10 Best Budget Pens of 2024: Top Affordable Writing Instruments

In 2024, finding the best budget pens on Amazon can be a daunting task among the plethora of options available online. Whether you’re a student, a professional, an artist, or someone who simply loves to write, having the right pen at an affordable price is essential. After thorough research, we bring you a carefully curated list of the best budget pens that combine affordability with quality. These products have garnered positive reviews, making them stand out as the best budget pens on Amazon.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Pens

When searching for the best budget pens, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make an informed choice. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Type of Ink

Different pens use different types of ink, including gel, ballpoint, and fountain. Gel pens tend to write smoother and are great for vibrant colors, while ballpoint pens are more economical and have a longer shelf life. Fountain pens offer a classic touch but can be more expensive.

2. Tip Size

The tip size greatly affects the writing experience. Fine tips (0.5mm or smaller) are ideal for detailed work or small handwriting, while medium tips (0.7mm) are versatile and work well for general writing. Bold tips (1.0mm or larger) deliver bolder lines and are excellent for expressive writing.

3. Comfort and Grip

An ergonomic design with a comfortable grip can significantly enhance your writing experience, especially during long writing sessions. Look for pens that have rubber grips or are designed for prolonged use.

4. Brand Reputation

Established brands often offer better quality control and reliability. Stick to brands known for their writing instruments to ensure you’re purchasing a worthwhile product.

5. Reviews and Ratings

Pay attention to user reviews and ratings on Amazon. Products with a high number of positive reviews are often a safer investment.

6. Price

Budget pens should not sacrifice quality for cost. Look for options that strike a balance between affordability and performance.

Top 10 Best Budget Pens on Amazon

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to choose the right pen, here is a detailed review of the top ten budget pens available on Amazon in 2024.

1. Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens (10 Count)

The Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens offer a smooth writing experience with vibrant ink colors. Perfect for note-taking or creative writing, these pens are designed with a comfortable grip for prolonged use.

Features:

• Ink dries quickly to minimize smudging
• Ten vibrant colors for creative expression

• Comfortable grip for extended use

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Users rave about the smoothness and vivid colors, making this pen set an excellent choice for students and professionals alike.

  Bestseller No. 1

  

  Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium Point, Assorted, 10 Count

  • Dries 3X faster* for reduced smearing
  • Smooth, colorful ink keeps the ideas flowing across the page and brightens your writing
  • Ergonomic comfort grip wraps the entire gel pen
  • 0.7mm medium point spreads ink beautifully
  • Includes 10 gel pens in assorted colors

  Buy on Amazon

2. Pilot G2 Gel Pens (12 Count)

The Pilot G2 is a well-known and trusted name in the pen world. The ink flows smoothly, and these pens are known for their longevity and reliability.

Features:

• Refillable for continuous use
• Smooth gel ink for effortless writing

• Comes in various tip sizes

  Why You’ll Love It:
  With its extensive line of colors and styles, the Pilot G2 offers versatility and convenience, making it a go-to choice for many.

  OFF -$12.01Bestseller No. 1

  

  Pilot, G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Bold Point 1 mm, Pack of 12, Black

  • Smooth & Long-lasting: Enjoy a smooth writing experience thanks to the gel ink that glides effortlessly across paper; G2 has been proven to be the longest-lasting gel ink pen so you can write more without having to refill often (Data on File)
  • Comfortable Grip: A contoured rubber grip provides ergonomic support, making long writing projects easier
  • Versatile: Perfect for everyday writing tasks such as taking notes and jotting down grocery lists; The G2 tip delivers crisp, clean lines ideal for writing, intricate designs, drawing, sketching or doodling
  • Refillable & Quick Drying: Save money and reduce waste by reusing and refilling your retractable pen with Pilot G2 refills (sold separately); The vibrant, quick drying ink helps prevent smudges and smears
  • Power to the Pen: Express yourself effortlessly with Pilot's line of innovative writing tools, including gel ink, erasable, rolling ball, ballpoint and fountain pens, & dry erase markers & more

  Buy on Amazon

3. Zebra F-301 Ballpoint Pens (10 Count)

The Zebra F-301 is a sleek, stainless-steel pen designed to offer both style and performance. Its ballpoint design ensures a smooth, reliable ink flow.

