Styluses work with touchscreen devices to write, draw, sketch, and more. The technology and features of styluses have come a long way since the PalmPilot days. For example, some styluses now have palm rejection technology, tilt-sensing capabilities, or shade like a real pencil. Depending on what you need a stylus for and what device you plan to use it with, there are many options on the tech market today. We’ve rounded up the best styluses to help you choose which one is right for you to create with.
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The best overall stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). 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. 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.  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. Also: The best surface PCs make me forget Apple exists  One of the few cons of the Surface Pen is that it isn’t rechargeable and only takes batteries, which can be cumbersome when it’s time to replace them.  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.  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.  The Adonit Note+ is a stylus for Apple devices that comes at half the price of the Apple Pencil. Like the Apple Pencil, the Adonit Note+ has palm detection technology and programmable shortcuts to use as the eraser or to undo or redo a stroke. This stylus has 2,048 levels of pressure as well as tilt support. You can work with various apps like Procreate, Concepts, Zen Brush 2, or make notes directly onto PDF files. A great feature of the Andonit Note+ is that you can charge it via USB and still use it while it’s charging. However, the pen’s pressure sensitivity doesn’t always work across all apps. Its compatibility is also limited to Apple iPads. Also: The 6 best iPad stylus  We also wanted to choose ones for unique purposes. So, if your aim is to find a stylus to create sketches, or you need one that works with any device with touchscreen capabilities, we have you covered.  Also: The best drawing tablets  Moreover, it is compatible with programs like Procreate, Concepts, Zen Brush 2, and more. You can also make notes directly on your PDF files and you can use it while it charges via USB.