The Best Pen of 2023
Enjoy a personalized and smooth writing experience for any work or artistic venture with the best pens available this year.
We can all agree with William Shakespeare that the pen — whether it is a fountain, rollerball, or ballpoint — is indeed mightier than the sword. And, of course, one of the most pleasurable aspects of writing is using a personalized tool that feels like it was made for you.
However, because we all have different writing styles, finding the right one takes some trial and error.
Having a good quality product is important regardless of whether your handwriting is too big, too small, illegible, or you write with your left hand. Whether you prefer fun ballpoint, gel, or felt-tip pens, you are sure to find one that excites you below.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint Pen
2. Runner Up
PILOT The Better Ball Point Pen Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen
3. Cost Effective
BIC Cristal Xtra Bold Fashion Ballpoint Pen
4. Almost Made the Cut
Paper Mate InkJoy
1. Best Product
Best For Ease and Comfort
uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint Pen
Combining the qualities of a gel and a standard ballpoint makes this product an easy pick.
Specifications
- Item Weight
- 1.44 ounces
- Product Dimensions
- 7.62 x 2.87 x 0.59 inches
- Closure
- Retractable
- Material Type
- Stainless Steel
- Size
- 3 Count (Pack of 1)
- Point Type
- Bold
- Ink Color
- Assorted
Pros
Smudgeproof- Water and Fade Resistant
- Quick Drying
Cons
Cannot write if inverted- Refills may not be the same quality
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to Hold |   | 4.8 |
| Comfort | | 4.7 |
| Ergonomic | | 4.7 |
| Value for Money | | 4.2 |
| Giftable4.0 | | 4 |
| Sheerness | | 3 |
Who It’s For
The Uni-Ball Jetstream is a great option for lefties, but righties will also find it to be very comfortable to use, and it comes with a ton of office supplies for right-handed people. Left-handed people have a tendency to smear ink on paper, so they need to be very careful when taking notes or writing a check; otherwise, the page starts to look messy.
Why It’s Great
Uni gel pens combine ballpoint pens' quick-drying capabilities with smooth, crisp, and vivid lines. The Jetstream uses a proprietary hybrid ink that writes and dries quickly. Furthermore, the ink is resistant to water, forgery, and fading, which is vital for documents or paperwork.
Potential Flaws
The majority of consumers complain about the pen drying up quickly after usage. Furthermore, the ink occasionally overflows, leaving a little ink dot on a letter.
Other Features
The Jetstream is both fashionable and dependable, with an embossed grip for better control and stylish stainless steel accents. Pigment-based ink particles create an irreversible bond with paper. It cannot be broken — ever. Jetstream click pens provide consistent, vibrant color every time you write.
The ballpoint pen's thin 0.7-millimeter tip makes it a wonderful everyday pen and comes in black, blue, or red ink.
2. Runner Up
Best For A Comfortable Grip
PILOT The Better Ball Point Pen Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen
These pens are a classic staple in any school or household and will last a lifetime.
Specifications
- Item Weight
- 1.13 ounces
- Product Dimensions
- 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Closure
- Retractable
- Grip Type
- Ribbed
- Size
- 2 Count (Pack of 1)
- Line Size
- 0.7mm
- Ink Color
- Blue
Pros
- Smear or Smudge Resistant
- Comfortable for both Right and Left Handed Users
- Textured Barrel for Comfort and Ease of Control
Cons
- Ink Flow is Occasionally Inconsistent
- It is better for Drawing than Writing
Previous Customer Experience
| Ergonomic | | 4.6 |
| Easy to hold | | 4.6 |
| Comfort | | 4.5 |
| Value for money | | 4.3 |
| Sheerness | | 4.3 |
Who It’s For
Refillable pens are ideal for eco-conscious individuals since they are less wasteful than disposable ones. Pilot's "Better Ballpoint Pen" is refillable and retractable at the same time. Because there is no cap, less plastic is utilized during production.
Why It’s Great
The bullet pen provides consistent and comfortable writing with its ribbed finger grip and stainless steel point. In addition to being refillable, the Better Retractable Pens offer classic styling at an excellent price.
They are ideal for students, office professionals, and anybody who writes frequently. Each pen features a tinted, translucent barrel that allows you to monitor your ink level.
With no cap to misplace, you not only have a quality ballpoint pen but also a convenient one that will deliver perfect writing every time.
Potential Flaws
The barrel is quite small. As a result, they are difficult to hold onto without cramping after lengthy writing durations. In addition, the pen tends to leak after a few weeks. Also, the ink from these pens leaves blobs on the paper.
Other Features
Pilot's high-quality, long-lasting ballpoint pens are easy to write with and have smear-resistant, clear lines. The pilot provides the right ballpoint pen for you, whether you write quickly or are left-handed.
Whether you need a single pack or a box of two, these fine-point pens come at a great price. You have the option of using blue, black, or red ink. The non-slip, ribbed finger grip also aids in keeping the pen firmly in your hand for easy writing.
3. Cost Effective
Best For Large Writing Tasks
BIC Cristal Xtra Bold Fashion Ballpoint Pen
With a simple design allowing you to see how much ink remains, this pen promises to serve you well over many months.