Features:

• Durable metal body for a professional look
• Refillable and eco-friendly

• Fine point for precision writing

  Why You’ll Love It:
  The sturdy design and classic aesthetic appeal make it a favorite among professionals who prefer a polished look.

  Bestseller No. 1

  

  Zebra Pen F-Series Ballpoint Stainless Steel Pen Refill, Fine Point, 0.7mm, Blue Ink, 10-Pack,50071

  • 0.7mm fine point refill for Zebra Pen F-Series ballpoint pens extends the life of your favorite writing instrument with the reliable blue ink you love
  • Easy-glide ink brings top of the line writing performance to your everyday needs, like note-taking, document signing, filling out forms and making lists
  • Effortless refill process makes it great for everyday use; Refill includes 10 ballpoint refills to keep your words flowing
  • Refer to the barrel size of your pen for correct point size; Ink refill works beautifully in Zebra Pen Steel Collection F-Series pens
  • Built for pens used in boardrooms, classrooms, medical settings, and personal use, this refill is compatible with Zebra Pen F-301, F-401 and F-701 series, Expandz and Silver Select refillable pens

  Buy on Amazon

4. BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pens (10 Count)

A classic choice, BIC Cristal pens are known for their affordability and reliability. These pens glide smoothly across the page, making writing enjoyable.

Features:

• Transparent barrel to see ink levels
• Smooth medium point for easy writing

• Assorted colors available

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Easy to find and very economical, they are perfect for both home and office use.

  OFF -$1.72Bestseller No. 1

  

  BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm), Blue, 10-Count

  • Up to 35% smoother than BIC's traditional ballpoint ink
  • Long-lasting dependability
  • Easy-Glide System for ultra-smooth writing
  • Made with point efficiency control for precision at a micron level
  • High-quality writing experience with perfectly round spheres almost harder than a diamond

  Buy on Amazon

5. Sharpie S-Gel Pens (12 Count)

The Sharpie S-Gel Pens are designed to deliver consistent, smooth writing with a variety of vibrant colors.

Features:

• Innovative gel ink for smooth writing
• Quick-drying ink to reduce smudging

• Assorted colors and tip sizes

  Why You’ll Love It:
  The quality of the gel ink, combined with its bold colors, makes it perfect for artistic purposes or note-taking.

  OFF -$4.00Bestseller No. 1

  

  Sharpie S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 12 Count

  • Gel pen with no smear, no bleed technology
  • Intensely bold gel ink colors offer always vivid writing
  • Contoured rubber grip for a comfortable writing experience
  • Medium Point (0.7mm)
  • Includes 12 black gel ink pens

  Buy on Amazon

6. Uni-ball Signo Gel Pens (8 Count)

The Uni-ball Signo line is famous for its archival-quality ink that is fade and water-resistant.

Features:

• Smooth gel ink for consistent writing
• Fade-resistant and waterproof for archival purposes

• Available in several colors and tip sizes

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Ideal for journaling and creative work, these pens offer a high-quality option at an affordable price.

  OFF -$6.68Bestseller No. 1

  

  Uniball Signo 207 Gel Pen 8 Pack, 0.7mm Black Pens, Gel Ink Pens | Office Supplies Sold by Uniball are Pens, Ballpoint Pen, Colored Pens, Gel Pens, Fine Point, Smooth Writing Pens

  • Make a striking statement with thick, vibrant gel ink in intensely bold colors
  • Premium grip provides superior writing comfort and control
  • Features uni Super Ink which protects against water, fading and fraud
  • Refillable design with a stylish translucent ink window and attractive metal accents
  • Includes: 8 black gel pens, 0.7 millimeters medium point

  Buy on Amazon

7. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens (10 Count)

If you’re looking for the best budget pens for drawing or writing, the Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens are perfect for you. Their felt tips deliver a smooth, bold line.

