The Best BUDGET Gel Pens on Amazon in 2024

[@christinevillena7015]

I love that you do this! I find myself hoarding art supplies just because I am always ''searching'' for the cheapest and best!

[@ColoringBliss]

Yes…I do the same thing. It isn’t good. We need to use and enjoy our art products.

[@leenb.7936]

My hands hurt just by you telling us how many pens you’ve needed to swatch, didn’t even have to imagine it 🤯 Been searching and researching which pens I’d prefer to get so this video was appreciated!

[@lmcintire-brooks475]

I'm just in the early part of your presentation here and you mentioned Aen gel pens which are my favorite, go to pens. I never have any problems with them. They are always a good juicy gel pen and colors for me beautifully. I loved them so much, I bought two sets. I kept one and gave one to my nieces. That's been 2 or more years ago and they're still going strong and I haven't had to dip into the refills that are also included with them. It may all come down to personal preference, and I have the other costlier sets too, but Aen is a GREAT BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! I have no complaints with either quality or price and the set I have has regular colors, glitter, metallic, neon and pastel. A great comprehensive collection that covers all the bases and never has me searching anywhere else for color and effects. And the set I bought gave us really nice gel pen coloring pages, on quality paper to really soak in the ink.

[@lmcintire-brooks475]

@@judithf9297 Everyone's a critic.😐

[@judithf9297]

Yes,it’s very true,everyone is a critic,but 1,600 gel pens,what’s the point? All that money spent for a “scientific” analysis of gel pens,why? It is a personal preference. But of course it’s a constant push to become a paying subscriber. It’s just too much

[@jG-iw2gb]

I appreciate Coloring Bliss and the solid, well thought out advise presented in a delightful way. No complaints from me. Only gratitude. Besides, I just don’t keep watching channels I don’t care for. You can, too. Me? I’ll keep watching this one.

[@dg4720]

@@judithf9297what do you mean “why?” You don’t have things you’re enthusiastic about? Must be a sad life.

[@judithf9297]

@@dg4720 Did I bother you in any way? I would refrain from commenting about someone else’s life that you don’t have a clue about,hm? Better be curious than judging! I happened to not get so excited about constant exaggerations,ok with you?

[@marilynmcclintock2974]

I really enjoyed this video. My daughter gave me a set of Soucolor and I do enjoy them. I color everyday. I am 89 years old. Grandma Sue in Central Indiana

[@ColoringBliss]

That is awesome! I hope I’m still coloring when I get to your age.

[@JoelAMoroney]

Have you done a similar test for gel pens where budget isn't a limiting factor? What are the best gel pens on the market today, regardless of price?

[@MissChelle]

Yes please! ❤️🇦🇺

[@MissChelle]

I’ve been trying to find a large set with just flat colour, not glitters or metallic ❤️🇦🇺

[@laurietice2612]

Thank you so much for doing this review. I go crazy looking at all the gel pens on Amazon and reading their mixed reviews. I never know what to believe. I've been wanting to get a budget gel pen set to try. I am a senior beginner and bought some Tamnit pens I didn't like as they were scratchy and not juicy or smooth to use. I just got very frustrated with my coloring. I think I will purchase an AEN ART set when I can find them on sale and try coloring with gel pens again. You have motivated me to at least try. P.S. I love your sense of humor!

[@floralheart]

Wow, swatching 20 brands it's a lot of work! I have the GunSumg set, I numbered them using Posca, they flow and blend very well, never had problems. I was only disappointed with the refills when I could not find the same shade of green. Thank you for sharing.

[@rach1972]

I recently bought that Shuttle Art set & love them. I really appreciate when the pens are labelled. Its so annoying when they aren't. I'm always on the look out for other sets too, so thanks for this great indepth review Jennifer.

[@christinaadkis4]

I have also used your gel pen tutorial in my artwork Jennifer. Thank you for all your resources, and for just everything!

[@ColoringBliss]

You are so welcome!

[@marcievega7972]

Wow! That was a lot of work! Thank you! Can’t believe it’s been three years since the last time. I purchased the AenArt 100 pack glitter pens then. They are still performing well and I love them!

