Author: Dr. Pen Glow Editorial Team  ·  Published: July 20, 2026  ·  Reading time: ~10 min

In This Guide

1. Quick Summary (TL;DR)
2. M8 vs. M8S: Side-by-Side
3. Why the M8S Costs More — And Who Should Pay It
4. Safety Guide & Depth Chart
5. FAQ (10 Questions Answered)
6. Where to Buy
7. Final Verdict

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

Based on current drpenglow.com product data, the Dr.Pen M8 and Dr.Pen M8S are the two most-compared entry points into the Dr.Pen wireless lineup. Both share the same 0.25–2.5mm adjustable depth range and 6-speed motor, so the decision usually comes down to three things: power mode, on-device display, and cartridge family. The M8S adds wireless + wired dual power, an LED speed display, and access to the wider M8S / A8S / A9 / A11 cartridge family. The M8 is priced lower and uses its own dedicated M8 / M7S cartridge family.

Best For

• First-time buyers who want the lowest entry price into the Dr.Pen wireless lineup
• Shoppers who value a simple, no-frills wireless pen (M8)
• Users who want an LED speed readout and the option to keep working while plugged in (M8S)
• Households that may add an A8S, A9, or A11 pen later and want shared cartridges (M8S)
• Anyone comparing the M8 against the M8S before their first purchase

Not For

• Complete beginners unwilling to start at a conservative depth and speed
• Very sensitive or actively irritated skin
• Anyone requiring an FDA-cleared medical device
• Users who specifically need the A11's touch LED screen and induction base

3 Key Differences

• Power mode — the M8 is wireless-only; the M8S runs wireless or plugged in via USB-C, so a session never has to pause for a recharge
• LED speed display — the M8S shows your selected speed on a digital readout; the M8 does not have an on-device display
• Cartridge family — the M8 uses the dedicated M8 / M7S cartridge line; the M8S uses the shared M8S / A8S / A9 / A11 cartridge family, which matters if you plan to add another pen later

2 Things to Watch

• M8S costs more at every bundle tier — roughly $5 higher than the equivalent M8 bundle across Pen Only, +10, +20, and +30 Tips options
• Cartridges are not interchangeable — M8 cartridges will not fit the M8S, and M8S cartridges will not fit the M8

Dr.Pen M8 vs. M8S: Side-by-Side

The comparison below uses product information currently shown on drpenglow.com. Both pens sit at the entry point of the Dr.Pen wireless range and are the two models shoppers most often compare before their first purchase.

Table 1 — Product Specifications & Buying Position

Table 2 — Bundle Pricing at a Glance

Source: drpenglow.com product pages, checked July 2026. Prices may change; verify current product pages before purchasing.

Why the M8S Costs More — And Who Should Pay It

1. Same Core Motor Spec, Different Feel and Feedback

Both pens share the same 0.25–2.5mm adjustable depth range and 6 speed levels, so neither one is "more powerful" on paper. The difference is in feel and feedback. The M8 uses a high-torque motor in a slim, ergonomic body — straightforward and no-frills. The M8S uses a quieter, low-vibration motor and adds an LED digital display so you can see your exact speed setting at a glance instead of relying on a dial alone.

2. M8 vs. M8S — Lowest Price vs. Dual Power and Display

The M8 is the better value pick if your priority is the lowest entry price into the Dr.Pen wireless lineup. It is wireless-only, uses a manual speed dial, and comes with its own dedicated cartridge family shared with the M7S. The M8S is the better upgrade if you want to keep working even when the battery is low — it runs wireless or plugged in via USB-C — plus a digital speed readout and a 3-lock bayonet with anti-backflow design for a more secure cartridge fit.

Choose M8 If:

• You want the lowest starting price in this comparison
• A manual speed dial is enough — you don't need a digital display
• You're comfortable with a dedicated M8 / M7S cartridge family
• You're buying your very first Dr.Pen device

Choose M8S If:

• You want the option to keep going while plugged in, not just wireless
• You prefer a digital speed readout over a manual dial
• You may add an A8S, A9, or A11 pen later and want shared cartridges
• You're willing to pay roughly $5 more per bundle tier for those extras

3. Cartridge Compatibility Is the Practical Long-Term Difference

The M8 uses a cartridge family shared only with the M7S: 11, 16, 24, 36, and 42-Pin, plus Nano-R and Nano-S. The M8S uses a wider family shared with the A8S, A9, and A11: 12, 18, 24, 36, and 42-Pin, plus Nano-R and Nano-S. The pin counts look similar, but the cartridges themselves are not interchangeable between the two families. If you think you might expand into an A-series pen down the line, the M8S's shared cartridge family is the more convenient long-term choice. If you're only ever planning to own one pen, this difference matters less.

Dr.Pen M8 / M8S Safety Guide & Depth Chart

Important: This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed skincare professional before beginning any at-home microneedling routine, particularly if you have an active skin concern. Neither the Dr.Pen M8 nor the M8S is FDA-cleared for medical use — both are intended for external cosmetic use only.

Table 3 — Recommended Depth by Area & Experience Level

Maximum recommended depth for at-home use: 1.5 mm. Greater depths should only be performed by a licensed professional.

