The Best Budget Fountain Pens Under $20 (2025 Guide)
There’s a unique magic to writing with a fountain pen. It’s the smooth, effortless glide of a nib across paper, the vibrant flow of ink, and the feeling of connecting with your words in a more intentional way. For too long, this experience has been perceived as expensive and inaccessible. That myth ends today.
This guide is designed for the curious beginner. We’ll explore the absolute best workhorse pens under $20 that are perfect for students, journalers, artists, and anyone ready to elevate their daily writing.
Fountain Pen 101: What to Know Before You Buy
A little knowledge goes a long way. Here’s a quick rundown of the basics.
1. The Nib: Where the Magic Happens
The nib is the metal tip of the pen. The most important factor is its size.
- Fine (F) or Extra Fine (EF): Best for small handwriting and everyday paper (which can be prone to bleeding). Japanese nibs (like Pilot) are typically finer than their Western counterparts (like Lamy).
- Medium (M): A great all-rounder. It’s wetter and smoother, showing off the properties of your ink beautifully.
2. Filling Systems: Cartridge vs. Converter
- Cartridges: Small, pre-filled plastic tubes of ink. They’re incredibly convenient and easy to use. Just pop one in and write.
- Converters: A small, refillable piston or sac mechanism that fits where a cartridge would go. It allows you to draw ink directly from a bottle, which is far more economical and gives you access to thousands of ink colors.
Our Top Fountain Pen Picks Under $20
These pens are community-approved giants of the budget category. You cannot go wrong with any of them.
1. Pilot Metropolitan – Best Overall Beginner Pen
If you ask ten pen enthusiasts what the best beginner pen is, at least seven will say the Pilot Metropolitan. It’s a legend for a reason. With a brass body, it has a premium weight and feel that defies its price tag. The Japanese steel nib is famously smooth and reliable right out of the box.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nib Sizes | Fine, Medium |
| Filling System | Cartridge & Piston Converter (Included) |
| Body | Brass (Metal) |
| Approx. Price | ~$13 |
Crucially, it comes with a converter, giving you immediate access to the world of bottled inks. Its classic, cigar-shaped design is timeless. The Metropolitan isn’t just a great pen for the price; it’s a great pen, period.
Pros
- Premium metal body feels expensive
- Incredibly smooth and reliable nib
- Includes a converter
- Excellent value for money
- Classic, professional look
Cons
- Proprietary cartridge/converter (only fits Pilot)
- The step on the grip section can bother some users
2. Platinum Preppy – Best Pen Under $7
Don’t let the price or the plastic body fool you: the Platinum Preppy is a serious writing instrument. Its nib is shockingly good, and its killer feature is the patented “Slip & Seal” cap mechanism. This prevents the nib from drying out for months, making it the most reliable pen on this list.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nib Sizes | Extra Fine (02), Fine (03), Medium (05) |
| Filling System | Cartridge (Converter sold separately) |
| Body | Plastic |
| Approx. Price | ~$7 |
It’s the perfect pen to buy in multiples, ink up with different colors, and leave in your bag, car, or on your desk without worry. It can also be “eyedroppered”—filled entirely with ink—for a massive capacity. It’s the undisputed champion of value.
Pros
- Incredibly low price
- “Slip & Seal” cap prevents drying out
- Surprisingly smooth nib
- Available in multiple colors and nib sizes
- Can be converted to an eyedropper pen
Cons
- Looks and feels inexpensive
- Printed branding on the body can wear off
3. Lamy Safari – The Iconic Workhorse
The Lamy Safari is an icon of design, featured in museums and beloved by students and professionals for decades. It’s made from the same tough ABS plastic as LEGO bricks. Its most debated feature is its triangular grip, which guides your fingers into the proper position for writing.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nib Sizes | Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad & more |
| Filling System | Cartridge (Converter sold separately) |
| Body | ABS Plastic |
| Approx. Price | ~$20-25 |
The German-made Lamy nibs are easily swappable, so you can buy one pen and multiple nib units to experiment with different line widths. While its price can sometimes creep just over $20, its durability and iconic status make it an essential contender.
Pros
- Extremely durable and lightweight
- Triangular grip is great for beginners
- Easily swappable nibs
- Iconic, functional design
- Huge range of colors available
Cons
- Triangular grip can be uncomfortable for some
- Converter must be purchased separately
- Price can be slightly above $20
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not at all! The key is to use no pressure. Unlike a ballpoint, you don’t need to press down. Just let the nib glide across the paper and let the ink flow. Hold the pen at a comfortable 45-degree angle. It’s often much less fatiguing than writing with other pens.
Cleaning is easy and should be done when changing ink colors or if the pen seems clogged. Simply disassemble the pen (remove cartridge/converter, unscrew the nib section from the body) and flush the nib section with cool water until the water runs clear. You can use a bulb syringe for a more powerful flush. Let it dry overnight on a paper towel before re-inking.
This is generally due to differences in writing traditions. Japanese characters (Kanji) are often complex and require fine, precise lines. Therefore, a Japanese nib from a brand like Pilot will be ground to a finer point than a Western nib from a brand like Lamy. A good rule of thumb is that a Japanese Medium (M) nib writes similarly to a Western Fine (F) nib.
Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Here
The world of fountain pens is a rewarding one, full of color, texture, and a renewed appreciation for the simple act of writing. Getting started doesn’t require a hefty investment, just a bit of curiosity.
For a truly premium start, the Pilot Metropolitan is the undisputed champion. For the most budget-conscious, the Platinum Preppy offers performance that punches way above its weight. And for a durable, iconic workhorse, the Lamy Safari is a choice you’ll never regret. Pick one, grab some ink, and rediscover the joy of writing.