In recent years, pen-style rotary tattoo machines have seen a huge surge in popularity with many artists preferring the familiar marker pen-like way of holding and using the machines. But with such a wide array to choose from, which is the best tattoo pen machine to use?

We’re going to take a look at the best tattoo pen machines that are available to order from Killer Ink Tattoo in 2024 to help you decide which is right for you.

If you’re new to this style of machine, then make sure to also read our guide on the best rotary tattoo machines.

What are the Best Tattoo Pen Machines in 2024?

As always, the best pen-style rotary for you depends on preference, how you tattoo, your style, plus many more factors. However, you can be sure that whichever tattoo pen machine you opt for you will get the job done to the highest of standards!

If you find yourself still unsure on the best pen-style tattoo machines, or if you just need some more information about one or more of the rotary tattoo machines, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help!

FK Irons Spektra Xion

The FK Irons Xion is a pen-style rotary tattoo machine that was the result of over three years of extensive research and development.

Powering the Xion is a specially-designed 6-Watt MotorBolt that ensures optimal performance of your cartridges by providing maximum torque throughout the session. In addition, the RCA connection is concealed within the MotorBolt for extra protection.

Depending on your preferences and needs, you can set up the FK Irons Xion however you like it, thanks to its adjustable stroke length, needle depth and give. Being fully adjustable means that the pen-style Xion gives you complete control over your tattoo machine, therefore making it suitable for a wide range of tattooing styles.

To adjust the give up to 2 mm, simply turn the dial, while you just need to turn the click grip in order to adjust the needle depth of the FK Irons Xion. You’ll also receive 3.2 and 3.7 mm stroke wheels in the box, which you can use to adjust the stroke length of the machine.

If you prefer a larger grip, make sure to check out the FK Irons Xion Gorilla, which combines the body of the standard Xion with a larger 40 mm Gorilla grip. The addition of the ergonomic Gorilla grip provides optimum comfort and helps eliminate fatigue from clamping around the grip when tattooing for extended periods of time.

FK Irons ONE

If you’re looking for an affordable wireless tattoo machine that is still of the highest quality, then look no further than the FK Irons ONE.

Powering the FK Irons ONE is a rechargeable and replaceable Panasonic lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 8 hours of run-time, depending on the voltage and cartridge used. This tattoo pen machine offers between 5 and 12 V, adjustable in 0.5 V increments.

It may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean that FK Irons has scrimped on nifty features! The ONE has a proprietary quarter-turn battery hatch which allows artists to replace the battery within quickly and easily, while the cap also has a battery disconnect feature to prevent unwanted power use.

There are three buttons for adjusting the voltage and turning the machine on/off, with the simple display also featuring an LED colour-coded voltage indicator.

FK Irons Flux Max

The culmination of everything FK Irons has created over the years, the Flux Max is a simply excellent wireless tattoo machine powered by an improved PowerBolt II, offering artists a refined user experience and a host of technological advancements.

The PowerBolt II really is the key focus of the FK Irons Flux Max, featuring an OLED digital display that is more intuitive and user-friendly than past iterations. Offering up to 6 hours of battery life, the PowerBolt II has a wider voltage range than previous PowerBolt units of 4-12 V – 4 V is perfect for stippling/dotwork.

Via the PowerBolt II’s display screen and touchpad, artists can cycle through the menu to adjust various settings, without the need to use the Darklab app.  Menu option highlights include choosing between displaying power in Hz or V, altering voltage increments between 0.1 or 0.5 V, activating Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, adjusting eGive level from 0 to 3, and changing the screen orientation to either left- or right-hand operation.

The FK Irons Flux Max is offered with one of three stroke lengths: 3.2, 4.0 or 4.5 mm, so there is a machine for everyone!

Stigma-Rotary® Force

The Stigma-Rotary® Force is a wireless tattoo pen that features a state-of-the-art and unique dual drive system.

Stigma-Rotary®’s wireless Force pen uses a custom, German-made Faulhaber brushless motor with dual shafts to push cartridge needles with precision and power, creating a superior “force” during tattooing.

The Stigma-Rotary® Force comes with a removable Power Pack that offers a built-in display and controls and will offer between six and 10 hours from a single charge. Also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing tattoo artists to pair their wireless pen-style rotary with Stigma®’s Pilot footswitch or mobile app (to unlock even more features). Artists can customise and adjust parameters, such as voltage, motion control, and the new digital give & boost feature via the Power Pack.

