Best Marker & Highlighter Ink Refills in the UK: Save Money, Time, and the Planet

Why switching to marker and highlighter ink refills makes sense

If you've ever stared at a dried-out highlighter or a sad, half-empty marker and wondered whether you should toss it or try to save it, you're not alone. Refills let you squeeze more life out of the tools you already own. In the UK, switching to refills can cut costs, reduce plastic waste, and keep your favourite colours in rotation. Whether you're stocking a home office, a classroom, or a busy meeting room, refills are a smart move that feels good every time you click the cap back on.

Big savings without the sacrifice

Buying refills instead of brand-new markers can save you a tidy sum over time. Think about it like topping up a petrol tank instead of buying a new car — the initial outlay for a refill is tiny compared to replacing the whole marker. For freelancers and small businesses that go through dozens of markers and highlighters, those savings add up fast. Look for branded cartridge refills or bottle refills offered by Ryman, Viking, Staples UK, WHSmith, and Amazon UK to compare per-unit prices and get the best deal.

A greener desk is a happier desk

Refilling reduces single-use plastic and landfill waste. A single refill cartridge often contains only a fraction of the materials of a full plastic marker body, so choosing refills is a simple but effective sustainability win. If you're trying to hit environmental goals at work or just want to feel less guilty about office clutter, refills are an easy, practical choice.

Types of refills and how they differ

Not all refills are created equal. Knowing the main types helps you pick the right option for your marker or highlighter. The three common refill types are cartridge refills, bottle-style refills (dropper or syringe), and pump-style refills for larger dry-erase markers. Each has pros and cons depending on how often you use markers, how fussy you are about colour matching, and whether you love DIY solutions or want a straightforward swap-in cartridge.

Cartridge refills — plug-and-play convenience

Cartridge refills are the easiest: remove the old cartridge and slide the new one in. Brands such as Staedtler, Stabilo, and some office retailers sell cartridges for specific marker models. If you want simplicity and quick replacement during a busy shift, cartridges are a top pick. They're tidy, minimise spills, and are usually sold in multi-packs for bulk savings.

Bottle refills — best for heavy users

Bottle refills come as small bottles of ink with a dropper or syringe. They're the go-to for people who use markers constantly, like artists, teachers, and office admins. With bottle refills you can top up many markers from one bottle, which is economical and reduces packaging. Just make sure you use gloves or a refill tool to avoid staining your desk or fingers.

Pump-style refills for wide markers

Large whiteboard or flip-chart markers often use a pump mechanism that re-wets the felt tip. Pump refills are great for boards used in conference rooms, classrooms, and studios. They usually come in small bottles with a controlled applicator so you can restore a dry tip without over-saturating it.

Top UK retailers where you can buy marker and highlighter refills

Shopping around pays off. The UK market has a healthy mix of specialist suppliers and high-street retailers that stock refills. Here’s a quick tour of places to check, along with what they’re best for.

Ryman — reliable office staples

Ryman is a classic choice for office supplies. They stock branded refills and budget alternatives, making them a good one-stop shop for businesses and students. Ryman often lists compatibility info, which is handy when you’re matching cartridges to a marker model.

Viking — business-focused buy-in

Viking (also known as Office Depot in some circles) caters to businesses and offers bulk packs geared toward offices. If you’re managing a supply cupboard for a team, Viking’s business accounts and bulk discounts can lower your per-refill cost significantly.

Staples UK — wide variety and business services

Staples UK carries pens, markers, and a selection of refills from major brands. They also offer business services and bulk purchasing options, which makes Staples a practical choice for companies that need predictable restocking on a regular schedule.

WHSmith — convenient high-street access

WHSmith is everywhere and often stocks refills for popular marker lines. Their high-street presence makes them great for quick top-ups if you need something fast between meetings or on a school run.

Amazon UK — the ultimate variety pack

Amazon UK offers the biggest variety, from branded cartridges to niche refill bottles. The massive selection makes it easy to hunt down unusual colours or specialist inks, and customer reviews help you judge compatibility and performance before you buy.

How to choose the right refill: compatibility, colour, and tip size

Choosing the wrong refill can be frustrating — it might leak, fail to flow, or simply not fit. Here are the practical checkpoints to follow before you place an order.

Check compatibility and model numbers

Look for compatibility info on the refill packaging. Markers often have model numbers stamped on the barrel; match these to the cartridge or refill model. If you’re buying online, use search filters like “cartridge compatible with [brand] model” to avoid mismatches. When in doubt, take a picture of the marker and compare it to product images from retailers like Ryman or Staples UK.