[@StephLane]

Wow, swatching over 1600 pens! That’s incredible! Thank you! Totally opened my eyes, I never knew there is such a difference in gels! I am newer to using them, I appreciate all of the work you have done!❤️

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad you found this video helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@l.g.2513]

I trust and appreciate your honest reviews and demonstrations on various art supplies which really helps me decide which products are best to purchase. Thank you!

[@me04100]

Thanks for this Jennifer! I just ordered the Aen pens. I love watching your videos. Your hard work and passion doesn’t go unnoticed! God bless you and Steve!

[@sallycapotosto6927]

I've never used gel pens so I would like to see your videos. I'm new to coloring but I do love it. This video was so informative and I appreciate your thoroughness.

[@ColoringBliss]

Glad it was helpful! We have a lot more videos planned about gel pens. They are coming soon.

[@reneedean7831]

I call your “whip-it” technique the gold ole thermometer shake…LOL of course those who are younger probably don’t know what that means… LOL

[@caseyanne967]

I love the Aen gel pens and I'm glad they're first place. I've used their 100 glitter gel pen set and it has a very nice variety of colors.

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for sharing!! I am tempted to get their glitter set but I think I have enough gel pens for a lifetime now. 😂😂

[@caseyanne967]

@@ColoringBliss You're very welcome! I totally understand, you have a ton of gel pens! 😂 I only mentioned it because you said your set of Aen gel pens didn't have very many glitter gel pens so the selection of those colors are limited. So, if that was something someone wanted more of, the 100 glitter gel set would be perfect. 😊

[@Harkart59]

Wow! I really appreciate this battle of the best. This is so confusing to figure out. Thank you both.

[@ColoringBliss]

Our pleasure! And you are right…it is VERY confusing

[@astridgarcia888]

Thank you very much for all the gel pens reviews !

[@ColoringBliss]

You are so welcome!

[@LeeDee5]

I love coloring with pens because even though I also love colored pencils my hands tend to get much more tired with pencils. So really thank you for this video.

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

My mother just recommended several videos of yours, but I had already purchased a set of gel pens. I’m pleased to see my choice of Soucolor came in third! I have the regular set and also the whole glitter set, and so far I love them. I’d love to invest in Sakura someday, but I’m very happy with my soucolor for now. I’m mostly using them for mark making and doodling over watercolor painting. Thanks for these thorough review videos. I’m off to watch a few more!

[@rainingdiamonds9422]

I asked for an updated one and just found this video. Thank you! ❤

[@marilynmcclintock2974]

I saw that it is nicer if the zipper pulls have that extra grippy thing on it. I thought that just looks like some ponytail holders. I had a bunch of new ones that I shall never use, so today, I am checking my cases zipper pulls to see if I can add them. Some zipper pulls don't have a hole in them. Maybe this idea will help some. Thanks again.. Grandma Sue in Central Indiana

[@katajha831]

Just wanted to say thank you. Boy was this useful. I watched 2 days ago just got my Aen Art pens. They are gorgeous. I never could have picked the right one. Amazing.

[@CrystalHelland]

I always seem to stop at your videos you both do a fantastic job and always keep me wanting to watch more. I especially like the battles I’m kind of new to this adult coloring and I’ve taken your advice on purchasing pencils and etc. and I honestly have not been disappointed about anything you’ve recommended thank you and please keep up the awesomeness you do.👍😁

[@carmennooner2027]

Okay. At first I was getting a little bored (pardon me) because the video seemed to be very chatty. However, I am really learning a lot from you! It never occurred to me to check the amount of ink in the pens, or look for bubbles, and what to try if there is a bubble. I am a Bible nerd and I use pens (and highlighters) in both my Bibles and in my notebooks. I don't use pens in my coloring books though (yes, I color), so I have also used a few colored pencils in my Bibles because I don't have to worry about bleeding and show through issues. This turned out to be a fun video and I appreciate the amount of work you and your husband went through in order to show the differences between brands and types of gel pens. I had no idea there were so many!

[@sylviavazquez6622]

I am new to your channel but I have been watching you for 2 days straight and today I finally subscribed to it. But love the reviews because I am new to gel pen coloring and they have been very helpful, Thank you for your hard work and for helping me not spend money on gel pens that are not great.

