Best Electric Pencil Sharpener: Getting The Sharpest Point

Almost all children began to learn at home schools during the pandemic. It is a new reality for us and a new cause for nerves for parents. It is especially hard for those whose children are now in elementary school. They literally have become teachers and need to do a lot of tasks with their children. 

Pencils are ground one by one. At this time electric pencil sharpener can become your hero. In this article, we will help you choose the best and safe for children model, one which will do its job quickly and quietly.

We review the best electric pencil sharpeners not only for parents but also for teachers and artists. Teachers sometimes need to sharpen more than 20 pencils at once. They want a quick but quiet electric sharpener. And artists are looking for sharpeners that will make their pencils perfectly sharp and able to draw the thinnest lines. Below is our top choice that will satisfy all your needs.

X-ACTO XLR

The best model for an even and sharp lead

The electric pencil sharpener will make your drawing experience much more enjoyable. Forget about dozens of pencils, shavings all around you, and broken leads. You will need just 3-5 seconds to make your pencil as sharp as you need. 

Comparison table: 5 best electric pencil sharpeners

	
Model
Characteristics


	
X-ACTO XLR
The best model for an even and sharp lead
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7.25 x 4 x 6 inches

Ideal for: all standard-size pencils

Auto reset/shutoff: yes

Benefits
- Has Pencil Saver technology that prevents over-sharpening and extends pencil life;

- Applies equal force around the pencil, therefore, leads rarely get broken.

Jump to the detailed review


	
Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener
The best battery-operated sharpener
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.9 x 3 x 2.2 inches

Ideal for: No. 2 and colored pencils

Auto reset/shutoff: yes

Benefits
- Battery-powered and cable-free;

- Lightweight, you can take it with you.

Jump to the detailed review


	
X-ACTO School Pro
The biggest shavings bin
Item Dimensions LxWxH:  8.5 x 8 x 5.68 inches

Ideal for: 6 different sizes

Auto reset/shutoff: yes

Benefits
- Can be used for different-sized pencils;

- Has several suction cups on the bottom to stick to the surface.

Jump to the detailed review


	
OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener
The best rechargeable model
Item Dimensions LxWxH:  3.5 x 3.5 x 7.1 inches

Ideal for:  No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, charcoal pencils (6-8mm)

Auto reset/shutoff: yes

Benefits
- Can be used up to 300 times after 1-hour charging;

- Adjustable pencil sharpness.

Jump to the detailed review


	
Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener
The most compact model
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.38 x 4 x 4.25 inches

Ideal for: all standard-size pencils

Auto reset/shutoff: no

Benefits
- Perfectly sized for desktop or to put it in a school bag;

- Has a fan to cool down the motor.

Jump to the detailed review

How did we choose

To choose the best electric pencil sharpeners, we have conducted extensive research. Here are our steps:

• First of all, we found 48 models with the highest ratings.
• Then, excluding the outdated or models with a small number of reviews, we selected 10 models for a detailed analysis.
• We analyzed around 120 customer reviews to highlight the most important criteria.

Thanks to our research we found what customers prefer in electric pencil sharpeners. Also, we learned the advantages and disadvantages of all models. This helped us select top-5 electric sharpeners. You can see below the results of our research.

What to pay attention to while choosing an electric pencil sharpener

1. Sharp lead

The most important aspect while you use an electric pencil sharpener is the result. The lead must be sharpened evenly, without wood on it. A good sharpener will not break the lead during sharpening.

The X-ACTO XLR (review) applies equal force around the pencil. That is why it sharpens pencils evenly and you can use it even for coloured pencils. The X-ACTO School Pro (review) is another good example of evenly sharpened leads but it is not recommended to use it with coloured pencils; usually, they are made from oils or wax and clay therefore quick and harsh work of this model can damage their leads.

2. Does not chew pencils

One of the most widespread problems of electric pencil sharpeners is that they can eat half of the pencil to make it sharp. The reasons can be different like a broken lead or not sharp blades. People prefer to use the X-ACTO School Pro (review) because it sharpens the pencils to a point without eating them.

3. Compactness

This point is important for those who want to put a sharpener on a desktop or would like to take it with you in a bag. The Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener (review) is smaller than the standard classroom electric pencil sharpener but has the same power. Also, if you want to hold the sharpener in a hand, pay attention to the battery-operated Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review). 

4. Quietness

Not all electric pencil sharpeners are as loud as a 20-year-old chainsaw. Modern models are much quieter. If you need to sharpen a lot of pencils at once, you and your head will be grateful for the quiet work. The Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review) is the quietest model on our list.

Additional factors to pay attention to

• Detects pencils easily — you do not need to push a pencil to turn on the sharpener.
• Quickness — the quickest models can sharpen one pencil in less than 5 seconds.
• Durability — it depends on the frequency of use, but a reliable sharpener will last more than three months.
• Auto-shutoff — to stop working when the pencil is sharp enough.
• Easy to clean — shavings do not crumble when you take out the container.

A detailed review of each model

X-ACTO XLR — The best model for an even and sharp lead

X-ACTO XLR

The best model for an even and sharp lead

	
Item Dimensions LxWxH:

Ideal for:

Auto reset/shutoff: 

Benefits:
7.25 x 4 x 6 inches

All standard-size pencils

Yes

- Has Pencil Saver technology that prevents over-sharpening and extends pencil life;

- Applies equal force around the pencil, therefore, leads rarely get broken.

Pros

• Does not break the leads
• Has Pencil Saver technology that prevents over-sharpening
• Can work up to 2 years
• Compatible with coloured pencils

Cons

• Not as quiet as the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review)
• Not so easy to clean as the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review)

The X-ACTO XLR will make the sharpest pencils. It applies equal force around them which is why it sharpens pencils evenly. This mechanism makes it compatible even with coloured pencils. The OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener (review) is also compatible with coloured pencils but it does not have Pencil Saver technology. This technology prevents over-sharpening. So, it extends pencil life.

Emptying the tub of shavings can be messy in this model due to the vertical tub design. But if you do not fill the reservoir completely, it will be easier to empty. If you sharpen a lot of pencils, pay attention to the X-ACTO School Pro (review). This model has the biggest container for shavings but it works louder.

Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener — The best battery-operated sharpener

Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener

The best battery-operated sharpener

	
Item Dimensions LxWxH:

Ideal for:

Auto reset/shutoff: 

Benefits:
4.9 x 3 x 2.2 inches

No. 2 and colored pencils

Yes

- Battery-powered and cable-free;

- Lightweight, you can take it with you.

Pros

• Battery-operated
• Safety design for kids
• Fits in hand
• Compatible with coloured pencils

Cons

• Do not come with batteries, you will need to buy 4 AA batteries
• Not as quick as the Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener (review)

The Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener is a cordless, battery-operated electric pencil sharpener. It is small, you can easily hold it in your hand. Moreover, it is a lightweight model. You can put it anywhere with you. That is an advantage for those who like sketching in the park. The OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener (review) is also a cordless, rechargeable model but it is not so small.

The Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener is safe for kids. It has an auto-stop mechanism that turns on when the pencil is sharp enough. Also, the sharpener will stop work when the shaving cover is removed. Children can easily clean this model. Even the 9-year-old child can detach the tub full of pencil shavings, empty it and replace it. As the X-ACTO XLR (review), the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener does not damage leads but it can take more time to sharpen one pencil.

X-ACTO School Pro — The biggest shavings bin

X-ACTO School Pro

The biggest shavings bin

	
Item Dimensions LxWxH:

Ideal for:

Auto reset/shutoff: 

Benefits:
8.5 x 8 x 5.68 inches

6 different sizes

Yes

- Can be used for different-sized pencils;

- Has several suction cups on the bottom to stick to the surface.

Pros

• Has the biggest shavings bin
• Compatible with different-sized pencils
• Has suction cups on the bottom to stick to the surface
• Does not chew pencils

Cons

• Not as quiet as the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review)

The X-ACTO School Pro is designed mostly for schools but it is also perfect for home use. Its design is suitable for 6 different-sized pencils. Whether it is beginner pencils or coloured pencils — this sharpener will work with all of them. In addition, it has the biggest shavings bin. You will need to sharpen around 40 pencils to empty it. But pay attention that it is not recommended to use this sharpener with coloured pencils. Usually, they are made from oils or wax and clay therefore quick and harsh work of the X-ACTO School Pro can damage their leads. 

