Top 15 Best Electric Pencil Sharpeners in 2020

Electric (automatic) pencil sharpeners are a fantastic tool. Unlike the manual sharpener, electric models pretty much do everything on their own. No longer do you have to leave your desk, stand above the trash bin in the corner and sharpen the pencil using the conventional, manual sharpener.

Today, virtually anyone that uses a pencil has an electric pencil sharpener: offices, artists, students, teachers, and so forth. However, it is not always easy to select the right product. That is why we decided to write this article; here, we will help you (hopefully) make the right choice. We will go through 15 best electric pencil sharpener picks, describing their strengths, weaknesses, most prominent features, and so forth.

We will also explain the product’s usability, durability, price, and many other factors. In short, we hope the article will not only help you find the best electric sharpener but also help you learn more about the product in general.

Best Electric Pencil Sharpener Comparison Table

Best Electric Pencil Sharpener Reviews

If you are still unsure about which product may be right for you after looking at the comparison table above, read on to find the best electric pencil sharpener right for you.

X-ACTO Model 41 – Most Sophisticated Product

We are starting our list with X-ACTO Model 41 Electric Sharpener, the most expensive and the most sophisticated electric pencil sharpener. The product is purchasable in several styles, but the one we are reviewing is called High Volume Commercial.

As the name suggests, the High Volume Commerical electric sharpener is ideal for high volume businesses, places where pencils never rest. By far the most notable feature regarding this sharpener is the dual cutting blades. X-ACTO claims that the blades are 33 times more durable than conventional sharpeners (without any maintenance).

The product focuses on quality, precision, and versatility. It can sharpen six different sized pencils with optimal accuracy. It is also very safe. Thanks to the so-called Pencil Saver Technology, the sharpener avoids over-sharpening. Consequently, it helps reduce waste accumulation.

Also, the sharpener features something called Auto-Reset function. In short, the sharpener will shut down if the motor starts overheating (which may happen in high-volume commercial areas). And if the waste container (shaving receptacle) isn’t installed, the sharpener won’t start, due to the SafeStart technology.

The feet are non-skid (so it doesn’t slip of flip over), and the fan helps cool down the temperature and prevent heat accumulation.

Verdict

X-ACTO ProX – Great Choice For Art Classrooms & Art Classes

ProX model features somewhat unusual design but brings the same old X-ACTO functionality to the table.

The ProX features six different sharpening holes, capable of sharpening all sorts of pencils. Like the other two X-ACTO sharpeners, this one also features Auto-Reset technology (which prevents motor overheating), SafeStart technology (which prevents the sharpener from running if the receptacle is missing).

There is also the SmartStop feature: the sharpener will turn on its blue LED lights when the pencil is optimally sharpened. Everything about this product says that it is ideal for classroom use. The motor is quite potent and durable, capable of withstanding extensive use. And thanks to the Auto-Reset feature, it won’t overheat.

We do recommend using this product in the classroom, specifically art classroom. Why? Well, it can sharpen different sized pencils, colored pencils, hard pencils, lead pencils, and so forth. It would be a shame that those features weren’t fully utilized, right? Then again, we can also see how offices could benefit from this sharpener.

And by the way, its double helical stainless steel blades are 33 x more durable than the standard blades (according to X-ACTO).

Verdict

School Smart Heavy Duty – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Home

This School Smart model is durable, capable of withstanding massive amounts of pressure. It features stainless steel blades, strong motor, and interesting horizontal design.

The design is unquestionably different, and I can see the benefits of it: positioned horizontally, the sharpener won’t tip over and potentially damage. It is sophisticated, featuring auto-stop option once the optimal sharpness is reached. The product can be used in high volume places (such as offices or classrooms), but we suggest you use it in your home.

Why? Well, despite it being heavy duty, the canister capacity and the product design makes it perfect for home use. Moreover, it isn’t very robust, meaning that you’ll more control over it in your home (while you lose that control in the classroom since many kids are using it).