Who Should Not Use the Dr.Pen M8 or M8S

• Active breakouts or open irritation
• Eczema, psoriasis, or an active skin infection
• Recent sunburn (wait at least 2–3 weeks)
• Current use of blood thinners or isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• History of keloid marks
• Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI (higher risk of discoloration; consult a professional first)

Normal Reactions & Post-Session Care

Typically resolves within 24–48 hours: mild redness, slight puffiness, a tight feeling in the skin. Seek medical attention if: pain doesn't subside, there is excessive bleeding or bruising, or you notice signs of infection.

• 0–2 hours after: apply a hyaluronic acid serum; avoid touching the area unnecessarily
• First 24–48 hours: gentle cleansing only; SPF 50+ if outdoors; skip saunas, steam, and intense exercise
• First week: reintroduce other products gradually; avoid mechanical exfoliation; keep up daily SPF

Dr.Pen M8 vs. M8S FAQ — 10 Questions Answered

What's the actual difference between the Dr.Pen M8 and the M8S?
The core motor spec is the same on paper — both offer 0.25–2.5mm adjustable depth and 6 speed levels. The M8S adds wireless + wired dual power, an LED speed display, a 3-lock bayonet with anti-backflow design, and access to the wider M8S / A8S / A9 / A11 cartridge family. The M8 is wireless-only, uses a manual dial, and has its own dedicated cartridge family shared with the M7S. The M8S costs roughly $5 more per bundle tier.

Which one should I buy — M8 or M8S?
Choose the M8 if the lowest price matters most and a manual dial is fine for you. Choose the M8S if you want to keep going while plugged in, prefer a digital speed readout, or think you might add an A8S, A9, or A11 pen later and want shared cartridges.

What skin concerns can these pens help address the appearance of?
Both are commonly used for the appearance of uneven texture, enlarged-looking pores, post-acne marks, and fine lines, generally with consistent weekly sessions over 8–12 weeks. Individual results vary by skin type, technique, and consistency.

What depth should I start at as a beginner?
Start at 0.25 mm depth and speed level 1–2, limited to one small area for your first 3–5 sessions. Increase gradually only as your skin adjusts, and never exceed 0.25 mm around the under-eye area.

Can I use M8S cartridges on my M8 (or M8 cartridges on my M8S)?
No. The M8 uses the M8 / M7S cartridge family, and the M8S uses the separate M8S / A8S / A9 / A11 cartridge family. They are not interchangeable — always confirm your device model before ordering replacement cartridges.

How often should I use the Dr.Pen M8 or M8S?
Most users follow a weekly schedule, allowing the skin a full 7 days to recover between sessions on the same area. Increasing frequency beyond this does not speed up results and raises the risk of irritation.

Does it hurt, and can I use numbing cream?
Sensation varies by depth, speed, and individual tolerance — shallower settings feel like light pressure, while deeper settings can feel sharper. An over-the-counter topical numbing cream (such as 4% lidocaine) may be applied 30–45 minutes beforehand and wiped off completely before starting. Numbing cream reduces sensation, so go slower and more conservative the first time you use it to avoid over-treating.

What should I apply before and after a session?
Cleanse thoroughly beforehand with no active ingredients on the skin. Afterward, a fragrance-free hyaluronic acid serum is the standard recommendation, followed by SPF 50+ during the day. Avoid vitamin C, retinol, and exfoliating acids for the first 24–48 hours.

Who should avoid using these devices?
Avoid use if you have active breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, a recent sunburn, a history of keloid marks, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or currently taking blood thinners or isotretinoin. Consult a licensed skincare professional if you're unsure whether either device is appropriate for you.

Are cartridges reusable, and what's normal after a session?
No — cartridges are single-use only and should be discarded after each session; never share a cartridge between people or reuse one at a later date. Mild redness, light puffiness, and a tight feeling in the skin are common for 24–48 hours afterward. Contact a medical professional if you experience pain that doesn't subside, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection.

Where to Buy the Dr.Pen M8 and M8S

Purchase from Dr.Pen Glow

drpenglow.com/products/dr-pen-m8-wireless-microneedling-pen — Dr.Pen M8 Wireless Microneedling Pen, from $84.89.
drpenglow.com/products/dr-pen-m8s-wireless-microneedling-pen — Dr.Pen M8S Wireless Microneedling Pen, from $89.80.

Free U.S. shipping · 30-day money-back policy · one-year limited warranty

Before You Buy

• Confirm whether you want the lowest entry price (M8) or dual power + display + shared cartridge family (M8S)
• Check which cartridge family matches the pen you're buying — M8 / M7S vs. M8S / A8S / A9 / A11
• Always use sterile, single-use cartridges and follow the included safety instructions before every session

Final Verdict

The Dr.Pen M8 and M8S are both strong entry points into at-home microneedling, and the right pick depends on what you value more: price or convenience features.

Buy the M8 if you want the lowest starting price and don't need a digital display or dual power mode.
Buy the M8S if you want to keep sessions going while plugged in, prefer an LED speed readout, and want the flexibility of the wider A-series cartridge family.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available product information from drpenglow.com and editorial analysis. Product performance may vary by individual skin type and technique. Microneedling carries inherent risks — consult a licensed dermatologist before starting any at-home routine. Neither the Dr.Pen M8 nor the M8S is FDA-cleared for medical use; both are intended for cosmetic home use only.

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Last updated: July 20, 2026