Best Fountain Pen Under 100 (Buyer’s Guide & Reviews)
If your budget has you looking for the best fountain pen under 100 pounds, our guide will shed light on some of the top options. Being a fountain pen enthusiast, you no doubt know they can get pricey. Pick a number you want to spend, and you’ll find a pen within that range.
Luckily, when it comes to mid-range pens under 100 pounds, you are spoilt for choice. While you won’t find something with a gold nib, you will get an entry-level luxury pen that is sure to improve your writing and elevate your collection.
With this guide on the best fountain pens under 100 pounds, we hope to show you what’s available on the market.
What to Look For in an Affordable Fountain Pen
When you think of fountain pens, you might not necessarily think about technical systems. There is ink, a nib, and a feed, but not much else, right? Wrong.
Our beginner guide on how a fountain pen works will tell you that heading into the mid-range market opens you up to more technically advanced pens.
While a cheap pen under 20 pounds will likely only be a plastic tube with some ink running toward the nib, a higher-end fountain pen will have other advanced features.
On this list of the best fountain pens under 100 pounds, you’ll find varying styles to choose from.
The pens come in different materials, from resin to stainless steel. Say goodbye to flimsy plastic pens that fracture, and say hello to solid and durable writing materials.
We’ll also be considering the pen’s size and built-in filling system.
These factors and more were considered when narrowing down our list – it’s up to you to decide which pen fits your style and specific needs.
Best Fountain Pen Under 100: 12 Reviews
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
- Pilot's sleek Metropolitan Collection signature pens
- Finest quality at a mid-range price
- Medium nib
- Ships with 1 Pilot black ink cartridge and 1 Pilot Press Plate Converter
- Black barrel
The Pilot Metropolitan is the cheapest pen on our list. That said, it provides excellent value for money, especially if you are just starting with fountain pens. It has a classic look and is a safe and reliable fountain pen option.
While the Pilot is an entry-level pen made from plastic, it has considerable weight. It still glides beautifully, even with its low price tag, and makes a good companion for daily writing.
The Pilot refills with cartridges, specifically the ones that come with the pen. You just replace the cartridge instead of refilling the pen. With the durable stainless steel nib, you can expect the Pilot to last long and write consistently.
Brush up on all the details about this popular series in our comprehensive Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen review.
Conklin Duragraph Fountain Pen
- Luxury gift box
- Great Historical Brand
- American Heritage
The Conklin Duragraph is one of the most beautiful fountain pens, with a resin body and a whimsical appearance. It’s a simple pen featuring a cartridge convertor, and three nib sizes – fine, medium, and stub are included in the purchase.
As far as selling points go, the Conklin Durgraph is a self-filling fountain pen made by a brand much loved by the American author Mark Twain. Great to write with and look at; the Conklin Duragraph is a winner.
Aurora Style Fountain Pen
- The pen is made of resin in black.
- High gloss polished chrome plated fittings.
- High quality chrome-plated steel nib in M.
- The fountain pen has optimal dimensions with a diameter of 12.4 mm and a length of 120 mm and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
- Presented in a classic Aurora gift box.
The Aurora Style pens are glamorous and sport an updated look of the classic fountain pen shape. The pen comes in various collections, from classic looks to gemstone-inspired. The clip is softly rounded and works beautifully with the sharper-looking cap.
With its resin body and contrasting shiny trim, the Aurora Style Fountain Pens offer a stand-out look and a great feel. This pen is also relatively light but still holds well.
Sailor Fountain Pen Profit Jr.
- Pen tip: stainless steel, medium fine
- Ink colour: black
- Metal parts. Nickel chrome finish
- Body Size Length 134mm x Diameter 17mm Weight 12.2g
- Ink suction method both types (optional converter, with 2 black cartridges)
If you prefer a more minimalist model, then the Sailor Profit Jr. is the way to go. This Japanese-made pen is of a smaller size with an acrylic body that’s relatively light to hold.
When you see it in person, you’ll notice the pen’s clear body and precise feed make its inner workings part of the appeal. You can see the ink move as it flows to the nib and onto your paper.
The converters come with the same trim as the pen, allowing you to match them with the accents on your pen for a unified look.
TWSBI Vac700R Fountain Pen
- Twsbi VAC700R Fountain Pen
- Transparent resin body and "Smoke" finish (semi-transparent black)
- Vacuum Filler loading system (inverted syringe) with writing group shutter to avoid ink leakage in the plane and with sharp temperature changes!
- Steel nib with EF writing gradation (ExtraFine)
- Dimensions: pen body 134 mm, closed 147 mm, cap fitted 175 mm.
Just as the name has one thinking of a machine that might never stop running, so does the TWSBI Vac700R prove its invaluable use. This pen’s filling capacity and vacuum filling system will keep you writing longer than most people are used to.
To make the most of the TWSBI’s impressive maximum capacity, simply twist the knob, pull back the plunger, and then push it down.
You can also control the flow of the pen and close it off for safe travels. Because of all the ink the pen holds, a leak could result in a big mess.
While this pen is a great size, it’s a little long for pocket use. Luckily, there are Mini Vac pens available for purchase.
