The 100 Best Pens, As Tested by Strategist Editors

Smoothness: 1 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 2

It’s easy to understand the appeal of the Fineliner, which has a straightforwardness that I wanted to like. It came recommended from a few of our experts, but I found that the Fineliner produced a good amount of smudging, some bleed-through, and some dragging. It isn’t great for the average note-taker, but die-hard marker pen fans may find something to love about the retro attractiveness of this one. — Dominique Pariso, Strategist intern

Total score: 2.4

Smoothness: 1 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 3

I have to admit, I found little to like about this pen. The line it creates is skinny and light, and writing with it feels (and sounds) scratchy. For a gel pen, it created a lot of resistance between the tip and the paper. The ridges on the body look like they’re meant to serve some ergonomic purpose, but since they’re carved into the plastic, they dig painfully into your fingers. In its favor, there’s no smudging and no bleed-through, though it does create raised scratch marks on the other side of the page, which make for a rough writing surface if you’re using both sides of the piece of paper. — Karen Iorio Adelson, writer

Total Score: 2.8

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 1

Like the BIC Atlantis (see #64), the Uni-ball Jetstream was built for comfort rather than looks. It’s a thick pen, which might mean fewer hand cramps for those who experience them, but it does have the feel of a pen you’d find in the lobby of a used car dealership. Or — and the name is likely creating some subliminal messaging — it may call to mind a commercial airplane. Big and not glamorous. As far as ballpoints go, this one writes well and leaves smooth, clear marks. A thin layer of silicone sheathes the body to give your fingers a hint of padding. — Margaret Rhodes, senior editor

Total score: 2.9

Smoothness: 1.5 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3.5

This is a budget fountain pen and it writes like one. The ink spreads and spiders, and the line is not clean. The nib feels scratchy across the paper and drags too much. A positive note is that the ink output is consistent (no skipping), but, again, it bleeds. Another good quality is that it does dry pretty quickly and doesn’t smudge as much as other fountain pens. As for looks, it’s got a metallic body in a rosy gold and is rounded and tapered on each end. It has a good heft and feels nice in the hand, but the subpar inking makes it a less than desirable choice. — Lauren Ro, writer

Total Score: 3

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 1

The padded grip and overall light weight make this pen comfortable to use for extended periods of time, but I had to dock a few points because after a while, it really feels like you’re dragging the pen across the page. And while the clear body of the pen makes it slightly more interesting to look at than similar retractable pens at this price point, there isn’t anything particularly special that makes it stand out. — D.P.

Total Score: 3

Smoothness: 2 | Smudging: 2 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 4

As the name indicates, this is a technical pen for artists — not surprising, since it’s used by cartoonist Roz Chast. Its needle-fine point feels like an actual needle: it’s that fine. And the nib contracts when pressed to the paper, which is the mechanism by which the ink is drawn from the well, which you manually fill and refill. The lines are thin, and you could probably control the output of the ink depending on the amount of pressure you use while writing. As for smoothness, again, it’s like writing on a pad of paper with a needle, but the ink output is consistent. It’s a fun pen because of all of its components, and it looks delightfully vintage. Lightweight and mainly made of plastic, it comes in a plastic case with a cool graphic font. For our purposes, it’s definitely a pen not for every day, but it could be a great gift for an artist or architect who values technicality. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.1

Smoothness: 1 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 2

Super draggy, with uneven pigment. It skips constantly, especially if you’re trying to write quickly. There’s a ton of resistance, and the nib of the pen is so thin that it keeps on dragging and pulling. It feels unpleasant, especially because it seems like the only way to get an even stream of ink is to write slowly, with your pen held straight up. I truly do not know what writer would use this pen for long periods of note-taking, but it came recommended from Alexander Chee, who uses it to sign books, which may indicate a better purpose (occasional, deliberate name-signing). No smudging or bleed-through, but that’s because the writing is so light. I like the matte finish and how the cap fits snugly on the back of the pen. It’s a totally average-looking pen. I’m mostly docking points because it’s fully covered in text, which makes it look really busy. — Maxine Builder, writer

Total Score: 3.2

Smoothness: 2 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 1 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This Staedtler permanent marker pen intermittently sticks to the page and makes handwriting look staccato rather than smooth. For the amount it bleeds I was surprised to find that this pen doesn’t smudge at all. I did find that this guy bled through two sheets of notebook paper, though — a deal-breaker for me. The matte-finish plastic casing is pleasant to hold and the pen fits well in my hand. But it is too light for my taste and has a strong chemical smell (which I like but some people might not). This is a cool-looking pen with its ribbed cap, flat clip, and an orange “S” on the end. It looks very “professional draftsman” which would make me feel cool. — Liza Corsillo, writer/editor

Total Score: 3.2

Smoothness: 2 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 2

This pen produces alarmingly thin lines. So thin that my handwriting was rendered even more unreadable than it typically is. I also found it slightly difficult to write with — it took genuine effort to make sure I got every letter I wanted to on the paper. It is just not a smooth writing experience; there is just too little ink being administered. (The 0.7 mm. version of the G2 fared much better, though; see #31.) On the flip side, because the ink comes out so sparingly, there is quite literally no bleed-through or smudging. — Katy Schneider, associate editor

Total Score: 3.2

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 1.9 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4.2 | Looks: 2

For a rollerball with gel ink, this pen isn’t entirely smooth. I discovered that it makes you work a little harder to get it across the page. Even though there isn’t any bleed-through to the other side of the page, there’s a significant amount of smudging, even whenbi the ink has had a few seconds to dry. It’s not an especially great-looking pen either, but if your hand tends to cramp or fatigue while writing, you may appreciate the soft, silicone grip. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.22

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 1 | Looks: 1

This pen is so familiar to me — it’s the same cheapo BIC you see attached to medical-form clipboards, at the bodega counter when you sign receipts, and what you stock up on in high school when you don’t care about quality. In fact, writer Curtis Sittenfeld buys them on the theory that her family members won’t be tempted to steal such an unexciting pen. Revisiting it wasn’t fun for me: despite the pen’s small size and light weight, it’s not especially comfortable to grip for long periods of time and my wrist felt sore while jotting out my lines for this (I ended up writing out the same passage from Virginia Woolf’s Orlando for all the pens, as a control group for this test — fittingly, it’s about pens). The pen does get good marks for being reliably smudge-proof, smooth, and for not bearing down to the next page, but ultimately it looks like a cheap pen and feels like one. — Lori Keong, writer

Total Score: 3.2

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 2 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.75

Writing with the Tradio can be very hit-or-miss. If you’ve given the ink some time to settle, and you’ve got it at the correct angle and you’re writing in a flowy, cursive script, it can feel pretty smooth. However, if you’re quickly jotting down some notes in a less fastidious style, it instead scratches against the page and can alternatively leave pooling ink blots of bare, skipping lines. So if the Tradio works with your handwriting style, it could prove to be a keeper. Veep actor Timothy Simons has had his for more than five years, for instance. The ink smudges very easily, but fortunately it doesn’t have much bleed-through. It’s a wide-bodied plastic pen that’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.35

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 2 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 3.4

