Ballpoint pens are one of the most widely used writing instruments in the world. There is an endless array of options that one can choose from, whether they’re affordable everyday brands or more luxurious pens for more special occasions. You may be familiar with a few ballpoint pen brands, but many others may not be as popular or well-known. Choosing the right pen for you is important, which is why we’ve come up with a list of different ballpoint pen brands.
Understanding the power of brands
Selecting a ballpoint pen is more than just using it for writing. When we write, it's about personal connection to the pen, style, and workmanship. Every brand has a distinct history, design ethos, and level of quality. Your choice of ballpoint pen becomes a reflection of who you are, whether it's through the fine craftsmanship, material composition, or subtle aesthetic details.
Here are the ballpoint pen brands you need to know about from A to Z.
Aurora
Aurora is an Italian brand known for more than a century of excellence, style, and superb Italian craftsmanship. Try the Aurora 88 ballpoint for a pen with understated style, retro appeal, and unparalleled quality.
Bic
Bic is a French brand established in 1945 and known for its high-quality yet affordable ballpoint pens. The brand’s success is highly attributed to the launch of the Cristal pen in 1950. Try this ballpoint pen for a comfortable and easy writing experience.
Caran d'Ache
Caran d’Ache was founded in Geneva in 1924 and has set the standard for quality Swiss pens. Their 849 has been a staple of this brand’s line since 1969 and remains to be one of its most popular ballpoint pens until today.
Conklin
Innovating pens since 1898, Conklin is a brand that continues to be held in high regard by pen experts and enthusiasts worldwide. The Duragraph, which was originally released in 1923, is considered to be the brand’s definitive pen and is an excellent addition to any ballpoint pen enthusiast’s collection.
Cross
Cross has continued to produce high-quality luxury writing instruments since it was founded in 1846. The Cross Classic Century ballpoint pen is a great option to consider when looking at this brand.
Diplomat
Established in Germany in 1922, Diplomat has consistently excelled in creating outstanding pens with innovation and quality at the forefront of their design. Models such as the Excellence A2 and the Aero ballpoints are excellent pens to try.
Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell was founded in 1761 and is one of the world’s oldest manufacturers for drawing and writing materials. They have high-quality pens and pencils, including ballpoints, that make them the top choice for artist, architects, illustrators, and designers. The Ambition ballpoint pen is a great ballpoint to write with.
Fisher Space Pen
Fisher Space Pen creates writing instruments that work anywhere, whether it’s underwater or in space. The Space Pen, also known as the Zero Gravity Pen, is the company’s flagship ballpoint.
Hero
The Hero Pen Company began as Wolff Pens and has been creating high-quality pens since 1931. In 1966 they changed their name to Hero, and the brand has been popular with ballpoint pen enthusiasts in China and India ever since. Ballpoint pen lovers can try the Hero 330 ballpoint pen.
Kaweco
Kaweco started as a dip pen brand in 1883 and has since then expanded into other quality writing instruments, including ballpoint pens. The Kaweco Sport is well-known in the fountain pen world and is also one of the most respected ballpoint models under the brand.
LAMY
Since 1930, LAMY has been producing excellent writing instruments and is known for its high-quality innovative designs. Get the most out of your LAMY writing experience by trying the LAMY 2000 ballpoint pen.
Mitsubishi Pencil Company (Uniball)
More popularly known as Uniball, this brand has been making ballpoint pens since 1959. Uniball pens are known for their smooth, even writing, with pen designs that reduce friction on paper. The Uniball Jetstream RT is one of their most well-known pens, which comes at a very affordable price point.
Montblanc
Mont Blanc was established in 1906, earning a reputation for its exquisite, high-quality writing instruments. The brand is often associated with luxury as each pen is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Many ballpoint pen lovers use the Meisterstück Classique for their everyday needs.
Montegrappa
Montegrappa is known for its proud heritage and has been making fine writing instruments in Italy since 1912. Their QUATTRO and Zero ballpoint pens are prized by ballpoint pen collectors around the world.
Monteverde
Monteverde writing instruments exude class, quality, and elegance as they produce ballpoint pens with the finest European materials and state-of-the-art technologies. They Regatta ballpoint pen series is a sought-after favorite in the stationery community.
Paper Mate
In addition to making high-quality ballpoint pens, Paper Mate also makes stationery that is fun, durable, and easy to use. For a good-quality everyday writer, try the Paper Mate Profile. It writes smoothly and gives users thick dark writing that dries quickly.
Parker
With over 130 years of experience, Parker Pen Company is a brand that has pioneered and innovated with its distinctive style and world-renowned fine pen craftsmanship. Their most well-known qualities are their style, accuracy in writing, and dependability. The Jotter and IM ballpoint pens are excellent choices from this brand.
