Keeping a bunch of pens in different colors can get messy. That’s why many people prefer to use the best multicolor pens. These pens let you switch ink colors with just one click, saving time and space.
Whether you’re taking notes, planning your day, or just doodling for fun, a good multicolor pen makes writing more fun and organized. In this guide, we’ll break down the top choices and help you pick the one that fits your writing habits.
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What Makes the Best Multicolor Pens Stand Out?
1.BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pen
2. uni JETSTREAM 4&1 Ink Colors + 0.5mm Pencil Gift Set
3. LAMY 2000 Multisystem Pen
4. Pilot Dr. Grip 4+1 Multi-Function Pen
5. Rotring Trio Multipen
6. Pentel EnerGel 3 Multi-Function Gel Pen
7. OOLY 6 Click Multi Color Gel Pen
8. Syloon Multicolor Pens
FAQs
What Makes the Best Multicolor Pens Stand Out?
Not all multicolor pens are made the same. The best multicolor pens stand out because they’re easy to use, write smoothly, and don’t break after a few days. If you’re switching colors often, you’ll want a pen that’s reliable and comfortable to hold.
Here are some things that make a multicolor pen better than the rest:
● Smooth ink flow: Good pens don’t skip or leave uneven lines. The ink should come out easily without pressing too hard.
● Fast-drying ink: Nobody likes smudges, especially left-handed writers. Pens with fast-drying ink keep your notes clean.
● Comfortable grip: Writing for long periods can tire your hand. A soft or rubber grip helps reduce pressure.
● Color variety: The best multicolor pens offer at least three colors—usually black, blue, and red. Some even have green, purple, or orange.
● Refillable cartridges: Instead of buying a whole new pen, you can just replace the ink. It’s cheaper and better for the environment.
● Easy click system: Changing colors shouldn’t take effort. Look for pens with buttons that work smoothly and don’t get stuck.
If you use pens often for school, work, or journaling, these features can make a big difference.
1. BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pen – A Classic That Still Works
BIC is a well-known name when it comes to everyday writing tools. Known for its reliable, no-fuss products, BIC has been around for decades and remains popular in schools, offices, and homes across the U.S.
Product details:
The BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pen is one of their most iconic pens. It combines four ink colors—black, blue, red, and green—in one chunky barrel. With a simple click, you can switch between colors without needing to pick up a different pen.
● Tip size: Medium point (1.0mm)
● Colors: Black, blue, red, green
● Pack size: 12 pens
● Price range: Around $20 for a 12-pack
● Use case: Great for school note-taking, color-coding at work, or filling out forms
The pen’s barrel is wide and easy to grip. Each click feels solid, and the ink lasts a long time. It’s not the fanciest pen out there, but if you want something that’s simple and dependable, this is a strong option.
This pen is especially useful for students, teachers, and anyone who likes to stay organized using color. It’s a true old-school favorite that still holds up.
2. uni JETSTREAM 4&1 Ink Colors + 0.5mm Pencil Gift Set – Write Smooth, Stay Organized
uniball is known for making pens that feel smooth and work well for everyday use. Their Jetstream line combines the best of gel and ballpoint technology, giving you a clean line that dries quickly without smudging.
Product details:
The JETSTREAM 4&1 Gift Set packs four ink colors—red, green, blue, and black—plus a 0.5mm mechanical pencil all in one pen. It’s made for people who want to keep things simple and avoid carrying multiple tools.
● Ink colors: Red, green, blue, black
● Pencil: Built-in 0.5mm mechanical pencil with eraser
● Tip size: 0.7mm for ink, 0.5mm pencil
● Special feature: Uses Jetstream hybrid ink (writes smooth, dries fast)
● Bonus: Comes in a gift box
● Price: $24.99
The pen is a little heavier than average, which gives it a more solid, balanced feel. The grip is made of metal but still feels comfortable during long writing sessions. Everything clicks in and out smoothly. The built-in eraser is hidden under the top cap and twists up when needed.
