15 Best Tattoo Machine Brands Reviews in 2024 – BestTattooGuide.com

As a tattoo artist, it’s paramount to have the best tattoo machine so as to deliver the best ink drawings to your clients. But with many brands available, choosing the right one can be a major challenge, especially to the beginners. Some of them may not live up to their reputation.

Although having the right machine is a nice move, it’s advisable to tattoo anyone only if you’re well trained. So, are you looking for a new gun to add in your collection? We’ve compiled the best machines as recommended by professional artists all over the world.

When picking, we used some criteria which include the size and shape of the gun, ability to make adjustments, build quality, type of the machine, price and requirements. What followed is hand-on testing and comparing them to ensure the best deal.

Before getting down to the context, we will closely look at different types of tattoo machines. In the end, you’ll be able to make an informed buying decision.

Types of Tattoo Machines

It’s no secret! You might be confused on which tattoo machine is the best to buy as there are two types of tattoo machine to choose from;

• Rotary tattoo machine
• Coil tattoo machine

Start out by analyzing different features that come with both the rotary tattoo machine and the coil tattoo machine and you’ll be ready to go.

Coil tattoo machine

In a coil tattoo machine, the current passes through the coils which derive the armature bar attached to needles. The needles inject and retract in clients skin. Coil machines tend to be much noisy and vibrating.

I know you’ve heard vibrating noise when you’re passing through a tattoo shop. If yes, that’s a coil tattoo machine? Coil machines come with one, two and three coils.  The two coil machine are considered as a standard one

The two coils and metal road make the machine heavier, making it difficult to use for a long time. The coil machine allows a small margin of error while tattooing so it is good for beginners. You can tune and adjust your machine according to your requirement. Coil machines can’t be used for lining and shading both at one time.

Pros and cons of using coil tattoo machines

Rotary tattoo machine

In a rotary machine there is a small electric motor attached to the needles, allowing the needle to move up and down. Rotary machines are extremely quiet and vibrate at a lower rate than coil machines.

Also, they’re  way smoother and faster than a coil machine. Rotary machines due to motors are quite lighter and easy to use.

You can work with these machines for longer hours without fatigue. The other best thing about the rotary machine is that it hits smother two the skin and clients skin heal faster. If the operator is not experienced with it, then be rest assured that there will be a huge margin error.

Rotary can be used both for lining and shading by just changing the needles.

Pros and cons of using rotary machine

Tattoo Kit

We need several tools and accessories to become a master in the art of tattooing but for a beginner, it is very hard to find all these quality things. That’s the reason why we all need a tattoo kit.

Tattoo kit will remove your all burden of buying accessories. The best thing about buying a kit is that you will find all accessories at a cheap price but if you want a good quality product then make sure you choose the best brand in the market.

Pros and cons of using Tattoo Kit

Best Tattoo Machine Brands

There are many tattoo machine brands in the market that claim their excellent performance but we have to choose the one that best suits our requirement. So here are our best picks for tattoo machine brands.

Dragonhawk

Dragonhawk is the most trusted brand in the tattoo industry. It was established in 2001 by two great tattoo artists.

The company is well-known for its build quality and customer support. Dragon hawk believes in customer satisfaction and that’s the reason they provide a full money-back guarantee for those who aren’t satisfied after using their products. One of the official distributor of DragonHawk is MB SHOP EU.

Dragonhawk MAST Archer Wireless Tattoo Machine

Product Overview

Introducing the Mast Archer Cordless Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine—an epitome of innovation and convenience for professional tattoo artists. It boasts a visible LCD voltage screen for easily adjustable voltage settings, housed in a robust frame crafted from standard aluminum alloy and precision CNC carved. Weighing in at just 186g and measuring 132mm in length with a 32mm diameter, this machine’s seamless, hand-assembled, one-piece body is both effortless to cover and protect.

Powerful Mcore Technology

At the heart of the Archer is a custom Mcore coreless motor, running at an impressive 12V-10500rpm. This advanced motor offers unmatched reliability with smooth speed transitions and minimal vibration, eliminating the need for maintenance—perfectly tailored for the Archer machine’s performance demands.

