Skip to content

Best Calligraphy Pens of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu

Last Updated:

Save
Share

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Calligraphy pens are a timeless tool for creating beautiful and intricate lettering. These pens are specially designed to provide a smooth and consistent flow of ink, allowing for precise strokes and elegant curves. They come in a variety of styles, from traditional dip pens to modern fountain pens, and are available in a range of nib sizes to suit any project. Whether you're a seasoned calligrapher or just starting out, a good calligraphy pen is an essential tool for any artist or writer looking to add a touch of elegance to their work.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Calligraphy Pens

ARTISTRO Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers

ARTISTRO Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers Cover

ARTISTRO 24 Acrylic Paint Markers - Paint Pens for Calligraphy, Brush + Fine Tips - For Fabric, Rock, Glass, Wood, DIY, Craft, Canvas - Art and Craft Supplies for Adults, Teens, Kids

ARTISTRO Paint Markers offer a versatile dual-tip design, featuring both a brush tip and a fine tip to enhance your creativity. You can easily switch between detailed work and broader strokes, making these markers perfect for various projects. The high-quality acrylic paint dries quickly and provides solid coverage, eliminating the need for multiple layers. Suitable for nearly any surface, from wood to glass, you can unleash your artistic potential on different materials. Plus, the pre-activated cotton nibs make these markers user-friendly, especially for kids, allowing for seamless creativity without frustration.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, true-to-cap colors
  • Dual tip design
  • Works on multiple surfaces
  • Quick drying ink
  • Easy cleanup

What We Don't Like

  • Minor streaking on some colors
  • Packaging differs from product image

What Customers Say

"I was absolutely blown away by these markers! The ink is super pigmented and vivid, and the colors you see on the markers are exactly what appears on paper or other surfaces. I’ve used them on plastic, glass, wood, and even marble with great results. There’s a lot of ink in each marker, and the shipping was ultra-fast. I’m definitely coming back for more—these are professional grade!"

"I bought these to use with my grandkids and found them so easy and fun to use. The dual tip design is perfect for both fine lines and coloring larger areas, and the colors really pop, especially on denim and other fabrics. They’re amazing value and make painting projects so much easier than using brushes. Highly recommended for anyone crafting with kids!"

"As a lefty, I often smudge my art, but not with these! The 24-count metallic markers were ready to use right out of the box—no priming needed. The colors are smooth, vibrant, and don’t smudge as I work. I’m really impressed with their quality and plan to buy them again."

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack

  • Tombow
  • 62038
  • Black
  • 2 Count (Pack of 1)
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack Cover

Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack. Soft and Hard Tip Fudenosuke Brush Pens for Calligraphy and Art Drawings

The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack, is a set of flexible brush pens with both soft and hard tips, allowing you to create extra fine, fine or medium strokes by changing the pressure. These water-based, pigmented black ink pens are perfect for calligraphy and art drawings, and their flexible brush tip offers a range of lettering and drawing techniques.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Smooth writing experience
  • Excellent line variation control
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Flexible nib options
  • Minimal skipping or splattering

What We Don't Like

  • Casing slightly inconvenient

What Customers Say

"I've tried both real calligraphy pens and these, and I find the Tombow Fudenosuke pens much easier to handle for creating both thick and thin strokes. The pen responds well to different angles, making it perfect for practicing cursive writing."

"After using numerous pens, I can honestly say these are among the smoothest and most enjoyable for both writing and drawing. Their flexible nibs provide awesome control over line weight, and I’m definitely planning to purchase more."

"When I started learning brush lettering, I struggled with soft brush markers, but switching to these pens made a huge difference. Both the hard and soft nibs are fantastic for lettering, giving me buttery bold strokes with minimal effort. I prefer the soft tip since it’s easy to control and perfect for lighter pressure writing, but the hard tip is great too if you tend to press harder."

