The best wireless tattoo machines
Tired of tattooing at the studio?
The tattoo studio is like a second home for artists. But sometimes, they need a different environment that unlocks their creativity while still providing the same comfort. On top of that, some tattoo artists can get more clients if they offer home tattooing services.
To do this, you need to use a wireless tattoo machine. These are a pretty modern innovation that allows tattoo artists to do their craft just about anywhere. They offer more mobility and have a more comfortable grip than traditional tattoo machines, so there are tons of tattoo artists making the shift.
With many tattoo artists making the shift, finding the best tattoo machine for your art style, environment, and clientele can be hard.
That’s why we’ve researched to make this list of the best tattoo machines on the market today. What’s more, we get into the fine details of why these machines made their list and why you might want to consider trying them out yourself!
That way, heading into the market and looking for wireless tattoo machines becomes much easier for you!
Best overall
Drangonhawk Atom Cartridge Wireless Tattoo Machine Kit
Drangonhawk Atom Cartridge Wireless Tattoo Machine Kit
This is the best overall pick available. It’s lightweight, has a long battery life, and you can use it for both shading and lining, making it a great machine for any tattoo artist!
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We always kick off our lists with the best overall product. And after tons of research, we decided that this Dragonhawk machine does the job the best. On top of that, it’s a full machine kit that comes with everything you need to start tattooing.
This is a huge plus for beginners and seasoned artists alike. The reason for this is that if your current tools aren’t compatible with the new machine, it comes with the fully-compatible gear you can use right away.
This is a very versatile machine. You can use it for lining as well as shading, which sets it apart from the competition. On top of that, it has a pretty decent battery life, so you can do a fairly long session before having to charge it. And when you need to charge it, it charges a bit faster than others.
While it has a strong battery, it’s also light. So you won’t strain your muscles during long tattoo sessions. With that said, the one complaint that some customers had with this model was that the power supply could be better. But aside from that, this machine ticked all boxes!
Best premium
Mast Lancer Wireless Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine
Mast Lancer Wireless Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine
If you want a high-quality machine, look no further than this model. While it’s a bit pricey, it’s made of quality materials and with close attention to detail, making it this list’s best premium pick.
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Whenever we conduct reviews on OwlRatings, price is always a major consideration. So, while this machine had great ratings and performed incredibly well, we couldn’t rank it as the best overall because of its high price tag. So, we dubbed this the best premium model instead.
Despite the high price tag, this machine is worth the investment. If you’re a serious tattoo artist looking for a high-quality kit with all the tools you need, this is the best pick for you. One of the best parts of this kit is that it comes with two batteries, which means you have a spare just in case the first one runs out.
On top of that, it has a digital screen where you can see the exact voltage of the machine. This allows you much more precision, which you need when doing fine lines. Additionally, the aluminum body is very durable and offers a very comfortable grip, which we loved.
One thing we didn’t enjoy, however, was the lack of needles. The only reason this is a problem is that you have to make sure the needles in the studio are compatible with the machine. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy another set separately.
Best affordable
TATELF G12 Complete Wireless Tattoo Machine Kit
TATELF G12 Complete Wireless Tattoo Machine Kit
This is one of the most complete kits you can get on a budget. So, if you’re looking for something to help you practice the art of tattooing before moving on to a real person, this is a great option.
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have this wireless tattoo machine kit. This is one of the most affordable picks available. And despite costing much less than other models on this list, it performs incredibly well, competing with some of the more expensive options on the market.
This is a full kit with cartridge needles, the tattoo machine, and even practice inks. Keep in mind that these are practice inks that you shouldn’t use on real people. If you decide that it’s time to start tattooing a person’s skin, the company recommend investing in higher-quality ink.
Since this is an inexpensive model, it came with some flaws. For example, the needles that come with the kit are all the same size. While this is great if you only do one type of line, most tattoo artists enjoy using different needles for various purposes.
With that said, this machine has a great battery. It can last a fairly long while and is great for both shading and lining. If you’re a newbie looking for a tattoo machine on a budget, this is one of the best picks for you.
