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10 Best Writing Pencils 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BIC Xtra Comfort Mechanical Pencils, Medium Point (0.7mm), Soft Grip For Comfort and Added Control, 12-Count Pack

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Hardness Grade
Lead Diameter
Material

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead produces a softer, more natural line that improves handwriting appearance without harshness.
Lead Diameter
The 0.7mm lead glides smoothly and is perfect for a variety of tasks, from note-taking to exams.
Material
Leads are remarkably break-resistant, even under heavier writing pressure, ensuring durability.
Eraser Quality
Erasers perform well without smudging, helping keep notes clean and professional.
Grip Comfort
The pencils are comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue, supporting longer writing sessions.

The BIC Xtra Comfort Mechanical Pencils are a solid choice for everyday writing needs, especially for adults looking for reliability and comfort. They feature a medium 0.7mm lead diameter, which is versatile for both writing and light sketching, providing a nice balance between detail and smoothness. The HB hardness grade of the lead is standard, offering dark, clear lines without being too soft or too hard, which suits most writing tasks well. Made from lightweight plastic resin, these pencils are easy to handle and portable. The standout feature is the soft grip, designed to reduce hand fatigue and improve control during longer writing sessions, making them comfortable for extended use.

The lead writes smoothly and resists smudging, while also erasing cleanly, which is helpful for neatness and corrections. However, the eraser quality is typical for mechanical pencils—adequate but not exceptional—so heavy erasing might wear it down quickly. Since the pencils are retractable, they are convenient and safe to carry without worrying about broken tips. The assorted colors add a bit of fun but do not affect performance. This pack of 12 offers good value for bulk needs, such as for students, office workers, or anyone who writes frequently.

For those needing a pencil with a wider range of lead hardness options or a more premium eraser, this may not fully satisfy those specific needs. Yet, they perform well in delivering general writing comfort, reliability, and clean results.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Hardness Grade
Lead Diameter
Material

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead produces a softer, more natural line that improves handwriting appearance without harshness.
Lead Diameter
The 0.7mm lead glides smoothly and is perfect for a variety of tasks, from note-taking to exams.
Material
Leads are remarkably break-resistant, even under heavier writing pressure, ensuring durability.
Eraser Quality
Erasers perform well without smudging, helping keep notes clean and professional.
Grip Comfort
The pencils are comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue, supporting longer writing sessions.
#2

BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, No. 2 Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count Pack Pencils for School or Office Supplies, Lead and Eraser Refills

Rating
9.8
Hardness Grade
Material
Eraser Quality

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead resists breaking even under firm pressure, making writing uninterrupted and reliable.
Material
The pencil's durability and design make it an excellent choice for individuals with handwriting difficulties.
Eraser Quality
The jumbo twist-up eraser fully removes marks with minimal pressure and leaves no smudges.
Grip Comfort
The thicker barrel and contoured grip provide exceptional comfort, especially for longer writing sessions.

The BIC Break Resistant Mechanical Pencils are designed with durability and user comfort in mind, making them a good choice for school or office use. They feature a 0.7mm medium point HB lead, a common hardness grade suitable for everyday writing — not too hard or soft, providing clear and smooth lines. A standout feature is the innovative shock-absorption mechanism that helps prevent lead breakage, which is a common frustration with mechanical pencils. This means fewer interruptions when writing or drawing.

The pencils come with a jumbo twist-up eraser that is easy to use and cleans up marks well without smudging, adding to their convenience. The contoured grip adds comfort, allowing for longer writing sessions without hand fatigue, which is helpful for students or professionals who write a lot. The variety of fun colors also adds a bit of personality to your supplies. The pack includes refills for both lead and erasers, which is a nice bonus for extended use.

There are some limitations to consider, such as the lead being standard HB grade only, so if you need pencils with varying hardness levels for sketching or specialized work, these might be limited. Also, while the eraser is large and effective, mechanical pencil erasers generally wear down faster than regular pencil erasers, meaning you might need to replace them more often. These pencils provide a reliable and comfortable writing experience with features that reduce common mechanical pencil annoyances like lead snapping.