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set for Artwork and Precise Writing

  • SAKURA
  • 30066
  • Ass't Colors
  • 05 Tip (Pack of 1)
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set for Artwork and Precise Writing Cover

SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner, 05 Tip, Ass't Archival Colors, 8 PK 30066

The Sakura Pigma 30066 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set is perfect for artists, illustrators, and professionals who need precise and consistent lines. These pens deliver smooth, skip-free writing with rich black ink that won't smear or bleed through most papers. The Pigma pigment based ink is waterproof, chemical and fade resistant, and quick drying. With a variety of colors to choose from, you can create marks that stand the test of time. These pens are also certified non-toxic, making them safe for all users.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vivid colors and solid lines
  • Fast-drying, smudge-free ink
  • Fine, precise tip
  • No bleed-through on thin paper
  • Durable and long-lasting

What We Don't Like

  • Text on pen fades quickly
  • Missing orange color option

What Customers Say

"As someone who's really particular about pens, I’m impressed by how smoothly these write and how well they work even on the thinnest papers. The ink doesn’t bleed through and the colors are vibrant, making them my go-to for writing or drawing. After years of use, they’ve proven to be reliable and never dry out, even when I forget to cap them occasionally."

"I use these mainly for color-coordinated notes in my textbooks and appreciate how quickly the ink dries, even on glossy surfaces. The tips are among the thinnest I’ve seen, and the pens are exceptionally durable—no bent tips or dried-out ink, even with heavy use. My only minor gripe is the lack of a bright orange color, but overall, they’re worth the price for their quality."

"As an artist, I find these pens deliver crisp, clean lines and vibrant hues. The fine tips are extremely precise and perfect for detailed work. They’re essential tools in my kit, and I’m always glad to find them at a good price. Highly recommend them for anyone serious about drawing or illustration."

#TOP 4

ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Brush Pens Set

  • ARTISTRO
  • WCBWB0024-01-ZT-CN
  • 24 Bright Colors
ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Brush Pens Set Cover

ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Markers with Flexible Paint Brush Pens for Pros & Beginners - Consistent, Smooth, Bright, Washable, Non-Toxic, Ideal for Coloring, Calligraphy, & Manga

The ARTISTRO Watercolor Brush Pens offer 24 vibrant colors that let you blend and create beautiful watercolor effects with ease. The high-quality nylon brush tips range from 0.05 to 5 mm, giving you precise control for detailed work or broader strokes without needing to wet the brush first. This set is all-inclusive, featuring a water brush pen for smooth blending, a fineliner for sharp finishing touches, a color chart to test your shades, and five postcards to inspire creativity. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, these pens are perfect for coloring, sketching, manga, and calligraphy projects.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant color selection
  • Affordable price
  • Good blending ability
  • Flexible real brush tips
  • Works on various papers

What We Don't Like

  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Colors difficult to tone down

What Customers Say

"I purchased these markers because I needed a wider range of colors without spending too much, and I'm genuinely pleased with the results. The set offers a fantastic variety of vibrant shades, blends well, and lets me create detailed artwork across different themes and locations. I also appreciate the real brush tips and how versatile the markers are—whether blending directly or using them with a palette. They fit perfectly in my sketch bag, and the included fineliner is a nice bonus. For the price, this set is outstanding, especially compared to more expensive options."

"As someone new to watercolor markers, I was pleasantly surprised by how vivid the colors are and how smoothly the brush tips perform. Even on cheaper paper, the results were impressive, and the learning process was pretty manageable after watching a few tutorials. The set offers great variety and value for the price, making it a worthwhile investment for beginners like me."

"These markers are a great step up from watercolor pencils, with intense colors, easy layering, and sharp brush points. I found them simple to use on both dry and wet paper, and the fast-drying colors made my creative process more enjoyable."

