The 26 best marker pens brands
Copic, Sharpie and POSCA lead our ranking of 26 marker pens brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Marker Pens brands, ranked
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1
Copic
Refillable alcohol markers with a broad colour range, sold as open stock so artists can replace individual nibs and colours.
Website: copic.jp |Brands like Copic
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Sharpie
Permanent markers that write on glass, plastic and metal, sold in fine, ultra-fine and chisel tips for everyday marking.
Website: sharpie.com |Brands like Sharpie
Popularity 7.7/10
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3
POSCA
Pigment paint pens in bright opaque colours, with bullet and bead tips for canvas, rock, wood and metal.
Top products: POSCA Paint Markers· PC-5M
Website: posca.com |Brands like POSCA
Popularity 7.5/10
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4
Pentel
Pocket Brush pens give real brush strokes, alongside gel and fibre-tip markers across a broad, affordable school and office range.
Website: pentel.com |Brands like Pentel
Popularity 6.0/10
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5
Sakura
Solid paint markers and grease pens that mark glass, metal and ceramics, with opaque coverage on most dark surfaces.
Top products: Mean Streak Grease Pens
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Faber-Castell
Its Pitt Artist Pen brush tip and fineliners are the sets most calligraphers and illustrators reach for, with pigment ink that stays put.
Website: fabercastell.com |Brands like Faber-Castell
Popularity 5.5/10
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7
MOLOTOW
German paint markers with refillable nibs and liquid acrylic ink, favoured by graffiti artists for bold lines on walls and metal.
Website: molotow.com |Brands like MOLOTOW
Popularity 5.2/10
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8
Zebra
Japanese office and school pens, including a fine marker range and a widely used Mildliner highlighter set at everyday prices.
Website: zebra.com |Brands like Zebra
Popularity 5.0/10
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9
ShinHan
Korean alcohol markers with dual brush and chisel tips, sold in large sets for students and hobbyists on a budget.
Popularity 4.6/10
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10
Kuretake
ZIG brush pens with flexible nibs and water-based ink, popular with manga artists for fine to bold strokes.
Website: kuretake.co.jp |Brands like Kuretake
Popularity 4.6/10
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11
Winsor & Newton
British art materials maker whose Promarker alcohol markers suit professional illustrators wanting smooth, blendable colour.
Website: winsornewton.com |Brands like Winsor & Newton
Popularity 4.4/10
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12
Staedtler
Fineliners and permanent markers covering technical drawing, labelling and school use, with sturdy bodies and fine, even tips.
Top products: Triplus Fineliner· Lumocolor Permanent Marker
Website: staedtler.com |Brands like Staedtler
Popularity 4.3/10
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13
Tombow
Dual-tip brush markers suited to lettering and journalling, with a flexible nib that gives both fine and broad strokes.
Website: tombowusa.com |Brands like Tombow
Popularity 4.2/10
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14
Paper Mate
American pen brand whose Flair felt-tips give a bold, smooth line, sold mainly as affordable everyday writing pens.
Website: papermate.com |Brands like Paper Mate
Popularity 3.9/10
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15
uni-ball
Oil-based paint markers that write on dark, glossy and rough surfaces, from the Japanese maker behind the Uni-ball gel pen.
Website: uniball.co.uk |Brands like uni-ball
Popularity 3.6/10
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16
Ohuhu
Ohuhu produces paintbrushes and markers at extremely reasonable costs and with excellent quality. The alcohol art markers in their collection come in a 216-color set that allows for simple blending, no smearing, and includes alcohol-based ink that dries rapidly, making...
Website: ohuhu.com |Brands like Ohuhu
Popularity 3.6/10
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17
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...
Website: edding.com |Brands like edding
Popularity 3.3/10
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18
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...
Website: royaltalens.com |Brands like Royal Talens
Popularity 3.2/10
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19
Crayola
The most popular brand name in coloring and arts and crafts is Crayola. Their goal is to offer practical, artistic activities that foster an enduring love of learning. For usage at home or school, Crayola's product collection includes crayons, markers,...
Website: shop.crayola.com |Brands like Crayola
Popularity 2.7/10
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20
Prismacolor
Have you always wanted to witness the magical experience of bringing a blank page to life with your beautiful drawings? Prismacolor is here to fulfill your dreams with user-friendly digital lessons and premium quality coloring tools. You will be able...
Website: prismacolor.com |Brands like Prismacolor
Popularity 2.4/10
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21
BIC
BIC builds disposable razors for women and men, along with ballpoint pens and pencils. The French company started out making ballpoint pens, including its Cristal pen, and its razors follow the same simple, low-cost approach. Its disposable razors suit everyday...
Popularity 2.3/10
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22
Arteza
Let the artists within you shine with Arteza. They provide the best art supplies for you, including all painting, crafting, and drawing supplies. You can also find wooden display easel, planning pads, magnetic organizers, and many more to help you...
Popularity 2.2/10
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23
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24
Touch
Touch is a new tool that protects your automobile from scratches and dents. Their patent-pending method uses the latest qualities of liquid silicone to create a protective layer that prevents minor scratches in your paint, keeping the original finish on...
Popularity 1.8/10
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25
Chartpak
Chartpak builds art supplies, office stationery and drawing tools. Its range has expanded into painting and craft supplies. Its products are shipped internationally.
Website: chartpak.net |Brands like Chartpak
Popularity 1.7/10
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26
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,...
