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Pens and writing materialsHelping You Find the Best
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Pens and writing materialsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More) 5

10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing in 2022 (Uni-ball, Paper Mate, and More)

Are you looking for a steadfast and reliable pen? If so, you might want to go for a ballpoint pen. This type of pen works on just about any paper, from copy to glossy paper. Its thick formula is skip-free, quick-drying, smudge-resistant, waterproof, and long-lasting. This is why ballpoint pens are ideal for all types of writing, whether it’s for work, school, or leisure.


Ballpoint pens have been around for so long, and there are so many you can choose from, so to help you narrow down your options, we put together a list of the best ones you can buy online. We love Uni-ball's Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens. They are easy-to-use retractable pens with an embossed grip for your comfort. Scroll down further for more great options and a helpful buying guide, too!

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Ballpoint Pens For Writing

1

Uni-ball

Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens3 pack
Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens

Retractable Pens That Are Easy to Use

2

Paper Mate

Write Bros Ballpoint Pens60 pack
Write Bros Ballpoint Pens

A Big Pack of Slim Ballpoint Pens

3

Pilot

Dr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen
Dr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen

A Refillable Pen With a Comfortable Grip

4

Pentel

Energel Euro Ballpoint Pen
Energel Euro Ballpoint Pen

A Fine Tip Ballpoint Pen With Gel Ink

5

Montblanc

Pix Blue Ballpoint Pen
Pix Blue Ballpoint Pen

A Luxurious Pen With Platinum Details

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Ballpoint Pen for Writing - Buying Guide

Different ballpoint pens cater to different types of handwriting, so picking the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds. You should keep a few essential details in mind, like the tip size, type, and other helpful features.

1

Assess The Pen’s Tip Size

Assess The Pen’s Tip Size

One of the most important things to assess when picking the ballpoint pen for you is the tip size. Ballpoint pens usually have thick tips compared to gel or fountain pens. The typical tip size is 1.0mm, or one millimeter. This is great for people who have medium to large handwriting. However, it can be harder to write or draw fine details with a 1.0mm tip.


If you have smaller handwriting or if you like to write or draw in detail, you can go with a tip that is a bit finer; there are ones with a 0.7mm tip. Unlike gel pens or rollerball pens, very few ballpoint pens have tips under 0.5mm.

2

Decide Between a Retractable, Twist, and Capped Pen

Decide Between a Retractable, Twist, and Capped Pen

If you want to work and write quickly and don’t want the hassle of removing a pen’s cap on and off, go for retractable pens or twist-type pens. These pens are convenient, but if you forget to close them, they can stain your bag or pockets.


On the other hand, if you're worried about stains, it's better to go for a capped pen to avoid them. Plus, the pen’s cap can also keep the tip from being exposed to air and drying out. But with this type of pen, it’s easy to lose the cap or forget to put it back on.

3

Consider Erasable or Refillable Pens

Consider Erasable or Refillable Pens

Erasable or refillable pens are great options because they are convenient and practical. With erasable pens, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes or bringing extra correction tape with you.


The most common erasable pens come with a rubber tip that uses friction to help erase mistakes. Although these shouldn’t be used for signing or writing important documents, they are great if you’re just taking down notes or reminders.


Furthermore, refillable pens are also a great option because they’re less wasteful and can cost you less in the long run. As long as you take care of your barrel, you can just keep buying refills instead of buying a ton of disposable pens that contribute to waste.

4

Check Out These Extra Features

Check Out These Extra Features

If you tend to write for long periods of time, you should choose a ballpoint pen with ergonomic features that make it more comfortable to use. For example, choose a pen with a rubber grip above the tip.


These rubber grips can help reduce hand strain and can provide cushioned support. They often have indentations or grooves that give you a better grip, too. These are especially useful if you’re a heavy writer; they help you avoid calluses on your fingers.


You should also make sure that your pen is well-balanced. Although it’s tempting to go for adorable pens that feature pom poms or chains, these make the pen top-heavy and can add stress to your hand when used over a long time.


