You’re ready to dip your toes into the world of fountain pens. But you aren’t sure about the best beginner fountain pens, and with so many options, you don’t want to make a mistake. I totally get it if the vast array of pens and inks seems a tad overwhelming at first glance.
And if you’re like most people starting out, you might have this perception that fountain pens are super pricey. Well, they’re not!
The truth is there are many fantastic, budget-friendly options under $50 that write beautifully and can last a lifetime with proper care. So, let’s dive in!
What to consider when choosing your fountain pen
Before we get into specific pens, let’s look at a few considerations to keep in mind when picking your first fountain pen.
- Budget: Fountain pens can range from a couple of bucks to thousands of dollars, depending on brand, material, and craftsmanship. But no worries, there’s a great pen for every budget!
- Filling Mechanism: Fountain pens can be filled in several ways, including cartridges, converters, and piston fillers. Each has its pros and cons, but it ultimately comes down to what’s most convenient for you.
- Usage: Consider what you’ll be using your pen for. Will it be for everyday writing, sketching, or calligraphy? Different pens and nibs excel in different tasks.
Okay, now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s dive into the list of my top fountain pens under $50!
Best beginner fountain pens (that are budget-friendly)
Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider when choosing your pen, it’s time to delve into some specific options.
Each of the pens offers a unique blend of style, functionality, and value. Let’s dive into it.
TWSBI ECO
I love my TWISBI Eco with a medium nib. It's such a smooth writer, and the clear barrel also shows off your ink. It's a great all-around pen.
The TWSBI ECO is a true gem in the fountain pen world, offering fantastic value without compromising on quality or performance. The ECO stands out with its impressive ink capacity, thanks to its piston-filling mechanism—a feature typically found on higher-end models.
The demonstrator design, available in a variety of colors, allows you to see the ink inside the barrel, adding an interesting visual element that also helps keep track of your ink level.
For its price point, the TWSBI ECO offers a smooth and reliable writing experience that has quickly made it a favorite among both beginners and experienced users.
Pros:
- Comfortable to hold
- Large ink capacity
- Smooth writing experience
Cons:
- A bit bigger than other pens
- Might not be as durable as some higher-end pens
Best for: The TWSBI ECO is a perfect beginner fountain pen for students or writers who write a lot and want a stylish pen that can hold lots of ink.
Lamy Safari
Beginners really can't go wrong with a Lamy Safari. I've spent a lot of time using mine as my daily writer. It's a great, solid pen.
The Lamy Safari is a beloved classic among pen enthusiasts, known for its durable construction and its range of fun, vibrant colors.
The pen features a timeless yet modern design with its unique clip and a large range of colors. It’s a cartridge/converter pen, allowing you to choose between using disposable ink cartridges or a converter for bottled ink — an excellent feature for those wanting to explore the wide world of ink colors.
Loved by many for its accessibility and comfort, the Lamy Safari is often a gateway into the broader fountain pen hobby. It’s one of my favorite pens, and was the first fountain pen I ever bought.
Pros:
- Comfortable triangular grip
- Durable plastic body
- Variety of nib sizes are available
Cons:
- Non-traditional design might not appeal to everyone
- Comes with a cartridge, but the converter is sold separately
Best for: The Lamy Safari is one of the most popular beginner fountain pens out there, thanks to its easy handling and versatility.
Pilot Metropolitan
Pilot has long been a reliable fountain pen manufacturer. And they offer a more sleek classic look compared to other brands.
The Pilot Metropolitan is a sleek, stylish pen known for its quality and affordability. It offers a balanced brass body, which gives it a more substantial feel compared to other pens in its price range.
The Metropolitan uses a cartridge/converter filling system, giving you the flexibility to choose between bottled ink or cartridges.
One standout feature is its buttery smooth nib, which provides an excellent writing experience rarely found at this price point. It’s a pen that new users and long-time enthusiasts alike turn to time and time again.
Pros:
- Smooth writing experience
- Stylish design
- Comes with a converter
Cons:
- The grip section may feel too thin for some
- Only takes proprietary Pilot cartridges
Best for: The Pilot Metropolitan is ideal for those who want a touch of class without breaking the bank.
Kaweco Sport
I love my Kaweco Sport. It's the perfect pen to toss in your purse with a pocket notebook and write anywhere.
The Kaweco Sport is a compact, pocket-sized pen that expands into a full-sized pen when the cap is put back on the end of the barrel. That makes it perfect for on-the-go note-taking. Its unique design is a definite conversation starter.
This German-made pen, with its octagonal cap and chunky profile, carries a distinctly vintage aesthetic that stands out in the crowd. Despite its small size, it’s comfortable in the hand and offers a smooth writing experience with its reliable nib.
The Sport is a cartridge pen that’s capable of being converted into an eyedropper pen, offering substantial ink capacity — a feature that many pen aficionados appreciate. I love tossing my Kaweco Sport into my purse for notes on the go.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Distinctive, vintage-inspired design
- Durable plastic body
Cons:
- Small ink capacity
- Converter sold separately
Best for: The Kaweco Sport is perfect for on-the-go writers who need a reliable pen they can take anywhere.
Preppy Platinum
Many fountain pen lovers get into the habit after trying out a Platinum Preppy. It's the gateway starter pen!
The Platinum Preppy is one of the best bang-for-your-buck pens out there. It offers a surprisingly smooth writing experience for its cost.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, the Preppy offers a smooth, enjoyable writing experience that competes with some pens at a much higher price range. Its design is simple and effective, and one of its unique features is its ability to be converted into an eyedropper pen. This allows for a greater ink capacity, extending the time between refills.
This convenience and quality writing experience have made the Platinum Preppy a popular choice for the best beginner fountain pens.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Smooth writing experience
- Can be converted into an eyedropper pen for more ink capacity
Cons:
- Plastic body may not be as robust
- Limited color options
Best for: The Platinum Preppy is the perfect choice for those dipping their toes into the fountain pen world and are looking for a reliable and low-cost option.
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Remember, choosing a fountain pen is a highly personal experience — especially for beginners. What works best for me or someone else may not work best for you. If you can, I’d highly recommend visiting a local stationary or pen shop to test out some pens. Sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error before you find the one that truly feels like the one for you.
There are loads of excellent fountain pens for beginners out there for you to explore. Don’t be daunted by the range of choices. After all, half the fun is in the journey of discovery. Happy writing!
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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