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
- Generous silhouette for premium, executive styling and supreme comfort when writing
- Sophisticated gloss black lacquered body with a palladium plated clip and trim, and a broad ring embellished with the brand name
- Smooth, consistent and skilfully constructed stainless steel nib engraved with the iconic Waterman emblem
- Meticulously crafted in France to enhance your signature style
- Presented in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box; ideal for celebrating graduations, promotions and new jobs
The Waterman Expert is a premium pen that you should only use with the best black fountain pen inks. You can expect the price tag to come in at the higher end of the mid-range. As a consolation, this shines through in its look and feel.
This resin pen has 24k gold or chrome trim, depending on your style choice, and its design makes it worthy of a display case. It’s smooth but not slippery and is on the lighter side. You can also unpost the pen for an even more lightweight feel.
Engraved on the stainless steel nib is the signature Waterman “W”. The nib makes for a smooth writing experience. Overall, a great pen that is balanced, easy to use, and looks premium.
Discover more from the Waterman range in our roundup article of the best waterman fountain pens.
Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pen
- The aluminium housing is streamlined
- The fountain pen is painted fluorescent yellow
- The extra fine stainless steel nib ensures a smooth colour gradient
- The hexagonal design fits comfortably in the hand
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
If you want an attention-grabbing but simple pen, the Caran d'Ache 849 is your best option. Perfectly straight, with a nib that aligns sharply with the barrel, this fountain pen is striking. It’s guaranteed to stay in your pocket and look good while doing it.
These fountain pens have aluminium bodies and are on the slim side. They’re super lightweight and won’t lead to hand cramps, even after a long day of use. The pens are also quite long without posting the cap, but they still look good.
To add to the package, the Carn d’Ache 840 also writes smoothly and is a durable pen worthy of its price tag.
YSTUDIO Resin Fountain Pen
Probably one of our favourites to look at, the YSTUDIO Resin fountain pen combines brass, resin, and gold accents for a simple but elegant look.
Capped, the pen is unassuming with a clean-cut and minimal design. Yet, a brass circle topping the cap hints at what’s in store. Remove the cap and reveal the nib to change the look of the pen completely. The brass colour and cut edges make for a unique, simplistic style that’s easy on the eye.
While the pen has no clip, you won’t have to worry about it rolling off your desk. The cap shape will keep it steady. This sleek, clipless pen is a beauty and will spruce up any professional setting.
TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen
- Polycarbonate body with plunger and aluminium handle
- Grip and cap top feature satin details with circular incisions
- Limited edition color Prussian Blue
- Steel nib with writing gradation M (Medium)
- Plunger loading system
As far as the best fountain pen under 100 pounds goes, the TWSBI Diamon 580AL is easily a top contender. With this pen, you can experience luxury writing at a reasonable price. It is true value for money.
With the built-in piston filling mechanism, you can skip the convertor and draw ink straight into the pen with the piston filler. All you need is an ink bottle of the best fountain pen ink and your pen.
While this pen does not allow cap posting, it doesn’t hinder the writing process. It’s the perfect length and weight for long-term writing. It also features an aluminium grip section to prevent cracking.
If the size of this pen is too much for you, you can also opt for their mini-series pocket pens.
Opus 88 Koloro Fountain Pen
- The Opus 88 Koloro fountain pen mixes ebonite and semi-transparent resin for an original look shaped on a truncated shape.
- Semi-transparent resin body, ebonite cap and details.
- Particular Eyedropper loading system with ebonite valve to close the flow.
- Steel nib: F (Fine) | M (Medium) | B (Broad) | Stub 1.4 mm
- Package contains: Opus 88 Koloro and a pipette to refill the pen.
Opus 88 Koloro fountain pens are the pens you choose when you want an early 1900s look. This retro pen has a coloured translucent body and cap with accents of ebonite.
The Opus 88 Koloro can hold quite a lot of ink, making it great for full-day use. And thanks to the ink stopper, you won’t have to deal with a leaky pen.
The Opus is an eyedropper fountain pen which means it is filled with an eyedropper or syringe and requires an ink bottle.
While it’s on the longer side, it is still lightweight. It also works perfectly fine with the cap unposted.
BENU Briolette Fountain Pen
- Stainless Steel Nib
- Uses Standard International Cartridges
While fountain pens bring classic looks and neutral colours to mind, the BENU Briolette pens bring whimsy into the equation.
The pen is gorgeous, with a glamorous design of cut gemstones. It catches and reflects light in a stunning display of pen artistry. Some even glow in the dark.
In general, it’s a smooth writing pen with a screw-on cap and a light feel. While not the best pen technically, it is one you will never tire of looking at.
LAMY Studio Fountain Pen
- With cartridge filling system with ink cartridge LAMY T 10 blue (can be modified for use with converter Z 26).
- Steel nib, polished.
- Available nib grades:medium (M)
- Designer: Hannes Wettstein
Last on our list of fountain pens under 100 pounds is the LAMY Studio fountain pen. Minimalist, elegant, and a true classic, this durable pen will fit perfectly in your pocket and never leak.
It’s perfect for everyday use and won’t tire your hand. Because it is made of hard plastic, it is resistant to cracks and can handle considerable wear and tear.
Generally speaking, the LAMY Studio is a true fountain pen workhorse meant for everyday use. Read more on the Lamy range in our roundup article about the best LAMY fountain pens.
Conclusion
While we have highlighted twelve fabulous pens in our reviews, there are countless other fantastic fountain pens under 100 pounds. That said, with the above list, you are sure to find something that fits your style, budget, and daily needs.
With fountain pens sales rising in popularity in recent years, we can’t wait to see what other pens join the market!
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