Smooth and richly inky, the Pelikan Fineliner is a delight to write with. From fine-writing German brand Pelikan (some of their pricey fountain pens also came highly recommended), the Pelikan is an affordable introduction to the brand that would work for daily writing or even drawing and outlining. If you’re okay with a good amount of bleed-through, that is. While the writing quality shows the brand’s attention to functionality, aesthetically it’s not the most exciting pen. The cap doesn’t have a clip; instead it’s more like a seamless addition to the body, which does give it a bit of a streamlined look. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.38

Smoothness: 1.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3.5

While this Muji pen was recommended by several of my colleagues, I found the point to be too fine and the pen too scratchy for my taste. The thin, gel ink doesn’t bleed through at all and there isn’t much smudging, but those benefits don’t outweigh how uncomfortable it is to write with. If you’re a fan of the Japanese brand’s minimal aesthetic you’ll probably like the transparent plastic body, although there aren’t any design features that make it especially comfortable to hold compared to your standard cheap pen. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 2.5 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 4

This fountain pen has a very thick nib and line. The ink-flow is smooth and consistent, but the nib catches a bit on the paper, and you can feel the flat metal move across the surface. In terms of feel, it sports a pretty robust body made of red translucent plastic, and it feels substantial in the hand without feeling too heavy. There are golden accents (nib, clip, band around the cap) that elevate the pen, but they don’t necessarily warrant the price tag. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 2.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

For those who prefer their points extra fine, this is the pen for you. Writing with it is like writing with a needlepoint — the smoothness isn’t really the selling point, but you can write as small and as neatly as you want. The ink-flow is on the consistent side, given the fineness of the point, although it feels scratchy across the page, which may or may not be a deal breaker for some. It’s got a clear plastic body with a cap, and you can see inside the pen, which has a ridged grip. It’s not the most comfortable pen in the world, but if you’re concerned about being as precise as possible with your lines, then that is a small price to pay. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 3.5

A fountain pen in the $100-range, this one has a finer point than the other ones I tested, and the mechanism for filling it with ink was a bit more involved. It uses a vacuum system, but filling it — by twisting the back end of the pen in an inkwell to draw the ink up — was straightforward, and the pen was ready to use immediately afterward. The flow of the ink when writing is a little uneven, and the nib drags a bit on the page, but overall it feels nice to write with. It’s got a plastic body with pretty marbled accents and is lightweight as a result, and it would work for prolonged periods of writing with a bit of finessing. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 3.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 2.5

This pen is billed as a fountain pen for school, and its robust plastic structure and bright blue color make it ideal for a high school or college student looking to up their pen game. For a budget fountain pen, the ink output is consistent, and the nib feels decently smooth across the page, although there is slight catching. The smudging is better than on most fountain pens — which is perhaps what makes it particularly fit for use in school — and you can use it without feeling too precious about it. A rubber grip lends a level of comfort to this solid, everyday fountain pen. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 1 | Bleed-through: 3.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4.5

Listen: as a child of the ’90s, Gelly Roll pens hold a special, nostalgic place in my heart. But as an adult human who frequently writes first drafts in my notebook, this is not the most practical pen. It is ultrasmudgy, both on the hand and on the paper, and just dispenses too much ink for practical writing. On the other hand, this is the perfect pen for doodling (if you don’t mind getting a little dirty). It’s super inky, which means you can fill in any bubble or shape in seconds, and the ink comes out shiny and dark and thick. It’s also the pen Cupcakes and Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman reaches for, in sparkly pink, when she wants to “add a little punch to [her] to-do list.” — K.S.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 1

There is little resistance when writing and the rubber grip adds some comfort to the overall writing experience. However, I had to dock points for the clunky design and the amount of bleed-through. This one is just an average, run-of-the-mill retractable. — D.P.

Total Score: 3.4

Smoothness: 3.3 | Smudging: 4.8 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 2

The Stabilo Fineliner is a comfortably middle-of-the-road felt pen. Its hexagonal body feels just fine to hold and there’s very little smudging or bleed-through. However, it’s sticky on the page and I found that my not-so-neat handwriting was even harder to read than usual because of how the pen dragged across the paper. The line-thickness also varied without my changing the pressure with which I was writing. Will it work for a quick note or to-do list? Certainly. But it’s not a standout by any means. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.42

Smoothness: 2.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 4.5

I really wanted to like this pen based on looks alone, but its performance is less than subpar. It’s a ballpoint pen with an extremely fine point; something I would normally like, but it feels like a very fine-point mechanical pencil — which is interesting considering the fact that the body of the pen looks like that of a wooden pencil. Still, the very fine point is great for neat, small writing, but not necessarily for everyday note-taking. I do like that the ink comes out uniformly with very little pressure. When capped, the pen appears to be rather short. It has a brass body that looks vintage in the best way — like a bullet, almost — but when you open the pen, you realize that the cap is longer than the pen itself. And holding onto the pen without the cap on the back makes it too short to use comfortably (it’s basically like holding a short golf pencil). Because of this imbalance in the proportion of the cap to the pen itself, the weight-balance feels off, too. With the cap attached to the back of the pen, it feels as if the pen could tip out of your hand; the pen (again, more like a tiny pencil) isn’t hefty enough to stay pointed downward in your hand. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.5

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

My first thought when I started out testing this one was, “Wow, this looks like chicken scratch.” This might be because the pen has a fine point of 0.38 mm., which lends itself better to detailed doodlings than to glorious strains of prose. Writing with this, I felt the slightest bit of drag, like the pen was scraping on the page, which is why I docked points for smoothness. It also feels plastic-y in the hand (with a slight amount of cushion, thanks to a thin finger grip), and there is the teeniest hint of smudging when you pass over fresh sections of writing or art. Overall, it’s a pretty average pen — it looks like the Pilot Gels, but doesn’t feel as cushy and operates like a thinner drawing pen — and an okay option for a doodler on a budget. — L.K.

Total Score: 3.5

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.5

This under-$2 disposable plastic fountain pen could easily be a gateway drug to the expensive world of fountain pen collecting because it’s so comfortable and downright fun to write with. There’s more room for error in angling and handwriting style compared to the pricier fountain pens, as the thick, black ink flows effortlessly across the page. Because the ink is thick, dark, and slow-to-dry, though, there is significant smudging and bleed-through — but better to discover you can’t stand that with this pen than with a $200 one. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.5

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 1 | Looks: 4

Surprisingly smooth, especially for a ballpoint pen. Not a ton of snagging, pretty clean, even lines. But it drags a bit on the page, and there’s a fair bit of resistance. It’s not as bad or noticeable as with a cheaper ballpoint pen, though, and there’s no smudging or bleed-through. The tactile quality isn’t awesome, as the ridges are a little rough, and it feels small in my hand. It’s kind of like writing with a golf pencil rather than a full-size one. While that doesn’t make it ideal for everyday use, frequent travelers do like that it’s compact and easily stashed away. Also, the cap of the pen has a tendency to slide off, which, to be honest, seems like it could be a liability in a zero-gravity situation. But I do like that it’s all metal, so it feels like it’s got some heft. And it looks like a space-age pen. — M.B.

