Rollerball pens are known for smooth-flowing liquid ink that applies vividly to paper. The lines are often more attractive than those of oil-based ballpoint pens. Poor quality rollerball pens can have problems with leaking and bleeding through paper, so it’s important to choose from the best.
We reviewed the rollerball pens below based on ink quality, ergonomics, and how fast the ink dries. We have tried numerous pens ourselves in our journey to find our favorites. Now it’s time to show you what we would say are the top rollerball pens and whom they’re recommended for.
Best Rollerball Pens:
1. Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller
Many customers would agree the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller is a fine rollerball pen for long-lasting ink. It also delivers a smooth, enjoyable writing experience.
The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller is refillable. Some unique ink colors like burgundy, caramel, and periwinkle blue are available. The colors show up bold and vibrant on the paper.
If you write on thin notebook paper, there will be slight show-through, but this is common with liquid and gel rollerball pens. Left-handed writers say these pens dry fast for a gel pen, so they’re able to use them.
Features
- Comfort grip lets you write longer without discomfort
- Refillable to avoid throwing out the pens
- Retractable for your convenience
- 0.7 mm fine point writes crisp lines
- Super-smooth writing
- Comfortable rubber grip
Pros
- Smooth writing experience
- Ink dries fast
- Refillable
- Comfortable to hold
- Ink lasts long
- 27 beautiful ink colors available
- Available in ultra-fine, extra-fine, fine, and bold
Cons
- Not waterproof
2. Pentel EnerGel RTX Liquid Gel Pen
We found this ballpoint pen for writing with liquid gel ink. They feel luxurious in your hand and write smoothly. The ink dries fast, making it usable for left-handed writers.
This pen is available in 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm tips, so you can choose between medium and bold lines. It’s also manufactured in various ink colors like violet, pink, sky blue, navy blue, orange, green, red, and black.
Features
- Latex-free grip to avoid irritating your skin if you’re allergic to latex
- Refillable to reduce your carbon footprint
- The stainless steel tip is resistant to breaking
- High-performance ink technology delivers an incredibly smooth writing experience
- Writing comfort and control 0.7mm
- High-performance ink technology
Pros
- Ink dries fast
- Refillable
- Smooth writing experience
- Comfortable to use
- Vibrant inks
Cons
- No ultra-fine or fine-point pens
3. Cross Edge Selectip Rollerball Pen
Cross is a luxury brand that’s been around for over 170 years. We consider the Cross Edge Selectip Rollerball Pen the Cross Rollerball Pen for its beautiful writing experience and comfortable grip. The pen is larger than the standard size, so you’ll find it comfortable if you have large hands.
It has a well-balanced design to help prevent hand cramps. Unlike most pens, the Cross Edge Selectip Rollerball Pen features versatile tip technology. You can use three different types of tips in this pen: gel rolling ball, porous point, and jumbo ballpoint.
Features
- Versatile tip lets you choose between three types of refills
- Slide-to-open and click-to-close mechanism makes it easy to open and close the pen
- 0.7 mm medium point for crisp lines
- Encased in stylish metallic fusion resin
- Available in purple, red, blue, or black ink
Pros
- You can open and close the pen with one hand
- Comfortable to hold in large hands
- Smooth, reliable ink flow
- Solid feel
- Refillable
- Three tip styles compatible with the pen
Cons
- Expensive
- Not many color options
4. Pilot Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen
If you like thin, precise lines when you write, we recommend the Pilot Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen. It has a patented extra fine tip and consistent writing. You can write small and in cursive with these good-quality rollerball pens.
They are available in several colors, including black, purple, red, blue, pink, turquoise, and green. Unlike the previous pens on this list, the Pilot Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen isn’t refillable.
The colors may not be as vibrant as you expect either. One customer said the purple is subtle rather than an obvious purple, which she liked.
Features
- Visible ink supply helps you keep track of how much ink is left
- Patented extra fine 0.5 mm tip delivers thin, precise strokes
- Unique ink formula maintains even ink flow
- Retractable pens have a rubber grip with traction pockets and an airplane-safe system to prevent leaks
- Precise V5 is an extra-fine tip available in capped or retractable
Pros
- Perfect for tiny handwriting
- Thin, even strokes
- Smooth writing experience
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not refillable
5. uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens
The uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens are some smooth ballpoint pens with high-quality ink that protects against document fraud. They are safe to take on airplanes because they don’t leak or explode from cabin pressure changes.