Rating
9.8
Hardness Grade
Material
Eraser Quality

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead resists breaking even under firm pressure, making writing uninterrupted and reliable.
Material
The pencil's durability and design make it an excellent choice for individuals with handwriting difficulties.
Eraser Quality
The jumbo twist-up eraser fully removes marks with minimal pressure and leaves no smudges.
Grip Comfort
The thicker barrel and contoured grip provide exceptional comfort, especially for longer writing sessions.
#3

BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil, Metallic Barrel, Fine Point (0.5mm), 24-Count, Doesn't Smudge and Erases Cleanly

Rating
9.7
Hardness Grade
Material
Eraser Quality

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead is impressively strong and resists breaking even under heavy pressure, making it perfect for intense writing sessions and standardized tests.
Material
While the plastic barrel is somewhat fragile and can snap if handled roughly, it’s a minor trade-off given the pencil’s overall value and performance.
Eraser Quality
The pencils offer a smooth writing experience with consistent lead advancement and clean erasing that keeps notes neat and smudge-free.
Grip Comfort
Comfortable to hold during long use, these pencils provide a reliable grip without causing hand fatigue.

The BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil is a reliable choice for everyday writing tasks, especially for adults and students needing neat, precise lines. It features a 0.5mm fine point lead with an HB hardness grade, which is a good balance for smooth writing and moderate darkness—suitable for tests, notes, and light sketching. The lead is designed not to smudge and erases cleanly, which helps keep your work tidy and hands clean. These pencils have a ribbed plastic grip that offers decent comfort during extended use, though it may not provide the cushioned feel that some premium mechanical pencils have. The build uses plastic, graphite, and rubber, making them lightweight but less durable if dropped frequently.

The included eraser does its job well, erasing marks clearly without excessive residue. Being sold in a large 24-count pack makes this pencil an economical option for classrooms or offices where multiple users need dependable pencils. However, if you prefer pencils with softer grips or a wider range of lead hardness for artistic purposes, this might feel a bit basic.

This pencil is an excellent pick for standardized tests, everyday writing, and light drafting tasks where precision and cleanliness matter.

Rating
9.7
Hardness Grade
Material
Eraser Quality

Most important from
94904 reviews

Hardness Grade
The lead is impressively strong and resists breaking even under heavy pressure, making it perfect for intense writing sessions and standardized tests.
Material
While the plastic barrel is somewhat fragile and can snap if handled roughly, it’s a minor trade-off given the pencil’s overall value and performance.
Eraser Quality
The pencils offer a smooth writing experience with consistent lead advancement and clean erasing that keeps notes neat and smudge-free.
Grip Comfort
Comfortable to hold during long use, these pencils provide a reliable grip without causing hand fatigue.

Buying Guide for the Best Writing Pencils

Choosing the right writing pencil can significantly enhance your writing or drawing experience. Whether you're a student, artist, or professional, understanding the key specifications of pencils will help you select the best one for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when picking a writing pencil.
Hardness GradeThe hardness grade of a pencil indicates how hard or soft the lead is. This is important because it affects the darkness of the mark and the smoothness of the writing experience. Pencils are graded on a scale from H (hard) to B (soft), with HB being the middle point. Harder pencils (H grades) produce lighter marks and are great for technical drawing and fine details. Softer pencils (B grades) produce darker marks and are ideal for shading and sketching. If you need a pencil for general writing, an HB or F grade is usually a good choice.
Lead DiameterThe lead diameter refers to the thickness of the pencil's core. This is important because it affects the precision and durability of the pencil. Common diameters range from 0.3mm to 2.0mm. Thinner leads (0.3mm to 0.5mm) are great for detailed work and fine lines, while thicker leads (0.7mm to 2.0mm) are better for bold lines and shading. For everyday writing, a 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead is typically a good balance between precision and durability.
MaterialPencils can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. The material affects the pencil's weight, durability, and environmental impact. Wooden pencils are traditional and biodegradable, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious users. Plastic pencils are often more durable and come in a variety of colors and designs. Metal pencils are the most durable and often have a more premium feel. Choose a material that aligns with your preferences and values.
Eraser QualityMany pencils come with an attached eraser, and the quality of this eraser can vary. A good eraser should remove marks cleanly without damaging the paper. This is important for making corrections and keeping your work neat. If you frequently need to erase, look for pencils with high-quality erasers or consider purchasing a separate eraser. Test the eraser on a small area to ensure it works well with the type of paper you use.
Grip ComfortThe grip comfort of a pencil refers to how comfortable it is to hold and use for extended periods. This is important for preventing hand fatigue and ensuring a pleasant writing experience. Some pencils have ergonomic designs or cushioned grips to enhance comfort. If you write or draw for long periods, look for pencils with features that improve grip comfort. Try holding the pencil in your hand to see how it feels before making a decision.

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