#TOP 5

Krylon Leafing Pen for Calligraphy and Art Supplies

  • Krylon
  • K09901A00
  • Gold
  • 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Krylon Leafing Pen for Calligraphy and Art Supplies Cover

Krylon K09901A00 Leafing Pen, Gold, .33 Ounce, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

The Krylon K09901A00 Leafing Pen is a perfect choice for calligraphy and art supplies enthusiasts. This pen is designed to create beautiful lines and intricate details with its smooth and consistent ink flow. Made in China, it is a high-quality pen that is easy to use and produces outstanding results on any surface. With its compact design and convenient size, you can take it with you wherever you go, making it ideal for both professional and amateur artists.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Highly reflective gold color
  • Easy to use
  • Dries quickly
  • Good ink flow
  • Versatile for various surfaces

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly strong odor
  • Color dulls under varnish

What Customers Say

"I wanted the gold in my mirror to stand out more, and this pen really made it pop with a genuine gold leaf effect. Using it was incredibly simple and it dries so fast! I even found myself reaching for it on smaller decor projects I originally planned to spray paint—this was so much easier."

"For my artwork, I've tried countless gold paints and pens, but this one truly delivers a vivid, highly reflective gold finish that draws the eye. It flows well, works for finer details, and you can even build up larger areas with ease. I appreciate how convenient and effective it is compared to others I've used."

"When I needed to restore the gold hardware on my vintage purse, I gave this pen a try and was blown away—it looks just like the original gold finish. I'm really impressed and would definitely recommend it to others looking for a professional touch."

#TOP 6

Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L)

  • Pentel
  • XFL2L
  • Black
  • 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L) Cover

Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L)

The Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L) is a calligraphy pen that comes in a blister pack. It features a brush tip that allows you to create a variety of line widths, from thin to thick, making it versatile for various art projects.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Excellent ink flow
  • Versatile line variation
  • Comfortable lightweight design
  • High quality for price
  • Brush tip durability

What We Don't Like

  • Ink flow learning curve
  • Unclear instructions

What Customers Say

"As someone who never used a brush pen before, I found it takes some getting used to, but it’s taught me a lot about controlling pressure and line quality. The ink flows beautifully, and the pen is shockingly light and comfortable. While the design is nothing fancy, it works perfectly for my needs. I’m already planning to buy more in different sizes because I didn’t expect to love it this much!"

"I think this is a great pen for its price. The brush doesn’t fray like cheap ones and the ink gives a deep, rich black line. You can achieve fine or bold strokes depending on your pressure, and I appreciate how smooth the ink flow is."

"The instructions were a bit confusing since they’re in Japanese, but after reading some tips online, I figured it out. Now that I’ve got the ink flowing, I can say the pen itself is excellent and performs just as I hoped."

Lagarto Feather Quill Pen Ink Set

  • Lagarto
  • Feather Quill Pen Kit
  • 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Lagarto Feather Quill Pen Ink Set Cover

Red Feather Quill Pen and Ink Set - 11.4" Antique Feather Pen and Ink Set with Stainless Steel Nib for Calligraphy Practice, Drawing & Signatures - Designed for Beginners and Calligraphy Enthusiasts

Lagarto Quill Pen Set offers high-quality red feather pens made from premium materials, providing excellent control for your calligraphy. The elegant red ink pens have a compact structure, making them comfortable to hold while writing. This set is lightweight, smooth, and easy to use, allowing you to enjoy calligraphy with ease. Included in the package are a metal pen, 5 nibs, inkwell, and stand, making it a perfect gift idea for various occasions. Enhance your writing experience with this luxurious and artistic fountain pen set.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Beautiful feather design
  • Affordable price
  • Good gift option
  • Writes smoothly
  • Rich luxurious colors

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly imperfect packaging
  • Minor feather bending

What Customers Say

"I got this as a Christmas gift, and it was a hit. Paired it with a journal, and the recipient absolutely loved it. The price was excellent, making it a fantastic value."

"I purchased ten of these for party favors and was really impressed with the vibrant colors and luxurious gold accents. Out of the batch, a few feathers were a bit bent, probably from how they were packed, but overall they looked gorgeous and made perfect gifts."

"As someone who’s always wanted a feather quill, I finally bought this for my home office. It’s not just decorative—it writes very well and adds personality to my workspace. I’d definitely recommend it as a gift or for personal use."

