How to Choose the Right Dr. Pen Microneedling Device for You
The short answer
Most people buying from us today choose the Dr. Pen A20. If you are treating hair loss, the M8S. If price is the deciding factor, the M8 is our lowest-priced device and still professional grade.
We have sold Dr. Pen devices for seven years. Below is how the current range actually differs — not a feature list, but the things that change your experience two years in.
What actually matters when choosing
Four things decide this, and skin type is not one of them. Every Dr. Pen works on every skin type. What changes is depth control, cartridge platform, power and price.
Start with the cartridge platform. Cartridges are single use, so you will keep buying them for as long as you own the pen — which makes the platform worth a moment's thought up front. Dr. Pen builds each cartridge to match a specific handpiece: A20 cartridges fit the A20, M8 cartridges fit the M8, and so on. Think of it as choosing a consumable supply as much as a handpiece. If you are ever unsure which cartridges suit your pen, send us a photo and we will point you to the right ones.
- Depth control. Most models use a continuous dial from 0 to 2.5mm. The A20 uses nine fixed steps of 0.25mm, which is easier to repeat exactly between sessions.
- What you are treating. Scalp work has different demands to facial work — serum can travel back into a standard cartridge housing when you hold the pen at an angle.
- Budget. All of them do microneedling. What you pay more for is depth control and build, not results on their own.
The current range
| Model | Tier | Depth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A20 | Flagship | 0–2.0mm, 9 fixed steps | Professional use, scars, full face |
| A8S | Upper mid | 0–2.5mm dial | Medical grade |
| A11 | Upper mid | 0–2.5mm dial | General professional use |
| M9 | Upper mid | 0–2.5mm dial | General use |
| M8S | Mid | 0–2.5mm dial | Hair loss, scalp |
| A6S Ultima | Entry | 0–2.5mm dial | Home use, fine lines |
| A10 | Entry | 0–2.5mm dial | Body work |
| M8 | Entry | 0–2.5mm dial | Deep scars, best value |
Current prices are on each product page — click any model above.
Dr. Pen A20 — what most people buy
The A20 uses AVOS vertical oscillation, nine depth settings from 0 to 2.0mm in 0.25mm increments, six speed levels up to 7,700 RPM, and a 700mAh battery on Type-C. It is FDA 510(k) cleared and ships with two 14-pin cartridges, a charging dock, ten protective sleeves and a guide.
Choose it if you treat clients, you want repeatable depth settings rather than a dial you eyeball, or you want the widest cartridge choice in the range — 12, 14, 18, 24, 36, 42 and nano.
Consider something else if this is your first pen and you are treating your own face at home. It is several times the price of the M8, and the M8 will do that job well.
Dr. Pen M8S — the hair loss choice
The M8S is the model most often bought for scalp work, because its cartridges use an improved anti-backflow design. Working flat across the face, that barely registers. Working the scalp at an angle with liquid serum, it is the difference people notice.
There is also an M8S Anti-Hair Loss Bundle with the scalp cartridges included. Detail in Dr. Pen M8 vs M8S.
Dr. Pen M8 — the value pick
The M8 runs up to 18,000 RPM — the fastest motor in the range — with six speed levels and 0 to 2.5mm depth on a four-hour battery, shipping with two 16-pin cartridges.
It is our lowest-priced device, and its cartridges are the cheapest of any platform we stock. Over two years of regular use, the cartridge cost matters more than the device price. With spares included: M8 Starter Kit.
A11, M9 and A8S — the middle of the range
The A11, M9 and A8S sit between the M8 and the A20 in price and capability. All three are capable devices. Each uses its own cartridge platform, so it is worth checking which cartridges match your pen before ordering replacements — and we are happy to confirm it for you.
A6S and A10 — entry level
The A6S Ultima and the A10 are the traditional entry points, both working corded or cordless.
One thing worth knowing before you choose between them: both currently sit a little above the M8 in price with a slower motor. If you already own A6S or A10 cartridges, staying on that platform makes good sense. If you are starting fresh, the M8 is the better value at this end of the range.
Not microneedling: Hydra Pen and Bio Pen
Two devices in the range do something different. The HydraPen H3 delivers serum through the cartridge head as it works, for infusion rather than depth. The Bio Pen Q2 combines microneedling with LED light therapy and microcurrent. Neither replaces a standard pen; they sit alongside one.
Quick answer by situation
- First pen, tight budget: M8
- Treating clients: A20
- Hair loss or scalp: M8S
- Acne scars: A20 for the depth increments, M8 if budget matters
- Serum infusion, minimal downtime: HydraPen H3 or nano cartridges on any pen
Still deciding? Our full model comparison puts every device side by side with verified specifications, and our cartridge guide explains which pin count to use for which treatment. If you would rather just ask, send us a message — we answer these every day and we are glad to help.
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.