Best for beginners
Dragonhawk Mast Wireless Tattoo Pen Machine Kit
Dragonhawk Mast Wireless Tattoo Pen Machine Kit
This is a great tattoo machine for beginners. While it isn’t that durable, it comes with a bunch of great features that make it fun and easy for you to start your tattooing journey!
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If you want to start tattooing, this is the best kit for you. We chose this because it hits the perfect balance between affordable, high-quality, and lightweight. That way, you can instantly get used to using a wireless tattoo machine on your clients and creating captivating artworks.
One of our favorite features of this tattoo machine is that you can charge the battery with a type-C cord. This is small detail, but it goes a long way as recharging the machine after use becomes much easier. And since the battery can last between 6-12 hours, you won’t need to worry that much about charging anyway.
This is a rotary tattoo pen, which has become the go-to pick for most tattoo artists. This is because rotary pens give you more motion fluidity and allow you to create unique pieces. And since this is a DragonHawk machine, you can expect great customer service if you ever run into any problems.
The one problem with this machine is its durability. Many artists complained that this didn’t last them a long time. But if you’re looking for a simple machine to introduce you to the world of tattooing, this is a great start.
Best kit
Dragonhawk Wireless Complete Tattoo Pen Kit
Dragonhawk Wireless Complete Tattoo Pen Kit
If you want a full tattooing kit to get you started, this is the one for you. It checks all the boxes and comes from a reputable brand, which is why it’s a favorite on the market.
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We checked out a lot of tattoo kits when making this list. But in our search, there weren’t too many wireless tattoo kits that could compete with this one. The reason for this is that it comes with 50 needle cartridges, meaning that you won’t have to restock on needles for a long time.
Additionally, the machine that it comes with offers a great grip. So, you have full control over the machine when tattooing clients. This allows you to really follow the stencil and give the customer exactly what they want while putting your own spin on things.
The one complaint customers had was the fact that the battery takes a while to charge. This is annoying if the battery runs out in the middle of a session and you and the client have to wait or reschedule because the machine won’t charge. But if you do shorter and simpler tattooing sessions, this won’t be as much of a problem.
Best for lining
Mast Tour Tattoo Kit Wireless Rotary Pen Machine
Mast Tour Tattoo Kit Wireless Rotary Pen Machine
If you want to be as precise as possible while tattooing, this is the kit for you. This tattoo machine is very precise and lightweight, making it great for precision-based artists.
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Last up is a tattoo machine, which is great if you do a lot of line work. Don’t worry; this machine can easily handle heavy shading work, but it truly shines when you start to do lining.
Another highlight of this machine is the motor. It has a coreless motor, which allows it to work more efficiently. That way, you won’t have to worry about the machine running out of battery at the wrong time. And since it comes with a high-quality power supply, you can use this for hours on end before needing to charge!
This is a very advanced machine. It feels very comfortable in hand, and you can tell that it’s designed for a modern tattoo artist. With that said, to get the most out of the machine, you may have to change the batteries themselves. While they last long, there are definitely better batteries on the market that can be a game-changer.
What to look for in a good wireless tattoo machine
Tattoos have an incredibly rich history and are a significant part of human civilization. Tattoos can be traced all the way back to 3,000 BCE, so we’ve been practicing the art for a long while.
And in that time, tattoos have undergone a lot of changes. Nowadays, people wear tattoos for aesthetic, personal, and even spiritual reasons. With that comes a range of different designs, tattoo studios, and tattooing techniques.
Many of these techniques are best when the artist uses a wireless tattoo machine. Again, these are fairly new advancements in the field, but they’re already on the way to making significant changes in the way we tattoo people while also adding more design possibilities.
If you think it’s time for you to shift to a wireless tattoo machine, whether for more flexibility or other reasons, you need to find a good machine. And to help you do that here’s a quick list of the different features to consider when buying a wireless tattoo machine.
Battery life
The reason wireless tattoo machines exist is because of modern battery technology. We’ve been able to create batteries strong enough to power tattoo machines for a significant amount of time and give artists more possibilities. That’s why the machine’s battery life is arguably the most important factor you need to consider when buying one for yourself.
If you get a tattoo machine with good battery life, you can tattoo more people for longer. This reduces downtime and the charging frequency, making it much easier for artists.