Total Score: 3.6

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 1 | Looks: 4

I love the way this pen looks (elegant!), but the hexagonal barrel makes it a rather un-ergonomic instrument. I can’t imagine using it over a long period of time simply because it would hurt my hand. The point of the tip is so thin that using it practically feels like dragging a razor blade across the page. The ink is about as smooth as you could expect it to be — good, considering, but the word that comes to mind is “scratchy.” You won’t have any problems with bleed-through or smudging, but it’s not a pen I’d use for anything unless I needed the thinnest of lines (e.g., if I were to ever to need to do an architectural rendering by hand). — Jason Chen, deputy editor

Total Score: 3.6

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

This is a classic pen and writes almost like a felt-tip. It writes best when drawing loopy lines and signatures, but for everyday writing, the tip catches a bit, and the ink output isn’t uniform. One might associate this pen with an office or a bank, and it even looks pretty utilitarian, although the pale gold body and minimal stick design are nice. It’s lightweight and would fit right into a leather attaché. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.6

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 4

This is a mid-range fountain pen with decent ink-flow and smoothness. The blue ink looks a little watercolor-y, which is pretty, but the output isn’t always uniform. There are issues with smudging, as with any fountain pen, but if you let it dry before running your finger across the ink, you’ll have no problems. It’s a light-weight aluminum pen with a thick body in a dark silver and a translucent grip area that allows you to see into the pen. It has two straight edges for ergonomic finger placement, and the main body has alternating round and flat sides. The cap is oversized with a paper-clip-style clip. Utilitarian in its looks, it would make a decent everyday fountain pen. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.6
Editor’s note: The review was changed to reflect that the body of the pen is made of aluminum, not plastic, as the previous version indicated.

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

This is another standard office pen that doesn’t stand out much except for the fact that it’s utilitarian. It’s a rollerball that doesn’t feel as smooth as a gel (the metal tip tends to catch on the page), but the line is uniform in both cursive and print. There’s no smudging, but there’s a little bit of bleed-through. In terms of looks, it’s as simple as they come: an all-black body with a matching cap and a metal clip. It’s on the thinner side and may be uncomfortable for prolonged use. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.6

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 1

Oh, the humble BIC Round Stic! This bad boy is not going to be winning any awards for design any time soon. But sometimes you need a workhorse, not a show pony. It is cheap and it gets the job done, even if it is ultimately nothing to write home about (see what I did there?). — D.P.

Total Score: 3.6

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3.25 | Looks: 4

As we were assembling this list, we often discussed how different pens have different purposes. Is this an everyday writing pen for journaling or taking notes? Or a fancy-schmancy pen you whip out for signing important documents? The Bic Clic occupies a unique space as it’s probably the only pen on this list whose main value is as a souvenir — and a branding tool. Since they’re cheap and easily customizable (single or double-colored body, logo-ready, and with the option of a classy-looking gold or silver clip), Clics are the pen of choice for restaurants — and they expect you to steal one after signing the check. As a writing utensil, though, the Clic is squarely “fine.” It’s not a smooth and flowing writing experience, and there’s more smudging you’d expect from a ballpoint’s ink. There’s no bleed-through, though, and it’s affordable (especially if you pocket one after dinner), so it’s a fine option for a backup pen to keep in your bag — or to start a colorful collection to show off your dining adventures. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.65

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 3

Its very fine tip translates into less than ideal smoothness, but the fineness allows me to write more neatly and with more control. The ink output, however, is consistent. The tip feels like a mechanical pencil dragging across the page, and would not be great for the average user, unless you prefer a very fine point. There’s virtually zero smudging, however, and the rubber grip and the clicking mechanism are satisfying. As far as looks go, it’s a utilitarian pen that doesn’t necessarily stand out. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 2.5

This gel pen has a very fine tip whose ink looks almost like a felt pen’s. Although the ink is black, it comes out looking light gray, and the super-fine tip means that there is quite a bit of dragging on the page. The ink output isn’t very consistent, either. What’s special about this pen, however, is that the ink is completely erasable with the rubberized tip at the other end. It erases more cleanly and evenly than a pencil; it’s incredible. There’s zero smudging or residue left behind and you can barely notice that there was ink there (all you can see is the physical imprint of the point on the paper). For those looking for an erasable pen that actually works, this one’s for you. A very cool, if not ideal, pen. A rubberized grip adds a little comfort, but otherwise, it’s a lightweight pen. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 3.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 4

The Parker Sonnet fountain pen has a thick nib that yields a thick stream of ink that’s quite consistent. The metallic nib does drag a little across the page, but that doesn’t necessarily affect ink flow. On the pricey side, it would be a handsome (and giftable) upgrade to your everyday plastic fountain pen. It’s great for cursive and for signing your name with a flourish. As far as feel, it’s got great proportions and is made of brushed metal. It feels hefty and balanced in the hand. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 3 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 4

The Sailor fountain pen yields smooth lines and the ink output is consistent — dark and thick. The nib feels a little draggy and scratchy across the paper, but that seems common of fountain pens. Smudging is a problem, but because it’s a fountain pen, it may require more time for the ink to dry. There’s no spotting or pooling, and it works well when writing in both print and cursive. In terms of looks, it’s a simple black pen with silver accents and an etched nib and it doesn’t stand out much from other fountain pens in this price range. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 4 |  Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3

This is the retractable version of the also very popular Pilot V5 (see #51). It has a needle-fine point that allows for smaller and neater writing. I like the point on this pen. It’s not as smooth as I prefer my pens to be, but its fine point allows me to write smaller and more neatly. There’s a little smudging but that’s not a deal breaker by any means. As far as smoothness goes, the pen passes the cursive test, but there’s a tad bit of resistance, most likely owing to the needlepoint style of the tip. It’s fine but substantial. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 3.5| Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4| Feel: 5 | Looks: 1

The BIC Atlantis is like the orthopedic shoe of pens: it’s lightweight, has a squishy, padded rubber grip for your fingers, doesn’t smudge at all, and is retractable, so you can’t lose the cap. It also isn’t particularly sexy, neither in body nor in ink output. No ballpoint pen will ever leave a mark as smooth as a felt-tip pen, and the BIC Atlantis is no exception. It’s perfectly utilitarian, but there are little skipping moments where the ink vanishes, leaving some letters with ghost ligaments. It gets the job done, but it’s more of an office supply closet staple than a pen you’d use for your journal or a love note. — M.R.

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 3

A classic disposable ballpoint pen that everyone has probably tried at some point. It’s hard to get excited about, but it’s a solid performer. It’s reliable and smooth. No skipping or bleed-through, and smudging is minimal if present at all. The one thing that really detracts from this one overall is its discomfort. The angular, hard plastic body quickly becomes uncomfortable in the hand. It’s a reliable, affordable pen for jotting down quick notes, but not something you would want to write with for an extended period of time. — David Notis, writer

Total Score: 3.7

Smoothness: 3.7 | Smudging: 2 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 5

Strategist writer David Notis called the Lamy Safari a “fountain pen for dummies,” and I, as a total fountain pen novice, found this to be mostly true. Using a fountain pen takes some getting used to — the angle of the pen hitting the paper has to be just right, and varying the pressure you’re writing with can make a big difference in how your lines look. Writing quickly with it — as you would when jotting down ideas or taking notes in an interview or meeting — isn’t all that easy, and the pen can often feels more scratchy than smooth. The wet ink is also super smudgy, although there’s not as much bleed-through as I expected. With its bright yellow body (other color options are also available), it is a refreshing pop of color among blue and black pens, and the angular body and oversize clip look cool and not at all fussy. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.74

Smoothness: 2.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3

The Uni-ball writes mostly smooth once it gets going, although there is some skipping at first. It does come in a variety of colors (I tested one in a peculiar shade of green, somewhere between “Emerald City” and chartreuse). For a Staples staple the design is not bad: space age-y with an alternating matte and chrome silver finish. There is barely any bleed-through and absolutely no smudging, which is rare for a rollerball. — D.P.

