The best tattoo stencil machines available on the market right now are:

• Life Basis Tattoo Stencil Transfer Machine—Best Overall
• TATELF Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine—Best Value for money
• ATOMUS Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine—Best for fast Transfer
• BMX Black Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine by Beautyangels—Easy to Use
• Beoncall Tattoo Transfer Printer Machine—Best Lightweight Option

Best Tattoo Stencil Machines Reviewed 

Life Basis Tattoo Stencil Transfer Machine—Best Overall

The Life Basis tattoo stencil transfer machine is a great performing stencil machine that’s lightweight and portable to be carried around easily with you. It can be used with both A4, and A5-sized paper, giving you the flexibility for your tattoo designs.

The portable tattoo stencil machine gives you the convenience that you need when tattooing on the go. It’s also economical to use as it doesn’t require any bulbs, cylinders, or heating elements. The functionality of the tattoo stencil machine is ideal for both fine lines and those that are slightly heavier. 

The tattoo stencil machine comes with a one-year warranty with product replacement support. It also comes with ten pieces of thermal transfer paper and 300 transfer patterns to allow you to get started as soon as you open the box.

The Life Basis tattoo stencil transfer machine is enjoyed by many users, and you can see a couple of their comments below:

“This thing is awesome!! I’m very new to tattooing and this thing is so helpful! My printer at home sucks so I traced something on the tracing paper and was still able to run it through the copier to get a clean stencil! I’m so very impressed! It saved me so much time! Absolutely love it.”

“This has made doing tattoos so much easier than hand tracing the whole time. My cousin uses it multiple times a day and helps him accomplish his tattoos just as good! Definitely a great buy and he loved it as it was a gift!”

Specifications

Type of Machine: Thermal Copier Printer Machine.

Functions: 4 different functions – Mirror, Photo, Deepness 1, Deepness 2.

Size: 11.4 inches x 8.9 inches x 3.2 inches.

Paper Size: A4 and A5.

Weight: 1.17 kg.

The Life Basis tattoo stencil transfer machine is a lightweight machine that gives you the desired results for you and your customers. It’s a great performing machine that works quickly and doesn’t overheat.

It offers you the flexibility of paper size using both A4 and A5 paper, and it works well with intricate linework and those heavier lines, giving you the details you need from your tattoo stencil.

Pros

• Lightweight design.
• Accepts both A4 and A5 paper.
• Four functions allow you to complete different tattoo styles.
• Comes with a one year warranty.

Cons

• Some users reported it being a little tricky to load the paper.

TATELF Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine—Best Value for Money

The TATELF tattoo transfer stencil machine is one of the more affordable tattoo stencil machines available that still gives you an outstanding performance. It’s made from a high-quality ABS material that’s built to last and is compatible with the voltage of 100-240 volts.

It’s quick and easy to use and can be used straight out of the box with minimal setup needed. The tattoo stencil machine doesn’t overheat quickly, but as with most tattoo stencil machines, it needs to be left to cool down after transferring approx. two sheets.

The company offers a one-year warranty with the product, which will give you peace of mind when investing your money in the tattoo stencil machine.

Users enjoy the TATELF tattoo stencil machine. You can see some of the comments that we found online below:

“It’s amazing how many times you can get a perfect copy, taking 3 hours out of transferring by hand.”

“Great product, works great and makes good stencils for tattoos.”

Specifications

Type of Machine: Thermal Copier Printer Machine.

Functions: 4 different functions – Mirror, Photo, Deepness 1, Deepness 2.

Size: 12.95 inches x 11.97 inches x 5.35 inches.

Paper Size: 8.5 inch x 11 inch – Letter size.

Weight: 1.60 kg.

The TATELF tattoo transfer stencil machine gives you a great performing stencil machine at a more affordable price. It works well, giving you the tattoo transfer you need to create stunning tattoos. 

It’s a lightweight machine that’s portable, so it can be carried around with you if needed. The tattoo stencil machine gives you four functions for the perfect stencil and intricate linework. However, it’s not suited for patterns with complex shadow details.