It is safe to use (will stop of the receptacle is removed), and the motor will turn off if it starts overheating. And when it comes to sharpening, the gadget delivers big time; it is consistent, providing optimally sharp pencil tips for a very long time.

Verdict

School Smart Vertical – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Classroom

School Smart is tiny, lightweight and quite pencil sharpener, perfect grab for students and professors. It features modern design and delivers consistent speed sharpening.

The product comes with large and generous shavings receptacle, which captures any shaving during use. The tray is also very easy to attach and detach, clean and maintain. The item uses helical, stainless steel blades, paired with auto-stop function. This function will prevent oversharpening so that the sharpener doesn’t eat away your pencil.

Due to its design and quiet operating, we can see how this product would fit classrooms or offices. The sharpener also comes with rubber pad, which helps fixate its position and prevent slipping, vibrating or falling. Why do we recommend this product for classroom use? Durability.

Though the manufacturer claims that the sharpeners shut down once the pencil is sharpened, the sharpener will still operate; it won’t sharpen the pencil, but will nevertheless use electricity. So, it does prevent oversharpening but doesn’t shut off, which is rather unfortunate.

Verdict

Bostitch – Great Choice For Studios

This Bostitch model is a heavy duty, high volume commercial pencil sharpener. It features six sharpening holes, all of the different sizes. Its most prominent feature is the XHC technology, which allows this sharpener to sharpen the pencil in under 4 seconds.

The XHC technology also helps prolong the cutter’s lifespan. The motor is potent and quite, ideal for classrooms and classroom-like environments. It also features Magnasafe Shutoff, allowing it to shut down if the shavings reservoir is removed.

The motor is durable and capable of responding to high heat levels; the motor will stop functioning if its long-term functionality is in danger (will prevent overheating). Most importantly, it can sharpen pencils of different types and sizes, regardless of their material and hardness.

We recommend you use this sharpener in classrooms or studios, preferable studios, to reach its fullest potential. It is also very quiet, ideal for studio atmosphere. However, this product has its downsides. For starters, it isn’t the most durable product on the list and is known to have problems with sharpening efficiency.

Verdict

OfficeGoods – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Artists

This model is pro art: it allows different types of sharpening, is very gentle, but also durable and reliable. The product is exceptionally cost-effective, ideal for graphite pencils. Also, you can use it to sharpen colored pencils and lead pencils.

Interestingly, you can power this sharpener in three ways:

1. You can charge it via USB cord
2. You can utilize the AC power cord (which is the most recommendable method
3. Alas, you can power it with 4 AA batteries, which allow you portability and comfort (note that you won’t receive the cells upon purchase)

It isn’t as versatile as X-ACTO Model 41, for example, but it can sharpen most standard size #2 pencils, as well as the ordinary colored pencils (such as Derwent, Prismacolor, and so forth). And though the product is child-safe, it is compelling. Much like any advanced model, the OfficeGoods Electric/Battery Sharpener won’t operate if the container is removed.

The stainless steel blades allow rapid and precise sharpening. Moreover, the sharpening is consistent and won’t deteriorate over extensive use. You also have three options to choose when sharpening your pencils: sharp, medium or blunt option. We have to commend this idea, for it will give artists a lot more freedom.

Verdict

EcoElectronix (EX-20) – Great Model For Designers

The EX 20 is flexible, at least when it comes to power options: you can run it via AC (adapter included), batteries (of course, not included), or via conventional 2.0 USB cable. It is also flexible when it comes to sharpness option: this sharpener allows you to select multiple options while sharpening your pencil, ranging from extra sharp to blunt.

Though it can sharpen different pencil types, it is ideal for sharpening #2 pencils. And the sharpener is very user-friendly: it features LED lights, which tell you when the desired sharpness is reached. It also shots off when you achieve a dedicated level of sharpness. And like most other sophisticated pencil sharpeners, it is kid-friendly.

