- Written ByDan Hunteron February 02, 2023
Last Updated: October 17, 2023
Your tattoo machine is an essential piece of equipment in your tattoo kit, and you need to make sure that you choose the best one available. There are many tattoo machine brands out there, and they all claim to be the best with the highest quality gear.
Many of these tattoo machine brands don’t live up to the hype they give out, but how do you know which to choose and which to avoid? It can be overwhelming, especially for a beginner, and this is where we come in.
We have reviewed the best tattoo machine brands out there to let you know who has the best reputation and offers high-quality machines. This will give a better understanding of who you should be trusting with your hard-earned cash.
The best tattoo machine brands available right now are:
Cheyenne—Best Overall
HAWINK—Best Value for Money
Stigma—Best for Start Kits
Dragonhawk—Best for Versatility
Bishop—Best Budget Option
Best Tattoo Machine Brands Reviewed
Cheyenne—Best Overall
About Cheyenne
Cheyenne was founded in 2006, and they have focussed on developing professional tattoo equipment that’s built to the highest standards.
Their innovative products have revolutionized the tattoo industry, and the patented Cheyenne safety membrane highlights the importance of hygiene, safety, and comfort.
The Cheyenne products are produced in Germany using high-quality materials to create high-performing tattoo machines.
Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited Wireless Tattoo Machine
The Cheyenne Sol Nova tattoo machine is a high-quality machine that gives you a powerful and precise performance. It’s a wireless tattoo machine that’s ergonomically designed, giving you a comfortable experience and stunning results.
It’s a lightweight tattoo machine that can be used for many hours without any fatigue or pain, which is great when you have long tattoo sessions.
Users enjoy everything about the Cheyenne Sol Nova wireless tattoo machine, and you can see some of the comments that we found online below:
“I just can’t say enough about this machine, done in every way. Smooth, consistent, just a masterpiece for masterpieces.”
“This is the most amazing machine I have ever owned. My setup and breakdown times are cut down to 15 minutes. Runs like a dream really gives the impression of drawing with a fat marker. Best investment I’ve ever made in my work.”
Specifications
Type of machine: Powerful rotary motor.
Material: Space aluminum.
Weight: 112 grams.
Tattoo Style: Line work, shading, and color packing.
The Cheyenne SOl Nova tattoo machine is a powerful machine, giving you a great performance with stunning results.
It’s made with a lightweight but durable space aluminum to give you a solid and comfortable tattooing experience.
Pros
- High-quality space aluminum frame.
- Lightweight ergonomic design for comfort.
- Smooth and quick results.
- Wireless tattoo machine that’s ideal for smaller spaces.
Cons
- Too expensive for many tattoo artists.
HAWINK—Best Value for Money
About HAWINK
HAWINK was founded in 2008 in China, and their tattoo machines are designed by professional tattoo artists for tattoo artists.
The company looks to constantly improve the quality and performance of its tattoo machines by designing new products every year.
The company was the first manufacturer of the wireless tattoo machine, and wireless power supply and their innovative ideas have influenced the production of wireless tattoo machines around the world.
HAWINK Tattoo Kit Rotary Tattoo Pen—Best Value for Money
The HAWINK tattoo pen machine has a powerful rotary motor and is lightweight. It’s an affordable tattoo pen that gives you great value for money. It’s an ergonomically designed wireless tattoo pen that is easy to handle and comfortable to use.
You don’t just get the tattoo machine when you purchase the HAWINK rotary tattoo pen. You also get a power supply, foot pedal, needle cartridges, and grips. What more could you want?
There are many things that users like about the HAWINK tattoo pen machine, and you can see some of the comments that we found online below:
“Great machine for beginners and pros. Runs very smooth, great bang for your buck. Easy to adjust the needle depth.”
“This tattoo machine is amazing. I’ve always used cool machines and this thing is awesome! No cords, the power supply is wireless, one charge and it lasts about 3 hours. The machine is super quiet too and just works flawlessly. Packs colors unlike any machine I’ve ever used before! 5 star product all day long.”
Specifications
Type of machine: Rotary.
Material: Aircraft Aluminium alloy.
Weight: 141 grams.
Tattoo Style: Line work, shading, and color packing.