#TOP 8

PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set

  • PILOT
  • 90051
  • Red/Blue
  • 1 Count (Pack of 1)
PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set Cover

Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 2.4mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90051)

The PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set is designed with breakthrough nibs that feature 2 parallel plates and allow for sharp, monoline writing with the narrow edge and expressive, calligraphic writing with the broad edge. It is refillable with various ink colors and available in 4 nib widths. Users can mix and match the nibs of two pens to create ombre designs. PILOT offers a full line of calligraphy and hand lettering pens, brush markers, fountain pens, and more, perfect for bullet journaling and other creative projects. The brand has been making pens for over 100 years and provides exceptional writing instruments to suit all needs, including fountain, ballpoint, retractable, erasable, and gel ink pens.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Smooth writing experience
  • Multiple nib sizes
  • Easy ink color change
  • Great for calligraphy practice
  • No leaking issues

What We Don't Like

  • Ink bleeds on average paper
  • Lid design slightly inconvenient

What Customers Say

"I've loved these pens since high school, and after cleaning my old set from 2016, they still function perfectly. The new 3.0 mm nib is a fantastic addition, and the white pen body looks much nicer than the previous gray design. For blackletter calligraphy, these are truly my favorites."

"I purchased this pen to improve my handwriting for sending letters. The smallest nib is practical for daily use, and the pen has helped me become more confident in my writing skills. My only complaint is that the included ink tends to seep through standard paper, so I use thicker paper for best results."

"Switching to this pen made a huge difference in my calligraphy. It's comfortable, doesn't leak, and comes with very clear instructions. The only slight annoyance is that the screw-on lid can't be posted on the back, but overall, it's a fantastic tool for learning new styles."

#TOP 9

ITOYA CL-10BP-BK Calligraphy Marker

  • ITOYA
  • FBA_CL-10BPBK
  • Black
  • 1 Count (Pack of 1)
ITOYA CL-10BP-BK Calligraphy Marker Cover

Itoya CL-10BP-BK Doubleheader Calligraphy Marker Black

ITOYA Doubleheader Marker is a versatile calligraphy pen with two chisel point nib sizes: thin (1.5mm) and thick (3.0mm). The water-soluble feature allows you to create beautiful blended effects. Its acid-free ink ensures your creations will last over time. This pen is perfect for creating intricate designs and elegant lettering, making it a must-have for both beginners and experienced calligraphers.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Long-lasting quality
  • Affordable price
  • Great for beginners
  • Versatile tip sizes
  • Clean lines on good paper

What We Don't Like

  • Some bleeding on cheap paper

What Customers Say

"I've relied on this pen for years because of its excellent durability and consistency. It's a quality product that truly stands the test of time!"

"As someone new to calligraphy, I wanted something affordable yet high quality. This marker was the perfect fit—easy to use and delivers great results without breaking the bank."

"I bought this pen for an art class and was impressed by how well it performed. The quality is impressive, and I can see it lasting a long time as I continue to use it."

#TOP 10

Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen Set

  • Pentel
  • SES15C-6STA
  • 6 standard colors
Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen Set Cover

Pentel SES15C-6STA Brush Touch Sign Pen, Set of 6 Colors

The Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen Set includes six water-based dye ink pens with flexible tips, allowing you to write lines like a brush. The pens come in black, red, blue, green, pink, and sky blue colors, and each pen measures 0.7 inches wide, 0.5 inches deep, and 5.3 inches long. The body of the pen is made from recycled PP, and the tip is made from polyester, POM, and brass, with an acrylic fiber filling. This set is perfect for calligraphy artists who want a variety of colors to work with.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant color selection
  • Flexible and smooth brush tip
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Ideal for calligraphy and lettering
  • Consistent ink flow

What We Don't Like

  • Tip may be too soft for beginners
  • Slightly higher price

What Customers Say

"I've recently started learning calligraphy and tried several brush pens. These pens have bold colors and work well, but the tip gets really soft quickly. They're fantastic for coloring, though. If you're a beginner in calligraphy, they might be a bit too soft, but more advanced users would find them easier to handle."

