Journaling is an important habit for our mental health and well-being.
It helps us focus on what is happening and provides a space where we can authentically be ourselves without judgment.
Journaling also allows you to pay attention to what is happening inside your head and helps to clear your head space after you write your thoughts on paper.
There is no doubt that building a journal writing habit can prove to be a valuable tool. However, the right pen can make a world of difference when it comes to your journal writing experience.
Many great journaling pens are out there, making choosing one more complicated than it initially seems.
However, we are here to help! This article will outline the five best journal pens to help you make the best choice. So, if this interests you, then read on for more.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links.
First on this list is the Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen.
This is the perfect pen for journaling if you want to look chic and luxurious.
If pens could be fashionable, then this pen would be walking every runway.
It is shiny silver in color with a beautiful 24k gold finish.
What’s more, you can choose between nib points to suit your writing tastes; whether you prefer an extra fine nib, a broad nib, or a medium nib, this pen is for you.
Not only that, but this pen is balanced and weighted to perfection, meaning it will fit perfectly in your hand, and you will find it gliding across the page in smooth, continuous motions as you write.
This pen will do the trick if you want to feel like a professional journal writer (see also our favorite journalling supplies).
Additionally, the ink for this Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen comes in blue and black, so you can write in whatever color you prefer or even switch it up.
Pros And Cons Of The Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen
Pros:
- This pen is of excellent quality
- Comes in a lovely gift box
- Different nib points to suit your tastes
Cons:
- This pen can smudge easily
- This pen can sometimes scratch the paper
Next, we have these amazing bamboo retractable ballpoint pens from JINFUSI.
If you like to journal but also want to protect the environment, this is the pen set for you.
These beautiful pens have barrels that are made from bamboo, meaning that not only are they durable and reliable for long-term journaling, but they are also super sustainable.
Not only that, but this pen is portable and light, making it easy to use and carry around in your backpack or pocket.
It is smooth to the touch and comfortable to use. Therefore, you will be able to journal for long periods without discomfort.
This one comes with a 30-day warranty if there are any issues, so you can invest knowing that you will have the perfect set of journaling pens.
Pros And Cons Of The JINFUSI Bamboo Retractable Ballpoint Pen
Pros:
- Option for engraving to give it as a gift
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Smooth to touch
Cons:
- Prone to smudging
- Reports that the pen runs out of ink quite quickly
Are you a fan of history? Do you love all things antique and vintage? Do you want to feel like the writers of old when journaling? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” this next pen is for you.
This FEATTY GIFTS Calligraphy Pen will make you feel like you are writing with an actual quill and ink from the past.
It consists of 12 pieces, including various ink colors and nib sizes.
Not only that, but these pieces are all made from quality materials. Furthermore, everything is made by hand by pen makers who have taken a long time to master the craft of making pens.
The pen is made from feather handles and birch wood. The nibs are made from stainless steel and topped with iridium alloy, which works to protect them from damage.
With journaling, you expect to go through notebooks quickly, but you want a pen that will last. This calligraphy set is going to do just that.
This brand works with some fine pen and ink-making companies and families, which work to pioneer new technology while still keeping the tradition of penmaking in mind.
So, you know you are investing in quality for your journal with this calligraphy set.
Pros And Cons Of The FEATTY GIFTS Calligraphy Set
Pros:
- The product is made without the by-product of animals.
- 1- year warranty
- Fast-drying ink
Cons:
- Reports of ink leaking from the product
- The set can get messy
Journaling with the same old black or blue ink can get boring.
So, if you are bored of the same old journal look, why not invest in the TWOHANDS Journal Pens?
These pens are fine-tipped and come in a vast array of colors, 24 in total. These pens are my favorite because they help make my journal look bright and bold.
Not only that, but you have the opportunity to doodle or draw and get your feelings down in a different way than traditional journaling.
This pen is very comfortable, with the caps being easy to take off and put back on for ease of use.
It also prevents them from drying out and promotes their longevity.
Additionally, when writing with these colorful pens, you will be pleased to discover that any writing you do in your journal will dry very quickly, which means the ink is far less likely to break or smear.
Pros And Cons Of The TWOHANDS Journal Pens
Pros:
- Pens do not leak through the paper
- The pens write smoothly
- Pens are comfortable to hold
Cons:
- The lighter colors can be a little difficult to see on paper
- Some of the colors do not quite match the color advertised on the tip of the pen
Finally, we have the SMOOTHERPRO Premium Retractable Pen.
This pen is designed with comfort in mind, which is great news if you sometimes find journaling difficult because your hand starts to ache.
This SMOOTHERPRO pen has a rubber grip made with comfortable rubber material. So, the pen does not slide around while you are writing.
This pen is made from ABS material combined with ROHS to make it more eco-friendly.
The spring is made from stainless steel, so you can use the pen as frequently and as heavily as you like.
With this pen, your writing will be smooth because of the 0.5mm nib point. In addition, it has a smooth ink flow that evenly spreads the ink as you write.
With this pen, you are unlikely to see any clumping or breakout ink in your writing.
Pros And Cons Of The SMOOTHERPRO Premium Retractable Pen
Pros:
- Refillable ink
- Multiple pens in one pack
- Excellent quality
Cons:
- The ink can dry slowly, so there is a small risk of smudging
- Reports that they do not write smoothly on every surface and work best on thin paper
Best Pens For Journaling: Buyer’s Guide
There are so many excellent pens out there that are more than suitable for journaling that you will often face decision fatigue.
