and down, the needles pierce the skin delivering the ink to the dermis. The up-and-down movements are limited to a certain distance and extremely quick, although the artist should be able to control the speed. 

List Of Top 10 Tattoo Pen Machines In 2023

Check out the list of popular tattoo pen machine brands for 2023, which includes top-performing models from industry leaders such as Cheyenne, Dragonhawk, and Bishop Rotary. These machines offer precision, comfort, and versatility for professional tattoo artists. Scroll down to know more!

1. Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Tattoo Machine Kit

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With over 10,000 satisfied customers worldwide, Dragonhawk is one of the most famous tattoo equipment suppliers. There isn’t a tattoo artist that hasn’t heard about this fantastic tattoo supplier that provides affordable yet functional products. Great for lining, shading, and color packing, this product has a design that comes as close to a tattoo pen while still having high puncturing power and frequency. The machine charges relatively quickly, and the battery lasts several hours. It’s very easy to use, and perfect for aspiring tattoo artists just starting.

Specifications

• Color: Atom
• Size: 24-piece set
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Number of pieces: 2o
• Power supply: Yes

What We Like

• Good for both beginner and experienced tattoo artists
• Lightweight and quiet machine
• Long-lasting battery life
• Easy to clean
• Great compatibility with different cartridge needles

2. Saikoya Wireless Tattoo Pen Gun

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Whether you’re new to the tattooing business or not, wireless machines are always recommended. The Saikoya Wireless Tattoo Pen has a built-in battery, but you can connect it to almost every power supply. Furthermore, 2 hours are needed to charge the battery, lasting 7 to 8 hours fully. The tattoo pen has a 3.5mm stroke length and is compatible with most cartridge needles. Its lightweight design allows you to do your lining and shading more comfortably. Last but not least, the digital LCD screen is a nice touch, allowing you to see your working voltage and time

Specifications

• Color: Black
• Size: Pack of 1
• Style: Portable
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Digital LCD screen
• Very lightweight and portable
• Wireless
• Long battery life
• Affordable

3. Mast Archer Wireless Tattoo Machine

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With Mast Tattoo, you get innovative pen machines that are technologically advanced. Professional tattoo artists know this brand offers high-quality equipment for the best possible performance. This might be a bit too expensive if you’re looking to buy your first tattoo machine. This pen-style machine offers incredible precision and is excellent for lining and shading. However, its price makes it more suitable for a professional tattoo artist than a beginner.

Specifications

• Colors: Black, blue, purple, pink, and red
• Size: 5-piece set
• Style: Custom
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Good battery life
• Easy to clean
• Simple to use, great for beginners
• Digital LCD screen
• Wireless tattoo machine

4. Solong Rotary Tattoo Pen Kit

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Solong Tattoo has been present on the market for at least 15 years. Their goal is to develop as many high-quality products as possible, helping tattoo artists to create that perfect masterpiece. This wireless rotary tattoo machine is great for doing eye lines, lip lines, and permanent eyebrow makeup. It’s very lightweight and does not heat up even after long sessions. The pen machine can run for a few hours when the battery is fully charged. In addition, the easy-to-assemble feature makes this Solong tattoo pen very portable.

Specifications

• Color: Black, red
• Size: 53-piece set
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Wireless
• Good for beginners
• Good battery life
• Needles can be changed easily
• Easy to assemble

5. HAWINK Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine

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HAWINK provides some of the best tattoo pen machines you’ll ever encounter. They believe an artist needs to understand the different devices and choose the one matching their style and needs. As we’ve seen, HAWINK machines are known to be great for creating bold lines and unique tattoo art. This rotary machine has a high-quality motor, battery pack, and RCA cord connection. Its ergonomic design and light weight make the pen machine fit comfortably in your hand, making long sessions much easier.

Specifications

• Color: Black
• Size: Pack of 1
• Style: Traditional
• Number of pieces: 20
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Fits comfortably in your hand
• Has its portable battery pack
• Lightweight
• Good battery life
• Easy to use

6. Romlon Rotary Tattoo Machine

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Since 2008, Romlon has listened to its customers, accepting criticism and feedback. By doing this, Romlon continuously upgrades and improves its products. They aim to create simple, stable, safe products that satisfy every artist’s needs. Tattoo enthusiasts will love this pen machine, as it feels so easy – like writing or drawing. It’s a very lightweight device with a comfortable grip and ergonomic design for your comfort. Whether you’re into simple art like an anchor tattoo or something more challenging, this machine will do the trick.

