Steve Jobs was famously never a fan of styluses. However, even the notoriously stubborn founder might have mustered a nod of appreciation for some of the latest technologies that digital pens are now carrying. This group test aims to show you that not only are styluses a viable option for iOS – and particularly iPad users – but also the impressive range of ways that they can be deployed.
Within this test we have hardware on show that specialises in better note-taking, sketching or just general productivity. One of them even has a recording feature so you can get an audio record of your work as well as make notes. So if you are something of an iPad artist or note-taker, this group test is definitely worth a look.

Wacom Intuos Creative Stylus

$99.95

Sensitivity
Really impressive pressure sensor that enables you to be subtle when you want, as well as get bolder lines too. This is perfect for sketchers looking for detail and precision in their work.

Accuracy
Thanks to the already mentioned pressure sensitivity, accuracy is very high when using the Wacom. The solid nib beneath the rubber tip is narrower and provides focused screen contact.

Build & Comfort
Very light, and a similar size to the average pen, the Wacom is a nice fit in the hand. The built-in controls also let you undo work and open app settings by clicking the pen.

Connectivity
Similarly to the Adonit stylus, it’s simply a case of turning the pen on and hooking it up with its app. You’ll also need replacement triple-A batteries in order to keep this stylus running.

Summary
Comes with replacement nibs and a robust carrying case to complement its impressive features. This stylus is everything you could ask for, and more.

Pencil by FiftyThree

$74.95 (Walnut) / $59.95 (Graphite)

Sensitivity
Very impressive. The Pencil shows up onscreen the moment you use it, and is sharper and faster than any other stylus here. It’s as though you’re using a real pen on paper.

Accuracy
Though it’s a soft rubber tip, the Pencil narrows into a point and this heightens the sense of accuracy. If human error comes into play and your accuracy is off, there’s a built-in eraser.

Build & Comfort
The Pencil is fantastically stylish thanks to its walnut exterior, which is also available in granite. The USB charging point is also cleverly hidden so as not to break the design styling.

Connectivity
While it’s very simple to link up the Pencil with its official companion app – Paper – a lot of the features don’t work outside of that app, which is a real shame for the user experience.

Summary
Eye-catching design and very good to work with. It’s fast, but very accurate. The only thing that holds this stylus back is its compatibility and reliance on its own app.

Adonit Jot Script

£79.99/$74.99

Sensitivity
Thanks to a precision nib, the Jot Script acts like a real pen. It is designed to recognise different levels of pressure, however this wasn’t always obvious in the results onscreen.

Accuracy
The 1.9mm nib offers increased accuracy compared to many other styluses, and enables you to be precise with your sketching or writing. The response is also good, boosting speed.

Build & Comfort
Sleek and light, the Jot is very comfortable. This, coupled with the pen-like nib, makes for a natural user experience. It feels like you could scratch your screen, but that won’t happen.

Connectivity
Effortless in that it’s just a case of pressing the power button and using a compatible app to connect. Battery life is also extremely good so you can enjoy plenty of heavy use.

Summary
Nicely designed and very easy to use, the Jot Script would be a great companion for any budding artist. Beware of the inconsistent pressure sensitivity though.