Three versions of the Stigma-Rotary® Force are available to order, with one of the following stroke lengths: 2.8, 3.7 or 4.5 mm. The 2.8 mm stroke length is perfect for shading, the 3.7 mm version is a powerful all-rounder daily driver, and the 4.5 mm variant is ideal for lining and colour packing.

Following on from the wireless Force tattoo pen machine is the Stigma-Rotary® Force XL, which has a larger, forward-weighted, 40 mm grip. The addition of this XL grip makes the rotary easier to hold for longer sessions and assists tattoo artists with needle pressure on the skin.

Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio

What do you get if you combine the Cheyenne HAWK Spirit’s fine filling and soft shading abilities, bold line and powerful colour packing of the HAWK Thunder and marker pen shape of the renowned HAWK Pen? The incredible Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio!

This tattoo pen machine from Cheyenne offers continuously adjustable stroke from 2.5 to 4.0 mm, which is similar to the brand’s HAWK Spirit and Thunder rotary machines, respectively.

The Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio is the ideal machine for a wide range of tattooing styles, thanks to its wide stitch frequency bandwidth between 60 and 140 Hz. The Unio features Steady Mode, which offers constant force and stitch frequency in all tattooing sessions, while artists can also steplessly adjust the needle depth from 0 to 4.0 mm.

FK Irons EXO

The FK Irons EXO is a pen-style tattoo machine that offers unstoppable power, whether wired or wireless.

The EXO is fitted with the same 9-Watt brushless motor that features in the Spektra Flux and is especially ideal for colour packing.

FK Irons’ EXO tattoo pen includes a 40 mm ergonomic grip, which makes it more comfortable to use during longer tattooing sessions. The grip is also forward-weighted, giving the EXO a pen-like feel that helps to eliminate wrist pain and allow for maximum needle control.

The FK Irons EXO is available with one of three stroke lengths: 2.5, 3.2 and 4.0 mm, and can be used wired or wirelessly thanks to the interchangeable RCA Bolt and PowerBolt.

When using the PowerBolt, you can connect the FK Irons EXO to the Darklab app via Bluetooth. If you prefer to use a traditional power supply and RCA cable, go for the RCA Bolt version, which also allows you to pair the EXO with the Darklab Hover power supply to enable eGive.

Peak Solice Pro

The Peak Solice Pro is a brilliant wireless tattoo pen that offers a fully-adjustable stroke length over 7 pre-set lengths between 2.4 and 4.2 mm. It can be used wired or wireless thanks to the included PowerPack battery and RCA connection module.

When used wirelessly, the Peak Solice Pro offers up to 7 hours of power, with a voltage range of 4-12 V. It also has a 9V jumpstart ability for heavier cartridge configurations, and the PowerPack will go to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity as an added safety feature.

The included PowerPack battery can actually be converted for use with other rotary tattoo machines if you wish by utilising one of the two included battery adaptors – one with an RCA connection, the other with a 3.5 mm connection (perfect for use with Cheyenne tattoo machines).

Cheyenne SOL Nova V2

The SOL Nova V2 is an improved version of the powerful tattoo pen from Cheyenne, with an upgraded brushless motor, operating voltage between 4.7 and 12.6 V, and 25-150 Hz stitch frequency, making it perfect for a range of tattooing styles and techniques.

Cheyenne’s SOL Nova V2 has an ergonomic body that measures just 99 mm in length, with a weight of 150 g for fatigue-free working.

This tattoo pen machine offers three modes of operation: two different strength responsive modes for reactive hit, plus one steady mode for a constant hit. It is also available with one of three stroke lengths: Cheyenne recommends 2.5 mm for fine delicate shading, 3.5 mm for an all-purpose tattoo machine, and 4.5 mm for lining and colour packing.

Critical Torque

The Critical Torque is the first machine from the makers of some of the best tattoo power supplies and battery packs around. It’s an all-purpose tattoo pen with a battery that rivals any Critical has made before!

The wireless Torque tattoo machine features an upgraded Critical Connect V3 battery pack, which now comes complete with a 1.5” colour LED display and offers a whopping 15 hours of run-time. The battery pack has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, is compatible with the Critical Connect Foot Switch, and allows for both momentary and continuous modes.

Within the heart of the Critical Torque is a custom German brushless motor, with the tattoo pen utilising an industry-first Precision Strike Technology for a faster, smoother and more efficient tattooing process, along with a Vibration Dampening Solution to keep unwanted movement to a minimum.

The Critical Torque is available with either a 3.5 or 4.2 mm stroke length and can be ordered individually or as part of a full set containing the machine, two battery packs, a spare 40 mm grip, travel case, RCA adapter and cord, and a Critical Dual Battery Dock with USB-C to wall cable.

