Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best rollerball pen is one that can offer the calligraphic aesthetic of a fountain pen while offering the utility and ease of a ballpoint pen. Rollerball pens use gel- or water-based ink and offer enhanced writing output.
Using rollerball pens would provide a similar free-flowing writing experience to fountain pens without the risk of creating a mess. They require less hand pressure, which reduces hand fatigue allowing extended periods of writing if required. We have listed some of the best rollerball pens in the market, which you can buy without giving it a thought.
Top Picks
Let’s have a look at some of the best tried-and-tested rollerball pens you can buy without second thoughts.
11 Best Rollerball Pens
1. Best Refill Options: Cross Century II Black Lacquer Rollerball Pen
Image: C R O S S The gel rollerball pen has a rich black lacquer finish and 23-kt gold-plated appointments. It uses an exclusive cross gel ink formula like a fountain pen and comes with a black gel ink refill that flows smoothly. You can effortlessly convert this cross and fine-point rollerball pen into a creamy porous felt-tip pen or a ballpoint pen by changing the refill. The retractable rollerball pen’s nibs are available in two variants: fine and medium widths. The Cross patented flexible tip technology allows you to choose from various refill choices, including porous point, jumbo ballpoint, and gel rolling ball. If you need further convincing, check this review cum testing video.
Pros
- Weighted for tactile experience
- Retracts via a rotating barrel mechanism
- Comes in a gift box
- Writes well through carbons
- Available in almost 20 colors
Cons
- May require pressing the pen hard for writing
- Finish may wear off
"I am impressed with its sturdy body and versatility to switch between rollerball, felt-tip, or ballpoint. I'd recommend this for its ornamental value, too. It is stunning, with a sleek design and just the right touch of luster."
2. Best For Improving Writing Style:Uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen
Image: Uni The Uniball Vision Elite rollerball pen offers a leak-proof, fluid writing experience with smooth-flowing ink. The bend-resistant brushed stainless steel tip and tungsten carbide rollerball ensure precision, while the ergonomic body makes it an ideal rollerball pen for writers looking for a comfortable grip. The fine point micro-tip pen provides fraud protection and has a sleek, modern design. Further, this quality-tested rollerball pen for office use is available in various colors of inks.
Pros
- Water- and fade- resistant ink
- Enables skip-free writing sessions
- Cap has a clip-attachment
- Airplane-safe ink
Cons
- Inkline may be thinner than expected for some
- Ink may bleed a bit
"I like this roller pen for its textured section, which renders an anti-slip grip. It offers a steady flow of ink almost till the end. Also, this pen stands out for me because of the quick-drying ink that allows me to use it for doodling purposes."
Caution3. Best Ergonomic Grip: Lamy Safari Charcoal Rollerball Pen
Image: Lamy The contemporary rollerball pen by Lamy is made of durable ABS plastic to ace the test of durability and boasts precision and explicitness.The pen’s ergonomic grip allows you to hold it for extended periods without straining your hand. This smooth-writing rollerball pen comes with a spring brass writing clip and a black ink refill. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of this product.
Pros
- Goes well with any gel refill
- Delivers smudge-resistant results
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Ink dries quickly
- Enables a smooth writing experience
Cons
- Pen may feel heavy with the cap on
- May be larger than expected
"This has been one of the smoothest roller pens I have come across. Its matte finish accentuates my minimalistic style. And the best part is that it comes with a refill, making it a budget-friendly option."
Cross Century II Black Lacquer Selectip Rollerball Pen Best Refill Options | Uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen Best For Improving Writing Style | Lamy Safari Charcoal Rollerball Pen Best Egonomic Grip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black Lacquer / 23KT Gold | Black | Umbra |
| Dimensions | 5.31 x 0.38 x 0.38 inches | 5.9 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches | 4.72 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 ounces | 6.4 ounces | 0.64 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,404 | 948 | 639 |
| Price | $101.15 | $21.51 | $17.53 |
4. Best For Vivid Writing: Sharpie Rollerball Pen
Image: Sharpie Sharpie’s rollerball pen with bold ink would be ideal for anyone looking for vivid writing. It has been crafted with a 0.5mm needlepoint tip for excellent writing. The pen comes with a high-quality metal clip for a professional look. Its translucent grip makes it easy to distinguish the ink color, and this pen’s ink is available in three different colors: red, blue, and black, making it the ideal rollerball pen for artists.