Mast Archer Advantages

The benefits don’t stop at the motor. The Archer’s seamless one-piece design includes fast charging via a Type-C jack, backed by a powerful 2,000mAh built-in battery that delivers up to 8 hours of runtime. Additional features include overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and temperature control, all packed into a machine with a comfortable grip and an ideal weight for extended use.

Versatile Applications

Compatible with all cartridge needle sizes, the Archer pen’s advanced gear system ensures smooth, soft, and quiet operation. It achieves excellent healing results by gently and smoothly transferring ink to the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.

Efficiency and Convenience

Whether used cordless or connected via a charging cable, the Mast Archer offers a long-lasting runtime and an easy-to-clean stainless-steel grip. Its durable, lightweight housing makes it perfect for all-day professional use, emphasizing efficiency and ease as you focus more on your artistry and less on the equipment.

Embrace the future of tattooing with the Mast Archer—a choice that combines cutting-edge technology and superior ergonomics for professional artists. Mast Archer in Europe you can find on MB SHOP EU.

Dragonhawk Tattoo Coil Machine Kit

This Dragonhawk tattoo kit is perfect for beginners ready to dive into the world of tattooing. It includes two high-quality Dragonhawk tattoo machines—one for lining and one for shading. Crafted from superior composite materials with cast iron frames and 10-wrap copper coils, these machines feature high-elastic, anti-fatigue springs designed for long-term performance.

Tattoo Needles and Accessories

The kit also comes with Dragonhawk tattoo needles, tips, and various accessories essential for any tattoo artist. Featuring a #12 needle diameter with a polished, long taper, these needles are reliable for all-purpose work. The one-piece needle and plunger overmold design ensures maximum stability and control. Each needle is ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilized and individually packaged for single use, prioritizing hygiene and safety.

Power Supply and Features

Included is an LED digital tattoo power supply, complete with a foot pedal and clip cord, offering fast, precise activation and voltage adjustments. This setup ensures smooth, consistent power output, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of your tattoo machine.

Complete Tattoo Kit

Designed to simplify the learning process, this traditional tattoo kit by Dragonhawk helps beginners understand the mechanics of tattoo machines, guiding them as they take their first steps in tattooing.

Package Includes

• 2 Traditional coil tattoo machines
• Power supply
• 20 Tattoo needles with tubes
• Steel and disposable grips
• 1 Tattoo ink
• Foot pedal and necessary tools

Dragonhawk supplies cater to tattoo artists of all levels, providing everything needed for straightforward, effective tattooing. Each item is rigorously tested by professional tattoo artists to ensure quality and performance.

Dragonhawk Mast Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine

The Mast Tour Tattoo Gun, introduced in 2019, is a compact and travel-friendly powerhouse adored by many artists, especially within the permanent makeup and beauty skin art communities. Its original 25mm grip makes it easy to bag, while its popularity skyrockets on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Powerful Mcore Tattoo Motor

Every Mast Tour tattoo machine features the robust Mcore-C series motor, setting it apart from imitation models. This simple yet classic machine excels in precise line work, black and grey shading, and solid color packing. It’s designed to allow artists to work faster and more efficiently, reducing trauma and improving quality—making it an indispensable tool for tattoo professionals.

Innovative Mechanism

The Mast Tour boasts a special mechanism that delivers a precise, direct hit balanced with the right amount of softness. It operates cordless with battery power or can be connected via an RCA jack, offering versatility with traditional power setups.

Cordless Tattoo Machine Details

Weighing only 82g (0.18 lbs), this lightweight machine offers needle depths from 0 to 4.0mm with a 3.5mm stroke length. It features an RCA cord connection, a starting voltage of 4V, and a stitch frequency ranging from 25 to 160 Hz, ensuring smooth, soft, and quiet operation for ideal healing results.