Stigma-Rotary® Spear 2.0

The second-generation Stigma-Rotary® Spear allows tattoo artists to explore a wide range of styles and techniques with the utmost control.

Powering this tattoo pen is a custom-made 8 Watt motor that operates at voltages as low as 4 V, making it suitable for lining, shading and colour packing.

The Stigma-Rotary® Spear 2.0 is a super adjustable tattoo machine, with artists able to easily adjust the give, stroke length and needle depth. These adjustments can even be made while the machine is running, which makes the Spear 2.0 a highly-adaptable rotary,

If you want to add a touch of luxury to your workstation, make sure to check out the limited edition 22K Gold Spear 2.0. This version of Stigma-Rotary®’s tattoo pen is made from 22 karat gold-plated aircraft aluminium for increased durability and longevity.

Stigma-Rotary® Thorn 2.0

Similar to the Spear 2.0 above, the second-gen Stigma-Rotary® Thorn is an improved, all-purpose tattoo machine that is ideal for a range of techniques and styles.

The Stigma-Rotary® Thorn 2.0 contains a coreless 8 Watt motor with a recommended working range of 4-10 V and offers steplessly adjustable stroke length and needle depth, which can be adjusted while the machine is running.

Stigma®’s Thorn 2.0 has an ergonomic design with a length of just 102 mm and weighs in at only 164 g, making it comfortable to use over long tattooing sessions.

For those gold aficionados out there, you can pick yourself up a limited edition 22K Gold Thorn 2.0 to give your workstation that extra touch of class!

FK Irons Spektra Flux

The FK Irons Flux was the first wireless tattoo machine from the US manufacturers and one of the best tattoo pen machines on the market.

Powering the FK Irons Flux is a detachable battery pack known as a PowerBolt, which allows tattoo artists to run their pen-style rotary machine wirelessly without the need for cables or power supplies.

The PowerBolt is interchangeable, so artists can quickly and easily switch to an auxiliary battery when the charge runs out, meaning that you can keep working with no issues!

Bluetooth-enabled, meaning that tattooists can pair the tattoo pen with Darklab's app and Hover power supply. You can also use the Darklab app to wirelessly update the FK Irons Flux with the latest firmware.

The FK Irons Flux is a direct drive tattoo machine that offers no give and a 4 mm stroke, excelling in lining, shading and colour packing. This pen-style tattoo machine is also very quiet to run and creates minimal vibration.

Bishop Power Wand

The next evolution of Bishop Rotary’s popular tattoo pen, the Wand: introducing the Bishop Power Wand.

One of the smallest pen-style tattoo machines on the market at just 10.9 cm in length and weighing only 142 g, the Bishop Power Wand has everything you loved about the original Wand in terms of stroke lengths, motors, grip dimensions, recommended working voltage, and the styles they excel at. Just like the Bishop Wand, the Power Wand can be ordered with one of three strokes: 3.5 (Shader), 4.2 (Packer) or 5.0 (Liner).

If you want to turn your Bishop Power Wand wireless, simply attach a Bishop x Critical Battery Pack which will connect magnetically and sit flush with your tattoo pen. This not only helps keep the machine compact, but also offers a better design aesthetic.

The Bishop Power Wand is available to order individually or as a full set containing a machine, two Bishop x Critical Battery Packs (one Standard, one Shorty), RCA adapter, 7ft RCA cord, Critical Universal Battery Dock, and a 6ft charging cord for the battery dock.

Cheyenne HAWK Pen

The Cheyenne HAWK Pen was the first-ever pen-style tattoo machine and has inspired countless rotaries since the debut of the prototype back in 2014.

Even years after its release, the Cheyenne Pen is still a shining light in the pen-style rotary machine category, with many of the world’s best tattooists using it today.

Like most rotaries on this list, the Cheyenne HAWK Pen is shaped like a marker pen, which was an innovative design when first released. This design means that the machine is quieter and vibrates less than conventional tattoo devices – without sacrificing puncturing power.

The Cheyenne Pen is powered by a precision DC motor and offers a stroke length of 3.5 mm and needle depth adjustment range from 0 and 4.5 mm. This pen-style machine can be used with conventional tattoo cartridges that feature a Cheyenne-type connection.

Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited

The Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited is a wireless, pen-style rotary tattoo machine that is powered by a rechargeable battery and offers a minimum of five hours running time.

