Prices verified Aug 10 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
Quick answer
For US shoppers comparing these writing tools, Paper Mate Flair is listed at $9.97 as a 12-count medium 0.7 mm felt-tip pen set, while Sharpie is listed at $7.89 as a 12-count fine-tip permanent-marker set. Sharpie is $2.08 lower in the current registry snapshot, but these are different ink categories rather than interchangeable versions of the same product. Paper Mate is the clearer fit for paper writing, note-taking, arts and crafts, or journaling; Sharpie is the clearer fit when a fine-tip permanent-marker format is specifically required and the surface is appropriate. Both show 4.8 stars, while Paper Mate has the larger review pool. Crayola Super Tips and a Sharpie variety pack are separate alternatives, not silent replacements. No independent ink, drying, bleed-through, permanence, color, washability, or surface-compatibility test was performed.
Paper Mate is a felt-tip pen; Sharpie is $2.08 cheaper and explicitly permanent. Match ink type to the surface before buying.
Mubboo Verdict
Winner
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens vs Sharpie Permanent Markers, side by side
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
Pros:
- Felt-tip pen wording is explicit
- Medium 0.7 mm tip is named
- Larger review pool
Cons (honest weight):
- $2.08 higher snapshot price
- Not a permanent-marker substitute
- Verify ink behavior on the chosen paper
Sharpie Permanent Markers
Pros:
- $2.08 lower snapshot price
- Permanent-marker wording is explicit
- Fine tip and black 12-count format
Cons (honest weight):
- Permanent ink is not right for every paper or surface
- Verify ventilation and surface instructions
- No independent ink or permanence test
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Paper Mate takes 1; Sharpie Permanent takes 1.
| Dimension | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens | Sharpie Permanent Markers | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapshot priceSharpie is lower in the captured US registry. | $9.97 | $7.89 | Sharpie Permanent |
| Product typeThese are different ink categories, not interchangeable products. | Felt-tip pens | Permanent markers | Tie |
| Pack sizeBoth captured titles name 12-count packs. | 12 count | 12 count | Tie |
| Tip wordingThe titles name medium 0.7 mm for Paper Mate and fine tip for Sharpie. | Medium 0.7 mm | Fine tip | Tie |
| Intended use wordingPaper Mate names writing and journaling; Sharpie names multiple surfaces. | Writing/journaling | Wood/plastic/paper/metal wording | Tie |
| RatingBoth show 4.8 stars in the snapshot. | 4.8 | 4.8 | Tie |
| Review countPaper Mate has the larger captured feedback pool. | 77,978 | 45,108 | Paper Mate |
| Independent ink testNo controlled test was performed. | Not tested | Not tested | Tie |
| Overall | 1 win | 1 win | Tie |
These are different ink categories
Paper Mate Flair is listed as a felt-tip pen set at $9.97. Sharpie is listed as a fine-tip permanent-marker set at $7.89. Sharpie is $2.08 lower in the current snapshot, but price is not the deciding factor when the ink category does not match the project.
Use the product type as the first filter: felt-tip pens are commonly considered for paper writing and journaling, while the Sharpie title names permanent-marker use on wood, plastic, paper, metal, and more. Those are listing descriptions, not an independent test of every surface.
Tip and pack details
Both captured titles name 12-count packs. Paper Mate names a medium 0.7 mm point; Sharpie names a fine tip. Verify the selected color set, tip size, cap, and count because marketplace variations can change the displayed details.
A fine tip is not automatically better for small writing, and a medium felt tip is not automatically better for journaling. Match the tip to line width, paper texture, lettering style, and how much show-through you can accept.
Paper and surface checks
Before using either product on a finished project, test a small area of the actual paper or surface. Paper weight, coating, absorbency, texture, and the color underneath can change the visible result and bleed-through.
For permanent-marker use, follow the current label and use the product only on suitable surfaces. Keep caps closed, avoid contact with eyes or mouth, and use appropriate ventilation when the label calls for it. This page is not a chemical-safety certification.
Rating and review evidence
Both products show 4.8 stars in the registry snapshot. Paper Mate has 77,978 reviews and Sharpie has 45,108. These figures describe retailer feedback pools; they do not establish drying time, bleed-through, permanence, color accuracy, or surface compatibility.
Prices, colors, sellers, pack counts, and availability can change. Recheck the selected listing and delivered price before ordering.
Choosing between the two
Choose Paper Mate when your project is paper writing, note-taking, arts and crafts, or journaling and you want a felt-tip pen format. Choose Sharpie when you specifically need a fine-tip permanent-marker format and have confirmed the surface and ink behavior.
Do not treat the lower Sharpie price as a universal value win. A permanent marker can be the wrong tool for a page, and a felt-tip pen can be the wrong tool when the mark must remain on a non-paper surface.
Alternatives
Crayola Super Tips is a separate washable-marker path, while the Sharpie Variety Pack is a separate permanent-marker path with multiple tip sizes. They are not silent replacements for the primary products; verify ink type, tip mix, count, age guidance, and surface before buying.
What this comparison does not test
No independent test was performed for drying time, bleed-through, permanence, color accuracy, odor, line consistency, washability, or surface compatibility. The recommendations are limited to registry facts and captured listing wording.
Choose by ink category first, then verify the tip, surface, paper, color, and current offer. The live product page is the final source for variation-level details.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paper writing | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens | Felt-tip wording. |
| Permanent marks | Sharpie Permanent Markers | Permanent wording. |
| Budget-first shopping | Sharpie Permanent Markers | Lower snapshot price. |
| Medium tip preference | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens | Medium 0.7 mm wording. |
| Fine tip preference | Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine-tip wording. |
| You need tested ink results | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens | No performance winner claimed. |
Felt-tip wording.
Permanent wording.
Lower snapshot price.
Medium 0.7 mm wording.
Fine-tip wording.
No performance winner claimed.
What if neither is right?
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers
$15.29
A separate in-stock alternative; verify the age guidance, tip shape, colors, and current pack before ordering.
Sharpie Permanent Markers Variety Pack
$5.74
A separate in-stock alternative; verify the fine, chisel, and ultra-fine tip mix and current pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paper Mate Flair and Sharpie the same type of marker?
No. Paper Mate Flair is listed as a felt-tip pen, while Sharpie is listed as a fine-tip permanent-marker set. Choose by ink category before comparing price.
Which is cheaper?
Sharpie is listed at $7.89 versus $9.97 for Paper Mate, a $2.08 snapshot difference.
What tip sizes are listed?
Paper Mate names a medium 0.7 mm point. Sharpie names a fine tip. Verify the selected variation and current package before ordering.
Can I use Sharpie on paper?
The captured Sharpie title names paper among several surfaces, but actual bleed-through and appearance depend on the paper. Test a small area and follow the live label instructions.
Did Mubboo test ink performance?
No. This comparison uses registry and listing evidence and does not include controlled testing of drying time, bleed-through, permanence, color accuracy, odor, washability, or surface compatibility.
Sources: Paper Mate current listing; Sharpie current listing.
Primary sources. Exact listing details were checked against Manufacturer product page; Manufacturer product page. Product-family context comes from the linked manufacturer pages; prices, stock, ratings, and review counts are volatile registry fields and should be checked again before purchase.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team - independent US-market consumer research. This comparison uses registry and listing evidence; it does not claim ink, drying, permanence, color, washability, or surface testing.