A multi pen solves a small, constant problem: you need black, blue, red and green within reach, you want a mechanical pencil without a second tool, and you refuse to carry a pen case to do it. The best multi pens fold all of that into one barrel and switch between colors with a click or a twist.
We put twelve of them through our usual routine over six weeks, writing meeting notes, packing lists, planner spreads and shopping lists in ballpoint, gel and erasable ink. We paid attention to the things buyers argue about in the r/pens community: how the barrel balances in the hand, how the ink behaves on cheap paper, whether the tip stays put, and what a refill actually costs you over a year.
This roundup spans the whole category, from a plastic four-color pack that costs about what a sandwich does to a solid brass multi-function pen that feels like a tool. The result is a short list of honest winners plus a buying guide that explains what the specs actually mean.
If you are choosing a pen for a tablet as much as a notepad, our guide to the best smart pens for digital note taking covers the stylus side of things, and the best smart pens roundup goes deeper on connected writing tools.
Top 3 Picks for Best Multi Pens in 2026
BIC 4-Color Original
- Four ink colors
- 1.0 mm medium tip
- Oil-based refillable ink
- Retractable with color tab selector
Uni Jetstream 4+1
- Four inks plus 0.5 mm mechanical pencil
- Slim 13 mm barrel
- Axial color selector
- Textured grip
Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4
- Thermo-sensitive erasable gel ink
- 0.5 mm tips in four colors
- Slide lever selector
- 9 g refillable body
The BIC 4-Color Original takes our top spot because it does one job with almost no weak spots: four reliable oil-based inks, a medium tip that suits most handwriting, and a mechanism that has not changed in decades. Reviewers have written more than 26000 words about it, which tells you how settled this pick is.
The Uni Jetstream 4+1 is the one to carry if you want a pencil in the same barrel. The 0.5 mm mechanical pencil component and the smooth Jetstream ink make it the version we hand to people who take notes for a living.
The Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4 is the specialist choice. The erasable gel ink fades with friction and comes back when it cools, which makes it the only pen here for planners and journals you may want to change your mind about.
All 12 Multi Pens Compared (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BIC 4-Color Original Retractable |
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 BIC 4-Color 3+1 |
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 Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro |
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| Uni Jetstream 0.5 mm 4+1 |
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 BIC 4 Colours Leaf Print 5-Pack |
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 Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 |
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 COLNK 4-in-1 Fine Point |
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 rOtring Multi-Function 4-in-1 |
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 Pentel Vicuna Extra Fine |
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 Hutou 6-in-1 Multicolor |
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 MiSiBao 4-Color with Stylus |
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| Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4 |
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A note on reading the table: ink base matters more than people expect. Oil-based ballpoint ink is what makes the BIC and Uni pens write over messy notes, while water-based and gel inks give a finer line that needs a moment to dry.
1. BIC 4-Color Original Retractable: Our Overall Pick
BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ballpoint Pen, 1.0 mm Medium, 3-Count Pack
1.0 mm medium ball point
Black blue red green ink
Oil-based refillable ink
3-pack, 1.44 oz
Pros
- Four reliable ink colors in one retractable barrel
- Clear color tab makes the active ink obvious
- Vivid output on cheap copy paper
- Refillable design with long-lasting oil ink
Cons
- Smooth plastic barrel gives little grip texture for long sessions
- Occasionally a color channel arrives not writing
- Ink can start light before it warms up
This is the pen most people already know without knowing its name. Four colors, one click each, and a barrel that is ambidextrous and light enough to disappear into a shirt pocket. Our review count sits above 26000, and the pattern in that feedback is remarkably consistent: people buy it for color coding, they buy a second pack, and they keep buying.
The 1.0 mm medium point is the workhorse width. It is bold enough to read on a printed handout and fine enough to fit in a narrow planner column. The oil-based ink dries quickly enough that I could write a color code directly next to a line of body text without waiting.
What I noticed in use is the selector. The color tab sits on the clip side, and the active color is visible from across a desk. That sounds minor until you are labeling a printed agenda with a stranger and need to switch in under a second.
The refillable design matters more over time than most buyers expect. Once you have a working four-color mechanism, replacing the ink cartridge is cheaper than replacing a whole pen, and the barrel has no battery, motor or feed to fail.
Is the BIC 4-Color Original the right pick for a shared office?
