Best Pens in 2020

Best Pens TechnoBuffalo 2020

• Best Overall: Best Overall: Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen
• Best Value: Best Value: Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Pen
• Best Fountain Pen: Best Fountain Pen: Parker Jotter Originals Fountain Pen
• Best Gel Ballpoint: Best Fountain Pen: PILOT G2 Premium Rolling Ball Gel Pen
• Best Executive Pen: Waterman Expert Deluxe Blue Obsession CT Rollerball Pen
• Strong and Sturdy: Montblanc StarWalker Ballpoint Pen

Best Overall: Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen

Get smooth and consistent ink flow with this classic chrome plated ballpoint pen. Cross has patented the propel-repel ball mechanism and trademarked the conical tip to lead the market innovation, and the resulting Classic Century is a hugely respected line by customers.

The smooth lines, chrome finish, and the perfect weight give a wonderful balance that won't tire the hand. A fluid twist retracts the conical tip to store away for use next time. Fear not, this is not a one-time use item, it comes with the first refill, and more are readily available at most writing stores. Cross provides a lifetime warranty, so you keep this pen for generations.

Best Value: Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Pen

Not only is this Uni-Ball Jetstream a delight to use, but it also comes with the patented "super ink" developed to dry instantly and prevent smearing or fading. The bleed-proof ink forms a bond with the paper to prevent smudging even by the fastest scribbler, and its unique properties help identify any fraudulent attempts at making unauthorized alterations.

A pack of three pens comes in the most popular 0.7-millimeter width offering great value for the money. Overall, this is an excellent every-day pen with a comfortable grip, smooth to the touch, and gives steady ink flow. Not surprisingly, this pen is popular with left-handed writers also.

Best Fountain Pen: Parker Jotter Originals Fountain Pen

A pen from the best British tradition, the Parker Jotter Originals Fountain pen, is a technology-transfer from the ballpoint line, and it's spectacular. Experience the pleasure of fountain pen writing with this feather-shaped medium nib and find new ways of styling letters. The trademarked distinctive arrow clip is the same, but the pen has been redesigned for a more modern look.

A glossy black finish is painted on a scratch-resistant plastic body, but don't worry, you have options with other colors. The pen comes with two QUINK cartridges, one black and one blue, so try each one before you decide on your final color preference.

Best Gel Ballpoint: PILOT G2 Premium Rolling Ball Gel Pen

The Pilot G2 Premium Gel pen provides smooth writing and probably the longest lasting ink. The refillable gel ink pen is very reliable and quick-drying to prevent smudges, while the comfortable rubber grip gives a great feel in hand. Available in many colors, Pilot has a perfect fit for you.

You get twelve pens in one order for the money, making them an excellent value for the long time that each one lasts.

Best Executive Pen: Waterman Expert Deluxe Blue Obsession CT Rollerball Pen

A cigar-shaped pen, the Waterman Expert Deluxe Rollerball, is surprisingly comfortable to hold while the exceptional materials give it an executive appeal. The golden trim complements the deep black of the lacquer resulting in an exciting combination of elegance and power. All Waterman pens are handmade to offer authentic quality and a level of prestige that complements the smooth flowing ink for precise and consistent writing.

Can the pen reduce your stress? The blue color is considered soothing, so buy it and see. The ink is blue also to add to the benefits, so maybe this pen can provide comfort in addition to the writing.

Strong and Sturdy: Montblanc StarWalker Ballpoint Pen

Another well-known name, this Montblanc StarWalker pen screams class. It's a joy to own. The iconic emblem, on the cap top, accentuates the extra sturdy black resin body, and the Ruthenium-plated clip makes it a strong-bodied pen. A contoured barrel grip is comfortable, which, combined with the solid body materials, gives the pen a nice weighty feel in hand.

This is a very smooth writing pen that's available in both fine and medium-points and comes loaded with the Montblanc Mystery Black ink. See how you like it before trying other choices. This is an extremely hardy pen made for handing down the generations.

Bottom line

Choosing a pen may seem a low-priority item, but the right choice makes a difference in the writing and general confidence of the individual. It can also be a fashion statement. When it comes to making a decision, we think you should go with the Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen. The ink flows smoothly onto the paper with the weight resting comfortably in hand. The slim-lined pen's ballpoint retracts and returns with one easy twist to keep you focussed on the job at hand.

Each pen comes with one black medium ballpoint refill. Buying others is as easy as going to the local store.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide