10 Best Pencil Sharpeners 2026 in the United States

The Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, quick way to sharpen pencils, whether you're an artist, student, or teacher. It is an electric sharpener, so it works fast and avoids the tiring manual effort. The hardened helical blade (HHC cutter) is a big plus, offering about four times longer life than typical blades, which means it stays sharp longer and works smoothly without frequent blade changes. It also has a powerful motor that doesn’t stall easily, keeping your sharpening experience consistent.

One of its standout features is the large shavings tray, which means you won’t have to empty it as often—perfect for busy environments. The safety switch is thoughtful too; the sharpener won't operate unless the shavings tray is in place, helping avoid accidents. Its compact size makes it a good fit for small desks or crowded home offices.

This model doesn’t offer adjustable point options, so you get a standard sharp point rather than a choice between fine or blunt tips. Also, it's designed for standard-sized pencils; specialty pencils or very thick art pencils might not fit as well. Being made mostly of plastic, it may not feel as sturdy as some metal models, though the durable blade helps balance that. This sharpener is great for general office or school use, offering fast, safe, and low-maintenance sharpening in a small package, but it’s less suited if you want more control over pencil points or need to sharpen very thick or specialty pencils.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is a solid choice for heavy users like teachers, students, artists, or anyone who needs a reliable and fast way to sharpen pencils. It’s a corded electric model known for its strong motor and durable helical blade, which can sharpen over 10,000 pencils without wearing out. This means it will last a long time even with frequent use in classrooms or offices. The sharpener works automatically when you insert a pencil and stops when the pencil is perfectly pointed, giving you a fine tip suited for both graphite and colored pencils. However, it’s not recommended for very soft core pencils, as those can jam the blade.

The shavings container is easy to remove but has a safety feature that stops the sharpener if it’s not closed properly, helping avoid messes. It’s also stable thanks to non-skid pads at the bottom, so it won’t easily slip while sharpening. One downside is that it requires a power outlet since it’s corded, which might limit portability. Also, pushing pencils too hard while sharpening can cause noise and prevent the sharpener from working properly.

Its size and weight make it a bit bulkier than some manual sharpeners, but this is expected for a heavy-duty electric model. For those who need a fast, durable, and efficient sharpener for frequent use and don’t mind plugging it in, the AFMAT is a dependable choice.

The JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener is designed to handle a variety of pencils, including No.2 and colored pencils, making it versatile for different needs. It features a heavy-duty helical blade that sharpens pencils quickly, usually within 5-10 seconds, and it has an auto-stop function to protect pencil cores from over-sharpening. This is a significant strength, as it ensures longer pencil life and less waste. The sharpener also has a safety feature with an 8mm-diameter shaving inlet to keep children's fingers safe, which is excellent for school use.

Additionally, the JARLINK sharpener is powered either by USB or 4 AA batteries, offering flexibility for use in various settings like classrooms, offices, or homes. Durability is another strong point, with the blade capable of sharpening pencils over 3000 times. The shavings container is easy to clean, which adds to the convenience, although it might need frequent emptying if used heavily.

At 11.9 ounces and with dimensions of 5.2 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches, it is compact and portable. The reliance on batteries might be a minor inconvenience for some. The JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener is a reliable and efficient tool with several user-friendly features.