10 Best Writing Pencils 2025 in the United States

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils are a solid choice for everyday writing activities, particularly in school or office settings. The pencils feature a versatile 0.7mm medium point, making them suitable for a wide range of writing tasks. The hardness grade is HB, which is ideal for standardized tests and general writing, ensuring that the lead is not too soft or too hard. Users will appreciate that these pencils do not need sharpening; the lead advances with a simple click, providing convenience and ease of use.

The high-quality lead is designed to be smudge-resistant and erases cleanly, which helps keep your work tidy and professional-looking. The included erasers are built-in and functional, although they might not be the highest quality available, they get the job done for most basic erasing needs. The ribbed grip offers some comfort during extended writing sessions, though it may not be as cushioned or ergonomic as other higher-end pencils.

The pencils are made of plastic, which keeps them lightweight but might not appeal to users looking for a more premium feel. With a 40-count pack, these pencils are great for bulk use, ensuring that you always have a pencil on hand when needed. The BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils provide a reliable and economical option for students and professionals alike.

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.

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.