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Buying guide

The Best Permanent Markers

We compared eight Sharpie permanent markers on owner ratings, prices, and specs. The Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B00006IFHD) are our top pick for their reliability and versatility.

Updated

The bottom line

The Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B00006IFHD) are our top pick due to their high owner satisfaction (4.8/5 from 58953 ratings), permanent ink suitable for multiple surfaces, and quick-drying properties. The closest alternative is the Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black (asin B0HBP8KPD4), which has a larger pack size but at a higher price. For a budget option, consider the Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B000I0TZO4), which offer similar performance at a lower cost. Those looking for an upgrade should consider the Sharpie Permanent Markers with Stainless Steel Marker Case Fine Point Black 6 Count (asin B0BD23Q82X) for its durable case.

Top pick
Sharpie Permanent MarkersSharpie Permanent Markers $7.19

Best balance of price and performance

Owners rate these markers 4.8/5 from 58953 ratings. They have permanent ink for multiple surfaces and quick-drying properties. The tradeoff is occasional dried-up markers.

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Runner-up
Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, BlackSharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black $8.99

Larger pack size for heavy users

These markers have a 4.8/5 rating from 47715 owners and come in a pack of 40. They are for those who need more markers but come at a higher price.

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Budget pick
Sharpie Permanent MarkersSharpie Permanent Markers $4.87

Affordable option with similar performance

Rated 4.8/5 by 20939 owners, these markers offer a lower cost alternative with permanent ink and quick-drying properties. The tradeoff is a smaller pack size.

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The field, ranked

  1. Sharpie Permanent Markers Best balance of price and performance 9.0/10 $7.19 Amazon
  2. Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black Larger pack size for heavy users 8.0/10 $8.99 Amazon
  3. Sharpie Permanent Markers Affordable option with similar performance 8.0/10 $4.87 Amazon
  4. Sharpie Permanent Markers with Stainless Steel Marker Case Fine Point Black 6 Count Durable case for premium feel 7.0/10 $11.30 Amazon
  5. Sharpie Permanent Markers Ultra-fine tip for precision work 7.0/10 $8.99 Amazon
  6. Sharpie Permanent Markers Bulk set offers value with 36 markers 7.0/10 $15.74 Amazon
  7. Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black High user rating for performance and reliability 7.0/10 $26.99 Amazon
  8. Sharpie Permanent Markers Assorted colors for versatile use 7.0/10 $6.47 Amazon

Who should buy which

Heavy users who need a large number of markers should consider the Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black (asin B0HBP8KPD4) or the Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B0F36Q59ST) for their larger pack sizes. Those who need precision should look at the Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B00006IFI3) with an ultra-fine tip. For a durable case, the Sharpie Permanent Markers with Stainless Steel Marker Case Fine Point Black 6 Count (asin B0BD23Q82X) is the best choice.

What owners complain about

The recurring complaint across owners is the occasional dried-up markers. Some users also report ink bleeding on certain surfaces, particularly noted in the bartenders community on Reddit.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (totaling over 250,000 ratings), prices, and specs from the evidence dossiers. No hands-on testing was conducted. The evidence runs thin on the Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B000I0TZO4) and the Sharpie Permanent Markers (asin B00006IFI7) due to fewer ratings and less discussion.