[@angie-tq4ew]

I am new to coloring, and using gel pens, especially. As a journaler, I always had other favorite types of pens, and I never liked gel pens until I started drawing, painting, and coloring. I'm liking them more & more each day. But, I was becoming overwhelmed by all the brands & styles, and not knowing how to choose without having to spend a lot of money figuring it out. I've been buying cheap brands from discount stores, and I like them better & better each time I use them, but now I'm looking for better quality without the huge price. Having your video pop up as a suggestion was fate, I think. It helps a lot, and I'm saving this video to my watch later for future reference. Thank you for your dedication, focus, time, and energy. Aloha!

[@27lalitha]

Thank you so much for your hard work.❤ So sad that we can't find the Aen art set on the Amazon France app...

[@marilynanderson7792]

Thank you for this video, You did so much work to cover this information so well. I'm sure everyone learned so much! I know I did.❣

[@Jenny-W1910]

Thanks so much Jennifer and Steve-such a blessing, very inspiring! Great give away too!

[@hippieinthehood4845]

I have just started adult coloring. I'm learning so much. Thank you.

[@JanetKolp]

Thanks your hard work helps is make good choices😮

[@AngieRich-ev5hz]

I’ve just started coloring with gel pens. Loving it! Thank you for your videos!

[@MelicaGrimes-lt2yu]

I appreciate your help. Thank you. I'm an Art Instructor, and I love using a variety of supplies with my students so they can become better Artists. Also, would you consider doing reviews about metallic paints?

[@stampincass]

Wow, such a thorough review, appreciate your attention to details. The only question I still had, was if refills were identified with number or name. I put the AEN set in my shopping cart

[@anitarasper9763]

Thank you for testing all these pens. 😊 I just started coloring and while researching and trying the different mediums, gel pens were the most fun to work with and the easiest on my hands.

[@BoGilmore]

Hi Jennifer. I always enjoy your thorough and honest reviews. I like your"Whip It Test". It reminds me of a song from Devo.😊

[@zuliegonzales3767]

Thank you so much for this video! I learn something new all the time. I'm ordering the AEN ART and the Colorit Glitter sets. Excited!

[@lindacorgiat6820]

Very helpful episode. Thanks for doing all the hard work and just a good analysis of each pen. You mentioned using glycerin as a blending agent, is there a particular brand that you prefer?

[@jenniferreid5429]

I decided to go with the Colorit pens and the extra glitter pens based on your review. This video caught my eye while I was attempting to color with an Arteza set of gel pens. I was not having a pleasant experience and found myself ready to upgrade out of frustration.

[@robynbroderick6822]

Thank you so much for informative video. Thank you Jennifer and Steve💕💕

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

Aen Art was my first gel pen set years ago, then I watched your old "best gel pen" battle and bought a larger set of Raeon pens & combined them. I love them both and they're still going strong so I didn't enter. I just got on again today to see who won! Congratulations All.

[@nancyprice5449]

I will have to purchase these as I do art with my grandkids. I learned a lot from this video! Wasn't a huge fan of gel pens due to skipping, pooling etc but definitely gonna give it try as well as your other videos. Thanks!!!

[@valerieb8006]

Ya'll are awesome for doing this comparison. So much work has gone into it! Thank you!...How consistent and well filled the pens are, is an important consideration when looking for a set to buy, in my opinion...aen art gel pens Are nice! i have some but not that lovely set...got the bug to use my gel pens!

[@susanwoodwardrussell9993]

Thank you for all your hard work and help for finding the right gel pens❤

[@mollymollie6048]

Wow! I’m so impressed with all of the work that you did for this, thank you! I was looking for a nice set for my young niece, and was finding it really hard to figure out which one on Amazon was any good at all vs buying her a smaller set of Gelly Rolls or similar. The crazy no-name companies from China drive me nuts…so thanks for saving my sanity!! (I’m a bullet journal-er and in no way an artist or someone who colors…so for me the smear test was the opposite of what I’d want! 😅 But, you’re always going to have a dry time situation with a .08 and 1.0 gel pen…I’ve found of mine, Uni are the worst as far as dry time…but the Uni white pen does the best at covering up errors because it’s so juicy!) Thanks again!

