10 Best Erasers of 2023 (Staedtler, Prismacolor, and More)

Also known as plastic erasers, these are made from vinyl chloride and work pretty well. Vinyl erasers are able to erase pencil and ink with ease. In addition, the leftover residue from the eraser tends to bunch together, leaving you with little mess to clean up.

Vinyl erasers are hard and rigid, and can therefore tear the paper without much force. They also shrink at an alarming rate, so you will need to use them with caution. However, if you’re allergic to rubber, vinyl is a great option.

When you think of an eraser, you probably envision the pink and rubbery eraser shown above. Rubber erasers are ubiquitous in schools all around the United States and can come in a variety of colors other than pink. They were the first type of eraser invented and are still reliably used to this day.

The latex harvested from the rubber tree is used to make these erasers. Synthetic alternatives exist, though they are cheaper and not as effective as natural rubber.

Rubber erasers are sturdy and don’t run out too fast. They, however, do not erase ink and, unless you exert some force, aren't always great with pencil, either. But be careful not to apply too much pressure on a rubber eraser, as they’re known to break in half. They also harden after being exposed to too many ultraviolet rays, so get something you can use up quickly.

Additionally, their rectangular shape allows you to choose between using a small (the corner) or large (the face) surface area when you’re erasing. For artists, the ability to go small allows for a more precise erase. That means a better drawing or picture.

Kneaded erasers are almost primarily used by artists, and they don’t just erase—they can also function as a type of highlighter. They are malleable and can be shaped, or kneaded, into whatever form works best for the artist. 

Unlike other eraser options, kneaded rubber ones actually pull the graphite from the paper and essentially absorbs it, leaving no shavings behind. However, the eraser will eventually darken from all the graphite.

Most kneaded erasers can absorb chalk, pastels, charcoal, and, sometimes, colored pencils. Be careful not to leave them in hot environments for too long, as they’re likely to lose their shape and become unusable.