Operating the Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited is all done through a single button and motion control. The frequency of the pen-style rotary machine can be adjusted quickly and easily by holding the button down while tilting the machine.

With a wide frequency bandwidth that ranges from 25 to 140 Hz, the Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited is perfect for a wide range of tattooing styles. Lower the frequency of the rotary tattoo machine for dotwork and realism or turn it up for fuller and more intense lines.

The Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited tattoo pen offers adjustable needle depth from 0 to 4.0 mm and is available in two stroke lengths: 3.5 mm (suitable for lining and shading) or 4.0 mm (ideal for bold lines and colour packing).

Equaliser Neutron

The Equaliser Neutron from KWADRON is a user-friendly, pen-style rotary tattoo machine with 2 removable batteries – so no more cables and power supplies!

Equaliser's wireless Neutron tattoo pen has an aluminium housing and features a clear digital display and three buttons for operating the machine.

The pen-shaped Equaliser Neutron tattoo machine has a 4.5 W motor, a 3.5 mm stroke, direct drive, and built-in Jump Start. The batteries offer up to 8 hours working time and will take around 2 hours to fully charge.

This tattoo pen also comes with an aluminium grip with a 32 mm diameter, as well as two additional non-slip silicone grips that measure 32 and 35 mm in diameter.

Compared to Equaliser's Wireless Pen V2, the Neutron tattoo machine has an updated Printed Circuit Board, which is more stable and damage-resistant than before. The tattoo pen machine will also lie more firmly in your hand now thanks to the revised shape of the grips.

Dragonhawk Fold Pro

A highly-versatile tattoo pen with an adjustable stroke length, the Dragonhawk Fold Pro machine can be used both wired and wirelessly thanks to the included battery pack and RCA connector.

The Fold Pro from Dragonhawk features 7 pre-set stroke lengths between 2.4 and 4.2 mm, making it perfect for a range of tattoo styles. When used wirelessly, the battery pack offers 4-6 hours of tattooing time from 1.5 hours of charge, with a working voltage range between 4 and 12 V.

Simply swap out the battery pack for the RCA connector if you would prefer to use the Dragonhawk Fold Pro with an RCA cable and standard power supply – the choice is yours!

Dragonhawk Mast Tour

Designed for artists on the go, the Dragonhawk Mast Tour is the smallest tattoo pen from the manufacturer, with a slim 25 mm diameter, short length of 85 mm and light weight of just 82 g.

The Mast Tour from Dragonhawk has a 3.5 mm stroke length which makes it ideal for lining, shading and colour packing. Artists can easily adjust the needle depth by twisting the grip.

This tattoo pen machine has its own wireless battery which can be charged via USB-C connection and provides up to 6 hours of power from 3 hours of charge.

Inkjecta Flite Pen

Inkjecta is well-known among tattoo artists for its lightweight Flite Nano rotary machines and now the Australian brand has introduced its first-ever pen-style machine, the Flite Pen.

The Inkjecta Flite Pen is powered by a high-quality German Faulhaber motor that provides a consistent and reliable performance, while helping it to excel with a wide range of tattooing styles.

Depending on your preference, Inkjecta’s tattoo pen machine is available with one of three stroke lengths: 3.25 (Standard), 3.5 (Shader) and 4.0 mm (Liner). The Standard, Shader and Liner versions of the Flite Pen come with different torsion bars which allow you to swap out the hardness of the machine hit.

Emillion Silent Protest

The first tattoo pen machine from Dutch artist Emillion, the Silent Protest is a wireless rotary that is great for lining, shading and colour packing.

The Emillion Silent Protest offers an adjustable stroke length that can be easily altered from 2.6 to 4.0 mm and is capable for pushing even the largest needle configuration. It has been designed for accurate lining from 3 to 18 RL, smooth blending and shadow saturation, and is comfortable colour packing with magnums.

This tattoo pen machine comes with its own wireless battery pack that offers 5-12 V of power for between 6 and 8 hours of run time. Made from aircraft-grade aluminium, the Emillion Silent Protest is forward-weighted to help keep pressure on your needles during tattooing.

Sunskin Concept V2

The second-generation Sunskin Concept is a tattoo pen machine that can be used either wired or wireless via the included RCA connector or battery pack.

Sunskin’s Concept V2 has a fixed 4.0 mm stroke length, which combined with its wide voltage range of 4-12 V makes this wireless tattoo pen machine an ideal choice for lining, shading and colour packing.

Sunskin has achieved an 80% reduction in the environmental pollution associated with its manufacturing process, thanks to the implementation of additive manufacturing in the production of the Concept V2.