6 Pens Our Editors Are Obsessed With, Perfect For Back-to-School Season

Published on 7/27/2021 at 4:30 PM

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We all have that one pen we love using, from taking notes and journaling to writing reminders and filling out your planner. It's the one we're hesitant to lend to peers and friends because they might lose it, or even worse, steal it. Whether you're a student or in the workforce, or if you just love stationery, you can't underestimate the power of a proper pen. We want a pen that actually lasts a long time and creates the smoothest lines with bold color, and without bleeding. With plenty of options on the market, it's overwhelming to find the one you'll want to use all the time. From ballpoint and gel pens to marker pens, no matter what tasks are at hand, our editors absolutely love these six pens.

For Stunning Penmanship: Pilot Precise V5 Stick Liquid Ink Rolling Ball Stick Pens

"You know the type of pen that just makes your writing look 10x better? This Pilot Precise V5 Stick Liquid Ink Rolling Ball Stick Pens, Extra Fine Point (0.5mm) Black Ink ($6, originally $8) is it. The point is extra fine and precise, but still writes super smoothly." — Yerin Kim, associate editor, Trending and Viral Features

Pilot Precise V5 Stick Liquid Ink Rolling Ball Stick Pens, Extra Fine Point

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Best Marker Pens: PaperMate Marker Pens Flair Medium Tip in Candy Pop Colors

"I'm more into markers than pens, which is why I love these PaperMate Marker Pens Flair Medium Tip 0.7mm in Candy Pop Colors ($6), because you get the best of both worlds. They write so smoothly, and I can't deny that the colorful set is just so fun to use." — Krista Jones, editor, Shop

PaperMate Marker Pens Flair Medium Tip 0.7mm in Candy Pop Colors

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For Bold Ink: G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens

"The G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink ($11 for 2 Packs of 5) has been one of my all-time favorite pens since high school. I love that the pen just glides so smoothly while giving bold pigment. It's one pen that I have noticed produces the most intense, opaque color without needing to press down on the pen. It lasts a long time and has a grip that makes note-taking a lot easier and comfortable." — Anvita Reddy, editorial assistant, Shop

G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink

From

$11

For Precision: Sharpie Rollerball Pen, Needle Point (0.5mm) Precision Pen

"I love the precision of the Sharpie Rollerball Pen, Needle Point (0.5mm) Precision Pen, Black Ink ($17, originally $21) and the fluid ink. It's perfect for when I'm taking notes, writing in my journal, writing a letter, or doing Zentangle meditative drawing." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

Sharpie Rollerball Pen, Needle Point (0.5mm) Precision Pen, Black Ink

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$17

For Color Coding: BIC 4 Color Fashion Ball Pen

"I'm a biiiig fan of color-coding my notes and to-do lists, and the BIC 4 Color Fashion Ball Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm), Assorted, 2-Count ($7) comes with four bright ink hues that are way more exciting than boring ol' black and blue. Plus, clicking down the buttons is weirdly satisfying, so I always have a few of these on hand." — Victoria Messina, editor, Trending and Viral Features

BIC 4 Color Fashion Ball Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm), Assorted, 2-Count

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Best Durable Pen: Zebra Pen F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen

"The Zebra Pen F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen ($20, originally $32) not only lasts a long time, but it's got the smoothest writing performance on the market. The best part? It doesn't bleed, so it's perfect for note-taking. It's lightweight yet durable, with a sleek design, so it can handle labs, assignments, tests, journaling, and more." — Anvita Reddy, editorial assistant, Shop

Zebra Pen F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen

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$20