--- title: "Best Ballpoint Pens for 2027: Jetstream, Acroball & More" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-ballpoint-pens/" description: "The best ballpoint pens compared by use: Jetstream RT, Acroball, BIC Cristal, Zebra F-701, Jetstream 4&1, Parker Jotter and six more, with refills and origin." category: "Pens" type: "Ballpoint" published: 2026-10-21 updated: 2026-10-21 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 15 products: - name: "uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; SXN-210)" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip" released: "2006" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "SXN-210" mpn: "62152" url: "https://www.unibrands.co/products/jetstream-rt-ballpoint-pens" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/" - name: "Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; BAB-15)" brand: "Pilot" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Recycled plastics (recycled PP barrel, recycled PC cap and front, per Pilot Japan), rubber grip" released: "2008" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America" model: "BAB-15" mpn: "BAB-15F-BB" gtin: "4902505375279" url: "https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000572" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/" - name: "BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm (MS11) / Cristal Original" brand: "BIC" brand_origin: "France" made_in: "Mexico" material: "Polystyrene barrel, polypropylene ink tube, brass tip, tungsten-carbide ball" released: "1950-12" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation" mpn: "MS11" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/" - name: "Monami 153 (BP 153) retractable ballpoint pen, 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm" brand: "Monami" brand_origin: "South Korea" made_in: "South Korea" material: "Plastic hexagonal barrel, metal tip" released: "1963-05" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Monami Co., Ltd." model: "BP 153" mpn: "2010132601" gtin: "8801067081283" url: "https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=156" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-153/" - name: "Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen (BK90 0.7 mm Fine / BK91 1.0 mm Medium)" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Mexico" material: "Clear plastic barrel, latex-free rubberized grip, stainless steel tip" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "BK90" mpn: "BK90-A" url: "https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-rsvp-ballpoint-pen-assorted-packs" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-rsvp/" - name: "Zebra F-301 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 / 1.0 / 1.6 mm)" brand: "Zebra" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Stainless steel barrel, metal clip, plastic grip and top section" released: "1982" price_band: "$ (under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation" model: "F-301" mpn: "27112" gtin: "045888271128" url: "https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-301-retractable-ballpoint" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-301/" - name: "Zebra F-701 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm)" brand: "Zebra" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Indonesia" material: "Stainless steel barrel, tip and clip; knurled coated-brass grip; thin plastic inner sleeve" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation" model: "F-701" mpn: "29411" gtin: "045888294110" url: "https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-701-all-metal-retractable-ballpoint" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/" - name: "Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400 (chrome)" brand: "Fisher Space Pen" brand_origin: "United States" made_in: "United States" material: "Chrome-plated brass cap and barrel, pressurized PR4 refill" released: "1948" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Fisher Space Pen Co." model: "400" mpn: "400" url: "https://www.spacepen.com/400usaf-chrome-bullet-space-pen-usaf" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fisher-space-pen-bullet/" - name: "uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)" brand: "uni-ball" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Japan" material: "Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip (per Wafuu and bungu.store)" released: "2008-11" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd." model: "MSXE5-1000" mpn: "MSXE5-1000-05" gtin: "4902778120699" url: "https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream2/4_1/msxe5_1000.