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Which Dr. Pen microneedling device should I buy?

Stuck between the Dr. Pen A11, A9, M8S and the Hydra H3? This quick comparative guide matches each pen to the user who’ll get the most value: busy clinics, mobile therapists, beginners, and hydra/serum treatment providers.


At-a-glance comparison (short table)


  • A11 (Pro / Ultima) — Pro clinic machine: large LED screen, 6 speeds, induction stand, up to ~2.5 mm depth, ~700 mAh battery. Best if you run many back-to-back appointments and want a professional feel.

  • A9 — Reliable clinic workhorse: long battery life (≈700 mAh), compact size, fast charge (~1 hr), long runtime (4–5 hrs). Great for busy clinics and mobile practitioners who need long battery life.

  • M8S — Lightweight & modern: LED display, Type-C charging, good for small clinics and home-use pros who value portability. Battery life ~2–3 hours.

  • Hydra H3 — Serum delivery + microneedling: ideal if you combine microchanneling with topical infusion (mesotherapy, hydra treatments). Great for clinics offering combined treatments or 'express' hydra-needling.


Who each pen is best for (recommendations)


Buy the A11 if…

  • You run a busy clinic offering medium-to-heavy volume and want a pen with pro features (inductive stand, robust control, ergonomic design). The A11’s professional controls and battery spec make it clinic-oriented.

Buy the A9 if…

  • You need long battery life and reliable performance without extra bulk. Great for mobile therapists and clinics that do long sessions (body areas) because of the larger battery and long runtime.

Buy the M8S if…

  • You want a modern, light pen with Type-C charging and a digital display — for smaller clinics, starter technicians, and pros who prefer portability. It’s a solid “everyday” pen.

Buy the Hydra H3 if…

  • You frequently perform serum infusion, vitamin or hydra treatments alongside needling — the H3’s capsule/capsule-cartridge system simplifies combined treatments and product delivery.


Pros & cons (quick bullets)


A11

  • Pros: professional features, induction stand, strong battery, clear LED controls.

  • Cons: slightly larger/heavier and higher price point than entry models.

A9

  • Pros: long battery life, reliable, clinic favourite.

  • Cons: fewer bells & whistles than the A11 (no induction stand usually).

M8S

  • Pros: lightweight, Type-C, portable, digital display.

  • Cons: shorter runtime vs A9/A11.

Hydra H3

  • Pros: combines microneedling with serum delivery (capsule system) — saves time and improves infusion.

  • Cons: capsule cartridges may have added consumable cost; not ideal if you only need needling without infusion.


Quick buying checklist (before you add to cart)


  1. Match needle depth to your treatments (face vs body). Confirm depth adjustment range (many Dr. Pen models go to ~2.5 mm).

  2. Check battery & charging type (USB-C vs proprietary charging).

  3. Confirm cartridge compatibility (do you need nano or round cartridges? hydra capsules?).

  4. Budget for cartridges & disposables — single-use cartridges are mandatory for hygiene.

  5. Think workflow: induction stand and long runtime matter if you have consecutive clients.


Final quick picks


  • Clinic with heavy volume → A11 (or A9 if you prioritise battery life).

  • Mobile therapist / compact setup → M8S.

  • Want serum infusion (mesotherapy/hydra) → Hydra H3.



Click the link below to shop our range of Microneedling Devices.




This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, training or instruction for performing any aesthetic or body contouring treatments. Always seek professional training and certification from a qualified provider before performing any procedures.



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