The HAWINK tattoo machine is a great tattoo machine for beginners as it’s easy to handle, but it is also used by professional tattoo artists. The tattoo machine is ergonomically designed, meaning that it’s comfortable to hold.
The tattoo machine is affordable and gives you great value for money. It’s a wireless design, which is ideal if you have limited space in your studio or if you’re tattooing when on the go.
Pros
- Gives you great value for money.
- Wireless tattoo machine removing the need for power cords.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Can be used for precise lines and shading.
- Durable and sturdy aircraft aluminum frame.
Cons
- Some users reported that it could overheat if used on a high voltage.
Stigma—Best Starter Kits
About Stigma
Stigma was launched in 2005 by two German tattoo artists with over 20 years of experience. The first Stigma rotary tattoo machine was designed and produced by tattoo artist Artemis Rosakis who remains the Head of Development today.
Stigma designs tattoo machines with the Tattoo artist in mind. They use advanced technology to give you the best tattoo machines possible, allowing you to concentrate on your art and not worry about your machines.
Stigma Tattoo Wireless Rotary Tattoo Machine Pen Kit
This Stigma tattoo machine is a wireless tattoo machine with a rotary motor designed like a pen. The ergonomic design makes the tattoo machine easy to handle for beginners.
The wireless tattoo machine comes with two batteries. This means that you never need to be without power for your tattoo machine. You can charge one battery while you use the other one.
The kit gives you all you need to start tattooing. Not only do you get the tattoo machine and two batteries, but you also get needle cartridges, grips, bandages, gloves, and a carry case.
The Stigma tattoo machine is lightweight, which reduces the fatigue felt when using it for long tattoo sessions. It’s also comfortable to use and is very quiet when operating with minimal vibration.
Users like the Stigma tattoo machine pen, and you can see a couple of their comments below:
“Bought for a friend, but got to try it out. Super easy to set up, feels good in your hand, for the price this can’t be beat.”
“Absolutely love the rotary pen, it’s easy to use and I also like the idea of no wires trying to work around. Would definitely recommend it for all levels of tattooing!!!!!”
Specifications
Type of machine: Powerful rotary motor.
Material: Space aluminum.
Weight: 112 grams.
Tattoo Style: Line work, shading, and color packing.
The Stigma tattoo machine is a great tattoo machine that gives you everything you need to start tattooing. You’ll always have power for your tattoo machine with the two batteries, and you don’t have to worry about power cords taking up room in your studio.
The tattoo machine is comfortable to use and gives you a precise line. It also works quietly with minimal noise and vibration given out.
Pros
- Great starter kit for beginners.
- Wireless tattoo machine with two batteries.
- Quiet performance with minimal vibration.
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold.
Cons
- Some users reported that the batteries malfunctioned after a while.
Dragonhawk—Best for Versatility
About Dragonhawk
Dragonhawk was founded by two professional tattoo artists in Hong Kong in 2001. They then registered their trademark in 2004 and began selling their products throughout the world.
Their focus is on bringing high-quality tattoo machines to the market at a low cost. They opened warehouses in the United States, Europe, and China in 2008, allowing them to get the products to a broader market quickly.
The Dragonhawk tattoo machines are designed for complete beginners as well as professional tattoo artists. They offer a full money-back guarantee for anyone that’s not satisfied with the products.
Dragonhawk 2pcs Brass Coils Tattoo Machine—Best for Precision
The Dragonhawk brass coils tattoo machine is one of the most renowned coil tattoo machines out there, giving you excellent performance at a reasonable price.
Another great thing about the Dragonhawk tattoo machine is that you get two tattoo machines for the price of one. One of the coil tattoo machines is specifically designed for line work, and the other machine is for shading.
The different tattoo machines can be recognized by the length of the spring and the number of coils. The liner tattoo machine has eight wrap coils, giving you more precise line details, and the shader has ten wrap coils to add more ink into the skin.
The tattoo machines need no assembly before use as they’re already set up for you. However, you may want to adjust them to suit your individual needs.
