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10 Best Gel Pens 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens - InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7). Perfect for Vibrant Colored Writing and Sketching with Paper Mate InkJoy 14 Count

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,147
Ink Quality
Comfort and Grip
Ink Color

Most important from
67892 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink flows consistently without skipping, enhancing the writing experience.
Comfort and Grip
The rubbery grippy texture makes them comfortable to hold, neither too heavy nor too light.
Ink Color
These pens write smoothly on paper and come in a variety of vibrant colors.

The Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens offer a solid choice for anyone looking for smooth and vibrant writing instruments. With a medium point of 0.7 mm, they provide a nice balance between fine detail and bold lines, making them suitable for various writing tasks, from note-taking to artistic endeavors. The assortment of colors adds a fun element, allowing users to express their creativity or categorize their notes effectively. One of the standout features is the fast-drying ink, which significantly reduces the chances of smudging, a common issue with gel pens. This makes them particularly beneficial for left-handed writers or those who tend to rush through their writing.

In terms of comfort, these pens are designed with an ergonomic grip, which is great for prolonged use, reducing hand fatigue during lengthy writing sessions. Plus, being retractable means they can easily be stored without the worry of ink stains. The bulk pack of 14 pens is another positive, ensuring you have a variety of colors on hand without needing to frequently restock.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the ink quality is generally high, some users have reported that the ink can occasionally skip if the pen is not held at the right angle or if the tip is pressed too hard on the paper. Additionally, the pens are not refillable, which could be a drawback for those looking to reduce waste or maintain their favorite colors long-term. Finally, while they perform well on most paper surfaces, they may not be the best option for glossy paper, as the ink may smudge if not allowed to dry properly.

The Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens are well-suited for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys writing with smooth, colorful pens. Keep their limitations regarding ink skipping and non-refillability in mind.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,147
Ink Quality
Comfort and Grip
Ink Color

Most important from
67892 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink flows consistently without skipping, enhancing the writing experience.
Comfort and Grip
The rubbery grippy texture makes them comfortable to hold, neither too heavy nor too light.
Ink Color
These pens write smoothly on paper and come in a variety of vibrant colors.
#2

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Medium Point Assorted 10 Count

Rating
10.0
Ink Quality
Comfort and Grip
Ink Color

Most important from
67892 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink flows consistently without skipping, making the writing experience enjoyable and effortless.
Comfort and Grip
They have a rubbery, grippy texture that's comfortable to hold, not too heavy and not too light.
Ink Color
The pens write smoothly on paper and offer a fantastic variety of vibrant colors, perfect for adding creativity and personality to notes.

The Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens offer a vibrant writing experience with assorted colors, making them ideal for anyone who enjoys adding a splash of color to their notes or drawings. One of the standout features is the fast-drying ink, which claims to dry three times faster, reducing smearing—a significant benefit for left-handed users or anyone who tends to smudge their writing. The 0.7mm medium point provides a balance between fine and bold writing, allowing for smooth and consistent ink flow across the page.

Comfort is another strong aspect, thanks to the ergonomic grip that wraps around the pen. This makes it easy to hold for extended writing sessions, which is beneficial for students or professionals who write frequently. However, the pens are not refillable, meaning once they run out of ink, they will need to be replaced, which could be a drawback for those who prefer more sustainable options.

The varied ink colors are appealing for creative tasks or organizing notes by color, which can be especially useful for kids and adults in educational settings. Being designed with kids in mind, these pens are suitable for younger users, but their features are versatile enough for anyone looking for a reliable and colorful writing tool. These gel pens are a great choice for vibrant, smooth, and relatively smudge-free writing. They cater well to casual users who prioritize comfort and color variety, though their lack of refillability might be a concern for eco-conscious users.

Rating
10.0
Ink Quality
Comfort and Grip
Ink Color

Most important from
67892 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink flows consistently without skipping, making the writing experience enjoyable and effortless.
Comfort and Grip
They have a rubbery, grippy texture that's comfortable to hold, not too heavy and not too light.
Ink Color
The pens write smoothly on paper and offer a fantastic variety of vibrant colors, perfect for adding creativity and personality to notes.
#3

Pilot, G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Bold Point 1 mm, Pack of 12, Black

Rating
9.9
Ink Quality
Tip Size
Comfort and Grip

Most important from
26695 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink is juicy and dependable, never scratching or skipping, and the pens seem to last forever.
Tip Size
The G2 10’s offer a thicker, smoother writing experience compared to the G2 07’s, making them a favorite for many.
Comfort and Grip
The grip is excellent, providing comfort for extensive writing tasks, whether at work or home.

