The 28 Best Pencils for 2023: Wooden and Mechanical Pencils

We draw on years of testing to crown the best mechanical pencils, best pencil for drawing, best colored pencils, and more. Each recommendation includes links to related guides so that you can evaluate the competition for yourself.

Kuru Toga, Mechanical Pencils

No more broken leads! Enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted writing experience with BIC Break-Resistant mechanical pencils, thanks to the specially formulated No. 2 0.7 mm lead and innovative shock-absorption mechanism has a 75% stronger lead. A 75% stronger lead means less breakage - so you can write with less time spent clicking for more lead.

Bic Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, 0.7 mm, HB (#2), Black Lead, Assorted Barrel Colors, 2/Pack

The 28 Best Pencils for 2023: Wooden and Mechanical Pencils

The uniball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil Set features diamond-infused lead and a twist and turn lead mechanism that maintains a sharp point. Each uni-ball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil Set contains a mechanical pencil, 10 diamond-infused lead refills and two eraser refills. Kuru Toga mechanical pencils feature a unique, patented twist and turn mechanism that rotates lead as you write to keep lead sharp and resists breakage. This uni-ball pencil can be refilled with any 0.5 mm lead.

Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm

STAEDTLER Lumograph Pencil Sets

Enjoy smooth writing with the durable BIC Xtra-Life Mechanical Pencil. One BIC pencil equals 2.5 wood case pencils, offering performance and value. With a fresh 0.7mm point only a click away, this 2 pencil is perfect for standardized tests and eliminates the need to sharpen constantly, ensuring you're always ready to write, draw, sketch, or doodle. The smooth-writing lead does not smudge and erases cleanly.

Bic Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil (MPP40MJ), Medium Point (0.7mm), Perfect for The Classroom and Test Time, 40-Count, Gift Sets for Teachers

Kaweco Aluminium Special Pencil is a sleek, minimalist octagonal barrel design in matt black. Solid anodised aluminium build. Unusual range of lead sizes includes 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm or 2mm. Click-advance action. 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9mm pencils feature an eraser under the push-button, which features the Kaweco logo on the end. 140mm long, 10mm barrel diameter, 20g.Rotring Tikky erasers fit the 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9mm pencils.Supplied in a smart Kaweco metal gift tin.

Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencil Black 0.7 mm

Get precise and sharp writing with the UNI M35591P KuruToga ADVANCED 0.3mm mechanical pencil. Its unique rotating mechanism ensures even wear and consistent line thickness. Made with durable metal construction for long-lasting use. Perfect for precise writing or drawing.

Uni Kuru Toga Advance Mechanical Pencil - 0.3 mm - White

Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Sketching in 2023 - Art Side of Life with Iva

The 28 Best Pencils for 2023: Wooden and Mechanical Pencils

Please note that some of the models are made exclusively for Japanese market, hence the specifications and interface language is all in Japanese and cannot be changed to a different language.

Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencil - 1.3 mm - Yellow