Specifications

• Color: Assorted
• Size: 275-piece set
• Style: Classic
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Easy to set up and use
• Lightweight and quiet
• Comes with a power supply
• The case and needles are included

7. Ambition Soldier Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine

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With Ambition Tattoo, you are always in good hands. They specialize in creating different machines to meet the different tattooing styles. That being said, if tattooing is your ambition, you might as well start here. The Ambition Soldier is easy to assemble and use and compatible with many needles. It’s very well-balanced and has a powerful motor. Furthermore, the machine does not heat up after long tattooing sessions, and its battery lasts 5 to 6 hours, sometimes more.

Specifications

• Color: Black, red, gold, silver
• Number of pieces: 1
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Extra battery pack: Yes

What We Like

• The battery lasts a long time
• Compatible with all kinds of cartridge needles
• Detachable, easy to disassemble
• Well-balanced
• Wireless machine
• Great color packing

8. Wormhole Tattoo Machine Kit

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Established in 2016, Wormhole is devoted to designing the best tattoo pen machines for its customers. Here, you can find convenient, innovative, safe, and reliable tattoo products that complement your art. You can even try out those popular Japanese tattoos! When purchasing this kit, you get a pen machine, a power supply with an RCA connection, a foot pedal, tattoo needles, and much more equipment, including aftercare cream. The machine is very lightweight and easy to set up.

Specifications

• Color: Red
• Size: 82-piece set
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Easy to set up
• Lightweight
• Good for beginners
• Works well for shading
• Low vibration, quiet
• Pretty affordable

9. Atomus Rotary Tattoo Machine

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Atomus has one main goal – to make its customers happy. At Atomus, you will find nothing less than excellent products, prices, and customer service. If you’re looking for something affordable and easy-to-use, this rotary tattoo machine is for you. Atomus Rotary Tattoo Machine is designed for beginners and more experienced artists, allowing the creation of very precise and clean tattoos to be created. You can also help couples create the best couples tattoos that only they can understand.

Specifications

• Color: Black, red, silver
• Size: 2-piece set
• Style: Portable
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Lightweight and quiet
• Affordable
• Easy to set up
• Good for shading

10. Wormhole Tattoo Pen

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Wormhole is the way to go to improve your tattooing skills. With a wide range of innovative products, this tattoo supplier will surely provide reliable ones. With this purchase, you get a pen machine with continuous operation, stability, and ergonomic design. This pen machine can be used for a long time without getting hot. Great for lining and shading, the Wormhole pen offers precise tattooing.

Specifications

• Color: Red
• Size: 107-piece set
• Water Resistance: Yes

What We Like

• Ergonomic design
• Good color packing
• Beginner-friendly
• Easy to assemble
• Lightweight
• Affordable

Things to Consider While Choosing a Tattoo Machine

No matter how talented, an artist can’t achieve greatness without the proper tools. The same is true for tattoo artists and their tattoo machines. The tattoo’s design and quality depend on the machine, so choosing the right tattoo machine is essential to the artist’s success. 

Differentiating between the two main types of machines, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the two, and discovering the right fit for you is easier than it sounds. We created a complete guide on things you need to know to choose the best tattoo gun.

Different Types Of Tattoo Gun Machines

As a newcomer to the tattoo scene, it’s only normal to wonder what tattoo machine to buy. Before making a decision, you need to be familiar with the different tattoo machines, i.e., the two main machine types available to tattoo artists — the rotary and the coil. 

Coil Tattoo Machines

Coil machines have been around for a longer time and are often considered the ‘prototype’ or the ‘original’ machine, but a coil is slightly more difficult to use and requires more skill on behalf of the artist. We previously mentioned that an electromagnetic field drives the coil machine, i.e., the magnets inside that control the armature bar, so it’s significantly noisier than the rotary. 

