Top 15 Best Smart Pens On The Market 2024
Despite a big number of diverse devices that surround us, the pen is still the most popular understandable and convenient accessory for entering text.
First of all, everyone knows how to use it. Second, it is pretty reliable. And finally, frequently it is faster to use a pen than to tap on the keyboard or to touch the screen. But what if you add a little bit of improvement and technology to it?
Well, you will get a smart pen. But what is a smart pen supposed to do? Don’t worry I will help you to learn more about this interesting product and choose the best smart pen of 2023 according your needs and preferences!
Without further ado, let’s dig into it!
What Is A Smart Pen in General?
It looks like an ordinary pen, but there is not only a rod with paint but also, sensors with microcircuits that allow you to recognize handwritten text on the fly. Written notes immediately appear on your smartphone or computer.
Smart pens are a special class of devices that are meant “to pump our memory” as if we were in a computer game. The idea is simple. You write, draw and your data is automatically saved to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
You don’t need to scan, you don’t need to remember where a sheet of paper or notebook was thrown, you don’t need to worry that the sheet is wrinkled or there are stains of coffee on it. You only need to worry is charging your device.
So who really need it? In fact, a smart pen is very needed in architecture, design and any manifestation of creativity.
Obviously, it is impossible to take into account all the requirements and all genre diversity. A pen won’t replace a brush or a tablet. However, it can still be suitable for people who have engaged their lives with art.
- With the help of such a pen, you can quickly catch and fix an idea, make a sketch, an image that you can work with in the future.
- Illustrator can use the device even on the road, instantly transferring the picture to the editor or sharing the idea with the team.
- An architect or interior designer will be able to sketch a plan of a room with an approximate arrangement of furniture right at the facility and transfer it to the computer with one click.
- When you need to practice, work out the concept idea, keeping all the options and sequences in mind, so later you can choose the most successful embodiment.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Smart Pen
Here are main advantages and disadvantages of a smart pen.
Advantages
- A huge amount of stored data
- Work in any lighting conditions
- Data transferring from the pen to any application with one click
- A wide selection of image formats, including raster and vector
- No need to scan and process your sketches, they are immediately ready to work
- The ability to instantly send your sketch to mail or instant messenger, friends or colleagues
Disadvantages
- You need a special paper, but you can print it yourself at home on a printer
- If you want a beautiful notebook for sketches, you have to buy it or draw on homemade paper
- It doesn’t recognize the degree of pen pressing
Which Are The Best Smart Pens To Buy?
After some researches I came up with the perfect and convenient list of 11 best smart pens on the market right now. I hope it will help you in the following purchases.
- Best Overall: NeoLab Convergence Smartpen M1
“Definitely one of the coolest smart device for new technology lovers, affordable and beautiful design.” - Best for Note Taking: NeoLab Convergence Smartpen N2
“Perfect smart pen for note taking and sketches saving.” - Best for iPhone: Livescribe 3 Smartpen
“Ideal tool as a stylus for iPads, quick and simple work ensured.” - Best for Laptop: Livescribe Echo Smartpen
“Good smart pen for students with disabilities, easy and comfort use.” - Best for Drawing: Moleskine + Ellipse Smart Writing Set
“For creative work, beautiful kit and simple usage.” - Best Budget: Wacom Bamboo Spark Smart Pen
“Good smart pen for comfortable work for reasonable price.” - Best for Journaling: Moleskine PTSETA Smart Pen
“Ready-to-use kit for pleasant and effortless writing.” - Best for Artists: Wacom Bamboo Folio Smart Pen
“A perfect gift for artists, just creative people and for those who love new technologies.” - Best for Students: Scanmarker Air Scanner Smart Pen
“For all students and lecturers, simple, fast and pleasant.” - Best for iPad: Apple Pencil
- Best for Windows 10: Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus
Best Smart Pen Comparison Chart 2023
Use this comparison table to observe differences, properties and abilities of all best smart pens to make a good decision if you’re going to purchase one.
Top 15 Best Smart Pen Reviews in 2023
Time to go down for the most important and interesting part of the article! Here are my reviews about to 15 best smart pens of 2023. Enjoy!
1. NeoLab Convergence Smartpen M1
(Best Overall)
Smart pen NeoLab Convergence M1 is a versatile digital creative writing tool that combines analog and digital formats. It has a stylish ergonomic design and useful functionality.
This is a great choice for those who like to take notes, set tasks, make shopping lists and important things in a paper notebook. With the help of this smart pen, the information is transferred to the application and cloud storage where it easy to find, copy, print etc.
NeoLab smart pen is made in the format of the traditional stationery pen. This is a long narrow sleek cylinder with a tip and pocket locking pin. The rod is easy to remove and replace with a new one. To do this, just grab the metal tip and pull out the rod.
Key Features:
- Used with specific pads and notebooks
- Integrated scanning module which digitizes the written text
- Works with applications for both operating systems iOS and Android
Pros
- Beautiful attractive design and package
- Simple to use
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- There is no internal microphone
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | NeoLab Convergence |
Product Dimensions | 5.87 x 0.41 inches |
Weight | 17.4 g |
Usage Time | 6 Hours of Constant Use, 125 Days in Standby Mode |
Charging Time | 1.5 Hours |
Internal Storage | 100MB |
Learn how to use the smart pen, watch this video below:
2. NeoLab Convergence Smartpen N2
(Best for Note Taking)
Smart pen NeoLab Convergence N2 is designed for writing on paper with instant display and preservation written on digital devices. Handwritten notes are written on special notebook paper and scanned immediately with a pen to display and save on mobile devices or a computer.
NeoLab has an additional app PaperTube which allows you to record video and simultaneously make comments in real time. This is a convenient format for recording lectures and conferences, shooting speakers. This is the best variant for journalists.
Key Features:
- Comes with automatic on/off function
- Converts handwritten text written on paper into digital format
- The content is automatically sent to the mobile device and saved in the app
- The content can also be stored in the internal memory (1000 handwritten pages)
Pros
- The application is available for Android and iOS devices
- Very good usage time
Cons
- After several uses may lose some strokes
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | NeoLab Convergence |
Product Dimensions | 6.14 x 0.45 inches |
Weight | 22 g |
Usage Time | 5 Hours of Constant Use, 125 Days in Standby Mode |
Charging Time | 2 Hours |
Internal Storage | 90MB |
Check out this video to know how it works:
3. Livescribe 3 Smartpen
(Best for iPhone)
Using the Livescribe 3 smart pen of the third generation and the free app Livescribe, you can simply write by hand on special paper with fine dots Livescribe Dot Paper. The text you write will instantly appear on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
The smart pen delivers smooth beautiful handwriting. In the process of writing the built-in infrared camera captures and recognizes everything that you write or draw on special paper.
It is not a problem of your iPad or iPhone is not nearby. The pen saves every note or picture. Later when you connect to your device, the pen will transfer all the saved information to the app.
Key Features:
- Direct pairing with iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch using Bluetooth Smart
- Natural smooth paper writing
- Built-in stylus
- Record and play sound synchronized with notes (using the microphone of an iOS device)
Pros
- The app turns your handwritten notes into useful content
- Converts handwriting to typed text with one swipe of your finger
- Ability to create reminders, calendar events and contacts
- Ability to share notes in PDF format, photos, voice notes through different messengers
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Livescribe |
Product Dimensions | 6.2 x 0.4 inches |
Weight | 34 g |
Usage Time | 14 hours |
Charging Time | 2 hours |
Internal Storage | 2GB |
Let’s find out how to use this smart pen with iPhone:
4. Livescribe Echo Smartpen
(Best for Laptop)
Livescribe Echo smart pen is a digital pen with 2 GB of memory that records everything you hear, write and draw. Later, you can instantly access the records you need easily and naturally. It’s an ideal pen for students.
You can share recordings made with Echo smart pen with your friends, leaving access to them public or to a limited circle of people. Notes can be sent by e-mail or posted on the website, blog or Facebook.
The sleek ergonomic design of the handle with Soft-Touch coating keeps your fingers from slipping and getting tired, even after prolonged use. But it’s important to remember that you can use the special Livescribe notebook for notes.
Key Features:
- Stylish ergonomic design
- Special shape to prevent the handle from rolling around the table
- For Dyslexia
Pros
- Internal memory
- Audio comments ensured
- Sleek design
Cons
- The desktop software is filled with some bugs
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Livescribe |
Product Dimensions | 6.18 x 0.5 inches |
Weight | 36 g |
Usage Time | 12 hours |
Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
Internal Storage | 2GB |
Check this video-review out to get detailed information about the smart pen:
5. Moleskine + Ellipse Smart Writing Set
(Best for Drawing)
Digitized information from Moleskin smart pen can be colored, recognized, used in presentations, digital planners and shared with employees. Super perfect for artists, painters and simply for all creative people.
