Best Fountain Pen Brands You Must Try In 2026

Fountain pens are a funny thing, aren’t they? While many might consider them an outdated choice, there’s something undeniably satisfying about pulling out your favorite pen, unscrewing the cap, and watching that first bit of ink flow from the nib to the paper.

But as many of us know, not all fountain pens are created equal. The perfect pen for you can depend on a variety of factors – price, color options, materials, and of course, the brand’s history.

We’ve scoured our inventory to bring you a selection of seven standout fountain pen brands to try in 2026. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s a timeless design, innovative features, or exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every writing style – and every budget.

Sailor

If you’re looking for a pen that you’ll treasure for years to come, Sailor Pens may just be the perfect brand for you. Founded in Japan in 1911, Sailor’s long history and commitment to craftsmanship has given it a loyal fanbase for decades. Models like the Pro Gear and 1911 are some of the most popular offerings for the brand, each designed with a classic shape that’s easy to hold for long writing sessions.

What’s especially loved by pen fans are their nibs. With a variety of line widths to choose from, Sailor has equipped some of their most popular models with the option of either a 14-karat, 18-karat, or 21-karat gold nib, giving you a smooth writing experience time after time. Couple this with Sailor’s reputation for quality control and craftsmanship and it’s no wonder why this is one brand that continues to entice new customers and old pen veterans alike!

In 2026, to address rising gold costs, Sailor introduced a hand-finished, stainless steel nib in the 1911 Casual L, offering a premium writing experience at a more accessible price point.

Price range: $16.00 - $1,900

Visconti

Looking for something with a little la dolce vita? Visconti may be your answer. This Italian brand has been producing pens since 1988 and has amassed quite the fan following. With their bold designs and clever use of materials and colorways, Visconti is able to perfectly blend artistry and practicality within their collections.

One such example of this is their Homo Sapiens line-up. Not only does this pen have an exceptionally balanced silhouette, it’s made from volcanic rock from Mt. Etna, showing just how unique Visconti’s pens are compared to some of its competition.

If writing with cooled basaltic lava is too plain for your taste, the Homo Sapiens model is also available in a growing variety of limited edition designs made from colorful, hand-poured acrylics.

And, if your budget doesn't allow for a grail pen, you can still get the experience of owning an Italian luxury writing instrument for a fraction of the price with the Mirage Mythos collection, inspired by Greek Mythology.

Price range: $159.20 - $7,795

LAMY

Lamy, a German brand founded in 1930, is known for its modern, minimalist designs and durable pens. Like many German-designed products, Lamy’s pens are made for efficiency and functionality, while also sparing no excess when it comes to design. For anyone looking to make the leap into fountain pens, the lamy safari fountain pen is a great option, both for its iconic design and affordable price.

Many people who like a bit of “feedback” – the scratchiness of a nib that can sometimes feel like a pencil – will enjoy Lamy’s steel nibs. Coming in a variety of colors, there is truly a Safari for everyone. But don’t think that Lamy only produces Safaris! There’s an entire line-up of pens which meet Lamy’s reputation for functionality and quality, including their AL-Star, Vista, and Dialog 3.

Every year, Lamy introduces new, colorful designs in their most popular fountain pen models. In case you haven't purchased a Lamy before, it's hard to stop at just one pen!

Price range: $20.80 - $351.20

Pelikan

Founded in 1838 in Germany, Pelikan is one of the oldest and most respected fountain pen manufacturers in the world. And in that 186-year history, they have shown that heritage brands still have a lot to offer today’s contemporary pen market.

The Souverän series is particularly well-known for Pelikan. Coming in a piston-filling option, the Souverän is a great option for anyone looking to ditch their cartridge or converter. This series has a range of color options for any fan of the brand – from a stealthy modern style to more classic colorways reminiscent of the early 1900s.

In 2025, Pelikan paid homage to its artistic roots with the M600 Art Collection "Rudi Rother" special edition, inspired by Art Noveau advertisements of the early 20th Century.

Collectors are quick to snap up exclusive limited edition Pelikan pens made in collaboration with Japanese urushi lacquer artists. In 2026, the M1000 "Stardust" is the latest limited edition on pen aficionados' radars.

Price range: $14.40 - $4,500

Faber-Castell

More people need to know about Faber-Castell fountain pens. When one thinks of German-made pens, Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Kaweco, and Lamy usually come to mind first. Yet, Faber-Castell has a longer history than all of them. Originally founded in 1761, Faber-Castell continues production of creative tools built with ergonomics and fashionable modern style in mind.

Ergonomic and economical, the Faber-Castell Poly blends recycled plastic with a fashionable form factor that is pleasant to hold. The new Poly Flow blends two bold colors for an exciting ombre gradient.

For a more elegant, refined style, Faber-Castell has the perfect pen for the ambitious writer. The slender "Ambition" collection incorporates a variety of materials for a unique tactile writing experience.

Price range: $22.00 - $726

Leonardo Officina Italiana

Leonardo, an Italian brand founded in 2011, has quickly gained a reputation for creating pens in a variety of vibrant colors (and with some pretty fun names like Sea Anemone and Aloha Gold!). But it’s not just the colors which are interesting; it’s their use of acrylic and the way in which their colorways are blended.

While many pen brands use a crackled or marbled acrylic, Leonardo has taken it one step further and created their Mosaico line-up, which shows a stratified pattern that’s as unique as it is eye-catching. While the silhouettes between their models being quite similar to one another, it’s the small design choices between collections which truly give each one a respective personality that collectors love.

One of Goldspot's favorite collaborations is the Leonardo x Jonathon Brooks limited editions that drop about once a year. The 2026 Momento Magico Fantasie features four signature Brooks materials, including Primary Manipulation and Ocean Sunrise.

Price range: $157.50 - $900

Esterbrook

For a brand that’s been around since 1858, it almost feels as though Esterbrook is just getting started. Previously known for their wide selection of nibs – in fact, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz was a fan – many older pen fans still remember using an Esterbrook in their gradeschool days. Today, Esterbrook continues to honor this legacy with their wide variety of nibs, their custom nib program, and their MV adaptor, which retrofits current Esterbrook Esties to be able to use some of those beloved vintage nibs!

And speaking of Estie, it is by far the most beloved pen model from the brand. With a variety of colors – from vintage inspired to the vividly wild – this is a pen that’s designed to appeal to a wide variety of users who enjoy a pen with a little personality!

Jam with the 2026 Esterbrook x Ferris Wheel Press collaboration "Rockstar," which has embellished details and a matching bottle of ink, all packaged in a collectible set with a guitar pick.

Price range: $125 - $315

While the fountain pens mentioned here represent some of the finest choices for 2026, the right pen for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Pelikan, the innovative designs of Visconti, or the nib options available wih Esterbrook, the best fountain pen is one that connects with you. So, if you’re curious about what pen fits your writing style, budget, and aesthetics, check out all our fountain pens here!

About the Author

Brett F. Braley-Palko works in the pen industry by day and is a novelist, consultant, and freelance writer by night. You can find his work in a variety of publications, like British GQ and Robb Report. Follow him on Instagram at @brettfbraley or visit his website at brettfbraley.com

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