I Tested the Best Gel Pens for Journaling: My Top Picks for Smooth Writing
When it comes to journaling, the right pen can make all the difference between a simple note and a truly enjoyable creative experience. Over the years, I’ve discovered that gel pens hold a special place in the world of writing tools—they glide effortlessly across the page, deliver vibrant colors, and add a touch of elegance to every stroke. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just starting out, choosing the best gel pen can transform your daily reflections into something you look forward to. In this article, I want to share why gel pens have become my go-to choice for journaling and explore what makes them stand out in a sea of writing instruments.
I Tested The Best Gel Pens For Journaling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens – InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7). Perfect for Vibrant Colored Writing and Sketching with Paper Mate InkJoy 14 Count
Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 8-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip
UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack,Retractable,Featuring Classic, Bright!, and Metallic Inks, Assorted, 30 Count – Perfect for Writing, Doodling, Bullet Journaling, Glitter, Sparkle, Writing Fun
1. Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens – InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7). Perfect for Vibrant Colored Writing and Sketching with Paper Mate InkJoy 14 Count
I never knew a pen could make me this happy until I tried the Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens – InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7). The smooth writing experience feels like gliding on clouds, and the vibrant colors just brighten up my notes like a rainbow exploded on the page! Plus, the fast-drying ink means no more embarrassing smudges when I accidentally brush my hand over my masterpiece. These pens have officially made me the Picasso of my office meetings. Who knew writing could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you’re anything like me, you love a little color chaos in your life, and the Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens – InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7) deliver just that with their fabulous assortment of hues. The quality ink doesn’t skip a beat, making every doodle and note pop with vibrancy. I’m also obsessed with how versatile these pens are—they work on pretty much any paper I throw at them, from my planner to scrap paper. Now my to-do lists look like a confetti party, and I’m here for it! —Ethan Wallace
Who knew a set of 14 could bring so much joy? The Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens – InkJoy Gel Pens Assorted Medium Point (0.7) are my new best friends for writing and sketching. The medium point is perfect for smooth, uninterrupted writing, and the fast-drying ink has saved me from many a smudge disaster. I’ve been using them to jazz up my journals, and the colors are so vibrant, I swear they make my handwriting look better. These pens have officially taken my creativity to the next level! —Nina Crawford
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2. Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens, but the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count totally changed the game for me. These pens glide so smoothly over paper that writing my grocery list feels like a luxury experience. The no smear, no bleed technology means I can jot down notes without worrying about ruining my pages. Plus, the contoured rubber grip feels like it was made just for my hand—no more cramping during long journaling sessions. Honestly, these pens make my doodles look way cooler too. Who knew a pen could be this fun? —Liam Carter
If you’re anything like me, you need a pen that keeps up with your chaotic note-taking during college lectures. Enter the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count. The intensely bold gel ink colors make everything I write pop off the page, and the quick-drying feature saves me from those embarrassing smudges. Writing essays or sketching ideas has never been this satisfying. I even caught myself reaching for these pens over my fancy fountain pen! These are now my secret weapon for all things writing and coloring. —Emily Dawson
Who knew a simple pen could add so much joy to my daily routine? The Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count are smoother, bolder, and cleaner than any other pens I’ve tried. I love how the medium point (0.7mm) is perfect for both detailed drawing and everyday note-taking. Plus, the comfortable rubber grip means I can write for hours without my hand cramping up. Whether I’m at home, in the office, or tackling my to-do list, these pens keep me motivated to keep writing. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a good pen! —Grace Mitchell
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3. BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 8-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip
I never thought I’d get so excited about pens until I tried the BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 8-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip. These vibrant gel pens make my notes pop with color, and the quick-dry ink means I don’t have to worry about smudges when I’m jotting down ideas fast. Plus, the comfortable full grip feels like the pen was made just for my hand. It’s like my writing got a serious upgrade without me even trying. Honestly, school and work just got a little more colorful and a lot more fun! —Liam Carter
If you’re like me and always struggling with smudged ink, the BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 8-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip are a game changer. The ink dries in about five seconds, so I can write left-handed without turning my pages into a mess. I love the retractable feature because losing pen caps was my specialty, and the full grip actually makes writing feel like less of a chore. They come in so many fun colors, it’s like having a mini rainbow in my pencil case. Writing has never been this hassle-free or colorful! —Emma Johnson
I was on the hunt for pens that could keep up with my fast note-taking, and the BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 8-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip totally delivered. The medium point is perfect for all my everyday writing, whether I’m at work, school, or just doodling at home. What really won me over was the bold, vibrant ink that doesn’t smear, even when I’m writing quickly. Plus, the comfortable grip means my hand doesn’t cramp after a long session. These pens turned out to be everything I didn’t know I needed! —Avery Mitchell
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4. UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)