Specifications
- Item Weight
- 0.01 ounces
- Product Dimensions
- 1.06 x 6 x 2.56 inches
- Size
- 12 Count (Pack of 1)
- Point Type
- Bold
- Ink Color
- Black
Pros
- Easy-Glide Promises a Smooth and Vivid Line
- Bold and Strong Color
- Does Not Dry Out Easily
Cons
- May Be Prone to Smudges
Previous Customer Experience
| Sheerness | | 5 |
| Easy to hold | | 4.8 |
| Value for money | | 4.5 |
| Giftable | | 4 |
Who It’s For
Classic Bic Ballpoint Stick Pens are always a smart choice because the extra-bold 1.6-millimeter point is one of the largest on the market. It is also disposable, cheap, and simple enough for many people to use.
Why It’s Great
BIC Cristal Xtra Bold Ballpoint Pens provide ultra-smooth ink flow and a fluid, natural writing experience. These pens are a sleek and modern take on the traditional BIC Cristal pen style. The enhanced vividness and exceptionally smooth ink flow are both achieved through the Easy-Glide System ink technology.
The bold point adds clarity to your work, making this pen great for sketching, annotating, and other writing tasks that call for a bold touch.
Potential Flaws
Note that while the pen's cap includes a clip, it is not suitable for attaching to a notebook. Nonetheless, the pens are small enough to fit in a work bag or pencil box.
Other Features
The Cristal Xtra Bold Ball Pen's smoked barrel adds a refined aesthetic to the classic BIC pen. The hexagonal, transparent barrel allows you to see the reserve and take ink levels into account. It also has a solid, pleasant grip and will not roll off flat surfaces. These ballpoint pens come in packs of 12 or 24 and are available in blue or black ink.
4. Almost Made the Cut
Best For Speedy Writing Tasks
Paper Mate InkJoy
Carrying around multiple pens or jumping between different colors are things of the past with this pick.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 3.75 x 7.63 x 0.73 inches
- Item Weight
- 1 ounce
- Color
- Assorted Colors
- Grip
- Rubberized
- Closure Style
- Retractable
Pros
- Four Colors in One
- Textured Grip
- Smooth Ink
Cons
- Non-Refillable
- Odd Colors
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to hold | | 4.6 |
| Comfort | | 4.5 |
| Sheerness | | 4.5 |
| Value for money | | 4.3 |
| Durability | | 4.2 |
| Longevity | | 3.5 |
Who It’s For
The Paper Mate InkJoy has three ballpoint pens optimized for spreading joy through everyday writing. Each comes with four different ink colors. One has lime, magenta, turquoise, and purple inks, while the other two formal pens come with red, green, blue, and black inks.
Why It’s Great
The convenient retractable design allows for switching colors with a single click or retracting all the tips to avoid poking your pockets or bag. The pens have a round barrel and a texturized grip that make for comfortable holding and writing. Like all ballpoint pens, these pens use oil-based ink, which flows smoothly and dries faster, making writing a fluid and enjoyable experience.
Potential Flaws
While lime, magenta, turquoise, green, and purple are playful and enjoyable colors, they may not be suitable for a professional or business setup. On top of that, these pens are not refillable.
Other Features
Each retractable pen has a 1.0 mm ballpoint tip that delivers a consistent and predictable flow, so writing is never a chore. These pens are also an excellent option for left-handed individuals who worry about smudging, thanks to their quick-drying inks and InkJoy’s innovative writing mechanism.
Who This Is For
Pens are a functional instrument that most people do not give much thought to while purchasing, much like notebooks, pencils, and other standard stationery items. You may occasionally go for extended periods without buying any, instead stocking your house or desk with freebies from hotels, companies, conferences, and other locations.
However, if you invest a couple of dollars in an excellent pen, the darker, better-flowing ink will make your handwriting more appealing and perhaps even easier to read.
There is no question that a good pen provides a better writing experience than basic ballpoint sticks, which are cheap to use and quickly dry out.
Ballpoint vs. rollerball vs. ergonomic vs. gel
The ball-bearing tip of ballpoint and rollerball pens spreads the ink on the paper, but the ink separates the two types. Ballpoints are great for taking short notes while you are out and about since their oil-based ink writes easily and dries rapidly.
Many people believe that rollerballs are of greater quality than ballpoints. This is because its water-based liquid or gel ink is comparable to a fountain pen but less expensive. Of course, it is all subjective whether rollerballs are superior to ballpoints.
There is no a clear description of an ergonomic pen or how it should seem. The consensus appears to be that an ergonomic design enables the user to hold with the gentlest grip and exert the smallest amount of pressure when writing.
Ink for gel pens is made from water-based gel ink combined with powder pigments or dyes. They often come in various hues, from pastel to metallic to fluorescent, and have a higher viscosity than most inks.
These are especially useful for tabbing since gel ink flows more easily (and needs less pressure) than other types of ink, preventing hand cramps.
Remember that gel pens are more prone to skipping and take longer to dry, so they can smudge if you are not careful. Note that gels can also smear if you are not cautious because they are more likely to skip and need longer to dry.
