The 11 best ballpoint pens for 2021, including Montblanc, Aspinal of London and Papier
LIKE a magic wand, the best ball point pen can write anything you desire, be that maths equations or your deepest, darkest secrets.
Once you've found one you like, there's no turning back to the stationary department at the supermarket.
You can tell whether a pen is ballpoint if it has a metal ball which lets the ink flow out of it neatly as you write.
Ok, yes, it's just a fancy name for a biro.
A classy ballpoint pen can make a fabulous gift idea, whether your sibling has just started a new job or it's your over-organised best mate's birthday.
And when you have good stationary, you're immediately more motivated, so let's find you one of the best ballpoint pens around.
1. We tested: Aspinal of London
At £155, this pen from Aspinal of London definitely isn't a budget option, but it would make a great graduation gift, or a present for someone starting a new job. It arrives in a lovely ribbon-bound box, meaning that opening it feels like something of an event.
It comes in several colours, but the most popular is this subtle and professional navy, which could look boring if it weren't for the lovely textured pebble effect, which gives it a bit of character — we're fans of the rather dashing marmalade colourway, too.
We're also big fans of the lovely ridged silver cap, which has a bit of an art deco effect.
And although this pen is small — it'll fit into pretty much any pocket with ease — it's pretty weighty, which is unsurprising when you realise it's made from rhodium-plated brass and leather, which aren't famous for their light weight properties.
It also writes like a dream and even makes a satisfying scrawling sound. It might be pricey, but stationary doesn't get too much more luxurious than this.
2. We tested: The Papier Pen
British brand Papier is here to beautify your stationary cupboard - just look at the Papier Pen.
Available in blue or pink, this gorgeous black-ink rollerball is one that you won't ever want to lose.
As it's heavier than your classic biro, it feels that little bit more luxurious, complete with a branded pen lid that comes on and off really easily.
The ink comes out thinly as the tip ensures that it's not blotchy at all, giving you a generous amount that doesn't smudge.
As a gift to yourself or a loved one, we recommend this as a high quality pen that looks much more expensive than £9.99.
3. We tested: Paperchase Pastel Pen Assortment Set - Pack of 30
Pastel colours are always a fun alternative to boring silver or black pens which is why we're choosing Paperchase's Pastel Pen Assortment Set to try.
You get 30 pens in total for just a tenner, which equates to 30p each, and these are nice pens.
As this roundup is dedicated to ballpoint pens, we tested those out, and were pleasantly surprised by how lightweight they are.
As far as biros go, you can't fault these trusty, comfy-to-use pens as they're not heavy on the ink making them perfect for everyday use.
We even used them to write a birthday card and saw no smudging even though we closed it straight away! That's when you know you have a great pen.
4. BIC M10 Black Clic Medium Ballpoint Pens, Pack of 10
Stocking up on your office tools? Don't sleep on the Black Clic Medium Ballpoint Pens.
Since 1950, BIC has been a game changer and you get 10 pens in this pack for less than seven quid.
5. Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum LeGrand Ballpoint Pen
Gifting a pen is always special when it's a premium design like the Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum LeGrand Ballpoint.
Complete with the Montblanc emblem on the end and three platinum plated rings showing off the brand name, this is the pinnacle of luxury stationary.
6. Cross Bailey Ballpoint Pen
Cross has been crafting timelessly classic pens since 1846 – it's one that everyone recognises for quality and aesthetic appeal.
And this ruby red Cross Bailey Ballpoint Pen even comes in a swanky case which will go down so well as a special present for someone.
7. Eleanor Bowmer Ballpoint Pens
Eleanor Bowmer's DNA is rich with rainbows, vibrant prints and groovy patterns – who said buying pens was boring?
When you're spending £6 per pen then you expect them to be pretty and these sure are. The reviews are great too.
8. BiC 4 Colour Animal Print Ballpoint Pen Pack of 3
Imagine if Scary Spice was a an iconic BIC pen — you'll probably envision one of the Animal Print Ballpoint Pen Pack.
Each pen has four different colours which not only saves you a bit of space (goodbye messy desk), but also is quite fun to use. Win, win.
9. Diplomat Traveller Ballpoint Pen - Stainless Steel Chrome Trim
Stainless steel pens will forever be a popular choice among those who are partial to a bit of posh stationary.
The Diplomat Traveller Ballpoint pen is fitted with black ink that can be refilled and even comes in a luxury Diplomat gift box. Fancy.
10. Harrods Montegrappa Elmo Ballpoint Pen
Yes, we've found a ballpoint pen that could double up as a fashion accessory.
Available at Harrods, the Montegrappa Elmo Ballpoint Pen aims to give you a smooth, reliable writing experience and that, we can't argue with.
11. Swarovski Ballpoint Pen, Silver
Swarovski know the power of adding diamonds more than anyone, spreading their sparkles into stationary too.
This review says it all: "Beautiful pen, sleek, understated but fun. An ideal present at a very reasonable price."
If you absolutely loved our roundup of the best ballpoint pens then don't forget to drop by our list of the best bullet journals.
Here are the best pencil cases.
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