If you’re into bullet journaling, you already know the pen can make or break your pages. A great gel pen brings smooth writing, zero smudges, and crisp lines that elevate your journaling experience. Whether you’re a minimalist planner or an artistic spread creator, the right pen is essential. In this post, we’re reviewing the best gel pens for bullet journaling in 2025 — all available on Amazon, with options for every budget and style.
What to Look for in a Gel Pen for Bullet Journaling
Before diving into our top picks, here’s what you should consider when shopping for gel pens:
- No Smudging or Bleeding: Look for pens with quick-drying ink, especially if you’re left-handed.
- Smooth Ink Flow: You want pens that glide across the page with minimal pressure.
- Tip Size: Fine tips (0.38mm or 0.5mm) are ideal for writing and detailing.
- Comfort & Grip: Choose pens that are comfortable to hold for long sessions.
- Color Variety: Some pens offer up to 20+ shades, great for creative spreads.
- Refillable vs Disposable: Refillable pens are eco-friendlier and save money over time.
1. Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen (0.38mm)
Why We Love It: Minimalist design and ultra-fine tip for clean, precise writing.
Why It’s Chosen: Muji’s cult-favorite pen is perfect for tight layouts and aesthetic spreads. The fine point is ideal for small handwriting and dot-grid layouts.
- Pros: Ultra-fine tip, minimalist design, smooth ink
- Cons: Higher price per pen, limited color options
- Best For: Minimalist spreads, precise lines
2. Pilot G2 Gel Pens (0.7mm)
Why We Love It: Consistently bold ink and incredibly smooth writing.
Why It’s Chosen: One of the most popular gel pens in the U.S., the Pilot G2 offers great value, comfort, and durability—perfect for everyday journaling.
- Pros: Widely available, super smooth ink, refillable
- Cons: May smudge for left-handers
- Best For: Everyday journaling and note-taking
3. Pentel EnerGel RTX (0.5mm)
Why We Love It: Fast-drying ink with a premium, balanced grip.
Why It’s Chosen: Ideal for left-handed writers, the EnerGel dries in seconds and doesn’t smudge, even on glossy stickers or washi tape.
- Pros: Quick-drying ink, great for lefties, ergonomic grip
- Cons: Ink runs out quickly with heavy use
- Best For: Fast writers, professional use
4. Sakura Gelly Roll Classic Gel Pens
Why We Love It: Bright, opaque ink that stands out on both black and white paper.
Why It’s Chosen: A must-have for creative bullet journalers, especially those who love using dark or colored paper.
- Pros: Vibrant colors, archival quality ink, great for decoration
- Cons: Not ideal for standard writing
- Best For: Artistic spreads, doodles, headings
5. Uni-Ball Signo 207 (0.7mm)
Why We Love It: Archival-quality ink that resists fading and smudging.
Why It’s Chosen: If you want your journal spreads to last for years, the Signo 207 is perfect. It’s smooth, bold, and ultra-reliable.
- Pros: Fade-resistant ink, smooth writing, good for official use
- Cons: Slightly thicker barrel
- Best For: Students, planners, official documents
6. Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pens (0.5mm)
Why We Love It: Smooth writing with vibrant, fade-resistant ink.
Why It’s Chosen: Loved for their bright color options and practical clip design, these pens are great for color-coding, planning, and creative headers.
- Pros: Water-based pigment ink, comfortable grip, refillable
- Cons: Limited availability in some regions
- Best For: Left-handers, smooth writing fans
7. TUL Gel Pens (Needle Point, 0.5mm)
Why We Love It: Sleek, modern look with a fine, professional line.
Why It’s Chosen: Ideal for minimalist journalers who want a smooth, premium pen that performs as good as it looks.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, quick-drying, available in sets
- Cons: Not as smooth as premium pens
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, kids’ journals
8. Pilot Juice Up Gel Pens (0.4mm)
Why We Love It: Clean design, vibrant ink, and smooth as butter.
Why It’s Chosen: Combines Japanese quality with modern style—perfect for aesthetic bullet journal setups and precise illustrations.
- Pros: Premium build, stylish design, refillable
- Cons: Expensive
- Best For: Professionals, gift sets
9. Stabilo PointVisco Gel Roller Pens
Why We Love It: Bright, thick lines with no feathering or bleed-through.
Why It’s Chosen: Designed for people who love vibrant colors but hate mess—ideal for fast, creative spreads.
- Pros: Huge variety, glitter and metallic options, great for art
- Cons: Bulky storage case
- Best For: Artists, decorative journaling
10. Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens (0.7mm)
Why We Love It: Affordable, comfortable, and available in a rainbow of colors.
Why It’s Chosen: Great for beginners and creatives alike, these pens offer smooth writing with fast-drying ink in playful hues.
- Pros: Bold, smooth ink, huge color variety
- Cons: Slight smudging on glossy paper
- Best For: Creative spreads, color coding
Best Gel Pens by Category
- Best Overall: Muji Gel Ink 0.38mm
- Best for Color Variety: Paper Mate InkJoy
- Best for Left-Handers: Pentel EnerGel RTX
- Best for Artistic Spreads: Sakura Gelly Roll
Tips for Using Gel Pens in Bullet Journals
- Use thick, smooth paper (100+ gsm) to avoid bleed-through
- Let the ink dry before flipping pages
- Store pens tip-down or horizontally to maintain ink flow
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gel pen can take your bullet journal from basic to brilliant. Whether you’re all about clean, minimalist layouts or bursting with colors and doodles, there’s a perfect pen for your style. All the options listed are Amazon-friendly, meaning you can easily stock up with just a few clicks.
No matter your bullet journaling style—minimalist, artistic, functional, or colorful—these pens will keep up. Choose based on tip size, ink flow, and whether you’re after precision, flair, or long-lasting lines. All of these pens are available on Amazon, so upgrading your journaling toolkit is just a click away.
👉 Shop the best gel pens for bullet journaling and elevate your spreads today!