The Best Dry Erase Markers In 2023

Last updated: Today

Erin Carpenter

Top 5 Best Dry Erase Markers 2023:

  1. Expo Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers 
  2. Arteza Dry Erase Markers
  3. Amazon Basics Dry Erase Whiteboard Markers
  4. U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Markers 
  5. Quartet EnduraGlide Dry Erase Markers

Dry erase markers were invented in 1975 but didn’t rise to fame until the mid 1990s. 

This means that It took the world two decades to start to appreciate this genius creation!

Can you believe that?

Well, you’re smarter than the people back then, and that’s why you’re going to start using these markers today and skip the twenty-year wait.

And, since you’re about to buy some, why not buy the best dry erase markers right away? 

Now, this is where our article jumps in.

We did the hard work for you by rounding up and reviewing the top 5 best dry erase markers of today. All that’s left for you to do is to read and make a choice!

Related: The Best Pen For Planners

What To Know Before Buying Dry Erase Markers?

Buying a few markers isn’t a big deal, but believe us, you’ll spare yourself a lot of frustration if you know exactly what to look for.

There are a few key features that you should think about to ensure that you’re getting the best possible dry erase marker for your needs. More on this in the following paragraphs!

1. Tip Size

The first thing to consider would be the tip size. 

There are four different tip sizes available, including mini, small, large, and jumbo size. The smallest starts at around 1mm while the largest can reach up to 15mm, so it’s quite a difference. 

To determine which size will work for you, think about what you’ll be using the markers for.

If, for example, you need to use them in large conference rooms or classrooms, then a bigger tip will provide better readability for the audience.

However, if you want to write using fine, thin lines, that go for a small to mid-sized tip. Our advice is to get a few sizes right away so that you have one for every situation.

2. Tip Shape

After you figure out the size, it’s time to pick the marker’s tip style. 

What are your options?

First, there is the rounded tip, also known as the bullet, due to its resemblance to the small deadly object. This tip produces uniform strokes which have the same thickness regardless of the writing angle or direction.

Second, we have the chisel tip. This kind allows you to vary the thickness of the lines depending on the writing angle and might be a right choice for those interested in calligraphy and stylish writing.

3. Tip Material

By now, you must be thinking, “Enough with the tips already!”

We know. This is the last one, we promise.

Tip material matters because it affects the line precision and longevity of the marker, both of which are essential characteristics.

Most dry erase markers have something that’s called a felt tip. Felt tips branch out into two types, so let’s elaborate on that.

The first kind has a compact, dense set of fibers inside a funnel. The advantage of this design is its long-lasting shape and line consistency. Their downside is that they usually create more feedback due to their rigidness.

The second type of felt tips consists of fiber that’s (somewhat) loosely bunched, which makes it flexible and easy to write with. The issue here is that they lose their shape after some time.

4. Design

Not all markers are made equal; that’s no secret. However, what design differences truly matter when it comes to choosing the marker for you?

The most significant difference is whether the marker is refillable or no. Refillable markers come with additional ink (or it can be bought separately), so you can replenish them once they run out. 

On the other hand, the non-refillable kind can be thrown away once it’s spent.

So which one is better?

Well, refillable models are definitely more eco-friendly and, in some cases, more economical. All in all, there’s no black and white answer here, so we leave the final decision to you.

5. Odor

As you probably know, dry erase markers emit a specific odor. This is because most of them contain alcohol, so this is what your nose is detecting.

Now, this is not an issue for most people, but some individuals who have a very sensitive sense of smell might have a problem with it.

Is there a solution? You bet.

Some smart folks were kind enough to create low-odor markers. These things aren’t precisely odorless, but the difference between them and the regular ones is vast.

Let us point out that the only difference is the smell intensity, not writing performance.

6. Writing Surface

Dry erase markers are mostly used for writing on whiteboards, but it’s well-known that they can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Because of this, many people are fooled into thinking that all dry erase markers can be used to write on the same kinds of materials. 

This is not true, so be aware of this before buying a marker that’s not going to suit you. 

If you’re like most people and need the markers for a whiteboard, check if they are compatible with this surface. It should be written on the label somewhere.

7. Colors And Ink

When we say “colors,” we are talking about the quality of the ink as well as the color palette in a set of markers. 

Besides finding the right color tones, it’s essential to see what previous users have to say about the markers’ performance, and how the colors appear on a whiteboard.

Sometimes, the ink is too bright and vivid, and other times, it is too light. A watery ink can make your board messy, and you don’t want that.

Like we mentioned, your best bet is to check what users have to say about the ink and make a decision based on that.


5 Best Dry Erase Markers In 2023: Detailed Reviews

There are so many great dry erase markers on the market right now, that we had to do a lot of sweating before we could choose the top five models. 

However, we believe that we did it, and now it’s time for you to check them out!

1. Expo Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers 

Image Credit: Amazon.com

The first product on the list is a set of dry erase markers made by Expo, a renowned brand in the industry. This particular model is one of the most popular online, and now we’re going to find out why.

As you can read from the title, these are low-odor dry erase markers, meaning that they emit much less smell than the regular ones. Like we said earlier, this can be beneficial for anyone, but especially people with a sensitive nose.

The markers write very well and can be used on different surfaces like whiteboards, glass, porcelain, and other non-porous materials. 

They are available in multiple colors, which look very vivid when written. The only one that sticks out is red, which is a bit lighter than we would ideally like it to be.

These markers have chisel tips that work great and create cool-looking lines. You can buy them in sets of 4, 8, 12, 14, 16, 36, and 192, so you’ve got a lot of choices here.

