Best tattoo machines for Beginners: Ultimate Buying Guide (2023 Updated)
Buying Guide | – 7 min read – | Last updated on March 15, 2023 |
Are you looking for the best beginner tattoo machine?
You’re not the first budding professional artist that has asked, ‘’What do I need to start tattooing?’’
We also get questions like, ‘’What are some of the best tattoo guns in the market for a beginner?’’ and ‘’what is the best tattoo kit for a newbie?’’
You came to the right place for professional advice on choosing the best tattoo machine. Here, we’ll guide you to help you find an affordable tattoo machine.
Our reviews are well researched and detailed and we cover most of the common types of machines that are ideal for you. What you need to start with will depend on your preferences.
You can read and learn more about tattoo machines in the buying guide. And check out our top pick below.
DRAGONHAWK: BEST BEGINNER TATTOO MACHINE KIT
Pros
Cons
Uncomplicated
As a beginner, you can avoid dealing with too many complicated pieces during assembly by using the DragonHawk Craft coils tattoo machine. It’s the epitome of simplicity so it won’t overwhelm you. This means you can concentrate on the craft rather than the tool. By purchasing it in a kit you can get started right away. The DragonHawk’s simple power supply system features precise activation and adjustable voltage.
Versatile
As a new tattoo artist, you may have heard that you need two different machines to do a good job. Luckily, this kit comes with both liner and shader coils. For increased practice and efficiency, the package includes a few tattoo skins and four steel machine grips.
Comes with A Carrying Case
The machine has a carrying case for easy movement. It consists of a key, a few disposable grips, and other related tattoo supplies.
SOLONG: BEST TATTOO GUN KIT FOR BEGINNERS
The Solong rotary tattoo pen machine is CNC-machined from aircraft aluminum alloy and has an anodized finish to ensure durability. The motor produces 10 watts of power and is surprisingly quiet.

Pros
Cons
Extra Useful Accessories
This rotary tattoo kit includes a tattoo pen, 50 needle cartridges, a power supply, a foot pedal, a power cord, and other equipment. It is stable and it’s an all-purpose tool that can be used for tattooing, permanent eyebrow makeup, lip line, and eye line.
Durable
This tattoo gun is designed and constructed with high-quality materials. The frame is made of aircraft aluminum alloy to reduce its weight and increase its ergonomics.
It’s is designed to imitate the feel of a real pen as closely as possible with a tattoo machine.
Low Maintenance
You won’t have to spend much time on maintenance and repairs like you would with other machines. You shouldn’t worry about repairs; instead, just concentrate on creating excellent designs.
CE Certified
You can feel confident using this tattoo machine because it has been certified by CE.
One Year Warranty
The fact that Solong manufacturers back this tattoo machine with a one-year warranty indicates that it is of high quality and that they believe in it. If your product has any defects during the warranty period, the company will take care of them.
STIGMA PRO: BEST ROTARY TATTOO MACHINE FOR BEGINNERS
The Stigma complete tattoo kit is the best choice when looking for a machine to help you practice the craft. The package includes a set of 5 popular inks for practice Drawing tattoos on human skin requires better professional ink.

Pros
Cons
Easy to operate
It is not a complicated tattoo machine; you can use it for lining or work with shading as a newbie. The Stigma complete tattoo kit can be used with standard tubes, grips, and needles. It is light enough since you are not going to use it for extended periods without a break.
Good for Lining and Shading
This tattoo machine works extremely hard and does not bog down at all. You will also notice that the results are professional enough that even a professional tattoo artist would not mind using them every day.
Complete with All Accessories
There are 20 needles of various sizes included in the package. Each needle size has 5 pieces.
This machine has a 9V-11V working voltage and an advanced gear system that ensures reliable, quiet operation.
Four Modes to Suit Every need
The digital tattoo power supply has four modes: normal, fatigue, strong, and sleep.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not include a clear user manual in the package.
HAWINK: BEST TATTOO MACHINE KITS FOR BEGINNERS
Hawink tattoo machines continue to impress us with their value. Their machines are hand-built and made of aircraft aluminum. with high spring elasticity, anti-fatigue, and can work for a long time.
Pros
Cons
Tattoo supplies are included
This tattoo machine comes with everything you need to get started quickly. Tattoo machines, needles, a foot pedal, a power supply, ink, caps, tips, O-rings, grommets, and rubber bands are among them. The kit includes everything you need to train.
Reliability
It has a high power that allows the ink to penetrate deep into the skin and create a beautiful, long-lasting color. You don’t want a machine that keeps breaking down as a new tattoo artist. This can be aggravating and may result in messy tattoos.
Ergonomics and weight
The Hawink complete tattoo kit is lightweight and adaptable to your specific needs. As a beginner, you should not work for more than a few hours at a time. Begin with something basic, comfortable, and light. Working long hours for the first time can cause wrist pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome.
Durable
It is made of high-quality aluminum to ensure that your tattoo gun lasts a long time. This tattoo machine is handcrafted, and it comes with a one-year warranty, so if something goes wrong, you can return it for a replacement.
SOLONG: BEST TATTOO GUN FOR BEGINNERS
The name Solong is synonymous with designing and making high-quality tattoo guns and kits. Their Starter Tattoo Kit 4 Pro Machine is easy to use, even as a beginner, and is durable and well designed. The kit includes everything you might need when learning your craft.
Pros
Cons
It Can Work for Long Hours
As a beginner, you might need to work long hours to perfect your craft. You will appreciate the fact that you can work for eight straight hours with the Solong tattoo machine. it is ideal for those who work intensively.
Great Precision
The frame has a precision line that helps you make clean and accurate designs easily. It works at a decent pace and is very steady when used. This reduces the chances of making errors when speeding.
Value for Money
Considering the different tattoo machines and accessories available in the market today, this tattoo gun’s price is reasonable. Additionally, it might be a good option because you don’t need to purchase different tattoo machines for the same task.
Extra Accessories
This tattoo machine has an LCD digital power supply, 50 tattoo needles, 10 tattoo grips, 60 tattoo tips, 100 ink cups, 28 colors, etc. The flip cords and foot pedal all make it easy to control the machine.
High-Quality Material
All the accessories in this package are made of the best durable materials like Aluminum alloy. With such materials, you don’t have to worry about weather elements like rust.
A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO TATTOO MACHINES FOR BEGINNERS