Total Score: 3.8

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 5

Kaweco is best known for its fountain pens, but this one is a standard ballpoint. I’ll start with the looks, because that’s the only reason you might spend $20 on one of these: this squat, faceted burgundy-and-gold pen looks like something you might’ve once found in your grandfather’s study. You smell mahogany and cigar smoke just looking at it. And for that, I’m a fan. As for the actual writing: the blue ink comes out more smoothly and easily than it would with a cheaper ballpoint, but it also smudges a bit more than a regular ballpoint does. It puts down thin, precise marks that don’t bleed through but have enough impact for anything with a carbon copy. Perfect for writing checks. — M.R.

Total Score: 3.8

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3

The Paper Mate Flair boasts a fan base that includes writer Lesley Arfin, Saucony creative director Chris Mahoney, and New York’s Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz, who came by our desks to rave about it when he heard we were testing pens. It’s mostly smooth and doesn’t drag on the paper. But it feels more like writing with a Sharpie than with a pen. It’s functionally a marker, so it’s not great for fine lines or details or even writing super small. It also sometimes has an uneven flow of ink, with the middle of the line appearing a little lighter than the final flourish. But for quick note-taking, where precision isn’t that important, I quite like it. I had no smudging issues. Again, it’s basically a marker, so there’s definitely bleed-through, especially where I write bullet points or periods. It’s pretty light in my hand, and, to be honest, it feels pretty cheap, since it’s all plastic. But it’s mostly balanced and easy to write with. The cap does seem like it would stay on the pen if it was in my bag or a pencil case, which is especially important since it’s a felt-tipped marker that could definitely do some damage on fabric. It’s a totally average, forgettable-looking pen, though I do really like that the entire pen is the same color as the ink. That makes it very easy to tell what color ink to expect when you start writing. — M.B.

Total Score: 3.8

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 2 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.5

The word “pen” feels like a bit of a misnomer, here: this is really a fine-tipped marker. Or a calligraphy brush dressed up as a pen. When writing, if you slant the tip of the pen downward, you’ll easily draw a fat black line. This makes the letter ligaments thicker than most, which will frustrate those who write small. But it is smooth: the only reason I didn’t give it a perfect score for how the ink hits the paper is because it sometimes bleeds a bit too much onto the page. It’s also light (it’s made out of mostly recycled plastic plastic, which is nice) which makes it easy to hold. Amazon’s product description says the Pentel Sign is perfect for artists and designers, and that sounds about right — use this one for big, detailed renderings. — M.R.

Total Score: 3.8

Smoothness: 2.5 | Smudging: 3.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4.5

The Conklin Duragraph is a big, stately pen. Sometimes that works for it, and sometimes that works against it. While those with larger hands will appreciate the generous size, it might be a bit unwieldy for those with smaller hands. The biggest issue was skipping, especially when starting to write again after a short rest. In general it’s quite smooth, but it skipped out more than the other fountain pens I tested. It’s possible that it needs to be held at a specific angle, but I didn’t find the other fountain pens to be as fussy in this regard. Smudging was about average for a fountain pen. No bleed-through. It’s certainly a nice looking pen with a bold design. — D.N.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 3

The Maica is an upgrade to the Hi-Tec C and is supposed to appeal to a more design-conscious user. It has a rounded body with a removable cap that features a jewel-cut dome at the top and a loop on the side — perhaps for attaching a little charm. The logo (a calligraphied “M”) is enclosed in a kind of coat of arms. Honestly, the design elements are a little fussy, especially for Pilot, but the pen itself is a winner. It has a very fine needlepoint tip (.4 mm.) but writes very smoothly and consistently. The tip drags less than the that of the original Hi-Tec C and allows for very controlled, small, neat handwriting. For those who prefer a fine-point gel option, the Maica is an ideal choice. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 3.9 | Smudging: 3.8 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3.8 | Looks: 3

I mean, what to say, really: this is likely the world’s most basic pen. It’s a pen you might see at a doctor’s office, or on the reception desk at an elementary school. It is absolutely, perfectly fine: it doesn’t smudge much (I dragged a sweaty palm over my signature and there was only the faintest trace), it has zero bleed-through. While writing with it isn’t necessarily pleasurable, it is smooth enough. The ink comes out neither too thick nor too thin. This is a true middle-of-the-road pen, and I really don’t have a bad thing, nor a good thing, to say about it. — K.S.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 3

This pen has a needlepoint tip, but its smoothness factor far surpasses most of its ilk. I can use it to both print and write in cursive, and the line is consistent in both instances. The pen doesn’t glide as smoothly as other gels, but it would certainly be a good pen for everyday use for those who like a finer point. There’s virtually no smudging, and it feels nice in the hand with its rubber grip and retractable click. It’s a solid, reliable writing instrument. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3

This is the felt-tip version of the popular Pilot V5 pen, and it’s just as solid a writing instrument. The point, though extra fine, feels substantial when pressed down, and the ink-flow and smoothness are extremely consistent. There’s minimal bleed-through for a felt-tip, and it would be an appropriate pen for everyday use if you prefer the performance of a marker-like pen. It’s slim in design, with the vented tapering and clear-bodied grip that the V5 is known for, and has a cap. As for looks, it’s utilitarian. — L.R.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 5

The Karas Kustom Bolt is a “machined, bolt-action pen.” It comes in either aluminum, brass, or copper, which is what gives this durable pen its heft. It’s also made in the good ol’ U.S. of A. (if that sort of thing matters to you) and is generally well-designed. Unfortunately, the same heft that makes the pen as durable as a tank might also make it tire out your hands. And there are traces of smudging. Design-wise, the all-black body with silver accents lends this pen a cool, minimalist look. But while the pen-release mechanism on the side is a well thought-out design feature, it does catch quite a bit during use. — D.P.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 2 | Looks: 3

For a ballpoint pen, the Delfonics is surprisingly smooth. The ink comes out nicely and dries quickly, but in many ways the pen is disappointing. With its raw wood body, it looks a little like a kid’s toy pen rather than an elegant writing instrument. The tip is also uncomfortably shallow — it’s hard to see exactly what you’re writing because the thick point of the pen is so close to the page it almost obstructs it. You end up having to contort your body a little to the left to make out the text, which makes the whole exercise pretty uncomfortable. I wrote in my notes: “Not a pleasure to write with. My hand would cramp.” — J.C.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

For being a “needle-tip” pen, this one writes very smoothly: the best way I can describe the sensation of writing and doodling with it is “fluid,” which is nice, and the ink still has a thickness to it. The pen feels a little bulky and plastic-y in the hand, though it has a thin grip to offset that, and the color is pretty, but it doesn’t change the fact that it looks sort of cheap overall. I was impressed by how it didn’t smudge at all, though there’s enough color bleed-through going on to dock a point. I’d recommend it if you want a fine-tip pen that writes well, without producing spindly-thin script. — L.K.

