Best Ink Pen Refills of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Ink pen refills are a convenient and cost-effective way to keep your favorite writing instrument working smoothly. Whether you prefer ballpoint, rollerball, or fountain pens, there are a variety of refill options available to suit your needs. Many refills come in different point sizes and ink colors, allowing you to customize your writing experience. These refills are designed to fit a wide range of pen brands and models, making it easy to find a replacement for your old or worn-out cartridge. With ink pen refills, you can enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your favorite pen without having to replace the entire writing instrument.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Ink Pen Refills
Cross Refills for Ballpoint Pens, Medium, Black Ink, 2/Pack (85132)
Cross Ballpoint Pen Refills are designed to ensure optimal performance for standard Cross ballpoint pens. These refills are highly reliable and suitable for general-purpose writing on all types of paper. The black ink provides a professional and sleek look to your writing. With an authentic Cross refill, you can trust the quality and longevity of your writing experience. The medium point allows for smooth and consistent lines, making it perfect for everyday use. Upgrade your writing experience with Cross Ballpoint Pen Refills.
Pentel Refill Ink for EnerGel Liquid Gel Pen
The Pentel Refill Ink for EnerGel Liquid Gel Pen is a box of 12 ink refills that provides standard refill for any refillable EnerGel pen, including BL407; BL77; BL107; BL117; BL57; and BL37. The high-performance ink technology combines the best qualities of liquid and gel ink for a super-smooth writing experience. The liquid gel ink dries so fast that even left-handed writers love it, with no smears, smudges, or globs. The ink color is black.
PILOT Gel Ink Refills for G2, Dr. Grip, ExecuGel G6, Q7
The PILOT Gel Ink Refills are suitable for G2, G2 Limited, G2 Pro, G6, Dr. Grip LTD., Dr. Grip Gel, Precise Gel BeGreen, G-Knock BeGreen, Q7, B2P Gel Ink pens, ExecuGel and Pilot MR Gel Roller. It is tested to write longer than the average of the top branded gel ink pens. PILOT offers a variety of pen types to suit every writing style.
Cross Rollerball Gel Ink Refill
The Cross Rollerball Gel Ink Refill is a high-quality ink refill designed for Selectip Pens. With its specially formulated ink, this refill offers a smooth performance, allowing for a superior writing experience. The medium-point tip produces crisp, bold lines, ensuring excellent visibility. The ink is fade-resistant and dries in a matter of seconds, eliminating smudges and smears. Compatible with various Cross pen models, this refill is a convenient choice for those who want reliable and quick-drying ink. Whether you're writing notes, signing documents, or expressing your creativity, the Cross Gel Ink Refill provides consistent, fade-resistant ink flow for a satisfying writing experience.
PARKER Black Ink Refills, 3 Count
Get consistent, smooth writing with PARKER QUINKflow Ballpoint Pen Ink Refills. These refills are designed specifically for PARKER ballpoint pens and offer a medium tip for everyday writing. The beautifully pigmented deep black ink captures your thoughts and is perfect for any writing task. All PARKER ballpoint pen refills are certified ISO 12757.2 and comply with Documentary Use standards for the handling and storage of documents during long periods of time.
PILOT FriXion Gel Ink Refills
Introducing the PILOT Gel Ink Refills, the perfect choice for all your writing needs. These refills are designed to fit PILOT pens and provide a smooth and consistent writing experience. With their unique thermo-sensitive ink formula, these refills allow you to erase and rewrite repeatedly without ruining the page. Whether you're taking notes, stocking up on school supplies, or writing in a bullet journal, these gel ink refills are a must-have. Plus, they combine the convenience of a retractable pen with the incredible FriXion erasable gel ink, allowing you to erase and rewrite without damaging your documents. Trust the quality of PILOT, a brand that has been making pens for over 100 years. Experience the power of STEM with these authentic FriXion erasable pens, which are backed by the nation's leading STEM accreditation and education organization. Choose PILOT Gel Ink Refills for a bright and effortless writing experience.
Cross Selectip Gel Rollerball Pen Refill - Blue - Dual Pack
Cross Selectip Gel Refill is a dual pack of blue ink pen refills designed for use with Cross Selectip Rollerball Pens. It offers a smooth and consistent alternative to the free-flowing ink of a fountain pen. This refill is perfect for those who want a more controlled and precise writing experience. The ink dries quickly, preventing smudging and making it ideal for left-handed writers. The dual pack ensures that you always have a spare refill on hand when you need it. With Cross Selectip Gel Refill, you can enjoy a reliable and high-quality writing experience every time.
Cross Ballpoint Pen Refill - Fine Black
Get the most out of your standard Cross ballpoint pen with this authentic Cross Ballpoint Pen Refill in Fine Black. Suitable for a variety of writing needs, this refill is highly reliable on all types of paper and offers a fine point for precision. Ensure optimal performance of your pen with this dual pack refill that is perfect for general-purpose writing.
