What Is the Best Pencil Sharpener?

A pencil is only as good as its tip, and you need a good sharpener to give you a crisp, clean pencil point. But when you ask, “What is the best pencil sharpener?” first, you must consider your needs. What type of pencils do you sharpen? Where will you use the sharpener? Do you prefer a specific type of sharpener?

If you sharpen various types of pencils (and maybe crayons), your best sharpener will be different than the perfect one for someone who sharpens only one kind of pencil. And it's tricky to compare electric sharpeners with manual ones since they suit different needs and preferences. No matter what type of sharpener you're looking for, we've got you covered. Here are some excellent options to choose from.

Quality Pencil Sharpeners

These pencil sharpeners are good at sharpening, and many offer additional features.

X-Acto School Pro Electric Sharpener
This versatile electric sharpener is one of the most popular sharpeners on the market. Designed by teachers, it does a great job of sharpening wood, recycled, and composite pencils of multiple sizes thanks to the handy dial. The clear receptacle catches shavings, making it an excellent pick for busy classrooms or for office workers who prioritize a clean workspace. The SafeStart system prevents sharpening until the receptacle is in place, and overheating protection and pencil shaver technology keep it working efficiently for large sharpening jobs. Plus, if it fails for any reason, the manufacturer offers a 10-year limited warranty.
X-Acto Ranger 55 Manual Pencil Sharpener
If you prefer a pencil sharpener that requires no power beyond elbow grease, you'll love the X-Acto Ranger 55 Manual Pencil Sharpener. It creates a pin-point pencil tip use after use, and you can mount it on various surfaces ranging from desktops to walls. An eight-hole dial makes it easy to sharpen pencils of nearly any size. Plus, because this pencil sharpener is made of metal and designed to last, you may not need the manufacturer's 10-year limited warranty.
Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener
This electric sharpener produces sharp points in seconds. Its compact size makes it easy to stash in a drawer when you're not using it. The stall-free motor features a safety switch to keep the unit turned off when you remove the shavings from the easy-to-empty receptacle. It has just one hole, so you can't use it for the range of pencil sizes some other pencil sharpeners can handle. But if you stick with standard-size graphite or colored pencils, this compact option ( which comes with a seven-year manufacturer limited warranty) is an excellent bet.
Staedtler Manual Pencil Sharpener
Convenient, budget-friendly, and available in assorted colors, this popular manual pencil sharpener is simple but effective. It features two holes — one for larger pencils and another for smaller ones. It's a handheld model, meaning you can use it anywhere and anytime to fine-tune your writing utensils.
Bostitch QuietSharp 6 Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener
With six holes to accommodate pencils of nearly any size, the Bostitch QuietSharp 6 works quickly and quietly, as the name suggests. That means it won't disturb fellow students or coworkers. The MagnaSafe tamper-proof safety switch automatically turns off the motor when you remove the high-capacity, easy-to-clean shavings tray. According to the manufacturer, the sharpener's XHC cutter technology makes sharpening 70 percent faster and helps the device last 10 times longer. But in case it fails for some reason, the manufacturer offers a three-year limited warranty.

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Conclusion

Before you shop for a pencil sharpener, think about your needs. Consider whether you want an electric pencil sharpener or a manual one, how many sizes of pencils you need to sharpen, and whether you prefer a portable unit. With these details in mind, you can't go wrong with one of the choices above.

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Kristen Seymour

Kristen Seymour brought her passion for both pets and writing to the online space nearly a decade ago, working as an editor at AOL's Paw Nation and then Vetstreet.com. She's also a regular contributor to HealthyPet Magazine. Additionally, Seymour covers fitness, food and healthy (and yes, sometimes pets!) on her Fit Bottomed Girls website and podcast. Based in sunny Sarasota, Florida, Seymour shares her office with her husband and a small menagerie of rescue pets: a snuggly senior Lab mix, a mouthy hound mix and a cat who loves to be petted exactly seven times—but never eight.