All phones and tablets nowadays employ touchscreens so you can manipulate them with your fingers to swipe, scroll, tap, even sketch or write. But for some tasks, especially in the creative realm, a stylus affords better precision and easier navigation.
There are other advantages to using one of the best stylus for Android phones and tablets. You avoid smudging your display and it's more comfortable as well. You can write notes, sketch graphs, work out math problems, draw - the possibilities are endless.
Samsung phone and tablet users are best to go with the S Pen Pro, but since not everyone has a Samsung device, the top choices below are great alternatives. Some are also more affordable alternatives if you want to test the waters with a Galaxy device before investing in an S Pen model. First, however, check if your device supports USI 2.0. Some compatible devices include a Chrome OS tablet and a Chromebook.
Get the best USI 2.0 stylus for your tablet
Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
The Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen works flawlessly with any compatible USI 2.0 tablet, 2-in-1, or Chromebook. Its ergonomic grip gives you complete control when writing. It has 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 Finer Tip technology, which affords better control over your doodles. This USI 2.0 stylus can detect up to 4,096 pressure levels 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
It'll cost you a pretty penny, but this eiP stylus is premium all the way. You get a titanium finish, 4,096 pressure levels, and fast charging in just an hour: it's easily ready to go again after lunch and runs for up to 100 hours per charge. There's also a switchable power button to conserve power. With an anti-roll design and ergonomic grip, it's deal for students and other note-takers.
Scribble away with these clever and comfy styli for Android
Best fine-point stylus
This universal stylus for Android phones and tablets has a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like feel. You can replace the nibs and charge the battery via USB-C. Charging for one hour gives you up to 15 hours of usage time. This affordable option doesn't come with a magnetic attachment, but the stylus has 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 is compatible with a wide range of Galaxy phones and tablets, including some of the company's laptops. It charges via USB-C and boasts a generous 16-day battery life. You can even locate it via Samsung's SmartThings app if 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 is no battery; instead, the stylus relies purely on transferring electric charges from your body to the tip when interacting with the touch screen. Using aluminum and stainless steel gives the stylus a much more premium feel than its 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 has a buffer unit at the tip for more accuracy and control when using it on the screen. It works and feels like an actual pen, and the integrated battery can last 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, though we wish it had a USB-C port for charging instead of a microUSB.
Best for Galaxy foldable
Did you lose or break your Galaxy Z Fold's S Pen? Or maybe you didn't order one with your foldable right out of the gate. No need to worry; you can get this Galaxy S Pen Fold Edition replacement. Usually available for all Z Fold models (not including the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7, which doesn't support a stylus), it uses Bluetooth and sports a fine 1.5mm tip, up to 4,096 pressure levels, and 'Air command' support. As a first-party accessory, it guarantees compatibility.
Best mid-range stylus
Sitting at a comfortable Goldilocks price point, this stylus is made of aluminum and offers the standard 4,096 pressure levels to accomplish everything from writing to shading with ease. The cone-shaped tip mimics that of a pencil while the rounded square edges afford a comfortable grip and ensure it won't go rolling off the table. With features like advanced palm rejection technology, quick charging, and instant wake, you'll get good performance at a reasonable price.
Most affordable stylus
If you don't want to spend a lot of cash on a stylus, we suggest getting this elegant one from MEKO. The small rubber tip makes selecting items such as icons and links easy, and there are two different-sized rubber tips. You don't need a battery or Bluetooth; simply unscrew the pen cap to use the disc tip.
Best stylus multi-pack
Why settle for just one stylus when you could get an entire set at a fascinating price? This combo package includes 20 (yes, you read that right!) passive styli made from aluminum and rubber in a wide array of colors. Each stylus has 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 gamut of options and features. If you're a Samsung user, maybe even have the Galaxy Z Fold 6, it's best to use the S Pen Pro to get all its smart features. Otherwise, you can only get basic tasks and miss out on the good stuff.
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.
If you're looking for an all-arounder for your Android tablets, smartphones, and Apple devices, consider the Adonit Pro 4 or the KECOW Active Stylus Pen. The latter has various replacement tips if anything goes wrong. If you run out of charge, you can flip it and continue writing.
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 offers unbeatable value. 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.