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/" - name: "Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen" brand: "Parker" brand_origin: "United States" made_in: "France" material: "Stainless steel cap and barrel, chrome-plated trim, Quinkflow ballpoint refill" released: "1954-01" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Parker Pen Company (part of Newell Brands)" model: "Jotter Stainless Steel CT" mpn: "1953170" gtin: "3501179531700" url: "https://www.parkerpen.com/collections/essential/jotter/jotter-ballpoint-pen/SAP_1953170.html" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/" - name: "Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen (3502)" brand: "Cross" brand_origin: "United States" made_in: "China" material: "Chrome-plated brass body, Cross ballpoint refill" released: "1953" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "A.T. Cross Company (Providence, Rhode Island)" model: "Classic Century 3502" mpn: "3502" gtin: "073228035024" url: "https://cross.com/products/3502" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cross-classic-century/" - name: "Caran d'Ache 849 Classic Line ballpoint pen, black (849.009)" brand: "Caran d'Ache" brand_origin: "Switzerland" made_in: "Switzerland" material: "Hexagonal aluminum body with powder-coated color, nickel-plated clip and push button" released: "1969" price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "Caran d'Ache SA, Thônex-Geneva, Switzerland" model: "849 Classic Line" mpn: "849.009" url: "https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm" guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/caran-dache-849/" --- # Best Ballpoint Pens for 2027: Jetstream, Acroball & More > On published specs, the uni-ball Jetstream RT is the best all-round ballpoint: refillable, in 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm, with quick-drying low-viscosity ink. Pick the Pilot Acroball for the smoothest ink, the BIC Cristal for the lowest price, the Zebra F-701 for a steel pen, the Jetstream 4&1 for four colors and the Parker Jotter for a lasting classic. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-ballpoint-pens/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-21 - Updated: 2026-10-21 ![Twelve ballpoint pens standing side by side, lengths drawn to scale and labeled with their pick: Jetstream RT best overall, Acroball smoothest, BIC Cristal cheapest, Monami 153 classic, Pentel R.S.V.P. refillable, Zebra F-301 budget steel, Zebra F-701 metal everyday carry, Fisher Space Pen Bullet pocket, Jetstream 4&1 multi-pen, Parker Jotter icon, Cross Classic Century gift, Caran d'Ache 849 Swiss-made](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-ballpoint-pens-16x9.png) *One pick per job, closed and drawn to one scale (1 mm = 1.2 px), from the 96 mm Fisher Bullet to the 156 mm capped R.S.V.P.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-ballpoint-pens-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; SXN-210) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip | 2006 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; BAB-15) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Recycled plastics (recycled PP barrel, recycled PC cap and front, per Pilot Japan), rubber grip | 2008 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm (MS11) / Cristal Original | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Mexico | Polystyrene barrel, polypropylene ink tube, brass tip, tungsten-carbide ball | 1950-12 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Monami 153 (BP 153) retractable ballpoint pen, 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm | Monami (by Monami Co., Ltd.) | South Korea | South Korea | Plastic hexagonal barrel, metal tip | 1963-05 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen (BK90 0.7 mm Fine / BK91 1.0 mm Medium) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Mexico | Clear plastic barrel, latex-free rubberized grip, stainless steel tip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra F-301 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 / 1.0 / 1.6 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Not stated | Stainless steel barrel, metal clip, plastic grip and top section | 1982 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra F-701 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Indonesia | Stainless steel barrel, tip and clip; knurled coated-brass grip; thin plastic inner sleeve | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400 (chrome) | Fisher Space Pen (by Fisher Space Pen Co.) | United States | United States | Chrome-plated brass cap and barrel, pressurized PR4 refill | 1948 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip (per Wafuu and bungu.store) | 2008-11 