Articles
Bellar vs Bellar Air: Ultimate Comparison of Microbeau PMU Machines
Articles
Bellar vs Bellar Air: Ultimate Comparison of Microbeau PMU Machines
Background
Microbeau sponsored me with the first-generation Bellar (not the Air) back in 2019, and I haven’t changed my machine once in 5 years. It was absolutely perfect. Some of my colleagues complained about the cable wearing out over time — but I never had any issues with mine. It survived countless falls onto tile floors from treatment couches, and none of that ever affected its performance. You can watch my full review of the original Bellar on my YouTube channel.
Packaging and What's Included
The Bellar machine comes in a durable, sturdy box. Inside the package, you will find:
The compact box is easy to store and transport. All components are neatly arranged to minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
- The Bellar PMU Machine
- Mini DC Power Cable
- Adjustable, sterilizable grip
- Set of rubber rings for enhanced performance
The compact box is easy to store and transport. All components are neatly arranged to minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
Design and Ergonomics
The Bellar machine features an elegant, minimalist design. Its slim profile and lightweight construction (only 67 grams) make it ideal for all types of permanent makeup techniques — whether it's hair strokes, shading, or contour work.
The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering both durability and lightweight performance.
The grip is detachable and can be sterilized in an autoclave, ensuring maximum safety for your clients. Thanks to its ergonomic, comfortable design, the Bellar helps minimize hand fatigue, allowing you to work for extended sessions without discomfort.
The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering both durability and lightweight performance.
The grip is detachable and can be sterilized in an autoclave, ensuring maximum safety for your clients. Thanks to its ergonomic, comfortable design, the Bellar helps minimize hand fatigue, allowing you to work for extended sessions without discomfort.
Specifications and Features
Stroke Length: 2.1 mm — ideal for detailed work and precise hair stroke techniques. The official website claims 2.7 mm, but that’s not accurate. In reality, it’s even less than 2 mm. I specialize in alopecia clients, and this stroke length is perfect for delicate work. However, if you often work on clients with naturally dense, "hairy" brows, this might be a limitation.
Operating Voltage: Recommended range is 4 to 6 Volts, with a maximum output of 6 Volts.
Connection: Wired, with a Mini DC port.
Sterilization: The detachable grip can be autoclaved, ensuring maximum hygiene and client safety.
Cartridge Compatibility: Compatible with all standard membrane cartridges, including Kwadron.
Price: $749 + tax (USA).
Operating Voltage: Recommended range is 4 to 6 Volts, with a maximum output of 6 Volts.
Connection: Wired, with a Mini DC port.
Sterilization: The detachable grip can be autoclaved, ensuring maximum hygiene and client safety.
Cartridge Compatibility: Compatible with all standard membrane cartridges, including Kwadron.
Price: $749 + tax (USA).
Performance in Action
The Bellar performs exceptionally well for creating fine hair strokes and detailed work, thanks to its minimal stroke length and high precision.
The machine operates almost silently, providing a comfortable experience for both the artist and the client. Minimal vibration ensures smooth, controlled pigment implantation, reducing the risk of mistakes and improving overall precision.
The machine operates almost silently, providing a comfortable experience for both the artist and the client. Minimal vibration ensures smooth, controlled pigment implantation, reducing the risk of mistakes and improving overall precision.
Pros
Lightweight Design — Weighing only 67 grams, it significantly reduces hand fatigue during long procedures.
High Precision — Minimal stroke length and adjustable grip ensure maximum control and accuracy.
User-Friendly Design — Simple, intuitive setup makes it easy to operate.
Versatile Application — Suitable for all permanent makeup techniques, making the Bellar a truly universal tool for PMU artists.
High Precision — Minimal stroke length and adjustable grip ensure maximum control and accuracy.
User-Friendly Design — Simple, intuitive setup makes it easy to operate.
Versatile Application — Suitable for all permanent makeup techniques, making the Bellar a truly universal tool for PMU artists.
Cons
Limited Voltage Range — Operating at higher voltages can damage the machine, restricting its versatility for different tasks.
No Battery, Bluetooth, or Advanced Features — Unlike the Bellar Air, this version lacks wireless functionality or adjustable features such as eGive.