But who would benefit from it? Probably designers. The product is suitable for not only sharpening colored pencils, but you can also determine different degrees of sharpness, which is essential for designers. The product is very stylish and cool (there’s actually no better way of describing it).

This sharpener is modern, helpful, durable and cost-effective. We commend features such as auto-off feature, which prevents oversharpening, and the LED light signalization. We also like the fact that you can power it in various ways. Most importantly, designers will love the fact that you can adjust different degrees of sharpness while sharpening your pencils.

Verdict

Colore – The Safest Model

Did the product’s name confuse you? Well, the company’s name is actually Pencil Sharpener, and the product’s name is Colore. Right from the start, you’ll notice robust and sturdy design. It is also very kid-friendly, arguably the safest electric pencil sharpener on the list.

The tip it delivers is smooth, consistent and professional. It features helical blades, which provide somewhat soft, kid-friendly pencil tip. It won’t be the sharpest tip, but you don’t want your children to use sharp pencils in the first place. There is another reason why you can let your children use it: it is portable.

This item is also relatively easy to maintain. The receptacle detaches without any problems, allowing quick emptying. And while we do keep mentioning how this sharpener is safe for the kids, it is worth noting this sharpener is safe for adults too. The only problem we have with it that it has no way of preventing oversharpening.

Verdict

Jarlink – Great Choice For #2 Pencils

This Jarlink’s model is highly responsive, cost-effective and durable pencil sharpener. The motor is this item’s strongest factor: motor runs the heavy duty helical cutter, ideal for sharpening #2 pencils.

It features auto-off option, meaning that the engine will shut down once the optimal levels of sharpness are reached. It is also kid-friendly, and the engine has a built-in system which prevents it from overheating. The product is highly responsive: as soon as you put the pencil in the opening, the sharpener starts functioning.

You can power it with conventional AC method (adapter included), or you can use 4 AA batteries (not included). The shavings reservoir is quite voluminous: according to the manufacturer, you can shave your pencil 3000 times before emptying the shavings tray (is it just me, or that’s literally too much?)

If you pair the strong motor with a generous capacity, you can surely use it in places like classroom, office or artists studio. It features safe design, starts and stops pretty much automatically, and the built-in safety system prevents overheating.

OfficePro Ultra Portable – Great Choice For Travelers

OfficePro pencil sharpener features high quality, stainless steel blades. It is ruthless when it comes to sharpening, regardless of the pencils (colored, golf, hard lead pencils, and so forth). The reservoir is quite generous and ergonomically designed (vertical design), allowing firm and steady grip.

And like most other sophisticated sharpeners, the cutter stops running when it reaches optimal sharpness level, and when the protective lid detaches (so it doesn’t cut your fingers). The product is also highly portable, featuring battery powered system.

And for what it’s worth, the ergonomic design will help you sharpen the pencil while you are on the move. Price is more than reasonable, considering the product’s robustness, durability, and features. Even though the manufacturer suggests using it in home, office or classroom, I do believe in the adventurous spirit of this pencil sharpener.

Of course, you can use it in office (it is surprisingly quite) or at home, there’s no denying it. But I feel that the product’s compactness and compatibility make it a perfect traveling companion, especially if your job entitles you to carry a pencil.

Downsides? It is somewhat difficult to disassemble and assemble. Moreover, you need to dismantle it quite often, to clean it, which helps prevent clogging and prolongs motor durability. If it were a bit easier to maintain, it would have been perfect.

X-ACTO Helix 1900 – Great Choice for Office

As you might have already noticed, X-ACTO is a very notable name among electric pencil sharpener manufactures. Their Helix 1900 is suitable for either office or home use.

The cutter is 16 times more durable than the standard cutters, which isn’t as prominent as the X-ACTO Model 41 (which has 33 x longer durability) but is still impressive. Very quiet yet potent motor powers the cutter, allowing you to rapidly and efficiently sharpen the pencils.

The design will fit most contemporary homes and offices. The motor is very quiet, helping this model to blend in the working environment. Furthermore, the non-skid base helps fixate the sharpener, reducing the vibrations and preventing potential fall.