Ink flow is reliable and intense, so you can read what you’ve written. Some customers use these pens in sketching because of their quality and resistance to water. You can apply watercolor to your drawings without the ink smearing.
The un-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pen is available in bold point and micro point. Whether you have large or small handwriting, you can use this pen.
Features
- uni Super Ink protects against document fraud and water
- Airplane safe to prevent leaking or exploding on flights
- Refillable to minimize your carbon footprint
- Vivid steady ink flow and a stylish, business-focused design
- The exclusive uni-flow ink system provides consistent smoothness and color intensity
Pros
- Safe for signing documents and filling out important forms
- Intense ink
- Works well in artwork
- Suitable for use at work
- Safe to bring on flights
- Refillable
Cons
- Some customers received dried-out pens
6. Pilot Dr. Grip Gel Pen
Are you looking for the most ergonomic rollerball pen? The Pilot Dr. Grip Gel Pen was recognized by the Arthritis Foundation. It’s designed to reduce writing stress. Many customers agree it’s ergonomic.
The ink is of great quality too. It’s smear-resistant and applies effortlessly. You can buy refills to make the pen itself last a long time and reduce the impact on the environment.
Features
- The barrel is available in numerous colors to match your personality
- Advanced Ink doesn’t smear
- Latex-free cushioned grip prevents hand pain
- Retractable & refillable
- Designed with perfect weight distribution for comfortable, balanced writing
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Eases writing stress for those who have arthritis
- Doesn’t smear
- Refillable
- Available in fine point and medium point
Cons
- No bold point
7. uni-ball Roller Pens
If you’re looking for cheap rollerball pens, we recommend the uni-ball Roller Pens. Like the uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens, they use uni Super ink to prevent check-washing fraud. You can securely fill out important documents without concerns of fading fraud.
We love how free-flowing and reliable the ink flow is. The pens are made of 80% post-consumer recycled electronics. You’ll feel good about buying them. Available in micro point and fine point, these rollerball pens are good for small to medium handwriting.
Features
- uni Super Ink protects against check washing fraud and water
- 80% post-consumer recycled electronics to reduce a negative impact on the environment
- A durable clip isn’t likely to break if you store the pen in your shirt pocket
- The stainless steel tip stays strong for a long time
Pros
- Fluid, quality writing experience
- Low price
- Durable, professional construction
- Made of recycled materials to help the environment
- Protects against document fraud
Cons
- Not as many options in ink colors as some other rollerballs
8. Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen
Are you splurging on a rollerball pen? The Waterman Expert Matte Black Rollerball Pen is one of the premium rollerball pens. It has an elegant cigar shape and comes in a durable blue box for safe storage.
Different barrel color schemes to choose from including matte black, stainless steel, deluxe blue, and black and gold. The pen cap can be engraved if you want your name or an important phrase on it.
Features
- Fine point for small to medium handwriting
- Comes in a beautiful Waterman gift box that protects your pen from damage
- Refillable to make the pen last years
- Comes with a three-year warranty to protect your expense
- Rollerball pens unite the tradition of liquid ink with ultimate comfort and convenience
- Clip with palladium finish
- Black ink
Pros
- Solid feel in your hand
- Smooth, fluid writing experience
- Three-year warranty
- Refillable
Cons
- Expensive
9. Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pen
Some people consider the Paper Mate InkJoy the ballpoint pen for under 20 bucks. You can get a 12-pack of assorted colors. They dry fast and deliver bright, vibrant ink. We love using them to add color to our planners.
Features
- 0.7 mm medium point suitable for many different handwriting sizes
- Also available in 0.5 mm writing for smaller handwriting
- Vibrant colors are perfect for color-coding your notes or planning
- Comfort grip reduces writing stress
- Quick-drying ink for reduced smearing
- Ergonomic comfort grip
Pros
- Ink dries fast
- Vibrant colors
- Smooth writing experience
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Some customers had problems skipping
10. Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen
This rollerball pen writes smoothly and works well for cursive as well as print handwriting. People who prefer writing with fountain pens have praised this pen for its well-balanced weight and enjoyable writing experience.
