Though we live in a digital age, taking notes by hand is still worthwhile. Handwriting encourages slowing down and rephrasing information, which leads to deeper understanding of a subject.1 However, with the wrong pen, this crucial process can feel like a chore. Read on or watch the video below for some pen selections that make note-taking effortless.
If you want to get creative with your pen customization, the Style Fit system is also compatible with refills from many other brands. For even more detail on this infinitely unique pen, read our comprehensive guide to the Uni Style Fit
We tested smudging by running a finger over the ink immediately after writing. We also tested highlighting with our two highlighter picks over dry writing samples. Tests were done on Rhodia DotPad paper, which is smooth and non-absorbent. Toothier or more absorbent pages may experience less smearing.
Name | Writing Sample | Immediate Smudge | Highlighting with Zebra Justfit MojiniLine | Highlighting with Iconic 2 Way Marker |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pens | ||||
Uni-ball One Gel Pens | ||||
Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pens | ||||
Zebra bLen Ballpoint Pens | ||||
Pilot Multi Ball Rollerball Pens | ||||
Pilot Precise V5 Rollerball Pens | ||||
Pilot Acroball Spotliter Multi Pen | ||||
Uni Style Fit Multi Pen | ||||
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pens | ||||
TWSBI GO Fountain Pens |
Our writers draw on their personal expertise, consult our in-house subject matter experts, and do extensive research to make our guides as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We then test every finding that makes it through the research stage. Only the techniques and tools whose performance we personally confirm make it into our guides as recommendations.
The right pen will help you fly through long sessions of note-taking. Let us know what your favorite note-taking pen is in the comments below, and for more pen picks, subscribe to our newsletter.
Name | Pen Type | Tip Size | Ink Colors | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zebra Sarasa Dry | Gel Pen | 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | Black, Red, Blue | Quick-Dry Ink |
Uni-Ball One | Gel Pen | 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm | Black, Pink, Red, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple | Ultra-Pigmented Ink, Sturdy Construction |
Uni Jetstream | Ballpoint | 0.28 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm | Black, Pink, Red, Brown, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple | Low-Viscosity Ink, Pen Body Variety |
Zebra bLen | Ballpoint | 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm | Black, Red, Blue | Rattle-Free Construction |
Pilot Multi Ball Rollerball | Rollerball | Fine, Medium | Black | Multisurface, Permanent |
Pilot Precise V5 | Rollerball | 0.5 mm | Black, Pink, Red, Green, Turquoise, Blue, Purple | Smooth Writing |
Pilot Acroball Spotliter | Multi Pen | 0.7 mm | Black, Red and Blue Inks, Pink or Yellow Highlighters | Highlighter Multi Pen |
Uni Style Fit | Multi Pen | 0.28 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm | Black, Pink, Red, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Blue, Purple, Gold, Silver | Customizable Multi Pen |
Platinum Preppy | Fountain Pen | Extra Fine, Fine, Medium | Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple | Affordable, Springy Nib |
TWSBI GO | Fountain Pen | Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 1.1 mm Italic | Any | Generous Ink Resevoir |
Zebra Justfit Mojini Line | Highlighter | Chisel | Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue | Compatible with Most Pens |
Iconic 2 Way Marker | Highlighter | Chisel and Bullet | Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gray | Double-Ended, Bold and Pastel Colors |