The Best Pens to Grace Your Desk With in 2021

Top Product: Uni Ball Jetstream RT | $27 | Amazon

While many of us grab our smartphone to jot down a quick note, I’m one of the Luddites out there who still prefer putting pen to paper. Beyond making a work-related to-do list, handwriting notes can be such a meditative task.

Though any old pen can get the job done, there’s no denying that some writing utensils are better than others. Not to mention, we all have unique preferences and concerns, regardless of what we are shopping for. At Kinja Deals, we have compiled a list of some of our favorites, from affordable everyday ballpoint pens to fancier fountain pens to help steer you in the right direction.

Best for Note Taking: uni-ball Jetstream RT Ballpoint Pens

Back when in school, I always gravitated toward pens with a comfortable grip. As a result, I enjoy splurging on ballpoint pens with an embossed grip, like uni-ball’s Jetstream RT ballpoint pen.

It’s thicker than those flimsy doctor’s office pens, and for the left-handers out there, its quick-drying ink won’t let you down. In fact, uni Super Ink is known to protect against water and fading, ensuring that your notes are legible long after they’re written down. Writing with this pen is a joy since it offers little resistance when you glide it across the page.

Best Fountain: Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain

No, fountain pens haven’t gone out of style. They’ve evolved and are perfect for those of us who write with a lighter touch.

With its new, modern design, the Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen comes in a 6-pack with 3 black and 3 blue pens. The advanced liquid ink system and unique real fountain pen nib are great for smooth writing that won’t stain your hands or countertops. The best part is that its transparent design allows you to see how much ink is left before the pen runs out. This feature is great for budgeting how much time you have left before you need to replenish your pen supply.

Best With Refillable Ink: Pilot Precise V5 RT Deco Collection

If you’re the type of organizer who gets a kick out of color-coding, this combo pack might be the choice for you. Amazon reviewers note that the Pilot Precise V5 RT pen doesn’t provide much resistance as you’re writing. The ink dries quickly, and the fine point is great for in-line book annotations. (Calling all English majors out here!)

This pack comes in five colors: black, blue, red, green, and purple, which should cover all your bases. The shells all have colors to match, too, so you’ll never be surprised when you put pen to paper. Plus, they’re refillable, so if you like what these pens are putting out, you can keep the ink flowing without tossing more pens into the dump.

Best for Bullet Journal: Paper Mate Gel Pens Assorted, 14 Count

I know a few people, who live to color coordinate their planner, journal, or office supplies. If that sounds familiar, then these Paper Mate Gel Pens are for you. Available in 14 brilliant colors, these pens come with InkJoy gel that dries three times faster without smearing. Also, know that these pens are 0.7-millimeter medium point in case that fits your preference.

Best Ballpoint: BIC Round Stic Xtra Life, Medium Pen

If you’re looking for a quality ballpoint pen on a budget, then look no further than the BIC Round Stic Xtra Life, Medium Pen. It has a flexible round barrel for optimal writing and is translucent, so you’ll always know when you’re running out of ink. This pen also writes 90% longer than Paper Mate Ink Joy 100 Ball Stick pen. (That’s the office products tea.) Plus, one package comes with 36 pens, which makes a great price for a great value.

Best Gel: PILOT G2 Premium Retractable Rolling Ball Pen

For some people, having a pen with a rubber grip is an absolute must. If this sounds like you, then try the PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Pen. It’s one of the longest writing gel pens and is super smooth-writing, perfect for whatever your writing needs may be. This pen even comes in mini, metallic, mosaic, and fashion pens for versatility. PILOT has also been making pens for over 100 years, meaning that their brand quality has been tried and tested.

This story was published by Jordan McMahon on 09/14/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 05/21/2021.