Features:

• Versatile felt tip for writing, sketching, and doodling
• Quick-drying ink to avoid smudges

• Assorted colors for a pop of creativity

  Why You’ll Love It:
  The vibrant colors and versatility make it a favorite for artists and students alike.

  No products found.

8. AmazonBasics Retractable Ballpoint Pens (8 Count)

A great value option, the AmazonBasics Retractable Ballpoint Pens offer affordability without sacrificing quality.

Features:

• Retractable design to prevent ink drying out
• Smooth writing experience

• Comes in an 8-pack for bulk savings

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Perfect for everyday use, these pens are reliable and cost-effective, making them a great choice for busy households.

  OFF -$0.69Bestseller No. 1

  

  Amazon Basics Retractable Ballpoint Pen - Black, 1.2mm, 12-Pack

  • 12-pack of retractable ballpoint pens with black ink for taking notes, homework, office use and more
  • Ultra-smooth ink for easy writing and clear legibility
  • Bold 1.2mm point is perfect for everyday use
  • Soft barrel for comforting grip
  • Ball point pen ISO 12757-1 H B, Conforms to ASTM D4236, JIS S 6039 Ball point pen H B

  Buy on Amazon

9. Pilot FriXion Erasable Gel Pens (6 Count)

The Pilot FriXion Pens offer the unique ability to erase your writing, making them perfect for corrections without a mess.

Features:

• Erasable gel ink for easy corrections
• Variety of colors and tip sizes available

• Smooth writing experience

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Great for students, these pens combine convenience and versatility, allowing for a cleaner writing experience.

  Bestseller No. 1

  

  Pilot Frixion Erasable Pens - 6 Pack of Black Ink Pens + 4 Bonus Refills - Clicker Retractable Gel Ink Pen - Fine Point 0.7 mm Used for Rocketbook & Notebook

  • PILOT FRIXION CLICKER - This pen combines the ease of a retractable pen with Pilot's heat erasable thermo-sensitive gel ink. No wear or tear so you can erase & rewrite until it's right without ruining the page.
  • ERASABLE, RETRACTABLE, REFILLABLE - The FriXion gel ink pen writes smooth & erases clean. Available in a variety of vibrant ink colors: black, blue, red, turquoise, purple, navy, pink, & green.
  • WRITE & CREATE FEARLESSLY - If you love FriXion erasable ink pens & markers, you'll want to try Pilot's full line of erasable Clickers, ColorSticks, Fineliners, Colors Marker Pens, & Highlighters.
  • TRUSTED QUALITY - We've been making pens for over 100 years. Whether you're taking notes, stocking up on school or office supplies, or writing in a bullet journal, Pilot has the perfect pen for you!
  • POWER TO THE PEN - Pilot makes exceptional writing instruments to suit all your needs. We have fountain, ballpoint, retractable, erasable & gel ink pens, whiteboard markers & more for every writing style.

  Buy on Amazon

10. Sharpie Clear View Highlighters (4 Count)

These highlighters come with a clear view tip that allows for precise highlighting without smudging your notes.

Features:

• Chisel tip for broad and fine highlighting
• Quick-drying ink to prevent smudges

• Assorted colors for color-coding and organization

  Why You’ll Love It:
  Ideal for students and professionals, these highlighters help keep your notes organized while allowing for easy readability.

  Bestseller No. 1

  

  Sharpie Clear View Highlighters, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 4 Count

  • Highlighter with see-through tip so you can highlight neatly and evenly
  • Chisel tip lets you switch between both wide and narrow lines
  • Ultra-vivid fluorescent ink jumps off the page
  • Resists smearing of many pen and marker inks so your work stays clean
  • Includes 4 Tank Highlighters in assorted colors

  Buy on Amazon

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the best budget pens doesn’t have to be a challenge in 2024. By considering ink type, tip size, comfort, and brand reputation, you can find the perfect writing instrument for your needs. Whether you’re restocking your back-to-school supplies, outfitting your home office, or buying for arts and crafts, the options listed above represent some of the best budget pens available on Amazon today.

With this guide, you should feel well-equipped to choose the best budget pens to suit your writing preference while sticking to your budget. Happy writing!

---

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.