Drawing On Surface Pro 7

Don't go another day without buying a Surface Pen or one of the best Surface Pen alternatives you can find.

Surface Pens and Surface Pen alternatives use the sensors inside your device's display to let you write on your device's display like it is a sheet of paper. You can store the digital notes that you take this way in a notebook app, like Microsoft's OneNote, or save them as a PDF to share with other people. A Surface device and a Surface Pen are also a great way to sign documents and handle paperwork without scanning and faxing.

Read: 14 Microsoft OneNote Tips & Tricks

If you're an artist, Surface Pens and Surface Pen alternatives are also useful to you. Windows 10's Sketch Pad app allows you to plan new pieces when you're away from home. Your Surface's pressure sensitivity ensures that every stroke you make on its display looks as it would with pen and paper. Combine these styluses with a Surface Dial and you can change settings and rotate your drawings by turning your wrist.

How to Pick the Right Surface Pen Alternative

The best Surface Pens and Surface Pen alternatives all have distinct designs and features. You should buy the one with the features you need.

For the most accurate drawing and writing experience, look for a Surface Pen that has N-Trig technology. That's the technology inside Microsoft's own Surface Pens. N-Trig pens are very accurate and work with the pressure sensitivity technology inside your 2017 Surface Pro, Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 3, Surface Book, Surface Book 2, Surface Studio and Surface Laptop.

Read: 9 Exciting Things the 2017 Surface Pro Can Do

The cost is the only drawback with these styluses. Surface Pens and Surface Pen alternatives are expensive. In fact, you need the best Surface Pen alternatives because Microsoft raised the price of its own pen and stopped including it with new models.

Read: 8 Best Windows 10 Apps for Digital Pens

If you just need a stylus to navigate Windows 10, but not draw or take notes, capacitive Surface Pen alternatives are for you. They cost less than other models and work on other devices because your device thinks they are really your finger. Unfortunately, they are not as accurate as more expensive styluses and don't have shortcut buttons. Your Surface can't detect pressure from them either.

These are the best Surface Pens and Surface Pen alternatives. Use these to write, draw and navigate Windows 10 on your new device.

Best Surface Pens & Surface Pen Alternatives

New Surface Pen
Surface Pen for Surface Pro 4
Zodiac Active Wireless Stylus
Mixoo 2-in-1 Stylus
Bamboo Ink Smart Stylus
Incipio Executive Stylus Pen
Adonit Ink

New Surface Pen

$99.99 from Microsoft Store

Microsoft calls its latest stylus the new Surface Pen.

When used with the 2017 Surface Pro or Surface Book 2, the new Surface Pen detects 4,096 different levels of pressure as you write or draw. It has tilt detection when used with those devices too, so your writing changes depending on the angle you use. Tips included with the pen let you change your Surface Pen's hardness and boldness when you want. The eraser cap lets you flip the pen over and delete what you've just written or launch your favorite pen-ready apps. This stylus clips to the side of a Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 3, 2017 Surface Pro, Surface Book or Surface Book 2 using magnets.

Read: How to Sync & Setup a Surface Pen

The Microsoft Store sells the new Surface Pen in black, silver, cobalt, burgundy and aqua for $99.99.