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen | Parker (by Parker Pen Company (part of Newell Brands)) | United States | France | Stainless steel cap and barrel, chrome-plated trim, Quinkflow ballpoint refill | 1954-01 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen (3502) | Cross (by A.T. Cross Company (Providence, Rhode Island)) | United States | China | Chrome-plated brass body, Cross ballpoint refill | 1953 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Caran d'Ache 849 Classic Line ballpoint pen, black (849.009) | Caran d'Ache (by Caran d'Ache SA, Thônex-Geneva, Switzerland) | Switzerland | Switzerland | Hexagonal aluminum body with powder-coated color, nickel-plated clip and push button | 1969 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; SXN-210)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets for items 62152 (0.7 mm black), 62153 (0.7 mm blue) and 73834 (1.0 mm red), all listing Japan; Unsharpen also lists Japan. uni's US store, uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site don't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62152-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-black-ink-blue-barrel.html - Made in (Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; BAB-15)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets: OnTimeSupplies lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 2-pack (item 31895), and Aztek lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 3-pack (item 31859). Australian and US retailers also label Acroball refills as made in Japan. Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31895-acroball-7mm-retractable-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-advanced-ink-ink-white-barrel-2-pack.html - Made in (BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm (MS11) / Cristal Original): Mexico. BIC's French 75th-anniversary press kit (2025) says the Cristal is still made in BIC's own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, on machines BIC designs. For US packs, a Stop & Shop listing for a blue Cristal Xtra Smooth 10-pack gives Mexico, as did distributor listings for MS11 black and red (Aztek, Dealer Commander). European packs of the Cristal Original have been listed as made in France (Farnell). Check the pack. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-cristal-ball-point-pens-xtra-smooth-medium-blue-ink-10-ct-pkg/27921 - Made in (Monami 153 (BP 153) retractable ballpoint pen, 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm): South Korea. Monami's BP 153 sell sheet (linked from its English product page) shows KOREA printed on both the 0.7 and 1.0 mm barrels, and Korean Wikipedia says recently made pens carry Made in Korea on the barrel. Premium 153 versions may be made elsewhere. Source: https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=26 - Made in (Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen (BK90 0.7 mm Fine / BK91 1.0 mm Medium)): Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the R.S.V.P. BK90 and BK91 (and the Stylus and Mini versions) as Mexico. GoBizzy (Canada) and OnTimeSupplies (US) also list Mexico for individual colors. Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the R.S.V.P. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/60 - Made in (Zebra F-301 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 / 1.0 / 1.6 mm)): Not stated. Zebra doesn't state the country of origin on its US or Japanese sites, and retailer data conflicts: a distributor and an eBay seller give Indonesia for F-Refills (not the pen), one eBay listing gives United States for an F-301 2-pack, and OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin ID (Indonesia) for the 1.6 mm 2-pack 27312 while also showing a generic Made in USA badge. Check the package of the pen you buy. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb27312-f-301-ballpoint-pen-retractable-bold-16-mm-black-ink-stainless-steel-black-barrel-2-pack.html - Made in (Zebra F-701 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm)): Indonesia. Three Points of the Compass reports Indonesia printed on the pens themselves (on the end collar of the original, on the barrel of the latest version), with packaging made in Mexico, and US business-supplier spec sheets list Indonesia. Unsharpen lists Japan. Zebra Pen's US product page doesn't state it, and Zebra's Japanese site doesn't list the F-701. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb10519-m-f-701-pen-and-pencil-set-07-mm-pen-point-size-07-mm-lead-size-refillable-2-set.html - Made in (Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400 (chrome)): United States. Fisher's own Bullet pages carry a made in USA notice, and GP Knives lists the country of origin as the United States. Wikipedia says the pens are manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada, and NASA's Spinoff describes Fisher as a Boulder City, Nevada-based company. Fisher's site and GP Knives refused our automated requests on October 20, 2026, so those two come from earlier reads and search snippets. Source: https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-chrome-bullet-space-pen-with-clip-400cl - Made in (uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 4&1. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page and press releases don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-je/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-4-1-multi-function-pen-0-5mm-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil - Made in (Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen): France. Wikipedia's history says production moved from Newhaven, England, to Nantes, France, after Parker closed its English factory late in 2010, and that Jotters are now imprinted Made in France. PartsSource and Galaxus list France for item 1953170, and Sainsbury's and Bruneau for other stainless models. Parker's US, UK and French sites blocked our reader. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Jotter - Made in (Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen (3502)): China. Galaxus lists China as the country of origin for the chrome Classic Century (item 8750495) and for its black and blue lacquer versions. It is the only retailer in our research that states it, and Cross's US product page doesn't name a country; check the package. Indian retailers' "USA" is the brand origin, not the factory. Source: https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/cross-century-classic-silver-1-x-pens-8750495 - Made in (Caran d'Ache 849 Classic Line ballpoint pen, black (849.009)): Switzerland. Caran d'Ache's Swiss product page says the 849 is 100% Swiss Made, developed and made in Switzerland; Pen Chalet and Dromgooles also list Switzerland. Source: https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm ## Key takeaways - Pilot says the Acroball's Acro ink has about one-fifth the viscosity of ordinary oil-based ballpoint ink; Mitsubishi Pencil says the Jetstream line sells over 100 million pens a year. - Six of the twelve pens sit in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen); the Parker Jotter, Cross Classic Century, Caran d'Ache 849 and Fisher Bullet are $$$ ($20–75). - BIC gives the Cristal as 14.7 cm long and 5.8 g, with enough ink for up to 3 km of writing; it has been sold since December 1950. - The uni Jetstream 4&1 holds black, red, blue and green refills and a 0.5 mm pencil in one 148.8 mm body. - Origins vary: Japan for the Jetstream RT, Acroball and 4&1, Mexico for US BIC Cristal and R.S.V.P. packs, France for the Jotter, Switzerland for the 849. ## What is the best ballpoint pen? **The uni-ball Jetstream RT is the best ballpoint pen for most people, but the best pick for smoothness, price, a metal body, several colors or a pen for life is a different one.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/). Refillable, in 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm, with a low-viscosity pigment ink that uni-ball markets as quick-drying; uni's US store says Wirecutter has named it a top pick since 2013. - **Smoothest (low-viscosity):** [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/). Pilot says its Acro ink has about one-fifth the viscosity of ordinary oil-based ballpoint ink, and its 142.5 mm body weighs 9.5 g. - **Cheapest:** [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/). A capped 1.0 mm stick pen sold since December 1950; BIC says each one writes up to 3 km, and multi-packs sit well inside our lowest band. - **Cheap and refillable:** Pentel R.S.V.P. A clear, capped pen with a rubberized grip that takes BKL7 (0.7 mm) or BKL10 (1.0 mm) refills, still in our under-$5 band. - **Metal everyday carry:** [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/). A stainless steel barrel and knurled grip, 133 mm and about 21 g per Unsharpen, in our $5–20 band; the Zebra F-301 is the cheaper steel option. - **Multi-pen:** [uni Jetstream 4&1](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/). Black, red, blue and green Jetstream refills plus a 0.5 mm pencil in one 148.8 mm body. - **Refillable classic:** [Parker Jotter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/). Launched in January 1954, 128 mm long in stainless steel, and it takes Parker's Quinkflow refill. - **Left-handed:** the Jetstream RT again, in 0.5 mm. uni-ball recommends it for left-handed writers, and it is the ballpoint pick in our guide to pens for left-handers. - **Pocket and gift:** the Fisher Space Pen Bullet is 96 mm closed and writes upside down, per Fisher; the Cross Classic Century and Caran d'Ache 849 are slim metal pens made to last. ## How do the twelve ballpoints compare? **Nine are click or twist pens and three are capped; they differ most in ink, body material and refills.