The 26 best fineliner pens brands

  • 26 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Sakura, Staedtler and uni-ball lead our ranking of 26 fineliner pens brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Fineliner Pens brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Sakura

    Pigma Micron archival-ink fineliners are a sketchbook favourite, with lightfast ink and tip sizes from fine to brush-width.

    Top products: Pigma Micron

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Staedtler

    Staedtler's triangular-barrel fineliners give a steady 0.3 millimetre line for planners and journaling, sold in wide colour sets.

    Top products: Triplus Fineliner

    Popularity 6.2/10

  3. 3

    uni-ball

    Japanese-made Pin fineliners have ultra-fine tips that suit precise lettering and technical linework.

    Popularity 3.5/10

  4. 4

    Faber-Castell

    German-made Pitt Artist Pens come in brush and fine tips, with a broad colour range for illustrators and drawing students.

    Popularity 3.2/10

  5. 5

    BIC

    Budget-friendly Intensity fineliners in 24-packs suit classroom and office note-taking, with a medium-tip option for bolder marks.

    Top products: Intensity Fineliner Marker Pens

    Popularity 2.8/10

  6. 6

    Ohuhu

    Dual-tip fineliner and brush pens come in very large colour counts, handy for hobby colourists wanting many shades cheaply.

    Top products: FLP-01

    Popularity 2.7/10

  7. 7

    Zebra

    Zebra's bold 0.8 millimetre fineliners suit highlighting and quick notes, with a sturdy build for daily school and office use.

    Top products: Sarasa Fineliner

    Popularity 2.6/10

  8. 8

    Winsor & Newton

    Paint maker's drawing pens target watercolour sketchers who want pigment-rich lines that hold up under washes.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  9. 9

    Arteza

    Triangular-barrel fineliners in large colour sets make this a budget pick for students and adult colouring projects.

    Top products: Inkonic Fineliner Pens

    Popularity 2.5/10

  10. 10

    Crayola

    Crayola's washable fineliners and markers are aimed at families and classrooms, with bright colours that wash out of most fabrics.

    Popularity 2.0/10

  11. 11

    Copic

    Copic's Multiliner pens are waterproof, pigment-based fineliners favoured by manga illustrators who also use its marker range.

    Popularity 1.9/10

  12. 12

    Prismacolor

    Pigment-based fineliners from a coloured-pencil specialist give illustrators an even ink flow across different tip sizes.

    Popularity 1.9/10

  13. 13

    MOLOTOW

    Wilhelm Feuerstein founded MOLOTOW, a German-based company that started as a family business and gradually expanded in philosophy and quality. The products that come under their product line include cans, markers, and refills. These products can vary from spray cans...

    Popularity 1.5/10

  14. 14

    Shuttle Art

    Shuttle Art is the perfect brand for all art lovers. Shuttle Art perceives itself more as art fancier than a business, which helps it understand art supplies better. The categories in which it deals are art pencils, art sets, brushes,...

    Popularity 1.5/10

  15. 15

    Viva Decor

    Are you planning to decorate the favorite corner of your house but not getting the perfect elements? Viva Décor has got you covered. Viva Décor is a one-stop solution for all kinds of decorative and stationary items to make your...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  16. 16

    edding

    At edding, everything continued to shine in 1978 when its first-ever paint was launched. They now produce over 150 categories of products. Environment sustainability has always been part of its corporate philosophy since the very beginning. In fact, when developing...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  17. 17

    Kuretake

    From Japan, Kuretake makes art supplies for writing, drawing and painting. Its line includes brush pens, waterproof pens, markers and calligraphy supplies for lettering and illustration. The brand's Gansai sets are traditional Japanese watercolors with rich, opaque tones.

    Popularity 1.3/10

  18. 18

    Tombow

    Established in Japan in 1913, Tombow is an art & craft dedicated brand that manufactures and sells various craft materials. Markers, pens, dual brush pens, mono drawing pens, mono twin, twin tone, adhesives, glues, pencils, erasers, planner essentials, school and...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  19. 19

    rOtring

    rOtring is the name that immediately comes to mind for mechanical pencils and pens for all creative and engineering solutions. With 90 years of experience, their range of writing and art products is extensive, including drawing pens, graphic fine liners,...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  20. 20

    Royal Talens

    Royal Talens produces its Amsterdam line of artist paints in the Netherlands, including acrylics, watercolors, and paint markers. The Amsterdam acrylics are quick-drying, low odour, and non-toxic. Acrylic varnishes come in spray cans and bottles, and tubes are sold in...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  21. 21

    Mitsubishi

    Mitsubishi has an industrial arm that builds servo motors and shafts for machinery. Its products span servo motors, shafts, car parts and diesel fuel system components.