Materials and overall design
Ensure that it is a premium-grade machine with a convenient and compatible design. Some companies offer tattoo guns with reduced weight and grip options, which affects your work in a big way.
Compatibility
Compatibility in a tattoo machine is all about the different needles it can use. The wider the range of needles used, the better. With this, you will encounter only minor inconveniences and spend less on purchasing different machines for every function.
Types
For a beginner, you should use a coil or rotary tattoo gun. However, if you have the money, you can get a pneumatic gun.
Speed
A tattoo machine’s speed will enable you to do different tasks, like creating strong lines, tones, fine lines, textures, shades, and other details.
Usually, the speed of the machine can be between 50 to 3000. As a beginner, find one that can be adjusted and has different settings. After learning, you can buy a specialized tattoo gun later.
Safety and Security
The quality of the parts, needles, speed and circuit are the main factors that determine the safety and security of your machine. When using a tattoo machine, ensure that the grip is comfortable enough and safe to use.
Features
A good tattoo machine for a beginner should be lightweight, stable, easy to assemble, and should have flexible compatibility. If you understand what you need, you can go ahead and choose one that suits your needs. Your best option will be a tattoo machine with many different features.
Durability
Tattoo guns are portable tools that vibrate constantly. Find a tattoo machine that can withstand wear and tear. The parts should also be able to withstand vibrations if the gun is to last.
User friendly
As a beginner, choose a user-friendly tattoo gun that can allow you to adapt easily to a tattoo style. Once you feel comfortable with this machine, you can then polish your tattoo skills with robust machines.
Tattoo Machine Types
A tattoo machine is a small handheld tool that helps you create tattoos on your skin, also referred to as a tattoo gun.
These tattoo guns are available in the market in a very wide variety. In this buyer’s guide, we are going to explain the most common types and classifications of tattoo machines.
1. COIL TATTOO MACHINE
Coil tattoo guns are the most common types of tools used by tattoo artists to engrave a designed tattoo on a client’s skin. The coil tattoo gun has an electromagnet circuit that helps insert the ink needles into the skin.
An alternating electromagnetic current passes through the coils, which in turn pulls the armature bar at high speeds up and down. Due to this movement, the ink needles are inserted into the skin and this creates a tattoo design.
There are different variations you can find in the market, some are different materials, shapes, and sizes.
A coil tattoo gun creates a very distinct noise commonly associated with tattoo parlors. This type of tattoo machine has a high performance and high power, making it ideal both for beginners and experienced tattoo artists.
The reason why it is so popular is that it is low maintenance, allows more control, and has a high accuracy level.
THE COMMON TYPES OF COIL TATTOO MACHINES:
A. LINER TATTOO MACHINE
This single-purpose tattoo gun is usually used to create a dominant outline. This machine does not go deep into the skin and is very fast.
B. SHADER TATTOO MACHINE
This type of tattoo gun is used for shading tattoos with black color, but, you can use other gradients and colors to design and shade a tattoo. It has a long bar at the armature that allows needles to go deeper into the skin.
C. COLOR PACKER TATTOO MACHINES
This machine is used to fill in colors. It goes deep into the skin and creates a highly pigmented color and ensures you do not need to redo the tattoo regularly.
2. ROTARY TATTOO MACHINES
With this tattoo machine, the armature bar is powered by an electric motor. The bar pushes the needles into the skin.
It is popular because of its ease of use and lightweight. You can use it for shading and lining. It is also quiet and low maintenance.
3. PNEUMATIC TATTOO MACHINE
The pneumatic tattoo gun was invented in 2000 by a tattoo artist known as Carson Hill. The first machine was originally patented as Neuma Tattoo Machine.
It is costly compared to other types and it uses an air compressor to engrave a tattoo design into the skin.
The latest tattoo machines in the market today come with a variable stroke, this allows you to change the behavior of the needles from coil to rotary profile. You can easily outline a tattoo, design, and insert solid colors.
Alternative tattoo machines for beginners
When it comes to tattoo machine equipment, Big Wasp Tattoo Supply offers some of the best solutions for tattoo artists. They are an online tattoo supply store where you can find premium-quality tattoo supplies in one place.
Their tattoo machine might not be as cheap as those discussed in previous sections; however, their quality is outstanding. You just need to see their products rating and reviews to understand how unique and good they are:
Some of the tattoo machines you can find on this site include:
- Wireless tattoo pens
- Bronc rotary
- Big wasp rotary
So if you have the budget, these are probably the best tattoo machines you can find on the market.