Users like everything about the Dragonhawk coil tattoo machines, and you can see below just a couple of the comments that we found online:
“I’m impressed with the quality of these machines for the price. Machines are set up appropriately for a liner and a shader. The liner runs fast with a solid punch for clean crisp lines. The shader has a nice soft but clean hit for nice pepper shading! These machines are comparable to the ones I’ve bought at $100 a head!.”
“I love that these have a solid brass frame. For all of you new to tattooing, a heavy brass frame makes a great liner. It helps keep the vibrations down on coil machines giving a straight line. If you can find a better machine for this price, I want to know where.”
Specifications
Type of machine: Coil – Liner 8 wrap coils. Shader 10 wrap coils
Material: CNC cut billet brass frame.
Weight: 726 grams.
Tattoo Style: One machine for line work and one for shading.
The two Dragonhawk brass coil tattoo machines give you everything you need to create beautiful tattoos, and they allow you to complete all types of tattoos, from intricate line work to different gradients of shading.
The tattoo machines work powerfully and smoothly with a solid and durable frame that’s made from CNC cut billet brass. The tattoo machines don’t need to be assembled and are ready to use.
Pros
- Two specifically designed tattoo machines – one for line work and one for shading.
- No assembly required, ready to use.
- Durable frame made from CNC cut billet brass.
- Work at a high frequency, giving you quick, smooth results.
Cons
- Is heavier than other tattoo machines so could be painful to hold after a while.
Bishop—Best Budget Option
About Bishop
Bishop was created in 2008 by Franco Vescovi, a tattoo artist and machine engineer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. His focus is on the innovative designs of tattoo machines, making sure that Bishop is a leader in the production of tattoo machines that show off your potential to its highest level.
Their message to tattoo artists out there is simple: “We believe in you!”
They use high-quality materials and parts for their tattoo machines, such as aircraft aluminum, German bearings, Swiss motors, and Japanese medical-grade polymer plastics. All this, with the American engineering skill, gives you a high-quality, great-performing tattoo machine.
Bishop also offers a one-year warranty for all of their tattoo machines, giving you peace of mind.
Bishop Rotary Liner Wand Tattoo Machine
The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine is ideal for those intricate tattoo designs, giving you precise lines and stunning details.
The tattoo machine offers a powerful Swiss motor with maximum torque, speed and control. It is made from high-quality CNC machined aircraft aluminum that’s lightweight and comfortable to hold.
You’re able to complete all kinds of line work with this tattoo machine, and the ergonomic pen design makes it easy to handle.
Users love the Bishop rotary tattoo machine. You can see some of the comments that we found online below:
“As a professional tattoo artist with 40 years experience I have used so many different types of awesome tattoo machines. I would have to definitely say that after purchasing all three bishop wands. I was so amazed at the Quality and performance of each machine! Great job guys! I love them!”
“The size is perfect, the amazing feel and texture does not slip out of your hand , the shape is well made and very comfortable.”
Specifications
Type of machine: Rotary.
Material: CNC machined, aircraft aluminium.
Weight: 113 grams
Tattoo Style: All kinds of line work.
The Bishop Rotary tattoo machine is made with high-quality materials and has a powerful Swiss motor that gives you amazing results.
It gives you stunning results and precise lines for your detailed tattoo designs. The pen design is comfortable to hold and reduces any fatigue in your hands and wrists.
Pros
- Lightweight ergonomic design.
- High-quality CNC machined aircraft aluminum frame.
- Powerful Swiss motor.
- Gives stunning results.
Cons
- Too expensive for some users.
Best Tattoo Machine Brands Buying Guide
There are many tattoo machine brands out there, with lots popping up every day. You need to make sure that the brand you choose is reputable and offers you high-quality products.
Your tattoo machine will be the most important element in your tattoo kit, so you need to make sure that the one you invest in gives you everything you need.
We’ll let you know what you need to be looking for when choosing your tattoo machine brand.
Reputation
You wouldn’t buy any products without looking at the company you’re buying from, and the same goes for tattoo machines. You need to make sure that the brand you choose is reputable and has great reviews for its products.
Speak to other tattoo artists before making your decision on which tattoo machine brand to choose.
Professional tattoo artists will know the brands that offer high-quality products as well as great customer service. You need to know that the brand will look after you; they will understand your requirements and provide you with the tattoo machine you want.