The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens with a bold 1 mm tip size are designed to provide a smooth and long-lasting writing experience. One of the main strengths of these pens is their high-quality gel ink, which glides effortlessly across paper and is renowned for its longevity. This feature means you can write more without the need for frequent refills, making it ideal for extensive writing tasks. Moreover, the pen's ink is known for its quick drying properties, which helps prevent smudging and smearing, ensuring your writing stays neat and clean.

The black ink color is vibrant and consistent, making it suitable for professional and personal use alike. Additionally, the pens are refillable, which is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly feature, allowing you to reuse the pen multiple times with Pilot G2 refills available separately. Comfort is another strong point of the Pilot G2 pens, thanks to the contoured rubber grip that offers ergonomic support, making it comfortable to use even during long writing sessions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The bold 1 mm tip might not be suitable for those who prefer finer lines for detailed work or smaller handwriting. Some users may find the ink flow to be too heavy, causing occasional blotting or bleeding through thin paper. Despite these minor issues, the pen’s performance is highly regarded. The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens are a great choice for those looking for a reliable, comfortable, and efficient gel pen for everyday writing tasks.

Rating
9.9
Ink Quality
Tip Size
Comfort and Grip

Most important from
26695 reviews

Ink Quality
The ink is juicy and dependable, never scratching or skipping, and the pens seem to last forever.
Tip Size
The G2 10’s offer a thicker, smoother writing experience compared to the G2 07’s, making them a favorite for many.
Comfort and Grip
The grip is excellent, providing comfort for extensive writing tasks, whether at work or home.

Buying Guide for the Best Gel Pens

Gel pens are a popular choice for writing and drawing due to their smooth ink flow and vibrant colors. When choosing a gel pen, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a pen that suits your writing style, comfort, and the type of work you plan to do with it.
Ink QualityInk quality is crucial because it affects how smoothly the pen writes and how long the ink lasts. High-quality ink will provide a consistent flow, prevent smudging, and resist fading over time. If you need a pen for professional documents or artwork, look for one with archival-quality ink. For everyday use, a standard gel ink will suffice.
Tip SizeThe tip size of a gel pen determines the thickness of the lines it produces. Tip sizes generally range from 0.3mm to 1.0mm. A finer tip (0.3mm to 0.5mm) is ideal for detailed work, such as drawing or writing small text. Medium tips (0.5mm to 0.7mm) are versatile and suitable for general writing tasks. Larger tips (0.8mm to 1.0mm) create bolder lines, which are great for making a statement or for those who prefer a more substantial feel when writing.
Comfort and GripComfort and grip are important for preventing hand fatigue, especially during long writing sessions. Gel pens come with various grip designs, such as rubberized or contoured grips, to enhance comfort. If you write a lot, look for a pen with an ergonomic design that fits well in your hand. Test different grips to find one that feels comfortable and reduces strain.
Ink ColorGel pens are available in a wide range of colors, from standard black and blue to vibrant hues and metallic shades. The choice of color depends on your personal preference and the purpose of the pen. For professional or academic use, traditional colors like black or blue are often preferred. For creative projects, journaling, or adding a personal touch, explore the variety of colors available to find ones that inspire you.
RefillabilityRefillability refers to whether the pen can be refilled with new ink cartridges. Refillable pens are more environmentally friendly and can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you prefer a pen that you can use for a long time, look for one with refillable ink options. If convenience is more important, disposable gel pens might be a better choice.
Drying TimeDrying time is the amount of time it takes for the ink to dry on the paper. Faster drying times reduce the risk of smudging, which is especially important for left-handed writers or when using glossy paper. If you need a pen for quick note-taking or signing documents, look for one with quick-drying ink. For artistic purposes, drying time might be less critical, allowing you to focus more on the ink's vibrancy and flow.

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