This set is a great choice for professionals, students, or anyone who likes a pen that does more than just write. It looks sleek, writes well, and comes ready to gift.
3. LAMY 2000 Multisystem Pen – German Design, Built to Last
LAMY is a German pen maker known for its clean, modern design and high build quality. Since the 1960s, it has produced pens that combine function with a simple, timeless look. The LAMY 2000 is one of their most famous models and still a top choice today.
Product details:
The LAMY 2000 Multisystem Pen includes four ink colors—black, blue, red, and green—plus a sleek, seamless design that feels professional in any setting. It’s made from fiberglass and stainless steel with a brushed matte finish, which gives it a nice weight and a solid feel in hand.
● Ink colors: Black, blue, red, green (LAMY M21 refills)
● Build: Fiberglass body, stainless steel accents
● Size: 139mm long, 22g weight
● Special features: Automatic color selection, premium clip, German-made mechanism
● Design award wins: Red Dot, iF Design, and more
● Price: $99.00 USD
● Engraving available: Yes
Unlike many plastic multicolor pens, this one is made for long-term use. It looks and feels like a high-end tool, not just a pen. It’s a good pick for professionals or anyone who wants a serious pen with multicolor convenience.
4. Pilot Dr. Grip 4+1 Multi-Function Pen – Comfortable, Smart, and Practical
Pilot is a trusted brand in the pen world, known for making writing tools that balance comfort and function. The Dr. Grip line is especially popular for its ergonomic design, which helps reduce hand strain during long writing sessions.
Product details:
The Dr. Grip 4+1 combines four ink colors—black, blue, red, and green—with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil, all in one smooth, retractable body. It’s designed for both students and professionals who want a pen that’s easy to use and comfortable to hold.
● Ink colors: Black, blue, red, green
● Bonus feature: 0.5mm mechanical pencil
● Grip: Soft rubber grip for comfort
● Refillable: Uses PILOT BVRF-8F ink and 0.5mm pencil leads
● Style: Sleek silver body with a modern look
● Clip: Built-in pocket clip for easy carrying
What sets it apart is the comfortable grip and reliable ink flow. The clicks are smooth, and the pen has a solid, well-made feel. It's great for writing, color-coding, or sketching when you need different tools in one place.
This pen is a practical pick for anyone who writes a lot and wants to stay organized without carrying around a bunch of different items.
5. Rotring Trio Multipen – Tough, Stylish, and Built for Work
Rotring is a German brand known for its precise engineering and industrial look. The company started by making technical drawing tools and now makes writing instruments that are just as sharp and solid. Their pens are often used by engineers, architects, and anyone who appreciates good design.
Product details:
The Rotring Trio Multipen is a three-in-one tool that includes two ballpoint pens—black and red—plus a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. The body is made of metal, giving it a solid, weighty feel. It has a gravity-select mechanism that switches tools depending on how you hold it, which makes it feel smooth and a bit more advanced than other multi pens.
● Functions: Black ink, red ink, and 0.5mm pencil
● Refills: Uses standard D1 multipen refills
● Mechanism: Gravity-based tool selection
● Build: All-metal body with pocket-safe clip
● Design: Minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired style
● Price: £50 (about $63 USD)
The pen tip retracts when you press the top of the clip, which helps avoid ink stains in your pocket. It’s ideal for people who take notes, draw diagrams, or need to write in multiple colors but still want a sleek, pro-level pen.
This is not your average pen—it’s made to last, and it feels like it.
6. Pentel EnerGel 3 Multi-Function Gel Pen – Smooth Gel Ink in a Handy Trio
Pentel is a long-standing name in the pen industry, known for making writing tools that are reliable and pleasant to use. Their EnerGel series is especially well-liked for smooth, quick-drying gel ink.
Product details:
The EnerGel 3 Multi-Function Pen combines three gel ink colors—black, red, and blue—into a single pen with a fine 0.5mm tip. It’s designed for neat, precise writing, making it a solid choice for notes, to-do lists, or editing.