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the markers should be capped immediately when you’re done using them, to prevent drying out.

Pros

  • Available in different sized sets
  • They emit a very low odor
  • Colors are bright and vivid

Cons

  • Red marker is a bit light
  • They dry out quickly if left uncapped

2. Arteza Dry Erase Markers

Image Credit: Amazon.com

Here comes another high contender, and it hails to us from Arteza. This package is so big that it can be your lifetime marker supply. So, let’s see what they’re all about.

Arteza’s markers are chisel tip, low-odor, and they are sold in a package of 52 pieces. Inside the pack, you will find twelve different colors with four markers of each color. 

This should last you a while, even if you’re doing some intense and colorful whiteboard action.

This set is an excellent option for kindergartens as the markers are non-toxic and don’t have a strong smell, so they won’t irritate the children’s sensitive noses.

The vividity of the colors is not compromised by what we’ve mentioned in the previous sentence.

Now, there are a few minor setbacks with this pack. 

First, the markers are relatively small, and the ink runs out quickly. Fortunately, you have four markers of each color to mitigate this issue. 

Second, the chisel tips are somewhat soft, and they wear out fast, especially if used extensively by kids.

All in all, this set of markers offers excellent quality for a reasonable price, and we say that the offer is more than fair.

Pros

  • 12 different colors included
  • Low-odor and non-toxic
  • Excellent price to quality ratio

Cons

  • Small, runs out of ink fast
  • Tips lose shape 

3. Amazon Basics Dry Erase Whiteboard Markers

Image Credit: Amazon.com

It’s no secret that Amazon is taking over the world, and they’re doing it one product at a time. They even make dry erase markers now which are actually good! 

How do they do it? We don’t know, but we do know why their markers are excellent. Read to find out more.

The first thing that we’d like to point out is that these markers are made to be used on whiteboards specifically. Unfortunately, this cripples their versatility, but at least the company is fair and open about it.

On the bright side, they do wonders on the board, with their finely-cut chisel tips and a dozen different colors. 

The markers contain Amazon Basic’s trademark DryGuard ink, which has a number of exciting features. For example, it is low-odor, and it can be left uncapped for well over a day without drying out!

When it comes to storing the markers, make sure that they’re always positioned horizontally because otherwise, their tips might die out. 

With these markers, you’ll get reliable quality for a very low price. The only downside is that they might not last as long as costlier models.

Pros

  • The set includes 12 different colors
  • Writes very well
  • Low-odor 
  • Very affordable 

Cons

  • Markers must be stored horizontally
  • They don’t last very long.

4. U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Markers 

Image Credit: Amazon.com

Here’s another customer favorite, and this time we’re talking about U Brands Magnetic dry erase markers. These markers are truly one of a kind, so let’s see why.

U Brand’s set contains six double-ended markers, meaning that each marker has two different colors on each end. 

Why choose them instead of normal ones?

Well, double-ended markers could be a great option for those lacking storage space, or who need to quickly switch between colors when writing.

As far as the color quality is concerned, all the markers have exquisite writing, but it isn’t without issues. The ink is a bit watery, so it needs more time to dry. Also, red and orange markers produce a very similar color on the whiteboard.

The features that make these markers stick out from the crowd are both located on the caps. 

First, there is the magnet that’s built into the side of the cap, and that’ll allow you to attach the marker to any metal surface. The former feature is great because it gives you more storage options.

Second, we have the small erasers on the top of each cap for neat and precise erasing.

Pros

  • Magnet caps enable attachment to metal surfaces
  • Mini erasers on caps
  • Long-lasting
  • Low-odor

Cons

  • Watery ink
  • Orange and red markers have very similar color

5. Quartet EnduraGlide Dry Erase Markers

Image Credit: Amazon.com

Last but not least, we have a set of markers for people who like very vibrant colors. Also, Quartet is a reputable brand, so we know that this product is worth checking out.

In the set, there are twelve markers and six colors total, meaning that you get two same-colored markers. This set differs from the competition because of its interesting color choices. 

You will find shades of lime, purple, pink, and neon blue, among others, which is not something that we can often see with dry erase markers.

These are chisel tip models with a super precise design. They have a trademark three-chamber ink supply that ensures the tip is always filled with ink, and that it writes uniform lines every single time.

Another unique feature of this set are the caps, which were designed to be roll-resistant. With it, the markers won’t roll even on the most slippery surfaces.

These caps sit very tightly, so it takes some effort to take them off, and this can be a problem if your hands tend to sweat a lot. The markers’ bodies are also very smooth, which only makes this issue worse.

To sum up, this is a very good set that comes at a fair price, and most users should be satisfied with it.

Pros

  • Unique colors
  • Transparent body indicates ink level
  • Trademark roll-resistant caps
  • Low-odor

Cons

  • Caps are hard to take off
  • Might be too smooth to grip for some users

Conclusion

At last, we’ve come to the end of today’s roundup! And, now, the moment that all of you have been waiting for – announcing the winner. 

Honestly, all of the products above are so good that we thought picking just one would be impossible. However, we managed to do it, and we award Expo Low-Odor dry erase markers with the first place.

This set contains all that any marker user could ever want or need. They write very well, can be used on multiple surfaces, and don’t cost a lot!

Again, we like to say that you don’t have to agree with us, as our final pick is, after all, a personal choice. If you liked some of the other models better, go for it and don’t look back.

About Erin Carpenter

Erin Carpenter has over 15 years experience in the diamond industry working with Artic Canadian Diamonds, Anglo-American Diamonds. She is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as USA Today, Forbes, The New York Times and more.