10 Best Mechanical Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils offer a variety of useful features that make them ideal for school and drawing purposes. These pencils use a 0.7mm lead size, which is a versatile choice for writing, drawing, and sketching. The HB #2 lead provides a balanced hardness, suitable for various writing and drawing tasks, creating clear and precise lines every time.

One of the standout features is the side lead advancement mechanism, which allows for easy lead loading without needing to release your grip, enhancing convenience and ease of use. The soft grip design significantly improves comfort, making it easier to write or draw for extended periods without hand fatigue. Additionally, the jumbo twist eraser is a practical feature that ensures clean and easy erasing, which is especially useful for students and artists who need to make frequent corrections.

The assorted barrel colors add a fun and personalized touch, which can be appealing to teens and younger users. However, the product has a couple of minor drawbacks. The pencils are described as having a 'broad' point type, which might not be preferred by users who need very fine and detailed lines. Also, while the soft grip is comfortable, it might wear out over time with heavy use.

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils are a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable writing instruments, whether for school, work, or personal use. One of their standout qualities is the 0.7mm medium point, which strikes a good balance for various writing tasks, making them versatile for everyday use. Users will appreciate the smooth lead that doesn’t smudge, ensuring clean and professional writing every time. The included erasers are a practical touch, allowing for easy corrections without leaving messy marks behind.

Comfort is also addressed with these pencils, as they have a good grip that can make extended writing sessions more enjoyable. The build quality is satisfactory for a plastic pencil, giving it a lightweight feel, which is beneficial for portability. They are easy to use, as the retractable mechanism allows you to advance the lead with a simple click, eliminating the need for sharpening. Additionally, being No. 2 pencils makes them compatible with standardized testing, a plus for students.

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils offer a blend of convenience, comfort, and quality, making them great for students and professionals alike. However, those seeking a heavier-duty pencil or a bolder writing style might want to explore other options.

The Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils 0.7mm set is a solid choice for students, office workers, and anyone needing reliable pencils for everyday writing or sketching. The 0.7mm lead size is a popular middle ground—fine enough for detailed work but thick enough to last through longer writing sessions. The pencils come with HB lead, which offers a good balance of darkness and hardness suitable for general use, including standardized tests.

One of the notable strengths is the comfort grip, which helps reduce hand fatigue during extended writing tasks. The pencils also feature a retractable lead mechanism, making it easy to advance the lead smoothly while protecting it when not in use. Another plus is the smudge-resistant eraser, which cleans up mistakes without leaving much residue. With 24 pencils in a pack, this set is great for classrooms or group settings.

The build quality is generally basic plastic, which is typical for this price range but may not feel as durable or premium compared to higher-end mechanical pencils. The classic design is simple and functional but might not appeal to those looking for stylish or modern aesthetics. This set is a dependable, cost-effective option for everyday writing needs, offering comfort and practicality without specialized features.