The 10 Best Gel Pens For Coloring In 2025
I. Introduction
Are you struggling to find the perfect colorful gel pens for your artistic endeavors? With countless brands, colors, materials, sizes, and features available, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Whether you're an artist, student, crafter, or someone who simply loves adding a splash of color to notes and journals, choosing the right gel pens can make all the difference.
To simplify your search, our team at Honeyoung Stationery meticulously tested over 100 brands of colorful gel pens. After careful evaluation, we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best colored gel pens that stand out for their quality, vibrancy, and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of each pen, highlighting their pros and cons, real-world usage, and authentic customer reviews. Whether you’re writing, drawing, coloring, or crafting, you’ll find a gel pen on this list that meets your needs.
II. Criteria for Selection
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s discuss the key factors we considered when selecting the best colorful gel pens:
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Color Variety – A wide range of colors allows for greater creativity and precision in art and design.
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Ink Quality – We looked for smooth, vibrant, and quick-drying inks that minimize smudging and bleeding.
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Tip Size – Different tip sizes cater to various artistic styles, from fine details to bold strokes.
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Special Effects – Features like metallic, glitter, neon, and pastel finishes add unique dimensions to your work.
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Comfort and Grip – Ergonomic designs and comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
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Refillability – Refillable pens are more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
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Packaging and Storage – Convenient packaging and storage options enhance usability and organization.
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Price and Value – We considered the cost relative to the quality and quantity of pens provided.
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Reviews and Recommendations – Genuine customer feedback helped us gauge real-world performance and satisfaction.
These criteria ensured that the gel pens we selected offer the best overall value and performance for a variety of artistic and practical applications.
III. Detailed Reviews of the 10 Best Colored Gel Pens
1. Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens
Brand: SAKURA
Product Details: 12-count pack with assorted bright ink colors.
Key Features:
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Glide effortlessly on paper, cardstock, and non-porous surfaces.
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Available in various tip sizes for different artistic styles.
Pros:
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Vibrant, eye-catching colors.
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Smooth ink flow with no skipping or clotting.
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Quick-drying ink minimizes smudging, ideal for left-handed users.
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Versatile use on multiple surfaces.
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Comfortable grip and durable construction.
Cons:
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Disposable refills are less eco-friendly.
Customer Feedback:
Users rave about the smooth writing experience and vibrant colors. “These pens are so smooth...you just have to try it for yourself,” says one satisfied customer.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
2. Pilot G2 Gel Pens
Brand: PILOT
Product Details: Renowned for smooth writing and vibrant colors.
Key Features:
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Available in various tip sizes (ultra-fine to bold).
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Ergonomic design for comfortable use.
Pros:
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Effortless gliding across the page.
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Wide array of vibrant ink colors.
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Trusted brand with a reputation for quality.
Cons:
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Potential for ink smearing on certain papers.
Customer Feedback:
“I use them mostly for puzzle books...they don’t bleed through,” shares a happy user. Another reviewer praises their smoothness and long-lasting performance.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
3. Uni-ball Signo Gel Pens
Brand: Uni-Ball
Product Details: Known for bold ink colors and reliability.
Key Features:
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Waterproof and fade-resistant ink.
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Quick-drying formula prevents smudging.
Pros:
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Smooth writing experience with vibrant colors.
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Suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.
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Some models are refillable, reducing waste.
Cons:
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Not all Signo Gel Pens are refillable.
Customer Feedback:
Artists appreciate the bright, easy-to-read ink. “They are the best colorful gel pens for drawing,” says one user.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
4. Pentel Energel Infree Gel Pen
Brand: Pentel
Product Details: Combines smooth writing with quick-drying ink.
Key Features:
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Durable stainless steel accents.
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Refillable options available.
Pros:
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High-performance ink technology for a smooth, smear-free experience.
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Ideal for left-handed writers.
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Sleek, professional design.
Cons:
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Refills may be challenging to find locally.
Customer Feedback:
Users commend the vibrant ink and durable design. “These are perfect for work,” says one reviewer.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
5. Zebra Sarasa Gel Pens
Brand: ZEBRA
Product Details: 0.5mm, 8-color set with smooth writing.
Key Features:
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Quick-drying ink prevents smudging.
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Retractable design for convenience.
Pros:
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Smooth writing without skipping or blotting.
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Comfortable rubber grip.
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Sturdy barrel construction.
Cons:
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Occasional inconsistency in line quality.
Customer Feedback:
“I love the smoothness and vibrant colors,” shares a user. Another notes the pens perform best on smooth paper.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
6. SHANDS S686 Retro /Juice Colored Gel Ink Pens
Brand: SHANDS
Product Details: 20 assorted colors with a comfortable grip.