Pros

• Gives you great value for money.
• Easy to setup and use.
• Lightweight and portable design.
• Doesn’t overheat quickly – allowing you to print up to two sheets before cooling.

Cons

• Not suitable for complex shadow but great for linework.

ATOMUS Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine—Best for Fast Transfer

The ATOMUS tattoo transfer stencil machine is made by the company that brought you the ATOMUS tattoo machine and is well known for its quality products. It’s built to a high quality and gives you a super-fast transfer and a great performance.

It gives you the option of wirelessly connecting or connecting via an ethernet lead and allows you to select the deepness you need for your tattoo design. The tattoo stencil machine doesn’t overheat quickly but will print your stencil quickly with minimal noise.

The tattoo stencil machine comes in two different colors, and you can choose from black or white.

We’ve found some great comments from users online proving just how good the ATOMUS tattoo transfer stencil machine is. You can see these below:

“As a 5-years Tattoo artist, I have bought and used many brands’ tattoo transfer machines but this one is the best one. Its transfer effect is great, all patterns look clear and smooth, and I am very satisfied with it. I used to spend too much time on hand-painting patterns, but now with this machine it saves time and improves work efficiency. Worthwhile to buy! Quality is great!”

“Many companies sell this style of stencil machine and many versions suck. But to my pleasant surprise this one is a good one. Crisp clean stencils so far.”

Specifications

Type of Machine: Thermal Copier Printer Machine.

Functions: 4 different functions – Mirror, Photo, Deepness 1, Deepness 2.

Size: 12.9 inches x 12.1 inches x 5.3 inches.

Paper Size: A4 and A5.

Weight: 2.10 kg.

The ATOMUS tattoo transfer stencil machine is a fast working printer and copier that gives you the great results you’re looking for, for your customer. It works quickly but doesn’t overheat, allowing you to print up to two sheets before allowing it to cool.

The tattoo stencil machine works quietly and gives you four different functions, including two deepness options. You need to be careful that you don’t have too much shading in your design, as this may affect the quality of the transfer.

Pros

• Fast printing tattoo stencil machine.
• Works quietly and doesn’t overheat.
• Made from high-quality ABS plastic that’s environmentally friendly.
• Connects wirelessly or via ethernet connection.

Cons

• Users reported that too much shading can affect the quality of the transfer.

BMX Black Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine by Beautyangels—Easy to Use

The BMX tattoo stencil machine gives you everything you need from a tattoo stencil machine, and it can be used straight from the box. It’s quick and easy to set up and is even easier to use, saving you time and frustration.

The tattoo stencil machine is lightweight and portable, so it can be used when you’re out and about as well as in the tattoo studio. It works quickly and quietly and doesn’t overheat. The tattoo stencil machine is made from a durable and environmentally friendly ABS material that will last for years.

It comes with a one-year warranty and is available in both black and white colorways.

Users of the Life Basis tattoo stencil machine have lots of good things to say about it. You can see some of these below:

“Saves a lot of time. I love it. I had to look up on YouTube how to properly use it. After a 3 minute video I plugged the cord in and started, it works great, nothing bad to say.”

“Gave it as a gift. They loved it! Prints beautifully! I definitely would recommend it!”

Specifications

Type of Machine: Thermal Copier Printer Machine.

Functions: 4 different functions – Mirror, Photo, Deepness 1, Deepness 2.

Size: 13.07 inches x 12.13 inches x 5.31 inches.

Paper Size: 8.5 inch x 11 inch – Letter size.

Weight: 1.60 kg.

The BMX tattoo transfer stencil machine can be set up and ready to use in a matter of minutes. It’s easy to use and gives you fast results. The tattoo stencil machine is lightweight and works with minimal noise so that it won’t distract you or your customer.

It’s made from a durable ABS material that will last for a long time, and it performs well. If you have any issues, the tattoo stencil machine is covered by a one-year warranty.

