Updated August 9, 2026 · Dr. Pen Glow Editorial Team

Choosing a Dr. Pen replacement cartridge involves two separate decisions: first, finding the cartridge family that fits your device, and second, choosing the pin count within that family.

The number printed on a cartridge—such as 12-Pin, 18-Pin, 24-Pin, 36-Pin or 42-Pin—refers to the number of individual pins arranged in the cartridge head. A higher number does not automatically mean a better cartridge. Different layouts provide different balances of contact density, precision and surface coverage.

This guide focuses specifically on how Dr. Pen pin counts differ. If you are still unsure which cartridge physically fits your device, start with our Dr. Pen Cartridge Compatibility Guide.

Quick Answer: Which Dr. Pen Pin Count Should You Choose?

The easiest way to understand Dr. Pen cartridges is to think in terms of precision, balance and coverage.

• 9–12 Pin: fewer contact points and a more precision-focused layout.
• 14–18 Pin: a middle ground between concentrated contact and wider coverage.
• 24–25 Pin: balanced general-purpose cartridge layouts available on several Dr. Pen families.
• 36 Pin: a higher-density layout designed to distribute contact across a broader area.
• 42 Pin: one of the densest conventional pin layouts available in the Dr. Pen ecosystem.
• Nano-R / Nano-S: surface-focused nano tips rather than conventional microneedling pin arrays.

The most important rule: choose your device-compatible cartridge family first. Pin count comes second.

Dr. Pen Cartridge Pin Counts at a Glance

Availability varies by device. A cartridge having the same pin number as another cartridge does not mean the two cartridges are physically interchangeable.

What Does the Pin Count Actually Mean?

Pin count describes how many individual pins are arranged across the working surface of the cartridge. Fewer pins create a more open, precision-oriented arrangement; middle counts balance concentrated contact with surface coverage; higher counts place more contact points across the head. Nano cartridges use a fundamentally different surface design.

Pin count should therefore be treated as a cartridge design choice, not as a quality ranking.

Dr. Pen Pin Count Comparison

9-Pin and 11-Pin

9-Pin and 11-Pin sit toward the lower-count end of the Dr. Pen ecosystem. They appear in several model-specific families. The same number does not imply interchangeability: for example, Q1S/Q2 9-Pin cartridges belong to a different family from A6 9-Pin cartridges, and M8/M7S 11-Pin cartridges are different from A6S 11-Pin cartridges.

12-Pin

12-Pin is one of the most widely available counts across Dr. Pen products. Depending on the family, it appears on M8S, A8S, A9, A11, A1, A6, A10 and Hydra Pen H3/H5. It sits below 24-, 36- and 42-Pin layouts in contact density.

14-Pin and 16-Pin

14-Pin is relevant to the dedicated Q1S/Bio Pen Q2 ecosystem, while 16-Pin appears in families such as M8/M7S and A6S. Both sit between lower-count precision options and broader 24/36/42-Pin configurations.

18-Pin

18-Pin is important on several newer cartridge platforms. The shared M8S/A8S/A9/A11 family includes 18-Pin alongside 12-, 24-, 36-, 42-Pin, Nano-R and Nano-S. M9 and H6 also offer 18-Pin within their own dedicated systems. On the M8S/A8S/A9/A11 family, the current cartridge listing identifies the 18-Pin design as using fine 0.18 mm pins, showing why pin count alone does not tell the whole story.

24-Pin and 25-Pin

24-Pin is a common middle-range configuration across many A-, M- and H-series families. 25-Pin is specific to the Q1S/Q2 family on DrPenglow. A 25-Pin Q-series cartridge should not be confused with a 24-Pin cartridge from another family.

36-Pin

36-Pin is a broadly available high-count layout. Compared with lower-count options, it distributes contact across more individual pins on the cartridge head and is one of the main options shoppers compare when they want a denser layout.

42-Pin

42-Pin is among the highest conventional pin counts offered in many Dr. Pen families. It is not automatically superior; it simply places the cartridge at the dense end of the conventional pin-count range.

Nano-R vs Nano-S

Nano cartridges are a separate category from conventional microneedling pin arrays. Nano-R uses a round nano contact surface, while Nano-S uses a square nano contact surface. Availability depends on the exact device family.

Compatibility Comes Before Pin Count

A 36-Pin cartridge is not automatically compatible with another Dr. Pen just because that device also offers a 36-Pin cartridge. The pin number describes the cartridge head; it does not describe the connector.

M8S / A8S / A9 / A11

This shared family currently offers 12-, 18-, 24-, 36- and 42-Pin plus Nano-R and Nano-S. Shop M8S / A8S / A9 / A11 replacement cartridges.