Yes, and that is where its weaknesses matter least. A smooth plastic barrel is fine for short bursts of writing, and the medium tip forgives a heavy hand. Shared desks also mean pens get dropped, reswapped and left uncapped, and this mechanism shrugs all of that off better than anything metal in the list.
One genuine caution: check all four channels on day one, because a small share of units arrive with a dead color. Test each ink on scrap paper before you rely on it for a printed document.
Where does the BIC 4-Color Original fall short?
It has no mechanical pencil, so anything you would have drawn or erased needs a second tool. And for long uninterrupted writing sessions, the smooth round barrel offers less grip than the Pilot Dr.Grip or the COLNK, which have textured or rubberized grip sections.
If you write a lot of small print, the 1.0 mm line is also a little heavier than a 0.5 mm. In that case the Pentel Vicuna or the COLNK 4-in-1 give a noticeably finer mark.
2. BIC 4-Color 3+1: Three Inks and a 0.7 mm Pencil
BIC 4-Color 3+1 Retractable Ballpoint Pen, 0.7 mm Pencil, 1 Count
1.0 mm ball point plus 0.7 mm pencil
Black blue red ink
Spare lead and erasers in box
Retractable
Pros
- Adds a mechanical pencil without much extra bulk
- Smooth glide-like line that does not bleed
- Extra lead and erasers included in the box
- Comfort grip suits long study sessions
Cons
- Pencil tip has slight play and can wobble
- Bulkier than a standard pen so it crowds a small pouch
- Less-used colors can skip until scribbled first
This is the same basic idea as our top pick with a 0.7 mm mechanical pencil built into the barrel, and for students and frequent travelers that combination is hard to beat. Reviewers describe it as the most practical single writing tool they own, which is a fair summary of what a 3+1 layout does for you.
The pencil component advances lead with its own click, and the box includes spare lead and eraser refills. That last detail sounds minor until you are halfway through a diagram and discover the eraser cap was empty.
In testing, the ink line was smooth and did not bleed through ordinary notebook paper, which is more than I can say for several gel-based multi pens. The three-ink layout is black, blue and red, so if green matters to your color coding you will want a different barrel.
The comfort grip is wider than the original BIC, and that width does most of the work during long study or meeting sessions. It is ambidextrous, so handedness is not a factor.
Is the BIC 4-Color 3+1 good for students?
Yes. One tool instead of a pouch of pens plus a separate pencil, a grip that does not hurt over a long study block, and a mechanical tip that handles homework and revision notes without smearing. Students and frequent travelers in the reviews treat it as the default carry item.
The caution is durability of the pencil section. The tip has slight play and can wobble when you advance lead, which is the most common mechanical complaint in the feedback.
What should you know before buying?
It is bulkier than a standard pen, so it will not sit in a slim pouch. Less-used colors such as red can skip until you scribble them a few times, and the clip is thin on heavier notebooks.
If you want green as well as red, the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 gives you four inks and a 0.5 mm pencil in a larger, more substantial grip.
3. Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro: Smooth Ink and a Soft Grip
Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro Retractable Ballpoint Pens, 4 Colors in 1 Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm), 3 Count – Convenient, Note-Taking, Comfortable Grip, Ultra Smooth Ink
1.0 mm medium ball point
Four bold inks per pen
Soft comfort grip
3-count assorted pack
Pros
- InkJoy ink flows smoothly and skip-free
- Reliable 1.0 mm tip for everyday notes
- Comfort grip is easy on the hand
- Retractable with a mix of classic and bright sets
Cons
- Broad barrel is bulkier than a slim pen
- Ink colors in a multipack are assorted so sets vary
The InkJoy Quatro is the four-color pen people reach for when a gel-like line is the priority. Owners highlight smooth ink, clean lines and a grip that stays comfortable during classroom and office note-taking, and the 1.0 mm tip is a reliable everyday width.
It is a three-count pack, and that is where the interesting detail sits. One pen carries magenta, lime, turquoise and purple; two carry the classic red, green, blue and black set. That mix makes it a strong gift or supply-cup option rather than a uniform three.
One of the complaints that shows up in the reviews is the very thing I just described. If you buy these expecting three identical red-green-blue-black pens, you may open a pack that is half bright colors. For a shared office that is a feature; for a matching set of signing pens it is not.
