Touchscreens have changed the way we interact with devices. While you can accomplish a lot by tapping or swiping with your fingertips, a stylus will give you more control over how you interact with a touchscreen, and its a must-have accessory if you need to write or draw on a tablet.Stylusesare appealing because they allow you to use digital tools in an analog way, experience increased efficiency with a traditional operation, and come in handy for signing documents.
When buying a stylus for your device, we recommend paying attention to the nib and grip of a stylus to determine if its a good fit for your needs. You should also pick a stylus designed for digital art or taking notes, depending on how you will use your touchscreen device.Before you invest in a stylus, it is a good idea to learn about them so you can make the best choice. To help you choose, our list includes an explanation of the best styluses for tablets and their top features.
Further reading
- Best drawing apps for the iPad Pro
- Best photo-editing apps
- Best Photoshop alternatives
The best styluses for artists
Every artist is different, and depending on your chosen medium and style of drawing or painting, you may want a specific kind of stylus. Some artistic styluses come with interchangeable tips, so you can vary the quality of input, while others are one-size-fits-all options or are specifically designed to mimic a certain medium. Whatever your needs are, here are some stylus options you can consider to find the best fit.
Apple Pencil [2nd-generation]
The original Apple Pencil debuted toward the end of 2015, and it set a new stylus standard. Not content to rest on its laurels, Apple launched a new generation of the Pencil in 2018 alongside an updated iPad Pro. The most recent incarnation of the Apple Pencil is similar to the previous generation, using the iPad Pros pressure-sensitive screen to produce incredibly fine lines with pressure-based variations. The side of the tip creates wider strokes, which is great for shading, and the tip can also offer a fine point when you need it. The stylus now clips magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and iPad Air to charge wirelessly, eschewing the awkward charging method of the original Pencil.
Before you jump in to buy it, make sure you have the correct iPad to use with the Apple Pencil . The Apple Pencil 2 only works with certain iPads which includes only newer models of the iPad Pro and iPad Air. If you own an older Pencil-compatible iPad [including older generations of the iPad Pro, the sixth-generation iPad, the iPad Mini 5, or the Apple iPad 10.2-inch 2019], then youll have to stick with the original Apple Pencil, which is still a great product.
Microsoft Surface Pen
If you use the Microsoft Surface series, the Microsoft Surface Pen is hands-down the best option for you. It feels like a natural drawing and writing tool, helping you get the job done effortlessly. Youll get excellent precision with the Surface Pen considering its 4,096 pressure points. Plus, it offers a great tilt-to-shade function so you can sketch and shade like you would on real paper.
The Surface Pen is compatible with nearly all devices from the Microsoft Surface series, so you can switch up your use if you own more than one device. But it could also be a downside, as you cant use the Surface Pen with other tablets and touchscreen devices. Overall, its an excellent option for Microsoft users who want a fancy yet functional stylus offering precision.
Renaisser Stylus
If youre an owner of a Microsoft Surface series tablet but dont want to spend over $50 on a new stylus, the Renaisser Stylus is an excellent buy for under $35. Using it feels like drawing on real paper, with 4,096 pressure points, a tilt-to-shade function, and MPP 2.0 technology for precise shading and sketching.
The Renaisser Stylus weighs just 40 grams and has an aluminum alloy body and streamlined design, measuring just 9.2mm in diameter. It features erase and right-click hotkeys and attaches magnetically to the left side of your Microsoft Surface tablet. Its compatible with nearly all Microsoft Surface series devices including the latest Surface Pro 8. Its the perfect choice for Microsoft users looking for a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pen.
$32 from Amazon
Meko Universal Stylus
The Meko Universal Stylus is an all-purpose tool made of stainless steel and aluminum that has a genuine pen-like feeling. It is compatible with a wide range of touchscreen devices, including Apple iPhones and iPads, Kindles, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and more. At 5.5 inches long, the tube is about 9mm across for a comfortable in-hand grip. A clear disc lets you see exactly where your markings go and also gives you the precise point tip thats perfect for taking notes and drawing. The disc diameter is about 6.8mm, which includes a 2mm rubber point, while the fiber tip diameter is 6mm. Tips are replaceable, and the package includes replacements for both the tip and the disc. It comes in various color combinations of black, blue, purple, pink, and gold.
Adonit Note Plus
Digital artists who draw and paint on their iPads have a welcome choice with the Adonit Note Plus . Made specifically for iPad models, including the most recent generation iPad Pro, 6th- to 9th-generation iPads, 3rd- and 4th-generation iPad Airs, and 5th- and 6th-generation iPad Mini, the Note Plus has critical features such as palm rejection and 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity to facilitate art creation with apps like Concepts, Zen Brush 2, Noteledge, and ProCreate. You can program shortcut buttons for your individual painting habits, like an eraser, and tilt your stylus against the screen to create a shaded effect in a drawing with specific brushes. Charge it up with a USB-C connector.