Total Score: 3.9

Smoothness: 4.1 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 3.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

When we were researching pens, we were surprised to discover how many of the famous people we’ve interviewed in the past like writing with Sharpies. In fact, the permanent markers are the top picks of writers Michael Cunningham, Lucy Sykes, and Meg Wolitzer. In the spirit of keeping the pens on this list comparable, we ruled out the extra-thick varieties you’d use to address a package, but maybe not for scrolling notes in a lined notebook. What remained was this Sharpie pen that has a finer line but still feels smooth to run across the page and isn’t all that smudgy for a marker pen. The smoothness of the pen is also rather nice, and for being felt, it’s not very smudgy, either. It’s also cool-looking in all black. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.92

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 3.7 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.94

Rating the BIC Gel-ocity was a classic case of not judging a book by its cover. For an affordable pen that doesn’t look like anything special, it’s surprisingly fun to write with. It’s exceptionally smooth, with a medium-weight line that makes even messy handwriting easy to read. There’s minimal bleed-through and smudging, and the plastic body has a soft covering that’s comfortable to grip. The retractable clicking mechanism did get stuck at times, which could be annoying, but overall it’s a solid everyday pen with a budget-friendly price tag. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.94

Smoothness: 4.3 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 3.5 | Feel: 3.4 | Looks: 4.1

Compared to other fine-line pens, the Onyx has a much smoother flow and is more accommodating to writing large, rounded letters. It doesn’t glide quite as easily as some of the other rollerballs I tried, but on the plus side, there’s comparatively less smudging than average. All-black with a white logo, it’s sleek-looking, and small dots on each end of the pen show the ink color, which is an interesting touch. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.96

Smoothness: 3.9 | Smudging: 2.5 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 5

Now this is a sexy pen. Made of solid, shiny brass, it’s petite with rounded edges and a slender, bullet-like shape. The cap seamlessly disappears into the body when it’s twisted over the tip or fitted over the back while writing. It’s perfectly purse- or pocket-sized and tastefully statement-making. As for writing, it’s acceptably smooth — not the smoothest of the pens I tested, but free of noticeable skipping or dragging. The ink is a bit slow to dry and can smudge if you run your hand over it too soon. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 3.98

Smoothness: 3 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This is a fancier ballpoint with a substantial metallic body and a twist mechanism. The point is rather thick and requires more pressure to write, although you can control the ink-flow this way. A light touch yields a finer line, while pressing down harder imparts a thicker line. The ink-flow is not consistent and there’s some buildup, but moving the pen across the page feels nice and smooth. The body is black with silvery accents and the pen feels weighty in the hand. It’s handsome but doesn’t necessarily stand out among pens of this caliber. It would be a good pen for signing special documents and displaying on a corporate desk. — L.R.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 3.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This is in the mid- to high-end range of fountain pens, and it feels like it. The nib glides easily across the page, yielding consistent ink-flow and lines, even though the ink looks a little wet. The blue ink looks almost purple, and it, too, has a watercolor-y aspect. It’s got a metallic body, parts of which are both solid and matte, and its design is a little more modern than your average fountain pen. There is a satisfying weight and heft to the pen and it feels nice in the hand. An all-around solid fountain pen if you’re looking to splurge a little. Another bonus: the ink-flow started immediately after the cartridge was installed. — L.R.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 2

So smooth, no drag, but it’s still a ballpoint pen. I really like the click top — it has such a substantial and satisfying feel and noise. And the rubber grip is nice. It feels smooth and comfortable in my hand, not too heavy. It’s a pretty forgettable looking pen, though it has some nice detailing. — M.B.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3.5

The Parker IM Rollerball is handsome looking. A smooth operator. The kind of pen that takes itself seriously. One could imagine it on a wooden desk, being used to sign important papers by an important person. An important person who doesn’t have time for smudging or bleeding. Granted, its relative heft isn’t great for writing over extended periods. But this pen approximates what a luxury pen offers, at a much lower price point. — D.P.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 2.5 | Feel: 3.5 | Looks: 4

The Pilot Razor Point pen is a lot like a Le Pen, but dressed in American business casual instead of a perfectly cut blazer. For those who prefer the clear, consistent lines of a felt-tip, this is the ideal day-to-day pen: it’s smooth and doesn’t catch or blot, and the ink dries in an instant. It’s plastic and lightweight, so it’s a utility player. And looks-wise, it’s basic in a good way. It’s even slightly retro: There’s a slight shimmer-sparkle print on the body and an embossed silver logo in an all-caps, non-cheesy typeface, making this look like a pen that belongs in an office with wood floors and nice Aeron chairs, and not in a Dilbert cartoon. It’s also artist and architect Richard Meier’s favorite. — M.R.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

I have a very intimate working knowledge of this TUL pen, because I own a colored set of these that I use every day. The TUL is my go-to for journaling and note-taking because it’s stupidly smooth, which really helps when I’m jotting stuff down quickly and have a lengthy train of thought, and the ink appears thick and bold on the page (I find it to be very similar to the Pilot Gel pens, but less messy). It does smudge slightly if you’re doubling back on your writing, and it’s pigmented enough to bleed through the page a bit, but it’s still a very good option for someone who writes a lot and wants something that allows for movement and speed. — L.K.

Total Score: 4

Smoothness: 4.3 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 3.6 | Feel: 4.2 | Looks: 3

One of the most unique things about this pen is its triangular-shaped body with rounded edges. This little tweak makes it a lot easier and more comfortable to hold, while also giving it some traction so it doesn’t slip around in your fingers. For the most part, it’s a smooth pen with just an echo of resistance on some upstrokes. It doesn’t smudge at all and only a few darker points and lines bleed through. For a basic-looking pen with a relatively fine point, though, it’s satisfying to write with and most letters look clear and legible even when you’re writing quickly. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 4.02

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 3.5 | Bleed-through: 3.5 | Feel: 4.8 | Looks: 4.5

With a solid and smooth line, this rollerball pen is reminiscent of a fountain pen — with none of the learning curve. Even though it has a fine point, it’s easier to control and way less scratchy than some of the other fine-nibbed pens I tested. With a wide, silicone-coated body, it’s easy to hold for long periods of time, and the orange color gives it a modern feel. Another cool touch: the dots on the body indicate the ink color. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 4.06

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 3 | Looks: 3

The Sakura Micron pen sticks a tiny bit which slows me down as I write. It does, however, have a nice flexibility of line thickness. I like the opacity of the ink, but sometimes it builds up on certain letters, which is ugly. It does not smudge and there is zero bleed-through. This pen has a pretty good weight to it, but because it’s shiny plastic I think it might make my hand sweat a little. It also feels slightly short in my hand. The cap is functional enough and the clip is kinda small. When it comes to looks, Micron pens are, in my opinion, sort of anti-design. The greenish, khaki-colored plastic is the definition of bland and visually, the overall design is basically negligible. — L.C.

