Top Ballpoint Pen Brands to Elevate Your Writing Experience

In today's fast-paced world, the simplicity and reliability of a good ball pen often go unnoticed until we find ourselves in need of one. Whether you're a student jotting down notes, a professional signing important documents, or an artist sketching your next masterpiece, having a dependable ball pen can make all the difference. With countless brands on the market, it can be challenging to choose which one suits your specific needs best. To help you navigate this decision, we've compiled a list of the top ball pen brands known for their quality, comfort, and style. Explore our recommendations below to find the perfect pen for your writing endeavors.

Illustration of ball pen

Best brands of ball pen in 2025

Parker

Parker is a renowned brand in the ballpoint pen market, known for its high-quality and luxurious writing instruments. During the back-to-school season, Parker, although not among the top three, still held a significant market share, just 0.2% behind A.T. Cross. The Parker 75, a notable model, was first introduced in 1966 and features various luxurious materials, including sterling silver and 14k solid gold. Parker's products are part of the competitive landscape in the global pens market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2022 to 2030. Parker's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a favorite among pen enthusiasts.

Montblanc

Montblanc is renowned as one of the premier producers of luxury writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, with a history spanning over 100 years. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in its use of high-quality materials such as precious resin and platinum-coated fittings. Montblanc's flagship line, the Meisterstuck, introduced in 1924, is arguably the most famous and desired writing instrument globally. Each Montblanc pen undergoes a meticulous process involving over 100 steps, with nibs made from 14k or 18k gold and hand-tested for quality. The brand's attention to detail and innovative designs have made its products highly sought after across generations. For a comprehensive guide to Montblanc, visit All You Need to Know About Montblanc.

Cross

A.T. Cross is a renowned brand in the writing instrument industry, celebrated for its fine writing instruments since 1846. Known for their high-quality and reliable products, Cross pens are often associated with excellence and are even the official pen of U.S. Presidents. Despite facing declining sales during the back-to-school season in 2021 and 2022, with a decline of 8.0% in 2022, Cross remains a significant player in the luxury pen market. The brand offers a lifetime mechanical warranty, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Cross pens are prized for their craftsmanship and are often passed down as cherished heirlooms.

Lamy

Lamy, a German pen manufacturing company founded in 1930, is renowned for its high-quality writing instruments, including ballpoint pens. The company's product range, such as the Lamy Safari and AL-star, is popular for its avant-garde design and durability, with the Safari line introduced in the 1980s and still in production. Lamy's products are made from materials like ABS plastic and anodized aluminum, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The company was acquired by Mitsubishi Pencil Company in February 2024, further solidifying its position in the market. Lamy's ballpoint pens are part of a global market expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4-5% in the coming years.

Uni-ball

Uni-ball is a renowned brand in the ball point pen market, known for its high-quality and durable writing instruments. The company, founded in 1887, has established itself as a key player, particularly with its Vision pens that are acclaimed for their waterproof and fade-proof ink. Uni-ball's products are popular globally, with a significant presence in regions like North America, where the ball point pen market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2023 to 2030. The Asia Pacific region also sees substantial growth, with a CAGR of 7.2% during the same period, further solidifying Uni-ball's market position. With annual revenue ranging between $500 million to $1 billion, Uni-ball continues to innovate and meet consumer demands. For more details about their products, visit the official Uni-ball website.

Pilot

Pilot is renowned as one of the leading producers of ballpoint pens, known for their high-quality and innovative writing instruments. The Pilot brand is a significant player in the global ballpoint pen market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2023 to 2030. Pilot's products, such as the Pilot Juice and Pilot Hi-Tec C, are popular for their smooth writing performance and durability, making them favorites among both students and working professionals. The Asia Pacific region, where Pilot has a strong presence, is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. Pilot's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the global writing instruments market.

Bic

BIC is a leading global brand in the writing instruments market, particularly renowned for its ballpoint pens. During the back-to-school season, BIC held the greatest average market share of 29.0% over the last 12 weeks, nearly double that of its closest competitor, Zebra. The company has maintained its dominance, with a market share of 36.3% in the USA and 40.2% in Western Europe as of 2017. BIC's products are known for their simplicity, inventiveness, and reliability, making them a favorite among consumers worldwide since the brand's inception in 1944. The brand's sales growth in the ballpoint pen category was significant, with a 54.1% increase during the back-to-school period in 2022. For more information about BIC's products, visit their official website.

Waterman

Waterman, a prestigious brand established in 1884, is renowned for producing high-quality ballpoint pens that embody elegance and sophistication. Headquartered in Paris and owned by Newell Brands, Waterman's pens are crafted with precision and style, reflecting the brand's timeless appeal. The Waterman Carene model is a favorite among pen enthusiasts for its smooth writing experience and sleek design. Waterman's commitment to quality has earned it significant recognition, including a Gold Medal of Excellence at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900. As part of the global ballpoint pen market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2023 to 2030, Waterman continues to be a key player.

Sheaffer

Sheaffer, established in 1913 in Fort Madison, Iowa, is renowned for its high-quality writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, which are celebrated for their superior design and performance. The brand is recognized globally, sold in over 70 countries, and is a staple in the luxury pen market. Sheaffer's products, such as the Prelude, VFM, and Legacy series, are prized for their classic designs and comfortable use. Although Sheaffer may not dominate the market share in ballpoint pens, with brands like BIC holding a 29.0% share, Sheaffer's commitment to innovation and quality maintains its strong presence among luxury pen enthusiasts. For more details, visit their official website.

Zebra

Zebra is a leading brand in the ballpoint pen market, known for its durable and reliable products. During the back-to-school season, Zebra held a significant market share, though it was outpaced by Bic, which had a 29.0% market share, nearly double that of Zebra. Zebra Pen Corporation is recognized for its high-quality stainless steel ballpoint pen balls, which are integral to the smooth writing experience of their pens. The company is part of a competitive market that includes other major players like Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. and Schneider Pen Corporation, and it continues to innovate and maintain its market presence through precision engineering and quality control.