To avoid this, go for a pen made with the same material throughout the pen’s body, so the weight is balanced. Plus, pens that come with a hook are also great because they help you keep your pen on you at all times.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Ballpoint Pens for Writing

Here are our top 10 picks when it comes to ballpoint pens. We hope you find the right one for you! We made sure each one is unique and will cater to different needs and handwriting.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Uni-ball

Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens3 pack

Uni-ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens 1

Retractable Pens That Are Easy to Use

2

Paper Mate

Write Bros Ballpoint Pens60 pack

Paper Mate Write Bros Ballpoint Pens 1

A Big Pack of Slim Ballpoint Pens

3

Pilot

Dr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen

Pilot Dr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen 1

A Refillable Pen With a Comfortable Grip

4

Pentel

Energel Euro Ballpoint Pen

Pentel Energel Euro Ballpoint Pen 1

A Fine Tip Ballpoint Pen With Gel Ink

5

Montblanc

Pix Blue Ballpoint Pen

Montblanc Pix Blue Ballpoint Pen 1

A Luxurious Pen With Platinum Details

6

Bic

4-Color Ballpoint Pen3 pack

Bic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen 1

4 Different Ink Colors in 1 Pen

7

Zebra

Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen6 pack

Zebra Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen 1

Refillable and Retractable Pens

8

Parker

Jotter Stainless Steel CT Ballpoint Pen

Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT Ballpoint Pen 1

A Sleek and Durable Ballpoint Pen

9

Schneider

Slider Rave XB Ballpoint Pen5 pack

Schneider Slider Rave XB Ballpoint Pen 1

An Ergonomic Shape and A Broad Tip

10

Tul

BP3 Ballpoint Retractable

Tul BP3 Ballpoint Retractable 1

Retractable Pens With Rubberized Grip

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Uni-ball
Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens3 pack

Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens 1
Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens 2
Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens 3
Reference price
$10.29
Mid
Reference price
$10.29
Mid

Retractable Pens That Are Easy to Use

These retractable ballpoint pens are easy to use and have a fine tip of 0.7mm. They have quick-drying, waterproof, fade-resistant, and long-lasting ink, which is great if you're dealing with important documents. Plus, the pens feature an embossed grip for better control and stainless steel accents for a sleek look.


Although some buyers said that the ink leaked and ran out quickly, most of them loved that the pens wrote smoothly and consistently. They appreciated that they didn't skip and the color was highly pigmented. Additionally, left-handed buyers said they worked well because they didn't smear or dry out quickly.

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No.2

Paper Mate
Write Bros Ballpoint Pens60 pack

Write Bros Ballpoint Pens 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.97
Low Mid

A Big Pack of Slim Ballpoint Pens

If you want simple, slim, and light pens to bring and use for school or work, this pack of 60 pens from Paper Mate might be perfect. The pens have a 1.0mm tip and a rounded barrel that features a comfortable grip. You can get the pack in the color blue, too! These pens will be great for a family or classroom setting.


However, a few reviewers mentioned that pens did not have enough ink and they ran out quickly. On a positive note, more buyers were happy with how reliable the pens were. They said that the pens' ink flowed smoothly and didn't smear. Additionally, they said that they were easy and comfortable to grip.

No.3

Pilot
Dr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen

Reference price
$7.74
Mid

A Refillable Pen With a Comfortable Grip

This retractable and refillable ballpoint pen from Pilot is great for people who write for long periods at a time. The pen features a wide barrel and an ergonomic cushioned grip to avoid hand strain. The Arthritis Foundation recommends it for how easy it is to use. It also features a 1.0mm tip, and the ink is smear-resistant.


Some reviewers were disappointed that the ink ran out quickly. Even so, most of the reviewers loved that the pen kept their hands from hurting. They recommend it for those who deal with regular hand pains. They also liked that the ink was easily replaceable once they run out.

No.4

Pentel
Energel Euro Ballpoint Pen

Reference price
$4.90
Low Mid

A Fine Tip Ballpoint Pen With Gel Ink

Pentel's ballpoint pen features a 0.35mm tip, which is a super-fine tip for ballpoint pens. The needle tip is excellent for people with small handwriting. Not only that, but it also has gel ink. The pen comes in this rounded barrel that is light and easy to write with.