Pros
- Includes 12 pens in a pack
- Great for home, office, and school use
- Smudge-resistant ink
- Available in two point sizes
Cons
- May not suit writing on rough surfaces
- Ink flow may not be consistent
"Thanks to its super thin nib, I can now take notes quickly, and its slender and lightweight body makes writing comfortable. Though the refill exhausts relatively rapidly, its consistent ink flow makes it a noteworthy pick."
5. Best With Premium Box:Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen
Image: Waterman The Waterman rollerball pen is handcrafted in France and offers a luxurious writing experience with its timeless cigar-shaped design, metallic lacquer finish, and ruthenium trims and clip. The well-constructed rollerball nib ensures smooth, fluid writing. Additionally, the tried-and-tested stylish rollerball pen comes with an exquisitely designed box and an additional refill, making it an ideal choice for gifting.
Pros
- Highly pigmented ink
- Comfortable to hold
- Skip-free and smooth writing experience
- High-quality pen available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Some may find it bulky
"This pen is a thoughtful gift for marking significant milestones. Its bold black and silver body adds a touch of elegance to my regular office attires and work desk alike, and I particularly like the slightly contoured design of the grip."
Quick tip6. Best Luxurious: Scriveiner Black Lacquer Rollerball Pen
Image: Scriveiner Scriveiner’s rollerball pen has an eye-catching appearance with a 24-kt gold brass jet-black lacquer finish. Its premium quality makes it a must-have product. The Schmidt liquid ink system allows the pen to glide effortlessly over every type of paper. It comes with an additional Schmidt black refill in the envelope under the pen tray.
Pros
- Great for professional and executive use
- Suitable for everyday use
- Convenient feel of ballpoint pen
- Can be used for calligraphy
- Comes with a warranty card
- Great choice for gifting for any occasion
- Available in four colors
Cons
- May not suit left-handed people
- May not balance evenly when held
"Though the body might appear heavy, it allows me an effortless writing experience, even during lengthy note-taking sessions. Its lacquered finish and gold plating have survived everyday use pretty well, which speaks volumes about its durability."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,976 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
7. Best For Smooth Ink Flow: Parker IM Rollerball Pen
Image: Parkerpen The Parker IM rollerball pen is polished, innovative, and has a tapered silhouette with an ergonomic shape for comfortable writing. Its glossy black lacquer finish goes well with the gold trims and the brand’s signature arrow clip. Furthermore, the ergonomic rollerball pen’s tip produces a clear, smooth ink flow on the paper.
Pros
- Works as a sophisticated gift for any occasion
- Comes with a black ink refill
- Two ball point options
- Available in ten designs
Cons
- Refill may run out of ink quickly
- Pen may leak at times upon usage
- Tip may be a tad too thin
"This pen caught my attention with its regal gold charm. I am fond of its fine nib, and I consider it ideal for daily office use as its tapered design makes it easy to hold."
Point to considerWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 5,789 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
8. Best With Leather Case:Elizo Luxury Rollerball Pen
Image: Elizo With 24K gold plated trim, the Elizo Luxury rollerball pen has exquisite craftsmanship, making it a luxurious writing instrument. The luxurious and bold rollerball pen has a solid brass body and a sleek black lacquered finish that feels weighted and well-balanced in your hand. The tungsten carbide roller balls and high-quality ink provide a fluid writing experience. This metal body rollerball pen comes with a handcrafted, real leather case in a well-crafted box, making it a sophisticated and fashionable gifting option.
Pros
- Stainless steel pen tip
- Has a classic design
- Crown design cap
- Eight-sided gold diamond cut crown
- High gloss finish
Cons
- May not be comfortable for large hands
- May skip occasionally
9. Best For Extended Use: ZenZoi Luxury Black Rollerball Pen Set
Image: Zenzoi ZenZoi’s refillable rollerball pen combines versatility and finesse to serve a niche audience. The pen’s body boasts a minimalistic design and is made of full metal with a silver and black ink color scheme. The well-balanced design of this classic rollerball pen allows you to write for extended periods. The Schneider ink 0.5mm black and blue cartridge in the medium point rollerball pen provides consistent writing performance.
