Styluses for tablets, laptops and other touchscreens: active pens for note-taking and drawing, and simpler universal styluses for navigation. Our range has over 40 models, including TECH-PROTECT, Apple, FIXED and Adonit.
They suit students who take handwritten notes and anyone who sketches or edits photos on a tablet.
How to choose a stylus for a tablet or laptop
Compatibility. Check which device the stylus works with before anything else. Apple Pencil is made only for certain iPad generations, and different Pencil generations pair and charge in different ways, so confirm your tablet model first. Most styluses in our range are for Apple devices, but there are also universal models and ones made for ASUS devices.
Active or passive. An active stylus contains electronics and senses pressure, and some also detect tilt, which makes them the better choice for drawing and handwritten notes. A passive (capacitive) stylus simply replaces your finger: it is handy for tapping and scrolling, but fine writing and detailed drawing are harder with it.
Tip and palm rejection. A thin tip gives more precise writing, while a rubber or larger tip is more comfortable for navigating. Tips wear down, so replaceable ones are useful. Palm rejection lets you rest your hand on the screen while writing, but it depends on the device and the app.
Battery and charging. For the styluses in our range with a stated battery life, it runs from 6.5 to 12 hours. Around 10 hours covers lectures or a working day, and a 12-hour model suits long writing sessions. Also check how the stylus charges: some use a cable, others attach magnetically to the tablet.
Stylus brands in our range
- TECH-PROTECT: the largest share of our range, a brand known for cases and screen protectors for phones and tablets, with styluses sitting alongside them.
- Apple: Apple Pencil is designed for iPad tablets, and the right model depends on the iPad generation.
- Adonit: a manufacturer that specialises in styluses for touchscreens, with both simple and more precise models.
- Xiaomi, ASUS, Acer: styluses made for their own tablets and laptops, which usually work only with devices from the same manufacturer.
Also in our range: FIXED, INLINE, ZAGG, EIGER, CYOO and JLC.
Frequently asked questions about styluses
Does one stylus work with every tablet?
No, active styluses generally work only with specific devices. Apple Pencil is made for iPad, while Xiaomi, ASUS and Acer styluses are made for their own devices. Universal capacitive styluses work with most touchscreens but have no pressure sensitivity.
What is the difference between an active and a passive stylus?
An active stylus contains electronics and communicates with the screen, so it senses pressure and allows more precise writing and drawing. A passive stylus only stands in for your finger and needs no rechargeable battery. The first suits notes and drawing, the second simple navigation.
Will Apple Pencil work with an Android tablet?
No, Apple Pencil is made for iPad tablets and does not work with Android devices. For an Android tablet, choose the manufacturer's own stylus or a universal model. Before buying, check that the stylus is listed as compatible with your exact tablet.
How long does a stylus last on one charge?
For the styluses in our range with a stated battery life, it runs from 6.5 to 12 hours. Real-world time depends on how often you write and on the device. Passive styluses need no battery at all.
