Reading's tattoo scene is vibrant, with a mix of established shops and promising newcomers. This guide helps you find the right artist for your next ink.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceNeon Moon Tattoo
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Reading-metro tattoo shops businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
Reading, PA has a diverse tattoo market, featuring a mix of well-reviewed leaders and smaller shops. The city's compact nature means you can easily access quality artists, each offering unique styles and specialties.
With 10 providers evaluated and a total of 1,199 reviews, we've ranked the best shops based on customer feedback and overall service quality. This list highlights those that excel in artistry, hygiene, and customer care, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your tattoo needs.
10tattoo shops evaluated in Reading
4.64average rating across the field
1.2Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To create this ranking, we evaluated each tattoo shop in Reading based on their customer ratings, review counts, and overall reputation. Our scoring system reflects the experiences of real clients, and no business pays for placement in our rankings.
We refresh our evaluations monthly, ensuring the information remains current and relevant. This commitment to transparency helps you make informed decisions when selecting a tattoo artist.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 207 reviews, Neon Moon Tattoo excels in providing a welcoming atmosphere and skilled artists. Customers appreciate the attention to detail and creativity in their designs. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of work justifies the investment for those seeking standout tattoos.
Rated 4.9 stars based on 158 reviews, INKjection Tattoo & Body Piercing LLC is known for its affordability without sacrificing quality. Customers frequently mention the friendly staff and clean environment. However, some feel that the shop can get busy, which may lead to longer wait times for walk-ins. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is budget-friendly tattoos and piercings. It serves Reading, PA, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times for walk-ins.
With a solid 4.8-star rating from 210 reviews, Lasting Image Tattoos is praised for its experienced artists and diverse styles. Customers appreciate the professionalism and cleanliness of the shop. However, some have noted that booking an appointment can be challenging due to high demand. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is a wide range of tattoo styles. It serves Reading, PA, with $120 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are booking can be challenging.
Creative Vibes Tattoo Studio holds a 4.9-star rating from 78 reviews, with clients praising the artistic approach and friendly service. The studio is ideal for those looking for unique, artistic tattoos. However, its smaller review base may leave some potential clients unsure about its consistency. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is artistic and custom tattoos. It serves Reading, PA, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base.
Shifty Whiskers Tattoo Studio has a perfect 5-star rating from 29 reviews, showcasing a dedicated team that specializes in personalized tattoos. Clients appreciate the welcoming vibe and the artists' attention to detail. However, the limited number of reviews makes it a promising but unproven option for some. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized and custom work. It serves Reading, PA, with $120 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews.
Inked In 2 Tattoo & Piercing Studio has a rating of 4.6 stars from 284 reviews. Customers appreciate the variety of styles and the professionalism of the artists. The studio is a solid choice for both tattoos and piercings. However, some patrons have mentioned that the service can be slow during peak hours.
Olde Penn Ave. Tattoo Co. has a 4.5-star rating from 117 reviews. Clients often highlight the friendly staff and the shop's relaxing atmosphere. It's a good option for a casual tattoo experience. However, some customers have noted that the designs can be more traditional, which may not appeal to everyone.
Way Of Life Tattoo Studio holds a rating of 4.6 stars from 41 reviews. Customers appreciate the laid-back vibe and the creativity of the artists. This shop is great for those looking for a relaxed tattoo experience. However, the limited number of reviews may leave some feeling uncertain about its consistency.
Out The Gutter & Inklife.co LLC Tattoos & Body Piercing has a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews. Clients mention the friendly artists and the comfortable environment. It is a decent option for those seeking tattoos and piercings. However, the smaller review base may not fully reflect the overall experience. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is combined tattoo and piercing services. It serves Reading, PA, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base.
Centre Avenue Tattoo has a 3.5-star rating from 39 reviews. While some customers appreciate the affordability, others have raised concerns about the quality of work. This shop may suit those on a tight budget, but the mixed reviews suggest it might not be the best choice for everyone. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is budget-conscious clients. It serves Reading, PA, with $80 to $200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed quality of work and inconsistent customer experiences.
Pros
Affordability
Quick service
Cons
Mixed quality of work
Inconsistent customer experiences
Best forBudget-conscious clients
Service areaReading, PA
Typical pricing$80 to $200
Before you book
How to choose a tattoo shop in Reading
Selecting the right tattoo shop is essential for a satisfactory experience. Consider factors like location, artist specialties, and state licensing.
Research Artists' Portfolios
Look at each artist's previous work to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Many shops showcase portfolios online.
Check for Licensing and Hygiene Standards
Confirm that the shop adheres to Pennsylvania's health regulations. A licensed shop should prioritize cleanliness and safety.
Read Customer Reviews
Pay attention to feedback from previous clients. High ratings and positive experiences can guide your choice.
What it costs
What tattoos cost in Reading
Tattoo prices vary based on size, detail, and artist experience. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect in Reading.
Small TattoosTypically range from $50 to $150, depending on the complexity and location.
Medium TattoosThese usually cost between $150 to $400, based on design intricacy and time required.
Large TattoosExpect to pay from $400 to $1,000 or more for detailed, larger pieces that cover significant areas.
Hourly RatesSome artists charge by the hour, typically ranging from $100 to $200, which can vary by experience and demand.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tattoo cost in Reading?
Tattoo prices in Reading typically range from $50 to $200 for smaller designs, while larger pieces can cost $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the artist and complexity.
What should I consider when choosing a tattoo shop?
Look for shops with strong reviews and portfolios that match your desired style. Consider the artist's experience and cleanliness of the studio.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Reading tattoo enthusiasts: <strong>Neon Moon Tattoo</strong>
If you want the best overall experience, Neon Moon Tattoo is your go-to. Their perfect 5-star rating from 207 reviews reflects a commitment to artistry and customer satisfaction. For those seeking a slightly more affordable option without sacrificing quality, INKjection tattoo & body piercing.LLC offers an impressive 4.9 rating on 158 reviews. If you’re after a larger variety of designs and styles, Lasting Image Tattoos, with its 4.8 rating from 210 reviews, is a solid choice. Each of these shops caters to different needs, ensuring you find the right fit for your next ink.