Whether you're drawing, taking notes, or browsing the web, the stylus makes everyday use of iPhone easier. Depending on the style you choose, the best stylus for iPhone either uses built-in electronics or the pressure of your hand to navigate the screen and perform tasks. Some even include multiple nibs of different sizes or materials so you can use the stylus more freely.
Rechargeable stylus vs. capacitive stylus
When it comes to iPhone stylus, you can choose between two variants. Here's what you need to know about each:
- Rechargeable styluses: Also known as "active styluses," these have a built-in rechargeable battery and internal electronics that allow them to interact directly with the iPhone screen. They're very responsive and can create lighter or thicker lines depending on the pressure you apply, so they feel a lot like using a regular pen. Additionally, they feature fine copper tips for high precision and responsiveness. They tend to be more expensive and require regular recharging, but they offer greater accuracy than capacitive styluses, making them the ones for you if you plan to handwrite notes, draw, or play games where accuracy is a priority best choice.
- Capacitive styluses: Much like your fingers, these passive styluses use heat and pressure to make the touch screen respond, and using them requires more effort than rechargeable styluses. They're affordable and usually have tips made of rubber or fiber mesh (these materials are less sensitive than copper), but are great for casual scrolling or web browsing. However, some use a narrower rubber tip surrounded by a clear plastic or silicone disc, which is ideal if you use your tablet for drawing, writing, or other activities where accuracy is more important. (Remember: the smaller the tip, the more precision you'll get.)
Whether you plan to use it for everyday smartphone tasks or more specific sketching projects, the best stylus for iPhone will come in handy. (There are even affordable multipacks for those who often can't find a stylus.) Below, I've rounded up my top picks for a variety of purposes.
1. Simple stylus with rubber and disc tip
- Highlights: Capacitive, double-sided, fiber and disc tips, rubber grips for extra comfort
- Disc tip: 7mm with 2mm rubber point
- Fiber tip: 6 mm
This capacitive stylus is versatile and affordable, making it a great choice for a variety of needs. The dual stylus features a fiber tip on one end, perfect for simple tasks like clicking and scrolling, while a disc tip on the other end offers greater flexibility and accuracy for writing. (You will also receive two replacement disc tips and one replacement fiber tip.)
The aluminum barrel features stainless steel accents and a grooved rubber grip on the dish end for extra comfort. There's a clip on the top of the stylus, so you can choose to attach it to your shirt pocket, a file, or a binder. As an added bonus, there are eight colors to choose from, including red, space gray, and rose gold.
According to reviewers: "I love using it. The sensitivity is just right and I barely apply any pressure. The accuracy is perfect and it feels like a real pen in my hand. It also comes with a replacement tip. If you're Looking for a cheap high-precision stylus, I definitely recommend buying this one.”
2. Three dual stylus pens with 2 rubber tip sizes
- Highlights: Capacitive, double-sided, two rubber tip sizes, affordable price
- Rubber tips : 5mm and 7mm
These capacitive touch screen pens are designed with double-ended rubber tips, with one measuring 5mm and the other a slightly larger 7mm, so you can decide which size works best for you. What’s special about this multipack is that it comes with six replacement tips – three of each size. The stylus is made of lightweight aluminum and the three-pack includes pens in three different colors. Note that there's no comfort grip or clip on the end of the stylus, making this option even more streamlined than previous options.
From reviewers: "Excellent. They are easy to hold. They come with rubber tips in multiple sizes. You can change them depending on the device you are using. Would recommend them to anyone."
3. Rechargeable stylus with high precision
- Highlights : Rechargeable, precision, copper and mesh tip, battery lasts up to 10 hours
- Copper tip: 1.45mm
- Fiber tip: 6mm
While it may be a little more expensive than its non-rechargeable counterpart, this active rechargeable stylus offers impressive accuracy and feels a lot like using a pen. The thin copper tip on one end makes it easy to draw precise lines (perfect for use as a drawing pen), and since it's battery-powered, you don't need to apply a lot of pressure to see effective results. On the other end of the aluminum barrel, you'll find a mesh fiber tip for easier rolling and clicking.
The stylus can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge and even has an auto-off feature that activates after 30 minutes of non-use to conserve battery power. But please note that there is no clip or comfortable grip, and no replacement tip is included.
According to reviewers: "Very easy to use. No pairing required, works with any device and accurate. Perfect for my phone, especially gaming apps that require precision."
4. Multifunctional stylus that can also double as a ballpoint pen
- Highlights: Capacitive, Four interchangeable touch screen nibs, one ballpoint pen nib
- Disc Tip: 7mm with fine rubber tip (dimensions not listed)
- Mesh Fiber Tip: 6.9mm
- Rubber tips: 5mm and 6.9mm
Not only does this versatile stylus include four different dot attachments, but it also doubles as a ballpoint pen, making it an excellent choice for those who want versatility. You get a fiber nib, two rubber nibs in different sizes, and a disc nib that can tilt during use—it’s the only nib on this list with this feature, which arguably makes it the best Writing pen.
Available in five colors, this capacitive stylus is made with a copper barrel instead of aluminum, giving it a more durable, heavier feel. A metal clip on one end lets you secure the stylus to your pocket or folder, but it's uncomfortable to hold. An additional set of tips is provided for your convenience.
From reviewers: "This stylus/pen is awesome! I use it every day with my iPad (7th generation) and iPhone 8+. It's a high quality product. It has some weight to it and I Believe this makes it more durable but not too heavy. It's very comfortable to hold and very accurate. [...] This is a perfect stylus and the only one I will use again."
