Wireless Vs Wired Tattoo Machine: Pros, Cons & The Verdict

Tattoo art has a long history dating back to the traditional hand-poke method. However, nowadays, advanced tattoo machines have made the inking process much easier and smoother. Ink artists now have more customized options to choose their favorite machines. But as a tattoo artist, first, you need to know the main difference between wireless and wired tattoo machines because each model has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

The wireless tattoo machines are usually extremely portable, lightweight, flexible, and versatile. They also create less noise and have a lower risk of electrical damage. However, at the same time, these cordless machines are expensive, have limited battery life, and are more difficult to clean.

On the other hand, wired tattoo machines are highly reliable and provide consistent power. They are also easy to customize and clean. Furthermore, these traditional machines are highly affordable. However, coil tattoo machines have some cons, such as being heavy and difficult to move. Besides this, there is a high risk of electrical accidents caused by using these tattoo devices. This means that tattooing machines have different pros and cons, and each can be best in a different scenario.

A Complete Analysis of Wireless Vs. Wired Tattoo Machine 

What Is A Wireless Machine?

A wireless tattoo machine runs without needing a physical connection to a power source, unlike coil machines, which require power directly from an electric socket. Usually, cordless machines operate with rechargeable and removable batteries. In terms of portability, these machines offer greater mobility and convenience during tattooing operation.

Also, when it comes to shapes and sizes, these machines come in different models with more compact and ergonomic designs. Furthermore, battery operated tattooing devices offer various levels of adjustment ability for tattoo needle depth, speed, and stroke length. This means that you can adjust the machine speed more precisely. Further, wireless tattoo pen also offer a variety of different stroke lengths to create customized tattoo designs.

Wireless Tattoo Machine Pros

Extremely Portable

As you know, wireless devices rely on a removable and rechargeable battery to function. This feature allows artists to use their machines efficiently wherever they like or carry them around. In contrast, coil tattoo machines require a direct electrical power source and coil cables to operate, which limits their portability.

Lightweight

If you’re a tattoo artist, you know that holding a heavy machine for a long session can be tiring and uncomfortable. But with wireless machines, you don’t have to worry about that. These portable devices are incredibly lightweight, so you can use them for hours without hurting your wrists. This makes them an excellent option for artists who want to focus on creating their best work without any distractions or discomfort. 

Flexibility

Wireless rotary tattoo machines offer a lot of flexibility when creating tattoos. Unlike wired devices, they don’t have cords or coils. So you can quickly move and rotate them in any direction you need. This means you can work in different positions and angles without restrictions. This feature makes the tattoo ink process more comfortable and efficient. 

Versatility

When it comes to versatility, cordless machines are perfect for all tattooing designs, including lining, shading, and other necessary work. With a wireless pen, an artist can move around without any pesky cords or wires getting in their way. This makes it easier to create detailed and fine designs on fake tattoo skin or real skin. 

Less Noise

Wireless tattooing machines are known for their smooth and quiet operation. This is a big advantage over traditional coil machines, which create extra noise when running. Because of their low noise level, they provide a peaceful and comfortable tattooing experience for both the artist and the client. You won’t have to worry about distracting sounds while getting inked. As a result, the artist can focus on their work without any unnecessary distractions. 

Low-Risk Electric Damage

Another advantage of battery tattoo pens is that they are less likely to experience physical damage. This is in contrast to coil machines, which require direct power connections and have a higher risk of electric shock. While these machines don’t have any physical cords or electric cables to worry about, this can provide a safer and more comfortable experience for the ink artist and the client.

Cons Of Wireless Tattoo Machine

Limited Battery Life

As you know, wireless devices rely on battery power, a crucial feature. However, battery life can be limited, and when the device runs out of charge, you’re stuck waiting until it’s fully charged again. This can be frustrating for you and your clients unless you have an extra backup battery. Typically, these machines offer battery life ranging from 2 to 8 hours. However, machines with higher battery performance are more expensive.

Expensive

The cost of a tattoo machine is higher than that of its wired counterparts. Usually, these machines cost around $100 to $300, with all essential features included, which is much higher than the cost of coil model machines.

Difficult To Clean

Another major issue with these machines is that they are challenging to clean, unlike traditional machines. The outer body and top head parts of the wireless machine are easy to clean, but cleaning each internal part of the machine is too difficult.

What Is A Wired Tattoo Machine? 

Wired or coiled machines work differently than wireless devices. They use electromagnetic coils connected to an electric power source and a foot pedal to operate. This direct connection gives the artist more control over the speed and power. From a functional perspective, wired tattoo machines create bold, solid lines and shading perfectly. They are especially useful for traditional tattoo designs that require more power and speed.

With a wired device, artists can quickly and confidently create intricate designs and detailed artwork. So, these traditional tattoo devices may be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a device that can handle more significant, more complex designs. 

Wired Tattoo Machine Pros

Consistent Power

Consistent and stable power is necessary to achieve the desired results. And when it comes to wired tattoo guns, they provide consistent and smooth power compared to wireless pens.

Highly Reliable

Wired machines are highly reliable in terms of performance and are built to last. In other words, they have a longer lifespan compared to wired models.

Affordable

One of the most significant advantages of a coil tattoo machine is its affordable price. For example, wired devices are much cheaper than wireless models, which everybody can afford. In terms of cost, these machines are best for beginners who want to practice on fake skin or are on a tighter budget.

Easy To Clean 

As I mentioned earlier, wireless model machines are challenging to clean because they are difficult to open. However, coil machines are easy to clean as each part is easy to open individually.

Easy To Handle 

The first tattoo machine I purchased was a coil machine. Why? A wired device is much easier to use and handle than a wireless one. In my experience, a coil tattoo tool is much easier for beginners to handle and use. 

Cons Of Wired Tattoo Machine

Limited Mobility

This is the biggest issue with coil-model tattoo devices. These machines operate with the help of a coil cable and foot pedal. This makes it difficult to move the device in any direction. They are also less portable compared to Battery-operated machines.

Potential For Accidents

Since wired devices work with a coiled cable that directly plugs into an electrical socket, they provide a more stable power source to the machine. However, this also increases the risk of physical damage. In other words, wired model devices have a high chance of electrical damage. So, you need to be extra careful while using coil machines. 

Bulky 

Wired devices are bulkier compared to wireless models. As a result, they are challenging to hold and use for longer sessions because they can hurt your wrist or make you tired while holding them.

Conclusion

The wireless tattoo machines offer more features as compared to its counterparts. They are lightweight, versatile, extremely portable, quiet in operation, and flexible. Wired tattoo machines, however, excel in other areas. They provide consistent, powerful operation ideal for certain tattoo styles. Additionally, these tradtional machines are generally easier to handle and more affordable.