Digital pens and styluses

Digital pens and styluses are input tools for touchscreen laptops, 2-in-1 devices and tablets, from simple capacitive styluses to active pens with pressure sensitivity. They suit students taking handwritten notes, designers sketching on screen and anyone who finds a fingertip too blunt for precise work.

Check that a pen is compatible with your device before you compare anything else.

How to choose a digital pen or stylus

Compatibility. Active pens only work with screens that support their technology, such as Microsoft Pen Protocol, Wacom AES or USI. Look up which standard your laptop uses in its specifications, then match the pen to it. A pen built for a different standard may write poorly or not at all.

Active or passive. A passive stylus has a rubber or mesh tip and works on almost any touchscreen, but it behaves like a finger with a pointer. An active pen contains electronics, so the screen can tell it apart from your hand. Choose active for handwriting, drawing and annotating documents, and passive for tapping and basic navigation.

Pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. Pressure levels control how line thickness and opacity change as you press harder, which matters mainly for sketching and illustration. Palm rejection lets you rest your hand on the screen while writing. Note-takers need palm rejection more than a high pressure rating.

Power source. Some active pens use a replaceable battery, such as an AAAA or AAA cell, and others charge over USB or magnetically on the side of the laptop. Replaceable batteries are easy to swap mid-lesson, while rechargeable pens save on cells but need to be topped up. Passive styluses need no power at all.

Tip, buttons and storage. Check whether replacement nibs are available, as tips wear down with use. Side buttons can act as a right-click or an eraser, which speeds up note-taking and editing. If you carry your laptop daily, a pen that clips or attaches magnetically is less likely to get lost.

Types of pen and stylus we carry

• Laptop manufacturer pens: these are made to match a particular maker's 2-in-1 and tablet models, so pairing and pressure support are usually straightforward.
• Graphics and drawing specialists: companies in this group are known for fine pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, which suits illustrators and photo editors.
• Universal capacitive styluses: these use a rubber or disc tip, need no pairing and work across phones, tablets and touchscreen laptops from different makers.

Brand and model compatibility is listed on each product page, so check it against your laptop before ordering.

Digital pens and styluses: frequently asked questions

Can I use any stylus on my laptop?

You can use a passive capacitive stylus on any touchscreen laptop, because it works like a fingertip. Active pens are different, as they only work if the screen supports their technology. Check your laptop's specifications for the supported pen standard first.

What is the difference between an active pen and a passive stylus?

An active pen contains electronics and communicates with the screen, which allows pressure sensitivity, palm rejection and shortcut buttons. A passive stylus simply conducts touch through its tip and has none of these features. Active pens suit writing and drawing, while passive styluses suit basic tapping and scrolling.

Do digital pens need batteries?

Many active pens do, either as a replaceable cell or a built-in rechargeable battery. Some pens draw power from the screen and need no battery at all. Passive styluses never need power.

Which pen is best for note-taking on a laptop?

An active pen with good palm rejection and a fine tip is the most comfortable choice for handwritten notes. Pressure sensitivity is useful but less important than accurate, lag-free writing. Make sure the pen is compatible with your laptop and your note-taking app.