Alas, there is the kid-friendly StartSafe feature, which prevents the sharpener from operating if the receptacle isn’t installed adequately. It is also worth mentioning that the Helix 1900 is arguably the most popular electric pencil sharpener on the market, due to its design, cost-effectiveness and overall quality.

Verdict

TripWorthy – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Colored Pencils

This TripWorthy model is novel, stylish and modern. It is very affordable, recommendable to artists, and students. It is also kid-friendly so that the kids can use it without any danger.

This product is powered by batteries. Unfortunately, the cells aren’t included in the package. Like most products on our list, the TripWorthy sharpener features auto-stop function. In essence, the sharpener won’t function unless every piece of equipment is in place.

There is one particular area where this sharpener excels, and that is the sharpening of colored pencils and lead pencils. The product is ideal for sharpening colored and #2 pencils (it can also sharpen lead pencils). The finish it delivers is sharp, but not too sharp (which can cause breaking).

And as we said, the product operates on batteries (4 AA batteries). What this means is that you can carry it with you whenever you wish, which is excellent if you are artists, especially landscape artists. No longer do you have to sharpen everything and hope for the best; bring the TripWorthy Electric Pencil Sharpener and don’t worry about sharpening.

Verdict

Artist Choice – Great Model For Architects And Engineers

Artist Choice model features stainless steel cutting blades, capable of delivering even, consistent and sharp pencil tip. And as you might have guessed it, it is perfect for artists! But, there are two groups of people who could benefit most from this sharpener: architects and engineers.

Because this electric sharpener delivers sharp and deadly accurate tip, we see how engineers and architects could benefit from it. The product is small, neatly designed and compact, ideal for the private and quiet environment. It runs on battery power (4 AA batteries, which aren’t included in the package).

As we said before, the product is perfect for architects and engineers because it delivers sharp and accurate tip. And it is battery powered, which allows you to carry it wherever you go. We can see how students or professors could also benefit from this sharpener, as well as the artists.

Verdict

SMARTRO USB-Powered – Nice Model for Kids

SMARTRO Pencil Sharpener is both adjustable and versatile. For starters, you can run it with USB cable, or you can power it with 4 AA batteries (you guessed it, not included). Secondly, it features dual hole design, one being 8 and other 12 mm in diameter (note that you can sharpen pencils that are anywhere from 6 to 12 mm in diameter).

Another cool feature regarding this product is the fact that the cutter is replaceable. That’s right: you open the sharpener, pull the cutter down and remove it from the sharpener. You can add the new cutter by attaching it to the motor, the same way you removed it (well, not the same way, but you get the point).

The product is light, compact and portable; you can run it with 4 AA batteries. It is also kid-friendly, and won’t function until every integral attachment is in its place. Furthermore, this sharpener is good at preventing oversharpening, thanks to the AutoStop safety feature. And by the way, it is the second most inexpensive product on our list, which is a big plus.

Verdict

LINKYO – Most Inexpensive Choice

LINKYO Electric Pencil Sharpener is the most inexpensive product on our list, available in classic and pro version (we are reviewing classic version, which is less expensive, but also less durable).

This item features 360-degree helical cutter, capable of delivering sharp finish in a matter of seconds. More importantly, the result is even, consistent and professional pencil tip. The blades are made of heavy-duty steel, but not stainless steel, meaning that the LINKYO sharpener might succumb to rust.

The product runs on conventional AC system, but it does feature unique vertical design. The shavings tray is quite massive: according to the manufacturer, it can store up to 100 pencil shavings, which is quite impressive. There is also the Auto Jam-Release technology, which helps with unjamming; you merely press the pencil down and release, which should unjam the sharpener.

It is kid-friendly and will shut off automatically if the protective lid is removed or lifted. Also, the base is anti-slip designed, which helps with vibration and keeps the sharpener in place. It’s great that the product features jam-release technology since it does struggle with jamming.

Verdict