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 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.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is a solid choice for anyone needing a fast, reliable sharpener for both standard and larger pencils (6-12mm), including No.2, colored, and hard charcoal pencils. It sharpens quickly—new pencils in about 5 seconds and used ones even faster—helping you save time compared to manual or slower sharpeners. A notable feature is its auto-stop function, which prevents over-sharpening and helps preserve your pencils. The sharpener also ejects broken leads automatically, reducing frustration. It offers two sharpening settings: a blunt point for safety or kids, and a sharp point ideal for artists or detailed work.

The durable helical stainless steel blade is designed to last for thousands of uses and can be replaced if needed, which adds to the product’s long-term value. The shavings container is large and easy to empty, helping keep your workspace tidy. Since it plugs into a power outlet with a worldwide voltage adapter, it’s convenient for use at home, office, or studio.

It is not recommended for soft core pencils, so if you work heavily with those, this might not be the best fit. Also, as it requires plugging in, it’s less portable than battery-operated models. This sharpener is well-suited for users who want a durable, efficient electric sharpener that handles a range of pencil sizes and types with minimal hassle.