Capped vs. retractable pens
Capped pens provide security. You are less likely to accidentally open them and stain the interior of your pocket or pen case. Furthermore, they serve as a satisfying way to begin and end every writing session.
In contrast, ink pens with retractable cartridges retract and extend outside of the protective housing, which is normally made from plastic or rubber. The major benefit of retractable pens is that they allow you to write directly without having to fiddle with caps.
Additionally, they do not have any loose parts you can lose, and when you get bored, the clicker keeps you entertained.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have tested various products, and we never endorse anything we would not personally purchase. Before choosing our best recommendations for a category, we first spend hours researching and testing potential products.
We investigate and contrast various pens, read customer reviews, analyze competition coverage, and do in-person testing throughout our staff over days or even weeks to find the best products.
How We Picked
Type of ink and its consistency
Ink is essential since it is the substance that will be on your paper. Quality, color, and ease of flow are all important.
A great pen should not only have a color that fits your needs but also has a smooth, unimpeded flow. You should also consider how long it takes for the ink to dry.
Precision
First, examine the sort of pen that best fits you and your needs. A ballpoint is an excellent choice if you need to write fast and without smudging the paper.
An ink or fountain pen would be better if you plan on doing line art or calligraphy. Gel pens are the best option if you are a student looking for smoother writing.
Comfort
The grip is another important factor to consider. Depending on how you grip a pen, some may be bigger, and some may be smaller.
So, if possible, try writing with the pen before purchasing it to ensure that the grip is firm and that it does not harm your wrist if used for extended periods.
Size and weight
Hold them lightly in the crook between your thumb and index finger like you are preparing to write. The pen should not be overly heavy at the back or the front. If the pen has a cap that can be posted (attached to the rear), use it.
Then perform the balancing process. They need to be comfortable to use, regardless of weight, and overall balance plays a huge role in this.
Design and style
The “style” of a pen refers to its aesthetic appeal. For example, some versions have a fully metallic body while others have a plastic body. Some variations are chosen for their bright aesthetic appeal, while others are picked for their semi-transparent icy bodies.
These are simply a couple of instances of the styles to choose from. A wider range of styles is available in online and physical stores, which will fascinate you even more.
When choosing a pen, you need to be sure about choosing a style that appeals to your tastes and preferences.
Durability
The durability of any tool is also important. Ideally, they should be made of metal or plastic of good quality. Ideally, steel, tungsten, or brass should be used in the writing sphere of a pen. Another important factor to consider is the ink cartridge.
As a result, it would be better to manufacture it out of brass or aluminum. In general, the construction should be robust and durable yet soft and smooth simultaneously.
Long-lasting
In the event of a fall, a plastic body will not last long and will be susceptible to breaking. On the other hand, metal bodies can withstand many falls.
However, if you are a scholar likely to misplace your pens every other day, purchasing plastic ones makes sense.
Price
The price is the next item you should think about. Ballpoints, rollerballs, and gel pens are far more practical for many individuals, and superb pens of all varieties are available at every price level.
So, before you buy one, make sure you have a price range in mind.
How We Picked
Type of Ink + Consistency
Ink can be water-based, oil-based, gel-based, or alcohol-based. Ballpoints use oil-based, which dries faster with fewer smudges. Water-based ink flows and soaks into the paper faster, making it ideal for fast and long writing. Alcohol-based ink is found in markers and is used to write on plastic, glass, or metal.
Comfort
During writing, many people prefer pens that are pleasant to hold. Make sure the pen has a comfortable grip and is light to avoid finger soreness after a long writing session.
There is a sizable selection that is made with high-quality components to promote a firm grip and more comfort.Precision
Given that precision depends on the nib, it is critical to choose a tool that matches your writing style. If you write in large letters or in cursive, a calligraphy pen is ideal. A ballpoint, on the other hand, will be more appropriate if you use more details and smaller letters.
Price
Pens should have reasonable prices unless they are luxury or collector's items. However, more expensive pens tend to write more smoothly and with purpose. Low-cost, high-quality pens are ideal for everyday writing.
Care and Maintenance
How and where to store when not in use
Whatever pen you are using, remember to cap it or retract the tip after you are through writing. This helps keep from leaving stray markings on cases and pockets.
Keep the tips pointing up since this might cause the ink to flow to the bottom, resulting in hard beginnings or the tip drying up.
Keep ballpoint pens with the tip pointing downward to prevent ink from flowing away. In contrast, gel and rollerballs contain inks that are more fluid than ballpoint ink. Therefore, keep them on their sides to avoid ink from the tip leaking. Cases and pouches will also prevent scratches, keeping your pen’s finish looking new.
How to keep clean
Whenever possible, clean with a soft, damp cloth to prevent a chemical reaction that could cause discoloration. If your ink leaks into the barrel, immerse it in a cup of water after removing the barrel.
This should progressively dissolve any remaining ink, but you may also rinse the barrel under running water for a more thorough cleaning. If the ink still does not come out, try using a moist cotton swab to clean it manually.
To avoid damaging the materials, avoid using household cleaners and detergents.
Sources and Research
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