Tested, Trusted & Gift-Ready

The Mast Tour tattoo kit has been rigorously tested by our studio experts and trusted by over 2 million customers worldwide. Its original design, stylish appearance, and exceptional craftsmanship make it an excellent gift for birthdays or anniversaries. Gift it to family, friends, or even yourself—because you deserve the best!

Included in the Box

• Mast Tour Tattoo Pen Machine
• Cordless Tattoo Battery
• Charging Cord
• Gift Box

Enhance your tattooing experience with the Mast Tour, a machine that combines reliability, innovation, and style.

Dragonhawk X4 Professional Wireless Tattoo Machine

The Dragonhawk X-Series is a cutting-edge wireless tattoo pen machine line, meticulously crafted for professional tattoo artists. It features an Mcore motor and a custom battery by Dragonhawk, ensuring both safety and durability throughout the tattooing process.

Specifications

The Dragonhawk X4 battery tattoo machine boasts a versatile 3.5mm stroke length, making it perfect for all-around tattooing. With a sleek machine body diameter of just 22mm, it offers the same comfort and precision for permanent makeup applications. The machine is 134mm in length, charges fully in one hour, and operates continuously for up to three hours.

Design and Features

Designed with an ergonomic, anti-roll shape, the X4 tattoo pen minimizes noise and vibration for a smoother tattooing experience. Its power pack includes a built-in display, button controls, and a USB-C port for charging. The pass-through operation allows artists to charge while in use, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Upgrade X4 Benefits

The upgraded X4 features a bigger eccentric wheel for increased stability, and compatibility with the motor, resulting in less noise, reduced wear, and a design that resists falling off. An LCD screen clearly displays the operating voltage and remaining power. With 0.5V voltage adjustments ranging from 4.5V to 12V, this machine supports long-term tattoo work with stable output.

Included in the Package

• Dragonhawk X4 Tattoo Machine (AAA batteries included)
• Charging Base
• AC Power Adapter
• Instruction Manual
• 12-Month Worry-Free Warranty

The Dragonhawk X4 provides everything professional artists need for reliable, high-quality tattooing, combining state-of-the-art technology with exceptional design. Whether you’re working in the studio or on the go, the Dragonhawk X-Series offers an unparalleled tattooing experience.

Cheyenne hawk

Cheyenne hawk is not only famous for machines but also for the manufacturing of some other tattooing accessories like needles and grips.

The company is known for their build quality so the professionals pay proper attention while dealing with the safety and hygiene of the products. The company also took the first mover advantage in the manufacturing of single use cartridges

Cheyenne hawk Tattoo Pen

The tattoo machine features a pen-like design that enhances artistic freedom, offering a natural and intuitive feel similar to sketching.

About Cheyenne

Cheyenne has been a pioneering brand in the tattoo industry since its inception. Renowned for their innovation and commitment to quality, Cheyenne has consistently redefined what’s possible in tattoo equipment. Their dedication to advancing tattooing technology has earned them a respected place among professionals worldwide. With a focus on precision engineering and artist-friendly design, Cheyenne continues to lead the way in creating tools that empower artists to push their creative boundaries.

Performance and Features

• Lower Vibration: Experience significantly reduced vibration and noise levels compared to similar products. It’s an excellent choice for both lining and shading, delivering precision and comfort throughout your work.
• Adjustable Settings: Benefit from a stroke length of 3.5mm (0.14 inches) with steplessly adjustable needle depth ranging from 0 to 4.0mm (0 to 0.16 inches), allowing for customizable control to suit any tattooing style.
• Roll Inhibition: Equipped with a responsive mode that adjusts hit and stitch frequency according to your needs, as well as roll inhibition to prevent the pen from rolling away unintentionally during use.
• Freedom of Movement: The innovative rotating jack connection ensures maximum freedom of movement, while the jack cage optimally protects the plug connection, enhancing the overall durability and usability of this tattoo machine.

This design offers tattoo artists a blend of precision, comfort, and reliability, making it a top choice for achieving the best results in any tattooing endeavor. With Cheyenne’s storied legacy backing it up, you can trust in both the quality and performance of this equipment.

Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited

Unleash Limitless Creativity

Tap into your artistic prowess with the Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited tattoo machine pen. This versatile tool effortlessly transitions between standard lining and shading, offering unmatched flexibility to bring your creative visions to life.

Pen-Style Freedom

Enjoy the freedom of a pen-style design that allows you to work with ease and comfort. With a quick 3-hour charging time, the Cheyenne tattoo machine provides at least 5 hours of continuous operation, ensuring longer sessions without interruptions.

Whisper-Quiet Performance

Experience the tranquility of whisper-quiet operation. This pen tattoo machine operates with minimal noise, creating a serene environment that enhances focus and precision. Weighing just 152g, or 184g including the battery, it features a brushless DC motor that ensures smooth performance.

Customizable Precision

Achieve the perfect level of detail with customizable needle protrusion and frequency adjustments. Whether you’re lining or shading, the Cheyenne machine adapts to your style with a smooth adjustable needle depth ranging from 2.5mm to 4.0mm.

Five Operating Modes

Select from five operating modes, including steady (constant hit/frequency) and responsive (reactive hit/frequency) modes. This versatility allows the machine to adapt seamlessly to any tattooing surface, ensuring precision and perfection in every stroke. Each purchase includes a Cheyenne protective case, two batteries, a charger, and a power cable.

With the Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited, you’re equipped with a tool that not only supports but enhances your creative journey, providing reliability and innovation every step of the way.

Bishop

Bishop is the reputed name in the manufacturing of premium tattoo machines. The company was established by Franco Vescovi in 2008. Within a short span of time, the company achieved good heights and growth.

The company manufactures its products in the USA and backs all the products with a one year warranty that maintains the trust of their customers.

FK Irons – Spektra Xion Rotary Tattoo Machine

Pen-Style Design

The FK Irons Spektra Xion offers an ergonomic, lightweight pen-style design that provides comfort for extended tattoo sessions and allows complete design freedom. It’s well-suited for a wide range of styles and techniques, making it a versatile choice for artists.

Adjustable Settings

Featuring a “one-turn” dial, this machine provides convenient adjustment of give and needle tension, ranging from soft to hard, for optimal control. The built-in ratchet system ensures your needle depth settings stay locked in place.

Variable Stroke Length

With adjustable stroke lengths of 3.7mm and 3.2mm, the Spektra Xion is compatible with all needle types. Pair it with Gorilla Xion Disposable Tattoo Grips for the best experience and versatility in your tattoo work.

Motorbolt System

Equipped with a specially designed 6W MotorBolt system, this machine provides maximum torque for smooth operation. It’s operable up to 9.5 volts, offering power without compromising control—just remember not to exceed this voltage for optimal performance.

Additional Features

The Spektra Xion boasts a seamless, autoclavable grip with a stabilizer O-ring for hygiene and stability. Its compact design tapers from 32mm to a 1-inch diameter, ensuring ease of use in various tattooing styles and settings.

With the FK Irons Spektra Xion, you’re equipped with a machine that combines precision engineering and artist-friendly design features, making it an essential tool for any professional tattoo artist.

Ambition Company

We are a tattoo equipment manufacturer from China, the company name is yi wu shi xi qi mao yi you xian gong si, and ambition is our main brand. We have a complete team from design to production and sales. The following products are involved: tattoo machines, tattoo power supplies, tattoo needles, tattoo grips, ink cups and other tattoo equipment. At present, the ambition brand can rank among the top five brands in the Chinese tattoo equipment industry. Tens of thousands of tattoo artists have chosen ambition products for tattoo work. The concept of the ambition brand is to keep innovating and provide artists with cost-effective tattoo equipment. This is also the main reason why it is loved by the majority of artists. We sincerely invite tattoo artists from all over the world to join us and use our tattoo equipment to enjoy the fun of tattoo work..

Ambition Soldier Rotary Tattoo Gun

Material:Ambition soldier tattoo machine is made by aluminium alloy. Its length is 148mm, grip diameter is 32mm, and weight is 210g. Well balanced in weight, comfortable to hold.