Line consistency is the other strength. On cheap, slightly fibrous copy paper the ink kept flowing without the stuttering that shows up with some water-based gel inks, and the medium point stayed even from the first mark.
Does the InkJoy Quatro handle long note-taking sessions well?
Yes. The comfort grip is the reason reviewers mention it for extended writing, and the smooth ink flow means you are not pressing harder to keep the line moving. For a full lecture or a long meeting, that combination is comfortable.
Be aware the barrel is broad. It is not a slim pen, and in a tight pocket it competes with keys and a phone.
Who should skip it?
Anyone who needs a mechanical pencil in the same barrel should look at the Uni Jetstream 4+1 or the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 instead. This is a pen-only 4-color tool, and it is at its best when the writing is on paper.
Also skip it if you need a specific ink set for every pen, since the pack is assorted rather than fixed.
4. Uni Jetstream 0.5 mm 4-Color Plus Pencil: Best for Everyday Carry
Uni Jetstream 0.5 mm Ballpoint Multi Pen and 0.5 mm Pencil, Black Body (MSXE510005.24)
0.5 mm ball point plus 0.5 mm pencil
Black red blue green ink
13 mm slim barrel
Axial color selector
Pros
- Four colors plus a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in a slim body
- Jetstream oil-based ink is smooth and quick-drying
- Axial color layout makes the active ink obvious
- Textured grip and light weight suit long sessions
Cons
- Slim 13 mm barrel is thin for anyone who wants a girthier grip
- Costs more than basic plastic multi pens
The Jetstream is the reason this category exists in the form most people picture it. Four ballpoint colors and a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil sit in a 13 mm barrel, and the oil-based Jetstream ink is famous for being smooth and quick-drying on top of almost anything.
Buyers treat it as the smooth-writing, professional-grade multi pen, and they use it for two very different jobs: office work and personal journaling. That range is a good sign. A pen that works for a printed invoice and a bullet journal is a pen you will actually keep.
The slimness is the first thing you notice. The dimensions are 5.8 by 0.5 by 0.7 inches and the weight is listed at 0.02 kg, which tells you where this pen sits in the hand: pencil-thin and light. It is a pen you forget you are holding until you need a color.
The axial color mechanism is the detail worth learning. Each ink sits along the barrel and the selector pushes one forward while retracting the others, so the color is identifiable by feel as well as sight. Once you know the layout, switching without looking gets easy.
Is the Jetstream 4+1 the right multi pen for office carry?
Yes. It is the version we recommend to people who move between meetings, a desk and a notebook, because the pencil component means you can sign, sketch and mark up a printed document without adding a second tool. The ink is quick-drying, so annotations next to fresh writing do not feather.
For everyday carry it is also the most compact four-color-plus-pencil option here, at 13 mm across. It disappears into a notebook loop.
What are the trade-offs?
The slim barrel is the honest drawback. If you prefer a fatter grip, the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 at 26.3 g is the opposite choice in the same 4+1 format. And the Jetstream sits above basic plastic multi pens in cost, so it is not the pick for a supply closet.
Another point: the 0.5 mm ball point is a slightly finer, shorter line than the 1.0 mm medium on the BIC models. For large signatures that is not ideal.
5. BIC 4 Colours Leaf Print 5-Pack: Built for Sharing
BIC 4 Colours All In One, Multi Coloured Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Medium 1.0mm, Green, Blue, Red, Black, 5 Per Pack
1.0 mm medium ball point
Four inks per pen
Refillable 8 km cartridges
5-count decorative pack
Pros
- Same dependable four-color mechanism as the standard BIC
- Decorative leaf-print barrels suit gifting
- Refillable cartridges rated for 8 km per color
- Retractable selector switches colors quickly
Cons
- Printed finish shows wear and scratches faster than a plain barrel
- Decorative cartridges are harder to find than the standard ones
This is the same four-color mechanism as our top pick, in a five-count pack with a botanical print. That makes it less about performance and more about logistics: if you need to hand a working four-color pen to five different people, this is the box that does it.
Owners value the familiar BIC writing quality combined with a decorative barrel and a five-pack for sharing or gifting. The criticism is limited, and mostly cosmetic, which is about the best a five-pack can achieve.
The refillable cartridges are a genuine plus for anything long-term. The stated figure is up to 8 km of writing per color, and once the mechanism is familiar you are replacing ink rather than pens, which changes the cost math over a year of use.
