The 8 Best Pens for Journaling of 2023

There are a lot of different factors to consider when purchasing the best journaling pen. You want something comfortable to write with, has a fine point so you can create precise lines, and will last for a long time. This article will review 8 of the best pens for journaling on the market and discuss what makes them stand out from the competition. We’ll also provide tips on what to look for when choosing a journaling pen and answer any questions about the best pen for bullet journals!

Writing is an art with various forms, and journaling is one of those forms. Multiple studies have shown that journaling has many benefits. For example, they are helping people recover from mental trauma, reducing depression, improving memory function, and so on. So why not include it in your worksite wellness plan?

Things to Consider to Buy the Best Journaling Pens

Various types of pens are available in the market, and each has its unique set of benefits. But when it comes to journaling, not all pens are created equal. Here are some factors you should keep in mind before purchasing a journaling pen:

1. Point size:

The width of the pen tip is an essential factor to consider, as it will affect the overall look of your journal entries. If you want precise and clean lines, it will affect how much ink is deposited on the paper and how fine of a line you can create. For journaling, you’ll want to choose a pen with a fine point (0.38 mm or less) to create precise lines and detailed drawings.

2. Ink type:

Not all inks are created equal, and some are better suited for journaling than others. For example, gel ink is known for being smudge-resistant and having a consistent flow, which makes it ideal for writing. However, if you’re looking for a pen that will last a long time without drying out, choose one with permanent or waterproof ink.

3. Barrel type:

The barrel is the part of the pen you hold onto, and it comes in various shapes and sizes. For journaling, you’ll want to choose a pen with a comfortable grip that won’t slip out of your hand as you write. You may also want to consider a pen with a retractable tip so you can protect the nib when it’s not in use.

4. Price:

Pens can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. When it comes to journaling, you don’t need to spend much money to get a good pen. However, if you’re looking for a pen that will last a long time and has all the features you want, you may need to spend more.

5. Type:

The different types of pens used for journaling include ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, gel pens, markers, brush pens, fountain pens, and felt-tip pens. Roller pens, gel pens, and ballpoint pens are suitable for heavy writing because their inks dry up fast—preventing smearing. There are colored pens for those interested in colorful or decorative paper. Gel pens offer neon, metallic, and colorful, glittery pens.

Fountain pens are for people that like to write the old-school way. Felt-tip pens and markers can be used for writing, sketching, labeling, and coloring. Some markers are made with brush nibs and bendable ink to let users create artistic effects.

Now that we’ve gone over some factors to consider before purchasing a journaling pen let’s look at some of the best pens.

The 8 Best Pens for Journaling

There are many options in the market. We have explored 35+ products and researched the review of the purchasers. Analyzing 500+ reviews of actual purchasers gave us insights to make a list of the eight best pens for journaling. Then we compared those, filtered out the top picks, and checked again. These took us 15+ hours. All the products that we have suggested have the following:

So, if you’re looking for the best journaling pen, check these reviews to buy the right pen and save your time.

1. Overall Best Pens for Journaling

Sakura Pigma 30062 Micron Pen Set

These beige pens from SAKURA all have black ink. They are for people that want a fine handmade ink print with complex line work that requires high accuracy.

Sakura Pigma 30062 Micron Pen Set is our overall best product because of its reliability in gliding across the paper while leaving smooth and pigment-rich ink lines. Let’s not forget its 6 nib sizes (0.20, 0.25mm, 0.30mm, 0.35mm, 0.45mm, and 0.50mm). It is your best pen for a bullet journal.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Waterproof.
• Quick drying time.
• Plastic material.
• Color: Beige.
• Bleed-resistant.
• Chemical resistant.
• Neutral pH.
• Point type: Fine.
• Fade-resistant.

Price: $11.99
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“. . . love these.”
“. . . a good range of sizes.”
“. . love using these.”
“my favorite . . .”
“Great for beginners . . .”

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• Various nib sizes to choose from.
• Suitable for both illustrating and writing.
• It has been certified non-toxic.

Cons

• Only one ink color.
• The ink may leak from the barrel due to altitude pressure.
• You may not like the beige design.

