What's the Best Microneedling Device? Guide & Comparison

If you’ve been hearing all the talk about microneedling and wondering which tool is best for your skin, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has been microneedling at home for over a decade, I've seen firsthand how microneedling can benefit skin.  With several tools on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here I'll break down the pros and cons of each tool

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries on your skin. This triggers your skin’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production. This process give you firmer, smoother, and more even-toned skin. It’s great for fine lines, acne scars, and even large pores, but the tools you use do matter. 

Comparing At-Home Microneedling Devices

Ive tested out several at-home microneedling devices. Each are slightly different so here’s a  comparison to help you decide.

1. Banisher 3.0 by Banish

First of all, the manual dermastamp design of the Banisher 3.0 makes it safer to use compared to rollers and pens.   It also has a larger surface area compared to micro infusion devices so you can microneedlie your face twice as quickly.

It is also portable and produces less waste since the heads are both reusable up to 8 times before replacing the head. 

It comes with a vitamin c serum included and in my opinion is very beginner friendly to use.   While it does come with a serum, you can use your own serum too so you have the ability to customize your treatment.    It can take a longer time if you are using this for your body though and it only comes in one needle length.  

• Design:Features a unique stamp design for precision, ease of use, and portability. Minimizes scarring risk.
• Needle Length: 0.5mm
• Price Range: Mid-tier pricing, good value for the quality.
• Best For: People who prioritize safety and ease of use when microneedling. Great for the face, neck,  and hair growth.    Also ideal for targeting specific problem areas.
• Cons: Only comes in 0.5mm needle size

2. BeautyBio GloPRO

The beautybio dermaroller combines red light therapy and vibrations. It comes with detachable heads at different needle lengths.  It is a roller design, but based on research the needles on a roller go into and out of the skin at an angle which can snag the skin and risk tram track scarring.   

Rollers do cover a larger surface area the quickest so this could be great if you are mainly using it for large areas on the body.  

For hair growth, if you have longer hair it can potentially roll and snag the hair too.  

• Design: Dermaroller design combined with red light therapy and vibration technology.
• Additional Benefits: Boosts anti-aging benefits and improves serum absorption.
• Price Range: Higher-end, luxury pricing.
• ConsRed light aspect not very beneficial since red light session should last at least 10 minutes, vibration of needles on skin may cause excess irritation.  

3. Microinfusion Device

This tool uses a stamping technique to microneedle the skin and combines serum that is infused into the hollowed out needles.  The stamping design is generally safer and less damaging compared to dermaroller designs. 

It comes with a serum that goes in the vial, however the serum doesn't always come out of the needles in my experience.    The surface area is pretty small too so it takes me twice as long to fully microneedle my face compared to other tools.  

Personally I prefer a stamping tool where I can just apply the serum on top after microneedling an area so I have better control of how much serum I've used, and don't feel like I need to throw away something after one use. 

• Design: Combines manual microneedling with infusion using hollowed out needles.
• Needle Length: 0.5mm 
• Price Range: High-end pricing 
• Best For: Those who want serum infused in microneedles 
• Cons: Can't use your own serum.  Lots of disposable parts since the serum and head need to be thrown away after each use.   Small design of vial and head can make it time consuming to use.

4. Dr. Pen A9 

The doctor pen A9 is their new microneedling device. Dr. pen is a line of motorized dermapens that moves the needles up and down as you make passes on the skin.   

It comes with a variety of replaceable needle cartridges that should be disposed of after each use and you can adjust the needle sizes.  

The Dr pen tool does require some more technique and steps, while you do have replaceable one itme use cartridges the website says you still need to sterilize them before each use. 

It tends to be more painful to use which isn't very pleasent so usually numbing cream is recommended. You also have to make sure you use plenty of serum on the skin so the Dr. pen can glide across the skin without snagging or tugging.  This is also what most  doctors or medspas use in office so if you have the time and are comfortable doing it yourself you can have a similar in office experience. 

• Design: An electric motorized microneedling pen with adjustable needle lengths. 
• Needle Length: Adjustable 0.00-2.5mm  
• Price Range:High End Initial cost 
• Best For: Those who are more advanced and want a similar in clinic experience 
• Cons: More advanced tool for at home use, can be time consuming for the initial numbing of skin.  Requires charging. 

5. Gin Amber Dermaroller

The dermaroller is one of the first tools invented for microneedling. It has a cylinder with rows of microneedles attached to it, and you manually roll it across skin. 

