Best Gel Ink Pens of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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

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

SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 12 Count Cover #TOP 1
SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 12 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count Cover #TOP 2
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count Cover #TOP 3
Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Gel Ink Pens

#TOP 1

SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 12 Count

2096159
Black
12 Count
SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point, 12 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count - Home, Office, School, Journaling, Writing, Note-Taking, Teacher Supplies

The SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens feature no smear, no bleed technology, which allows for always vivid writing. The pens come with intensely bold gel ink colors and a contoured rubber grip that provides a comfortable writing experience. The medium point (0.7mm) pens come in a pack of 12 with black gel ink.

What We Like
Smooth, vibrant black ink
Quick-drying, non-smearing
Comfortable grip
Durable and long-lasting
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Grip may feel slippery
Smudges on sticker-like surfaces
#TOP 2

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

2096134
Black
4 Count
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count - Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies

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 ink flow
Quick-drying ink
Comfortable grip
Vibrant color options
Reliable performance
What We Don't Like
Occasional retracting issue
Tip size may be thick
#TOP 3

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 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
Vibrant color variety
Smooth, consistent ink flow
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Quick-drying, minimal smudging
No bleed-through on paper
What We Don't Like
Occasional ink output inconsistency
Some minor smudging possible
#TOP 4

Pilot G2 Gel Roller Pens

31057
Black
4 Count (Pack of 1)
Pilot G2 Gel Roller Pens Cover
Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7, Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens 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
Comfortable grip
Vibrant ink colors
Long-lasting and durable
No smearing or leakage
What We Don't Like
Ink runs out quickly
Minor delivery tracking issue
#TOP 5

Sharpie S-Gel Medium Point Black Gel Pens, 12 Count

2221020
Assorted
Sharpie S-Gel Medium Point Black Gel Pens, 12 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Assorted Fashion Barrels, Black Ink, 12 Count - Office, Teacher, School Supplies

The Sharpie S-Gel Black Pens offer a smooth and bold writing experience that dries quickly, so you won’t have to worry about smudges or delays when taking notes or signing documents. These pens feature a modern design with stylish barrels that look professional and feel great in your hand. Thanks to their gel ink technology, your writing will stay clean without bleeding through paper, making them perfect for school, office, or personal use. With intensely vivid black ink, your words will always stand out clearly, helping you communicate effectively and confidently every time you write.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying ink
No smearing for lefties
Comfortable grip
Consistent ink flow
#TOP 6

SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Assorted Colors, 12 Count

2096153
Assorted
SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Assorted Colors, 12 Count Cover
Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens Writing Drawing Coloring Gel Pens For Journaling Medium Point Pen(0.7Mm) Assorted Colors 12 Count

Experience a comfortable and vivid writing with SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, which come in 12 assorted colors of 4 black, 4 blue, and 4 red. The gel ink offers no smear and no bleed technology, making your writing look sharp and clean. The contoured rubber grip ensures a comfortable writing experience. With medium point (0.7mm), these pens are perfect for everyday use.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying, smudge-resistant ink
Vibrant, consistent colors
Comfortable grip
Long-lasting ink supply
What We Don't Like
Tip size preference varies
Slightly higher price
#TOP 7

TIJOPOP 6PCS 0.7mm Acrylic Gel Pens

TIJOPOP
TG32843
Pink series
1 Count (Pack of 6)
TIJOPOP 6PCS 0.7mm Acrylic Gel Pens Cover
TIJOPOP 6PCS Acrylic Gel Pens- 0.7mm Fine Point Multicolor Ink Pens,Smooth Writing Retractable Pens for Colored Writing and Sketching

The TIJOPOP Acrylic Gel Pens come in a set of six vibrant colors with a fine 0.7mm tip, perfect for writing, drawing, and coloring every day. They use quick-drying ink that helps prevent smudges and bleeding, so your work stays clean and sharp. Designed with practicality in mind, these pens feature a convenient clip to securely attach to notebooks or pencil cases, making them easy to carry around. The retractable push-button design means you can use them quickly and effortlessly without worrying about losing caps. These pens offer a smooth, consistent ink flow that makes writing and sketching a pleasant experience for any user.

What We Like
Vibrant, aesthetic ink colors
Smooth, consistent writing
Quick-drying, minimal smudging
Comfortable triangular grip
Works on multiple surfaces
What We Don't Like
Minor skipping on some surfaces
Limited performance on glossy plastic
#TOP 8

Grabie 9-Color Erasable Gel Pens

GRABIE009
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Grabie 9-Color Erasable Gel Pens Cover
Grabie Erasable Gel Pens, 9 Colors Erasable Pens, Make Mistakes Disappear Colored Pens, Assorted Color Inks for Drawing Writing Planner,Gel Pens for Coloring

The Grabie Erasable Gel Pens offer nine vibrant colors that make your writing, journaling, or drawing stand out with rich, eye-catching ink. With a smooth 0.6mm tip, these pens provide consistent, clear lines without any skipping, ensuring your work looks neat and professional. You can easily fix any mistakes thanks to their pencil-like erasability, letting you erase and rewrite without harming your paper. Plus, the twist design means no more lost caps and quick color changes, making your writing experience comfortable and hassle-free.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Vibrant color selection
Complete erasability
Comfortable ergonomic design
Quick-drying ink
What We Don't Like
Ink color lighter than expected
Price slightly high
#TOP 9

Ddaowanx 6-Pack 0.5mm Black Gel Pens

Ddaowanx
Gel Pen-01
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Ddaowanx 6-Pack 0.5mm Black Gel Pens Cover
Ddaowanx Gel Pens, 6 Pcs 0.5mm Quick Dry Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women

The Ddaowanx Quick-Dry Gel Pens come in a set of six, designed with a sleek and modern look that fits everyday writing needs. These pens feature fast-drying ink, so you won’t have to worry about smudges or faded writing, keeping your notes clean and clear. The retractable design means you can easily click the pen tip in and out, preventing accidental marks and making it simple to carry around. Plus, the handy clip lets you attach the pen securely to your notebook or bag, so it's always within reach when you need it.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Quick-drying ink
Comfortable grip
Crisp, bold lines
Minimal smudging
What We Don't Like
Slight ink smearing with highlighter
Sometimes too inky
#TOP 10

PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count

31256
Black Ink
PILOT G2 Premium Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count Cover
Pilot G2 Premium Gel Pens, Black Pens, Bold Point 1 mm, 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
Consistent smooth ink flow
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Bold, easy-to-read lines
Long-lasting and reliable
Excellent value for price
What We Don't Like
Occasional slow ink drying
Rare minor smearing
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 24 gel ink pen products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 864,176 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 $10.19.

The gel ink pens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gel ink pens, including Sharpie, Paper Mate, PILOT, TIJOPOP, Grabie. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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 Sharpie Sharpie Paper Mate PILOT Sharpie Sharpie TIJOPOP Grabie Ddaowanx PILOT
Writing Instrument Form Ballpoint Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Roller Ball Pen Gel Pen Marker Pen Ballpoint Pen Gel Pen Ballpoint Pen Roller Ball Pen
Color Black Black Assorted Black Assorted Assorted Pink series 9 Colors Pens: Classic 6 Pcs Morandi-Black Ink Black Ink
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Teen Adult Adult Adult Adult
Ink Color Black Black - Black Multicolor Black Multicolor Multicolor Black Black
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
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 8.7
Where to Buy