Pros
- Made to be blotch-, skip-, and bleed-resistant
- Comes in a fancy gift box
- Pen comes with two extra refills
- Versatile use; from journalling to calligraphy
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- May not work well on hard surfaces
- Flow of ink may not be consistent
"Although I was initially skeptical about the heftiness, I found its weight to be pretty comfortable upon using it. Apart from being easy to hold, it offers a smooth glide. The sophisticated charm it bestows on my writing desk at a nominal price makes it an impressive choice."
10. Best For Medium-Width Lines: J. Herbin Refillable Rollerball Pen
Image: Jherbin The rollerball pen is refillable and compact and aids in creating smooth and crisp lines on paper. It produces medium-width lines that are pleasing to the eye. The transparent body of the precision rollerball pen allows you to see how much ink is left in the pen. You can refill the pen with J. Herbin ink cartridges.
Pros
- Suitable for everyday use
- Easy to clip on after usage
- Ink does not dry in the long run
- Lets you draw consistent lines
- Lightweight pen
Cons
- Does not come with a cartridge
- Ink may be prone to skipping
"This pen's flow is similar to a fountain pen's, making it a reliable alternative minus the mess. Initially, I feared that holding it would be awkward owing to its short length, but thankfully, its size did not alter my usual writing stance or hand posture."
11. Best For Control:Uniball Onyx Rollerball Pen
Image: Uni-ball The Onyx rollerball pen, from the tried-and-tested brand Uniball, features a metal roller point with a tungsten roller ball for smooth and accurate writing. The matte black barrel is easy to hold, offering maximum control. This rollerball pen comes prefilled with quick-drying ink that is waterproof and fade- and fraud-proof and flows smoothly without skips, making it an ideal rollerball pen for students and professionals. The durable metal point is ideal for making carbon copies as it offers precision and control.
Pros
- Made from 80% post-consumer recycled electronics
- Cap fits snugly on the back of the pen
- Available in three colors of ink
- Available in micro and fine points
Cons
- Barrel may be a bit small
- May leak occasionally
"Having used this pen for a week, I can conclude that it delivers an anti-skip performance, and its refill seems pretty long-lasting. It's a fine choice for anyone who prefers fine lines and a minimalistic design."
How To Choose The Right Rollerball Pen?
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a rollerball pen.
1. Smoothness: Before purchasing a rollerball pen, make sure it glides across the page quickly and smoothly. The tip should not feel catchy or scratchy on the paper, and the ink flow should be smooth.
2. Ink smudging: Check if the ink smudges on the paper or the hand.
3. Ink bleed-through: Does the ink bleed through to the other side of the paper? If yes, you might consider buying a different rollerball pen.
4. Comfort: One of the significant factors to remember is the comfort level. Check to see if the pen is easy to hold. It’s also essential to consider the weight. Also, check the grip style of the pen. Select a pen with a rubberized grip or soft grip for additional comfort.
Carina Lawson, an efficiency consultant, office needs expert, and the founder of Ponderlily Paper & Planners, says, “If you’re choosing a rollerball pen for someone, make sure it is gift-worthy. The pen should also come packaged in an elegant gift box rather than a regular plastic packaging.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
A good rollerball pen can give you an effortless and neat writing experience. Hence, our experienced product writer and editor, Wedetso Chirhah, brings you a list of some of the best rollerball pens that are easy on your hand, durable, and long-lasting. Wedetso prioritizes users’ convenience and needs, and he reviews and analyzes various products to bring the best ones. Moreover, he has included a buying guide to help you pick the pen that suits your requirements.
Combining the ease and aesthetics of ballpoint and calligraphy pens, rollerball pens can help you write smoothly with consistent free-flowing ink. With various brands manufacturing beautiful rollerball pens, make sure you pick one that offers a good grip, is smudge-free and prevents the ink from bleeding through the papers. Also, ensure the pen is easy to hold so that writing for longer durations doesn’t strain your fingers. These rollerball pens glide on the paper and do not scratch or halt, encouraging your joy for writing.
Infographic: What Makes A Rollerball Pen Different?
Before finalizing your purchase, understanding the distinct features of rollerball pens is essential to realize when and how they can be used to the best of their ability. So, check out the following infographic to learn about the basic characteristics of a typical rollerball pen.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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