There's no denying we live in a touchscreen device world, but let's face it, it can be tricky to use our hands for every device need. When you need to take clear notes, draw or sketch a precise line, or just don't want finger smudges on your device, a stylus comes in handy.
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When you think of an iPad stylus, you probably immediately think of the Apple Pencil, and while this is a great iPad stylus (arguably, the best), we know not everyone wants to spend $129 on a stylus. There are plenty of stylus models that are compatible with iPads, and even have many of the same technologies as the Apple Pencil, like palm rejection and tilt recognition.
We've rounded up the best iPad stylus models with unique features at various price points.
Also:
- The best stylus
- The best iPad accessories
- The best iPad drawing apps
- The best note-taking apps for iPad
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Magnetically clips to the iPad Pro and iPad Air to charge wirelessly
- Intuitive touch surface that supports double-tapping and pressure sensitivity
- Palm-rejection technology
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Only works with specific iPad models (and not even some of the brand-new ones)
More Details
Tech specs: Weight:0.73 ounces | Battery life: 12 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes
The best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd generation since it was built to work for iPads. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation model with a double-tap function that you can customize to switch between pencil and eraser, show the color palettes, and more, as well as attach to the side of the iPad Pro and charge wirelessly.
The Apple Pencil is super responsive and has pixel-perfect precision with industry-leading low latency to write, markup, or draw. It also has tilt sensitivity and palm-rejection technology, so the screen only recognizes the Apple Pencil, not your hand or finger.
Check out: How to pair and charge your Apple pencil
By using the Apple Pencil with your iPad (specifically, the iPad Pro 2022 model), you'll get exclusive features like the new hover feature that makes part of the iPad's interface come to life when the tip of the Apple Pencil gets within 12mm of the iPad's display.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheaper option than the Apple Pencil
- Charges quick and holds a charge for long
Cons
- No pressure sensitivity
- Works best with a tempered glass screen protector rather than a naked screen
More Details
Tech specs: Weight: 2.08 ounces | Battery life: 20 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No
A more budget-friendly alternative to the Apple Pencil is this stylus from Jamjake, which costs $100 less. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes it easy to draw accurately on your iPad without lags or slips. In addition, the palm rejection technology allows for a more natural handwriting feel, so your screen doesn't pick up your hand.
The stylus pen has a great battery life of up to 20 hours on a full charge, and to conserve battery, it automatically goes into Sleep Mode after five minutes of idle time.
Check the compatibility before you buy, but this pen should work with all iPads from 2018 and later.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tilt technology for thicker lines when drawing
- Instant connectivity to iPads
- Apple Pencil technology without the Apple Pencil price tag
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No pressure sensitivity
More Details
Tech specs: Weight: 0.70 ounces | Battery life: 7.5 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes
Even though this stylus is from Logitech, the Logitech Crayon is built using Apple Pencil technology and can be used with hundreds of Apple Pencil-supported apps. In fact, it's the only non-Apple stylus with Apple's stamp of approval (and even sold on Apple's website).
Like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt technology, a smart tip that dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down -- just like a regular pencil.
The Logitech Crayon instantly connects to your iPad and is comfortable in your hand since it is flat-shaped rather than a cylinder. When drawing, the pen feels like a carpenter's pencil or crayon (hence, the name), making it the perfect companion for creatives.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Palm rejection and tilt recognition technologies
- Dual tips for different functions
Cons
- No pressure sensitivity
- Replacement tips are hard to find
More Details
Tech specs: Weight: 0.56 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes
The Zagg Pro stylus stands out in our list because it's a dual-tip stylus. The end tip is excellent for scrolling, while the active tip is built for drawing and writing (with tilt recognition to boot). It also has palm-rejection technology and can attach magnetically to iPad Pro models.
The Pro Stylus can last up to eight hours on a single charge, but a handy LED indicator towards the end of the pen lets you know how much battery life you have left.
This stylus is great for taking notes, journaling, or marking up documents.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Amazing battery life
- Lightweight feel
- Instant connectivity
- Made of recycled materials
Cons
- No tilt recognition
More Details
Tech specs: Weight: 0.45 ounces | Battery life: 24 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No
Adonit's latest addition to its stylus lineup is the Adonit Log, which is made entirely out of recycled material, making it super lightweight in your hand. Its ultra-fine 1mm tip ensures exact lines and precision when drawing or sketching. You can activate Apple's Notes App by tapping the screen with your Adonit Log.