With that in mind, it might also help if you get a tattoo machine with a short charging time. Nothing can be more annoying than a dead battery keeping you away from your craft. So, the shorter the charging time, the better.
Weight
Just like with traditional tattoo machines, you don’t want to get one that’s too heavy. Tattooing is a craft that takes a long time. Many tattoo sessions last hours and can be tiring for both the tattoo artist and the person getting the tattoo.
So, if you have a heavy machine, it can put a lot of strain on your muscles. If your muscles get strained, your hand won’t be as stable and you won’t be able to tattoo your clients accurately. That’s why we recommend getting lighter tattoo machines that will lessen the strain.
With that said, you still want your tattoo machine to have some weight to it. Many artists prefer having a bit of weight on their machine as it makes it much easier to control and perform advanced and intricate tattooing techniques.
Compatibility
Another major consideration is the machine’s compatibility. There are many things that need to be compatible, but the first one is needle compatibility. While your tattoo machine might come with a couple of needles, most sellers require you to buy the needles separately.
So, if you already have a set of needles at home, make sure that they’re compatible with your machine. Otherwise, you might have to buy an entirely new set of needles which is far from ideal for any tattoo artist.
This is why you really need to read what types of needles fit into the machine. If you stocked up on needles beforehand, make sure they match the machine before ordering. That way, you don’t have to spend more money because you accidentally bought the wrong needles.
Comfort
When buying a tattoo machine, you need to make sure that it’s comfortable. So, if you can, we recommend testing the machine out. This doesn’t mean actually tattooing someone, but it’s best if you can hold the machine first to see how it fits into your hand and if that’s something you would like to use regularly.
Only you can decide if a machine is comfortable enough for your needs. So, take your time when checking out machines to really figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
Extras
Most wireless tattoo machines come with some extras. Some come with needles, some come with batteries, while others come as a complete kit with everything you need to start tattooing. Granted, you don’t need all of these extra components, but they could be a huge help, especially if you’re a beginner.
What tools do you need to start tattooing?
Ideally, you want to have a tattoo machine before you get any other equipment. That way, you can buy gear that’s compatible with your tattoo machine and fits your preferences. So, make sure to start with your tattoo machine. It can be wireless, traditional, or whatever you want; the important thing is that you have one.
From there, you’ll need to buy needles, ink, stencil products, tubes, and a power supply. On top of that, you need a sanitized and comfortable space to start tattooing. The more comfortable your clients, the easier it will be, so make sure to find a good space.
Lastly, you need gloves, a facemask, and other safety gear to prevent infections and contamination. Remember, you want to make sure that your clients are safe when getting a tattoo from you, so make sure always to follow the best practices for tattoo artists.
Why use a wireless tattoo machine?
There are tons of reasons that you may want to switch to a wireless tattoo machine. However, the biggest advantage might just be the flexibility. With a wireless tattoo machine, you can bring your craft with you wherever you go. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about wires getting in the way of your flow and tattooing session.
On top of that, many artists find wireless machines more comfortable. If you want to make good art, you need the right equipment. While some prefer wired tattoo machines, wireless options are a great alternative.
Remember, tattooing is all about your own preferences. If you’re comfortable with your traditional machine, that’s no problem. But if you’re ready for something else that can give you a new feel when practicing your craft, we highly recommend trying out wireless tattoo machines.
FAQ
What’s the best wattage for a tattoo machine?
This depends on your own preferences and the type of task you’re performing. For shading, most tattoo artists prefer 8-10 volts, while lining is usually best with a 6-8 volt machine. With that said, this all depends on you and the type of tattoos you do.
Should I get a coil or rotary tattoo machine?
The biggest advantage of rotary tattoo machines is that they’re lightweight and easier to use. However, they can be pretty hard to maintain. With that said, coil machines won’t give you the same fluidity as rotary machines, which is important to consider.
What surface can I use to practice tattooing?
You can practice tattooing on either pig skin or on fruits. These are the best surfaces to practice on as they can pretty accurately replicate skin. And before tattooing another person for the first time, we recommend practicing as much as possible.
