We all have that one pen we love using, from taking notes and journaling to writing reminders and filling out your planner [1]. It's the one we're hesitant to lend to peers and friends because they might lose it, or even worse, steal it. Whether you're a student [2], in the workforce, or just love stationery, you can't underestimate the power of a proper pen. We want a pen that actually lasts a long time and creates the smoothest lines with bold colour and without bleeding. With plenty of options on the market, it's overwhelming to find the one you'll want to use all the time. From ballpoint and gel pens to marker pens, no matter what tasks are at hand, our editors absolutely love these six pens.
For Stunning Penmanship: Pilot Precise V5 Stick Liquid Ink Rolling Ball Stick Pens
"You know the type of pen that just makes your writing look 10x better? This Pilot Precise V5 Stick Liquid Ink Rolling Ball Stick Pens, Extra Fine Point (0.5mm) Black Ink [4] ($6, originally $8) is it. The point is extra fine and precise, but still writes super smoothly." — Yerin Kim, associate editor, Trending and Viral Features
Best Marker Pens: PaperMate Marker Pens Flair Medium Tip in Candy Pop Colours
"I'm more into markers than pens, which is why I love these PaperMate Marker Pens Flair Medium Tip 0.7mm in Candy Pop Colours [5] ($6), because you get the best of both world. They write so smoothly and I can't deny that the colourful set is just so fun to use." — Krista Jones, editor, Shop
For Bold Ink: G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens
"The G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink [6] ($11 for 2 Packs of 5) has been one of my all time favourite pens since high school. I love that the pen just glides so smoothly while giving bold pigment. It's one pen that I have noticed product the most intense, opaque colour without needing to press down on the pen. It lasts a long time and has a grip that makes note-taking a lot easier and comfortable." — Anvita Reddy, editorial assistant, Shop
For Precision: Sharpie Rollerball Pen, Needle Point (0.5mm) Precision Pen
"I love the precision of the Sharpie Rollerball Pen, Needle Point (0.5mm) Precision Pen, Black Ink [7] ($17, originally $21) and the fluid ink. It's perfect for when I'm taking notes, writing in my journal, writing a letter, or doing Zentangle meditative drawing." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness
For Colour Coding: BIC 4 Colour Fashion Ball Pen
"I'm a biiiig fan of colour-coding my notes and to-do lists, and the BIC 4 Colour Fashion Ball Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm), Assorted, 2-Count [8] ($7) comes with four bright ink hues that are way more exciting than boring ol' black and blue. Plus, clicking down the buttons is weirdly satisfying, so I always have a few of these on hand." — Victoria Messina, editor, Trending and Viral Features
Best Durable Pen: Zebra Pen F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen
"The Zebra Pen F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen [9] ($20, originally $32) not only last a long time but it's got the smoothest writing performance on the market. The best part? It doesn't bleed, so it's perfect for note taking. It's lightweight yet durable with a sleek design, so it can handle labs, assignments, tests, journaling and more." — Anvita Reddy, editorial assistant, Shop