Alternative: PANDAFLY Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens for $11.95

2. Best Pens for Bullet Journal

Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight Pen Set

This is another product from SAKURA, but with assorted gel ink colors. The SAKURA brand is the gel ink inventor, so that you can expect nothing but the best quality. The nib size for each pen is 1mm. Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight pens are our best pens for bullet journals because of the following reasons:

• The ink doesn’t bleed through most paper types.
• The bright ink flows well on both light and dark papers.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Paper material.
• 0.5mm ink line.
• Quick drying time.
• Point type: Bold.

Price: $13.97
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“Great for painting rocks . . .”
“. . . I love them.”
“Nice Pens . . .”
“Great for making fluorescent artwork . . .”
“Pretty colors . . .”

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• Suitable for both illustrating and writing.
• Ten ink colors to choose from.
• It has been certified non-toxic.

Cons

• It isn’t fade-resistant.
• The ink flow may be inconsistent sometimes.
• You may not like ink color brightness.

Alternative: Dyvicl Highlight Color Pen for $12.89

3. Best Pens for Planners

Pilot Frixion ColorSticks Erasable Gel Ink Pens

This high-quality set comes with pens that have slim, non-rolling capped barrel designs. It is a great contender for the best pen for bullet journal. So you can write without the fear of making mistakes and be a perfectionist at the same time. Pilot Frixion ColorSticks Erasable Gel Ink Pens is the top pick in the best pens for planners category because of the following reasons:

• It is excellent for everyday journaling.
• It comes in various ink colors.
• The thermo-sensitive gel ink is erasable with the erasing tip.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• 0.7mm line size.
• Ten pieces.
• Plastic material.
• Contoured grip type.
• Point type: Fine.

Price: $11.99
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“No more mistakes.”
“Great & useful!”
“Great for sewing!”
“. . . erases completely.”
“. .   good gel properties . . .”

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros

• The packaging has a great aesthetic appeal, so it is great for gifting.
• Suitable for both illustrating and writing.
• Erasable ink.

Cons

• It isn’t water-resistant.
• The grey ink doesn’t show clearly on most colors of paper.
• The ink will start fading in hot weather.

Alternative: Amazon Basics RollerBall Pen for $9.99

4. Best Fountain Pen for Journaling

Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens

Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens come with a black design. You will find the pens in this set comfortable to hold. It is the best fountain pen for journaling because of the specs below.

• Each pen is disposable.
• The pack has six pieces.
• Authentic stainless steel nib.
• Advanced liquid ink feed system.
• No maintenance is required.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• All the pens have black ink.
• Point type: Medium.

Price: $12.99
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“My all-time favorite pens.”
“A dream-come-true . . .”
“Good starter fountain pen . . .”
“Value for pen . . .”
“Did the job well.”

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros

• The pens are disposable.
• Stylish with a mix of modern and retro features.
• The ink tank is visible so that you can monitor the ink levels.

Cons

• Only one ink color.
• The modern features may not be appealing to fountain pen enthusiasts.
• It isn’t water-resistant.

Alternative: Amazon Basics Refillable Fountain Pen for $8.43

5. Best Markers for Bullet Journal

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Marker Pens

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Marker Pens are great for school work (teachers and students). However, this set of multi-colored pens set has the best markers for bullet journals because of the reasons below.

• It comes in various ink colors.
• Resistance to bleeding.
• Smooth, bold, and striking lines on paper.
• 0.7mm line size.
• Point type: Medium
• The point guard protects the tip from fraying.
• Quick drying time.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Plastic material.
• Water-based ink.
• 24 pieces.

Price: $22
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“. . . I still LOVE them.”
“. . . Papermate kept its word . . .”
“Great for planners . . .”
“Great colors.”
“Bright and Bold.”

Rating: 4.9/5

Pros

• It is suitable for minimalists.
• Many ink colors.
• Fray-resistant.

Cons

• The ink doesn’t last long.
• Writing fast with pens at the beginning may be challenging without practicing.
• The colors may not appear striking enough.

Alternative: Amazon Basics Felt Tips Marker Pen – Assorted Color for $8.88

6. Best Gel Pens

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens appear in 14 different ink colors. They help you write controlled, fine, and bold lines in bright colors. This set is our top pick for the best gel pens because of the following reasons:

• Retractability.
• Many colors.
• Point Type: Medium (0.7mm)
• Rapid drying time.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Ergonomic grip.
• Plastic material.

