How popular isZebra?
In September 2026, people searched for Zebra by name about 190 times in New Zealand, a 5.6% increase from the previous year. These searches made up 0.68% of all New Zealand highlighter brand searches, placing Zebra fourth out of four brands. When we asked both ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about highlighter brands, Zebra appeared in two of the five answers and was the second most recommended of the four.
Zebra is the fourth most searched of 4 competitors and the second most recommended in AI answers.
SharpieShare of searches 91.2%Mentioned in 1 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 4th
StabiloShare of searches 7.5%Mentioned in 4 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 1st
Faber-CastellShare of searches 0.68%Mentioned in 3 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 3rd
ZebraShare of searches 0.68%Mentioned in 2 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 2nd
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Top highlighter brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Zebra was mentioned in two out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. Zebra is the second most recommended of the four.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Stabilo1st
Zebra2nd
Faber-Castell3rd
Sharpie4th
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Stabilo4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Faber-Castell3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Zebra2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Sharpie1 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about highlighter brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which highlighter brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best highlighter brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best highlighter brand in New Zealand for school notes?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“highlighter brands”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best highlighters”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Which highlighter brands compete with Zebra?
Share of searches by month for Sharpie, Stabilo, Zebra. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Sharpie | Stabilo | Faber-Castell | Zebra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 92.8% | 6.5% | 0.72% | 0% |
| Nov 2025 | 89.7% | 8.7% | 0.79% | 0.79% |
| Dec 2025 | 91.6% | 6.7% | 1.7% | 0% |
| Jan 2026 | 88.3% | 8.4% | 2.6% | 0.65% |
| Feb 2026 | 89.4% | 8.3% | 1.5% | 0.76% |
| Mar 2026 | 93.1% | 5.6% | 0.69% | 0.69% |
| Apr 2026 | 92.8% | 5.4% | 0.9% | 0.9% |
| May 2026 | 90.2% | 8.3% | 0.75% | 0.75% |
| Jun 2026 | 91.3% | 6.3% | 1.6% | 0.79% |
| Jul 2026 | 90.6% | 7.1% | 1.6% | 0.79% |
| Aug 2026 | 89.6% | 8.1% | 1.5% | 0.74% |
| Sep 2026 | 91.2% | 7.5% | 0.68% | 0.68% |
| Rank | Brand | Share of searches | Estimated monthly branded searches | vs prior month | Share change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1, held 1st | 91.2% | 1.3K | +10.7% | +1.5 points | |
| 2, held 2nd | 7.5% | 110 | 0% | -0.7 points | |
| 3, held 3rd | 0.68% | 10 | -50% | -0.8 points | |
| 4, held 4th | 0.68% | 10 | 0% | -0.1 points |
1.
Sharpie91.2%
Held 1st. 1.3K estimated branded searches, +10.7% vs prior month. Share +1.5 points.
2.
Stabilo7.5%
Held 2nd. 110 estimated branded searches, 0% vs prior month. Share -0.7 points.
0.68%
Held 3rd. 10 estimated branded searches, -50% vs prior month. Share -0.8 points.
4.
Zebra0.68%
Held 4th. 10 estimated branded searches, 0% vs prior month. Share -0.1 points.
Compare popularity between Zebra and its closest rivals
Every comparison with Zebra
11 comparisons
How has branded search demand for Zebra changed in New Zealand over the last 12 months?
2 findings
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, estimated monthly branded searches for Zebra in New Zealand rose from 180 to 190.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Zebra’s share of searches among highlighter brands in New Zealand increased from 0% to 0.68%.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand highlighter brands in September 2026?
3 changes

In September 2026, Sharpie gained share of searches among highlighter brands in New Zealand, from 89.6% to 91.2%.

In September 2026, Faber-Castell lost share of searches among highlighter brands in New Zealand, from 1.5% to 0.68%.

In September 2026, Stabilo lost share of searches among highlighter brands in New Zealand, from 8.1% to 7.5%.
How are Zebra’s branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Zebra’s name. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brand is growing, holding steady, or fading.
- zebra highlighter
- zebra pen
- zebra pens
Do you work for Zebra? To request corrections or removal please contact us via our support page and we will be happy to assist.
Where does Zebra compete?
| Competitor set | Rank | Share of searches | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen and stationery brands | 10th of 10 | 2% | Show ranking |
| Pen brands | 6th of 6 | 2% | Show ranking |
| Highlighter brands | 4th of 4 | 0.68% | Shown above |

Is Zebra your brand?
Put your own campaigns, spend and outcomes next to this demand line, so you can see which of your marketing lined up with the movements above.