If you’ve been looking to upgrade your office tools, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful rollerball pen.
With so much of our daily life spent on screens and devices, and the stresses that they bring, it’s no wonder that more and more people are going analog and writing by hand. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that is deeply satisfying and therapeutic. Plus, writing things down is great for self-expression, organizing our tasks, goal-setting, and unlocking our creativity.
And writing enthusiasts are turning to rollerball pens for all their writing needs.
You might be wondering: But why can’t I just use a ballpoint pen? Isn’t that good enough?
While ballpoint pens are convenient and inexpensive, they use oil-based ink, which means the line isn’t as clear and bold as you would find with a rollerball pen. Also, we end up pressing harder on the pen to get a darker line, which leads to hand cramps and discomfort. That’s why ballpoint pens aren’t always ideal for note-taking or writing in your journal for long periods.
Rollerball pens, on the other hand, use liquid ink, which means the ink glides on more easily on the page, making it easier on your hand. Writers like using rollerball pens for their journals, goal-setting planners, bullet journals, and note-taking.
Other benefits of a rollerball pen:
- Creates a bold, clear line
- Glides easily across paper, which makes it ideal for note-taking and journal-writing
- The ink doesn’t skip so it looks nice on greeting cards and letters
As for the cons of using a rollerball pen, keep in mind that because the ink is wet and takes time to dry, it may bleed through the page or lead to smudges. That’s why left-handed writers may not particularly like using rollerball pens, because their hand is moving across the wet ink.
However, these inconveniences can be avoided by using journals and notebooks with good quality paper. And, fortunately, these days, you’ll find more rollerball pen options with quick-dry features.
Below we’ve rounded up the best rollerball pens for your writing needs. Elevating your rollerball pen is a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
1. Best budget rollerball pen: Sakura Ballsign ID
With its streamlined design and jet black ink, the Ballsign ID is more high-quality than the low price would suggest. The hexagonal barrel and clean lines make it sleek and a great pen for under $5.
2. Best rollerball to gift: Zebra Sarasa Grand Retractable Gel Pen
If you’re looking to give a rollerball pen as a gift, the Zebra Saras Grand Retractable Gel Pen would be the perfect gift for a recent college grad or coworker or the pen fanatic in your life.
The Sarasa pen has a great reputation for writing and journaling, plus it looks fantastic. Thanks to its Rapid Dry Ink Technology, smudges and smears are a thing of the past which is great news for lefties and anyone who likes to write a lot and quickly. Plus, the pen has a sleek, metallic design and a nice weight to it, which makes it feel that much more expensive than it is.
3. Best rollerball pen for journaling: Pilot Precise Pen
There's a reason this is America's #1 selling rollerball pen brand. Not only is it affordable, but thanks to its grip and smooth ink flow, it can keep up with long writing sessions and note-taking without skipping a beat.
4. Best rollerball pen for artists and bullet journalers: Uni Style Fit Pen
We love this pick for artists and bullet journalers because it's actually five pens in one! Toggle between five different ink colors, and easily replace with refills when they run out. This creates a truly custom experience; whether you use it for color coordinating and organizing, or adding some color to sketches or lettering, this pen is a top choice.
5. Best everyday carry rollerball pen: Pentel Energel Pen
Sometimes you need a pen that’s great for on-the-go. A pen that you can just toss in your bag or suitcase, and break out when you want to write in your travel journal or take notes during a business trip. The Pentel Energel Pen is a great choice, and comes in many colors and tip sizes.
6. Best all-around pen: Uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball
The Vision Elite is excellent value for a high-quality liquid-ink rollerball. It gives you smooth, reliable writing, archival-quality ink, and smart design features (airplane safe, leak-resistant, good build) — all of which make it particularly appealing for note-taking, signatures, journaling, and professional use. If you write a lot and want something comfortable and dependable, it’s a solid pick.