A fine-tip permanent marker is a staple item for any home, office, or classroom, whether for labeling, doodling, or taking notes. It is most commonly available in two sizes: the standard fine tip (1.0 millimeter) and the ultrafine tip (0.2 to 0.4 millimeter). The standard fine tip will give you a mark that is legible and easy to control and stands out from the page. The ultrafine tip works well for journaling, detailed drawing, or any situation where you want a line similar to that of a standard ballpoint pen. In either case, you should expect ink that won’t smear, fade, or wash away and a product that can write on a variety of surfaces. Whatever your permanent-marking needs, see below for our picks of the most versatile and long-lasting options.
1. Sharpie Twin Tip Permanent Markers
Sharpie is one of the most recognized names in permanent markers, and its high-quality product provides bold, sharp lines that are water, smudge, and fade resistant. This Twin Tip permanent marker four-pack gives you the best of two worlds: Each marker has a fine tip at one end and an ultra-fine tip at the other. With the ability to write on almost any surface, these markers have all you need in a single tool.
2. BIC Intensity Permanent Markers
BIC’s quick-drying, smear-proof, waterproof fine-tip markers stand apart owing to their vivid colors and comfortable rubber grip. They are lower odor than our first pick, which might make them a better choice for those with sensitive noses. And, they also won’t dry out as fast as Sharpies, should you forget to cap the pen. Suitable for use on a wide variety of surfaces, this versatile set of markers fits the bill for all your creative and organizational projects.
3. Pilot Extra Fine Point Permanent Markers
Known for its high-quality writing tools, Pilot does not disappoint with its extrafine-point marker. This pack of 12 will give you a smooth, strong line with ink that doesn’t pool like some similar brands. The ink is dark and UV resistant, so you can be confident that your lines won’t fade away, though you may see some bleed-through on the underside of a thin sheet of paper. This vivid marker writes smoothly on even the most difficult surfaces, including glass. Choose from black, blue, red, or green ink.
4. Amazon Basics Fine Point Permanent Markers
These Amazon Basics markers are another excellent choice. This 24-pack of pens will give you an intense black mark from a durable fine tip. They may not provide the same crisp line that a more expensive brand will, but they are a suitable pick for everyday labeling and marking needs.
5. Sharpie Extreme Permanent Marker
If you’re looking for true permanence, opt for this pen from Sharpie. The deep black ink is quick drying and fade resistant under the toughest indoor and outdoor conditions (including harsh UV light), and the felt tip is tough, holding its shape despite pressure. This pen will write on almost any material, including plastic, glass, and other outdoor surfaces, and, like the Sharpie pen above, it will dry comparatively quickly, thus preventing smudges. Use it to mark often-used tools, in industrial settings, or on outdoor equipment. The pack contains two fine-point markers.