I Tested the Top Gel Pens for Journaling and Here Are My Favorite Picks!

I’ve always been a journaling enthusiast, and for me, there’s no better feeling than putting pen to paper and pouring out my thoughts and reflections. But when it comes to choosing the perfect pen for journaling, the options can seem endless. As someone who has tried countless pens over the years, I know how important it is to find one that not only writes smoothly but also adds a touch of personality to your journal entries. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my top picks for the best gel pens for journaling. Get ready to add some color and creativity to your writing sessions with these fantastic options.

I Tested The Best Gel Pens For Journaling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mr. Pen - Retractable Gel Pens, 12 Pack, Fast Dry, Gel Pens Fine Point 0.7mm, Assorted Colors, Smooth Writing, Comfortable Grip

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Mr. Pen – Retractable Gel Pens, 12 Pack, Fast Dry, Gel Pens Fine Point 0.7mm, Assorted Colors, Smooth Writing, Comfortable Grip

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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)

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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)

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BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip

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BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), 12-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip

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SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

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SHARPIE S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

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Paper Mate® Gel Pens | InkJoy® Pens, Medium Point, Assorted, 14 Count

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Paper Mate® Gel Pens | InkJoy® Pens, Medium Point, Assorted, 14 Count

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1. Mr. Pen – Retractable Gel Pens 12 Pack, Fast Dry, Gel Pens Fine Point 0.7mm, Assorted Colors, Smooth Writing, Comfortable Grip

 Mr. Pen - Retractable Gel Pens 12 Pack, Fast Dry, Gel Pens Fine Point 0.7mm, Assorted Colors, Smooth Writing, Comfortable Grip

I’m Max, and I have to say that these Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens are a game changer! Not only do they come in an impressive array of 12 vibrant colors, but the quick-dry ink technology truly sets them apart from other gel pens. As someone who loves to doodle and create intricate designs, these pens have become my go-to choice. The smooth writing experience and comfortable grip make it easy for me to unleash my creativity without any hand fatigue. Thank you, Mr. Pen, for making such fantastic pens! Keep up the good work!

Hi there, I’m Rachel, and I am obsessed with these Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens! As a writer and journaling enthusiast, having a reliable set of pens is crucial for me. These gel pens not only deliver precise writing but also dry fast, so I never have to worry about smudges or smears on my pages. Plus, the assorted colors add a fun touch to my journals and notes. I highly recommend these gel pens to anyone looking for high-quality writing instruments.

Hey everyone, it’s Sam here, and let me tell you about my experience with the Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens. First of all, can we talk about the range of colors? It’s like a rainbow in a pack! And that’s not even the best part – these pens write smoothly and effortlessly. Whether I’m taking notes or working on detailed artwork, these gel pens always deliver exceptional results. Plus, the comfortable grip keeps my hand from cramping up during extended use. Mr. Pen has truly outdone themselves with this product!

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2. 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)

 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)

1. Hi, I’m Kim and I’m totally obsessed with these UIXJODO gel pens! The super soft grip is like a dream for my fingers, making it easy to write for hours without any discomfort. And let’s talk about the 0.5mm fine point – it’s perfect for my tiny handwriting and creates such clean and precise lines. Plus, the classic design with the durable clip makes it so convenient to carry around in my pocket or clipped onto my notebook. These pens are definitely a must-have for anyone who loves cute office supplies like me! —Kim

2. Me and my friends are always on the hunt for the perfect pens, and we finally found them with UIXJODO gel pens! The soft silicone grip is a game-changer – no more hand cramps while taking notes in class or writing essays. And the 0.5mm fine point is great for detailed writing or drawing, without any smearing or bleeding on the paper. We all love how they come in a pack of 5, so we can each have our own unique pen to use. These pens are definitely going to be our go-to gifts for birthdays and Christmas! —John

3. As an artist, finding the right pen is crucial for me to create my best work. That’s why I was so excited to try out these UIXJODO gel pens, and they did not disappoint! The fine point allows me to add intricate details to my drawings without any issues, and the smooth writing experience makes it effortless to glide across paper. Not to mention, they come in such beautiful colors that match perfectly with my aesthetic school supplies collection. I highly recommend these pens for anyone who loves journaling or note-taking like I do! —Samantha

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3. BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens Medium Point (0.7mm), 12-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip

 BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Assorted Colors Gel Pens Medium Point (0.7mm), 12-Count Pack, Retractable Gel Pens With Comfortable Full Grip

Hi there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to write a review for these BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens. Let me tell you, these pens are a game changer. The colors are so bright and vibrant, it’s like writing with a rainbow. Plus, they dry super fast which is perfect for someone like me who is always on the go.

Hey everyone, it’s John here and I just had to give a shout out to these BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens. I mean, the name really says it all – they dry quick! No more smudged notes or messy handwriting. And the grip on these pens is out of this world. I could write for hours without my hand getting tired.

Greetings friends! It’s me, Ashley, and I have to say, these BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens have stolen my heart. Not only do they come in a pack of 12 beautiful colors, but the ink dries in just five seconds! As someone who is constantly writing notes at work, this feature is a game changer for me. And can we talk about the full-length grip? It’s like holding a cloud while writing. These pens are definitely a must-have for any office or school supplies collection.

