Phomemo TP31 Small Tattoo Printer 3 Inch – Portable, Bluetooth, with 30 Consumables

What matters most

The Phomemo TP31 is a compact, 3-inch tattoo printer designed for small, intricate designs. It uses thermal printing with transfer paper to deliver crisp lines, aiming to improve workflow for both beginners and professional artists working on palm-sized motifs. Its portability and lightweight build suggest it’s pitched for mobile use and on-the-go sessions.

Technical details

This model offers an 80mm (3 inch) printing width and weighs about 1 pound, with a built-in 2200mAh battery claimed to print up to 330 sheets per charge. Connectivity is via Bluetooth to the Phomemo app on iOS or Android, note that it cannot connect to a computer. The kit includes 30 tattoo transfer consumables, while transfer gel must be purchased separately to complete the skin transfer step. A notable design point is that there is no manual cropping required, which can streamline some workflows.

How it works in practice

If you prioritise speed and portability for small designs, this device can be useful in a studio on the move, at events, or for quick proofs before larger pieces. The dedicated app adds features such as Tattoo Extraction, Image to Tattoo, and AI-Generated Tattoo options, plus editing tools and templates via a Pro+ subscription. In other words, it aims to combine a DIY approach with digital convenience.

What stands out

• Ultra-compact form and low weight, making it practical for mobile setups.
• 80mm printing width suits detailed, palm-sized tattoos without needing cropping.
• App-driven workflow with AI-assisted features and templates, which can help newcomers explore ideas quickly.
• Battery-powered printing means you can operate away from a mains supply for a while.

Considerations and limitations

• Not compatible with computers, printing is designed to work via Bluetooth to the mobile app.
• Transfer gel is sold separately, so the full skin transfer process requires additional purchases.
• As a compact, budget-friendly option, it may not be the best fit for large-scale or highly demanding sessions.
• Real-world durability and longevity of prints depend on the transfer paper and gel you use, which aren’t bundled here.
• The value hinges on how deeply you intend to use the digital features, if you mainly print simple forms, it could be more appealing than for intricate, multi-layer pieces.

Who it’s for

This device seems suited to tattoo artists who travel or work at pop-ups, students or hobbyists wanting to experiment with small designs, and beginners who want guided templates and an easy entry into printing their own designs. It’s probably less ideal for large tattoos, high-volume studios, or professionals prioritising a wide range of inks and finishes.

Before you buy – what to check

• Confirm that you’re comfortable printing from a mobile device and using the Phomemo app rather than a desktop workflow.
• Plan for an extra investment in transfer gel to complete the skin transfer process.
• Consider whether the 3–inch width fits the typical scale of the designs you intend to produce.
• Think about how often you’ll use the device away from a power outlet, given the 2200mAh battery.

Final verdict

Is it worth it? It makes sense if you need a portable, easy-entry printer for small tattoos and you’re comfortable relying on a smartphone app for most workflows. It may not be the best choice if you frequently require larger formats, desktop compatibility, or an all-in-one kit with gel included. For hobbyists, mobile events, or rapid proofs, it offers a practical balance of size, weight, and digital features.