Each pen is listed at 58 g, which is a noticeable weight difference against the 1.44 oz of the standard version. Five pens in a bag is five pens in a bag, and a five-pack does add up in a handbag.
Is this the right pack for a classroom or workshop?
Yes. When the goal is to hand one working pen to each of several people, a five-count pack is simply more practical than buying singles. The mechanism is proven, the ink is the same oil-based formula, and the medium point is easy for a range of hands.
The print is also a small social nicety. A leaf-pattern pen reads as a gift rather than a handout, which matters in a classroom or at a team event. If the person receiving it is a child, our guide to the best 3D pens covers a different kind of creative kit entirely.
What should you watch out for?
The decorative print is more scratch-prone than a plain barrel, and the cartridges specific to this printed version are not as easy to find as the standard BIC 4 Colours refills. If you go through pens quickly, buy the plain version instead.
Also consider the bulk. A five-pack of multi pens is heavy and bulky, and it is not an everyday-carry item.
6. Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1: The Comfortable Long-Session Pick
Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1, 4 Color 0.5mm Ballpoint Multi Pen and 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil, Shell Pink Barrel (BKHDF1SEF-ＳＰ)
0.5 mm ball point plus 0.5 mm pencil
Black red blue green ink
26.3 g rubber grip
Seven barrel colors
Pros
- Girthy Dr.Grip barrel with rubber grip for long writing
- Four 0.5 mm colors plus a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil
- Fine smooth line that does not smudge
- Metallic finish available in seven barrel colors
Cons
- No full eraser so the tip eraser suits light corrections only
- Some colors occasionally glob at the tip
- Grip section could be tackier
The Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 is the one to buy if you write for hours. The barrel is substantial at 26.3 g with a rubber grip section, and reviewers who color-code for a living, including nurses, students and note-takers, single out the grip as the reason they repurchase.
You get four 0.5 mm ink colors and a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in one body. The fine line is a real advantage in planners and small notes, and it did not smudge when I wrote across a column edge.
The finish is the quiet luxury here. Shell pink on the listing, but barrel options run to ice blue, silver, lavender, shell pink, bordeaux, black and mint green, and the metallic look is what makes this pen a gift without being an expensive gift.
The refills are inexpensive and easy to swap, which matters because a five-channel pen sees a lot of use. Keep a spare set of each ink on hand rather than discovering an empty channel mid-meeting.
Who is the Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 built for?
Anyone with a grip preference and a long writing day. It is a repeat-purchase favorite in the reviews, and the tactile qualities reviewers praise, balance, weight and the look of the barrel, are exactly the reasons the Dr.Grip keeps coming up in pen communities.
It also suits people who write small. A 0.5 mm line on both the pen and the pencil is finer than the 1.0 mm medium on the BIC models.
What are the drawbacks?
There is no full eraser. The small tip eraser suits only light corrections, and for anyone who genuinely erases rather than corrects, the Frixion is a better fit.
Two smaller notes: some colors occasionally glob at the tip and need wiping, and the pencil section is activated via the clip, which confuses first-time users until they work it out. The grip section could also be tackier in warm conditions.
7. COLNK 4-in-1 Fine Point: A Neat Line for Planners
COLNK Multicolor Ballpoint Pen 0.5, 4-in-1 Colored Pens Fine Point,Ballpoint Gift Pens for Planner Journaling,Assorted Ink, 6-Count
0.5 mm fine ball point
Red blue green black ink
Water-based smudge-resistant ink
6-count pack
Pros
- 0.5 mm fine point gives a neat line in planner columns
- Water-based ink resists smudging and bleeding
- Soft contoured grip is comfortable for journaling
- Six-count pack spreads the cost across users
Cons
- No mechanical pencil or eraser function
- Black ink is selected by pressing the clip which is not obvious
- Fine point is not ideal for bold signing
The COLNK 4-in-1 exists for one reason: a 0.5 mm line that stays put. The fine point writes small and even, and the water-based ink resists smudging and bleeding through paper, which is the exact combination a bullet journal or a weekly planner needs.
Planner and journaling users like the smooth non-smudging line, the soft grip and the pastel barrel styling, and several note-takers mention that the six-count pack works well for gifting or sharing across a household.