After clicking special envelope in the upper right corner of the Paper Tablet page, an email with an appropriate PDF attachment of your sketches is instantly created on your electronic device. To use Moleskine smart pen, you need the free Moleskine Notes app.
Key Features:
- Color options
- Specific Moleskine Pen+
- Notes and sketches are instantly transferred to the screen of device
- Special micro-dot paper which resembles screen pixels
Pros
- A huge range of colors
- Easily recognizes the location of writing ball on the page
- Minimalist design
Cons
- Limited features
- Low battery life
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Moleskine |
Product Dimensions | 6.1 x 0.4 inches |
Weight | 22 g |
Usage Time | 4-5 hours |
Charging Time | 2 hours |
Internal Storage | 90MB |
How do you use Moleskine smart pen? Watch this video to know more about the product:
6. Wacom Bamboo Spark Smart Pen
(Best Budget)
The Wacom Bamboo Spark smart pen is designed for fans of elegant design and realistic sensations when using a digital pen. Bamboo Smart is compatible with the common graphics applications.
Wacom Bamboo Smart helps you create with pleasure: draw, colorize and retouch photos. One tool has incorporated the potential of the entire variety of tools of the artist. Bamboo Smart is the perfect assistant for the first phase of creativity on a capacitive tablet.
Key Features:
- Smart stylus for tablets
- Reasonable price
- For iPad
Pros
- Simple to use
- Suitable for A5 format paper
- Recognize handwritten text on any paper
Cons
- Pen has a cheap feeling
- No voice recorder
- Limited range of apps
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Wacom |
Product Dimensions | 5.7 x 0.3 inches |
Weight | 20 g |
Usage Time | last about 15 months (using 2 hours/day, 5days/week) |
Charging Time | 2 hours |
Internal Storage | 5GB |
7. Moleskine PTSETA Smart Pen
(Best for Journaling)
It is the smart set which consists of a smart pen and notepad. Notepad comes with Ncoded specific micro-dot paper which resembles screen pixels but in paper form.
The idea behind Smart Writing technology is that when you take notes using the special Moleskine Pen + on the pages of special Moleskine Paper Tablet notebook, your notes and sketches are instantly popped up on your screen of your device.
Key Features:
- Sleek design
- Suitable for any kind of profession
Pros
- Effectively solves the problem of the interaction of analog and digital devices
- Digitizes the note in real time
- Starts immediately working with app on your device
Cons
- Poor battery life
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Moleskine |
Product Dimensions | 6.1 x 0.4 inches |
Weight | 22 g |
Usage Time | 4-5 hours |
Charging Time | 2 hours |
Internal Storage | 90MB |
8. Wacom Bamboo Folio Smart Pen
(Best for Artists)
Wacom Bamboo Folio smart pen writes as a normal pen on any paper, and then saves, edits and publishes your notes and ideas in the cloud. With this smart pen you write notes and ideas with natural pen movements on any paper.
Pressing the button, and Bamboo Folio pen converts handwriting to live digital files. The Wacom Inkspace app allows you to organize, edit and publish notes and sketches on iOS or Android devices that support Bluetooth.
Key Features:
- Synchronizes notes anywhere and anytime
- Good range of tools for drawing and writing
Pros
- Good for drawing
- Accurate writing
Cons
- No automatic synchronization
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Wacom |
Product Dimensions | 13.3 x 10.5 x 0.8 inches |
Weight | 17 g |
Usage Time | 8 hours |
Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
Internal Storage | 5GB |
9. Scanmarker Air Scanner Smart Pen
(Best for Students)
The Scanmarker smart pen allows you to register, digitize, organize and share text from any paper document, sending it wirelessly to your computer or smartphone anytime, anywhere. There is an ergonomic design for simple use.
Key Features:
- Recognizes text instantly
Pros
- Suitable for left- and right-handed users
- Good price
- Recognize many languages
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t recognize handwriting
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Scanmarker |
Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.4 inches |
Weight | 60 g |
Usage Time | 5 hours |
Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
10. Apple Pencil
(Best for iPad)
Apple loves to amaze their fans with different new products. Apple Pencil is a high-tech stylus. Such a tool is useful for people of creative professions. Apple Pencil is an optional accessory that is positioned as an optional but desirable tool for working on the tablet.
It is most suitable for designers and developers. With this stylus it is very convenient to draw and draft on the device’s screen. To work with the stylus, you need special programs which appeared a long time ago. So you will be able to feel the benefits if you own iPad Pro.