There are many dermaroller brands but Gin Amber's dermaroller is one that I've commonly seen.   Dermarollers are usually low cost and the one's Gin Amber dermarollers from 0.5 to 1.5mm.  

The instructions are pretty simple, but it can be a little confusing on the rolling technique because I have the urge to go back and forth but the best technique is to roll in one direction, left up, and roll in one direction again.   Rollers cover a larger surface area so this is great for use on the body. 

• • Needle Length: 0.5- 1.5mm
  • Pricing Low To Mid Tier.
  • Best For: Microneeding larger areas of the body, those who want the lowest cost option.
  • Cons: Dermarollers create less controlled microinjuries since needles roll into and out of skin at an angle and have risk of 'tram track' scarring. Non replaceable heads can cause more waste.

Feature	Qure Microinfusion	Banish 3.0 Microneedling Tool	Gin Amber Roller	Dermaroller (Generic)	Dr. Pen (A6, M8, etc.)
Type	Microinfusion stamping device with hollow needles	Derma stamp	Dermaroller	Dermaroller	Electric dermapen (stamping device)
Needle Length	0.5mm	0.5mm	0.25mm-1mm	0.25mm-2.5mm	Adjustable (0.25mm–2.5mm)
Material	Stainless steel hollow needles	Gold Plated Titanium	Titanium	Stainless steel or titanium	Titanium or surgical-grade stainless steel
Sterility	Pre-sterilized, single-use cartridges	Reusable; requires proper cleaning	Reusable; requires proper cleaning	Reusable; requires proper cleaning	Replaceable cartridges (pre-sterilized)
Cost (Estimated cost per treatment)	~$100 for 2 treatments $24.90-$50 depending on bundle	~$125 for 2 replaceable heads (16 treatments) $7.81 Initial Kit, $2.50 replaceable heads.	~$30–$45 (10 treatments) $3	~$10–$30 (10 treatments) $1	~$214–$315 plus $60 for 10 single use cartridges $27.40-$37.5
Safety	Minimal risk; single-use cartridges, short needles reduce injury risk	Flat stamp with short needles prevents skin and hair dragging	Risk of skin dragging and injury to hair and skin	Higher risk of skin dragging and injury to hair and skin	Precision control reduces injury risk, however longer needle lengths increase injury risk
Portability	Portable but disposable with several parts	Portable	Highly portable	Highly portable	Larger size but still portable
Effectiveness	Combines serum delivery, less effective than in office	Effective, but less so than in office procedure	Less effective compared to stamping devices	Less effective compared to stamping devices	Closest to Professional-level collagen stimulation
Skin Sensitivity	Gentle; suitable for all skin types	Suitable for sensitive skin	May irritate sensitive skin	May irritate sensitive skin	Suitable for sensitive skin with proper use, however longer needle lengths pose increase risk in sensitive skin

Top Picks: Banisher 3.0

I recommend the Banisher 3.0 for at home microneedling for a few reasons:

• Optimal Needle Length:  At 0.5mm needles, it is the optimal length for at home use being long enough to boost collagen and skincare absorption, and minimzing risks of scarring.
• Balanced Between Disposable + Reusable: Replaceable gold plated titanium bristles reduce risk of dull bristles, and the heads can be disposed and replaced after up to 8 uses.
• Safe for sensitive skin: The needles on the Banisher thinnest on the market to reduce irritation or scar risk.   Easily maneuver around active acne to avoid spreading infection.
• Time Saving & Convenience: The Banisher's diameter is about an inch which covers a decent sized area compared to other stamping tools to cover more surface area.  They include a serum with their microneedling tool, but you can also use your own serum.  If you’re looking for a microneedling tool that’s safe, effective for acne scars and collagen boosting, and beginner-friendly, the Banisher 3.0 is a top pick.

 

Pro Tips for Safe Microneedling

• Always sanitize your tool.
• Start small. Especially if you are new, longer needles does not mean better results, in fact it can increase injury and negative side effects.
• Don’t overdo it. Depending on the tool and needle length used, don't use it more often than what the instructions say.
• Keep Out Of Sun.

Microneedling is one of the best treatments for your skin that can be done at home. But the microneedling tool you choose can make a big difference tool. Whether you’re looking for precision, speed, or different problems to treat like stretch marks, acne scars, to hair growth, some microneedling devices may fit your need better than others. Just make sure to do it safely above all else for the best long term results!