Best Gel Ink Pens of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Gel ink pens have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a smooth and consistent writing experience, with vibrant colors that make any piece of writing stand out. Unlike traditional ballpoint pens, gel pens use a water-based ink that dries quickly and resists smudging. This makes them perfect for left-handed writers or anyone who tends to drag their hand across the page while writing. Gel pens are also available in a wide range of styles, from classic designs to fun and funky colors and patterns. Whether you're taking notes in class, writing a letter to a friend, or simply jotting down a to-do list, a gel ink pen is sure to make the task more enjoyable.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics 0.7mm Gel Pens Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 0.7mm Gel Pens
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count Cover #TOP 2
Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count Cover #TOP 3
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Gel Ink Pens

#TOP 1

Amazon Basics 0.7mm Gel Pens

Amazon Basics
GP1842-12A
Assorted
Amazon Basics 0.7mm Gel Pens Cover
Amazon Basics Gel Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, Retractable, Assorted, 0.7mm, 12 Pack

The Amazon Basics Gel Pens are designed to enhance your writing experience. With their no-smear technology, you can write without worrying about smudges, keeping your pages looking clean. The fine point of 0.7mm allows for precise detailing, making it perfect for clear handwriting and intricate work. You’ll also appreciate the consistent ink flow that ensures your writing is smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, these pens are built to last, ensuring you get the most out of every drop of ink. Ideal for school, home, or office use, this selection of 12 retractable pens meets all your writing needs.

What We Like
Smooth ink flow
Comfortable grip
Vibrant color options
Quick-drying ink
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Tight clip design
Inconsistent ink flow
#TOP 2

Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count

1951636
Assorted
14 Count
Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count Cover
Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens - InkJoy Gel Pens, Assorted Medium Point (0.7). Perfect for Vibrant, Colored Writing and Sketching with Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14 Count

The Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens come in a pack of 14 assorted vibrant colors with a 0.7mm medium point that spreads ink beautifully. The ink dries 3X faster, reducing smearing, and its smooth, colorful ink keeps the ideas flowing across the page and brightens your writing. The entire gel pen is wrapped in an ergonomic comfort grip, ensuring a comfortable writing experience.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Vibrant color variety
Comfortable grip
Durable and reliable
Quick-drying ink
What We Don't Like
Some colors may show through paper
Not ideal for detailed coloring
#TOP 3

SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

2096134
Black
4 Count (Pack of 1)
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel, Gel Pens, Drawing Pens, Gel Ink Pens For Journaling, Writing Pens, Coloring Pens, Medium Point Pens (0.7Mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

The SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens feature an intensely bold gel ink that offers always vivid writing. The gel pen has no smear, no bleed technology and a contoured rubber grip for a comfortable writing experience. With a medium point of 0.7mm, these pens come in a pack of 4 with black gel ink.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Bold, vibrant ink
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Durable tip
Consistent ink flow
What We Don't Like
Non-refillable design
#TOP 4

SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 4 Count

2126207
White
4 Count
SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 4 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel, Gel Pens, Drawing Pens, Gel Ink Pens For Journaling, Writing Pens, Coloring Pens, Medium Point Pens (0.7Mm), Pearl White Body, Black Gel Ink Pens, 4 Count

The SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens feature no smear, no bleed technology that provides intensely bold gel ink colors, ensuring always-vivid writing. The contoured rubber grip offers a comfortable writing experience. The pack includes 4 black gel ink pens with pearl white barrel, and each pen has a medium point (0.7mm).

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Comfortable grip
Stylish design
Quick-drying ink
Great value
What We Don't Like
Ink flow issues occasionally
Some smearing noted
#TOP 5

Pilot G2 Gel Roller Pens

31057
Black
4 Count (Pack of 1)
Pilot G2 Gel Roller Pens Cover
Pilot, G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Black, Pack of 4

Pilot G2 Pens offer a smooth writing experience with gel ink that flows effortlessly across the page. You’ll appreciate the comfort of the contoured rubber grip, which makes long writing sessions less tiring. These pens are versatile enough for everyday tasks, whether you're taking notes or doodling. Plus, they are refillable, helping you save money and reduce waste while providing quick-drying ink that minimizes smudges. With these features, you can enjoy a reliable writing tool that meets your various needs.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Fast-drying ink
Comfortable ergonomic design
Good value for money
Consistent ink flow
What We Don't Like
Occasional minor smearing
Delivery issues reported
#TOP 6

PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pen, Bold Point, Black Ink, 5-Pack

31303
Black
1 Count (Pack of 5)
PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pen, Bold Point, Black Ink, 5-Pack Cover
Pilot, G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Bold Point 1 mm, Pack of 5, Black

Experience smooth writing with PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pen. It features a comfortable rubber grip and is available in ultra fine, extra fine, fine, and bold point. Proven to be the longest writing gel ink pen among top brands, this retractable pen is refillable making it an ideal choice for all your writing needs. PILOT G2 also offers a full line of Mini, Metallic, Mosaic, and Fashion gel ink pens in a variety of sizes, barrel designs, and colors. With over a century of experience, trust that PILOT has the perfect pen for you.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Comfortable grip
Bold, rich black ink
Retractable with pocket clip
Quick-drying ink
What We Don't Like
Ink runs out quickly
Not visually appealing
#TOP 7

PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count

31256
Black Ink
PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count Cover
Pilot, G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Bold Point 1 mm, Pack of 12, Black

The PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pens are perfect for overachievers. They feature a comfortable rubber grip and are available in various point sizes. The pen is refillable, and with its smooth-writing gel ink, it is considered the longest writing gel ink pen among top brands. The PILOT G2 line offers many designs and colors to fit anyone's needs. PILOT has been making pens for over 100 years and offers a wide range of writing instruments.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying gel ink
Long-lasting performance
Comfortable grip
Variety of colors available
What We Don't Like
Ink may take time to dry
Occasional quality inconsistencies
#TOP 8

Amazon Basics Retractable Gel Ink Pens

Amazon Basics
GP1810-12BK
Black
Amazon Basics Retractable Gel Ink Pens Cover
Amazon Basics Retractable Gel Ink Pens, Fine Point, Smooth Writing, Black, 12-Pack

Amazon Basics Gel Pens are a 12-pack of black ink pens suitable for everyday writing. The quick-dry ink ensures smooth, smear-proof writing. With a fine-point tip and a contoured rubber grip, these pens offer comfort and control. The retractable design allows for easy one-click operation and prevents unwanted marks when not in use.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying ink
Good ink capacity
Affordable price
Comfortable grip
What We Don't Like
Some pens may skip
Occasional leaking issues
#TOP 9

30 Pack Retractable Black Gel Pens for Smooth Writing

BA43CB-03
Black, Clear
30 Pack Retractable Black Gel Pens for Smooth Writing Cover
Gel Pens, 30 Pack Black Gel Pen Fine Point, Retractable Gel Ink Rollerball Pens for Smooth Writing (0.7mm) Back to School Supplies

Enjoy smooth writing with the Aen Art 30 Pack Retractable Black Gel Pens. The large ink tube and quick-drying ink make them long-lasting and smudge-free. The comfortable design and durable pocket clip make them easy to use and carry. They are perfect for school, office, and home use, and come at a great value compared to other brands. Plus, they are made with environmentally friendly materials and non-toxic ink.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying ink
Comfortable grip
Good value for price
Retractable design
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent ink flow
Some pens run out quickly
#TOP 10

Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens 8 Pack

UIJS008M403VH
Black
Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens 8 Pack Cover
Mr. Pen- Retractable Gel Pens, 8 Pack, Vibrant Barrels, Fast Dry, Colorful Ink Gel Pens Fine Point 0.7mm, Retractable Pens, Cute Pens, Gel Ink Pens, Aesthetic Pens for Journaling Fine Tip Pens

The Mr. Pen Gel Pens set offers eight vibrant colors, making your writing and drawing tasks more enjoyable. With a 0.7mm fine point, these pens provide smooth, consistent ink flow for clear and precise lines, perfect for note-taking or journaling. The quick-drying ink prevents smudging, ensuring your work remains neat and professional. Plus, the comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to write for longer periods without discomfort. These features make the pens ideal for students, professionals, and artists looking to enhance their creative experience.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Vibrant ink colors
Comfortable grip
Variety of colors
Good price point
What We Don't Like
Ink skips occasionally
Runs out quickly
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are gel pens better than ink?

Gel pens offer several advantages over regular ink pens. Gel ink is smoother, more vivid, and more resistant to water and aging compared to ballpoint ink.

2. What are the downsides of gel pens?

Gel pens have a few disadvantages. They take longer to dry, which can lead to accidental smudges. Additionally, their thicker ink makes them more prone to skipping, even with light pressure.

3. What are the advantages of gel ink pens?

Gel ink pens have several advantages. They use water-based ink with pigments instead of regular dyes, allowing for a wider range of colors and bolder shades. Gel pens also provide clean, precise lines, a smoother writing experience, and easy writing.

4. Which lasts longer, ballpoint or gel?

Ballpoint pens generally last longer than gel pens, especially for heavy writing such as note-taking or journaling. Gel refills tend to run out more quickly, so ballpoint pens are a better choice for those who press hard when writing or have large handwriting.

5. Why are gel pens so hard to write with?

Gel pens can be difficult to write with because their water-based ink can dry out easily, leading to clogging. This is especially true when the pens are left unused for extended periods of time.

6. Why do gel pens run out so quickly?

Gel pens have a smaller reservoir and use ink that flows more freely, resulting in a faster depletion of ink compared to ballpoint pens. The larger the point size of the gel pen, the faster the ink will run out.

7. Should you store gel pens up or down?

Ideally, gel pens should be stored vertically with the nib facing upwards to prevent leaks. However, they can also be stored horizontally without significant issues, especially if they are frequently used. For long-term storage, vertical storage is recommended to avoid potential problems.

8. Do gel pens smudge after drying?

Gel pens have longer drying times, so there is a possibility of smudging if writing continuously without breaks. The highly viscous ink of gel pens can also result in quicker ink depletion compared to other pen types.

Editor's Notes

During our gel ink pen research, we found 26 gel ink pen products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 983,250 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gel ink pens list. We found that most customers choose gel ink pens with an average price of $11.50.

The gel ink pens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gel ink pens, including Paper Mate, SHARPIE, Pilot, Aen Art, Mr. Pen. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

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.

Gel Ink Pens Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Paper Mate SHARPIE SHARPIE Pilot Pilot Pilot Amazon Basics Aen Art Mr. Pen
Writing Instrument Form Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Ballpoint Pen Roller Ball Pen Ballpoint Pen
Color Assorted Assorted Black White Black Black Black Ink Black Black, Clear Black
Ink Color Multicolor Multicolor Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult,Teen Adult Adult Adult Adult
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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