Have you ever seen someone write with a fountain pen and thought, “Wow, that looks so cool!” Maybe you’ve even tried one and loved how smooth the ink flows. But then you look at prices, and suddenly that cool pen seems a little out of reach. It’s tough to find a great fountain pen that doesn’t cost a fortune. There are so many brands and styles, and it’s hard to know which ones are good for beginners or if they’ll even work well.
That’s where we come in! We know you want to experience the joy of writing with a fountain pen without emptying your wallet. This post is all about finding fantastic fountain pens that cost less than $100. We’ll help you understand what makes a pen good, what to look for, and we’ll even share some top picks. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident choosing your very own amazing, affordable fountain pen.
Our Top 5 Fountain Pen For Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Jinhao 100 Classic Fountain Pen Rainbow Marble Celluloid | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Mr. Pen- Luxury Fountain Pen | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
JINHAO 100 Fountain Pen with Ink Converter (Medium Nib 0.7mm | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Jinhao 100 Fountain Pen Classic Style Blue Green Acrylic | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
PILOT Kakuno Fountain Pen | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Fountain Pen For Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. Jinhao 100 Classic Fountain Pen Rainbow Marble Celluloid
Rating: 9.1/10
The Jinhao 100 Classic Fountain Pen Rainbow Marble Celluloid, Medium Nib with Converter and Pen Case Set brings a touch of vintage charm to your writing desk. Its rainbow marble design, made from acrylic resin celluloid, is truly eye-catching. This pen feels just right in your hand, offering a comfortable and smooth writing experience.
What We Like:
- The rainbow marble celluloid design looks beautiful and gives a classic feel.
- The pen has a great weight and feels comfortable to hold for long writing sessions.
- The material is finished very well, with a nice, glossy polish and no rough spots.
- The gold-plated medium nib writes smoothly and provides a consistent ink flow.
- It comes with a converter, so you can use bottled ink right away.
- The included pen case protects your pen and makes it easy to carry.
- Jinhao offers good customer support if you have any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the medium nib is good, some users might prefer a finer or broader option.
- The celluloid material, though beautiful, might require a bit more care than plastic pens.
This Jinhao fountain pen set is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic writing tool. It’s a great gift for any pen enthusiast or a wonderful treat for yourself.
2. Mr. Pen- Luxury Fountain Pen
Rating: 8.8/10
The Mr. Pen Luxury Fountain Pen is a beautiful writing tool. It has a fine nib that makes writing smooth and neat. This pen looks very fancy with its black and gold design. It’s perfect for writing in your journal or for special projects. You can pick your own ink to make it your own.
What We Like:
- The fine nib writes very smoothly and precisely.
- The black and gold look is really elegant and sophisticated.
- You can choose your own ink color and type.
- It comes in a nice gift box, making it a great present.
- It’s good for people who love collecting pens or enjoy fancy writing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pen does not come with ink, so you have to buy it separately.
This fountain pen offers a touch of luxury for your writing. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone who appreciates quality and personal style.
3. JINHAO 100 Fountain Pen with Ink Converter (Medium Nib 0.7mm
Rating: 8.7/10
The JINHAO 100 Fountain Pen with Ink Converter offers a timeless design and a smooth writing experience. Its transparent, high-quality acrylic resin body feels warm and comfortable in your hand, while the golden metal trim adds a touch of elegance. This pen is designed to be both beautiful and functional, making it a joy to use for all your writing needs.
What We Like:
- Its classic and unique design looks beautiful and sophisticated.
- The acrylic resin body feels soft and warm, like jade.
- The golden metal trim makes the pen look very high-end.
- The screw-type converter makes filling the pen with ink easy and convenient.
- It also accepts international size ink cartridges for more options.
- The 18KGP iridium nib writes smoothly without paper jams or ink leaks.
- You get excellent writing performance for the price.
- The seller offers great support if you have any problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pen does not come with ink.
- It does not include a gift box, so consider this if you plan to give it as a present.
This JINHAO 100 fountain pen is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking an affordable yet elegant writing instrument. Its blend of classic style and modern convenience makes it a standout option.
4. Jinhao 100 Fountain Pen Classic Style Blue Green Acrylic
Rating: 8.8/10
The Jinhao 100 Fountain Pen Classic Style Blue Green Acrylic, Fine Point with Converter and Gold Trim Pen Case Set brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to your writing. Its beautiful blue and green acrylic resin, like celluloid, has a marbled look that reminds you of vintage pens. This pen feels just right in your hand, not too heavy and not too light. You’ll enjoy smooth, comfortable writing with it. The pen is made very well. It has a shiny, smooth finish. You won’t find any rough spots or mistakes in how it’s put together. The gold-plated nib writes wonderfully and gives you a steady stream of ink.
- What We Like:
- The vintage-inspired marbled acrylic design is very attractive.
- The pen has a comfortable weight and feels good to hold for long writing sessions.
- The finish on the pen is excellent, with a nice glossy polish and no flaws.
- The gold-plated fine point nib provides a smooth writing experience with consistent ink flow.
- It comes with a converter, so you can start using it right away.
- The included pen case set adds a nice touch of value and protection.