Short Stroke Length — While perfect for alopecia clients and delicate work, the short stroke can be problematic when working on clients with naturally dense, "hairy" brows.
No Battery, Bluetooth, or Advanced Features — Unlike the Bellar Air, this version lacks wireless functionality or adjustable features such as eGive.
Short Stroke Length — While perfect for alopecia clients and delicate work, the short stroke can be problematic when working on clients with naturally dense, "hairy" brows.
Overall Rating
The Bellar is perfect for artists who value minimalism, lightweight design, and high precision. This machine is ideal for professionals seeking a reliable, comfortable tool for a wide range of permanent makeup procedures.
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ 9/10
Functionality: ★★★☆☆ 7/10
Build Quality: ★★★★★ 10/10
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ 8/10
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ 9/10
Functionality: ★★★☆☆ 7/10
Build Quality: ★★★★★ 10/10
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ 8/10
Bellar Air
The Bellar Air by Microbeau is considered the most expensive PMU machine on the mainstream market — and it’s a dream device for many permanent makeup artists. At the time of writing this article, the official price was $899 + tax for the machine without an extra battery. The additional battery costs around $250.
I’ve been using this machine for 2 years (to be exact, I’ve owned 3 different versions of it with various stroke lengths — 2.1 mm, 2.7 mm, and 3.0 mm). And I’ll say this right away — things are not as straightforward as they seem. But let me explain everything step by step.
I’ve been using this machine for 2 years (to be exact, I’ve owned 3 different versions of it with various stroke lengths — 2.1 mm, 2.7 mm, and 3.0 mm). And I’ll say this right away — things are not as straightforward as they seem. But let me explain everything step by step.
Packaging and What’s Included
The Bellar Air comes with a comprehensive set of accessories:
- Bellar Air PMU Machine
- Additional Battery (optional, sold separately)
- USB to Type-C Cable
- Mini DC Adapter
- Unique Bellar Mini DC Cable
- Set of Rubber Rings + Ratchet Mechanism
- Carrying Case with Shoulder Strap
- User Manual
Design and Ergonomics
The Bellar Air features a slim, lightweight body that fits comfortably in the hand, reducing fatigue during long procedures. Compared to my original Bellar, which I used for 3 years prior, I didn’t notice much difference in ergonomics — although the wireless version is almost twice as heavy.
The grip diameter is 12 mm, making the machine ideal for those who prefer a thinner, lightweight tool.
Despite the battery and added technology, the Bellar Air weighs only 110 grams, making it one of the lightest wireless PMU machines on the market. This is a major advantage for artists who work long hours and want to minimize hand strain.
The grip diameter is 12 mm, making the machine ideal for those who prefer a thinner, lightweight tool.
Despite the battery and added technology, the Bellar Air weighs only 110 grams, making it one of the lightest wireless PMU machines on the market. This is a major advantage for artists who work long hours and want to minimize hand strain.
Technical Specifications
- Needle Stroke Length: 3.0 mm — a versatile stroke, suitable for various techniques, from fine hair strokes to dense shading.
- Operating Voltage: Adjustable from 4 to 10 Volts, allowing precise power control based on the type of procedure.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables pairing with optional accessories, such as a wireless foot pedal.
- Removable Battery: Each battery provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation.
- eGive Adjustment System: Allows you to modify the machine's hit — from soft to hard — depending on the technique (ideal for both lining and shading).
Personally, I couldn’t get along with the eGive feature — maybe I just didn’t understand it, or maybe it’s simply overrated. In my opinion, it feels like unnecessary complexity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
- Compact & Lightweight: Weighs only 110 grams, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions.
- Versatility: Adjustable stroke length and hit softness allow the artist to adapt the machine for different techniques.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless pedal compatibility provides more freedom during work.
- eGive System: Allows hit softness adjustment based on skin sensitivity — though in my experience, this feature feels questionable.
- Removable Battery: Enables uninterrupted work without constant power source hunting — goodbye power supply units! But be ready to buy the wireless pedal unless you enjoy poking tiny buttons with gloved fingers.
Cons:
- High Price Tag: Total price can reach $1300, making it inaccessible for beginners.
- Battery Rattle: The battery rattles during use — every time you move the machine, it sounds like something's loose inside. It ruins the premium feel.