** | Pen | Pick | Ball sizes | Action | Refill | Made in | Band | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball Jetstream RT | Overall, left-handed | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Click | SXR-5, SXR-7, SXR-10 | Japan | $ | | Pilot Acroball | Smoothest | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm (0.3 mm in Japan) | Click | BRFV-10 | Japan | $ | | BIC Cristal | Cheapest | 1.0 mm (0.8 mm fine) | Capped | Disposable | Mexico (US packs) | $ | | Monami 153 | Classic, Korean | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Click | Not stated | South Korea | $ | | Pentel R.S.V.P. | Cheap refillable | 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Capped | BKL7, BKL10 | Mexico | $ | | Zebra F-301 | Budget steel | 0.7 · 1.0 · 1.6 mm | Click | Zebra F-Refill | Not stated | $ | | Zebra F-701 | Metal everyday carry | 0.7 mm (0.8 mm All Metal refill) | Click | Zebra F-Refill | Indonesia | $$ | | Fisher Space Pen Bullet | Pocket | Medium PR4 included | Capped | PR4 (pressurized) | United States | $$$ | | uni Jetstream 4&1 | Multi-pen | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 mm + pencil | Clip slider | SXR-80 | Japan | $$ | | Parker Jotter | Refillable classic | Fine, medium | Click | Quinkflow | France | $$$ | | Cross Classic Century | Gift | Medium (8513) | Twist | Cross ballpoint | China | $$$ | | Caran d'Ache 849 | Swiss-made | F, M, L | Click | Goliath | Switzerland | $$$ | Facts come from each pen's own guide; see Notes on these facts. Pilot Japan lists the Acroball 150 at ¥198 (about US$1.30) and Mitsubishi Pencil the Jetstream 4&1 at ¥1,100 (about US$7), tax included; US shops charge more. ## What makes a ballpoint smooth? **Low-viscosity oil-based ink: it flows more freely than classic ballpoint paste, so the ball rolls with less pressure.** Pilot's Acro ink and uni-ball's Jetstream ink are the two best-known examples, and both still dry like a ballpoint, per their makers. A classic oil ink, such as the BIC Cristal's, is thicker and paler, but it lasts: BIC rates a Cristal for up to 3 km of writing. Refills matter too: the Jotter, R.S.V.P. and F-701 take refills, so you can switch ink without switching pens. ## Jetstream or Acroball: which should you buy? **Buy the Jetstream RT for more sizes and colors, and the Acroball if you want the darkest, smoothest line.** Both are Japanese, refillable and in our lowest band. | | uni-ball Jetstream RT | Pilot Acroball | |---|---|---| | Launched | 2006 (Jetstream line, Japan) | 2008 (Japan) | | Ink claim | Low-viscosity, quick-drying pigment ink | About 1/5 the viscosity of ordinary oil ink | | US ball sizes | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Length | 141.4 mm (1.0 mm model, uni-ball UK) | 142.5 mm (Pilot Japan) | | Refills | SXR family | BRFV-10 family | ## Which metal ballpoint should you carry? **For everyday carry, the Zebra F-701 gives the most metal for the money; for a pocket, the Fisher Bullet; for a gift, the Cross or Caran d'Ache.** The F-701 and F-301 share Zebra's F-Refill. The Parker Jotter, 128 mm and 15 g per Hobonichi, sits between them: a light stainless pen with the arrow clip, made in France. The Caran d'Ache 849 is a hexagonal aluminum pen made in Geneva since 1969, and the Cross Classic Century is a slim twist pen of chrome-plated brass. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Specialist reviewers mostly agree that low-viscosity pens are the place to start.** - **Wirecutter** has named the Jetstream RT a top pick since 2013, per uni's US store and Walmart listings; we couldn't open Wirecutter's page to confirm the current pick. - **The Gentleman Stationer** ranks Pilot's Acro ink as the smoothest and darkest low-viscosity refill and the Jetstream as the easiest to find, with the most colors and sizes. - **The Pen Addict**'s Jeff Abbott called the Jetstream his go-to ballpoint and found the Acroball skipped more, though he liked its clip and grip. ## Where are these ballpoints made? **Retailers and makers list Japan for the Jetstream RT, Acroball and 4&1, and Mexico for the BIC Cristal and R.S.V.P. sold in the US.** The Jotter is made in France, the 849 in Switzerland, the Fisher Bullet in the United States, the Monami 153 in South Korea, the F-701 in Indonesia and the Cross Classic Century in China. Zebra doesn't state where the F-301 is made, so check the pack. