9 Best Gel Pens – Top Picks for Comfort and Precision

With thousands of pens at the Goldspot Pens shop, it's easy to overlook gel pens. After all, most of the precious, jaw-dropping, limited edition pens tend to be fountain pens. Yet, as both our contributing authors will attest, there's always room for a useful, smooth-flowing gel pen in your pen case.

We asked Alexandra and Brett to reach for their 9 best suggestions for comfortable and precise gel pens. Here's what they had to say:

Alexandra: GEL PENS!!! I think it is easy to overlook these as a children's art supply or something teenage girls obsess over for notes. I’m here to tell you, that if that is your only opinion of gel pens, you are missing out! While there are some gel pens that very much do fall into the ‘children's art supply’ world there are a lot of others that are fantastic for daily note taking on-the-go or in the office. They can also be a fantastic tool for line and wash sketches, making them an incredibly versatile addition to an every-day-carry (EDC) kit.

Brett: There’s something satisfying about a gel pen. Unlike traditional ballpoints, gel pens use water-based ink with suspended pigments, which gives you bold, vivid lines without much pressure. They’re great for long writing sessions because they require less force, and many come in ergonomic or cushioned designs. Bonus? The ink tends to dry faster than you might think, which makes smudging less of an issue—especially with modern formulas.

What is a gel pen?

Alexandra: In the pen world there are really two types of ink: water-based and oil-based. Rollerballs use a water-based ink and ball points use an oil-based ink. Much like rollerballs, gel pens also use a water-based ink but unlike rollerballs, the ink is THICK. The ink can be coloured with either dyes or pigments and as a rule of thumb, a pigment-based gel pen will at least be water-resistant.

Brett: Of course, no pen is perfect. Gel pens can run out of ink a little faster than other types, and they sometimes don’t play nice with glossy or heavily textured paper. If you’re left-handed or write quickly, you’ll want to look for ones with fast-drying ink. But for most everyday writing tasks, these pens will more than hold their own—and then some.

Alexandra's Best Gel Pens

Unlike in a fountain pen roundup, I am actually giving these pens a star ranking with the following criteria:

⭐️ 1 star for unit price under $2.50 MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)
⭐️ 1 star for colours more than black
⭐️ 1 star for multiple tip sizes
⭐️ 1 star for cushioned grip of some sort. In most pens this is not something I care about but due to the long writing sessions with gel pens i.e. if you are using them for notes in lectures this becomes important
⭐️ 1 star if the pen is “water-resistant”; this helps when you have a sweaty water bottle or tip over a coffee cup.
⭐️ 1 bonus star is also available if the pen is fully waterproof.

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens

Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Pen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Coming in 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm these are a basic gel pen that has stood the test of time on the market with very few changes since being released in 2016. A cushioned grip and low price per pen sets you up for success with the Inkjoy Gel Pen. Your hardest decision after picking a tip size will be deciding between the capped or clicky versions of the pen.

Pentel Energel Gel Pen

Pentel EnerGel Permanent Pro
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars) + ⭐️ (Bonus Star)

These pens narrowly miss the $2.50 MSRP cutoff, but still come in at less than $3 per pen. My main criticism is the lack of colour, as these pens only come in blue, black, and red. Although the Permanent Pro is only offered in 0.5mm and 0.7mm tip sizes, the waterproof and archival ink earns this pen a bonus star in my book!

Pentel Energel RTX gel pen

Pentel EnerGel RTX
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 Stars)

These are the first gel pens to make the list that, on top of offering 4 size options (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 1.0mm) also offer two different tip types. In addition to the industry standard conical tip, Pentel also offers a needle-point tip. The needle-point tip is very similar to the type of tip offered on a Micron so it is important to be delicate when using them.

Pilot G2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)

Water-resistant, archival & under $2.50; this pen is described at times as the "entrance to the world of Japanese gel pens” and that is 100% correct. Pilot G2 pens come in 0.38, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 1.0mm with fun colours only coming in 0.7mm. The ink is water-resistant though not water-proof. A spilled cup of coffee will still spell disaster.

Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars) + ⭐️ (Bonus Star)

This pen is probably the oldest gel pen in the gel pen world. Sakura originally launched the Gelly Roll in 1988 and while it comes in a lot more colours now, the pen has stayed exactly the same. Most pens come in 0.6mm and 1.0mm with a few coming in 0.5mm or 0.8mm. Other than the fluorescent colors that glow under black light, these pens are all archival and waterproof. The only real downside of these pens is the lack of cushioned grip of any sort.

Sharpie S Gel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

With four tip sizes available (0.38mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, & 1.0mm) and a wide variety of colors from brights to office staples, Sharpie really tries to cover the whole gel pen market with this fairly basic looking pen. The color for these pens is only indicated above the grip section by a metal ring which does make it hard to pick a specific pen color on the go without removing all the pens from your pencil case. The ink is also not waterproof at all.

Uniball Signo RT1 Colorful Styles

UniBall Signo RT1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Theoretically, this pen should also be receiving the bonus ‘waterproof’ star but even though UniBall and multiple other sites refer to it as “archival, fade-resistant, and fraud resistant," but no one will call it waterproof. Pricewise, this pen lands at the higher end of the scale per pen but I do love that the fun colours come in all 3 tip sizes offered; not a guarantee in the gel pen world. This pen also offers one of the smallest gel pen tip sizes on the market with a size range ranging from 0.28mm - 0.5mm

Uni-ball Signo 207 Fashion Colors

UniBall Signo 207
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars) + ⭐️ (Bonus Star)

This was my go to pen in the lab at school for a LONG time. The Signo 207 is one of the few pens on the market that is totally waterproof (and fraud resistant) making it perfect for any applications where your notes are essential but a dry page isn’t a guarantee. This pen features one of the few pigment-based gel pen inks on the market. Once the ink is on the page, it is there forever; just like a waterproof fountain pen ink.