As for upkeep, the coil is more difficult to maintain, but it produces much better results when creating lines — sharp and clear (think of the triangle tattoo). However, with the shading technique, the coil produces significant force but a lower frequency — that’s why many prefer rotary shading. The best professional tattoo kits contain a coil machine, and it’s still the more commonly used machine in tattoo shops. 

Rotary Tattoo Machines

Thanks to the direct drive motors, the rotary machine is much easier to use than the coil. Moreover, the electric motors make the machine extremely precise regarding movement and needle depth, making it less damaging to the skin. The sound of the rotary resembles a quiet humming sound, meaning there’s less noise than with a coil machine. 

This machine is considered the best beginner tattoo gun for ease of use and precision. It’s also very versatile, so artists can create lines and shade with one tool, for example, when creating a feather tattoo or butterfly tattoo. These usually contain both lines and shadowing, so the rotary machine is the go-to choice for this type of tattoo.

Benefits Of Using Tattoo Pen Machines

There are many benefits to swapping your tattoo gun for a lightweight tattoo pen machine. Some of those benefits include:

• Minimal vibration, which ultimately makes the pen quieter than a tattoo gun.
• They provide better stability and control, making sharper and cleaner tattoo lines.
• Clients are more relaxed due to the minimal vibration of the pen calming their anxiety.
• They’re not as painful as tattoo guns.
• They use interchangeable cartridge needles that are easily adjustable.
• The wireless option increases your mobility; no cables are in your way.
• Because they’re lightweight, they provide longer tattooing sessions.

Tattoo Machines Buying Guide

Buying a professional machine is a big step for any tattoo artist, but deciding on just one can be a stressful experience. Luckily, deciding becomes easier if you follow a guide to buying tattoo machines. Do consider the options we’ve listed below. Go through them and cross them off your list before making a purchase. 

Brand

Before deciding on a tattoo pen, consider the brand reputation. Are they famous in the tattooing industry? Do other tattoo artists claim to have had a bad experience with the brand? Look through testimonials and choose the brand most praised by beginners and professionals.

Choose a Machine Type

Firstly, you need to decide on the type of machine you want to buy — rotary or coil. It’s best to consider the pros and cons of the two and weigh them against each other. Other things to consider when choosing the machine type are your experience level and your style as a tattoo artist. Rotary machines are usually considered tattoo guns for beginners, so if you’re just starting, you should consider the rotary. However, if you’re a more experienced artist specializing in line tattoos, the coil machine will be better for you. 

Consider Quality

Tattoo machines — the good ones — should serve you for years. That’s why it’s important to consider the machine’s overall quality. Pick one made from durable materials — copper, iron, brass — with a high-quality motor and internal mechanism. 

Investing in the best beginner tattoo gun kit saves you from further expenses, i.e., buying another machine when the one you have broken down. However, it’s also important to seek out good quality machines for the sake of your customers. If machine malfunctions during a session, you can harm your customer and cause permanent damage — you don’t want that happening. 

Weight

A lightweight machine is always a plus, as it helps during those long tattooing sessions. Rotary machines are known to be lighter and are the preferred option for these situations. However, before purchasing the pen, try it with its additional components attached to feel its real weight.

Match It to the Supplies

Whether you’re choosing one of the best tattoo machines for beginners or looking to add to your professional kit, make sure that the machine you purchase can be used with the tattoo supplies you own or the ones you recently purchased. 

If you buy a machine that doesn’t work with your supplies, you’ll have to invest in new supplies to match the machine, which is an additional expense. On top of that, your supplies will remain unused, which is another financial loss for you. 

Battery Life

This factor mainly depends on your tattooing style. Are you doing shorter or longer tattooing sessions? If you’re new to the tattooing game, chances are you’re doing shorter sessions, meaning shorter battery life isn’t an issue. However, don’t overlook the device’s battery life if you’re more focused on longer tattoo sessions.

Respect the Budget

As we previously emphasized the quality, we must mention the price. Tattoo machines are available at a wide range of prices, but better-quality machines also come with a higher price tag — as can only be expected. However, if you’re looking to buy tattoo equipment for beginners, you might want to settle down with a not-very-expensive option. 

