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.
Also: The best stylus phones: Take note of these top picks 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. 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:

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 optionOnly works with certain iPad models 

Also: Best stylus tablet: Top picks for content creation 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 similar palm detection technology. 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.  Pros:

Palm Block feature Comes in different color options Attaches to your Surface device magnetically 

Cons:

Only works with certain Windows devicesIsn’t rechargeable – takes batteries 

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. 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 all touch screen cell phones and tablet devicesDifferent tip sizes to customize how you want to use it, as well as replaceable parts

Cons:

Heaviest penat 25.6 grams Screen protectors may reduce the sensitivity of the touch screenCannot rest your hand on the screen since it doesn’t have palm detecting tech 

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.  Pros:

Compatible with any touchscreen device Comes with replacement tips 

Cons:

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

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. Pros:

Includes programmable shortcut buttonsHas palm-rejection technology Charge while you use it with the USB port

Cons:

Only compatible with iPads Pressure sensitivity is wonky and doesn’t work across all apps