A stylus pen is a pen-like instrument that’s used for interacting with touchscreens, like on smartphones, laptops and tablets. It’s mainly used for tasks like writing, creating digital art, navigating the screen and editing documents. With its fine tip, it delivers accurate input for tasks that require precision. It can enhance productivity and creativity on Android tablets, Microsoft Surfaces, iPad minis, iPad Airs, iPad Pros and more.

No, not all stylus pens work on all devices. A stylus’ compatibility depends on the technology the stylus uses and the technology the device uses. If you’re using a basic stylus that doesn’t have smart features, it can work on almost any touchscreen. If you’re using an active stylus, it is usually designed for particular brands and devices. For example, Apple Pencils are made specifically for Apple devices, Microsoft Surface Pens work only with Microsoft Surface devices and Samsung S Pens are made for Galaxy Tabs and Samsung phones.

A traditional pen uses ink to write on physical paper. A stylus pen is a pen-shaped instrument that has a soft, conductive tip you can use to interact with, write on or draw on touchscreen devices like iPhones, Android phones and Google phones without using ink. Stylus pens can have smart features that enhance the experience of using a smartphone or tablet.

An active stylus pen uses internal electronics and a battery to communicate directly with your device’s touchscreen. A regular, or passive, stylus pen is simply a conductive tool that mimics your finger with its tip. Active stylus pens can offer features like pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, palm rejection and shortcut buttons for precise writing, drawing and screen navigation. Passive stylus pens do not offer the same features. Active stylus pens can include Microsoft Surface Pens, Apple Pencils and Samsung S Pens.