Adobe Ink & Slide
If youre invested in Adobes Creative Cloud, the companys Ink & Slide stylus and ruler combo may make the perfect tool for you. The Ink & Slide connects to any iPad 4 or later, iPad Air, or iPad Mini via Bluetooth LE. Its also synced with Creative Cloud, so every drawing or preference gets stored in the cloud for you to access on your computer or other devices later. The Ink & Slide also works with Adobes Photoshop Sketch apps.
The Adobe Ink & Slide stylus has a fine-tip, pressure-sensitive point and feels like a normal pen in your hand. The Ink uses Pixelpoint technology from Adonit for enhanced accuracy. A status LED on the stylus even shows you what color you chose so you dont make any mistakes. The Slide ruler can be used to make perfectly straight lines, circles, and other shapes. The Ink & Slide comes with a USB charger and carrying case.
Friendly Swede 4-in-1 Stylus
The Friendly Swede offers a stylus thats adaptable and useful for any digital artist and comes with four different tips: A paintbrush, a micro-knit fiber tip, a precision disc, and a regular ballpoint pen. The brush tip acts just like a real paintbrush, which makes it perfect for painting, but it wont work if you want to execute a fine-line drawing. Luckily, you can switch over to the precision disc if pinpoint accuracy is needed. For more regular stylus use, you can use the micro-knit fiber end. Finally, having a ballpoint pen in hand is just useful.
The Friendly Swede Stylus comes in an aluminum finish, looks just like a normal pen, and can be added to any pencil case or just slipped into a pocket. Each of the tips is replaceable, and the stylus comes with several replacement tips. Unfortunately, despite its versatility, youre unlikely to get the same level of pressure sensitivity youd get from more expensive styluses. However, at this price, you cant go wrong.
Adonit Mark
Adonit has been offering affordable and well-built styluses for quite a while, and the Mark is no different. It lets anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or touchscreen laptop have access to a solid, all-purpose stylus. The best thing about the Mark is how the stylus feels in the hand its made of anodized aluminum and is smooth but has a good grip. It also has a triangular shape, so it doesnt roll, which feels convenient.
The Adonit Mark is a decent, cheaper alternative for drawing, but we wouldnt recommend it for note-taking, as its not precise, being tipped with mesh. Even when drawing, dont expect to get accurate strokes while youre working on the finer details.
Best styluses for notetakers
There are almost as many styluses for note-taking as there are for drawing. Although there are scads of fine-tipped stylusesfor taking notes, these are the best weve found for precise writing on tablets.
Wacom Bamboo Tip
Whatever mobile device you possess iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Kindle Fire HD, as well as various mobile phones it will work just great with the Wacom Bamboo Tip. The stylus has a fine tip, letting you quickly jot down your notes. Its easy to use because, like a pen, you can see exactly where the stylus tip lands on the screen, and its ready for use when you turn it on no pairing needed. The Bamboo Tip works with your favorite apps on iOS and Android devices, with 20 hours of continuous use before having to recharge. The long-lasting tip is easy to replace. A free companion app, Bamboo Paper, transforms your device into a paper notebook, letting you sync your Bamboo paper and smart pad content across devices.
Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
The Logitech Crayon is a versatile digital pencil for iPads from 2018 and later, designed for users who want a great stylus but prefer something less expensive than the Apple Pencil. This stylus uses Apple Pencil tech to make the experience precise and responsive, with a natural pen and paper feel. Just turn it on and start using it no pairing needed. A smart tip adjusts line weight automatically so you can tilt for thicker or thinner lines. Built-in palm rejection lets you rest your hand on the screen while you write. The Crayon can withstand travel and commutes with four feet of drop protection, a tethered cap, and a flat shape that feels comfortable in the hand and prevents rolling off your desk. It can run for 7.5 hours of active writing time on a full charge, while a quick two-minute charge gives you 30 minutes of active writing time.
Adonit Switch
While the Adonit Switch may have a low price tag, that certainly doesnt mean it lacks style or usefulness. Thats right, the Switch doubles as a stylus and an actual pen. Roll the striped grip-end, and a ballpoint pen slips out. Rotate to take off the cap on the other side, and voilà, you have a precision stylus, complete witha disk at the end, allowing for more precise marks on your tablet. It feels and weighs about the same as a normal pen and can easily be mistaken for one. It can be used to draw, but youre better off sticking with writing notes with the Adonit Switch . The ballpoint pen writes fairly well and adds an immensely useful function if you happen to always carry a stylus around.
Adonit Pro 4
Adonit offers the most precise and fine stylus tips of any manufacturer. Although the Jot Script is well-liked for its extra-fine tip, it only works with iOS devices. The benefit of the Adonit Pro 4 is that it works on most touchscreen devices, including iPads, Android tablets, and Windows tablets.The Adonit Pro 4 has a very fine point, which makes it perfect for taking notes. It has a solid, well-built 9.25mm aluminum body and feels smooth and sleek. It offers a pen-like experience, with equal distribution of weight throughout the devices body. The Pro 4 looks and feels like a regular ballpoint pen, with the addition of the PET Precision Disc, a polycarbonate disc tip to protect the screen. The stylus comes in three color schemes: Black, silver, or gold.