About motor: Ambition tattoo gun built-in custom coreless motor, 10V – 9000RPM. More powerful, low skin loss, fast coloring, no hot for long time working.

About battery: Battery Capacity is 2400mAh, built-in 3x 800mAh lithium battery. Can support long-term tattoo work, output stable. 8V output voltage can work for 10 hours, only need 2-3 hours to fully charge. More importantly, the battery can be recharged at any time.

Widely applications: The pen machine is compatible with all cartridge needles types, direct ​derive system make tattoo machine get stronger and better for liner and shader.

Package included: Ambition rotary battery tattoo pen machine includes 1pc Battery Tattoo Pen, 1pc extra 4.0mm stroke cam, 1pc RCA adapter, 1pc USB fast charging data cable, 1pc Box.

Ambition Seher Wireless Tattoo Machine

Material and Design

The Ambition rotary battery tattoo pen machine is constructed with a durable aluminum alloy frame, precision CNC carved for superior detail and performance. Measuring 149mm (5.86 inches) in length and 34mm (1.33 inches) in diameter, it weighs 266g (9.38 oz). Its detachable design makes it easy to disassemble, maintain, and replace parts when needed.

Versatile Stroke Adjustments

This machine offers six adjustable stroke lengths—2.2mm, 2.6mm, 3.0mm, 3.4mm, 3.8mm, and 4.2mm. You can adjust the stroke on the fly with the simple turn of an adjustment knob, making it adaptable for different tattoo styles such as soft black and grey, color packing and blending, and lining. It is compatible with most cartridge needle types, enhancing its versatility.

Powerful Coreless Motor

Equipped with a built-in coreless motor running at 12V and 10500 RPM, the Ambition machine delivers powerful performance with minimal skin trauma and fast coloring. It features an eccentric wheel system that enhances its capabilities for both lining and shading, resulting in low vibration and noise. The built-in high-grade stainless steel positioning ball allows for precise needle adjustments.

Enhanced Battery Features

This model includes an upgraded battery with high-sensitivity touch buttons for easier operation. A colorful screen shows working voltage, remaining battery power, Hertz, and a timer. The battery supports three voltage modes: fixed, and adjustable by 0.1V or 1V increments. With a 2400mAh capacity, it operates between 4.5-12V and offers up to 8 hours of run time at 8V output. The screen locks automatically after 3 minutes and can be unlocked by swiping up.

Included in the Package

The Ambition rotary battery tattoo gun package comes with:

• 1 Battery Tattoo Pen
• 1 RCA Adapter
• 1 RCA Clip Cord
• 1 Charging Cable
• 1 Box

BRONC

registered with the US Trademark Office and obtained trademark registration rights of BRONC®.

Serial Number of BRONC® is 86943305 and Reg. Number of BRONC® is 5049814 .

BRONC® not your average tattoo supplier! We develop and test our own products in close cooperation with professional tattoo artists. Combined with our own manufacturing facility and knowledge we can create unique and special products at the most competitive prices for tattoo artists all over the world. We are constantly working on exciting and thought through products to make tattooing just a little bit better.

BRONC Max V12 Wireless Tattoo Machine

Unmatched Adjustability

The BRONC MAX V12 Adjustable Wireless Tattoo Pen Machine brings revolutionary flexibility to your tattooing process. With its adjustable stroke length, you can seamlessly transition between techniques and styles like color packing, line drawing, and shading, offering unprecedented precision and control.

Long-lasting Battery Life & Quick Charging

Engineered for endurance, this wireless pen machine offers an impressive work time of 6 to 10 hours, based on testing results. This allows you to maintain uninterrupted creativity during extended sessions, ideal for complex color work and shading. Thanks to the included Type-C Fast Charge technology, you can recharge fully in just 2-3 hours.

Swiss High-Speed Motor & Power

Equipped with a customized Swiss high-speed motor, the BRONC tattoo pen delivers exceptional kinetic power. This robust rotary tool ensures smooth and precise tattooing, perfect for accurate line work and even shading, elevating your craftsmanship to new heights.