Website: bazicproducts.com |Brands like Bazic Products
Popularity 1.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copic | copic.jp | /CopicOfficial | copic_official | @COPIC_Official | UCO7mq3zcB_2zaCt6XfJW6Sg |
| Sharpie | sharpie.com | /Sharpie | sharpie | @sharpie | SharpieUS |
| POSCA | posca.com | /uniposca | p | @posca_coloring | POSCA |
| Pentel | pentel.com | – | pentelofamerica | – | – |
| Faber-Castell | fabercastell.com | /FaberCastellUSA | fabercastellusa | @FaberCastellUSA | FaberCastellUSA |
| MOLOTOW | molotow.com | /MolotowPaint | molotowheadquarters | @molotowpaint | molotowpaint |
| Zebra | zebra.com | /177371598973 | – | @zebratechnology | – |
| Kuretake | kuretake.co.jp | /kuretake.jp | kuretakejapan | @kuretakejapan | kuretake00 |
Marker Pens Buying Guide
When it comes to art and design, a good marker pen is essential. It’s important to choose the right type of marker depending on what you plan to use it for. There are a variety of marker pens on the market today that come in various sizes, tip shapes, colors, and ink types. This guide will help you understand the different types of marker pens available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Types of Marker Pens:
1. Water-based Markers:
Water-based markers are a great choice if you plan to use them for coloring books, writing, or drawing on paper. They are made with water-soluble ink that dries quickly and is easy to work with. They are also low odor, making them a good choice for those who are sensitive to strong smells. Water-based markers come in a variety of tip sizes and shapes, and they are available in a range of colors.
2. Alcohol-based Markers:
Alcohol-based markers are commonly used by professional artists and designers. They are made with alcohol-based ink that dries quickly and is also fade-resistant. Alcohol-based markers are known for their vibrant colors and are a great choice for creating gradients and shading. They are available in a range of tip sizes and shapes.
3. Paint Markers:
Paint markers are a good choice if you plan to use them on surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic. They are also great for creating fine lines and intricate designs. Paint markers come in a variety of tip sizes and shapes, and they are available in a range of colors. They are made with oil-based or acrylic-based ink that is waterproof and scratch-resistant.
4. Permanent Markers:
Permanent markers are a good choice if you need to write on surfaces that require a permanent mark, such as clothing, wood, or metal. They are made with oil-based or alcohol-based ink that is fade-resistant and water-resistant. Permanent markers come in a range of tip sizes and shapes, and they are available in a variety of colors.
Tips to Consider Before Purchasing Marker Pens:
1. Purpose:
It’s important to consider the purpose of your marker pen before purchasing. Are you planning to use it for coloring or painting, or do you need it for writing on surfaces like wood, glass, or plastic? Determining the purpose will help you choose the right type of marker.
2. Tip Shape:
The tip shape of the marker pen is an important consideration as it will affect the type of line you can create. There are a variety of tip shapes available, such as chisel tip, brush tip, bullet tip, and fine point. Chisel tip is great for creating broad lines and bold strokes, while brush tip is a good choice for creating thin and thick lines. Bullet tip is ideal for precise lines and fine point for fine details.
3. Ink Type:
There are different types of ink available for marker pens, including water-based, alcohol-based, acrylic-based, and oil-based ink. Water-based ink is great for coloring and writing, while alcohol-based ink is best for creating vibrant colors and shading. Acrylic-based ink is used for paint markers and oil-based ink is ideal for creating permanent marks on surfaces like wood and metal.
4. Color:
The color selection of a marker pen will depend on your personal preference and the purpose of the marker. If you plan to use it for coloring, it’s recommended to choose a marker with a wide range of colors that are vibrant and blend well. If you need a marker for writing, choose a pen with more neutral colors like black, blue, and red.
5. Brand:
When it comes to marker pens, it’s important to choose a brand that is known for producing high-quality products. Some popular marker brands include Sharpie, Prismacolor, Copic, and Staedtler. Reading customer reviews and doing some research before purchasing can help you choose the best brand for your needs.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right marker pen is important for achieving the desired result in your art or design project. Consider the purpose, tip shape, ink type, color, and brand before making your purchase. By following this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect marker pen for your needs.
1. Cost:
The cost of marker pens can vary greatly depending on the brand, number of markers in a set, and quality of the ink. It’s important to consider your budget and the frequency of use before deciding on a marker pen. In most cases, it’s better to spend a bit more on high-quality markers that will last longer and produce better results.
2. Storage:
It’s important to consider how you plan to store your marker pens, especially if you have a large collection or plan to travel with them. Some marker pens come with specialized storage cases or holders, while others may need to be stored in a specific way to prevent the ink from drying out.
3. Nib Quality:
The quality of the nib or tip of the marker pen is an important factor to consider as it can affect the control and precision of your lines. Some markers have replaceable nibs, while others do not. It’s important to choose a marker with a high-quality nib that will not wear down easily.
4. Bleed-Through:
Bleed-through is when the ink from a marker pen seeps through the paper, creating a mess on the other side. This can be a problem if you plan to use double-sided paper or if you want to avoid ink splotches. It’s important to choose a marker pen that is known for minimal or no bleed-through.
5. Environmental Impact:
As concern grows for the environment, it’s important to consider the impact of the products we use. Some marker pens are made with eco-friendly materials or are refillable, reducing waste. It’s important to choose a marker pen that aligns with your values and reduces your environmental impact.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right marker pen requires careful consideration of various factors, including purpose, tip shape, ink type, color, brand, cost, storage, nib quality, bleed-through, and environmental impact. By taking into account all of these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a high-quality marker pen that will help you achieve your desired results in your art or design projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types and brands of markers to find the perfect one for your needs.