Elzo 3-in-1 Stylus
If youre looking for an affordable alternative to some of the premium offerings, then look no further than the Elzo 3-in-1 Stylus . Its the perfect low-cost option, as it provides three tips in one slim body. Theres a soft nanofiber tip for general stylus use, but theres also a precision disc tip for more accurate work and a gel pen tip for writing on real paper. It has a solid aluminum body and comes with a soft grip for writing comfort. One of its best features is its compatibility. It works with a multitude of iOS and Android devices, including iPads, iPhones, Samsung devices, HTC devices, Motorola devices, and pretty much anything with a capacitive touchscreen.
Best tablets for styluses
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7iPad Pro [2021]iPad Mini [2021]iPad 9th GenMicrosoft Surface Pro 8As the numbers for both the iPad Pro and Microsofts Surface lineup attest, laptop-tablet hybrids are growing increasingly popular, as are styluses as accessories. Take, for instance, Samsungs tablet laptop, the Galaxy Tab S7, which boasts powerful performance, the versatility of Android, and a 2560 x 1600 [WQXGA] TFT display. The big, clear screen provides an exceptional portable canvas especially if you have a stylus to work with. Samsungs S Pen isnt revolutionary, but it does provide outstanding performance for taking notes or even some sketching.
Microsofts Surface Pro 8 is another hybrid example that supports an official stylus. The Surface Pro 8 uses Windows, so it can use the same programs as your desktop PC, though the applications might look a little different on the tablet. It also comes with support for Microsofts Type Cover. The Surface Pen is powerful, too, with excellent pressure sensitivity and a built-in eraser. The Surface Pen is something youll want to get, but it doesnt come with the Surface Pro 7, so youll have to buy it separately. Or you could pick up a Surface Pro-compatible stylus like the Renaisser Stylus.
Our last recommendation includes the iPad Prorange, which needs little introduction. The massive display gives you some expansive space to draw on. The iPad Pro is a favorite of many artists since its compatible with the famed Procreate app. Apple also updated the Pencil to use it for note-taking with your natural handwriting, or use the art studio tool for drawing. Budding artists who cant afford the iPad Pro still have options. The 9th-gen iPad [2021], as well as the iPad Mini [2021] and the iPad Airmodels,offerthat Apple experience with a more affordable price tag. Though some older iPads support only the first-generation Apple Pencil, theyll still give you various applications you can use for productivity and creativity.
Frequently asked questions [FAQs]
What makes a good stylus?
Stylus nibs the part that touches the glass come in a number of materials, including rubber, mesh, or even plastic discs. They can be retractable or covered by a cap, with or without an attached clasp, or not protected at all. Some are powered by batteries or Bluetooth, sometimes offering additional pressure sensitivity and palm-rejection features. Apps can be used in conjunction with some styluses if your device does not support all of its features.
A stylus case must feel comfortable in the hand for as long as you need to use it smooth and grippy but not so slick, stubby, or long that you lose control. Watch out for styluses that quickly cramp your fingers or tire out your hand or arm. The tool should be of medium height so that it is easy to handle and doesnt wobble, with evenly distributed weight.
You should be able to draw and write easily, without lag, ghosting, or overlap. Look for moderate friction between the nib and the glass so that your stylus moves naturally, like a pencil or pen on paper; it should not drag or move too quickly. You dont want to press down too much.
Now that you know what to look for, weve rounded up some of the best styluses available.
Does anything work as a stylus?
Theoretically, you could build a makeshift stylus if you are a do-it-yourself [DIY] enthusiast, but its not a good idea if you want to preserve the quality and functioning of your touchscreen device. If something goes wrong, you risk ruining your screen and potentially harming yourself, so its a much better idea to buy one of the styluses available on the market. In fact, if youre concerned about the price, consider options like the Adonit Mark, which costs less than $15. If you want something more luxurious yet affordable, consider the Adonit Pro 4, which offers brilliant features for under $30.
How long does a stylus last?
How long a stylus will last depends on the quality of the tool and the frequency of your use. The more frequent and rugged your use, the fewer hours itll last. Generally speaking, most stylus pens will last four months to one year before breaking down. Some premium options may last longer, but its recommended to buy a new one to maintain quality and precision, especially if you are using it for art or note-taking.
Do stylus pens work on all devices?
Some stylus pens like the Microsoft Surface Pen are specifically designed to work with the Surface series devices. Such stylus options wont work well with other devices. However, options like the Meko Universal Stylus are built to work with a large variety of devices and will function well on most screens. General-use stylus pens may be cheaper and offer more versatility, but we recommend using device-specific stylus pens for better precision.