So, here is a buyer’s guide that will detail the best features to look out for when it comes to pens for journaling, so you can see what type of pen suits you best!
Let’s check out these necessary features in more detail below.
Smooth Lines
An important feature to look for when investing in a journal pen is how smooth the lines are while you are writing.
Having journal pages full of smudges and ink smears can be very annoying and not aesthetically pleasing. So, try to find pens that are controlled and smooth.
It is also important to take note of how fast-drying the ink is. Fast-drying ink is less likely to result in smudges.
On top of this, find out whether the pen scratches the paper, as this will make it more challenging to use and result in a wasted investment.
The Type Of Pen
There are many different types of pens, from fountain pens to rollerball pens, colored gel pens, markers, brush pens, and more!
These pens will be suitable for journaling, so this feature comes down to personal preference.
Try and think back to what pens you have previously liked writing with and what pens you could not stand, and find out what type of pens they were.
This will help you narrow your search, and you will be able to check out other features that make for a good journal pen and find the best one for you.
Additionally, it will be helpful when deciding on a journal pen and what you are going to use the journal for.
Naturally, most people will be doing a lot of writing in their journals, but some may want to incorporate doodles, drawings, or some color into their musings.
So, the type of pen you get will depend on what you want to do in your journal.
Writing a lot will mean getting a comfortable pen while wanting to draw, and adding color to your journal means using a colored pen will be more suitable.
The Size Of The Nib
The size of the nib matters when choosing the best pen for journaling.
Nib sizes can range from 0.2mm to 1mm, and again, the nib size you choose comes down to personal preference.
You may even want to invest in different nib sizes if you use your journal for various functions.
For example, the nib size that is more suitable for writing will be different from the nib size more suitable for drawing, and it is important to factor this in before you decide to invest in a pen for journaling.
The Grip Of The Pen
Because you will be using this pen almost every day, if not every day, you will need to ensure that it is comfortable to use.
You should be able to hold your journaling pen in your hand for hours without interruption, and it should not cause discomfort.
So, it is important to consider the thickness of the pen and what works best for you.
It may also be wise to invest in a journaling pen that features comfort or ergonomic grips because these are the best features to prevent your hand from getting sore and allow you to complete a writing session in peace.
Sustainability
Ideally, you will want a pen that you will use for a long time, so factors like comfort, nib size, thickness, and grip will all play into sustainability.
However, other features that make a pen more eco-friendly are important to consider when investing in a journal pen.
For example, eco-friendly pens typically have refillable ink or are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo.
If you are environmentally conscious, these should be features you look out for that will make you feel as though you have made a worthwhile investment.
Warranty
Of course, we never want anything to go wrong with our investments, but that does not mean we shouldn’t cover our backs just in case something goes wrong, as they can sometimes.
When it comes to investing in a journaling pen, it is a good idea to check out the warranty of the pen.
Some companies will have a long-term warranty, while the warranty of items from other companies will be a lot shorter.
It is always worth covering your basis in this regard, so check out the warranty of your journaling pen before buying.
Materials
Some pens will be made from better quality materials than others.
Some companies will work with pen craftsmanship families to ensure that their pens are made with up-to-date technology while emphasizing traditional pen craftsmanship. In contrast, other pens are plated in gold to provide a sleek and chic finish, while other pens are made from more eco-friendly materials.
The pen’s material will play into comfort, sustainability, and style, so it is vital to check out this feature and decide what is important to you and your journaling experience!
There are no wrong answers here, simply personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Some Pens Better Than Others For Art journaling?
Yes, some pens will be more suited than others when it comes to specific kinds of journaling, such as art journaling.
There are many different pens for many other functions and purposes.
However, you can use whatever pen you feel like at any given time, depending on your preference!
Are Felt Tip Pens Good For Journaling?
Yes, felt tip pens are excellent when it comes to journaling. This is because of how versatile and multi-functional they are.
Felt tip pens can be used for journaling, writing letters, coloring detailed sketches, and much more!
However, it may take a few goes before they become properly functional, and they can be pretty rigid and stiff, especially for the first use.
Should I Use A Pen Or Pencil For My Journal?
Pens and pencils are sufficient for journal writing; you can use whichever you like!
Pencils are great because you can use an eraser, but they are more likely to fade, whereas pens are more likely to last.
Also, pens typically feel smoother and provide more comfort when writing, especially for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
Journaling is an important tool to find clarity, improve your well-being, and generally have a productive start to your day or a way to wind down at night.
However, the pen you use can make or break your journaling experience.
A range of pens are great for journaling, and the type of pen you use will be based on your personal preference.
For example, some people will want to write with a quill and ink calligraphy set for a vintage feel, while others will choose colored fine line pens because they want their journal to be bright, bold, and colorful.
However, there are certain features you should always consider, such as the quality of the pen, how sustainable it is, the nib size, the grip, how quick-drying or smooth the ink is, and what material the pen is made from.
Once you find the best pen for you, your journaling experience will be elevated!
Just like a diary, you can use a junk journal as an outlet to write about your feelings, experiences, or memories.
Updated August 2022 — In my previous blog posts, I focused on survival in, 