Pelikan
Globally recognized fountain pen manufacturer Pelikan is a German brand. Having been in the business since 1838, they are regarded as one of the greatest manufacturers because of their classic quality, exquisite designs, and skillful craftsmanship. Choose the Pelikan Souveran K600 ballpoint pen for your everyday notes.
Pentel
Many people may recognize Pentel as the innovative brand that produced the felt-tipped pen in 1963. It is also well-known for its other writing and art materials, including ballpoint pens. The Glidewrite and RSVP ballpoint pen models are excellent affordable picks.
Pilot
One of the most well-known pen companies in the world is Pilot. Renowned for their exceptional pen production, they have a long history of showcasing Japanese craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The Pilot G2 remains a long-standing favorite of many pen enthusiasts, as well as the Pilot Metropolitan ballpoint pen.
Platinum Pen Company
Founded in 1919, Platinum Pen Company is renowned for employing the best engineering expertise and raw materials in its fountain pen manufacturing. The Platinum 3776 ballpoint pen is the brand’s main offering to writing hobbyists and pen collectors.
Rotring
When it comes to technical drawing pens and pencils made for accuracy, control, and clean lines, Rotring is the industry leader. They were founded in 1928 and adopted minimalism and technology into their design as part of the Bauhaus movement. The Rotring 600 ballpoint pen is a reliable model that represents the brand well.
Sailor
Sailor is one of the three big Japanese pen manufacturers that are very popular today. Founded in 1911, they are known for their commitment to quality, precision, and detail. Writers can enjoy the Sailor 1911 ballpoint pen for its high-quality build and precise tip.
Schneider
Schneider Pens are renowned for their superior craftsmanship, robustness, and creative designs. The company has a long history of manufacturing ballpoint refills, and professionals, students, and artists utilize their pens worldwide. The Slider Pen is their most well-known product.
Sensa
Sensa mixes form and function to make attractive writing instruments that offer an exceptionally comfortable writing experience. Since their 1995 introduction, Sensa writing instruments have been acclaimed as "the world's most comfortable pens." Anything from their Classic collection is a good option.
Sheaffer
For more than a century, Sheaffer has been a pioneer in the writing field. With the Sheaffer White Dot — a representation of excellence, status, and performance — behind its renowned designs, the company is most recognized for its exceptional writing tools. The 100 series from this brand is a smart, timeless choice.
STABILO
STABILO was founded more than 165 years ago in Nuremberg, Germany, and is known for its lead pencils as well as its ballpoint pens. The STABILO Pointball is the main pen of choice for this brand.
Staedtler
Staedtler is the biggest European producer of mechanical pencils, wood-cased pencils, and other art materials. They also have a selection of ballpoint pens, one of which is the Staedtler Ball 4320 M triangular ballpoint pen that offers a comfortable writing experience.
Tombow
Tombow is well-known for its art supplies and ballpoint pens. With facilities in Southeast Asia and Japan, Tombow has expanded its product line to include art markers, liquid glue, adhesive tape, fine writing pens, correction tape, drawing pencils, colored pencils, and erasers. Their ballpoint pens are smooth and well-balanced, especially the Zoom L105 and the AirPress.
Visconti
Visconti, despite being relatively new to the pen world, has already established a reputation for producing exquisite and distinctive writing instruments. Visconti is a status symbol for any pen enthusiast because of their daring designs, excellent craftsmanship, and commitment to perfection. The Divina and Opera ballpoint pens are two of the company’s highlights in their selection of ballpoints.
Waterman
Lewis Edson Waterman founded the company in New York City in 1888, and Waterman Paris pens are now expertly manufactured in France. He also made some of the first pens with clips. Their subtle patterns, stylish accents, and discreet detailing are well renowned. The Waterman Hémisphère ballpoint pen is a sleek and classic choice for your daily writing.
Zebra
Ballpoint pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils, gel rollers, and correction pens are just a few of the writing instruments available from Zebra Pen Corporation. They live up to our reputation and promise the best writing possible together with quality and satisfaction. The Zebra Sarasa is a well-known ballpoint pen offered by this company.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, brands do matter to some degree. It allows you to understand what your ballpoint pen has to offer in terms of quality, design, and functionality, and it will help you make more informed decisions based on your preferences and needs. Whether you want to buy the best luxury ballpoint pens or something more affordable, knowing what brands are out there will help you a lot.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
2 comments
Gordon
Hi, does anyone have any info on De Burg pens? There’s nothing online on this brand. Thanks, Gordon
Rick Pesce
I have to say , I have a unique, one of a kind patented pen in the world ! People have said how ingenious and how they could really use it at times ! I cant believe how I can’t even get a pen manufacturer to license or to partnership in manufacturing it! It’s called the write notes sticky notes pen ! I’m totally flabbergasted and would never invent or patent anything again in my life!