It’s a good idea to set a budget before you start browsing machines and choose one within the determined price range. You don’t want to go for the cheapest option, but if you’re a beginner, you should look at mid-tier machines. Experienced artists with a steady customer base can afford to spend more, so if you’re already established in the industry, you can consider one of the top-tier tattoo machines. 

Read the Reviews

Most purchases of tattoo machines are conducted online — this is good news because people tend to leave reviews for the products they’ve purchased. Before you click the ‘Add to Cart’ button, head to the reviews section and see what other artists say about the product. 

If you’re after a beginner tattoo machine, you can read about the experience of other tattoo artists with that specific machine. You can always ask seasoned artists for their opinions if you can’t find relevant reviews. It’s likely that artists that have been around a while have experience with different machines and will be willing to give you some advice. 

Think About Comfort & Usability

Being comfortable with the machine you’re using is important as a tattoo artist. Consider the weight of the machine as well as the grip. If given an opportunity, try various machines and see how they feel in your hand. 

Buy the machine you feel comfortable with. If you find it comfortable using it, so will your customers. Plus, the less trouble you have with using it, the better the result. Some more intricate tattoos, such as the rose tattoo for girls, require much attention to detail, so you must be comfortable. 

Safety Tips And Precautions While Using Tattoo Machines

After going through the main points of choosing tattoo machines and deciding what will be the best choice for you, there are several other things to remember. Whether you’ve opted for one of the best starter tattoo machines or a more professional machine, you’re still dealing with permanent ink, so you must be cautious. 

The following tips and precautions can protect you as a tattoo artist and maintain the good name of your tattoo parlor. 

Get a License

Obtaining a license is important; in most states, it’s mandatory. By getting a license, you can prove to yourself and to your customers that you can operate the machine while staying out of legal trouble. 

Use Protective Gear 

Use gloves, goggles, and barrier gowns when using the machine. Using this equipment protects your skin, particularly your hands, from directly touching the customer’s skin and the machine. 

Clean the Machine

After each use, wash and sterilize the machine. This is important because you eliminate the risk of transmitting bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids from the machine to other sterile supplies and customers. Maintain this practice even if you’re doing tattoos for couples. 

Take Breaks and Switch Positions

Keeping your hand in one position for prolonged periods can cause cramps, especially with the added weight of the machine. Take breaks if necessary, and make sure to rest your hand. 

Ultimately, whether you get tattoo equipment for beginners or are working on a professional level, you must always remember these precautions and respect them. 

Conclusion

Becoming a tattoo artist requires hard work and dedication, but even the most talented artists can’t showcase their talent without the right tools. Choosing the right equipment is key to each artist’s journey, so you must consider it. Once you understand the different machine types and consider other things such as quality, price point, user satisfaction, and usability, you can eliminate some options and pick the right tattoo machine. 

FAQs

1) Which is the best tattoo pen machine to shop for online?

There are many good choices for tattoo pens, but some of the most popular choices are the Dragonhawk Mast Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine, the Mast Tattoo Tour Wireless Rotary Pen, and the HAWINK Tattoo Kit Rotary Tattoo Pen. 

2) What things must one consider while choosing a tattoo machine?

Some of the most important considerations are the type of machine you want to use, the overall quality of the device, the ease of use, and the level of comfort. Then, see if the machine matches your supplies and whether other users are satisfied. 

3) How do I fill ink in the tattoo machine?

First, pour the ink into a disposable cup. Then, mix it with a sterile stick, dip the running gun into the cup, and allow the ink to fill up the needle tube tip. 

4) What is the best brand of tattoo machine?

Many good brands for tattoo machines exist, but some rank higher than others. These include Cheyenne, Dragonfly, VladBlad, and Machinist. 

5) What’s better rotary or coil tattoo machines?

The rotary machine is easy to maintain and operate and makes little noise. It’s generally considered a better choice for beginners, while the coil machine is recommended for skilled artists. 

6) What tattoo needle size is best to use?

The type of work you need to do determines the needle size. The smallest needles artists use are 3 Magnums, while the largest is 18. The smaller needles are used for more precise, more detailed work, while the large ones are good for filling large skin areas with color.