Beginner or Professional?
Some tattoo machine brands are more suited to professional tattoo artists and some to beginners. It doesn’t matter which you are; you need to make sure that the tattoo machine brand you choose makes tattoo machines that are suitable for you.
If you’re a beginner, you should speak to a reputable tattoo artist to understand more about the best tattoo machine brands for beginners. Once you’re fully trained, you’ll understand more about the requirements that you expect from your tattoo machine.
Type of Tattoo Machine
There are different types of tattoo machines available, and some brands specialize in certain types of tattoo styles. However, some tattoo machine brands offer versatility, giving you a choice of tattoo machine to suit your style.
Some tattoo machines allow you to complete lots of different tattoo styles. This saves you time switching between tattoo machines and money as you don’t have to buy separate tattoo machines for each style.
Rotary Tattoo Machine
A rotary machine is powered by a motor inside the machine. The power goes into the tattoo machine from the power supply or the battery pack, rotating the cam wheel. This then moves the needles up and down, giving you the powerful movement you need to create a tattoo on the skin.
The rotary tattoo machine is easy to use and requires no assembly. This type of tattoo machine works quietly and gives out minimal vibration, making it comfortable and reducing fatigue when tattooing for long sessions.
Rotary tattoo machines can be versatile, with many of them allowing you to complete linework, shading, and color packing with one machine.
Coil Tattoo Machine
Coil tattoo machines work differently from rotary tattoo machines as they use coils to power the tattoo machine. The coils include electromagnets, and these create a magnetic field when the current flows through them.
The magnetic field then pushes the armature bar down, which gives the needle the up and down movement needed to create the tattoo.
Coil tattoo machines can be set up when delivered. However, most tattoo artists will adjust them so that they suit their individual requirements.
The coil tattoo machines are generally more suited to experienced tattoo artists. They give out more noise and vibration than rotary tattoo machines, which can be distracting for a beginner.
Durability and Weight
You need your tattoo machine to last a long time as they don’t come cheap. You can do this by making sure that it’s made from a robust and durable material that will last well while enduring many hours of use.
Weight plays a big part in the success of your tattoo machine as you will be using the tattoo machine all day, every day if you’re a professional tattoo artist. With this in mind, you want your tattoo machine to be comfortable to hold.
A lightweight tattoo machine is ideal as it will reduce the fatigue or pain felt in your hands or wrists during long tattoo sessions.
Safety
You need to make sure that you’re adequately trained before tattooing anyone and should spend many hours practicing on fruits or practice skin. Tattooing can be a dangerous process if you don’t know what you’re doing.
The health and safety of your customer should be your priority, and there are many courses out there to teach you about the health and safety aspect of tattooing. You can learn all about blood-borne pathogens and cross-contamination.
This will make you a better tattoo artist as well as improve your reputation.
Warranty
Make sure that the tattoo machine brand you choose offers excellent customer service. You need to know that they will help if there are any questions you have about the tattoo machines and also that they will assist with any issues you may have.
Many tattoo machine brands offer a warranty for their products. You need to make sure that you know exactly what this covers and how long it lasts before committing to a purchase.
Price
Tattoo machines are available to suit every budget, and you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending on the brand that you choose.
Remember that you get what you pay for, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best. With this in mind, you don’t want to go splashing out thinking that the most expensive option is the best.
Do your homework and check out the reviews to make sure you know what you’re paying for. Speaking to other tattoo artists will also help you understand what brand and tattoo machine is most suitable.
If you’re investing lots of money, you need to know that the tattoo machine brand that you choose is the right one for you.
Conclusion
There are many tattoo machine brands around at the moment. You need to make sure that the one you choose is reputable and gives you everything you need to have a successful tattooing career.
Look at all options available before choosing the brand for your tattoo machine.
Our favorite of the best tattoo machine brands is the Cheyenne tattoo brand. They offer excellent-performing tattoo machines that are made using high-quality materials.
Our runner-up in the tattoo machine brands would be the HAWINK brand. They’re focussed on bringing high-quality tattoo machines to the market that are affordable.
Choosing the right tattoo machine brand is important, and we hope we’ve helped to make your choice a little easier.
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