Which Tattoo Stencil Printer Is Best? (2025 Review of ATS 886, Elite Pocket S7 & Emalla Ink Dot)
Comparing the ATS-886, Elite Pocket S7, and Emalla Ink Dot
Choosing the right thermal printer for tattoo stencils can make or break your workflow. A good printer helps you create crisp, consistent stencils that hold up through long tattoo sessions. A bad one? Frustration, wasted time, and muddy lines that compromise your art.
That’s why I was excited to compare my 3 favorite stencil printers!
👉 Watch the full video here
Here’s a breakdown of what I found — and which printer came out on top.
1️⃣ ATS-886 — Best Budget Option ($92)
For years, I have relied on the ATS-886 as my go-to printer. At just $92 with a discount code, this model is hard to beat for price-to-performance.
✅ Prints consistent, clear stencils — even with detailed designs like fine-line cats and complex embroidery.
✅ App lets you control image size, density, and crop settings.
✅ High-density mode currently yields the best results on Spirit stencil paper.
✅ Easy to adjust and reload paper thanks to an openable top.
⚠️ Minor lightening in small areas on some prints.
⚠️ App updates occasionally require resetting your print settings.
Bottom line: For new artists or anyone on a budget, this little workhorse is a great entry point.
Available here: https://yilongtattooing.com/product/ats886-wireless-tattoo-stencil-printer/?ref=zs4nis5h
2️⃣ Elite Pocket S7 — Fast & High-Res ($228)
The Elite Pocket S7 is a favorite among many artists for a reason. It’s a fast, high-resolution machine that excels at handling realism and fine detail.
✅ Super quick printing — ideal for busy days.
✅ App includes intuitive auto-crop and sizing features.
✅ Excellent consistency in tone across the entire stencil.
✅ 15% discount available with code FLOATY15.
⚠️ Loading the paper can be tricky; printer doesn’t open for manual adjustment.
⚠️ Occasional feeding quirks may require patience.
Bottom line: A great middle-tier option, especially for artists who frequently do high-detail work.
Available here: https://elitetattoo.com/bgsdpq
3️⃣ Emalla Ink Dot — The New Favorite ($270)
My current favorite is the Emalla Ink Dot — and after seeing the side-by-side tests, it’s easy to see why.
✅ Highest print resolution of the three. Fur textures, stitching, and tiny details came out razor-sharp.
✅ Opens for easy, accurate paper alignment — less waste and fewer feed errors.
✅ Built-in features like anti-wrinkle mode and automatic image flipping save time.
✅ Comes with a sturdy case — perfect for traveling artists.
✅ 15% discount available with code FLOATY.
Bottom line: If you want the best stencil quality possible, this is the printer to invest in. It outperformed both the ATS 8886 and the Elite Pocket S7 in every test — especially for tiny realism and complex designs.
Available here: https://emallaofficial.com/products/emalla-inkdot-wireless-thermal-printer?ref=FLOATY
Final Verdict
ATS 8886
Budget-friendly, reliable workhorse
$92
Elite Pocket S7
Fast, high-res, great for realism
$228
Emalla Ink Dot
Top-tier resolution and usability
$270
If you're starting out or need a solid backup printer, the ATS-886 will serve you well.
If you want speed and great quality, the Elite Pocket S7 is a strong choice.
But if you’re a seasoned artist doing high-detail realism, or you just want the best stencil your client’s skin has ever seen, the Emalla Ink Dot is worth every penny.
