At Pens.com, we see so many pens from gel to ballpoint to metal and we all have our favorites. And our customers do too! This list of the best pens of the year will help you find the right option for you or your business, no matter if you’re a gel ink lover or a ballpoint fanatic.
Chances are, the pen you write with the most is a ballpoint. That’s because of their easy writing style and cost-effective price point. With so many to choose from, this was a tight race for best ballpoint pen—we think you’re going to love these best-sellers!
The Pacifica stands out amongst the competition due to three factors. First: the bold barrel colors. Second: the large imprint area. And third: the comfy grip.
Featured Review:
“I had never ordered from Pens.com and was concerned about quality when the pricing was so good. I ordered 200 of the Pacifica Pen. Very happy with the result of the print and the quality of the pen. It writes nicely and feels good in my hand. Glad to have made the purchase.” – Michel
Who can leave out the Paragon when talking about the best ballpoint pen? Customers love the impact their logo has thanks to the expert laser engraving on the aluminum metal barrel. These popular engraved pens have lots of color choices and the option of either blue or black ink.
Featured Review:
“I leave them everywhere I go and I have gotten calls from it! The pens look and write GREAT!!!!” – Isaac
Ahhh, gel pens. They bring so much to the table: smooth writing, bold, opaque lines, and quick-drying ink that is virtually smudge-proof. Gel pens are among the best pens for writing tasks such as signing checks or documents. Our picks for best gel pens hit all those points, and even bring a few more features to the table.
“Cozy” is an apt name for this pen because of its soft touch barrel and easy-flowing gel ink. Businesses love the professional colors from black to burgundy and the crisp white imprint on the barrel.
Featured Review:
“I’ve given these out at events and the response has been excellent. They come across as high end and are excellent quality, especially if you catch them on sale. In fact, I caught one man coming back and taking a handful! LOL!” – Logansama
Look at that full color imprint! The Accent is a stunning gel ink pen with a designer look at an affordable price. Fabulous for trade shows, events, and placing at the front desk.
Featured Review:
“You have to try this gel pen. They feel so good in your hand and they write super smooth. Love the color stylus and matching trim!”
What are rollerball pens, exactly? Well, they use water-based inks, making your writing sharper and more vibrant. You also don’t need to apply as much pressure when writing, which your hand will appreciate.
P.S. You can read more about the differences between rollerball and ballpoint pens on our blog!
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best rollerball pen is named after a president. The Soft Touch Madison Pen just screams high-end with its gold-plated trim and stately barrel colors. And don’t forget the triangular-shaped barrel that offers an ergonomic feel.
Featured Review:
“This classic executive pen has been an incredible writing tool. I use is on all my company official documents. I also purchase extras, as gifts, for associates, family and friends. All were well received. These make a great gift.”
This fine point promo item makes the best pens of 2019 list because it delivers over a mile of effortless writing! The matte finish in multiple colors also adds to the benefits.
Of course we included stylus pens in the best pens list.
We’re always touting the 2-in-1 benefits of a pen and stylus combo, and the fact that you’re giving your customers, prospects, and employees a super functional promo item.
Not sure what a stylus is? Check out our blog post that explains what’s a stylus!
The Alpha was a no-brainer for the best stylus pen. We’re always hearing how great this pen feels in your hand, how well it writes, and how helpful the stylus is when swiping and clicking. In fact, this pen is so popular, more versions of it in our Alpha Pens family, including different colors, finishes, and even the option for a full color logo.
Featured Review:
“One reason I bought this pen was for the stylus but I really love the way it feels in my hand. I passed these out at an international convention and received a number of compliments.” – Katherine A
The metallic finish will catch their attention, and the stylus tip will keep them using this pen over and over again. While other choice for best stylus pen has a stylus at the top, the Cirrus has a combination pen and stylus tip.
Featured Review:
“Look no further! The best pens are right here on this site! I’m a pen person and super picky! But these are PERFECT!!” – Shae
Plastic promotional pens had to make an appearance in the best pens list, mainly because of the affordability factor. These are the pens you want to pass out at trade shows and events with abandon.
The Colorama takes the cake for one of the best pens of 2019 because of its SmoothWrite™ Ink. SmoothWrite is our proprietary, easy-flowing ink that will give you the best writing experience you can find.
Featured Review:
“These pens are the best. They always write, they’re strong, and they look great. Forget business cards, they end up in the trash can. I have given my customers thousands of pens over the years, and every time I go back to provide services I give them another one. Simply the best promotional item ever.”
The options are truly endless with the Value Stick Pen. Choose from more than 12 solid colors or one of our many stock designs to bring your brand to life. And at such an affordable price point, you can get enough for all your customers, prospects, and employees!
Featured Review:
“A customer favorite for YEARS! This year I am celebrating my 20th year in business. I can’t even remember when I started ordering from Pens.com, but it has been many, many years. My customers absolutely LOVE the pens we give out!”
The best pens are also those that feel expensive (although aren’t actually). Custom metal promotional pens have a weighty feel to them, giving your company or cause a high-end look.
When you have a Matte Paragon Pen in your hand, you can feel and see the difference. The metal barrel is laser engraved, which means your imprint will never smudge or rub off. And how about that matte finish?
Featured Review:
“Everyone who has received one loves how they write. I smiled when I walked into bank and teller told me she loves her pen ‘it’s her favorite’. The other teller waived hers at me and smiled to show she is using it and their expressions said it all. Great bang for the buck and they last and write nicely.” – Lenora
The Sky Light could also be qualified as the best stylus pen, it has that many features! Besides the stylus top, the pen features a high-quality metal barrel, and a flashlight at the tip. A pen that does it all.
Featured Review:
“I bought this pen as a gift for leadership at the hospital and they loved it! The 3-in-1 pen was like a new “toy” for everyone to enjoy! Thank you for the awesome color assortment and the quickness of delivery!” – Avril
Antimicrobial pens is a new category to come out of 2020, and we’re seeing them fly off the proverbial shelves. That’s because these custom pens are treated with an additive that suppresses the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi.
The Arlington comes packed with all the features you could want–a promotional pen, eye-catching custom design, and of course, the antimicrobial additive.
If you’re looking for a lot of room for your logo and message, the Contour Pen is always a great choice!
We’re always adding new pens to keep your promotions fresh, and these best-selling promotional pens are making their way to the best pens list.
Just look at those colors! If there has ever been an Instagram-worthy pen, it’s this one. What a stunning way to advertise your business! (See all our new rose gold pens.)
Featured Review:
“Love the rose gold. Really gives it a modern professional but girly feel!. Smooth writing and looks good at our front desk. Patients even love them! They keep taking them! Lol Will definitely be ordering these again once we’re low on stock!”
Bright colors + your bright logo = a winning pen combination. This newcomer is showing a lot of promise.
What are your favorite pens? We can’t wait to read your review of the best pens!
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