While we can easily use our smart devices to create just about anything—reminders, notes, letters, novels, and even art—sometimes nothing beats the feel of a slick pen on a crisp sheet of paper.
In fact, some studies have linked writing by hand (as opposed to typing on a computer or phone) to increased learning, better creativity, and stronger focus.
But if you want to try working the old-fashioned way, you’ll need the right tools. We’ve selected some of the best pens for all of your writing needs, including your best choices for comfort, value, and quality.
Best Pen Brands
Pens can be a topic of fierce debate in the writing world. But if you haven’t already declared your undying allegiance to a particular brand, consider picking up one of these.
1. Best Pen For Easy Writing
The Pilot Better Ballpoint Pen
If you’re in need of a dependable, quality pen for everyday use but don’t want to break the bank, this is the ballpoint for you.
What makes it great: This retractable ballpoint pen delivers an elegant smoothness and holds up to everyday wear. Featuring a stainless steal point and a non-slip grip for comfort, it promises consistently smooth writing. The Better Ballpoint is refillable and has a transparent ink barrel, so you’ll know exactly when it’s time for a refill or new pen.
Point size: 0.7mm
Cost: $13 for a pack of 12
Best for: students, writers, or frequent note-takers
2. Best Value
The Bic Cristal Xtra Bold Ballpoint
You’ve probably picked up hundreds of these in your lifetime, because the Bic Cristal is found everywhere: doctor’s offices, motel rooms, your mom’s purse—you name it, and a Bic is probably there somewhere.
What makes it great: The 1.66 mm ball offers a smooth flow, perfect for daily use. For heavy-duty writing, Bic gets the job done even without all the frills and will let you know when it’s time for a refill with its transparent barrel. And when you do run dry, pulling a new pen from your pack will cost you little more than a quarter.
Available colors: black, blue, red
Point size: 1.66mm
Cost: $7 for a pack of 24
Best for: frequent writers and notetakers looking for great value
3. Best Ergonomic Pen
Pilot Dr. Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point
Whether you suffer from arthritis or are trying to hold off that nasty writer’s cramp, the Arthritis Foundation recognizes the Pilot Dr. Grip as one of the best pens for comfort.
What makes it great: The pen is designed with perfect weight distribution for comfortable writing and offers a double layer comfort grip to reduce writing fatigue. The Dr. Grip is retractable and refillable.
Available colors: black, blue
Point size: medium (1.0-1.2mm)
Cost: $8.22
Best for: ergonomic needs
4. Best Gel Pen
The Pilot G2 Retractable Premium
The Pilot G2 is the king of gel pens, offering a consistently strong and smudge-free performance suitable for school, the office, or at home.
What makes it great: This gel pen is known for lasting longer than most, and doesn’t smudge easily like many gel pens are prone to do. Offering a comfortable contoured grip, the G2 is an elegant and smooth option that comes in a variety of colors and is also refillable.
Available colors: black, blue, navy, green, red, purple
Point size: fine 0.5-0.7mm)
Cost: $11.37 for a pack of 12
Best for: Smooth writing and detailed illustrations
5. Best Luxury Pen
The Waterman Expert Deluxe Obsession Ballpoint
If you’ve got some cash to spare, you may want to consider treating yourself to this Waterman ballpoint that was designed to reduce stress.
What makes it great: The Waterman’s trademark blue is known to have a soothing effect, so you might find this pen comforting even on your most stressful of days. Coming in at less than $100, this handmade pen also contains blue ink that flows with smooth precision. Despite its somewhat bulky shape, the pen offers a comfortable grip, especially if you have to write for extended periods.
Available colors: blue
Point size: Medium (1.0-1.2mm)
Cost: $98
Best for: writers who need to destress
6. Best Fine Point Pen
The Sharpie Fine Point
What makes it great: You won’t find any bleedthrough with this Sharpie! This fine point pen offers a consistent flow and dries instantly. You’ll still get the boldness and durability that Sharpie is famous for, but without the chunky print of their classic markers. this pen is perfect for filling in your most important details.
Available colors: 10 color options, including black, blue, green, red, orange, and violet
Point size: 0.8mm
Cost: $4.84 for pack of 2
Best for: filling in or drawing details
7. Best Pen for Lefties
The Uni-Ball Jet Stream Retractable Ball Point
No, we didn’t forget about all you leftie writers! Quick-drying ink is a must for avoiding smears, and the Uni-Ball Jetstream ensures that you can write smoothly and smudge-free.
What makes it great: This ballpoint’s ink dries incredibly fast, so you can ensure that no mess will be left behind. The ink also transfers in a gentle glide that requires less pressure, making it a more comfortable option. The Uni-Ball boasts stainless steel accents and an embossed grip. Ink is available in black, red, or blue.
Available colors: black, blue, red
Point size: 0.7mm
Cost: $12 for a pack of 3
Best for: left-handed writers
8. Best Pen for Writing Outdoors
Uni-Ball Power-Tank Retractable Ballpoint
Pens aren’t just for offices—sometimes you need to scribble an important note outdoors, especially if you’re a reporter or work in nature. The Uni-Ball Power-Tank was designed to hold up to nature.
What makes it great: Not only does this pen offer a smooth flow and fast-drying ink, but it was designed to work well even on wet surfaces and in extreme hot or cold weather. Its pigment-based ink protects against water, fading, and even fraud.
Available colors: black, blue
Point size: 1.0mm
Cost: $20.99 for a pack of 12
Best for: Writing outdoors or in extreme conditions
9. Best Fountain Pen
The Scribe Sword Fountain Pen
Fountain pens aren’t just for the Oval Office and nineteenth century writers. The Scribe Sword Fountain Pen will add a touch of class to your office without breaking the bank!
What makes it great: This elegant fountain pen promises a superb weight balance and ink flow for fine writing and optimal line thickness. Featuring a stainless steal body, the pen also comes with six international-sized ink cartridges.
Available colors: black, blue
Point size: Medium
Cost: $29
Best for: Writers seeking an elegant fountain pen on a budget
10. Best Pen for Color-Coding
Pilot Multi-Pen Body, Hi-Tec-C Coleto 500
Sometimes you just have to add a little more color to life. Whether you are an avid planner or simply want a variety of color options for your journal, this customizable Pilot Coleto makes staying colorfully organized easy.
What makes it great: Users can order the exact colors and point sizes they want in order to mix and match pen bodies with refills for the perfect custom pen. Note that ink cartridges are sold separately, but color sets come in a variety of sizes, from 0.3-0.5mm.
Available colors: 15 color options including black, aqua blue, baby pink, and apple green
Point size: 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 mm
Cost: $6 for pen body plus cost of cartridges
Best for: Highly organized planners who use color-coding
The Best Pens for Writers
Finding the tools that work best for you can make your writing experience more enjoyable and even boost your productivity. Give one of these fantastic options a try and see what wonderful things you can create!
What are some of your favorite writing tools? Feel free to share in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
- The Best Supplies for Your Bullet Journal
- How to Improve Your Handwriting: 7 Steps for Better Print and Productivity
- Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers: The Best Gifts a Writer Could Want
- 6 Hacks to Take Better Notes
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