While it doesn't support pressure or tilt sensitivity, this stylus does have palm recognition technology. And what's most impressive about this stylus is its battery life: you get up to 24 hours on a single one-hour charge (translation: you'll rarely have to charge it).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Functions as both a stylus and a mouse
- Works as a mouse with any touchscreen device with Bluetooth
Cons
- Needs Bluetooth to pair
- No tilt recognition
More Details
Tech specs: Weight: 0.53 ounces | Battery life: 10 hours (stylus), 5 hours (mouse) | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No
Another option from Adonit is the Adonit Note-M, the only stylus in the brand's vast lineup with the functionality of a mouse. With full mouse functionality, it has left and right click buttons, a touch panel, a sensitive scrolling wheel, and a unique multi-angled sensor that detects your iPad's surface up to 5mm away.
Its stylus features include a 1mm tip with palm rejection technology for precision notetaking and a magnetic body that can attach to the side of your iPad Pro.
What is the best iPad stylus?
The best iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil, which was made to work specifically with iPad models and the iOS system. With features like pressure sensitivity and hovering abilities, the Apple Pencil is built for just about anything on the iPad.
iPad stylus | Price | Battery life | Tilt recognition? |
Apple Pencil 2nd generation | $129 | 12 hours | Yes |
Jamjake Stylus Pen | $22 | 20 hours | No |
Logitech Crayon | $70 | 7.5 hours | Yes |
Zagg Pro Stylus | $45 | 8 hours | Yes |
Adonit Log | $40 | 24 hours | No |
Adonit Note-M | $65 | 10 hours (stylus) 5 hours (mouse) | No |
Which iPad stylus is right for you?
While any of these iPad styluses we listed are great picks, it ultimately comes down to if tilt recognition is important to you, what kind of battery life you need, and what price you're willing to spend.
Choose this iPad stylus... | If you want... |
Apple Pencil 2nd generation | The best overall option |
Jamjake Stylus Pen | A basic stylus that's cheaper than the Apple Pencil |
Logitech Crayon | A great stylus for drawing on iPad apps |
Zagg Pro Stylus | An iPad stylus with dual tips for different uses |
Adonit Log | An iPad stylus made of recycled material with excellent battery life |
Adonit Note-M | A stylus that doubles as a mouse |
How did we choose these iPad styluses?
We chose these styluses after extensive research into the product category. We looked at renowned brands and reviews (both good and bad) and notedthe top-rated styluses for different needs. We considered price, compatibility, and special features when making our final picks.
Is it worth getting a stylus for iPad?
An iPad stylus is worth it if you do a lot of notetaking or marking up documents, writing lists, drawing, or sketching with your iPad. A stylus pen is much more precise than your fingers, so any type of precision work is better.
Want to protect your stylus? Check our favorite cases for the iPad Air and iPad Pro
Does any stylus work with iPad?
No. Before buying any stylus, read the list of compatible devices. And yes, you must ensure your iPad is compatible with different Apple Pencil models since compatibility varies between generations.
Are there alternative iPad styluses worth considering?
Outside of these six styluses, there are also a handful of others that caught our attention. Adonit's lineup of styluses is extensive and has a lot of options that are compatible with iPads. In addition, the Apple Pencil 1st generation is a great Apple-made pick that's a bit cheaper than the current model.
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FAQs
Which Apple pen is best? ›
The Apple Pencil 2 is the best stylus available for iPad, and a vast improvement on the original. Magnetic charging, tap controls and a clean design make it a compelling choice for designers, and iOS tweaks mean it's improving all the time. But it will cost you.
Is the Apple Pencil worth it 2022? ›For anyone who wants to take advantage of the iPad for drawing, sketching, note taking, or other similar activities, the Apple Pencil is absolutely worth the money, but for those who don't need all of the advanced features, there are some similar styluses on the market like the much more affordable Logitech Crayon.
Which apple pen works with the newest iPad? ›- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
Unlike Bluetooth styluses from other companies, which have pressure sensitivity only in apps that explicitly support each stylus, the Apple Pencil still offers serviceable pressure sensitivity in older or unsupported programs. In the best apps, using a Pencil feels very close to drawing on real paper.
What can I use instead of Apple Pencil? ›- Logitech Crayon. The best Apple Pencil alternative overall. ...
- Adonit Note+ The best Apple Pencil alternative for digital artists. ...
- Adonit Pixel. Another great choice for digital art. ...
- JamJake K10 Stylus Pen. ...
- Adonit Dash 4. ...
- Adonit Pro 4. ...