Zebra Sarasa Nano
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Zebra has a bunch of different gel pens in their Sarasa lineup but the Sarasa Nano is definitely my favourite. The pen comes in 0.3mm & 0.38mm making it perfect if your writing tends to lean smaller or if you just want a more delicate line. Zebra is known for its brightly colored products so it comes as no surprise that they offer some great colors of gel pens.

Photo credit: PenAddict.com

Bonus: Monteverde Gel Refills

I think these fly under the radar in the pen world. Monteverde has created a Capless Ceramic Gel refill that fits in many refillable ballpoint pens in the pen world. If you already have a refillable ballpoint this may be a great option for you as I find gel refills to be a much smoother writing experience than most ballpoint refills on the market.

My top two picks in the gel pen world are the Uniball Signo 207 and the Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight. Both are very different pens but do share some overlapping qualities. They are waterproof, archival, and relatively inexpensive. If you want a huge selection of colors and a pen that works really well on colored paper, the Gelly Roll is for you as they even write on black paper spectacularly. If you are looking for an office pen or school staple that looks professional but writes incredibly well, the UniBall Signo 207 is the pen you are after. Gel pens can be such a fantastic tool for both writing and drawing so I hope that this blog post has inspired you to pick up your favourite one again or try out a style that is to new you.

 

Brett's Best Gel Pens

Whether you're looking for all-day writing comfort, erasable ink, or a statement piece to upgrade your desk, there's a gel pen on this list for you. These nine picks cover all the bases—from sleek and professional to fun and multifunctional. Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed a smoother, more enjoyable writing experience.

Pilot Dr. Grip Limited

This version of the beloved Dr. Grip ups the ante with a sleek, metallic barrel and a luxurious feel. Designed with ergonomics in mind, it helps reduce writing fatigue, making it perfect for long note-taking sessions. The fine point gel ink writes with exceptional smoothness and clarity, while the weight balance and cushioned grip add a level of comfort few pens can match. It’s a pen that feels as good as it looks—no compromises.

Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pen

The Pilot FriXion is kind of a game-changer. It writes like a dream, and when you make a mistake? Just flip it and erase—no smudges, no tearing up paper. The thermosensitive ink disappears with friction and comes in a retractable design that feels like a standard gel pen. Great for planners, students, or perfectionists who want their pages to stay clean.

Pilot G2 Retractable

If you haven’t tried a G2, you’re missing out on a cult favorite. These pens are known for their bold ink, smooth glide, and comfortable grip. This 12-pack is great for stocking your home, office, and every bag you own. They’re refillable, dependable, and perfect for everyday writing. A true workhorse that everyone loves.

Pilot FriXion Clicker

Same great FriXion Clicker performance, but in a stylish navy blue. It’s perfect for those who want a professional-looking pen with the flexibility of erasable ink. Whether you're editing notes or switching up your planner layout, the clean lines and precise point make this one a go-to.

Monteverde Dakota

Inspired by the legendary Douglas C-47 aircraft, the Dakota isn’t just a pen—it’s a tribute to history. The military green finish with chrome trim gives it a rugged, vintage look, but don’t let that fool you. It writes like a dream thanks to the ultra-smooth gel refill. The capped design transforms into a full-length pen when posted, making it both portable and satisfying in the hand.

Cross Click

For a minimalist vibe with maximum style, look no further than the Cross Click. The black lacquer body feels luxurious but understated, and the pen writes with clean, consistent gel ink. It’s quiet, elegant, and perfect for professionals or anyone who likes their tools to look as sharp as they perform.

Pilot G2 Pen Stylus

This 3-pack of Pilot G2 Stylus pens is ideal for the hybrid world we live in. Each pen features the same smooth-flowing ink as the original G2, but with a stylus tip for navigating touchscreens. The colorful barrels make them easy to spot, and they’re a great pick for switching between notebook and tablet without missing a beat.

Pilot FriXion 3 Colors Multi-function Pen

Can’t decide on a color? You don’t have to. This 3-in-1 pen gives you black, blue, and red erasable gel ink in one sleek body. The retractable mechanism makes it easy to flip between colors on the fly, and the FriXion ink erases cleanly like magic. It's especially handy for teachers, planners, or anyone who wants to stay organized in color.

Monteverde Illusia

The Illusia is where function meets fashion. With a twist mechanism and cutout barrel design, it reveals pops of color as you rotate the pen—like a little art piece for your desk. Underneath the cool exterior, you’ll find a rich, smooth gel ink that delivers every time. If you want a pen that looks as good as it writes, this one’s your match.

Here's Why You Should Consider These Gel Pens for Your Writing Needs

Alexandra: Overall, the best pen really depends on your situation. An artist with a permanent desk setup may adore dip pens for the line variation they offer in a single pen. Someone who works on the go like a student or lawyer may prefer fountain pens or ballpoint pen though as they are customizable but have no prep needed when you want to write. I tend to have a mix of fountain, rollerball, and gel in my pen case at any given time proving that you also don’t need to commit to just one style of pen; you can use whatever works best for you in the moment.

Brett: Choosing the right pen is about balancing your writing style, needs, and preferences with the right ink to get the best performance and experience. Whether you prefer the everyday reliability of a ballpoint, the smooth glide of a rollerball, the elegance of a fountain pen, or the precision of fineliners, Goldspot has something for everyone. Happy writing!

About the Author

Alexandra Richardson is a Canadian watercolour and fountain pen content creator. She can be found on Instagram and Youtube under @alexandrasartinsanity.

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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