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Last updated on April 2nd, 2025 at 10:42 pm
Last week I posted about How to Select the BEST Whiteboards for Students. If you missed it, be sure to check it out! So, it’s only fitting that this week I delve into dry erase markers. And just like with whiteboards, all dry erase markers are not created equal!
The only difference here is that there is a clear winner when it comes to dry erase markers. I have had the opportunity to try out several different kinds of dry erase markers over the years. Here they are, ranked worst to best!
Worst: Dry Erase Markers from The Dollar Tree
If a pack of markers costs $1.25, you know the markers aren’t going to last long. This includes the Jot, Inc, Promarx, and Pen+Gear brands. They dry out extremely quick. The tips get pushed in and ruined easily. They are typically the skinnier or fine point marker, which makes them easier for writing on an individual whiteboard. However, these markers are not worth purchasing. The only time I use them in my classroom is if they get donated.
Bad: Staples Dry Erase Markers
Staples dry erase markers are a little thicker and come in chisel tip, broad point, or thin. They are, also, low odor and nontoxic. However, they still dry out quickly. They may last a bit longer than The Dollar Tree variety, but not by much. Also, the caps tend to get loose over time making it difficult to keep the cap on, which exacerbates the drying out issue.
Average: U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Markers
I don’t have a lot of experience with this brand of marker, however the pack I had worked pretty well. I liked the magnetic cap and the built-in eraser. That way the markers can be stored right on your large classroom whiteboard or a small magnetic whiteboard. Having the eraser right there makes it easy to quickly erase small mistakes when writing on the board. Furthermore, when placed on a flat surface, the markers do not roll away due to the flat shape of the cap. The ink them lasts about a year. They come in a variety of colors. In fact, this particular pack is double-ended! The U Brands dry erase markers are easier on your budget, too. You can get a pack of 12 with 2 of each color for about $10 and the 6-pack is on sale right now for $4.57!
Good: Expo Dry Erase Markers
When you think of dry erase markers, what marker brand comes to mind? Usually Expo! You see Expo brand markers in almost every store and on Amazon. You can get them low odor with different size tips and a rainbow of colors! There are great deals on Expo markers at back-to-school sales and during Amazon Prime Day deals. That is the best time to stock up. What is great about Expo dry erase markers is that the caps stay on tightly. In fact, my students, sometimes, have trouble pulling the cap off! They, also, last longer than most other marker options. One downside is that some of the colors may stain your whiteboards, especially the red and purple. Blue and green tend to be the best non-staining colors. Furthermore, be sure to teach your students the proper way to care for dry erase markers because the tips can be pushed down making the marker unusable.
Best: Crayola Take Note! Dry Erase Markers
What surprised me the most are Crayola Take Note! dry erase markers! Not only do they make the best crayons, they make the BEST dry erase markers I have ever used. I was able to try them with a free pack of three and they got me hooked! Unfortunately, I do not get to use them very often because these are not usually the brand donated to my class or purchased by my school. And I use what I got. However, the price is comparable to Expo. They come chisel tip or fine lined and low odor. I love that each marker has an ink level indicator, so you know when the marker is running low and about to stop working. I have not had one of these markers dry out yet. These markers are non-toxic and dry quickly on the whiteboard for less smudging. They don’t come in as many colors as Expo, but the color choices are superb! They, also, do not stain the whiteboard. So if you get any say in what dry erase markers to purchase, I highly recommend Crayola Take Note! dry erase markers.
Conclusion
To go with your dry erase markers, do not forget erasers. If you want something free, I opt for a used sock. I have kept socks my children have outgrown to use as erasers. I have, also, seen teachers request a sock on their supply list. Another option that is low cost are erasers from Amazon. They are easy to store in a desk or table caddy. I prefer ones that are microfiber. They tend to last longer than the felt ones. Take a look at these: https://amzn.to/40l3Dqf
And there you have it! Dry erase markers ranked from worst to best. Do you agree? Drop a comment below to let me know.