Total Score: 4.1

Smoothness: 3.8 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 3 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 5

Hawaiian-based Acme has been collaborating with architects, graphic designers, and artists since its founding in 1985. These are good-looking pens and it’s not surprising that they frequently win design awards. The two I tried out (a black-and-white geometric edition inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and a brightly colored one designed by Karim Rashid) were both attractive from afar and feature little details (like the artists’ signatures engraved on the cap bands) that reveal the care invested in the pens. While it’s not an unpleasant pen to write with by any means, it does seem like function takes a backseat to form. I noticed some skipping and there’s resistance when you’re dragging the pen across the page. The ink dries quickly and doesn’t smudge, but there is some visible bleed-through on the back of the page. Still, this is a pen that’ll get noticed in the office. Let your coworkers try it out — even if just for the highly satisfying sound the cap makes when it clicks on the pen. — K.I.A.

Total Score: 4.16

Smoothness: 3.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.5

It’s a bit counterintuitive that such an everyday pen could be handsome, but the G-Tec-C has a nice combination of colors (clear, black, silver) and clean lines that feel pleasant in the hand. Because it’s so thin, though, it’s hard to feel like you’re writing with a smooth instrument — the ink doesn’t skip, but the tip is so thin that it doesn’t exactly glide across the page — it feels like it might slice through it at any point. Since so little ink is coming out, though, there’s no time for it to smudge or pool, and it certainly won’t bleed through the page. Though the tip is thin, the pen isn’t overly narrow, and I can imagine being able to write comfortably with it for a while. For quick note-taking, it may be hard to write quickly without fear that the ink will skip, but it’s a solid choice if you prefer a thin-lined pen. — J.C.

Total Score: 4.2

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 3.5

The Pilot G-2 series are some of the most popular pens on the market, and that comes as no surprise. The ink runs smoothly and there’s virtually zero smudging. The lines are thick and more or less consistent, and that makes the pen great for everyday note-taking. I prefer a finer point, but this is a solid pen. It’s comfortable to hold thanks to its ergonomic and ridged rubber grip, has a satisfying click, and the clear barrel allows you to see the level of ink inside. — L.R.

Total Score: 4.2

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 1 | Looks: 5

The Moleskine Go Pen lives up to its name in that writes consistently and smoothly without sticking to the page and it has a quick and satisfying ink-flow. It does the job of a ballpoint exceedingly well: It writes quickly and clearly, making my handwriting look neat and effortless. I noticed a minimal amount of smudging when I filled in an area and then rubbed my finger over it, zero smudging when I wrote normally, and zero bleed-through despite a nice dark, opaque ink. This pen hurts my hand to write with. Its rectangular design makes the corners dig into my thumb as I write. I would not be able to use this on a regular basis. Despite the pain it caused me it’s a nice-looking pen. I like the minimal grid design on the front and the black-and-white design reminds me of a Braun clock. I would keep this on my desk or in my pen jar. I also like the asymmetrical pocket clip. — L.C.

Total Score: 4.2

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 2

I usually hate fine pens, because my handwriting is relatively large and loopy and fine pens usually catch and drag, but writing with this pen felt like cutting butter with a hot knife, it’s that smooth. It has the feel and smooth, constant ink-flow of a fresh marker, and the precision of a ballpoint pen. I didn’t experience any smudging, nor, surprisingly, any bleed-through, even though it’s felt-tipped and looks inky. It feels comfortable in my hand, the cap clicks onto the back well, and for a plastic pen, it has a nice weight to it. My biggest complaint about this pen is that it is ugly. It’s an unseemly shade of khaki, covered in text, and a little clunky. — M.B.

Total Score: 4.2

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4.5

I love the way this retractable ballpoint pen by Swiss company Caran d’Ache looks and feels. It comes in a striking neon pink with ridged sides like a No. 2 pencil and a silver push button, clip, and point. Its metallic body gives a heft to the pen and it’s satisfying to hold and write with. The ink output is smooth and consistent, making it a great instrument for everyday use. At $25, it’s certainly an upgrade, but its eye-catching design makes it worth it. I loved this pen. — L.R.

Total Score: 4.3

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

Of course we had to include a Montblanc, and this one (the fountain pen version) is Salman Rushdie’s favorite. It’s a luxury pen that looks and feels like one. While its noticeable heft is comfortable at first, we docked a point because we imagine the weight may leave your hand feeling fatigued if you’re taking notes in an hour-long class or meeting. There’s no visible bleed-through and the writing experience is nearly seamless, with only a tiny bit of skipping when we first started using it. The ink is fast-drying but does leave faint smudging seconds after writing, which could be problematic for lefties. The shiny black body and rose gold details are nice looking, but we held off on giving the design top marks since, while elegant, it lacks any especially eye-popping elements to justify the cost. — L.R. & K.I.A.

Total Score: 4.3

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 4.75 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4

Almost everyone has used a version of this pen at some point — it’s a standby for a reason. The rollerball line is fluid and the ink flows smoothly. But the line can feel a bit thick at times, which for cursive writers can occasionally cause blurring. Smudging can also be an issue with this pen; after a few seconds you’ll still see some streaking. When you look super closely, a bit of heathering happens once the ink dries. If the slightly finicky nature of the rollerball’s style doesn’t bother you, it’ll be easy to see why this smooth inky pen has collected so many fans over the years. — Simone Kitchens, senior editor

Total Score: 4.35

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

The Pilot EasyTouch is a reliable and affordable disposable pen. It’s surprisingly smooth and it draws a nice, fine line that doesn’t skip. The pen does not feel scratchy, but you do get a little pushback when writing with it; there is a small but normal amount of pressure required. No bleed-through. The retractable mechanism works well and yields an extremely satisfying but loud “click.” If you are looking to compulsively fiddle without disturbing your coworkers, this is not the pen for you. — D.N.

Total Score: 4.4

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This pen is like the poor pen’s idea of an expensive pen: it’s plated in 10 karat gold and has a graduation-gift quality to it. It’s also remarkably smooth, though we’d say it’s not quite as glide-y as some other rollerballs. I did notice, however, that it smudged slightly when I wrote over previous writing, and while it has the perfect thickness between your fingers, the pen does begin to feel a bit heavy after longer periods of use. I happen to like its gold case, but after just one day in the pocket of our canvas messenger bag, the metal already had several superficial scratches. I’d probably save this for signing expensive checks on a well-appointed desk. — J.C.

Total Score: 4.4

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This is a jelly pen, but succeeds in many places where the (iconic) Gelly Roll fails. It is exceedingly smooth, and has very little to no smudging, even the second after you write with it. It has no bleed-through, and the ink that comes out produces not-too-thick, not-too-thin lines. I just like writing with this thing — it feels made for pretty, loopy cursive. — K.S.

