Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy (like pillows), but as much as we’d like to, we can’t tryeverything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed (that’s four-to-five-star reviews and lots of ‘em) products and single out the most convincing. We’ve written about some of the best pens before — see those stories here and here — but this time we turned to the people to find the best-reviewed ballpoint, roller-ball, and felt-tip pens for writing, doodling, and bullet journaling on Amazon. (Note that reviews have been edited for length and clarity.).
Staedtler Pigment Liner
4.1 stars, 109 reviews
“I’ve been using another kind of pen with a very fine point for years — don’t know what made me try these instead, but I’m so glad I did. They are superior in every way. The tip is very fine but also strong, so the pens last longer. Feel great in the hand too. My new favorite by far.”
Pilot Precise Retractable Rolling Pen
“I have been using the Pilot Precise pens for a few years, and they are my favorite. I really hope they never discontinue this line because I don’t want to have to stock up. I like the extra-fine point, and am impressed that it still creates a strong, uninterrupted line without requiring the user to use extra pressure. I don’t feel like the thin tip will bend or break (which has happened to me with other pens). This pen doesn’t skip and dries very quickly, so smudging isn’t an issue, either. I like the retractable aspect, since I tend to misplace pen caps. I like the way these feel in my hand, and I like the colors available. Additionally, the ink never seems to run out (I’m sure it does eventually, but the pens are loved by everyone I encounter, so they end up in someone else’s possession quite regularly). I simply cannot think of a negative thing to say about these!”
Uni-Ball Jetstream Ballpoint
“This is my favorite pen of all time. I’d order more if my wife would let me. I always carry one in my pocket, and I love the fact that because of the cap (instead of a push-button), it will never open in my pocket and leak or stab me. Writes well and dries fast on more stuff than you’d expect (not everything, but definitely better than most pens). I’m not left-handed — apparently lefties smudge ink a lot when writing, and this one helps avoid that — but I just enjoy writing things and not having to worry about smudging like I would with a gel pen, though it writes about as smooth as one.”