● Ink colors: Black, red, blue
● Tip size: 0.5mm (fine line)
● Ink type: Liquid gel – smooth and quick-drying
● Barrel: Comes in several colors (black, white, blue, grey)
● Refillable: Uses EnerGel refills
● Price: $8.40 USD (regular $10.50)
This pen is lightweight and easy to carry, with a clean look that fits both casual and work settings. The ink flow is even, and it writes smoothly without skipping or smudging. If you’re looking for a clean, color-coded writing experience in a gel format, this is a good pick.
7. OOLY 6 Click Multi Color Gel Pen – Fun and Functional for Everyday Use
OOLY is a California-based brand that makes colorful, creative stationery for kids and adults alike. Their products are designed to be fun, safe, and practical—great for school, journaling, or just adding some color to your day.
Product details:
The 6 Click Multi Color Gel Pen includes six gel ink colors in one pen. With a simple click, you can switch between purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. It’s designed with a fine point tip for neat writing and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
● Ink colors: Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red
● Tip: Fine tip for clean lines
● Ink type: Gel ink
● Design: Chunky, colorful barrel with six click-buttons
● Suggested age: 6+
● Price: $7.95 USD
This pen is perfect for kids, but also fun for anyone who enjoys writing with bright colors. It’s a good choice for doodling, planners, or taking colorful notes. The smooth gel ink flows easily and doesn’t smudge much, especially on standard paper.
8. Syloon Multicolor Pens – Custom Pens Made for Brands and Bulk Projects
Syloon is a stationery manufacturer based in Ningbo, China, specializing in custom-designed writing tools for fashion brands, IP licensing, and promotional partners. Their pens are widely used in product lines for kids, teens, and lifestyle retailers looking to add creative branded items to their collections.
Product details:
Syloon offers a full range of multicolor pens, including 2-color, 4-color, 6-color, 10-color, and even 12-color versions. These pens are built for customization—ideal for companies that want to feature their logo, character brand, or seasonal campaign on stationery products.
● Ink colors: Up to 12 colors in one pen
● Build: Lightweight plastic with multiple mold options
● Custom branding: Full surface printing, color matching, and packaging available
● MOQ: Suitable for B2B bulk ordering
● Applications: IP collaboration, promotional merchandise, school campaigns, event giveaways
● Notable clients: Popular with fashion and character license brands across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
These multicolor pens are part of Syloon’s professional product solutions, created for IP brands, fashion labels, and retailers. With in-house design, flexible manufacturing, and full customization—including packaging and certified materials—Syloon helps partners develop branded stationery products that are both creative and ready for market.
FAQs
Q1: What makes a multicolor pen good for everyday use?
A solid multicolor pen should write smoothly, be comfortable to hold, and let you switch colors quickly. Quick-drying ink and a soft grip are also helpful for daily writing.
Q2: Do multicolor pens smudge easily?
It depends on the ink type. Gel ink may take a bit longer to dry, while ballpoint ink usually dries faster and is less likely to smear—especially for left-handed writers.
Q3: Are multicolor pens good for students?
Yes, they’re helpful for organizing notes by subject, highlighting important points, or simply adding variety to written work. Many students use them for color-coded learning.
Q4: Can you refill a multicolor pen?
Many multicolor pens are refillable. This reduces waste and lets you keep using the same pen body by replacing only the ink cartridges.
Q5: What’s the difference between gel and ballpoint ink in multicolor pens?
Gel ink is smoother and more vibrant, while ballpoint ink tends to last longer and dry more quickly. The right choice depends on your writing style and preferences.
Q6: Are multicolor pens safe for children?
Most basic multicolor pens are safe for kids to use. If they’re designed for young users, they usually have rounded tips, non-toxic ink, and easy-to-click color buttons.
Q7: Looking for custom multicolor pens for your brand or project?
At Syloon, our custom multicolor pens save users time with efficient, high-quality designs while offering clients flexible, IP-supported solutions. More value, less cost, easy to work with! Contact us to create your branded pens.