Key Features:
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Quick-drying formula minimizes smearing.
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Handy clip for easy storage.
Pros:
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Smooth-flowing ink for an enjoyable writing experience.
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Ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue.
Cons:
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Ink may not be waterproof.
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Higher price point.
Customer Feedback:
“I love how smoothly they write,” says a long-time user. Another appreciates the comfortable grip.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
7. Languo Acrylic Gel Pens
Brand: Languo
Product Details: 90 vibrant colors, including metallic and glitter finishes.
Key Features:
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Quick-drying ink for smudge-free use.
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Value pack offers affordability.
Pros:
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Extensive color selection for creative projects.
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Smooth and consistent writing experience.
Cons:
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Plastic pen body may have limited durability.
Customer Feedback:
“I love the glitter effect and vibrant colors,” says one reviewer. Another appreciates the smooth ink flow.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
8. KACO Soft-Touch Retractable Gel Ink Pens
Brand: Kaco
Product Details: 0.5mm, 20-piece set with a soft-touch coating.
Key Features:
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Retractable design protects pens when not in use.
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Variety of colors and tip sizes.
Pros:
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Smooth writing with quick-drying ink.
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Comfortable grip suitable for all ages.
Cons:
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White pen actually contains brown ink.
Customer Feedback:
“I’d give them a 10/10,” says a satisfied user. Another praises the smooth, effortless writing experience.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
9. Pilot Juice Gel Pen - Neon Color
Brand: Pilot
Product Details: 6 vibrant colors.
Key Features:
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Quick-drying, smooth ink.
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Includes a tutorial for techniques and color guidance.
Pros:
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Extensive color range for limitless creativity.
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Convenient storage case.
Cons:
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May be uncomfortable for extended coloring sessions.
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Ink may run out quickly.
Customer Feedback:
“I've been colouring non-stop since they arrived,” shares an enthusiastic user. Another recommends them for the price.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
10. Pilot Juice Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen, 0.5mm, 6 Pastel Colors
Brand: Pilot
Product Details: 6-count pack of assorted colors.
Key Features:
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Smear-resistant, quick-drying ink.
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Contoured grip for comfort.
Pros:
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Affordable and reliable.
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Smooth writing experience.
Cons:
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Potential for bleeding with excessive pressure.
Customer Feedback:
“These pens write very smoothly,” says a user. Another appreciates the vibrant colors and quick-drying feature.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A. Gel Pen vs Ballpoint Pen
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Writing Smoothness: Gel pens are generally smoother.
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Precision: Gel pens offer more precise lines.
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Drying Time: Ballpoint pens dry faster.
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Color Variety: Gel pens come in more colors and finishes.
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Longevity: Ballpoint pens tend to last longer.
B. What to Consider When Choosing Colorful Gel Pens
Refer to the Criteria for Selection outlined earlier for a comprehensive guide.
C. What is a Gel Pen?
A gel pen uses gel-based ink, combining the smoothness of liquid ink with the quick-drying properties of ballpoint ink. Available in various colors and finishes, gel pens are versatile for writing, drawing, and crafting.
D. Will the Gel Pen Penetrate the Paper?
Gel pens may penetrate paper depending on paper thickness, pressure, and ink viscosity. Using thicker paper can help prevent bleed-through.
E. Will Gel Pens Dry Out?
Yes, gel pens can dry out if not properly capped or stored. To prevent this:
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Always cap tightly.
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Store in a cool, dry place.
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Use pens regularly.
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Consider horizontal storage.
F. How to Prevent Gel Pens from Drying Out?
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Cap pens tightly when not in use.
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Store in a cool, dry place.
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Use pens regularly.
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Store horizontally for even ink distribution.
G. Tips and Tricks for Reviving Dried-Out Pens
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Gently shake the pen.
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Soak the tip in warm water.
H. Can Gel Pen Ink be Washed Off?
Yes, gel pen ink can usually be washed off skin with soap and water. For clothing, use a stain remover and wash according to garment instructions.
V. Tips and Tricks for Using Gel Pens
How to Color with Gel Pens
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Choose Your Gel Pens
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Select Your Coloring Surface
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Plan Your Design
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Test Your Pens
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Start Coloring
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Work in Layers
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Allow Ink to Dry
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Add Details and Effects
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Experiment and Have Fun
VI. Conclusion
The 10 colorful gel pens featured in this article represent the best options available in 2025 for artists, students, and anyone who loves adding vibrant colors to their projects. Whether you’re writing, drawing, coloring, or crafting, these gel pens offer a range of colors, smooth writing experiences, and versatile applications to suit your needs.