[@berthah2145]

Oh I loved too watched the video! Personaly I want a big only glitterset Colorit would be nice but is only available on the usa amazon and I live in the Netherlands Europe! Thanks for showing us all the sets!

[@ColoringBliss]

I think AEN has an all glitter set but I’m not sure. Have fun shopping

[@sheilagilleland4312]

I love this channel…. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I’m getting the #1 set to play with. And I’ll get on your workshop.

[@spyderworxartdesign6641]

Good information I am looking forward using! Thank You!!!!

[@valeriel3103]

I tried aen art glitter pens years ago and was very impressed with them.

[@trina7410]

Ty so informative

[@elinorangelo4982]

Thank you for all the work you do to find us the best.

[@patriciarobledo3954]

I've had this winning set for a couple of years and have just started to need the refills. Due to health problems, I'm creating less original art and doing more adult coloring book. Very relaxing, and I'm not as critical of myself. My older Aen set has the exact print font for tbe name on the case, the exact case and the pens are exactly the same, same coloring sheets.....which makes me think they are made by the same manufacturer for the Tamnit. The font on the new case you have is different. I have at least 200 gel pens, Aen and Tamnit in cases, plus extra sets in assorted brands. Love them! I have a huge case that's bursting with my extras, and still will need another case soon. I recently bought a set of Shuttle Art pastel gel pens, beautiful colors...when they work. Also, most of them were half empty and no refills. Wish I could find a large set of matte pastels,maybe 48, but not having any luck. Really enjoyed this video, a must for gel pen addicts!

[@maryspringer1442]

I have been needing a new gel pen set so this was perfect timing! Glad to have you doing all the testing for me to decide which ones to purchase! Ty for the video

[@ColoringBliss]

You are so welcome! Have fun shopping

[@karenbrown5174]

Thank you both for your hard work. What a great, valuable and honest assessment, which is greatly appreciated.

[@ColoringBliss]

Our pleasure!

[@karla.sanders]

I am shocked at how far down Tagmet was. I got those after you suggested them in your prior gel pen video. Think I'm going to have to get the Aen Art ones now.

[@Bridget1229.]

I loved this video! Do you have a similar video or a favorite brand of fineliners?

[@LTNyota]

This was awesome!!!!! Thank you for your hard work!!!

[@LoriMitchell-x9l]

As always, thanks for doing the hard work for us.

[@desireebryant3658]

I was lifted the Aen Art and Color It (both sets) gel pens and love them both! Not surprised the Aen placed first. On a side note, where did you get the frame on your wall where ypu display your beautiful coloring pieces we see in the background above Rose?

[@addie1056]

Ooohhh I always love a colouring bliss battle 🎉 thanks guys xx

[@ColoringBliss]

Me too! I learn so much and get to play with all the pretty supplies.

[@artonthecreek]

Thank you! I’ve been looking for a budget set so AEN Art is the one I purchased❤

[@angelamitchell5035]

Great video, I will have to get some now. Heading over to check out your channel and learn more about gel pens. Thanks

[@NessaWolfeMuller]

Wow! You are amazing to swatch that many!

[@MyStarseedColoring]

I got the Lanrenweng for Christmas last year and while I agree with the notes on their difficulties, I've been having fun using them for details in my pages, and I even used them on a full page or two in Secret Garden (I wanted a big set for that book specially because of the small details). The AEN Pen 160 set is $33 on Canada Amazon which is honestly a great price given how most art supplies end up with inflated prices on the Canadian Amazon usually. And that's the base price, so I've added it to my wishlist to keep an eye out for sales.

[@kathypatterson4630]

I would be most interested in set 1

[@orchdork775]

Wow, it's exciting how many more high quality, affordable gel pen sets there are since the last comparison video!

[@ColoringBliss]

It really is! I especially love that so many sets come in a case now.

[@dilemmix]

Thank you so much. I'm looking to buy some gel pens, your video will save me some money! Gosh I wonder why the companies are so stingy with their ink and don't top up the pens completely, they'd last longer!

[@myprofessor4625]

I owe the same blue blouse. I bought it from Costco, and I love it.