    Popularity 0.9/10

  22. 22

    Bazic Products

    Whether it’s the school or the office, each place requires its fixed stationary items. Bazic is an internationally, globally recognized brand that provides the creative and valuable necessary stuff, such as adhesives, art & craft products, backpacks, binding accessories, books,...

    Popularity 0.9/10

  23. 23

    Art Alternatives

    Art Alternatives designs art supplies for home and studio, with sketchbooks, journals, pens, markers, portfolios, canvases and painting accessories. The brand is a small, emerging creative group that also offers original artworks and wall designs for the home. Its products...

    Popularity 0.7/10

  24. 24

    Prang

    Prang sells art and writing supplies, and its product line covers watercolor paints, art pencils, glue sticks and other materials for classrooms and home artists. Its focus remains on child-safe supplies for young artists.

    Popularity 0.7/10

  25. 25

    Bianyo

    If art is your therapy, then Bianyo is here to assist you with quality art supplies. Their philosophy is that art is a medium of expression, no matter what technique you use, and that's why they supply most of your...

    Popularity 0.7/10

  26. 26

    Pentel

    Pentel has many best-quality pens, refills, stationery, and accessories. They've been assisting people in developing their unique handwriting style and becoming more expressive for over 40 years. They are a renowned maker of exquisite writing and drawing products. Their goal...

    Popularity 0.5/10

Fineliner Pens Buying Guide

Fineliner pens are a popular choice among artists, calligraphers, and writers because of their fine, precise lines that produce a clean and professional look. They come in different colors, sizes, and brands, making it more daunting to pick the right pen for your needs. Before you head to the store and grab a Fineliner pen, here’s a buying guide to help you choose the perfect one.

Point Size

The point size is the most important factor to consider when buying a Fineliner pen. It determines the width and thickness of the lines you make. Fineliner pens come in different point sizes ranging from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm or higher. The smaller the point size, the finer the lines will be. If you need to make intricate drawings, write small texts or underline text, a pen with a 0.2 mm or smaller point size is ideal. However, if you’re creating large calligraphy, you might want to choose a larger point size.

Ink Quality

The quality of ink can also make a difference in your work. Cheap Fineliner pens tend to have low-quality ink that bleeds, smudges, or fades easily, resulting in poor quality work. High-quality inks, on the other hand, are non-toxic, fast-drying, waterproof, and fade-resistant. They also have vibrant colors that don’t bleed or smudge when you apply water-based paints or markers. If you’re looking for a Fineliner pen for art or design work, make sure to choose an ink that complements your style and preferences.

Brands

There are many Fineliner pen brands in the market, each offering different quality, price, and features. Some of the popular brands among artists and calligraphers are:

  • Staedtler: Staedtler is a German brand that produces high-quality pens, pencils, and other stationery items. Their Fineliner pens have a metal-clad tip that prevents breakage and provides long-lasting durability.
  • Micron: Micron is a Japanese brand that produces pen sets of different point sizes and colors. They have acid-free, archival quality ink that dries up quickly.
  • Faber-Castell: Faber-Castell is a German brand that produces pen sets of different colors and point sizes. Their pens use a waterproof and lightfast ink that prevents smudging and fading.
  • Pigma: Pigma is a brand of Sakura that produces pens with permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant ink. They offer pens with a range of sizes that suit different needs.

While these brands may cost more than your average Fineliner pen, they provide better quality, comfort, and longevity that make them worth the investment.

Ergonomics

Fineliner pens might look simple, but they can have different ergonomic features that cater to different users. Some Fineliner pens have a rounded grip that provides comfort and prevents hand fatigue during long drawing or writing sessions. Others have a triangular shape that helps with grip and stability. Some Fineliner pens are also refillable, saving you money and reducing environmental waste.

Price

The price of Fineliner pens varies greatly depending on the brand, point size, and other features. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option available, keep in mind that going for the cheapest Fineliner pen might result in low-quality work and frustration. However, a higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality. It’s essential to consider the quality, durability, and performance of the pen before making a purchase. Look for online reviews or ask for recommendations from other artists, calligraphers, or writers to get an idea of what pens work best for them.