Total Score: 4.4

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4.75 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4

This pen feels a bit inconsistent at times: The line is smooth and the ink flows reliably, but not in the super-inky way that would feel commensurate to the look and “flair” of this pen. It’s quite heavy, so you’re sort of expecting an inkier, fuller line. Given the weight and the average writing experience, it seems more like a pen that’s for show, and less like one you’d want to use while settling down with a notebook. The feel is fine and the grip isn’t terrible; all in all it offers an average writing experience. — S.K.

Total Score: 4.45

Smoothness: 4.75 | Smudging: 4.2 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4

If you’re someone who likes a sharp line and has small handwriting, this pen will accommodate both. But the ink can well up in places, specifically if you’re writing cursive, which can create an uneven lines at times, as well as some smudging. While it’s not much to speak of in the looks department, the rubbery grip is solid and would allow you to write comfortably for quite a while, thanks to its ultralightweight body. — S.K.

Total Score: 4.49

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 3
An expensive-feeling ballpoint pen, the Pilot Better Retractable has a good shape that feels natural to hold. The line comes out unlike any BIC — as soon as I started writing, I was taken aback by the even distribution and glide of the ink (I wrote: “Smooth as butter”). As most ballpoints do, it gets high marks for smudging and bleed-through, too. Where it falls short for us is in the looks department; there’s something a bit humorless about it. Nobody’s going to ask you where you got it in your next meeting. — J.C.

Total Score: 4.5

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 3

Though I was forced to detract points for the pen’s aesthetic (frankly, the thing is hideous — silver and purple and cheap-looking), this Dr. Grip is the smoothest pen I tried. The writing experience is seamless, and the ink that comes out is neither too thin, nor too thick. There is virtually no bleed-through or smudging, and the top of the pen is encased in a (latex-free, apparently) rubber, which felt very squishy and comfortable on my fingers while I wrote. The pen is a wee bit thick for my liking, but overall, this is a pen I would make a serious to-do list with. — K.S.

Total Score: 4.5

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 2.5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

Oh, the Le Pen. It is the nearly perfect pen: the felt tip leaves smooth, slender, consistent marks on paper, and your handwriting inevitably looks more elegant because of it. The actual build of the pen is refined but not flashy: it’s simply a tailored writing utensil of uniform width with a silver logo embossed on the side. There are no bumps or ridges where your fingers hold the pen’s body, so gripping it is comfortable. The Le Pen’s only flaw is that at the joints of letters, where you might press down for a beat longer, the ink can bleed through to the back of the paper. But for the Le Pen, you can forgo taking double-sided notes. — M.R.

Total Score: 4.5

Smoothness: 4 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.5

There is a lot to love about this pen. It feels substantial in your hand, but not too heavy. The lacquer finish makes the pen cool and comfortable to the touch; the ink is smooth and smudge-free. The black body with its gold details makes for a classy, elegant pen that looks more expensive than it really is. — D.P.

Total Score: 4.6

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 4.5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.5

My old high school art teacher used to have to buy these by the boxful because us students would steal them every chance we’d get (sorry, Mr. Rapone!). The beauty of this one lies in its extra-fine tip. Precision is the name and the game here. Further, this baby really glides over the paper. It is, in short, the ideal doodling pen (and also the ideal everyday writing pen). If you want to feel like a disaffected art student during your morning meeting, this one’s for you. — D.P.

Total Score: 4.6

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4

This is one of the smoothest fountain pens I tested. In some ways it almost feels like a rollerball: you don’t get any of the feedback resistance you sometimes get with a fountain pen. It doesn’t skip at all, and it starts writing right away — no need to scribble initially to get the ink flowing. There’s no bleed-through, and barely any smudging, which is very impressive for a fountain pen. The metal body has a nice finish and gives the pen a nice weight. The one issue I found was that the cap does not easily fasten onto the back of the pen. This won’t be a problem if you’re someone who uses fountain pens “unposted.” (In fountain pen lingo, writing “unposted” means writing with the cap removed from the body of the pen; writing “posted” means you slide the cap onto the back of the pen to write). If you prefer to write posted, it can be a bit of an issue to secure the cap to the back of the pen — you really need to force it on. This is really the only flaw here, if you can even call it one; overall, it’s a really solid fountain pen. — D.N.

Total Score: 4.6

Smoothness: 4.75 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.8 | Looks: 4

This pen delivers an incredibly smooth gel-feel that makes for a fun and almost bouncy writing experience. The harder you press it to the paper, the darker the ink and the chunkier the line. Writing a bit more softly, though, I experienced occasional skipping and it showed a little unevenness in places. You will notice the occasional tracer lines between picking up the pen and putting it back down on the paper. Still, the overall writing experience felt smooth and has a gliding effect. The ergonomic rubber grip feels great in your hand and it takes no time at all to get in a comfy position with it. — S.K.

Total Score: 4.61

Smoothness: 4.2 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 5

I’ve long loved the way the BIC 4-Color Ballpoint looks. It’s blue and white, with each of its four color options represented by little slidable strips on the top (you press the color you’d like to use down, and the pen switches to that ink). That said: the ink comes out extremely faint, meaning you have to press down hard to make sure you can see your own notes. Smudginess and bleed-through are, needless to say, not an issue with this pen — and it’s not particularly fun to doodle with, because there’s just not enough ink coming out to fill drawings in. I love to use this for checklists — you can make the list with blue or black ink, then put little stars next to the urgent items in red ink. Do I sound crazy? — K.S.

Total Score: 4.64

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4.8 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4 | Looks: 4.5

The action on this Poppin ballpoint pen is so smooth, it almost feels like it’s doing the writing on its own. It doesn’t stick to the page and it makes my handwriting look graceful. The flow of ink is on the lighter side and pressing harder won’t really affect that. This would be good for letter-writing or sketchbook notes. There is zero smudging (there was none even when I filled in a large area and ran my finger over it, hard). However, I noticed that ink did smudge onto the edge of the cap when removing it and putting it back on, which means the mint color of the case starts to look dirty fast. Zero bleed-through. This pen feels nice but it’s a little light for my taste. It almost feels like if I looked away, I would think I had dropped it. But the plastic is smooth and the cap pulls off and clicks back on with a nice sound. The mint color is nice and I like the design of the clip (which may be an ode to a paper clip). It would look great on a desk or in a meeting, where I want to project good taste and organization. — L.C.

Total Score: 4.66

Smoothness: 4.5 | Smudging: 4 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

This has the looks and feel of a classic, high-end fountain pen. The design is simple and understated, especially in the black with silver accents. The ink-flow is quite steady and it does not skip at all. It’s a smooth writer, but the nib feels slightly scratchy, most likely because it’s an “Extra Fine” nib, so a little scratchiness is inevitable. It is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and comfortable to hold. The cap screws on, so it can be stored away in your pocket without worry, and the cap also clicks onto the back easily and securely. No bleed-through. Smudging was a minor issue, about average for a fountain pen. (I tested this with the included ink cartridge, which is a special edition Pelikan ink from the “Edelstein Ink Collection,” so it’s possible that had something to do with the smudginess.) — D.N.