Key Features:
- Perfect for tablets
- Recognizes up to 2048 degrees of pressure and deviation from horizontal
Pros
- There is no delay between pressing the stylus on the screen and the appearance of a line or point
- Lots of software tool
Cons
- Weak integration in the operating system
- Not a lot of unique features
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Apple |
Product Dimensions | 7 x 7 x 0.3 inches |
Weight | 20.7 g |
Usage Time | 12 hours |
Charging Time | 15 minutes |
Watch quick review about this product:
11. Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus
(Best for Windows 10)
Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus stylus supports Microsoft Pen Protocol and the Wacom Active ElectroStatic Protocol which means that the stylus is compatible with devices from Microsoft Surface laptops with MPP support to Lenovo Thinkpad with AES support for tablets.
Users can easily switch different protocols by holding both side buttons. Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus can be charged through USB. Bamboo Ink has a pleasant ergonomic design which prevents from rolling on the desktop. The barrel is covered with a popular matte rubber surface.
Key Features:
- Pleasant matte touch sense
- Ideal for Windows 10
- Easily charged
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Natural movements of the stylus
Cons
- Pocket clip is not really needed
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Wacom |
Product Dimensions | 6.02 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
Weight | 16.5 g |
Usage Time | lasts about 10 days (using 2 hours/day, 5 days/week) |
Charging Time | 3 hours |
12. Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen
If you want a high-quality stylus, then look at Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen. It has the exact point of the disc that guarantees you have a smooth and accurate smart pen experience when writing notes in a note application or even just navigating on your tablet.
It has a great design and some weight to it, so it is comfortable for people with a wrist tunnel. The advantage of the stylus is that its tip is completely replaceable. Also, there is a nice range of pen colors, so choose your perfect one.
Key Features:
- Different variety of stylus colors
- Fiber disc tip
- Nice gift
Pros
- Good Price Point
- Beautiful design
- 2 replaceable disc tips included
Cons
- Flimsy disc tips
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Mixoo |
Product Dimensions | 6.38 x 0.83 x 2.56 inches |
Weight | 24 g |
Usage Time | 40 hours |
Charging Time | 8 hours |
13. Wacom Intuos Pen
The first thing you notice when you work with Wacom Intuos smart pen is the realism of the sensations. With electromagnetic resonance technology, a battery-free smart pen with 4096 pressure sensing levels provides a natural constant drawing sensation.
The ergonomic design and light weight make it comfortable in the hand, allowing you to feel both precision and controllability. You can choose from a wide variety of tips a suitable one. All tips are stored inside the smart pen.
Key Features:
- Huge pressure sensing levels
- Perfectly matched with Wacom tablets
Pros
- Lightweight
- Battery free
Cons
- Plastic corpus
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Wacom |
Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches |
Weight | 22.7 g |
Usage Time | Battery free |
Charging Time | Battery free |
14. Microsoft Official Surface Pen
Use Microsoft Official Surface smart pen in any application that supports ink, such as Windows Ink Workspace, Office applications, or Microsoft Edge. If you bring the Surface smart pen to the touch screen, a dot will appear on the screen and the screen will not respond to other input.
For instance, mouse or hand. Then write or draw on the screen as with an ordinary pen on a paper. The Surface Pen is fully compatible with creative applications such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Sketchable, Drawboard PDF and Staffpad.
Key Features:
- 4096 pressure points
- For creative people
Pros
- Natural writing
- A lot of pressure sensitivity
Cons
- Causes some connective issues
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | Microsoft |
Product Dimensions | 10 x 3 x 1 inches |
Weight | 20 g |
Usage Time | 15 hours |
Charging Time | 4 hours |
15. Aibow Capacitive Stylus Pen
Aibow Capacitive Stylus has to be used with protective screens. If you have big pressure when you write, then this is perfect option for you, since it doesn’t make a lot of noise. The product is affordable and it has nice sleek design.
Thanks to this stylus, your handwriting may look very accurate and sharp. Therefore, the stylus is so good for note taking in your application. Also, the smart pen is very comfortable to hold in hand. You won’t be disappointed by its quality.
Key Features:
- Very affordable
- 4 replacement tips
- Good for teenagers
Pros
- 2 pens in the package
- Ideal weight
- Quick charging time
Cons
- Pens are not suitable for all screens
Product Specifications:
Manufacturer | aibow |
Product Dimensions | 6.38 x 0.83 x 2.56 inches |
Weight | 24 g |
Usage Time | 6 hours |
Charging Time | 40 minutes |
Factors You Must Consider Before Buying Smart Pens
Before buying anything you must consider all factors connecting with the product you are looking for. So here I present you all main factors, which are important before purchasing your perfect smart pen.