[@winterrain1947]

Great timing on this as I was looking for a set to buy for the summer.

[@jojosaylor8996]

43:09 thank you for doing this gel pen video i needed help figuring out which brand is best I have over 15 gel pens sets can you do video on the smaller gel pen sets 24and under

[@Maduesky83]

I Love all the different types of gel pens. Glitter, neon....❤️them all.

[@ColoringBliss]

Me too!! Gel pens are so fun.

[@YukinoKary]

It's interesting to know the quality of gel pens because there are actually brands where the ink in the pen is not fluid 😢... I have a basic 8-color one but a Chinese one where most fail 😅. The gel pens are nice for small details in the drawings 🎨🥰 so far the ones i would like to try are Karin's decogels. Some day! ✨️ The set of gel pens for drawings is nice👍✨️

[@kaylynnpeterson5045]

Jen, I checked on Amazon and found that the Aen Art 120 "boxed" has more glitter gel pens than the 120 "cased".

[@kaylynnpeterson5045]

And I also figured out that both glitter packs don't have names on the pens. Only the 120 variety pack has the name as well as the number.

[@rosyposy6164]

Thank you for all of your hard work in reviewing these pens. Sadly only the Shuttle Art set out of the top 6 are available from Amazon at a reasonable price in the UK. Of course, there may be different brands in the UK and Europe which are comparable to the ones you have in the US so I'll keep checking the reviews.

[@ColoringBliss]

Have fun shopping and good luck!

[@doughtyrose]

Hello Jennifer and Steve, I brought the Xen gel pens per your choice, thanks for all that you do.

[@emilyharrington2219]

This couldn’t have come at a better time. Gel pens are my favorite coloring tool and I’ve used the Tamnet set for years but I’m starting to not be as happy with them. I’ll probably be picking up a set of the AEN pens when I have some spare money.

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad the video came at a good time. Have fun shopping!

[@FuzzyDoxie]

Love that sweet little dog you have 🥰. Thanks for a very interesting video.

[@annichristensen6299]

You are just the sweetest ❤

[@ColoringBliss]

Oh you are so kind 🥰thank you

[@virrethegreat]

Wow, awesome video! The only one available for me in Sweden was shuttle art so I guess I have to try them ☺️ What is your opinion on Sakura gelly roll? Worth the money?

[@tammyhall3195]

Thank you sooooo much for doing this! I haven't had much luck with gel pens. I gave the set I had to our grandchildren. Needless to say after your review I just had to be sure that I got a set of Aen Art 160 count gel pens. I am expecting my delivery today. I just couldn't wait for a drawing and I'm not the luckiest person to win anything so I just went ahead and bought them. BTW, this isn't the first time I've followed your advice on coloring book supplies. I also purchased Creta Color Mega color Metallic drawing set from your recommendations. Again thank you!

[@Justwingingitcoloring]

I would be interested if any of the pen sets have duplicate colors. For example, does set #6 colors match set #2. I've read somewhere that colored pencils have this issue. They use the same plant, just package it differently or mark the pen casing differently. Great video!

[@ColoringBliss]

Yes…in this video I shared my “conspiracy theories” and some of those sets have the same colors with the same names or numbers just different branding. Check out the blog to see for yourself.

[@kdizzler]

This is amazing content, thank you so much! I can't believe the extent you go to, to help us make decisions. Not to mention the cost. Just some info: "white labelling" or - as we call it in industry - "co-manufacturing/ contract manufacturing" is what happens for all except the biggest brands of any consumer product. The big brands (i.e. the most expensive brands) often (but not always!) have the manufacturing site and have to run it and maintain it. To offset their costs they manufacture for other brands, too. The formula, design and packaging are different, but same manufacturing site. Very often the quality of these other brands is lower and they market their products at a lower price. If every pen brand had their own manufacturing facility... I'd fear for the planet and there would be NO budget pens, ever. 🙂

[@n.a.7398]

I'd caution using the whip-it method with bubbled ink. Lesson learned about a year ago when I got covered in red I k, the sofa, and coloring book. The pen exploded essentially. Was a big ole mess. Thanks for all the work!