Pros

• Easy to use, set up in minutes.
• Durable and solid ABS material.
• Lightweight and quiet to use.
• One year warranty from the manufacturer.

Cons

• Great for linework but struggles with too much shading.

Beoncall Tattoo Transfer Printer Machine—Best Lightweight Option

The Beoncall Tattoo transfer printer machine is an excellent all-round stencil machine that gives you the stunning stencil results needed for your tattooing. It’s made from durable, high-quality ABS plastic that is environmentally friendly and will last for a long time.

The stencil machine is a thermal copier printing machine that allows you to print all of your tattoo designs onto transfer paper with ease. It doesn’t overheat when in use but should be left to cool after you have printed approx. two sheets. 

It’s a lightweight and portable tattoo stencil machine, so you’re able to carry it around with you if needed to tattoo while on the go. The stencil machine gives you a fast transfer printing speed and a good quality print to replicate your design perfectly.

Users like everything about the Beoncall tattoo transfer printer, and you can see a couple of the reviews that we found online below:

“I love how easy it is to use this product. I had absolutely no issues. It also feels light and is easy to store away.”

“I use this for tattoos. It’s so much easier than trying to draw the picture out.”

Specifications

Type of Machine: Thermal Copier Printer Machine.

Functions: 4 different functions – Mirror, Photo, Deepness 1, Deepness 2.

Size: 12.95 inches x 12.24 inches x 5.35 inches.

Paper Size: 8.5 inch x 11 inch – Letter size.

Weight: 1.95 kg.

The Beoncall tattoo transfer printer gives you a high-quality stencil with fast printing results. It’s a great product overall and is lightweight and portable, meaning that it can be carried around with you if you’re working away from the studio. It also works with minimal noise so that it won’t distract you or your customers.

It’s a solid and durable tattoo stencil machine that’s built to last, and it offers you four different functions to make sure you get the design that you want as well as the line depth.

Pros

• Fast printing with a great performance.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Works with minimal noise.
• Doesn’t overheat quickly – allows you to print up to two sheets before cooling. 
• Made from a strong and durable ABS material – environmentally friendly.

Cons

• It’s too expensive for some users. 

Best Tattoo Stencil Machine Buying Guide

It can be overwhelming when looking to buy your tattooing kit, especially if you’re starting out and you are unsure of exactly what you need.

A tattoo stencil machine is a useful tool when you’re using tattoo stencils for your work, and it can save you many hours of hand drawing and can prevent many mistakes from being made. 

However, there are many different types of tattoo stencil machines out there. Some are specifically made for tattooing, and others can also be used for regular printing. 

You need to make sure that the tattoo stencil machine you choose suits your requirements and gives you all you need to create successful tattoos.

We’ll let you know what you need to be looking for to get the most suitable option available.

Types of Tattoo Printer

There are different types of tattoo printers out there. Some of these are built especially for the creation of tattoo stencils, and some are regular printers that can also be used with tattoo transfer paper.

You decide which is the best to suit your individual needs and requirements.

Inkjet Tattoo Printer

The most popular printer used would be the inkjet printer. This type of printer is a regular printer that can also be used to print tattoo stencils. 

It works with an ink cartridge and can give you great results as long as you’re using the correct paper type for tattoo stencils. 

This type of printer can be pretty bulky and heavy, so it is better to use it if you have lots of space available and you’re not looking to move it around with you.

Laser Tattoo Printer

A laser printer can also be used for tattoo stencils. However, this type of printer uses toner rather than ink, so it is more suited to temporary tattoos. The stencil doesn’t last very long on the skin when adding a barrier to begin your tattooing process.

It can be useful when using it for someone who’s not sure if they’re ready for the commitment of a permanent tattoo. This will give them an insight into how the tattoo will look on their skin once they decide to take the plunge and have a permanent tattoo.

Dot-Matrix Tattoo Printer

A dot-matrix tattoo printer works in a similar way to a typewriter, using an ink-soaked ribbon to create the printed stencil. 