- MoKo Stylus. ...
- Zagg Pro Stylus.
Is the Apple Pencil Worth Buying? In short: Yes. For what it does, the Apple Pencil is worth the investment. While it might not be a great fit for every single user, we believe that the Apple Pencil is worth the investment for users who want to do more with their iPad.
Is The Apple Pencil 2 worth it? ›The Pencil 1 is marketed for the entry-level iPad, while the Pencil 2 offers wider compatibility with newer generations and Pro models. Even if we consider the $30 gap between both models, (the Apple Pencil 2 cost $129 while the previous gen cost $99) we recommend that the Apple Pencil 2 is still worth buying.
Is Apple Pencil 3 Coming Soon? ›The first-gen model was introduced on 11 November 2015, followed by the second-gen version three years later on 7 November 2018. Admittedly, this is hardly an extensive form book to go on, but if Apple sticks to its previous pattern, we can expect to see the third-gen Apple Pencil in November 2021.
How many years can Apple Pencil last? ›Apple Pencils can last for 5 years with consistent use, but it all depends on your care and charging. If you think your battery is losing power quickly, consider turning off the Bluetooth connection.
Does the Apple Pencil fall off easily? ›If you have Apple Pencil 1 and an older device, you don't have that option, and worse still, the Apple Pencil 1's rounded shape means that it can easily roll away. Even if you have the Apple Pencil 2 and a compatible tablet, and even if you've got one of the best Apple Pencil grips, you still might find you lose it.
Is Apple coming out with a new pen? ›
The Apple Pencil is expected to have all of the functionality of the second-generation model, with low latency and integration with the latest iPad models.
Do Apple pencils work on iPhones? ›Well, iPads and iPhones use different display technologies. While iPads are designed to support Apple Pencil, iPhones are not engineered that way. It doesn't matter which iPhone someone has, users cannot pair or use an Apple Pencil with an iPhone.
Can you use any stylus on iPad? ›Those looking to simply make notes are fine to use an alternative stylus, but if you're specifically looking for a drawing tool to use with drawing apps, then you really ought to get the official Apple Pencil that works with your iPad.
Is stylus better than finger? ›A stylus is particularly beneficial when using graphic design programs or apps on a touchscreen device. You can't expect to draw clean lines using your finger. The tip of your finger is wider in diameter than that of a stylus, so it's a poor choice of input when using a graphic design programs or apps.
Is Logitech pencil as good as Apple Pencil? ›Performance. While both styluses include tilt detection and have the same drawing and writing precision, the Apple Pencil has pressure sensitivity but the Logitech Crayon doesn't. This means that the Crayon is more suitable for note-taking or working on illustrations that don't require the control of having fine lines.
Can you use a non Apple stylus on an iPad? ›The Logitech Crayon is a little chunky-looking but in our review, we contest that it actually feels great to hold in hand and is roll-proof. It works with all iPads from 2018 and later and has a precise tip with palm-rejection technology and tilt sensitivity.
Can any stylus work on iPad? ›Not all styluses work with Apple's new iPad Air model, so it's important to pick the right one. Many of our recommendations, however, are universal styluses, meaning they'll work with iPad Air 5 and some other devices including Android phones, tablets, and iPhones too.
Do you need a special stylus for iPad? ›Yes, as long as it is designed to work with iPad/iPhone/iPod. It has to be stylus with a broader and soft tip that mimics a finger. Some are available quite inexpensively.
Do all pens work with all iPads? ›The entry-level iPad is the only current iPad that works with the first-generation Apple Pencil (opens in new tab). The iPad Air 5, iPad mini 6, and 2021 versions of the iPad Pro all work with the second-generation Apple Pencil (opens in new tab).
Will a non Apple stylus work on an iPad? ›Logitech Crayon
The Logitech Crayon offers many features similar to the Apple Pencil, but at a more reasonable price tag. The stylus works with any 11-inch iPad Pro, any 12.9-inch iPad Pro, sixth-generation and later iPad, third-generation iPad Air, and iPad mini 5. There's no need to worry about pairing the stylus.
Which is better Apple Pencil 2 or Logitech Crayon? ›
While both styluses include tilt detection and have the same drawing and writing precision, the Apple Pencil has pressure sensitivity but the Logitech Crayon doesn't. This means that the Crayon is more suitable for note-taking or working on illustrations that don't require the control of having fine lines.
What is the price of IPAD Pro pencil? ›Bought it in appstore for 620rs. Its very smooth and a great asset for digital artists!