M8 / M7S

This family currently offers 11-, 16-, 24-, 36- and 42-Pin plus Nano-R and Nano-S. Shop M8 & M7S replacement cartridges.

A6S

A6S uses its own dedicated cartridge family. Similar pin counts do not make A6S cartridges interchangeable with M8/M7S cartridges.

M9

M9 uses a dedicated cartridge platform with current options including 18-, 36-, 42-Pin and Nano-R. Shop M9 replacement cartridges.

Hydra Pen H3 / H5

H3/H5 use serum-chamber cartridges with 12-, 24-, 36-Pin and Nano options. Shop H3 / H5 replacement cartridges.

Dr. Pen H6

H6 uses an H6-specific system and does not share H3/H5 cartridges. Shop H6 replacement cartridges.

Q1S / Bio Pen Q2

Q1S and Bio Pen Q2 share a dedicated 9-, 14-, 25-Pin and Nano family. Shop Q1S / Q2 replacement cartridges.

Which Pin Count Should You Buy?

5 Common Dr. Pen Cartridge Myths

More pins always means better

False. Pin count changes cartridge geometry and density; it is not a quality score.

All 36-Pin cartridges are interchangeable

False. Two cartridges can both contain 36 pins while using completely different connectors.

M8 and M8S use the same cartridges

False. M8 uses the M8/M7S family; M8S uses the M8S/A8S/A9/A11 family. See Dr. Pen M8 vs M8S.

Nano is just a very high pin count

False. Nano uses a different surface structure and should be treated as a separate category.

Pin count is more important than compatibility

False. Compatibility always comes first.

How to Choose a Dr. Pen Cartridge in 4 Steps

1. Identify your exact model.
2. Find the correct cartridge family. Use the Dr. Pen Cartridge Compatibility Guide.
3. Choose the pin layout. Compare lower-count, middle-count, 36/42-Pin or Nano options within that family.
4. Confirm the live product listing before ordering.

Are Dr. Pen Cartridges Reusable?

No. Replacement cartridges sold by DrPenglow are intended for single use. Use a fresh cartridge for each session, do not share cartridges, do not use damaged or already-open packaging, and dispose of used cartridges safely according to applicable guidance.

This article is a product-selection guide, not a treatment protocol. Questions about whether microneedling is appropriate for your skin or health situation should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Dr. Pen Cartridge Pin Count FAQ

What is the best Dr. Pen cartridge pin count?

There is no single best pin count. Lower counts emphasize a more precision-oriented layout, middle counts balance precision and coverage, and higher counts create a denser contact pattern. Confirm compatibility first.

What is the difference between 12-Pin and 36-Pin?

A 12-Pin cartridge has fewer individual pins across its working surface, while a 36-Pin cartridge distributes contact across more pins. They are different layouts rather than different quality levels.

What is the difference between 18-Pin and 24-Pin?

Both are middle-range counts, but the arrangement and pin construction can differ. On the M8S/A8S/A9/A11 family, the current 18-Pin listing identifies a fine 0.18 mm pin design.

Is 42-Pin better than 36-Pin?

Not automatically. 42-Pin is denser; the better choice depends on the compatible layout you prefer.

Which models use 18-Pin cartridges?

Current DrPenglow families offering 18-Pin options include M8S/A8S/A9/A11, M9 and H6. These are separate systems and are not interchangeable.

Do M8 and M8S use the same cartridges?

No. M8 uses M8/M7S; M8S uses M8S/A8S/A9/A11.

Are Nano cartridges the same as microneedling pin cartridges?

No. Nano-R and Nano-S use surface-focused nano structures rather than conventional pin arrays.

Can Dr. Pen cartridges be reused?

No. Use a fresh compatible cartridge for each session.

Final Recommendation

Separate compatibility from pin count. First identify the family that fits your device; then compare only the pin options available within that family. Never buy a cartridge based only on the number printed on it.

Browse the Dr. Pen Replacement Cartridges collection.

Related Dr. Pen Guides

• Dr. Pen Cartridge Compatibility Guide
• Dr. Pen Buyer’s Guide 2026
• Dr. Pen M8 vs M8S 2026
• Dr. Pen M9 vs M8S vs A11
• Dr. Pen M7 vs M7S vs M8 vs M8S

Sources & References

• Current DrPenglow replacement-cartridge product listings and compatibility information, checked August 9, 2026.
• DrPenglow Cartridge Compatibility Guide.
• U.S. FDA: Microneedling Devices.

Editorial disclosure: Dr. Pen Glow sells the products discussed in this guide. The article compares cartridge format and compatibility rather than medical efficacy.

Last reviewed: August 9, 2026. Cartridge options and compatibility are scheduled for monthly review.