Colour intensity and permanence

Do you need a fluorescent neon for highlighting or a subtle pastel for colour-coding? Highlighter refills tend to be translucent and fluorescent, while permanent marker refills deliver rich, opaque pigment. Think about permanence too: do you want a refill that wipes off a whiteboard or one that bonds to cardboard and plastic?

Tip size equals line width

Tip sizes determine how bold your marks look. If you prefer a fine underlining or precise note-taking, choose a refill that produces a narrow line — roughly 0.02 to 0.03 inches for fine tips. For headings and bold highlights, look for tips around 0.06 to 0.12 inches. Remember to check the tip width in the product details and visualise how it will look on your pages.

Whiteboard vs permanent marker refills: pick the correct chemistry

Markers are made for different surfaces. Using the wrong refill can be messy or ruin your work surface. Understanding the ink chemistry helps you match refills to the job.

Alcohol-based dry-erase refills

Dry-erase refills are usually alcohol-based so the ink can be wiped from non-porous surfaces like glass and whiteboards. They dry quickly, resist smudging, and are easy to erase. Perfect for meeting rooms, classrooms, and quick brainstorms.

Solvent-based permanent refills

Permanent refills use stronger solvents that bond to porous surfaces like cardboard, plastic, and metal. They resist water and fading, making them ideal for labelling and industrial uses. Be careful — permanent ink can stain skin and clothing, so use in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves if you’re doing a big refill session.

How to refill markers safely at home or in the office

Refilling markers yourself is satisfying and cost-effective, but a messy process if you rush. Here’s a simple guide to refill like a pro, plus the tools you’ll want to have on hand.

Tools you’ll need

Gather small gloves, paper towels, a syringe or dropper (often supplied with bottle refills), and a tray or old newspaper. If you’re using cartridges, you’ll need nothing more than the new cartridge and a tidy surface. For bottle and pump refills, a plastic syringe helps control how much ink goes into the tip, avoiding over-saturation.

Step-by-step refill method

Start by removing the cap and blotting the tip gently on paper towel to remove excess ink. If your marker has a replaceable cartridge, pull the old cartridge out and slide the new one in until it clicks. For bottle refills, use the syringe to inject small amounts of ink into the barrel or into the back of the tip — start with a few drops and test. Wait a few minutes for the ink to reach the tip. Test on scrap paper; if the flow is weak, add one more small dose. Clean any spills immediately with a damp cloth and soap.

Tips to keep markers flowing and avoid clogs

Markers last longer when you treat them right. Small habits make a huge difference: always replace caps, avoid leaving tips on dry surfaces, and store refills and markers correctly between uses.

Cleaning and unclogging

If a marker starts to skip, try cleaning the tip. For dry-erase markers, a quick rub on a damp cloth often restores flow. For permanent markers, a few drops of the appropriate solvent (check manufacturer guidance) can help dissolve debris. Avoid prodding the nib with pins or sharp objects, which can damage the tip permanently.

Storage matters

Store markers horizontally if they’re dual-ended or if manufacturers recommend it; some single-tipped markers last longer standing with the tip down so ink feeds to the nib. Keep refills tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and place them away from extreme heat or direct sunlight to preserve colour vibrancy.

Buying in bulk and subscription options to save more

If your household or office goes through markers regularly, bulk purchases and subscriptions can cut costs and administration time. Many UK suppliers offer business accounts, recurring orders, and volume discounts that translate to major savings over the year.

When bulk makes sense

Buying in bulk is great if you have steady, predictable usage — for example, schools, training centres, or busy offices. Calculate how many refills you use per month and compare the cost per refill when buying single packs versus bulk boxes. Often, buying 12 or 24-packs reduces the price per unit dramatically.

Subscriptions and managed supplies

Some retailers offer subscription services that send refills at preset intervals, so you never run out mid-meeting. Business accounts with suppliers like Viking or Staples often include automatic reorder options and account management tools that make stock control painless.

Final tips for choosing the perfect refill strategy

Mix practicality with a little foresight: match refill type to marker use, choose reliable retailers for compatibility, and buy in quantities that make sense for your usage rate. Don’t forget to compare unit prices across retailers — the cheapest option up front isn't always the best long-term buy if it doesn’t last or clog consistently. With a little testing, you’ll find your ideal balance of cost, performance, and sustainability.

Conclusion: Refilling markers and highlighters is an easy win — you save money, cut waste, and keep the colours you love within reach. Whether you pick cartridges from Ryman, bulk packs from Viking, branded options at Staples UK, or a unique colour from Amazon UK, there’s a refill solution that fits your needs. Try one method, give it a week, and you'll soon wonder why you waited so long to change your routine.