Data recording as a process developed simultaneously with the development of technology. This was always necessary so the user has the opportunity not only to archive but also, to distribute and edit any important information.
If you use smart pens, they provide the opportunity to write something when laptops and tablets are completely unsuitable for this.
Types Of Smart Pens
There are two types of smart pens that fundamentally differ in how they work. The first principle is based on the optical type of work. Such pens process letters using the built-in sensors and cameras directly into the pen.
They work only with in tandem with special paper on which the necessary makings are applied. Paper can be created using a conventional laser printer.
The second principle is based on the coordination type of work. In this case the handles work with in tandem with the receiver which “catches” the movement of the handle, saves and transfers data to the smartphone.
Battery Life
Obviously, you want a device with a good battery life. It might be one of the most significant aspects of buying a smart pen. Many smart pens are claimed to work approximately 5-10 hours or even more. Make sure you use a pen extensively and charge it according to its instruction.
Multi-Purpose
Before purchasing a smart pen, you should decide for which purposes do you need one. Do you need a smart pen for drawings, simply writing texts or even editing photos and adding details to any text or photos?
Also, it’s important to know that smart pens work in tandem with specific coded notebooks. Unfortunately, not every smart pen is multi-purpose, so you should be sure what you require and for which budget.
Ergonomic Design
It’s always an advantage to own the tool or device which is absolutely comfortable and pleasant to touch and have in your hand. Therefore, you must choose a smart pen with ergonomic design, so you won’t get tired working with it.
Ergonomic smart pen will definitely bring you joy and provide productivity in your work. A smart pen can be beautiful and attractive to look at, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t feel convenience of the product.
Any pen should be comfortable. The dimensions of the handle and the weight are very important criterion. They affect work efficiency. After all, you will get tired of writing with a big heavy pen.
However, I must admit that gadgets, which have many functions, cannot have small sizes, since the technologies are located inside.
Sensitivity
The better sensitivity of your smart pen, the higher chance a smart pen accurately will embrace all written text and send it instantly to your smartphone or computer. With a bad sensitivity, your smart pen will work slowly and there’s a risk that the written text won’t be transcribed.
Audio Recording
Frequently smart pens are used as a perfect tool for conferences and different types of meeting or for educational purposes, so it will be a huge advantage to have an audio recorded built-in a smart pen. It allows you to keep all voice information even after the event.
Also, it is a must-have product if you are not allowed to use smartphones, computers etc. at school or university. Smart pen is a sleek device to bring it everywhere easily.
Software
Thanks to the desktop software, you will be able to transfer all your information and materials to your own gadget and you will be sure that everything safely stored in your cloud.
Operating System
It’s better to use a smart pen which works both with iOS and Android operating systems. In case, you change a phone or laptop, for instance, you still can keep up using your smart pen.
Simplicity
There is no sense to choose a smart pen that will force the user to re-learn the skills that he learned in the first years of school. The process of installing and downloading software should be simple. To do this, first of all, you need to follow the instructions carefully.
The gadget package usually includes accessories that are needed in order to provide basic functionality. The best smart pens have many additions. They can be bought separately. Usually this is necessary after figuring out all the features of the device.
Help And Support
The manufacturer has to make sure that the using of smart pen is very convenient. There must be educational materials, online forums, answers to the questions that are frequently asked, technical support and contact information.
The text can be saved as a page or a decrypted sheet in TXT format, and also, instantly sent to the right recipients using almost any program and messengers.
FAQs
In this section I answered for all most searched questions which might be useful and interesting for you to learn and keep in mind.
My Top Pick
I hope everything is plain for you after reading every part of this article above. Hopefully, you learn all about smart pens or at least important facts which must considered before buying a smart pen. Time to read about my favorite product out of 15.
And here it is – NeoLab Convergence Smartpen M1. NeoLab smart pen is one of the nicest business gift. It carefully saves your important thoughts, helps you edit, distributes to recipients and also, paints a mustache to any photo!
The smart pen comes in a beautiful package. Using the NaoLab smart pen, you can draw sketches in a notebook, and they automatically appear in the app on your smartphone or tablet. The smart pen is lightweight and ergonomic, so your hand won’t get tired.
Do you have any question? Do you want to buy a smart pen now? I’m looking forward for your thoughts in the comment section below!