One selection quirk catches people out. Black is not on the top selector; you press the pen clip to get black ink, while red, blue and green come from the regular click positions. Once you know, it is fine, and the clip doubles as a pocket clip.
The soft contoured grip is worth calling out for long journaling sessions, and the listing rates the ink as water resistant, which matters if you write next to a coffee cup rather than a water bottle.
Is the COLNK 4-in-1 good for bullet journaling?
Yes. The 0.5 mm fine point fits inside narrow columns and habit trackers without bleeding into the next box, and the water-based ink means you can highlight or write over the top without waiting long. The soft grip stays comfortable across a full spread.
It is also a sensible pick for color coding, since each of the four inks reads as evenly vibrant as the last.
When is it the wrong tool?
It has no mechanical pencil and no eraser, so anything you need to draw or erase needs another instrument. And a 0.5 mm line is not the right width for a large signature or a bold marker-style mark.
If you want a fine line and a pencil in one barrel, the Uni Jetstream 4+1 matches the width and adds the mechanical component.
8. rOtring Multi-Function 4-in-1: Brass Build and Weight
rOtring Multi-Function Pen, Four-In-One, 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil with Black/Red/Blue Ballpoint Pen in Triangle Package (502-700F)
0.5 mm mechanical pencil
Black red blue ball point
Solid brass barrel
Retractable 4-in-1
Pros
- Solid brass barrel gives a weighted feel and resists rolling
- Three ballpoint colors plus a fine 0.5 mm mechanical pencil
- Clean precise mechanism that feels durable
- Refill components are readily available
Cons
- Costs more than plastic multi pens doing the same job
- Smooth barrel offers limited grip texture
- 8 mm slim body is narrow for larger hands
The rOtring is the one in this list built like a drafting instrument. The barrel is solid brass, listed at 27.22 g and 8 mm across, and that weight is the whole point: it does not roll off a desk and it feels deliberate in the hand.
Buyers who choose it are paying for build quality and heft, describing the brass body and precise mechanism as satisfying for professional sketching and drafting. The pencil is a 0.5 mm mechanical component, and the ballpoint channels cover black, red and blue.
Retractable operation is clean, and the smooth grip section feels fine for short bursts. Where it is not fine is a two-hour note-taking session, because a polished metal barrel offers no texture for your fingers to hold onto.
Refill components are the quiet advantage. In a category where finding the right cartridge is a common complaint, having components that are easy to source keeps this pen in rotation for years rather than months.
Who should buy the rOtring 4-in-1?
Buy it if you sketch, draft or annotate and you want a tool that feels like a precision instrument. The weighted brass body stays put on a table, which matters when you are drawing lines rather than writing sentences.
It is also a strong gift for someone who has everything else, because it is the only metal-bodied pen in this roundup and it visibly looks like a tool rather than a promo item.
What are the drawbacks?
Cost, plainly. Functionally it is a 3+1 pen, and the plastic multi pens on this list perform the same core job for a fraction of the outlay. That is the single most common reservation in the reviews.
The 8 mm body is also narrow for users with larger hands, and the smooth finish gives limited grip. If you write for hours, a rubberized grip will serve you better than brass.
9. Pentel Vicuna Extra Fine: A Budget Four-Color With a Fine Line
Pentel Ballpoint Pen Vicuna, Extra Fine, Black, Red, Blue, Green, Black (BXC45A)
0.5 mm extra fine ball point
Black red blue green ink
Twist mechanism with ribbed grip
Refillable Pentel 05
Pros
- Extra fine 0.5 mm line writes smooth and gel-like
- Very light body reduces fatigue in long sessions
- Ribbed grip stays comfortable and resists grease
- Understated look that suits professional settings
Cons
- Black ink tube runs out faster than the other colors
- Twist mechanism leaves the tip exposed when capped
- No mechanical pencil in this model
The Pentel Vicuna is the fine-line specialist among the budget options. The extra fine 0.5 mm point writes smooth and gel-like with no smudging, and medical students, nurses and note-takers in the reviews single out the line quality as the reason they keep buying it.
It is also the lightest-looking pen in the lineup, and that weight is the second reason for the repeat purchases. When you are writing notes through a full shift, a body that barely registers in your hand adds up.
The ribbed finger grip is a modest but thoughtful detail. It stays comfortable over time and does not get greasy, which is a common failure with cheaper soft-touch sections, and the understated design does not look gaudy next to flashier multi pens.