As the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review), this model is safe for children. It has an auto-stop feature. It automatically turns the sharper off when a pencil is sharp. The new feature is that this sharpener will stop working when there is a danger of overheating. The SafeStart feature guarantees that the sharpener will not start if the shaving bin is removed.

OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener — The best rechargeable model

OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener

The best rechargeable model

	
Item Dimensions LxWxH:

Ideal for:

Auto reset/shutoff: 

Benefits:
3.5 x 3.5 x 7.1 inches

No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, charcoal pencils (6-8mm)

Yes

- Can be used up to 300 times after 1-hour charging;

- Adjustable pencil sharpness.

Pros

• 1 charge is enough for up to 300 uses
• Has an adjustable pencil sharpness
• Has an instruction
• Has an auto-reset feature to prevent overheating

Cons

• Has a USB cord but no adapter, which you can buy if needed
• Sometimes can eat pencils

The OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener is the best model for those who do not like extremely sharp pencils. Using it, you can adjust the desirable pencil sharpness. It will be exactly what you want no matter what kind of pencils you use: standard No. 2, coloured or even charcoal. This is the only sharpener on our list that will work with all these types. The only remark — if your pencil has a broken lead (e.g. after the fall), this sharpener can chew it.

As the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review), you can also take this model everywhere with you. But pay attention that the OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener is a little bit bigger. To charge this model you can use the included USB cord. One charge is enough for up to 300 uses. To refill full by USB, you will need around 2 hours or 1 hour to refill full by adapter. The adapter is not included but you can buy it separately.

Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener — The most compact model

Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener

The most compact model

	
Item Dimensions LxWxH:

Ideal for:

Auto reset/shutoff: 

Benefits:
8.38 x 4 x 4.25 inches

All standard-size pencils

No

- Perfectly sized for desktop or to put it in a school bag;

- Has a fan to cool down the motor.

Pros

• Compact
• Has a warranty (for the USA and Canada only)
• Has a fan to cool down the motor
• A safety switch that does not turn on the sharpener when the shaving cover is removed

Cons

• Does not automatically turn off when the pencil is sharp

The Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener is the most compact model among wired ones. Its size is perfect for both your desktop and to put in a school bag. This model is smaller than the standard classroom size sharpener but has the same power. Its thermally protected motor is cooled down with a quiet fan. Thanks to this the unit does not overheat and you can sharpen more pencils.

As the Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener (review), this model has a safety switch. It means that the unit stops working when the shaving cover is removed. This model does not automatically turn off when the pencil is sharp. But it has a function that makes a sound when the pencil is sharpened. For users from the USA and Canada, the manufacturer offers a 7-year limited warranty.

Electric vs manual pencil sharpeners: which one is better

A manual pencil sharpener is a perfect decision if you do not need to sharpen a lot of pencils. Usually, it is used at home. However, when you sharpen daily and more than one pencil, a manual pencil sharpener can become a problem. You will face corns on your fingers. To avoid this, it is better to use an electric pencil sharpener.

Electric pencil sharpeners are more expensive than manual ones. But choosing the right one, you will not regret. You will forget about corns on your fingers. Also, electric sharpeners work much quicker (on average they need 3-5 seconds to sharpen one pencil). So, you will be less distracted and able to focus more on your job.

Some people argue that manual sharpeners are better because you can regulate how sharp the pencil will be. But today there are electric sharpeners where you can adjust pencil sharpness. The OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener (review) is the best example of such a feature. So, if you need to sharpen a lot of pencils, pay attention to the electric pencil sharpeners.

Summary

Electric pencil sharpeners usually are used in schools, offices, and by artists. However, during the pandemic, they became more popular among households, especially with schoolchildren.

When you decide to buy an electric pencil sharpener, pay attention to these factors: it makes the sharp lead, does not chew pencils, the sharpener is compact, and works quietly. There are also additional factors such as detecting pencils easily, quickness, durability, auto-shutoff and ease to clean.

Below you can find top-5 electric pencil sharpeners.

X-ACTO XLR

The best model for an even and sharp lead

Jelly Comb Electric Pencil Sharpener

The best battery-operated sharpener

X-ACTO School Pro

The biggest shavings bin

OfficeWorld Electric Pencil Sharpener

The best rechargeable model

Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener

The most compact model

FAQs