Conclusion

Choosing a Fineliner pen can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider the point size, ink quality, brand, ergonomics, and price before making a purchase. By selecting the right Fineliner pen, you can produce work that looks neat, precise, and professional, and improve your overall productivity and creativity.

Fineliner Pens Buying Guide

Fineliner pens are a popular choice among artists, calligraphers, and writers because of their fine, precise lines that produce a clean and professional look. They come in different colors, sizes, and brands, making it more daunting to pick the right pen for your needs. Before you head to the store and grab a Fineliner pen, here’s a buying guide to help you choose the perfect one.

Point Size

The point size is the most important factor to consider when buying a Fineliner pen. It determines the width and thickness of the lines you make. Fineliner pens come in different point sizes ranging from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm or higher. The smaller the point size, the finer the lines will be. If you need to make intricate drawings, write small texts or underline text, a pen with a 0.2 mm or smaller point size is ideal. However, if you’re creating large calligraphy, you might want to choose a larger point size.

Ink Quality

The quality of ink can also make a difference in your work. Cheap Fineliner pens tend to have low-quality ink that bleeds, smudges, or fades easily, resulting in poor quality work. High-quality inks, on the other hand, are non-toxic, fast-drying, waterproof, and fade-resistant. They also have vibrant colors that don’t bleed or smudge when you apply water-based paints or markers. If you’re looking for a Fineliner pen for art or design work, make sure to choose an ink that complements your style and preferences.

Brands

There are many Fineliner pen brands in the market, each offering different quality, price, and features. Some of the popular brands among artists and calligraphers are:

  • Staedtler: Staedtler is a German brand that produces high-quality pens, pencils, and other stationery items. Their Fineliner pens have a metal-clad tip that prevents breakage and provides long-lasting durability.
  • Micron: Micron is a Japanese brand that produces pen sets of different point sizes and colors. They have acid-free, archival quality ink that dries up quickly.
  • Faber-Castell: Faber-Castell is a German brand that produces pen sets of different colors and point sizes. Their pens use a waterproof and lightfast ink that prevents smudging and fading.
  • Pigma: Pigma is a brand of Sakura that produces pens with permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant ink. They offer pens with a range of sizes that suit different needs.

While these brands may cost more than your average Fineliner pen, they provide better quality, comfort, and longevity that make them worth the investment.

Ergonomics

Fineliner pens might look simple, but they can have different ergonomic features that cater to different users. Some Fineliner pens have a rounded grip that provides comfort and prevents hand fatigue during long drawing or writing sessions. Others have a triangular shape that helps with grip and stability. Some Fineliner pens are also refillable, saving you money and reducing environmental waste.

Price

The price of Fineliner pens varies greatly depending on the brand, point size, and other features. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option available, keep in mind that going for the cheapest Fineliner pen might result in low-quality work and frustration. However, a higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality. It’s essential to consider the quality, durability, and performance of the pen before making a purchase. Look for online reviews or ask for recommendations from other artists, calligraphers, or writers to get an idea of what pens work best for them.

Colors

One of the advantages of Fineliner pens is that they come in different colors, so you can add more creativity to your work. Some Fineliner pens come in sets with a variety of colors, while others offer individual pens of specific colors. Consider the type of work you will be doing, and select the colors that match your needs. If you need to color-code notes, checklists, or calendars, choose a Fineliner pen set with different colored pens. If you’re an artist, select a set with a wide range of colors to add more depth and vibrancy to your work.

Durability

Durability is another key factor to consider when buying a Fineliner pen. A high-quality Fineliner pen should last for a long time and not break or become unusable after a few uses. Look for pens that have a strong tip that resists bending and breaking, especially if you apply heavy pressure when drawing or writing. Also, check the quality of the pen cap; a tight-fitting cap will prevent the ink from drying out and keep the pen usable for longer.

Multi-purpose Use

Fineliner pens can be used for different purposes, such as drawing, writing, sketching, coloring, or outlining. If you want a Fineliner pen that can do it all, look for pens with versatile tips that can be used for different techniques. Some Fineliner pens come with flexible tips that allow you to produce thick or thin lines, depending on the angle and pressure you use. Other pens have conical tips that can be rotated to produce different line widths.

Conclusion

Choosing a Fineliner pen can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider the point size, ink quality, brand, ergonomics, price, colors, durability, and multi-purpose use before making a purchase. By selecting the right Fineliner pen, you can produce work that looks neat, precise, and professional, and improve your overall productivity and creativity.