Dual Voltage Control & OLED Display

Switch effortlessly between two voltage settings for maximum control, whether you’re packing color, fine-tuning lines, or creating subtle shading. The integrated OLED display simplifies operations by providing clear, easy monitoring of your pen’s performance and settings.

Sleek Design & Unrivaled Performance

Available in Black, Grey, Army Green, and Green, the BRONC MAX V12 not only performs exceptionally but also looks the part with its modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Capable of handling color packing, line drawing, and shading with ease, this premium battery-operated tool is a must-have for professional artists who demand precision, reliability, and efficiency in their equipment. Upgrade your tattooing game with the BRONC MAX V12, designed to meet all your creative demands.

Things to consider while buying a tattoo machine

In our buying guide, we will take you through all things that you should consider when selecting the best tattoo machine as per your requirements. The machine is best for someone who may not be best for your requirements. So here are the following things you look at while buying a tattoo machine.

Requirement

Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to understand the specific purpose for which you need the tattoo machine. Are you an aspiring tattoo artist or a seasoned professional? If you’re a beginner looking to hone your skills, opting for an affordable tattoo machine might be a practical choice. However, if you’re acquiring a machine for a professional tattoo shop, investing in a high-quality model is essential.

Purpose

You’ll get two types of machine. One is a liner, and the other is a shader. If you want a machine that draws lines, then you should go for the liner. If you want a machine for shading tattoos, try out a shader.

However, both liner and shader also classified into two categories of a tattoo machine. One is a coil tattoo machine, and other is a rotary tattoo machine.

Both can handle the same work, but there is a difference in mechanism and technology. Remember to check their pros and cons and decide which one is best for you.

Quality and material

Before buying any machine, check it’s quality. Always buy a tattoo machine from a reputed brand.

Also, make sure it’s made from top-notch quality material. There are many tattoo machines which came for 5 bucks.

Please stay away from these cheap machines because they aren’t durable and also not refine your art. Always buy a machine which is made from high-quality plastic or metal.

Price

Last but not least, there are tattoo machines that even cost 1000$, but it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. So it must fit in your budget.

Nonetheless, if your budget is extremely low, like ten bucks then please wait and collect some more to meet the budget of a good one. There is no use of buying a useless piece of crap.

Weight

weight is another critical factor when it comes to tattoo machines. It will affect the performance and the frequency of your work to clients.

Your machine should be light weighted so that it can be held for a long period of time without any fatigue.

Grip

If your machine includes fine gripping then it will not disturb your finger veins and as a result you can focus more on tattoo work.

Most of the tattoo machines come in as a pen shape. This helps in providing fine grip when holding it.

FAQ Session

Is it dangerous to tattoo yourself?

Applying tattoos on your own body is not safe as there are high chances of infections. On the same, making tattoos on your body or your friend’s body is illegal.

So it is highly recommended to get a tattoo from a distinguished tattoo artist.

Why does my tattoo machine keep cutting out?

If your tattoo machine is cutting out in between the tattoo session then it can be due to oxidized point or contact.

Should you face this issue, try and clean your clip cord prongs with a piece of sandpaper .On other hand if the machine cuts down when you move the tattoo needle then it may be due to poor connection. Always check your power supply reading and start again.

Is Dragonhawk a good brand to start my tattooing journey?

Dragonhawk always makes good innovations in tattoo machines and delivers them according to every tattoo artist preference.

The machines are durable, light weighted. Better than that, the machines are extremely affordable to a novice and beginners. With it, you won’t regret why you got it over other brands.

Conclusion

Choosing the best tattoo machine isn’t rocket science – it’s easy as long as you’ve the features to look for in your fingertips. With our in-depth review, buyer guide and FAQ section, you now have everything at hand.

Get a high quality machine that will get the job done. It should be light and deliver numerous purposes in your tattooing arsenal. If you’d need to address or have any question or tips regarding our review, let’s know in our comment section below.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo_machine