When it comes to taking notes, a pen is a very important asset. If you are looking for the best pen for taking notes, have no fear. We are going to set the stage by looking at the types of pens out there, talk about the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what the best pen for note taking is when it comes to your needs.
These are all pens I have tried and tested, and use for taking notes myself. Love gel pens? Check out this list of the best gel pens for notes.
What’s Important for The Best Pen for Taking Notes
When it comes to picking the best pen for taking notes, there are a number of things to consider.
First of all is price, and quantity in a pack. You may want to carry multiple note taking pens at once!
Next is how comfortable the pen is to write with. Is the casing a weird shape that digs into your fingers? Don’t worry, I won’t put any on this list that are uncomfortable to write with, but you should still consider this when looking.
Also, we can’t forget the type of ink in the pen. This can be very important.
Along with ink, another important aspect of the best note taking pen is the size of the line you will be writing. Do you like fine lines or thicker ones?
Finally is color. I always like to have a couple of colored pens on hand to augment my note taking, like making bullets next to important points, or underlining important topics.
Sometimes I switch color based on topic, so it is easy to look at my notes later.
It really comes down to personal presence when it comes to pens for taking notes. Each person likes pens that write different.
Now, let’s take a look at the different types of note taking pens, and the pros and cons of each.
The Best Note Taking Pen Types
Pens really break down into a couple of different types. Let’s take a look at them, and if they are suitable for note taking.
Ball Point Pens for Note Taking
These are the most classic pens around, and can be great for note taking. They are often very economical. You really can’t go wrong with a ball point pen!
Pros: Economical, come in many different colors and line types.
Cons: If they are too economical, they may be uncomfortable to write with. Don’t worry, I’ve taken a look at that for you!
Gel Pens for Note Taking
Gel pens are a little different than ball point pens. They use a differ type of ink that is much thinner and more liquid than a ball point pen. Some people love gel pens, and some hate them.
If you are considering a gel pen for note taking, the most important thing to look at is how fast the ink dries. If you are writing very fast, the ink may smear, which is not good when you are taking notes. I will only show you fast drying gel ink pens that won’t smear!
Pros: Fast to write with, and economical, come in many colors and line thicknesses.
Cons: If they are not fast drying, they may smear. Pay special attention to this for note taking.
Don’t miss our complete guide to gel pens for notes here!
Fountain Pens for Note Taking
Look, I absolutely love fountain pens, but are they they really the best for note taking?
I say no. They can be messy, and like gel pens, use a thin water based ink. Many fountain pen inks are prone to smearing.
There are, however options out there if you absolutely love fountain pens, so I will included a few for you.
Fountain pens are often not the best for fast writing though. If you are already familiar with fountain pens, I will be sure to show you a few of the disposable type that could be good for taking notes, provided you are already used to using them.
Pros: Often comfortable to write with.
Cons: Prone to smearing and running, also more expensive than other options.
Refillable Pens for Note Taking
If you are really concerned with comfort when you are looking for the best pen for taking notes, you may want to look at a refillable pen. These pens are generally more expensive than their disposable counterparts but they are meant to be re-used.
The ink is often very economical. I will show you my absolute favorite refillable pen for note takings, which can be used with a ball point or gel based ink refill.
Pros: The most comfortable to write with, many options for ink refils.
Cons: More expensive than disposables, especially if you are prone to losing pens.
The Best Pen for Taking Notes, Complete Guide
Now here is my ultimate guide for the best pen for taking notes. Each pen clearly states what type it is, to make it easy for you to find the best pen for your needs.
Best Pen for Taking Notes
Here are the best pens for taking notes, no matter what type of pen is your favorite! They have all been evaluated for the features we talked about earlier - especially comfort!
If you scroll down to the bottom of the list, you will learn one of my secrets for note taking and find something you may not have even considered!
Still looking for more great pens? I'm a total pen freak and I've tested so many I can't even keep track!
Don't miss our detailed reviews on colored pens for taking notes and gel pens for taking notes
Pentel BK90A R.S.V.P. Stick Ballpoint Pen, .7mm, Trans Barrel, Black Ink (Pack of 12)
This is my favorite ballpoint pen ever. I buy these by the box, and often even finish them before I lose them.
If you are looking for a ballpoint pen that is more comfortable than some of the others out there, but still economical enough that you won't feel bad if you lose it, this is THE best note taking pen for you.
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium Point, Black, 10 Count for Note Taking
These are hands down my favorite gel pens for note taking. They dry super fast, and there is never a smudge in site. This pack has a medium point, but they also come in fine point and in colors, which we are about to look at next.
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 8 Count
I would be remiss if I didn't include a pack of these Paper Mate InjJoy colored gel pens. These have a fine point which make them a great option for adding some additional detail to notes. They also, of course come in a medium point, and additional colors besides the 8 pack here.
PILOT Dr. Grip Frosted Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point, Purple Barrel, Black Ink,
This Dr. Grip pen comes in both pink and blue in addition to purple, and also comes with a medium point ballpoint ink cartridge. This is a great workhorse pen if you like ballpoint pens and are searching for the most comfortable pen you can find.
PILOT Dr. Grip Limited Gel Ink, Fine Point, Metallic Platinum Barrel, Black Ink
This Dr. Grip pen has a platinum finish, and comes with fine point gel ink. The shiny silver casing makes it easy to find when you are digging through your bag looking for your 0pen.
PILOT Dr. Grip Ballpoint Ink Refills, Fine Point, Black/Red/Blue/Green Inks
This is a great refil pack for the Dr. Gip pen since it comes with four colors. If you are looking for a comfortable pen, but sometimes get tired of the same old blue and blak ink, then this refil pack is for you!
Pilot G2 Gel Ink Refill, Fine Point, Black Ink
These Pilot G2 refils fit in the Dr. Grip with no problem. You can also easily switch between gel and ballpoint with the Dr. Grip pens.
PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Gel Pen for Note Taking
If you don't want to commit to a refillaible pen completely, these PILOT G2 pens are refillable, but econmonical enough that you won't feel bad if you lose them. They come in a wide variery of line widths and colors, but classic black is shown here.
Platinum Fountain Pen, Preppy, Fine Nib, Black
These Platinum Preppy fountian pens come in both fine and medium nibs, and multiple colors.
If you just love your fountian pens, this is a gret, economical option for note taking.
BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil, Fine Point (0.5mm)
I know we are talking about the best pens for note taking, but I couldn't live without a pack of mechanical pencils like this. These are great for note taking, and sketching out diagrams as the professor draws them on the board.
You know what I'm talking about, if they have drawn something and change it, you're stuck if you are using a pen!
This is a great addition to any note taking arsenal.