Pilot G2 Gel Ink Pen Refills
The Pilot G2 Gel Ink Pen Refills are perfect for overachievers who love smooth writing and long-lasting ink. These refills are available in ultra fine, extra fine, fine, and bold point. Pilot also offers a full G2 line of Mini, Metallic, Mosaic, and Fashion gel ink pens in a variety of sizes, barrel designs, and colors. With proven longest writing gel ink among top brands, these refills are the classic choice for all your writing needs. Trust the quality of Pilot, who has been making pens for over 100 years.
PILOT Precise V5 RT Refill
The PILOT V5 RT Refill is a high-quality ink refill designed to deliver smooth and precise writing. With its patented fine precision tip, this rolling ball pen ensures skip-free writing every time, allowing you to create clean lines effortlessly. The unique ink formula maintains even and flowing strokes, providing a consistent writing experience. The visible ink supply ensures that you never run out of ink unexpectedly, making it perfect for long writing sessions or important tasks. Whether you're taking notes, writing in a bullet journal, or stocking up on office supplies, the PILOT V5 RT Refill is a trusted choice that offers precision and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you put any ink refill in a pen?
Not all pens can accept any ink refill. Some pen brands have specific profiles and sizes that fit only their pens, while others take standard refill sizes, allowing you to use generic or off-brand pen ink cartridges. It's important to check the compatibility of the refill with your pen before purchasing.
2. How do you know what pen refill you need?
To determine the pen refill you need, consider the overall length of the refill, the shape profile of the cartridge, and any branding or logos on the cartridge. These characteristics will help you identify the appropriate refill for your pen.
3. Can you buy refills for ballpoint pens?
Yes, you can buy pen refills for a variety of pen types, including ballpoint pens. Refilling your pen with ink is a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution compared to replacing the entire pen. Look for ballpoint refills specifically designed for your pen model.
4. What pen can accept any refill?
The Ti Arto EDC pen is known for its versatility and can accept over 750 different refills without requiring any modifications. This pen is machined from solid titanium and can be adjusted to the perfect length, making it compatible with a wide range of refill types.
5. Are ink refills worth it?
Refilling ink cartridges can be a worthwhile option as it helps save the environment and reduces costs. However, it is important to get your refills from trusted shops to avoid damaging your printer or compromising print quality.
6. Which is better ballpoint or rollerball?
In terms of smoothness of writing, rollerball pens tend to provide a smoother experience compared to ballpoint pens. The thinner ink in rollerball reservoirs contributes to a smoother writing sensation, while the oil-based ink in ballpoint pens can sometimes feel scratchy.
7. Is it cheaper to refill ink cartridges or buy new ones?
Refilling ink cartridges can save you money, typically around 30-50% compared to buying new cartridges. However, in the long run, refilling cartridges may result in poorer print quality and may not be as cost-effective as purchasing new cartridges.
8. Is it cheaper to refill your own ink cartridges?
Refilling your own ink cartridges can save you nearly 50% compared to buying new cartridges. This option is particularly beneficial for inkjet printers. Refilling cartridges allows you to reduce costs while still maintaining quality prints.
During our ink pen refill research, we found 24 ink pen refill products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 411,692 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ink pen refills list. We found that most customers choose ink pen refills with an average price of $7.78.
The ink pen refills are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ink pen refills, including Cross, Pentel, PILOT, Parker. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 23,651 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
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.
Ink Pen Refills Comparison Table
|
#TOP1
|
#TOP2
|
#TOP3
|
#TOP4
|
#TOP5
|
#TOP6
|
#TOP7
|
#TOP8
|
#TOP9
|
#TOP10
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cross | Pentel | PILOT | Cross | Parker | PILOT | Cross | Cross | PILOT | PILOT |
| Style | Medium Ballpoint | Metal | Gel,Ballpoint,Fountain | Selectip Rollerball | Black 3 Count | Fine Point | Selectip Rollerball | Fine Ballpoint | Gel,Ballpoint,Fountain | - |
| Number of Pieces | 2 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | - |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 6.5 x 2.3 x 0.3 inches | 0.25 x 0.98 x 6.89 inches | 6 x 2 x 9 inches | 6.5 x 2.2 x 0.35 inches | 0.2 x 3.94 x 0.2 inches | 1.88 x 0.3 x 6 inches | 6.5 x 2.2 x 0.35 inches | 6.5 x 2.2 x 0.28 inches | - | - |
| Item Weight | 9.07 g | - | 2.04 Grams | 0.02 Pounds | 5 Grams | 10 Grams | 9.07 g | 9.07 g | 0.03 Kilograms | - |
| FTB Score |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Where to Buy |