Top Sign Pen Brands for Effortless Writing

When it comes to choosing the perfect sign pen, several brands stand out for their exceptional quality and performance. Noteworthy names like Pilot, Pentel, and Uni-ball have consistently garnered praise for their smooth ink flow and durable pen tips. Sakura and Staedtler are also preferred by many for their innovation and stylish designs that cater to both professional and personal writing needs. To explore a detailed review of these top brands and find the pen that suits your style, check out the information below.

Illustration of sign pen

Best brands of sign pen in 2025

Mitsubishi Uni-ball

Mitsubishi Pencil's Uni-ball brand is renowned for producing high-quality sign pens, with a history dating back to 1979 when the first Uni-ball roller pen was introduced. The brand has gained significant global market share, particularly in Europe and the US, driven by innovative products like the Uni-ball Signo, which features water-based pigment ink and includes the world's first retractable gel ink pen. As of 2023, Uni-ball products are sold in over 100 countries, and the company has seen a substantial increase in sales, with overseas markets accounting for 51% of total sales in the first half of FY12/2023. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has led to a gross profit margin of 51.4% in 2023. Mitsubishi Pencil's focus on environmental issues, such as using recycled materials since 1992, further enhances the brand's reputation. For more information, visit the Mitsubishi Pencil official website.

Sakura Pigma Micron

Sakura Pigma Micron is renowned for producing some of the best archival-quality sign pens, with a history spanning over 30 years since its invention. These pens use permanent, fade-resistant, and chemically stable pigment-based ink that does not bleed or run, making them ideal for legal documents, artistic projects, and scientific record-keeping. Available in a range of point sizes from 0.15mm to 1.0mm and 15 different colors, Pigma Micron pens meet the non-toxicity standards of the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI). The ink's unique formulation, with pigment particles reduced to submicron size, ensures consistent flow through fine tips. This reliability has made Pigma Micron a favorite among artists, writers, and professionals. For more details, visit their official page on Sakura of America.

Pilot

Pilot is renowned as one of the best producers of high-quality pens, particularly with its iconic Vanishing Point series, which has been a benchmark in the industry since its debut in 1963. This retractable fountain pen, known for its innovative design and reliability, has seen numerous updates, including the introduction of the 18k gold nib in 1998. Pilot's commitment to innovation and quality has driven significant market growth, with the pens market expected to reach $20.54 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2022 to 2030. The brand's focus on sustainability and creative writing tools has also contributed to its popularity, especially in regions like Asia Pacific, where the cultural significance of handwriting is high. Pilot's products, such as the Vanishing Point SE, offer unique features like vibrant marbled resin, making each pen distinct. For more insights on their Vanishing Point pens, update your perspective with this resource.

Stabilo

STABILO, a renowned brand within the Schwan-STABILO Group, stands out as a leading producer of high-quality sign pens, contributing significantly to the group's overall success. In the financial year 2022/23, the STABILO pens division generated EUR 217.9 million, marking a 1.0% increase despite challenging market conditions. This growth is part of the broader success of the Schwan-STABILO Group, which achieved a 14% overall sales increase to EUR 850.3 million during the same period. STABILO's products are popular globally, with strong growth rates in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Latin America. The brand's performance is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation in the marker pen market.

Sharpie

Sharpie, a leading brand in the marker pen market, has garnered significant market share through innovative marketing strategies and high-quality products. In 2012, Sharpie achieved an impressive 89% market share through a social media campaign targeted at teenagers, leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote self-expression. The brand's acquisition of Uni-ball in 2022 further strengthened its position in the permanent marker market, expanding its product offerings to include popular pens like Uni-ball's Signo and Vision. Sharpie's products are widely used across various segments, including academic, commercial, and residential settings, and the brand continues to grow with the global marker pen market expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2024 to 2034. With a strong presence in North America, holding a significant market share, Sharpie remains a dominant player in the industry.

Pentel

Pentel is renowned as one of the best producers of sign pens, particularly with its EnerGel and Brush Sign pen lines, which offer smooth, vivid, and quick-drying ink. The Pentel Brush Sign pens are available in 24 beautiful colors and are ideal for brush lettering, calligraphy, and illustration, known for their highly saturated and vibrant ink. In the marker pens market, Pentel is among the key players, holding a market share of 8-12% in 2023. The brand's products are favored for their comfort and precision, making them a staple in educational and professional settings. With the rise of e-commerce, Pentel continues to innovate and expand its customer base. You can find more details about their products on the Pentel product page.

Staedtler

Staedtler is a renowned brand in the market for technical pens and markers, known for its high-quality and innovative products. With over 180 years of history, Staedtler has established itself as a leading manufacturer, particularly in the U.S. technical pen market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.10% from 2023 to 2029. The company's products, such as their technical drawing instruments, are favored by professionals and hobbyists alike, contributing to their strong market presence. Staedtler's exports have shown significant growth, with China, India, and Vietnam being among the top exporters of their products, highlighting their global reach. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in the art and office marker pen industry.

Copic

Copic Markers are renowned as one of the best producers of sign pens, particularly favored by artists for their smooth application and wide range of brilliant colors. Introduced in 1987, Copic markers are known for their high-quality, alcohol-based ink and are available in a staggering 358 colors. These markers are refillable, have replaceable nibs, and are double-ended, making them a durable and versatile tool. Copic's commitment to quality is evident in their hand-testing process for each marker, ensuring color consistency from batch to batch. Their products, such as the Copic Classic, Sketch, and Ciao, cater to various artistic needs, from manga artists to fine artists. For more detailed information about Copic Markers, visit their detailed guide online.

Tombow

Tombow, a Japanese family company founded in 1913, is renowned for producing high-quality writing instruments, including sign pens that have garnered global acclaim. The company's innovative product lines, such as the Tombow Sign Pens introduced in 1964, have been well-received in Europe and the USA. Tombow's commitment to quality and precision is evident in its integrated production process, which ensures consistent excellence in its products. The company's products, including the popular MONO 100 pencils and the Prograph Sketchmarker, have won several design awards like the iF Product Design Award and the Red Dot Award. With a strong presence in the creative sector, Tombow continues to support artists and professionals worldwide. For more information about their innovative products, visit their official website.

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell is a renowned brand in the writing instruments market, particularly noted for its high-quality pens and pencils. As one of the key players, Faber-Castell holds a significant market share, with the pen segment being the largest and fastest-growing in the Germany writing instruments market, accounting for 36.08% of the revenue in 2023. The company has a rich history dating back to 1784 and has been a leader in innovation, such as introducing the first German-made ballpoint pen in the 1950s. Faber-Castell's commitment to environmental sustainability and social issues has been a core value since the 1970s, making it a trusted brand globally. Their products, including the prestigious Graf von Faber-Castell line, are known for their precision and quality. For more information about Faber-Castell's diverse range of products, visit their official website.