- Potential for Defects: Out of three Bellar Air units I owned, one broke after only a few sessions. Luckily, Microbeau replaced it under warranty (sponsorship perks), but it didn’t inspire the same confidence as my classic Bellar.
- Complex Controls: I’m not a tech geek, and this machine has way too many buttons and settings — you basically need to work with the manual open, which is annoying.
- Lacks Power with Larger Needle Groupings: It struggles to properly penetrate the skin when working with magnums; no issues with single needles though.
Final Verdict
The Bellar Air remains the best PMU machine on the market — despite its flaws. If I had to buy it with my own money, I’d still go for it. But I must admit, it doesn’t deliver the same level of satisfaction and confidence I experienced with my wired Bellar. Of course, I can afford the upgrade — that helps.
For me, the main advantages are wireless freedom, precise stroke control, and nearly silent operation.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ 9/10
For me, the main advantages are wireless freedom, precise stroke control, and nearly silent operation.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ 9/10
Bellar vs. Bellar Air — Comparison for PMU Artists
1. Design and Ergonomics
Bellar:
2. Technical Specifications
Stroke Length:
Operating Voltage:
3. Functionality
Bellar:
Bellar Air:
4. User Experience and Features
Bellar:
Bellar Air:
5. Price and Accessories
Bellar:
Starting at $750 + tax. Ideal for artists seeking a reliable, high-quality machine without extra features.
Bellar Air:
Price with battery: $1149 + tax. Includes extra accessories like a removable battery, RCA adapter, carrying case, and shoulder strap — more expensive, but packed with added functionality.
6. Pros and Cons
Bellar:
Pros: Lightweight, highly precise, simple to use, minimal vibration.
Cons: Limited voltage range, lacks advanced features like Bluetooth, short stroke (2.1 mm) limits versatility.
Bellar Air:
Pros: Advanced settings (eGive, Bluetooth), built-in display, wireless operation, removable batteries, stroke length options.
Cons: Heavier, increasing hand fatigue during long sessions, significantly higher price for added features.
Bellar:
- Slim profile and extremely lightweight (67 g), ideal for reducing hand fatigue during long sessions.
- Adjustable, autoclavable grip ensures high hygiene standards.
- Updated design with increased size and weight (110 g) for more stable grip control.
- Built-in display for real-time adjustment of parameters like voltage.
- Available in different color options and comes with a carrying case and extra accessories.
2. Technical Specifications
Stroke Length:
- Bellar: 2.1 mm — perfect for detailed work and fine hair strokes.
- Bellar Air: Available in three configurations — 2.1 mm, 2.8 mm, and 3.0 mm — making it suitable for a broader range of techniques like hair strokes and shading.
Operating Voltage:
- Bellar: Recommended range is 4 to 6 Volts; exceeding this can lead to overheating and damage.
- Bellar Air: Wider voltage range of 4 to 10 Volts, offering more flexibility for different techniques.
3. Functionality
Bellar:
- Simple, reliable, minimalistic design — ideal for artists who prefer straightforward tools.
Bellar Air:
- Built-in eGive system lets you adjust the machine’s "hit softness" for different skin types or techniques.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with wireless pedals and other accessories.
4. User Experience and Features
Bellar:
- Extremely lightweight with minimal vibration for comfortable use.
- No displays or complex features — easy to use, especially for beginners.
Bellar Air:
- On-body display for live control of voltage and settings.
- Switch between wireless and wired operation for maximum flexibility.
5. Price and Accessories
Bellar:
Starting at $750 + tax. Ideal for artists seeking a reliable, high-quality machine without extra features.
Bellar Air:
Price with battery: $1149 + tax. Includes extra accessories like a removable battery, RCA adapter, carrying case, and shoulder strap — more expensive, but packed with added functionality.
6. Pros and Cons
Bellar:
Pros: Lightweight, highly precise, simple to use, minimal vibration.
Cons: Limited voltage range, lacks advanced features like Bluetooth, short stroke (2.1 mm) limits versatility.
Bellar Air:
Pros: Advanced settings (eGive, Bluetooth), built-in display, wireless operation, removable batteries, stroke length options.
Cons: Heavier, increasing hand fatigue during long sessions, significantly higher price for added features.
