Best fountain pen 2023: add timeless style to your desk

The best fountain pens and cartridge pens will add some grown-up glamour to your desktop or pencil case

A man wearing a suit writing in a journal using a the best fountain pen

There’s nothing quite like using the best fountain pens to get your writing done. The whole experience is rewarding, from purchasing one and unpacking it, to using it for the first time. And, when you buy yourself a premium fountain pen, you should be able to get years of service, too.

Parker is one of the go-to brands when it comes to fountain pens, but there’s actually a thriving marketplace out there with numerous manufacturers to choose from. What that means is you can find a fountain pen that suits not only your taste but one that has an ergonomic design style to fit any kind of hand.

While the basic concept of a fountain pen might seem pretty straightforward, the models we’ve found below offer up lots of cool variations on the theme too. There are barrels made from a variety of materials and tip options can be tailored to suit your writing style but you’ll want to look out for specific design and build points as you shop.

A quality fountain pen makes a real style statement in the same way as a high-end watch does and, if you’re in the market for one, there’s never been a better time to buy. Here’s our pick of the best fountain pens.

Best fountain pens you can buy

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

How to choose a fountain pen

Keep an eye on weight and dimensions when you’re searching for a fountain pen. Next up, choose the pointy bit – the nib – to match your writing style. There are super fine nibs that range from XF through to broader options right up to 2B. The former is a good bet for finer, small handwriting while the latter is suitable for a more flamboyant style.

Nibs also come in a range of different materials, depending on the cost of the pen, how long you want it to last and your own personal preference. You’ll also want to consider refills and how much they might cost you over time. Nevertheless, a good quality fountain pen is still a cost-effective option as it’ll last you a lot longer than a whole pile of plastic ballpoints.

How we test the best fountain pens

All of our tests are done in a real-world environment – not in a lab. This means we are using the best fountain pens in the same way as you would and can give you the feedback that matters to you, not just a series of numbers.

In each review, we look at how the pen sits among its competition, how it compares to other models, as well as how much it justifies its price tag. In addition to providing an honest verdict to help you choose if it's right for you.

For more information on fountain pens, you can read our guide on how much should I spend on a fountain pen? and what should I look for when buying a fountain pen?

Bethan Girdler-Maslen
Home Editor

Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations!


Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!

With contributions from