The fact that we have adopted our own digits as part of our technology doesn’t stop what we may have very ingrained in our very DNA. Our complex use of tools is what makes us so human, and it seems a pen or pencil is the very first thing that comes to mind when we think of writing or drawing.
This is why a stylus feels so natural, even when using it with touch-optimized gadgets designed to work with our fingers. Try to make some creative work on a tablet with your fingers and you will find it is the most complicated thing to do, even if you are a master in the arts.
We all need a stylus from time to time; but you shouldn’t conform with any stylus. Just like artists and carpenters choose their specific utensils, you should pick the digital stylus that works best for you. We have put together a list of our very favorite styluses, so let’s jump in and tell you all about them.
By the way, we are only focusing on styluses that work with most devices. There’s some stylus pens that are amazing, but don’t work with all platforms (and often all devices).
The Trendy Swede hybrid stylus
I happen to use this one personally, so I am not kidding when I say it’s among my favorites. For starters, it happens to be both a traditional pen and a stylus, in one. If you already have a pen-like product on you, why not use it as an actual pen, too?
This pen is simple, elegant and very functional. You can also easily replace the stylus tip with a new one. You know, these tend to get dirty and old with prolonged use. There’s also the benefit of having to pay a pretty low price, so it’s a win-win.
The Friendly Swede 2-in-1 Replaceable Hybrid Stylus and Ballpoint Pen (2 Pack), Black…
Price: —
0 used & new available from
Adonit Jot Pro
The previous stylus may be multi-functional, but it is a pretty basic one. Some specified styluses can do a better job, as is the case with the Adonit Jot Pro.
This stylus is made with premium materials and uses a fine point tip that allows you to do more with your tool. The tip is protected by a plastic circle, as to not scratch your devices and give your experience a much more fluid feeling.
Sure, it’s a little pricier, but proud owners can attest to how worth it it is.
Price: $146.59
4 used & new available from $81.43
Pencil by 53
Some styli harness the power of technology to offer features that expand from your basic writing, navigating and drawing needs. The Pencil connects to your tablet via Bluetooth to offer features like palm rejection. It also has an eraser at one end, allowing you to use the device more naturally.
What makes it most unique is probably its design, though. Pencil looks much like some kind of art (or carpenter) pencil, offering optimal comfort and ease of use.
By the way, these features only work with Paper and other supported apps, as it is made by 53 (the creator of Paper). You can still use it as a regular stylus with any device or application, though. And you still get the added value of the awesome form factor.
Cosmonaut
Kids are learning to use technology at very early ages nowadays. In fact, most learn to use tablets and smartphones before they even learn how to read. It’s weird, as most of the content is written, but go figure.
Either way, you may want your kids to spend more time writing and drawing, as opposed to watching silly videos on YouTube. The Cosmonaut makes for one of the coolest styluses for the little (and not-so-little) ones.
It’s thick and small, making for a very stable grip. It also happens to be super cute. Looks kind of like a crayon, doesn’t it?
Price: —
0 used & new available from
Sensu Artist Brush & Stylus
A new breed of styli has been born; one that gives painters the ability to drop the canvas and replace it with a tablet or smartphone. What makes this specific stylus interesting is that it’s not just a stylus – it also has an end that offers a capacitive brush. It’s the best of both worlds, and it happens to look good being that.
Price: $14.99
2 used & new available from $14.99
