Best Pencils of 2025

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

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Pencils are a staple in any office environment. They are versatile, affordable, and easy to use. Whether you need to take notes, sketch out ideas, or fill out forms, pencils are the go-to writing instrument. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and hardness levels, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs. Pencils are also eco-friendly, as they can be sharpened and reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. With their simplicity and reliability, pencils are a must-have for any office setting.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Amazon Basics Pre-sharpened Pencils - Box of 150 Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basics Pre-sharpened Pencils - Box of 150
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers Cover #TOP 3
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Pencils

#TOP 1

Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils

Amazon Basics
PHB-30
Orange
Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils Cover
Amazon Basics Woodcased Classroom #2 Pencils with Erasers, Pre-sharpened, HB Lead, Value Pack of 30 count, Orange

Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils are a set of 30 high-quality wood case #2 HB pencils that come pre-sharpened for your convenience. These pencils feature a strong medium-soft lead, which produces long-lasting, smooth, and readable strokes. The rounded hexagonal shape with a satin-smooth finish provides a secure and comfortable grip, allowing you to write or draw with ease. Additionally, these pencils are equipped with a soft, smudge-free, latex-free eraser at the end, making it easy to wipe away any mistakes. Whether you're a student, artist, or just someone who enjoys using pencils, the Amazon Basics Woodcased Pencils are a reliable and practical choice.

What We Like
Pre-sharpened for convenience
Durable and sturdy construction
High-quality erasers
Vibrant orange color
Great value for bulk purchase
What We Don't Like
Lead could be darker
Write with slightly more force

Amazon Basics Pre-sharpened Pencils - Box of 150

Amazon Basics
PHB-150
Yellow
Amazon Basics Pre-sharpened Pencils - Box of 150 Cover
Amazon Basics Wood-Cased #2 Pencils, Pre-sharpened, HB Lead Bulk Box, 150 Count, Yellow

This bulk box of 150 pre-sharpened pencils is made from high-quality wood with a medium-soft lead to produce long-lasting, smooth, readable strokes. The rounded hexagonal shape with a satin-smooth finish allows for a secure, comfortable grip. Plus, the soft, smudge-free, latex-free eraser secured to the end makes it easy to wipe away mistakes.

What We Like
Pre-sharpened convenience
Durable and long-lasting
Affordable bulk option
Effective erasers
Smooth writing experience
What We Don't Like
May require additional sharpening
#TOP 3

BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers

BIC
MPCE40-BLK
Multi-color
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers Cover
BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Bright Edition Medium Point (0.7mm), Writes Smooth & Dark, Doesn't Smudge, Erases Cleanly, 40-Count Gift Set in Assorted Colors

BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, also known as the BIC Xtra-Smooth Pencils, are a must-have for all your writing needs. This 40-count pack of medium point mechanical pencils is perfect for school or office supplies. The 0.7mm medium point is versatile and suitable for a variety of everyday writing activities. The high-quality lead ensures that your writing doesn't smudge and erases cleanly, giving your work a neat and professional appearance. The best part is that these pencils are always ready to use and never need sharpening. To advance the lead, simply click the built-in eraser. These pencils are also great for school, as they come with No. 2 lead that's compatible with most standardized tests.

What We Like
Great price for bulk purchase
Bright and fun colors
Smooth writing experience
Comfortable grip for long use
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Erasers wear down quickly
Lightweight feel may not suit everyone
#TOP 4

Four Candies Mechanical Pencil Set

FC-ZDQB-S348/6-0.7
Blue, Pink, Purple
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Four Candies Mechanical Pencil Set Cover
Four Candies 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil Set - 6PCS Cute Pencils with 360PCS HB & 2B Lead Refills, 3PCS Pastel Erasers and 9PCS Eraser Refills, Aesthetic School Supplies for Student Writing Drawing

The Four Candies Pencils set is perfect for students and artists alike, featuring six adorable mechanical pencils that come with a generous supply of 360 lead refills in two hardness levels. The non-slip rubber grip ensures comfort during long writing or drawing sessions, while the built-in eraser and extra refills make corrections easy and mess-free. Designed for durability, the sturdy pen clip keeps your pencil secure, and the retractable tip adds convenience for on-the-go use. This all-in-one set combines functionality with a cute design, making it an appealing choice for anyone needing reliable writing tools.

What We Like
Durable lead
Attractive colors
Includes refills
Good quality
Compact storage case
What We Don't Like
Color mismatch for purple
Few replacement erasers
#TOP 5

Ticonderoga Striped Wood-Cased Pencils

13910
White
Ticonderoga Striped Wood-Cased Pencils Cover
Ticonderoga X13910 Striped Wood-Cased Pencils, 2 HB Soft, Pre-Sharpened, 10 Count, Assorted Colors

Ticonderoga Striped Pencils are a fantastic choice for all your writing needs. With their graphite core, these pencils provide an extra-smooth laydown, ensuring your writing is legible and clear. The latex-free eraser allows for quick and easy error corrections, so you can fix any mistakes without hassle. Thanks to the pre-sharpened tip, you can start using these pencils right out of the package, saving you time and effort. Whether you're writing at home, in the office, or at school, Ticonderoga Striped Pencils are perfect for any setting. Their assorted colors add a touch of fun to your writing experience, making them even more enjoyable to use.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Durable and break-resistant
Variety of colors
Effective erasers
Pre-sharpened convenience
What We Don't Like
Some prefer sharper points
#TOP 6

Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils

2164121
Clear
Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils Cover
Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils 0.7mm, HB #2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, School Supplies, Teacher Supplies, Drawing Pencils, Sketching Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count

Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils, also known as Paper Mate Clearpoint, are mechanical pencils designed to create clear and precise lines. With their side lead advance feature, you can easily load lead without losing your grasp. The 0.7mm, #2 leads are perfect for standardized tests, ensuring that your answers are accurately marked. The jumbo twist-up eraser makes erasing mistakes a breeze, saving you time and effort. The soft grip design adds comfort and ease, allowing for extended use without discomfort. This set includes 10 mechanical pencils, making it a great value for both students and professionals.