- Jinhao offers good customer support if you have any issues.
- What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a broader nib size for bolder lines.
- While the acrylic is beautiful, it might be prone to scratching if not handled carefully.
This Jinhao 100 fountain pen offers a delightful writing experience at a great value. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional pen.
5. PILOT Kakuno Fountain Pen
Rating: 8.6/10
The PILOT Kakuno Fountain Pen in Clear Barrel with an Extra Fine Nib (10816) is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to try out fountain pens or for experienced writers who love a good everyday pen. It’s designed to make writing fun and easy.
What We Like:
- The smiley face on the nib is a super cute way to help you hold the pen correctly for the best writing experience.
- It comes with an Extra Fine nib, perfect for neat handwriting and detailed work.
- The hexagonal shape of the pen makes it comfortable to hold, even for long writing sessions.
- Pilot has been making pens for over 100 years, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
- It’s a great way to get started with fountain pens without spending a lot of money.
- The clear barrel lets you see your ink level, which is handy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges can be a little tricky to find sometimes.
- While the extra fine nib is great for detail, it might not be the best for very bold writing.
- More color options for the barrels could be nice.
This pen is a joy to write with and makes journaling or note-taking a lot more enjoyable. It’s a reliable and fun tool for all your writing adventures.
Your First Fountain Pen: A Guide for Under $100
So you want to try a fountain pen? That’s awesome! They write so smoothly and make your handwriting look fancy. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a really good one. This guide will help you find a great fountain pen for under $100.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a fountain pen, think about these things:
- Nib Size: This is the metal tip that touches the paper.
- Fine (F): Makes thin lines. Good for small writing or tight spaces.
- Medium (M): A good all-around size. Writes a bit wider than fine.
- Broad (B): Makes thick lines. Fun for signatures or big, bold writing.
- Stub/Italic: These have a flat edge. They make lines that change thickness as you write. They look very cool!
- Ink Delivery System: How the pen gets ink to the nib.
- Cartridge: You pop in a small ink tube. Easy to change colors.
- Converter: This is like a tiny pump. You dip it in ink and twist to fill it. Lets you use bottled ink. Many pens come with one, or you can buy it separately.
- Grip Section: Where you hold the pen. It should feel comfortable. Some are smooth, others have a little texture.
- Weight and Balance: The pen should feel good in your hand. Not too heavy, not too light. It should feel balanced when you write.
Important Materials
What your pen is made of matters.
- Body and Cap:
- Plastic (Resin/Acrylic): Most pens under $100 have plastic bodies. Good quality plastic feels sturdy and looks nice. It keeps the pen light.
- Metal: Some pens have metal parts. This makes them feel more solid and can add a bit of weight.
- Nib:
- Steel: Almost all fountain pen nibs under $100 are made of steel. Good steel nibs are smooth and reliable. They can be plated with gold or other metals, but the base is steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a pen great or just okay?
- Nib Quality: A smooth, well-tuned nib makes writing a joy. A scratchy nib is frustrating. Many affordable pens have excellent nibs.
- Build Quality: How well the pen is put together. Does it feel solid? Does the cap snap on securely? A well-made pen lasts longer.
- Ink Flow: The pen should deliver ink evenly. Too much ink can bleed through paper. Too little ink can cause skipping.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making great pens at good prices. They often have good customer service too.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your new pen?
- Everyday Writing: For taking notes, journaling, or writing letters. A comfortable grip and smooth nib are important.
- Drawing and Sketching: Some artists use fountain pens for their unique lines.
- Learning Calligraphy: A stub or italic nib is perfect for practicing fancy lettering.
- As a Gift: A beautiful, smooth-writing fountain pen makes a thoughtful gift for students or anyone who loves to write.
10 FAQs About Fountain Pens Under $100
Q: What is the best nib size for a beginner?
A: A Fine (F) or Medium (M) nib is usually best for beginners. They are versatile and work well for most writing tasks.
Q: Can I use any ink in a fountain pen?
A: You can use fountain pen ink. Don’t use India ink or other permanent inks, as they can clog your pen.
Q: Are fountain pens hard to use?
A: No! They are easy to use once you get the hang of them. You just need to hold them gently and let the pen do the work.
Q: What’s the difference between a cartridge and a converter?
A: Cartridges are pre-filled ink tubes. Converters let you fill your pen with bottled ink.
Q: How do I clean my fountain pen?
A: You can flush it with water. If you change ink colors, a little pen flush or mild soap can help.
Q: Will a fountain pen bleed through my notebook paper?
A: It depends on the paper and the ink. Better quality paper and a finer nib help prevent bleed-through.
Q: What are some good brands for fountain pens under $100?
A: Popular brands include Lamy, TWSBI, Pilot, Kaweco, and Platinum.
Q: Do I need special paper for fountain pens?
A: Not necessarily. While good paper is always nice, many affordable pens write well on regular notebook paper.
Q: Can I get a fountain pen with a gold nib for under $100?
A: It’s very rare. Most pens under $100 have excellent steel nibs. Gold nibs are usually found on more expensive pens.
Q: How long does a fountain pen last?
A: With proper care, a good fountain pen can last a lifetime!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!