Total Score: 4.7

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4.8 | Bleed-through: 4 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

I can tell a pen’s great from the way it makes my writing look — neat and pretty, ideally, like that of someone who bullet journals and scrapbooks regularly. But scrawling with this Hay pen felt like I was gliding over ice, too: if my cursive were any less rudimentary, I would go wild with elegantly looping g’s, y’s, and z’s. I suppose I should expect nothing less from the Strategist-beloved brand Hay — the pen is a Midas-y gold and is the most delightful-looking pen I’ve ever used, and the function really lives up to the design. I was struck by how weightless this pen felt in my hand. Despite the lack of a rubbery grip, the shape is ergonomic enough (it tapers like a chopstick) that my fingers felt secure and comfortable, and there’s virtually no bleed-through or smudging. I ended my testing by messaging a co-worker: “This pen has changed me.” — L.K.

Total Score: 4.76

Smoothness: 4.75 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.6

This is a total “signature” pen — perfect for signing checks, if that’s something you do often-ish. This rollerball delivers a super-clean, medium line; you won’t experience a lot of inconsistencies or smudging. As far as the pen itself goes, the weighty feel and the fat, torpedo-shaped body match up well with its super-inky and dark rollerball line. It’s not the type of pen you’d want to use for extended periods of writing, though — you really do feel the weight of it as you pick it up and put it down. But the clean, seamless line and substantial feel create an enjoyable experience overall. Design-wise, if a pen with a personality is your thing, perhaps you will particularly appreciate the “E = mc²” chalkboard motif. (It’s also available in — among many other styles — a crossword grid design, a herringbone-patterned metal, and an embossed honeybee-honeycomb design.) — S.K.

Total Score: 4.77

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.5

The Parker Jotter is extremely smooth, but its ink is darker than average, making it, in my opinion, more of a work pen and less of a correspondence pen. I like that you can control your lines’ thickness and darkness by the pressure you apply — this is the mark of a more complex tool. This pen doesn’t smudge during normal note-taking or doodling. I got it to smudge a tiny bit, but only after trying very hard to fabricate smudge conditions. There is zero bleed-through. The weight of this pen is very satisfying. I like how it’s cool to the touch and then gradually warms in your hand, thanks to the metal casing. My favorite thing about this pen is the sound it makes when you click the top button — ka-chunk. It is very springy. This is a classic-looking pen, thanks to its super-handsome brushed metal body and arrow-shaped clip. It isn’t necessarily going to turn the heads of any pen snobs, but it is a few steps above a regular old BIC. — L.C.

Total Score: 4.8

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.5

As far as disposable ballpoints go, the Schneider Slider Memo XB is really impressive. This pen is smooth. Like, really smooth. Almost disarmingly smooth. It really glides effortlessly, with minimal pressure required. It’s basically smudge-free. (If you try really hard to smudge just after writing, you can get the slightest smudge, but under normal conditions there should be no smudging at all). And there is no bleed-through. The XB yields a really thick line, so that is something to be aware of. It’s probably best suited for jotting down quick notes, and might present issues if fine lines or neat handwriting are required. Its large size combined with the cap attached to the back and its thick point make the pen slightly difficult to maneuver. It’s sort of like a big, comfortable Cadillac. I gave it a 4 on looks, which I know is potentially controversial. Is it an objectively attractive pen? No, definitely not. It has an unapologetically orthopedic look and a bulbous shape, and the metal clip on the cap is disarmingly wide, but this is all in the service of its function. It’s also wrapped in a comfortable, rubberized coating. — D.N.

Total Score: 4.8

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 4.5 | Looks: 4.9

The Kaweco Classic Sport Brass fountain pen is special. Writer André Aciman called it “the Volkswagen of pens, with a Jaguar engine.” I was worried it would be too heavy or uncomfortable due to its brass body, but it actually has just the right amount of heft. It is definitely heavier than your average pen, but I ended up enjoying the resistance from the additional weight and it helped my hand-movements feel more controlled. With its octagonal shape, compact size, and brass construction, this pen earned my highest marks on looks. It might not appeal to everyone, but it definitely has style. It also feels really solid and substantial: unscrewing the cap and sliding it on and off produces Hollywood-caliber sound effects. It’s a pen you will love fiddling with — for better or worse. There is no bleed-through. It is also one of the only fountain pens that somehow doesn’t smudge. It writes very smoothly with no skipping, but it requires a little more pressure than most fountain pens, because the ink-flow is relatively light, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preference. The only drawback is that sometimes the posted cap can loosen a bit as you write, but other than that, it’s pretty much perfect. — D.N.

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 4.5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

The Aurora Ipsilon is about as classic as it gets. It is a very smooth writer, never skipping even when first touching down on the paper. Its ink-flow was consistent and steady throughout all of our tests. It’s quite lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the size is just right: not too big and not too small. Smudging was generally not an issue at all, but our hard-core “smudge test” did turn up some very light smudging. No bleed-through. Overall, it’s a really comfortable and easy-to-use fountain pen. It has an elegant and unassuming appearance with a vivid resin body and gold accents. A couple of small bonuses: the Aurora ink cartridges are super-sized, which comes in handy, and the the cap clicks on very securely. It’s the type of reliable pen you will find yourself reaching for. It narrowly edges out the Kaweco in terms of looks because it’s more likely to appeal to a wider group of people. — D.N.

Total Score: 4.9

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 4.5

Great pen. Of all the pens I tried, it feels the closest to an extension of my natural hand gestures and it makes my handwriting look easy-going and legible. I also love the line quality — dark, but not too thick, and subject to my control (as opposed to controlling me). It does not smudge. Zero bleed-through. This pen feels like barely anything in my hand, which is perfect. For me, looks are less important than performance here, but having said that, this pen is less attractive than many others. Maybe that’s because it is shiny rather than matte and the clip is kind of puny. — L.C.

Total Score: 4.9

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

If you’re most comfortable writing with a 0.5 mm. (or even 0.3 mm.) mechanical pencil, you will feel right at home using this Japanese needlepoint pen (though its point is actually 0.7 mm.). The ink comes out clean and even, yielding the thinnest, smoothest line; there’s no smudging or skipping. You’ll be amazed at how small you can write with this thing. The pen itself feels sturdy, but not too heavy. It somehow seems like gripping it would be slippery, but that wasn’t an issue. The cerulean blue, hexagonal-tube design is elegant, but in a retro way — it’s easy to imagine some ’60s-era person at, like, IBM or NASA tucking it into a shirt pocket. And the side-click-release is both discreet-looking and extremely satisfying. — S.K.

Total Score: 5

Smoothness: 5 | Smudging: 5 | Bleed-through: 5 | Feel: 5 | Looks: 5

I love this pen. It practically dances across the page, and the ink comes through with command and a real presence (those who prefer a thinner line may not appreciate it so much, but I generally prefer a thinner line and was so taken with the ink’s smoothness that it didn’t matter). The matte finish of the burgundy Squire I tried gave it an expensive look, and the pen has a sturdy but not heavy feeling in the hand. I was worried that the Squire would fail the smudge test, due to the heavier distribution of ink onto the page, but it passed with flying colors (I also passed it along to a lefty, who was surprised that it didn’t smear at all). A star among rollerballs, which I’m happy to report, considering its considerable price tag — I think we’ve found what may well become a very popular graduation gift. — J.C.

Total Score: 5