Picking a highlighter comes down to one question: do you want soft pastel colors that stay readable and double as a lettering pen, or bold fluorescent ink that jumps off the page? We carry one of each, the Zebra Mildliner and the Sharpie Accent Tank. This guide compares them using the details on the product pages. We ship within the US, and orders over $49.99 ship free.
Zebra Mildliner vs Sharpie Accent Tank at a glance
| Zebra Mildliner | Sharpie Accent Tank | |
|---|---|---|
| Set size | 15 pack | 6 count |
| Colors | Soft pastel tones | Assorted fluorescent colors |
| Tips | Double ended: broad chisel tip and fine bullet tip | Chisel tip |
| Ink | Water-resistant, translucent pigment ink; described as preventing bleed-through | Quick-drying SmearGuard ink |
| Barrel | Slim pen | Wide barrel with a large ink supply |
| Price | $24.99 | $34.99 |
Prices are as listed when this guide was written. Check each product page for the current price.
Zebra Mildliner: soft colors and two tips
The Mildliner is double ended. The broad chisel tip is for highlighting and filling areas. The fine bullet tip is for underlining, lettering and detailed work. The 15 colors are soft pastel tones rather than neon, so notes stay easy to read. The listing describes the water-resistant pigment ink as translucent and bleed-resistant, which is why it is popular for journals, planners, textbooks and sketchbooks. It suits students, artists and anyone who likes decorating notes.
Sharpie Accent Tank: bold and quick-drying
The Accent Tank is built for bold, vivid lines in assorted fluorescent colors. It has a wide barrel, a large ink supply and a chisel tip. The listing says the SmearGuard ink dries quickly, which helps if you work fast or write left-handed. It is a good fit for study sessions, notes and office use.
Which one should you buy?
- Journals, planners, bullet journaling and lettering: Zebra Mildliner, for the two tips and the soft palette.
- Textbooks and heavy note-taking: either works. Mildliner for gentler color, Accent Tank for bolder color and a large ink supply.
- Office use and quick marking: Sharpie Accent Tank.
- Most colors for the money: Mildliner. The 15-pack is $24.99 against $34.99 for 6 Accent Tanks.
Looking for more school and art supplies? See our Ticonderoga pencils guide and the bulk pencils guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a chisel tip and a bullet tip?
A chisel tip is broad and flat, for highlighting lines of text. A bullet tip is fine and round, for underlining and detail. The Mildliner has both, one on each end.
Do Zebra Mildliner highlighters bleed through paper?
The listing describes the pigment ink as translucent and preventing bleed-through. Paper varies, so test on a spare corner of the page if you use thin paper.
Do you ship within the US?
Yes. We ship within the US, and orders over $49.99 ship free.