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the smoothest ballpoint pen? Among widely sold pens, the low-viscosity ones: the Pilot Acroball and the uni-ball Jetstream. Pilot says Acro ink has about one-fifth the viscosity of ordinary oil-based ink, and The Gentleman Stationer ranks Acro ink as the smoothest of the low-viscosity refills it compared. ### What is the best cheap ballpoint pen? The BIC Cristal, sold since 1950 and in our lowest band in multi-packs. BIC says one Cristal holds enough ink for up to 3 km of writing. If you want a refillable cheap pen, the Pentel R.S.V.P. takes BKL7 or BKL10 refills. ### What is the best ballpoint pen for left-handed writers? The uni-ball Jetstream RT, which uni-ball markets as quick-drying and smudge-resistant and recommends for left-handed writers. A fine 0.5 mm ball puts down less ink. It is also the ballpoint pick in our guide to pens for left-handed writers. ### Is the Jetstream better than the Acroball? They are close. The Jetstream comes in more sizes, colors and refill formats; reviewers often find Pilot's Acro ink a little darker and smoother. The Pen Addict's Jeff Abbott preferred the Jetstream because the Acroball skipped more for him. ### What is the best metal ballpoint pen for everyday carry? The Zebra F-701: a stainless steel barrel with a knurled grip, about 133 mm long and 21 g per Unsharpen, at a low price. The cheaper F-301 has a steel barrel with a plastic grip, and the Fisher Bullet is the pocket option at 96 mm closed. ### Which ballpoint pen lasts the longest? A refillable metal pen. The Parker Jotter has been made since 1954 and takes Quinkflow refills, and Cross backs the Classic Century with a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty. Caran d'Ache rates its Goliath refill for up to 600 pages. ### What is the best multi-color ballpoint pen? The uni Jetstream 4&1, with black, red, blue and green Jetstream refills and a 0.5 mm pencil in one 148.8 mm body. It comes in 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm and takes SXR-80 refills. ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: ジェットストリーム スタンダード (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: pigment ink, quick-drying)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream/standard.html) - [ジェットストリーム 多機能ペン 4＆1 MSXE5-1000 (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, 0.5 mm pencil, ¥1,100)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream2/4_1/msxe5_1000.html) - [PILOTウェブカタログ: アクロボール150 0.7細字 BAB-15F (Pilot Japan: 1/5 viscosity Acro ink, 142.5 mm, 9.5 g, BRFV-10F refill)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000572) - [BIC (French): Dossier de presse BIC Cristal 75 ans (December 1950 launch, 14.7 cm, 5.8 g, 3 km, PDF)](https://mediabic.bic.com/image/upload/v1758021347/Press_kit_BIC_Cristal_75_ans_FR_65f6e0914e.pdf) - [Monami (Korean site): BP 153 유성볼펜 (0.5/0.7/1.0 mm)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=156) - [Pentel of America: Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Pen (BKL7 or BKL10 refills)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-rsvp-ballpoint-pen-assorted-packs) - [Zebra Pen (US): F-301 Retractable Ballpoint (America's No. 1 steel ballpoint)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-301-retractable-ballpoint) - [Zebra Pen (US): F-701 All Metal Retractable Ballpoint (stainless steel, knurled grip)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-701-all-metal-retractable-ballpoint) - [Fisher Space Pen: 400 chrome Bullet Space Pen (closed 3.77 in, open 5.35 in, made in USA)](https://www.spacepen.com/400usaf-chrome-bullet-space-pen-usaf) - [Parker: Jotter ballpoint pen, stainless steel CT, item 1953170](https://www.parkerpen.com/collections/essential/jotter/jotter-ballpoint-pen/SAP_1953170.html) - [Cross: Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen, item 3502 (Lifetime Mechanical Warranty)](https://cross.com/products/3502) - [Caran d'Ache (Switzerland): Stylo Bille 849 CLASSIC LINE Noir, 849.009](https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Comparing low viscosity ballpoint pens, Jetstream vs Acroball vs Anterique vs Ohto (February 8, 2025)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2025/2/8/comparing-low-viscosity-ballpoint-pens-jetstream-vs-acroball-vs-anterique-vs-ohto) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot Acroball 4 multi pen review (September 16, 2015; Jetstream preferred)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/9/16/pilot-acroball-4-multi-pen-review) - [Walmart: uniball Jetstream RT listing (quotes Wirecutter's "Top Pick Since 2013")](https://www.walmart.com/ip/772185008)