A few reviewers noticed that the pen's ink skipped while writing. Nevertheless, most reviewers liked the pen's precision and how pigmented the ink was. They said it had a thick barrel that is easy to hold. Plus, reviewers also noted that the ink was quick-drying despite the gel formula.

No.5

Montblanc
Pix Blue Ballpoint Pen

Reference price
$240.00
High

A Luxurious Pen With Platinum Details

If you want to invest in a durable and luxurious ballpoint pen, this might be the pen for you. Montblanc's ballpoint pen features a 1.0mm tip. The pen's barrel and cap are made of resin and its clip is coated with platinum. You can have the pen personalized when you buy it from their official website.


There were a few reviewers who complained that the pen felt light and made of plastic. But aside from that, most of them loved the pen's design, the ink's smoothness, and how it felt in their hand. They thought it looked sleek and elegant.

No.6

Bic
4-Color Ballpoint Pen3 pack

Reference price
$4.69
Low Mid

4 Different Ink Colors in 1 Pen

This handy pen from BIC features four assorted colors in one pen. The pen is convenient and compact, making it easy to bring anywhere. It has a 1.0mm tip and a hole that will allow you to attach the pen to a lanyard. The pen includes blue, green, black, and red inks that are long-lasting and refillable.


The number one complaint reviewers had with the pen is that the ink leaked. Still, a majority of the buyers loved that the pen was sturdy, easy to use, and convenient for work or school. They also said that the pen's inks were smooth and long-lasting.

No.7

Zebra
Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen6 pack

Reference price
$13.67
Mid

Refillable and Retractable Pens

These ballpoint pens have lightweight and durable stainless steel barrels with a non-slip grip, making them comfortable and easy to use. They have 0.7mm tips that are refillable. The set of six pens also come with three extra refills for when they run out.


An overwhelming amount of reviewers complimented the ink's smooth and smear-free formula. They also liked that the pens were lightweight and had comfortable grips. They said the pens were of top quality.

No.8

Parker
Jotter Stainless Steel CT Ballpoint Pen

Reference price
$15.96
Mid

A Sleek and Durable Ballpoint Pen

Parker's ballpoint pen has this sleek and durable barrel that's made of stainless steel. It has a 1.0mm tip, retractable design, and an arrowhead clip, making it easy to use and bring wherever you go. You can also easily buy refills once the ink runs out.


Although some buyers said that the pen was light and small, most were happy that the pen felt comfortable in their hands. They also noted that the pen was long-lasting. Reviewers also loved how sleek and classic the pen looked with its silver barrel.

No.9

Schneider
Slider Rave XB Ballpoint Pen5 pack

Reference price
$22.61
High Mid

An Ergonomic Shape and A Broad Tip

These ballpoint pens from Schneider have an ergonomic shape and a rubber surface that makes them easier to grip and write with. They also feature a broad 1.4mm tip and quick-drying, waterproof, and refillable ink.


Some unhappy buyers said that the ink smeared. Aside from that, many others loved how the pens write; they thought they were smooth and long-lasting. The buyers also said that the pens did not hurt their hands even after a long day of writing.

No.10

Tul
BP3 Ballpoint Retractable

Reference price
$18.94
High Mid

Retractable Pens With Rubberized Grip

These retractable ballpoint pens from Tul will prevent you from getting stains and marks on your bag, clothes, or things. They have rounded silver barrels with a rubberized grip for comfort and control. The pens also have long-lasting and smooth ink.


A couple of buyers were disappointed to note that the pens leaked. But overall, most reviewers loved that they wrote smoothly and the writing dried quickly. They loved how easy the pens were to write with and how comfortably they fit in their hands.

Top 5 Ballpoint Pens For Writing

No. 1: Uni-ballJetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens3 pack

No. 2: Paper MateWrite Bros Ballpoint Pens60 pack

No. 3: PilotDr. Grip Refillable & Retractable Ballpoint Pen

No. 4: PentelEnergel Euro Ballpoint Pen

No. 5: MontblancPix Blue Ballpoint Pen

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