Microneedling Comparison Chart: Dr. Pen vs Hydra Pen vs BIO Pen
Not sure which Dr. Pen model is right for you? This complete comparison guide breaks down Dr. Pen, Hydra Pen, and BIO Pen devices by cartridge compatibility, speed, battery, wireless design, and key features to help you choose the best option for facial microneedling, serum infusion, or scalp care.

With so many models available, choosing the right device can feel confusing at first. Many shoppers are not just comparing one pen to another. They are trying to understand the real difference between Dr. Pen, Hydra Pen, and BIO Pen, and which series best matches their routine, goals, and experience level.
This guide is designed to make that decision easier. Instead of looking at model names only, you can compare devices by what matters most: cartridge compatibility, speed levels, battery type, wireless convenience, display screen, and special functions. Whether you are looking for a classic microneedling device, a serum infusion tool, or a model focused on hair and scalp routines, this chart gives you a faster way to identify the right fit.
To help you quickly distinguish the three main series, here is the simplest way to think about them:
Quick Series Overview
Dr.Pen → Microneedling Skincare
Best for general microneedling routines, broader model selection, and versatile feature combinations for face-focused skincare use.
Hydra → Serum Infusion
Best for users who want serum infusion functionality and a more hydration-focused treatment style within the Hydra lineup.
BIO → Hair & Scalp Care
Best for users looking at scalp-focused routines and multifunction-style options designed around hair and scalp care.
| Feature Group | Dr.Pen Series | BIO Pen Series | Hydra Pen Series | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature / Model | M9 | A11 | M8S | M8 | M7S | M7 | M5 | A10 | A9 | A8S | A7 | A6S | A6 | A1 | X5 | N2 | E30 | A20 | Q2 | Q1S | H6 | H5 | H3 | H2 |
| Series | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | Dr.Pen | BIO Pen | BIO Pen | Hydra Pen | Hydra Pen | Hydra Pen | Hydra Pen |
| Best For ⭐ | 2026 Best Seller | Pro Model | ⭐ Best Seller | 2024 Best Seller | M7 Upgrade | Balanced Comfort | Affordable Dual-Use | Wireless Starter | Long Battery | Full Metal | Wired Only Classic | Travel Beast | MTS + PMU | Only 3.0mm Pen | Pro Basic | 1st Model | Dual-Use Value | High-End | Pro Elite Model | Smart BIO Firming | Hydra Infusion Pro Upgrade | Serum Infusion | Hydra Starter | Basic Infusion Classic |
| Cartridge Types | 18/36/42/NanoR | 12/18/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS | 12/18/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS | 11/16/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 11/16/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 12/18/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS | 12/18/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D | 11/16/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 9/12/24/36/42/NanoR/NanoS/Nano 3D/Nano 5D | 11/16/24/36/42/Nano | 9/14/25/Nano | 9/14/25/Nano | 18/36/42/NanoR/NanoS Dual-Cartridge Chamber |
12/24/36/NanoR/NanoS | 12/24/36/NanoR/NanoS | 12-Pin 0.25mm / 0.5mm / 1mm / NanoR / NanoS |
| Disposable Cartridges | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Travel Size | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Upgraded Motor System | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| RPM Max | 7,700 | 18,000 | 16,000 | 15,000 | 16,000 | 14,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,500 | 15,000 | 18,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 16,000 | 15,000 | 14,000 | 7,700 | 16,000 | — | 12,000 | 11,000 | — | — |
| Speed Level | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Infinitely variable speed | 6 | 5 | 5/6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Adjustable Needle Length | Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Chargeable Built-in Battery | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ With two extra rechargeable batteries |
✔ With two extra rechargeable batteries |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed Display Screen | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Upgraded Cartridge Support | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — | ✔ | — | — | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Cartridge Recognition | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Serum Container Cartridge | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Light Therapy | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — |
| EMS Microcurrent | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | — | — |
| Ultra-long Battery | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | — | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Inductive Base | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✔ | — | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Protective Case | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Note: This comparison table is designed for quick product selection. Features, cartridge compatibility, and included accessories may vary by batch or package version.
This series-first, model-second approach simplifies the decision process. Most shoppers start by identifying their treatment goal, then narrow down to a specific device that matches their needs. Once you know whether you are looking for microneedling skincare, serum infusion, or hair and scalp care, choosing the right model becomes much more straightforward.
Tip: If you’re choosing your first device, start with the series that aligns with your treatment goal. Then compare models based on key features like cartridge compatibility, battery type, speed levels, and overall usability.
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