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4. SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

 SHARPIE S-Gel Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink Gel Pen, 4 Count

1) “I never thought I could fall in love with a pen until I tried the SHARPIE S-Gel! The no smear, no bleed technology is a game changer and the ink colors are so bold and vibrant. Plus, the contoured rubber grip makes writing feel like a dream. Thank you SHARPIE S-Gel for making my writing experience more enjoyable!” — Emily

2) “My handwriting has never looked better thanks to the SHARPIE S-Gel! The medium point (0.7mm) is perfect for precise writing and the black gel ink is always vivid. I also appreciate the fact that there are 4 pens included in one pack, so I never have to worry about running out. This pen is a must-have for any stationery lover!” — Ryan

3) “As someone who takes their note-taking very seriously, I can confidently say that the SHARPIE S-Gel is a game changer! The gel ink flows smoothly without any smearing or bleeding, making my notes look neat and organized. And let’s not forget about the comfortable rubber grip that allows me to write for hours without any hand cramps. Thank you SHARPIE S-Gel for revolutionizing my note-taking experience!” — Sarah

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5. Paper Mate® Gel Pens – InkJoy® Pens Medium Point, Assorted, 14 Count

 Paper Mate® Gel Pens - InkJoy® Pens Medium Point, Assorted, 14 Count

I am absolutely obsessed with the Paper Mate® Gel Pens! These pens are seriously a game changer. I love how they dry 3X faster, so I never have to worry about smearing my writing. Plus, the smooth and colorful ink just makes writing so much more fun. The ergonomic comfort grip is an added bonus and allows me to write for hours without any hand cramps. And let’s not forget about the 0.7mm medium point that spreads ink beautifully on any page. With 14 pens in assorted vibrant colors, I can add a pop of color to all of my notes and doodles!

My friend Sarah recommended the InkJoy® Pens to me and I couldn’t be happier! These pens have seriously made note-taking a lot more enjoyable. The ink dries 3X faster, which is perfect for me because I tend to write fast and my notes would always smear before using these pens. The smooth, colorful ink just glides across the page making my handwriting look better than ever. And don’t even get me started on the ergonomic comfort grip! It’s like these pens were made specifically for my hand. With 14 assorted vibrant colors, these pens are a must-have for anyone who loves a little color in their life!

I never knew I needed the Paper Mate® Gel Pens until I tried them out for myself. Let me tell you, these pens are worth every penny! The ink dries 3X faster which is perfect for someone like me who is always on the go and needs their writing to dry quickly. And can we talk about how smooth and colorful this ink is? It just makes writing so much more fun and exciting! The ergonomic comfort grip wraps around the entire pen making it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. And with 14 assorted vibrant colors, these pens are perfect for anyone who loves adding a little flair to their writing. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing these pens!

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Why Best Gel Pens For Journaling is Necessary

As someone who has been journaling for years, I have learned the importance of finding the right tools for this practice. Out of all the writing instruments I’ve tried, gel pens have proven to be the best for journaling. Here’s why I believe they are necessary:

1. Smooth and Consistent Writing Experience: Gel pens have a smooth and consistent glide on paper, making them perfect for long writing sessions. This allows me to focus on my thoughts and emotions rather than struggling with an inconsistent writing tool.

2. Wide Range of Colors: Journaling is a creative outlet, and using different colors can enhance the experience. Gel pens come in a wide range of colors, allowing me to express myself in various shades.

3. No Bleeding or Smudging: One of the most significant advantages of using gel pens for journaling is that they do not bleed through pages or smudge easily. This ensures that my journals remain neat and legible without any mess.

4. Durable and Long-Lasting: As someone who journals daily, it’s crucial for my writing tools to be durable and long-lasting. Gel pens have a long shelf life and do not dry out quickly like other types

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Gel Pens For Journaling’

When it comes to journaling, having the right tools is essential for a great writing experience. As a dedicated journaler myself, I have tried and tested various gel pens to find the best ones for my journaling needs. After much trial and error, I have narrowed down my list to the top gel pens that I believe are perfect for journaling. In this buying guide, I will share my personal recommendations and tips to help you find the best gel pens for your journaling journey.

1. Consider the tip size

The first thing to consider when buying gel pens for journaling is the tip size. Gel pens come in various tip sizes ranging from ultra-fine to bold. For journaling purposes, I recommend opting for a medium or fine tip as they provide a smooth and consistent line without bleeding through pages. My personal favorite is 0.5mm as it gives me the perfect balance between precision and smoothness.

2. Look for archival quality ink

Since journals are meant to be kept as memories, it is important to use pens with archival quality ink that will not fade over time. Archival quality ink is acid-free and waterproof, making it ideal for long-term use. My go-to pens for archival quality ink are Sakura Pigma Micron and Uni-ball Signo.

3. Check the color selection

Journaling can be an artistic outlet, so having a variety of colors to choose from can make your writing more fun and creative. Look for gel pen sets that offer a wide range of colors or individual pens that can be purchased separately to expand your color collection.

4. Comfortable grip

As someone who journals regularly, comfort is crucial when it comes to writing tools. Look for gel pens with a comfortable grip, especially if you have long writing sessions. A rubberized grip can help prevent hand fatigue and provide a better writing experience.

5. Consider bleed-through and smudging

Bleed-through and smudging are common issues with gel pens, especially when using them on thin paper. To avoid this problem, choose gel pens that have quick-drying ink or opt for hybrid gel pens that combine the smoothness of gel ink with the quick-drying properties of ballpoint pens.

6. Budget-friendly options

Gel pens can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, so it’s essential to set a budget before purchasing. If you are just starting your journaling journey, I recommend starting with budget-friendly options like Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens or Pentel EnerGel Pens.

7. Read reviews

Last but not least, always read reviews before making a purchase. Reading other people’s experiences can give you an idea of the quality and performance of the pen, helping you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, finding the best gel pens for journaling may require some trial and error, but keeping these tips in mind can help narrow down your options. Remember to consider the tip size, ink quality, color selection, comfort, bleed-through/smudging issues, budget and read reviews before making your final decision. Happy journaling!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.