Bullet journaling has become a beloved practice for staying organized, setting goals, and unleashing creativity. Whether you’re a minimalist planner or an artistic doodler, the right pen can make all the difference. In 2025, there are more pen options than ever, offering smooth ink flow, durability, and smudge-proof writing. Here’s a curated list of the best pens for bullet journaling this year.
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How to Choose the Right Pen for Your Bullet Journal
When picking a pen for bullet journaling, consider:
✔ Ink Type: Gel, pigment, or water-based ink each offer different benefits.
✔ Tip Size: Fine tips (0.3mm–0.5mm) are best for precise writing, while brush tips are great for calligraphy.
✔ Paper Compatibility: If your journal paper is thin, opt for pens with minimal bleed-through.
✔ Smudge Resistance: Quick-drying pens are ideal for left-handed writers.
✔ Color Variety: A good mix of black ink pens and colorful options can enhance creativity in your bullet journal.
1. Best Overall: Sakura Pigma Micron
✅ Ink Type: Archival-quality pigment
✅ Best For: Precision, detailed writing, and drawing
✅ Why We Love It: The Sakura Pigma Micron series continues to be a top choice for bullet journal enthusiasts. With its smooth ink flow, fade-resistant pigment, and waterproof qualities, it ensures long-lasting notes and doodles.
Tip: The 0.5mm and 0.3mm tips are perfect for neat handwriting and fine details.
2. Best for Calligraphy: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
✅ Ink Type: Water-based
✅ Best For: Hand lettering and brush calligraphy
✅ Why We Love It: Tombow Fudenosuke’s flexible brush tip allows for effortless calligraphy strokes, making it a must-have for journal headers and artistic embellishments.
Tip: Choose between soft and hard tip versions for different lettering styles.
3. Best for Smooth Writing: Uni-ball Signo 207
✅ Ink Type: Gel
✅ Best For: Daily journaling and note-taking
✅ Why We Love It: The Uni-ball Signo 207 provides an incredibly smooth writing experience, dries quickly, and is resistant to smudging—ideal for left-handed writers.
Tip: Opt for the black or blue ink for classic bullet journal entries, or explore vibrant color options for added creativity.
4. Best for Color Variety: Zebra Mildliner Double-Ended Pens
✅ Ink Type: Water-based
✅ Best For: Highlighting, shading, and color coding
✅ Why We Love It: These dual-tip markers offer a broad range of soft, pastel, and vibrant colors. The chisel tip works well for highlighting, while the fine tip is great for underlining and detailing.
Tip: Use them to create colorful spreads without bleeding through pages.
5. Best for Minimalist Journaling: Pilot G2 Gel Pen
✅ Ink Type: Gel
✅ Best For: Smooth, consistent writing
✅ Why We Love It: This classic gel pen offers a rich, dark ink flow and a comfortable grip, making long journaling sessions a breeze.
Tip: Available in multiple tip sizes, but 0.5mm is ideal for precise bullet journal entries.
6. Best for No Bleed-through: Pentel EnerGel RTX
✅ Ink Type: Gel
✅ Best For: Quick-drying, smudge-free writing
✅ Why We Love It: This pen dries faster than most gel pens, making it a fantastic choice for high-quality, no-smudge writing.
Tip: It’s also great for left-handed bullet journalists who need quick-drying ink.
7. Best Multi-Purpose: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner
✅ Ink Type: Water-based
✅ Best For: Drawing, doodling, and detailed journaling
✅ Why We Love It: With a variety of colors and a fine 0.3mm tip, these pens are perfect for both writing and sketching.
Tip: The ergonomic triangular grip ensures comfort during long journaling sessions.
Final Thoughts
The best bullet journal pen depends on your personal preference and journaling style. Whether you need ultra-fine lines, bold calligraphy strokes, or vibrant colors, this list includes top picks for every need in 2025. Experiment with different pens to find your perfect match and make your bullet journaling experience smoother and more enjoyable!