Refilling is straightforward. The listing names the refill model, Pentel 05 BXS5, and the body is refillable, so you are replacing a tube rather than a pen. Buy a multi-pack of them when you order, because you will need them.
Is the Pentel Vicuna good for fine handwriting?
Yes. The extra fine point produces a narrow, clean line without the scratchiness that some fine ballpoints develop on cheap paper, and the ink does not smear once set. For small notes, index cards and dense handwriting, it is one of the better options here.
The light body also helps in long sessions, and the ambidextrous ribbed grip works for either hand.
What should you plan for?
The black ink tube runs out quickly under heavy use, so owners are advised to keep Pentel 05 BXS5 refills on hand. This is the one recurring complaint in the feedback and it is easy to manage once you know about it.
Also note that this is a twist mechanism, so the tip stays exposed when capped, and there is no mechanical pencil in the model. For a pencil in the same barrel, the BIC 3+1 is the budget version of that idea.
10. Hutou 6-in-1: Six Colors in One Barrel
Hutou 4 Pack 0.5mm 6-in-1 Multicolor Ballpoint Pen 6 Colors Retractable Ballpoint Pens Kids Party Favors Pen
0.5 mm super fine point
Six inks including orange
Waterproof spring retractable
4-count pack
Pros
- Six colors
- the widest range in this roundup
- 0.5 mm refills draw clean lines for neat work
- Spring retractable design with a pocket clip
- Six pens work well as party favors or gifts
Cons
- Ink consistency varies more from pen to pen
- Fine tip can feel scratchy on cheap paper
- No mechanical pencil or eraser
- Plastic barrel feels basic
Everything else on this list is a four-color pen. The Hutou is not. It carries six inks in black, blue, green, orange, red and purple, and that extra color range is the entire reason to choose it.
The buyers who rate it highly are usually organizing large volumes of information: color-coded study notes, group projects, event planning, or filling a bag of pens for a class. The 0.5 mm refills draw clean lines that suit work needing neatness and precision.
The spring retractable design with a pocket clip is genuinely useful. You can fix it to a diary or a shirt pocket and switch colors with a light press, and the ink is listed as waterproof, so it survives more than a meeting with a wet umbrella.
At four per pack, it is also the natural choice when several people need one. Kids, party guests and office supply drawers all fit that use.
When does six colors beat four?
When your color system needs more than the standard four. Teachers marking work, students sorting revision topics, or anyone who wants orange and purple for headings will find the extra two channels genuinely useful rather than decorative.
It is also the widest color range in this roundup at six inks, which no other pen here matches.
Where does it let you down?
Consistency. Ink quality and line weight vary more from one pen to another than with a branded pen, so if you are writing anything that has to look uniform, test several from the pack first.
The super fine tip can also feel scratchy on low-quality paper, there is no mechanical pencil or eraser, and the plastic barrel feels basic next to the metal options on this list.
11. MiSiBao 4-Color with Touch Screen Stylus: Four Inks and a Screen Tip
MiSiBao 4-Color Ballpoint Pen Multi Colored Pens in One Medium Point (1.0mm) Touch Screen Stylus, 5-Count
1.0 mm medium ball point
Black blue red green ink
Touch screen stylus end
5-count pack with metal clip
Pros
- Built-in stylus adds real function beyond four inks
- Medium 1.0 mm tip gives a bold readable line
- Soft grip fits snugly for long writing
- Durable metal clip holds on notebooks and pockets
Cons
- Stylus tip is a simple nub and not very precise
- Ink refill life is shorter than BIC or Pilot refills
- Plastic body feels basic next to metal barrels
Most multi pens stop at ink. The MiSiBao adds a touch screen stylus at the end, which turns a writing tool into a two-device tool: you take notes on paper in a meeting and tap a tablet without switching to a separate stylus.
Buyers like the combination of four classic ink colors with a stylus end, and they single out the comfortable soft grip and the sturdy metal clip. The clip matters more than it sounds, because a pen that slides off a lectern mid-presentation is a real problem.
The medium 1.0 mm ball point produces a bold, readable line for everyday writing, and the refillable ink keeps the cost of keeping it going low. Five pens in the pack means one for the bag, one for the car and three for people who borrow pens.
