When the inspiration strikes, you're going to want your pencils to be sharp and at the ready. That's why it's a good idea to get a quality pencil sharpener to keep your writing utensils in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, there's a seemingly infinite number of options out there. To help you whittle down the choice, we've done the research and compiled a list of the best of the best. Read on to discover the perfect pick for you and your writing needs. Jarlink Electric Pencil Sharpener A Sharp-Looking SharpenerThis option from Jarlink is a fast sharpener with a couple of extra features that help it outshine the competition. Best OverallFind on Amazon This option from Jarlink has got it all. The helical blade sharpens fast and precisely so that you can spend more time sketching and writing and less time sharpening. It also has an auto-stop feature that makes sure you don’t shave off more than is necessary. This simple yet brilliant feature alone will save you time and money, ensuring that you get the most out of your pencils. Best of all, this compact device can be powered via the included USB power cord or four AA batteries, so you can bring it along with you on your travels. Easy to clean and easy to use, the Jarlink electric pencil sharpener is a no-brainer. Pros Fantastic value for the price The USB power cord expands the portability since you can pair it with a power bank or computer for on-the-go sharpening The shavings reservoir has a large capacity and it’s easy to clear out when it gets full Cons It’s a little noisy X-Acto School Pro Pencil Sharpener Exactly What Your Pencils NeedFor those with pencils of varying shapes and sizes, we recommend this premium sharpener from X-Acto to get the job done right. Best for Multiple SizesFind on Amazon X-Acto’s School Pro pencil sharpener is a workhorse of a machine that’s capable of sharpening pencils for years on end with consistent precision every time. Everything about the design of this pick borders on perfection. The shavings reservoir slides out easily when it’s full, so you can clear it in one quick dump. Better yet, the face of the sharpener sports a dial with six different sizes to accommodate just about every pencil out there. Safe, modern, and uber-precise, the X-Acto School Pro is ready for your art studio, classroom, and office space. Pros The sharpener will automatically stop once the pencil is completely sharpened, increasing the lifespan of your pencils Fits a range of different pencil sizes and shapes Fairly quiet in operation Large capacity container Cons A little on the pricey side Staedtler Pencil Sharpener Mess-Free DesignThis handy manual sharpener is the right size and the right price for those shopping on a budget. Best ValueFind on Amazon Looking for an inexpensive option that will get the job done? Go with Staedtler. This option is available as a 1-, 3-, 4-, or 6-pack and offers the best bang for your buck. It’s also mess-free since the simple container design keeps shavings from spilling everywhere. Plus, these little sharpeners are a breeze to use, since the cylindrical shape is easy to grip for kids and adults alike. The perfect pick for tossing in a pencil case or home office junk drawer, Staedtler’s pencil sharpeners are the no-frills solution to dull pencils. Pros Staedtler is a reputable office supplier with philosophies centered on environmentalism and customer satisfaction Available as a 6-pack bulk-buy for those sending several kids off to school The simple design sharpens pencils with surprisingly high precision Cons You don’t get to choose the color X-Acto Ranger Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener A Sturdy, Classic DesignFor a permanent fixture in your classroom or art studio, go with this classic option from X-Acto. Best Wall-Mounted SharpenerFind on Amazon For those of us with fond memories of our days in elementary school, wall-mounted pencil sharpeners are guaranteed to strike us with nostalgia. But many of us didn’t realize just how efficient these manual sharpeners could be. With a smooth hand crank and several different size options, wall-mounted pencil sharpeners are capable of sharpening an entire case of pencils in the blink of an eye. If you’re leaning towards a wall-mounted option, go with this pick from X-Acto. Super affordable and super effective, this sharp little machine will serve its job for years on end. Pros This long-lasting manual sharpener comes at a bargain price The crank is easy to use for kids and adults The adjustable front dial has eight different sizes Built like a tank Cons Requires installation and can’t be used without mounting it to the wall Mr. Pen Emoji Pencil Sharpener 6-Pack Just Kiddin' AroundThis affordable 6-pack comes with cute smiling designs, making it the perfect pick for young learners.Best for KidsFind on Amazon Kids love emojis and we love quality school supplies. This option from Mr. Pen is ideal for those with youngsters that need something safe, affordable, and fun. Each of the six sharpeners included in the pack sports its own emotive face, with one blowing a kiss and another confidently rocking shades. Better yet, each sharpener actually sports two holes for sharpening both standard-sized and jumbo pencils. Homework just got cuter. Pros The bottom is transparent, so you can see when it’s time to empty the reservoir Kids will love the bright colors and different designs The small size is perfect for tossing in young children’s pencil boxes Cons Not the most durable, though having six means you’ll have a few backups Frequently Asked Questions Can I sharpen any pencil in a pencil sharpener? Just about any pencil can be sharpened in the options on our list. Some cheaper pencils are wrapped in a layer of plastic that can coil up inside the reservoir and jam the sharpening blades. If this is a problem, try removing the plastic wrapping before pressing the pencil into the sharpener. Also, colored pencils have softer tips that can gum up the sharpening blades. If you have multiple colored pencils to sharpen, try alternating between the colored pencils and a graphite pencil to help clear out the soft colored shavings. How do I clean my pencil sharpener? If your sharpener is due for a cleaning, make sure it is unplugged before getting to work. Then, remove the shavings reservoir and dump the shavings into a garbage can. You can further clear the sharpener of dust and shavings using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner. Never try to clean the blades with your fingers or with the sharpener plugged in.