What We Like
Great grip and comfort
Vibrant, fun colors
Durable and reliable
Effective erasers
Easy lead replacement
What We Don't Like
Some pencils may malfunction
#TOP 7

Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 72 Count

13972
Yellow
Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 72 Count Cover
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 72 Count

Upgrade your writing experience with Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils. These wood-cased pencils feature an exclusive #2 graphite formula that provides extra smooth performance, and they are pre-sharpened to save you time. The top-quality, latex-free eraser offers easy, clean corrections, while the premium wood is responsibly sourced from forests. These pencils are PMA certified non-toxic, making them perfect for all ages and environments.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Pre-sharpened convenience
High-quality eraser
Comfortable grip
Teachers' preferred choice
What We Don't Like
Occasionally break during sharpening
Some packs have damaged graphite
#TOP 8

Ticonderoga 24 Count Pencils

13924
Yellow
Ticonderoga 24 Count Pencils Cover
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 24 Count

Experience smooth and consistent writing with the Ticonderoga Pencils. These wood-cased pencils feature an exclusive #2 graphite formula that provides extra smooth performance. The thick graphite core delivers broad, consistent lines, making it perfect for various writing tasks. The premium wood used in these pencils allows for smooth and even sharpening with minimal breakage. The latex-free eraser ensures that marks can be completely removed without smudging. These pencils are also PMA certified non-toxic, making them safe for kids to use. Trust in the Ticonderoga brand, a part of the Dixon Ticonderoga family of products, which is known for its high-quality writing instruments.

What We Like
Smooth writing experience
Durable and sturdy construction
Quality erasers, no smudging
Comfortable grip for extended use
Great value in bulk packaging
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent quality across batches
Possible confusion with wood types
#TOP 9

V-Opitos Jumbo #2 HB Pencils

1st Pencils - Yellow 14p
Yellow
V-Opitos Jumbo #2 HB Pencils Cover
V-Opitos 14 Pack Jumbo #2 HB Pencils for Kids, Triangle Shape Pre-sharpened Wood-Cased Pencils with Top Erasers, Toddler First Pencils, Ideal Home, Kindergartens, School Classroom Supplies

The V-Opitos Jumbo Pencils are perfect for young learners. With a set of 14 triangular pencils, they provide a comfortable grip that helps kids develop their writing skills. Each pencil features a durable, high-quality core that ensures smooth writing without breakage, even with heavy use. They come pre-sharpened, saving you time and effort, and include soft erasers for easy corrections. This makes these pencils an excellent choice for children in school or at home, as well as for adults who need a reliable writing tool.

What We Like
Easy for little hands to grip
Smooth writing experience
Vibrant colors and fun designs
Excellent value for money
Pre-sharpened for convenience
What We Don't Like
Too large for standard sharpeners
Difficult to find suitable sharpeners
#TOP 10

BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil

BIC
MPE12-BLK
Blue,Green,Red
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil Cover
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil

Introducing the BIC ReVolution Pencil, the perfect tool to join the ReVolution and help write our planet's future. This mechanical pencil features a barrel made from 65% recycled plastic and packaging made of 100% recycled content, making it an environmentally friendly choice. With its long-lasting lead, you can enjoy hours of writing, sketching, doodling, and journaling without interruption. The BIC ReVolution Pencil also creates smooth, dark strokes that are always the same width, eliminating the need for resharpening. This high-performance pencil is sturdy yet lightweight, providing both durability and comfort. Experience the convenience and benefits of this eco-friendly mechanical pencil and make a positive impact on the environment.

What We Like
Made from recycled materials
Durable and comfortable to hold
Good lead quality
Effective erasers
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Eraser wears out quickly
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 2B or HB pencil better for writing?

For writing, both 2B and HB pencils are commonly used. However, most experienced writers and drawers prefer a pencil with a medium degree of hardness like HB or even F. These pencils offer a good balance between darkness and smoothness. Artists who want to express themselves often opt for softer pencils, ranging from 2B to 8B, which provide a wider tonal range for shading and drawing.

2. What is a 4B pencil used for?

A 4B pencil is versatile and can be used for various purposes. With lighter pressure, it produces lighter marks, while applying more pressure creates darker marks. This pencil is commonly used in drawing to achieve different levels of shading and tonal values. It allows artists to create depth and achieve a range of values in their artwork, making it a useful tool for shading and adding contrast.

Editor's Notes

During our pencil research, we found 26 pencil products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 754,691 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pencils list. We found that most customers choose pencils with an average price of $6.62.

The pencils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pencils, including BIC, Four Candies, Ticonderoga, Paper Mate, V-Opitos. 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.

Pencils Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Amazon Basics BIC Four Candies Ticonderoga Paper Mate Ticonderoga Ticonderoga V-Opitos BIC
Writing Instrument Form Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Colored Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil
Color Orange Yellow Multi-color Blue, Pink, Purple White Clear Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue,Green,Red
Ink Color Gray Yellow Black Black Striped Blue Black Yellow Black Blue
Age Range (Description) Kid, Teen, Adult Kid, Teen, Adult Adult Adult, Kid Adult Teen Kid, Adult Kid Age 3+ Adult
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
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 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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