The right stylus depends on your tablet. iPad: buy the Apple Pencil made for your iPad model, or a lower-cost third-party pen for notes.
Galaxy Tab: use Samsung’s S Pen; many models include one. Other Android tablets and Chromebooks: buy the pen your tablet’s maker lists. A pen that doesn’t match your tablet may not work at all.
Best for newer iPadsApple Pencil ProCheck price
Best Apple valueApple Pencil (USB-C)Check price
Best budget for iPadMetapen A8Check price
Best basic stylus for any touch screenUniversal Disc-Tip StylusCheck price
Apple Pencil Pro
For: drawing and notes on a recent iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad mini
- SensesPressure and tilt
- ExtraSqueeze for tools, twist to turn the brush, buzz to confirm
- FitCheck Apple's list
Apple's top pencil model senses pressure and tilt. Squeeze it to open tools, and twist it to turn a brush. A gentle buzz confirms actions. It attaches, pairs and charges magnetically on the side of the iPad.
It only works with recent iPads, so check Apple's list before you buy.
What we like
- Pressure and tilt for real drawing
- Squeeze and twist gestures
- Charges on the iPad's edge
Watch out for
- Only fits recent iPads
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
For: notes and markup on most iPads from recent years
- SensesTilt, not pressure
- ChargingPairs and charges by USB-C cable
- FitCheck Apple's list
Apple's lower-cost pencil works with a wider range of iPads. It has tilt and low lag but no pressure sensitivity, which matters more for drawing than notes.
It pairs and charges by USB-C cable. The magnet only holds it on the iPad.
What we like
- Works with many iPads
- Low lag, tilt sensitive
Watch out for
- No pressure sensitivity
- Charges by cable, not on the iPad
Metapen A8
For: students who mostly take notes on an iPad
- FitMost iPads from 2018 on; check the maker's list
- BatteryUp to 10 hours
- PairingNone needed
A lower-cost iPad pen with palm rejection and a metal barrel. It needs no Bluetooth pairing: double-tap the end to turn it on. It charges by USB-C cable in about 30 minutes, per Metapen.
Despite its name, it won't stick magnetically to many iPads, and it never charges on the iPad. Check the maker's model list.
What we like
- Palm rejection
- No pairing
- Two spare tips included
Watch out for
- No pressure sensitivity
- Won't stick magnetically to many iPads
Universal Disc-Tip Stylus
For: tapping and scrolling on phones, older tablets and Fire tablets
- FitAny touch screen
- PowerNone needed
- TipClear disc, spare included
A battery-free stylus that works on any screen your finger works on. The clear disc tip lets you see exactly where you tap. It replaces a fingertip; it is not a drawing pen.
For a Galaxy Tab, use the S Pen made for your model; many come in the box. For a Chromebook, look for a USI pen your maker lists.
What we like
- Works on any touch screen
- No charging or pairing
Watch out for
- No palm rejection or pressure
- Not for detailed drawing
Find out what your tablet supports
- iPad. Open Settings > General > About to see your model. Then check Apple’s compatibility list, because each Apple Pencil works with certain iPads only. Third-party iPad pens usually offer palm rejection, but check each listing for tilt.
- Galaxy Tab. The S Pen writes without a battery. Some models charge only for extra remote-control features. Samsung recommends the S Pen made for your tablet model.
- Other Android tablets and Chromebooks. Look for the maker’s own pen, or a pen with USI support. USI (Universal Stylus Initiative) is a shared pen standard. Match the USI version your device lists. A “universal” pen with no named standard works like a precise fingertip.
The features that matter
Palm rejection means the screen ignores your hand while you write. Every note-taker needs it. Pressure sensitivity makes lines thicker when you press harder. Artists need it; note-takers hardly notice. Tilt lets you shade with the side of the tip, like a pencil. For writing and marking up PDFs, a good third-party pen is enough. For drawing, buy the pen made for your tablet.
Charging and tips
Some pens charge by USB-C cable. Others charge by clipping magnetically to the tablet’s edge, which also keeps the pen where you’ll find it. Tips wear down over time, so check that spare tips are sold. For apps to write in, see using a tablet for note-taking.
How we rate
We score every pick out of 10 on four things, weighted for how a gadget earns its place in daily life: how well it does its core job (40%), meaning a watch's tracking and battery life, a camera's video and alerts, a vacuum's suction and navigation, measured against the maker's specifications rather than the marketing; reliability and support (25%), including app quality, firmware updates, ecosystem compatibility (Apple, Android, Alexa, Google Home, Matter) and what owners report after months of use; ease of setup and everyday use (20%); and value, counting any subscription (15%). For gear with no app, like dumbbells or bands, build quality and safety take the place of app and update support.
We have not tested these products ourselves. We read the manufacturer's specifications, compatibility lists and support pages and look for the patterns in verified owners' reviews, both the praise and the recurring complaints. No brand pays for placement, and a commission cannot buy a higher rating. When a pick changes, we will say so on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pair my pen by Bluetooth?
It depends on the pen. Apple Pencils pair when you attach or plug them in. Many third-party pens need no pairing, but some ask you to turn Bluetooth on. Check the pen’s instructions.
My pen stopped working after an update. What should I try?
Charge it fully, then turn the tablet off and on. Try a new tip, since a worn tip can stop registering. If that fails, contact the pen’s maker.
Should I use a screen protector with a stylus?
Follow the pen maker’s advice. Some recommend a glass protector. A paper-feel protector adds drag that many writers like, but it wears tips faster.