Features
- Non-skid grip for greater control while writing
- Refillable to save money on buying new pens
- 0.5 mm point for thin strokes
- Design Style Executive
- Clip Material Metal
- Sleeve Type Fixed
Pros
- Controlled writing experience
- Comfortable writing with
- Refillable
- Smooth ink application
- Reliable for both cursive and print
Cons
- high priced
Tips on Choosing
Many people favor rollerball pens for their fluid ink flow and intense ink. The difference between a standard ballpoint pen and a rollerball pen is in the ink’s base. Standard ballpoint pens use oil-based ink whereas rollerballs use liquid-based or gel-based ink.
There is often confusion between the two terms.
Both pens use a rolling ball to disperse ink, so the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
If you don’t like the high viscosity of oil-based ink, you’ll love the rollerball pens we reviewed above. None of them use oil-based ink.
Some ballpoint pens have low-viscosity ink to improve the smoothness and ease of ink application. They may be referred to as hybrid or emulsion.
These types of pens usually have a mixture of oil and gel ink. Some have a lubricant mixed with the oil to decrease its viscosity.
You should choose rollerball pens if you don’t like thick inks that are difficult to write with.
Some of the ballpoint pen brands to shop from our Cross, Pilot, uni-ball, and Waterman. You’ll find all of these brands above.
Waterman and Cross are luxury brands, so expect to pay a higher cost for a single pen. Pilot and uni-ball have affordable packs of quality rollerball pens.
Factors to Consider
Are you heavy-handed?
Rollerball pens probably aren’t the type of ballpoint pen for you.
Oil-based ballpoint pens that are usually just marketed as ballpoint pens are suitable for heavy-handed writers because they require more pressure.
If you experience hand strain often when writing, then stick to rollerball or gel pens.
Find a pen that has a high ink flow and ergonomic features to prevent pain while writing.
Take customer reviews into consideration when choosing a pen.
All of the pens on this list are among the top-rated ballpoint pens. User reviews lend you insight into problems the pen may have and what type of writer it’s best for. If you have a light hand, you’ll likely favor rollerball pens because they’re more comfortable to write with than standard ballpoint pens.
Size tip
If you don’t know yet what size tip you prefer in pens, you may want to try numerous affordable versions before considering something expensive like the Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen.
Other factors do influence how you’ll like a pen, such as the ergonomics and quality of the ink.
So, keep that into consideration and only try pens that have high customer ratings to learn what your tip preferences are.
FAQ
What can make a ballpoint pen write smoothly?
Rollerball pens are typically the smoothest ballpoint pens because the ink is more liquid. The faster ink flow of liquid ink compared to oil ink creates a smoother writing experience.
Pressing down hard when you write can cause pain after long periods of writing. This is why rollerball pens are so popular. They don’t require a lot of pressure to write beautiful visible lines.
What are the pens for school?
We recommend the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller for school because they are inexpensive, write smoothly, and lasts a long time. Ink running out fast is one of the downsides of rollerball pens compared to oil-based ballpoint pens.
However, you can still find great rollerball pens with ink that lasts a good amount of time like the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Rollers.
Do ballpoint pens leak on planes?
Rollerball pens that aren’t airplane-safe are at risk of leaking on planes. Oil-based ballpoint pens usually don’t have problems with leaking or exploding from air pressure changes.
Gel pens aren’t susceptible to leaking or exploding on flights either. Pen companies that have options in airplane-safe rollerball pens include uni-ball, Pilot, and Fisher.
Making the Decision
The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller is our top pick in rollerball pens because its ink goes a long way. It’s also suitable for school, work, and personal use. If you want a pen with a more solid feel in your hand, we recommend the Cross Edge Selectip Rollerball Pen or the Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen.
When you need to write checks or fill out other important documents, the uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball or uni-ball Roller Pen is helpful to have on hand for protection against document fraud.