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for sharing! That sounds terrible. I guess I should have warned everyone to keep the caps on and be careful.

[@n.a.7398]

@@ColoringBliss it actually came out the back. Cap was on. I imagine it’s a fluke but a real mess. 😊

[@jessicazentz6454]

I enjoy ur videos like this!! Thank you for doing these. My only question is about the refills. And I only ask bc I have this issue with most all my gel pens that come with refills. The refills aren’t labeled with what color it’s a refill for. How do u refill just say the gold glitter and know it’s the gold glitter refill? Are the refills labeled?

[@asawyerswife]

Thank you for this!! I am tired of buying gel pens that promise to be great and fall short. I will probably order your #1 and give it a try. I think the Soucolor would be my other choice.

[@ColoringBliss]

Glad it was helpful! I hope your purchases don’t disappoint you.

[@k1shandmadestuff]

I have the Soucolor glitter gel pens. I've had it for about 6 years. The only drawback is no open stock.

[@foxykc]

Love Jennifer and Steve (and rose). Colored pencils sellers also do the hite labeling thing (my double u key doesn't ork). I noticed that early on. There are a couple that are clearly from the same factory.

[@ColoringBliss]

Yes I agree. White labeling is happening in almost every area of Amazon.

[@jG-iw2gb]

I’m sure I have colored pencil sets with different names that are exactly the same pencils!

[@davidhunden120]

I just found this. Wonderful!! Thank you so much for doing this. I have a question that may initiate a testing sequence like this body of work in the video. I've had collections of gel pens and used them over the years, but regardless, there are some pens that get used much less than others and these pens invariably are "dry" when I try and use them. Are there best practices for storing gel pens or reviving gel pens? Should gel pens be stored in a "Humidore" type of environment? Do gel pen caps have enough space in them to stuff a small bit of wet cotton in them to keep the ink from drying out if you happen to not use the pen for an extended period? Once you discover a non-functioning gel pen, is there a way of reviving it? I'd be interested in your experiences with these. Thank you.

[@Cheryle0823]

Love watching your battles! Also love how you include Steve and Rose! Based on your battle, i just ordered the AEN Art set you included. I was in the market for a gel pen set .. looks like this will fit! C~

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad we could help with your shopping decision. Have fun with them.

[@heidigeldean2510]

I bought the Zebra Doodlers pens thinking they would be great, because Zebra's other products performed well. I was also disappointed. I thought it was just my set that was scratchy and dry. I also have the Soucolor set and I am very happy with it.

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad to hear that the Soucolor pens are working well for you. Have fun coloring.

[@lisaphillips6058]

I have a question for the AEN Art gel pens where do you get the refills for that set? I can’t seem to find them.

[@brychel62009]

I love the glitter ones i my self have a case of tanmit i love them

[@stylesformiles79]

What great information! Thanks for all the hard work. 😊

[@ColoringBliss]

Our pleasure!

[@janinejohnson6357]

Wow that's some work very cool 😎

[@lisarubywinnie9215]

You're dedication is admirable.... here in Australia it's rare for us to find anything cheap so if we are going to fork out the $$$ we want to know we are buying a quality product so from down under I Thank-you immensely xxxx

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for your comment.

[@Mocha77793]

Hello. My name is Wanda. I have only found you recently. But, I have been binge watching your videos. I love all of your tips. I have been coloring like crazy. I love your blending techniques also. I tried to find a spatula that will come apart like the one you used in your video. Amazon didn't have that exact one. May have to go to the dollar store. I have purchased a different Shuttle Art in the past and had to return it. It was really bad. Tfs

[@ColoringBliss]

Welcome to our channel and have fun watching our videos. Thanks for the comment and support.

[@colorfulcolorist6532]

This is a little off topic, but what do you do the get them flowing again if you haven't used them for a long time? So what did you do with the ones that scored low?

[@christinaadkis4]

Rose is an adorable baby.

[@ColoringBliss]

Thank you. We love her so much.

[@Imlovingartstilllearning143]

Thanks!

[@lorettareis]

I’m excited as well and I hope the top 3 are available in Canada.

[@ColoringBliss]

I hope they are available at a good price for you.