Most comparisons of these two lead with motor speed. In seven years of selling both, the thing that shapes people's experience is not speed — it is the cartridge system, because that is what you keep buying.

Each model has its own cartridges

This matters more than any specification because cartridges are single use. Over a year you will buy far more of them than you will devices, so choosing a pen is really choosing which refills you will be reaching for.

Side by side

Where a figure is not listed, the manufacturer has not published it and we would rather leave it blank than guess. M8 figures come from the documentation in the box. Current prices are on the product pages.

Which one for hair loss?

The M8S, and the reason is mechanical rather than marketing. Its cartridges use an improved anti-backflow design.

Here is what that means in practice. Working flat across the face, serum stays where you put it. Working the scalp, you hold the pen at an angle — and with a standard cartridge some serum can travel back into the housing. On the face it is barely noticeable. On the scalp it is the thing people mention most.

Already have an M8 and starting scalp work? You do not need to replace it. Just clean it a little more thoroughly after each session.

Which one for acne scars and wrinkles?

Either will do the job well. Both adjust from 0 to 2.5mm, and for scar work the depth setting matters far more than the device.

The M8 costs less and offers a broader pin-count range — 11, 16, 36, 42 and nano — which helps if you treat several concerns with one pen. For facial scar work specifically, it is excellent value.

Worth looking at the A20?

If your budget stretches, yes. The Dr. Pen A20 offers nine fixed depth settings in 0.25mm increments rather than a continuous dial, and it is FDA 510(k) cleared. It is the device most of our customers choose.

It sits well above both of these in price, so if you are weighing the M8 against the M8S on budget, it is probably not the one. Full breakdown in our model comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use M8 cartridges on an M8S?

No — each model has its own cartridge system, and they are not designed to cross over. Check which device you have before ordering, or send us a photo and we will confirm it for you.

Is the M8S worth the extra over the M8?

For scalp and hair loss treatment, yes — the anti-backflow cartridge design solves a real problem with serum. For facial work, the M8 does the same job for less.

Which is better for hair loss, M8 or M8S?

The M8S, because of its anti-backflow cartridge design during scalp work with serum.

Is the M8S faster than the M8?

The manufacturer has not published a maximum speed for the M8S, so we cannot give you a verified comparison. Both offer six speed levels. In practice, depth setting and cartridge choice affect results far more than speed.

How often should cartridges be replaced?

Every treatment. Cartridges on both platforms are sterile, single-use items and are not designed to be cleaned and reused.

Please speak with your doctor before purchasing any Dr. Pen product. This content is not intended to substitute for the advice of a qualified physician, pharmacist or other licensed healthcare professional.