The best stylus pens of 2024 (2024)

Pros

• Magnetically clips to the iPad Pro and iPad Air to charge wirelessly
• Intuitive touch surface that supports double-tapping
• Palm rejection technology

Cons

• Most expensive option
• Only works with certain iPad models

Apple Pencil features: Double-tap function | Palm rejection technology| Charges wirelessly

The best overall stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) based on our various testing. If your tech devices are strictly within the Apple ecosystem, you'll probably benefit from an Apple Pencil. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation model with a double-tap function that you can customize to switch between pencil and eraser, show the color palettes, and more, as well as attach to the side of the iPad Pro and charge wirelessly.

There is also a handy hover feature in this model, which makes part of the iPad's interface come to life when the tip of the Apple Pencil gets within 12mm of the iPad's display.

The Apple Pencil is super responsive and has pixel-perfect precision with industry-leading low latency to write, markup, or draw. It also has tilt sensitivity and palm rejection technology, so the screen only recognizes the Apple Pencil and not your hand or finger.

Also:How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil -- 3 very simple ways

However, this stylus is the most expensive option on this list at $129. Also, it only works with specific iPad models, so be sure your device is compatible before purchasing.

Pros

• Palm Block feature
• Smooth writing experience
• Attaches to your Surface device magnetically

Cons

• Doesn't come with extra pen tips or with a charger

Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 features: 4,096 pressure points | Tilt support | Palm Block

For Microsoft Surface users, the Microsoft Surface Pen is a no-brainer when buying a stylus. The Surface Pen has 4,096 pressure points for ultimate precision in whatever you do.

Thanks to tilt support, Microsoft compares the Surface Pen to a graphite pencil that lets you shade during sketching. Like the Apple Pencil, the Surface Pen also attaches to your tablet magnetically and has a similar Palm Block feature.

A new feature to this model is Zero force inking, which allows the pen to sense when it hits the screen and immediately provide digital ink.

It has a rechargeable battery that gets up to 15 hours with typical usage, and you can even charge the pen in the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.

Pros

• Ultra-responsive
• IP68 certified
• Air Command function

Cons

• Can only be used on Galaxy tablets, not Galaxy phones

Samsung S Pen features: 4,096 pressure points | .77 pen tip | 2 color options

If you have a Samsung tablet, you most likely already have an S Pen, since the stylus comes with this year's lGalaxy Tab Series 9 lineup. This year's S Pen is a little different than last year's, in a better way.

ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and noted some of her favorite features of the S Pen.

"The stylus this year is as lightweight as ever and has high precision thanks to the faster 2.8-millisecond latency." she writes. "It can also charge when placed on the magnetic mount of the back cover, no matter which side you set it -- an upgrade from the previous S8 Ultra model."

Another feature on the S Pen is the Air Command function, which works when you hover the S Pen over the screen and press the button to access features such as Smart Select, Screen Write, Live Messages and more.

Plus, it's even IP68-certified for water resistance, making S Pen is ready for just about anything.

Pros

• Customizable shortcuts
• Cheaper than an Apple Pencil
• Pressure sensitivity

Cons

• Only works with Apple devices
• Pressure sensitivity only works in certain apps

Adonit Note+2 features: Customizable shortcuts | 3 Interchangeable tips | Pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and palm rejection

If you're an Apple user and don't want to spend the money on an Apple Pencil, the Adonit Note+2 is a great Apple Pencil alternative for $59 less. It has many of the same features too, like pressure sensitivity and the ability to magnetically attach to the side of your iPad.

In my testing with the Adonit Note+2, I found it to be actually enjoyable to write with, and its design and feel is a little more upscale than the Apple Pencil. I also loved the customizable buttons on the side of the pen, which allow you to choose what functions you use the most (and as a writer, that's the eraser).

While its battery life isn't as long as others on this list at eight hours, it still lasts a long time, especially if you are only using it occasionally.

Pros

• Compatible with all touchscreen cell phones and tablet devices
• Different tip sizes to customize how you want to use it, as well as replaceable parts

Cons

• Heaviest pen at 25.6 grams
• Screen protectors may reduce the sensitivity of the touchscreen
• Cannot rest your hand on the screen since it doesn't have palm-detecting tech

Elzo 3-in-1 Stylus features: Compatible with all touchscreen devices | 3 tip styles | Also functions as a regular pen

Those looking to spend less on a stylus should consider the Elzo 3-in-1 Stylus Pen at just $10.99. While this stylus isn't as high-end as others, it is 100% compatible with all touchscreen devices, even smartphones.

Also: The best phones to buy

The pen comes with three different tip styles: a durable mesh tip for daily use or playing games, a disc tip that enables you to draw, take notes, and create anything with precision, and a gel tip that turns it into an actual pen when you need to write something down on paper -- making it the ultimately all-in-one tool.

Some downsides to the Elzo Pen are that it doesn't have palm-detecting tech, and screen protectors on devices may reduce the pen's sensitivity. Also, it is the heaviest pen on our list at 25.6g.

Pros

• Compatible with any touchscreen device
• Comes with replacement tips

Cons

• Clear disc can be annoying to get used to and work with
• Fiber tip tends to wear off quickly after a lot of use

Meko Universal Stylus features: Replacement tips | Compatible with any touchscreen device | Mesh tips and precision tips

Another great option compatible with all touchscreen devices is the Meko Universal Stylus. This product does everything a stylus should do, including writing, drawing, and just using the pen as a replacement for your fingers.

The stylus comes with mesh tips and precision tips with a transparent disc at the end to see exactly where your mark is being made. It also comes with replacement tips to easily swap in when you need them.

While the clear disc on the precision tip is meant to increase precision, it can be annoying to get used to and work with. Also, the fiber tip tends to wear after using it for a while.