When it comes to choosing the perfect pen, there’s much more to consider than just putting ink on a page. The way a pen glides—or resists—on paper, the consistency and richness of its ink, the comfort it offers during long note-taking sessions, and of course, its design—all shape how enjoyable writing feels.

For over a century, Pilot Pens has been one of the world’s most trusted writing brands. Founded in 1918 in Japan, Pilot has built a global reputation for quality, innovation, and user comfort. Even today, Pilot pens regularly appear in New York Times Wirecutter recommendations and remain favorites among students, artists, and professionals.

In this updated 2025 guide, we explore the best Pilot pens you can buy, from smooth gel pens to erasable inks, precision needlepoints, eco-friendly innovations, and even their iconic retractable fountain pen.

A Brief History of Pilot Pens

Pilot began in 1918 as the Namiki Manufacturing Company, founded by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada. Their mission: create Japanese-made writing instruments that could match—and surpass—the quality of Western pens at the time.

By blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with new technologies, Pilot quickly grew into a global brand. Innovations like:

• The Capless (Vanishing Point) — the world’s first retractable fountain pen

• The G2 — one of the most famous gel pens worldwide

• FriXion thermo-sensitive erasable ink

• Advanced ballpoint technologies like the Acro ink system

solidified Pilot’s reputation as a company that values both innovation and everyday usability.

Today, Pilot remains a leader in Japan and around the world, offering pens for every writing style and budget.

1. Pilot G2
2. Pilot Dr. Grip
3. Pilot FriXion
4. Pilot Precise V5/V7
5. Pilot Juice Up
6. Pilot Acroball
7. Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7
8. Pilot Vanishing Point
9. Pilot B2P
10. Pilot Varsity
11. BONUS: Stationery Award Winning Highlighter: Kire-na

The 10 Best Pilot Pens in 2025

Here is the updated ranking—featuring the Pilot Juice Up in place of the Metropolitan as requested.

Pilot G2

The Pilot G2 is a beloved classic that is known for smooth writing. This is because it was made with a rubber grip for better control, and its gel ink provides a consistent flow, ensuring effortless and skip-free writing. Also, the tip is retractable with no caps, so you just click to retract the tip when you’re done writing. With all these cool features and a range of tip sizes and colors (no kidding! There are orange, pink, and yellow color pens), the Pilot G2 is perfect for everyday writing tasks, note-taking, and general use.

Pilot Dr. Grip

This pen was designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable grip to reduce writing fatigue. The weight is balanced close to the tip, so your hands do not need to grip the pen so tightly. It was tested on people with arthritis, and they confirmed that the pen was easier to use. Coupled with the gel ink that produces dark lines, it’s perfect for individuals who write for extended periods or have grip-related concerns.

Pilot FriXion

One of the biggest advantages pencils have over pens is that it is erasable. Well, not anymore because with this Frixion pen, the ink becomes erasable. The Pilot FriXion series has a unique thermo-sensitive ink that can be erased with the Frixion eraser at the end of the pen. These pens allow you to write, erase, and rewrite without damaging the paper, which artists and students would find useful. The pen is also designed with a grip and beautiful patterns on its body. It is also available in more than 10 colors. The only downside is that it should not be used for documents that need signatures so that other people won't erase them. 

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Pilot Precise V5/V7

Precise is such a unique name for a pen, but it is perfect for this pen because it describes it perfectly with thin, precise lines and vibrant ink colors. These pens feature an extra-fine tip allowing detailed writing and smooth gliding on the page. It also doesn't bleed and dries quickly, so you are assured of neat writing. Additionally, it is not as expensive as other pens and it is available in retractable and capped versions with many colors. Whether you're writing notes, sketching, or drawing, the Pilot Precise pens deliver exceptional quality.

Pilot Juice Up

The Pilot Juice Up has become a modern favorite for its ultra-fine precision and stylish design. Its 0.3mm and 0.4mm needlepoint tips glide effortlessly thanks to Pilot’s smooth gel ink formula. The muted, minimalist barrel appeals to stationery fans, and the ink comes in a wide variety of vibrant and pastel colors. Whether you're journaling, annotating, or sketching, Juice Up offers crisp, clean lines with no smudging. A top choice for students and creative writers.

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Pilot Acroball

The Pilot Acroball pens feature advanced ink technology for a smooth, skip-free writing experience. This is because the ink is oil-based, and it uses a tungsten carbide ball, which doesn’t wear easily. It has a super comfortable grip, and it is on the thick side, so it’s easy to write with because it requires less pressure. Because the tip is retractable, you won’t have to worry about losing caps. All in all,  this pen is a reliable companion for everyday use.

Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7

The Pilot Hi-Tecpoint pens are renowned for their precision and ultra-fine tips, allowing for intricate writing. It has been a bestseller since 1994. If you have small, neat handwriting, then this pen will favor you. It has no grip, has a classy cap, and comes in different colors. These are selected by artists, designers, and those who appreciate fine, controlled lines.

Pilot Vanishing Point

The Pilot Vanishing Point is a remarkable retractable fountain pen that combines convenience with sophistication; however, it costs over $100. Have you ever heard of a retractable fountain pen? Well, this one is retractable, and it comes in a luxury gift box, making it a fantastic gift. It may be expensive because the nip is made with 14k karat gold and is thick, so it’s effortless to use. With its innovative retractable nib mechanism, you can enjoy the smooth writing experience of a fountain pen without the need for a cap. The Vanishing Point is a favorite among professionals who value style and functionality.

Pilot B2P

The Pilot B2P (Bottle to Pen) Pen is an eco-friendly writing pen that transforms recycled plastic bottles into a beautifully designed sustainable pen. With its smooth gel ink and comfortable grip, the B2P Pen delivers a delightful writing experience. By choosing the B2P Pen, you enjoy a high-quality pen and contribute to reducing plastic waste, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.

Pilot Varsity

The Pilot Varsity Pen is a reliable and affordable disposable fountain pen. With its smooth writing experience and consistent ink flow, this pen offers the joy of using a fountain pen without the hassle of refilling. Perfect for everyday writing tasks, it combines convenience and quality, making it a popular choice for students and professionals.

Bonus Pick: PILOT Kirena 5-Color Set

Brighten up your desk with the gentle glow of the PILOT Kirena 5-Color Set, an item proudly recognized with a Japanese Stationery Award for its thoughtful design and delightful writing experience. Each pen glides smoothly across the page, offering crisp, clean lines that make writing, annotating, and light highlighting feel effortless.

With its softly rounded body and comfortable grip, the Kirena is designed for everyday ease—perfect for planners, journals, study notes, or adding a pop of refined color to your workspace.

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Final Thoughts

Pilot continues to set the global standard for writing instruments in 2025. Whether you prefer the iconic smoothness of the G2, the precise lines of the Precise V5/V7, the erasable convenience of FriXion, or the sleek clarity of the Juice Up, there’s a Pilot pen designed to elevate your writing experience.

From school notes to creative projects, professional work to personal journaling, Pilot has a pen for every purpose—and every personality.

If you're looking to explore high-quality Japanese pens, check out our ZenPop store for curated stationery picks from Japan.

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This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.