This printer gives you a greater resolution when it comes to printing a tattoo stencil and is very popular with tattoo artists. 

It can take time to get the image printed out onto the tattoo transfer paper, so it isn’t ideal for those working in a busy tattoo salon.

Thermal Tattoo Printer

A thermal tattoo printer gives you the best of both worlds with a solid high-resolution stencil that can be quickly and easily printed. This way of printing saves you time but still gives you excellent results and is loved by many tattoo artists out there. 

These tattoo stencil machines are generally smaller and more lightweight than other types of tattoo stencil machines. This portability makes them ideal for those tattoo artists that work while on the go and require their printer to be carried around with them.

The thermal tattoo printer can be pricey, but as it doesn’t use ink, you won’t have to replace ink cartridges, so you have no additional costs. This type of tattoo printer should be viewed as an investment to build your reputation as a successful tattoo artist. 

Quality – Build and Printing

As with all products that you buy, quality is a priority. With a tattoo stencil machine, you should look at the material used to build the machine to make sure it’s durable in the first instance. 

An ideal material for the body of the printer would be ABS plastic. This plastic is a solid, environmentally friendly material that’s also lightweight, allowing you to move it around with you.

You also need to check out the printing quality as this is the reason for buying the tattoo stencil machine. Check that the paper fits well in the printer and it gives you smooth and clean results.

Easy to Use

The best tattoo stencil machine out there will be quick and easy to use. You don’t want to spend many hours setting the printer up and working out how to use it.

The functions on the tattoo stencil machine should be simple to understand and make your job easier, not add time and frustration to your day.

Functions

Most quality tattoo stencil machines will offer four functions to allow you to print your stencil with the right level of ink and the correct way round to transfer to the skin correctly.

They will have the mirror and photo functions that allow the design to be printed to be transferred to the skin correctly. They may also have deepness 1 and 2 available, and these settings will enable the stencil to be completed with fine or heavier lines, depending on the needs of the tattoo design.

Durability

Tattoo stencil machines can be expensive, so you need to make sure that the one you choose will last a long time. Look for a durable material and ask around for the opinions of reputable tattoo artists. 

They will be able to advise you on the most durable options out there that also give you the tattoo stencil results that you want.

Portability

If you have limited space in your tattoo studio or you work while on the go, you will need a tattoo stencil machine that can be moved around with you.

Many tattoo stencil machines are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for you if you’re traveling about and are completing your tattoos on the go.

Heat

Thermal tattoo printers are ideal for printing tattoo stencils and are the most popular tattoo stencil machines around at the moment. However, they do heat up when using them, and you need to make sure that this doesn’t become an issue.

An excellent thermal tattoo stencil machine will generally print around two sheets of transfer paper before it has to cool down.

You need to make sure that the tattoo stencil machine you choose cools down quickly so that you’re able to carry on your work seamlessly and don’t have to wait around.

Price

Tattoo stencil machines can be pretty expensive and will need to be looked at as an investment to improve your success as a tattoo artist and build your reputation.

You can get some tattoo stencil machines that are relatively cheap but be aware that these may not be high-quality, and it will result in you having to buy another machine in a shorter space of time. 

Conclusion

A tattoo stencil machine can save you lots of time when producing your tattoo designs. It gives you excellent results and will replicate your design perfectly onto the skin without worrying about drawing freehand on the body’s contours.

Our favorite of the best tattoo stencil machines is the Life Basis Tattoo Stencil Transfer Machine. The machine gives you fast printing and a great performance. It’s not noisy and doesn’t overheat and is made from environmentally friendly and durable high-quality material.

Our runner-up would be the TATELF Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine, as this gives you great value for money and performs well. It’s easy to set up and use and is also lightweight and portable so that it can be used while on the go.

A tattoo stencil machine can be a great addition to your tattoo kit and will help to reduce the pressure of freehand drawing, especially for those who are new to tattooing. 

We hope you found our review helpful and now understand how you can use a tattoo stencil machine to improve your technique and your success as a reputable tattoo artist.