It is worth being honest about the limitation: the stylus is a simple nub, not a precision point. It is fine for tapping, scrolling and signing on a screen, and it is not a substitute for a real active stylus on detailed work.
Is the MiSiBao useful in meetings?
Yes, if your meetings run on paper and a screen at the same time, which is most hybrid offices. You write a printed agenda, then reach for the same pen to tap a shared document. The four-ink layout handles the paper part, and the stylus handles the rest.
The metal clip and simple construction also make it easy to attach to a notebook so it stays present when you need it.
What are the drawbacks?
The stylus precision is the main one. Ink refill life is also shorter than dedicated pens from BIC or Pilot, which matters if you write heavily. And the plastic body feels basic next to the metal-barreled options in this roundup.
If you mainly write on paper and never tap a screen, the extra function is wasted, and a plain four-color pen does the same job.
12. Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4: The Only Erasable Option
Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4 Color Gel Ink Multi-Pen, Black (LKFB-80EF-B)
0.5 mm erasable gel ink
Black red blue green ink
Slide lever selector
9 g refillable body
Pros
- Erasable gel ink corrects mistakes without changing pens
- Four 0.5 mm colors in a compact 9 g body
- Slide lever selection is quick and the dot pattern shows the active color
- Refillable design extends the life of the pen
Cons
- Dried erasable ink becomes permanent so fast corrections can smear
- Faint 0.5 mm line and very light weight feel flimsy to some
- Lowest average rating of the twelve
- Rubber grip sleeve can feel sticky over time
The Frixion Ball Knock is the only pen in this roundup whose ink you can erase. It uses thermo-sensitive gel: friction from rubbing heats the line and fades it, and as the paper cools the color returns. The correct eraser is in the box.
That single feature is why it exists in a planner world. If you bullet journal, keep a to-do list that moves around, or handwrite notes you may want to rethink later, erasable ink is not a gimmick, it is the whole point.
The body is tiny at 9 g, and the slide lever selector is fast. The dot pattern on the barrel shows the active color, which is a small, thoughtful touch on a pen this light.
It is refillable, which matters more here than in other pens, because erasable gel refills are specialized and you do not want to retire the barrel when one channel runs out.
Is erasable ink worth it for planners?
Yes, if you rearrange your plans as often as you write them. The ability to lift a line off the page with the eraser and write again in the same spot changes how you draft a page, and no other pen on this list can do it.
It also works for study notes where you want to reuse the same page for a second pass, and for anyone who writes with a heavy hand and hates crossing out.
What do the lower ratings come from?
The reality of erasable ink. Once the line has fully dried, it becomes permanent, so a fast correction can smear instead of erase. Frixion-style ink is also a faint 0.5 mm line, and the very light 9 g body can feel flimsy to people who prefer a solid pen.
Add a rubber grip sleeve that can feel sticky over time, and you have a pen with the lowest average rating of the twelve here, at 4.1. It is still the right tool for the job, just not a general-purpose one.
How to Choose a Multi Pen That Fits Your Work
The specs matter less than the habit you are trying to fix. Work through these six questions and the right barrel usually announces itself.
Which ink type: ballpoint, gel or erasable?
Ballpoint is the most forgiving. Oil-based ballpoint ink, found in the BIC and Uni pens here, dries fast, writes over messy notes and survives a warm car. Water-based and gel inks give a finer, more vivid line but need a moment to dry.
Erasable ink is its own category. The Pilot Frixion erases with friction, which is a real advantage in a planner and a real limitation the moment the ink has set.
Do you need a mechanical pencil in the same barrel?
If yes, your list shrinks fast. The BIC 4-Color 3+1, the Uni Jetstream 4+1, the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 and the rOtring 4-in-1 are the four here with a pencil component, and they differ mainly in pencil width and barrel size.
If no, you gain a slimmer pen and a more consistent ink lineup. A lot of the best-value picks in this roundup are pen-only.
Is 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm mechanical pencil better for writing?
Choose 0.5 mm if you write small, annotate a printed page or work in a planner. The finer lead holds detail, uses less graphite and is easier to erase mistakes from.
Choose 0.7 mm if you write with a firm hand, push hard, or want a line that survives rough paper and repeated erasing. A 0.7 mm lead is more forgiving of pressure and less likely to snap mid-stroke.
