Best stylus for Android phones and tablets 2024
Your fingers aren't the only way of interacting with tablets and smartphones.
Using the best stylus for Android phones and tablets is a great way to avoid getting your display dirty and also for more precise strokes. A stylus is great for doing things such as writing down notes or pressing a specific button, which can be challenging with big hands.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy device, your best bet is the S Pen Pro. But since not everyone has a Samsung device, the list below will show you other alternatives. If your device is compatible with the USI 2.0 standard, like a Chromebook or Chrome OS tablet, you can use any of the best USI 2.0 stylus options as well.
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Best overall
The Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen works perfectly with just about any compatible USI 2.0 tablet, 2-in-1, or Chromebook. It gives you complete control over your writing with its ergonomic grip, and comes with replaceable nibs, USB-C charging, and up to 90 hours of battery life. The Penoval Stylus Pen can even attach to the side of your tablet magnetically for effortless ease of use.
Most simple and reliable
Lenovo's USI Pen 2 uses the brand's Finer Tip technology which affords finer control over your doodles. This USI 2.0 stylus can detect up to 4,096 levels of pressure and features an elastomer grip. You also get improved latency and faster pairing times. Its single AAAA battery lasts forever and can be replaced easily when needed.
Best premium stylus
The HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen builds on the previous-gen model, bringing USI 2.0 support in an amazing design for an incredible writing experience. It sports a magnetic barrel along with two customizable buttons and USB-C charging. Weighing only 12.5 grams, the MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen makes writing, doodling, and more a fun experience. It also has a nifty charging indicator.
Scribble away with these clever and comfy styli for Android
Best fine-point stylus
This universal stylus for Android phones and tablets comes with a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like feel. You can replace its nibs and top-up the battery via USB-C charging. Charging for one hour gives you a usage time of up to 15 hours. You don't get magnetic attachment with this affordable option, but it does have a pen clip for clipping it to a pocket or bag to take with you on the go.
Best Samsung Galaxy S Pen
Samsung's S Pen Pro pairs with a wide range of Galaxy phones and tablets, including a few of the company's laptops. Charging via USB-C, the S Pen Pro touts a generous 16-day battery life. You can even locate it via Samsung's SmartThings app in case you misplace it.
Best value stylus
Available in six colors, MEKO's universal stylus combo pack includes three capacitive styli, three replacement disc tips, and three fiber tips. There's no battery here; instead, MEKO's stylus relies purely on the transfer of electric charges from your body to the tip when interacting with the touch screen. Also, the use of aluminum and stainless steel gives the stylus a much more premium feel than what the affordable price might suggest.
Best Apple Pencil for Android
Fashioned in the likeness of the iOS-exclusive Apple Pencil, this active stylus from KECOW is comfortable to use. Its shape resembles your average graphite pencil, but the overall look is fancy with the all-white finish. If the battery runs out, you can always turn this thing upside down and use it as a capacitive stylus, which is a fantastic backup option. There is a microUSB port once you have time to set it down to recharge.
Most ergonomic stylus
Evach's Active Stylus Pen comes with a buffer unit at the tip for more accuracy and control when you're using it on the screen. It works and feels just like a real pen and the integrated battery can go up to 8 hours on a full charge, which takes about an hour. The 1.5mm fine tip and around 13.3 grams weight make Evach's Active Stylus Pen extremely comfortable to use, though we wish it had a USB-C port for charging instead of microUSB.
Best for Galaxy foldable
Lost or broke your Galaxy Z Fold's S Pen? Or maybe didn't order one with your foldable right out the gate. No need to worry, as you can get this replacement Galaxy S Pen Fold Edition. Usually available for all Z Fold models, it uses Bluetooth and sports a fine 1.5mm tip, up to 4,096 pressure levels, and 'Air command' support. Being a first-party accessory, you can be assured of its compatibility as well.
Most versatile stylus
The two predominant styles for universal stylus pens are fiber or disc tips, and this offering from Digiroot gives you nine replacement fiber and three-disc tip options. The universal stylus provides a refined finish and is compatible with just about anything that features a capacitive touch screen. Despite being a passive stylus, it's responsive and available in multiple color options.
Most affordable stylus
If you don't want to spend a lot of cash on a stylus, we suggest getting this elegant one from Mixoo. The small rubber tip makes it easy to select items such as icons and links, and there's also a wider tip at the other end for added convenience. Made from aluminum and stainless steel, the stylus is available in several colors.
Best stylus multi-pack
Why settle for just one stylus when you could get an entire set at an extremely exciting price? This combo package gives you a total of 20 (yes, you read that right!) passive styli made from aluminum and rubber in a wide array of colors. Each stylus comes with soft tips for increased sensitivity. Since these are capacitive options, they don't need charging, either.
There's a big difference between a stylus and an S Pen
The best stylus for Android offers a full gamut of options and features. If you have a Samsung Galaxy tablet, laptop, or smartphone like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, you'll want to stick with Samsung's excellent S Pen Pro. Keep in mind that a universal stylus will work for the basic tasks on a Samsung mobile device, too, but you won't get all the smart features that Samsung has built into the S Pen Pro.
A USI 2.0 stylus is the best pick for other tabs, like the Google Pixel Tablet, as long as your tablet supports the standard. Our favorite USI 2.0 stylus is the Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen, as it offers a wide array of features in an attractive design.
Suppose you're looking for a jack-of-all-trades stylus that can work with Android tablets and smartphones from other brands, along with any of Apple's offerings. In that case, we'd recommend the Adonit Pro 4 or the KECOW Active Stylus Pen, which has many replacement tips. The latter works as both an active and a capacitive stylus, so you can flip it and continue writing if you run out of charge.
When it comes to price, especially if you want to buy a stylus for everyone in your family or to have one handy everywhere you go, the homEdge Stylus Pen set can't be beaten. You get 20 styli for a super-low price, enough to share with everyone. And they are compatible with any device that has a capacitive touch screen. The most significant trade-off is accuracy, but that's to be expected at such a low price.
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Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.
- Judy Sanhz
- Christine PersaudContributor