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Retractable Pens Comparison - June 2026
| 1 Best Choice  9.9Exceptional | 2  9.7Exceptional | 3  9.6Exceptional | 4  9.5Excellent | 5  9.4Excellent | 6  9.3Excellent | 7  9.1Excellent |
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ModelSharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink, 12 Count - Home, Office, School, Journaling, Writing, Note-Taking, Teacher Supplies | Model Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Smooth-Flowing Black Ink, 1.0mm Medium Point, School & Office Supplies, Ideal for Note-Taking, Journal and Planner Use, 48-Pack (22148) | Model PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 12 Count (Pack of 1) (31020) | Model Sikao Black Pens Bulk, 60 Pack Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Black Ink 1.0mm Medium Point, Smooth Writing No-Smear, Click Pens for Teachers, Students, Restaurant Servers School & Office Supplies | Model BIC Soft Feel Retractable Ballpoint Pen,1.0 mm Medium Point, Bulk School Supplies for Students and Teachers, No-Slip Grip, 36-Count in Black & Blue | Model BIC Soft Feel Black Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), 36-Count Pack, Black Pens With Soft-Touch Comfort Grip | Model Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Smooth-Flowing Black Ink, 1.0mm Medium Point, School & Office Supplies, Ideal for Note-Taking, Journal and Planner Use, 24-Pack (12221) |
BrandSharpie | Brand Zebra Pen | Brand PILOT | Brand Sikao | Brand BIC | Brand BIC | Brand Zebra Pen |
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Tech Specs | ||||||
Ink ColorBlack | Ink Color - | Ink Color Black | Ink Color - | Ink Color - | Ink Color - | Ink Color - |
product dimensions- | product dimensions 5.63 x 5.6 x 2.2 inches | product dimensions - | product dimensions 5.59 x 0.39 x 0.55 inches | product dimensions 2.5 x 5.5 x 3.63 inches | product dimensions 2.5 x 5.5 x 3.63 inches | product dimensions ‎1 x 9 x 9 inches |
color- | color Black | color - | color Black | color Black & Blue | color Black | color ‎Black G |
point type- | point type Medium | point type - | point type Medium | point type Medium | point type Medium | point type ‎Medium |
item weight- | item weight 13.6 ounces | item weight - | item weight 0.353 ounces | item weight 7.8 ounces | item weight 8 ounces | item weight ‎0.014 ounces |
number of items- | number of items 48 | number of items - | number of items 60 | number of items 1 | number of items 1 | number of items ‎24 |
size- | size 1 Count Pack of 48 | size - | size 1 Count Pack of 60 | size 36 Count Pack of 1 | size 36 Count Pack of 1 | size ‎1 Count (Pack of 24) |
line size- | line size 1.00 Pen | line size - | line size 0.9mm Millimeters | line size 1.00 Pen | line size 1.00 Pen | line size ‎1.0mm |
manufacturer part number- | manufacturer part number 22148 | manufacturer part number - | manufacturer part number Pen A88 | manufacturer part number SCSM361AST | manufacturer part number SCSM361-BLK | manufacturer part number ‎ZEB12221 |
material type- | material type Plastic, Metal | material type - | material type Plastic | material type Rubber | material type Plastic resin | material type ‎Plastic |
closure- | closure Retractable | closure - | closure Retractable | closure Retractable | closure Retractable | closure ‎Retractable |
grip type- | grip type Comfort, Soft | grip type - | grip type - | grip type Soft, Comfort, Cushioned | grip type Non-slip, Soft, Comfort | grip type ‎Soft |
pencil lead degree hardness- | pencil lead degree hardness - | pencil lead degree hardness - | pencil lead degree hardness - | pencil lead degree hardness Soft | pencil lead degree hardness Soft | pencil lead degree hardness ‎HB |
Review- | Review - | Review - | Review - | Review | Review - | Review - |
Available On   | Available On | Available On  | Available On  | Available On | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.9
1Sharpie26% OffSharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink, 12 Count - Home, Office, School, Journaling, Writing, Note-Taking, Teacher Supplies
Why we love it
Quick-drying ink for less smearing
Comfortable contoured grip
Bold, vivid lines for clear writing
Main highlights- Smoother, bolder, cleaner, and quicker drying than the leading competitor (Compared to the leading competitor; across black, blue, and red ink based on 95% reliability)
- Perfect for home, office, and school
- Intensely bold gel ink colors offer always vivid writing
- Includes 12 black gel ink pens in medium point (0.7mm)
- Gel pen with no smear, no bleed technology
- Contoured rubber grip for a comfortable writing experience
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9.7
2Zebra Pen
Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Smooth-Flowing Black Ink, 1.0mm Medium Point, School & Office Supplies, Ideal for Note-Taking, Journal and Planner Use, 48-Pack (22148)
Why we love it
Smooth and skip-less writing.
Comfortable grip for extended use.
Visible ink supply for easy monitoring.
Main highlights- Value Pack: This 48-pack of black ink pens ensures you are always prepared, whether you need pens for school or ink pens for writing, making it an essential pack of pens for anyone looking to stock up on reliable writing accessories
- Stylish Appearance: These ink pens, housed in a sleek plastic barrel, combine style with functionality, making them the perfect pens for school and a chic addition to any collection of school supplies or pens for journaling
- Smooth Writing: These black ink pens offer low viscosity ink for a seamless, skip-less writing experience, making them the ideal ballpoint pens for teachers and writing pens for journaling, ensuring quick and effortless writing speeds
- Ergonomic Design: Experience ultimate comfort with our retractable ballpoint pens featuring a soft, latex-free rubberized grip, making them ideal pens for school, long writing sessions, and perfect for your college supplies
- Convenient Clip: Our pens are equipped with a metal pocket clip for easy access and transportation, making them ideal ink pens for writing on-the-go, and a must-have addition to your school supplies, teacher supplies, and office supplies
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9.6
3PILOT
PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 12 Count (Pack of 1) (31020)
Why we love it
Smooth and consistent writing
Long-lasting ink reduces refilling
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Main highlights- Versatile: These black G2 pens are 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
- Smooth & Long-lasting: Enjoy a smooth writing experience with these black gel pens—Pilot pens that glide effortlessly across the page. Proven to be the longest-lasting gel ink pens (Data on File), they let you write more and refill less
- Refillable & Quick Drying: You can save money and reduce waste with these black ink pens and Pilot G2 refills (sold separately); the vibrant, quick drying ink in these ink pens for writing helps prevent smudges and smears
- Pilot Gel Pens: Express yourself effortlessly with Pilot's line of innovative writing tools, including these gel pens black, fountain pens, rollerball pens, ballpoint pens, erasable pens, & dry erase markers & more
- Comfortable Grip: These G2 black pens fine point have a contoured rubber grip to provide ergonomic support, making long writing projects easier. Available in ultra-fine, extra-fine, fine, and bold point sizes
Our ranking system
At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