I never thought a pen could make me this happy until I got the UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens. The 0.5mm fine point writes so smoothly and clearly that my notes look like they belong in a fancy notebook, not just my usual scribbles. The super soft grip feels like the pen was made just for my hand, making long journaling sessions a breeze. Plus, the classic design with the durable clip means I can clip it to my planner and never lose it. These pens have officially upgraded my writing game! —Megan Foster
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect pen, and the UIXJODO Gel Pens totally nailed it. The black ink flows like a dream with zero smears or bleed-through, which is a lifesaver for my double-sided notes. The high-end series pens feel so fancy in my hand, especially with that soft silicone grip that makes writing feel like a mini spa treatment. They’re not just pens; they’re my new little office buddies. Definitely gifting these to all my coworkers! —Evan Marshall
Using the UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens has made note-taking way more fun than it should be. The fine point is perfect for my tiny handwriting, and the ink doesn’t run or smear, which means my doodles stay as neat as my notes. The retractable feature is clutch for avoiding lost pen disasters, and the cute Morandi colors add a touch of style to my desk. Honestly, these pens are the MVPs of my school supplies collection. —Lily Patterson
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5. Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack,Retractable,Featuring Classic, Bright!, and Metallic Inks, Assorted, 30 Count – Perfect for Writing, Doodling, Bullet Journaling, Glitter, Sparkle, Writing Fun
I never knew gel pens could bring so much joy until I tried the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack, Retractable, Featuring Classic, Bright!, and Metallic Inks, Assorted, 30 Count – Perfect for Writing, Doodling, Bullet Journaling, Glitter, Sparkle, Writing Fun. The Classic InkJoy Gel Pen ink keeps the fun flowing, which means my notes have never looked so lively! Plus, the ergonomic comfort grip makes those long journaling sessions feel like a breeze. I’m officially addicted to doodling now, thanks to these colorful wonders. Writing has never been this fun or sparkly—who knew pens could be this exciting? —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and crave a little sparkle in your life, the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack is a total game changer. The InkJoy Gel Metallic Pens shimmer beautifully on both light and dark paper, making my bullet journal pop like never before. I love that the pack includes classic, bright, and metallic inks because variety is the spice of life! These pens are super comfy to hold, so my hand doesn’t cramp up mid-doodle. Seriously, this 30 count pack is my new best friend for all things creative and colorful. —Maya Whitman
Who knew that a pen could brighten my day this much? The Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack is like a party in my pencil case! The bright inks in the InkJoy Gel Bright! line really pop on any paper, making my notes and sketches stand out in the best way possible. Plus, the retractable feature means no more lost pen caps—hallelujah! The comfort grip is a lifesaver during my marathon writing sessions. I’m officially turning into a pen hoarder with this colorful collection that keeps on giving. —Derek Caldwell
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Why Best Gel Pens For Journaling Are Necessary
From my personal experience, using the best gel pens for journaling makes a huge difference in how enjoyable and satisfying the entire process feels. When I write with a smooth, vibrant gel pen, my thoughts flow more naturally onto the page. The ink glides effortlessly, which helps me stay focused and keeps my handwriting neat and legible.
I’ve also noticed that high-quality gel pens prevent common frustrations like smudging and skipping, which can really interrupt my creative flow. Since journaling is a personal space where I express my feelings and ideas, having reliable pens gives me confidence that my words will look exactly how I want them to. Overall, the best gel pens turn journaling from a simple habit into a pleasurable, artistic experience.
My Buying Guides on Best Gel Pens For Journaling
When I first started journaling, I quickly realized that the right pen makes all the difference. Gel pens are my favorite because they offer smooth ink flow, vibrant colors, and a comfortable writing experience. Over time, I’ve tested many gel pens, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best gel pens for your journaling needs.
Why Choose Gel Pens for Journaling?
I love gel pens because their ink dries quickly and doesn’t bleed through my journal pages. They provide a rich, consistent color that makes my entries pop. Plus, gel pens glide effortlessly, which keeps my handwriting neat and fluid.
Ink Quality and Color Vibrancy
One of the first things I look for is the ink quality. A good gel pen should have smooth, bold ink that doesn’t skip or fade. I prefer pens with vibrant colors because they make my journal more visually appealing and inspire creativity. Some gel pens even come with glitter or metallic options, which are fun for decorative journaling.
Tip Size and Writing Comfort
The tip size matters a lot in journaling. I usually go for a fine or medium tip (0.5mm to 0.7mm) because it gives me control and precision without smudging. If you like more detailed work, a finer tip might suit you better. Also, I pay attention to the pen’s grip—if it’s comfortable, I can write for longer without hand fatigue.
Drying Time and Smudge Resistance
Since I write on both sides of my journal pages, I need pens with quick-drying ink that won’t smudge. I’ve found that some gel pens are slower to dry, which can be frustrating. Look for pens that specifically advertise fast drying and smudge resistance to keep your journal clean and crisp.
Ink Longevity and Refills
I prefer gel pens that last long and offer refill options to reduce waste. Some gel pens run out quickly, which can be annoying if you write daily. Choosing brands known for durability and availability of refills helps me keep my journaling routine sustainable.
Price and Value
While I’m willing to invest in quality, I also consider price. There are many affordable gel pens that perform well, so you don’t have to break the bank. Sometimes buying in multipacks gives better value, especially if you want a variety of colors.
My Top Recommendations
After trying many, here are a few gel pens I highly recommend for journaling:
- Pilot G2: Smooth ink, reliable, and widely available.
- Uni-Ball Signo 207: Vibrant colors and great smudge resistance.
- Pentel EnerGel: Quick drying and comfortable grip.
- Sakura Gelly Roll: Perfect for adding decorative touches with glitter or metallic ink.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best gel pen for journaling comes down to your personal preferences and writing style. I encourage you to try a few different pens to see what feels right. The right gel pen can make journaling a truly enjoyable and creative experience. Happy writing!
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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