Price: $11.98
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“Really good color variety.”
“THE BEST!”
“One of the best . . .”
“. . . smooth coloring.”
“. . . a gel pen a lefty won’t spare.”

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• The ink doesn’t dry up if the pen is uncapped.
• It is great for left-handed people.
• Speedy drying time.

Cons

• The pens are not acid-free.
• The ink isn’t waterproof.
• The ink may bleed through the paper when you color with the pens.

Alternative: Amazon Basics Gel Pens – Medium Point for $11.91

7. Best Pens that Don’t Bleed

Pigma Micron Inductive Bible Study Pen Kit

This set of 8 porous-point pens has various ink colors. There are 2 point types (fine and medium) to use. Pigma Micron Inductive Bible Study Pen Kit is the best in the category of best pens that don’t bleed because of the following features:

• Resistance to bleeding.
• Waterproof ink.
• Quick drying time.
• Great for bible journaling (note-taking and underlining).

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Fade-resistant.
• It doesn’t feather.
• pH neutral.
• Chemical-resistant.
• No smearing.
• Pigmented ink.

Price: $21.59
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“Colorful, handy . . .”
“Mostly good.”
“Great pens at a fair price.”
“My favorite no-bleed pens!”
“. . . favorite pens for my bible.”

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• Its bleed-resistant, waterproof, and quick-drying ink is great for bible journaling.
• Two point types to use.
• It is non-toxic.

Cons

• The bible paper’s authenticity may undermine the pen’s bleed resistance.
• You may not find the pen designs appealing. It is not a contender for the “cutest pens” category.
• The color combination may be unappealing to you.

Alternative: Dyvicle Metallic Paint Marker Pens for $10.98

8. Best Colored Pens

Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pens

Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pens are suitable for highly detailed illustrations. However, this set has our best colorful pens because of the merits below.

• Suitability for use with adult coloring books.
• 0.4mm line size.
• Point type: Fine.
• It is a set of 30 different colors.

Features and Benefits of the Product

• Comfy grip with hexagonal body shape.
• Wallet-style pack.
• The pens can be left uncapped for a long time—no worries about drying the tip up.
• Metal enclosed tip.

Price: $20.92
Check the latest price on Amazon

Rating and Reviews

“. . . work well for me.”
“I really love the size . . .”
“Great pens . . .”
“I like them . . .”
“Ideal for Adult Coloring Books.”

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• 30 colors to use.
• The set comes in a wallet-style pack.
• Eco-friendly manufacturing.

Cons

• The ink may bleed through some paper types.
• The pens aren’t ideal for use by young children.
• The ink isn’t waterproof.

Alternative: Dyvicle Fineliner Fine Point Pens for $16.98

Answers to Related Questions

What Is the Best Pen for Sketching?

The COPIC Gasenfude Nylon Brush Pen is the best for sketching. See why below.

• Rich, solid black ink that is great for bold lines and shading effects.
• Narrow synthetic brush with good flexibility.
• Fine point nib that can produce thin lines and details.
• Broad long strokes can be created when the brush is pressed down.
• Resistance to bleeding and smearing.
• Ten pieces in the set.

What Is the Best Pen for Brush Lettering?

Tombow 56171 Dual Brush Pen Art Markers are the best for brush lettering because of the following reasons:

• Smooth brushes.
• Water-based and bendable ink.
• The self-cleaning tips make it possible to mix colors.
• The brushes can maintain their original shapes after use.

Watch this YouTube video to learn about brush lettering:

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• The 8 Best Pens for Lefties
• The 8 Best Pens for Drawing
• The 12 Best Black and White Printers
• The 9 Best Notebooks for Work
• The 10 Best Stress Balls for Office and Home
• The 8 Best Colors to Wear to a Job Interview

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pen for journaling. A few key things to keep in mind are the point size, ink type, barrel of the pen, price, and your own personal preferences.

The pens we’ve listed above all have unique benefits that can make them a great choice for your needs, including the best pens for bullet journaling. We really believe that these are the best journaling pens on the market. We hope you’ve found this helpful and that you’ll find the perfect pen for your needs.

Happy journaling!