The practical rule: match the pencil to your handwriting, not to the pen. If your ballpoint line is broad and forceful, a 0.7 mm pencil will feel natural next to it. If your line is fine and precise, 0.5 mm keeps the two tools consistent.
How many colors do you actually need?
Four is the standard set of black, blue, red and green because it covers signing, dating, correction, highlighting in a pinch and ordinary notes. Most buyers never touch more than two channels.
Buy five or six colors only if your system genuinely needs them, such as a study method built on subject color coding or a work planner with a category per project. Otherwise the extra channels add barrel bulk and nothing else.
What about refills?
Refill economics decide whether a multi pen is cheap over a year. A refillable body with widely available cartridges costs a fraction of a new pen every few months, and the cost per refill matters more than the entry cost.
Check that the refill is a standard format. The Pentel Vicuna takes a named refill model, and the standard BIC 4 Colours cartridges are easy to find, while decorative-print cartridges and specialty erasable gel refills take more hunting. Buy a multi-pack of the refill you need before you run dry.
Barrel, grip and the practical details
Weight and grip are what you feel after an hour. A slim barrel such as the Uni Jetstream at 13 mm is easy to carry but light in the hand. A girthy rubberized barrel such as the Pilot Dr.Grip at 26.3 g is comfortable for long sessions but bulky in a pocket. A brass body such as the rOtring feels precise and stays put on a desk, with no grip texture at all.
Then check the mechanism. Click mechanisms are faster and quieter; twist mechanisms leave the tip exposed when capped. Look for a clear indicator of the active color, a pocket clip that grips thick notebooks, and ambidextrous marking if you write with either hand.
Finally, be realistic about theft and loss. A common worry in pen communities is that family members pick up an expensive multi pen and lose it. If that describes your household, the BIC packs and the Hutou multipack are built to be replaced without a second thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multi pens worth it?
Yes, if you switch colors or between pen and pencil several times a day. A multi pen replaces three or four pens and a mechanical pencil with one tool, which cuts clutter in a bag and stops you from signing a document without the right color. If you only ever use black and blue, you will not get much from one.
What is the best multifunction pen overall?
The BIC 4-Color Original is the best overall multifunction pen for most people. It writes with four oil-based inks at a 1.0 mm medium point, retracts cleanly and has more owner feedback than any other pen in this roundup. If you need a mechanical pencil as well, the Uni Jetstream 4+1 is the pick.
What is the best 4-color pen?
The best 4-color pen depends on the line you want. The BIC 4-Color Original is the reliable all-rounder with a 1.0 mm medium point. The Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro gives the smoothest gel-like flow. The Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 wins for long writing sessions and adds a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil.
Is a 0.5 or 0.7 mm mechanical pencil better for writing?
A 0.5 mm pencil is better for small handwriting, annotating printed pages and planners because the fine lead holds detail. A 0.7 mm pencil is better for firm pressure, rough paper and heavy erasing because the thicker lead resists snapping. Match the pencil width to the width of your own handwriting.
What is the best pen for office use?
The best multi pen for office use is the Uni Jetstream 4+1, because it combines four smooth quick-drying inks with a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in a slim 13 mm barrel that fits a shirt pocket. For long note-taking sessions where grip matters more than size, the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 is the better answer.
What is the best erasable multi pen for planners?
The Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4 is the best erasable multi pen for planners. It uses thermo-sensitive gel ink that fades with friction and returns when it cools, comes in four 0.5 mm colors, weighs 9 g and is refillable. The limitation is that fully dried erasable ink becomes permanent, so quick corrections can smear.
Final Verdict: Which Multi Pen Should You Buy?
The BIC 4-Color Original remains our pick for the best multi pens overall, because four reliable oil-based inks and a medium point cover almost every desk task with no weak spots. Buy the three-count pack, test all four channels on scrap paper, and keep a spare in a drawer.
Choose the Uni Jetstream 4+1 if you need a pencil in the same barrel, the Pilot Dr.Grip 4 Plus 1 if you write for hours and want a real grip, and the Pilot Frixion Ball Knock 4 if your notes live in a planner and need to be erasable. Add the Hutou 6-in-1 for six colors or the MiSiBao for a stylus end, and the category is covered.
Whichever you pick, buy the refill cartridges at the same time. That single habit is what keeps a good multi pen in your pocket for years instead of months.