"I absolutely love these markers! The colors are extremely vibrant, and the pens never seem to dry out. They're also very durable, which makes them perfect for my daily calligraphy practice."

"My go-to brush pen was the Tombow Fudenosuke, but I wanted more color choices, so I tried these. The ink flows beautifully, and the tip strikes a perfect balance between control and flexibility. The colors are bright and lively, especially the blue. I think I've found my new favorite pens for both fun and professional lettering."

Calligraphy Pens Comparison Table

#TOP 1 ARTISTRO Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers Cover

ARTISTRO Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers

#TOP 2 Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack Cover

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack

#TOP 3 Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set for Artwork and Precise Writing Cover

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set for Artwork and Precise Writing

#TOP 4 ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Brush Pens Set Cover

ARTISTRO 24 Watercolor Brush Pens Set

#TOP 5 Krylon Leafing Pen for Calligraphy and Art Supplies Cover

Krylon Leafing Pen for Calligraphy and Art Supplies

#TOP 6 Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L) Cover

Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L)

#TOP 7 Lagarto Feather Quill Pen Ink Set Cover

Lagarto Feather Quill Pen Ink Set

#TOP 8 PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set Cover

PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set

#TOP 9 ITOYA CL-10BP-BK Calligraphy Marker Cover

ITOYA CL-10BP-BK Calligraphy Marker

#TOP 10 Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen Set Cover

Pentel Brush Touch Sign Pen Set

Brand ARTISTRO Tombow SAKURA ARTISTRO Krylon Pentel Lagarto PILOT ITOYA Pentel
Ink Color - Black Blue Multicolor Gold Black Black Assorted Black Black, Red, Blue, Green, Sky Blue, Pink
Writing Instrument Form - Marker Pen Marker Pen - - Brush Pen Dip Pen Fountain Pen - -
Color - Black Ass't Colors - - Black Red Red/Blue - -
Age Range (Description) - 12+ Adult - - Adult Adult Adult - -
FTB Score
9.9
9.8
9.6
9.5
9.5
9.4
9.2
9.2
9.1
9.1
Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a calligraphy pen and a regular pen?

The main difference between a calligraphy pen and a regular pen is that calligraphy pens are specifically designed for special writing projects or drawing. They have thicker inks, which provide better control over the ink flow. However, it's important to clean the tools after every use as the thicker inks may clog the nib.

2. Is it hard to use a calligraphy pen?

Using a calligraphy pen requires some practice and muscle memory. While it may not be as easy to use as regular pens, with practice, you can learn how to control the pen and create beautiful calligraphy.

3. Are Sharpies good for calligraphy?

Sharpies or other markers can be used for calligraphy, but they may not provide as fine of a line as a dedicated calligraphy pen. However, Sharpies can create unique effects due to their vibrant colors. They are best suited for large fonts with ample spacing between letters.

4. Can I do calligraphy with a ballpoint pen?

Yes, you can create calligraphy-like effects using a ballpoint pen. This technique, known as faux calligraphy, allows you to mimic the look of calligraphy using any writing instrument like a ballpoint pen, chalk, or marker. Faux calligraphy can be a beautiful lettering art form on its own.

5. Can I do calligraphy if I have bad handwriting?

Having bad handwriting does not necessarily impact your ability to do calligraphy. Calligraphy requires a different skillset than regular handwriting. While people with nicer handwriting may approach calligraphy with more patience, anyone can learn and improve their calligraphy skills with practice.

6. Does calligraphy require a special pen?

Technically, calligraphy requires special tools like a pointed pen and dip ink. However, if you're just starting or experimenting with calligraphy, there are workarounds that allow you to explore the craft using whatever writing tools you have on hand.

Editor's Notes

During our calligraphy pen research, we found 24 calligraphy pen products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 284,067 customer reviews through our big data system to write the calligraphy pens list. We found that most customers choose calligraphy pens with an average price of $11.53.

The calligraphy pens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of calligraphy pens, including ARTISTRO, Tombow, SAKURA, Krylon, Pentel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,599 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by

Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.