An iPad stylus makes all of the distinction in doing what you like wherever you might be, with out sacrificing effectiveness. A stylus is a useful asset to any iPad, permitting you extra management and precision for note-taking, drawing, editing, and extra.
The Apple Pencil Pro might be the very first thing you consider if you begin searching for the proper iPad stylus. However it’s removed from the one choice, and plenty of third-party styluses are simply as succesful as Apple (and much more reasonably priced). Nonetheless, the very best iPad stylus proper now for most individuals is the Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil Professional, although we have examined different choices to discover.
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What’s the finest iPad stylus proper now?
Our prime choose for the very best iPad stylus proper now could be the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for its wi-fi charging capabilities, smooth design, ease of use, and compatibility choices. ZDNET consultants consider stylus choices usually in tandem with the newest iPads and software program, so relaxation assured we’re experiencing the merchandise simply as you may. We have additionally examined loads of different stylus choices — together with choices for the M4 iPads and finances picks — so preserve studying to see how our different decisions stack up towards the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen).
Additionally: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2: Which is right for you?
The most effective iPad stylus of 2025
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Why we prefer it: Our verdict of the very best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd Technology, which was constructed particularly for iPads. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation mannequin by attaching to the aspect of the iPad Professional, charging wirelessly, and together with a double-tap perform which you can customise to change between pencil and eraser or present the colour palettes. In our testing of the Apple Pencil, we discovered it to be tremendous responsive and to have pixel-perfect precision with industry-leading low latency to jot down, markup, or draw. It additionally has tilt sensitivity and palm-rejection expertise, so the display solely acknowledges the Apple Pencil (not your hand or finger).
Who it is for: The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen goes to be the choose for these trying to maximize the total potential of their iPad or those that need the Apple-designed product.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to’re a critical iPad consumer for modifying, writing, and extra, chances are you’ll need to contemplate the newer and extra superior Apple Pencil Professional in case your iPad is appropriate. Equally, in case you simply want a stylus for rare use or to have readily available, there’s actually no must buy any of Apple’s flagship pencils. Loads of options get the job executed.
Additionally: How to pair and charge your Apple pencil
Apple Pencil 2nd Technology specs: Weight: 0.73 ounces | Battery life: Round 12 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: Sure | Compatibility: iPad mini (sixth era), iPad Air (4th or fifth era), iPad Professional 12.9-inch (third, 4th, fifth, or sixth era), iPad Professional 11-inch (1st, 2nd, third, or 4th era)
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In Might 2024, Apple unveiled a brand new lineup of M3 and M4 iPad Air and Professional fashions. Alongside the newest tablets, the tech large launched the model new Apple Pencil Professional, the very first improve to Apple’s stylus lineup because the launch of the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) in 2018.
Why we prefer it: The upgraded stylus incorporates superior options like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic suggestions to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an inventive masterpiece extra intuitive. The Apple Pencil Professional expenses wirelessly and was designed to work with the most recent iPad Professional and upgraded software program, which makes it our prime stylus alternative for the most recent iPad Professional and Air fashions.
Who it is for: If you happen to’re shopping for one of many latest iPad Professional fashions, buying the Apple Pencil Professional is smart since its superior options leverage the chip and AI expertise included into Apple’s new tablets for probably the most productiveness, performance, and worth out of your new iPad — particularly in case you significantly edit, write or extra.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to’re not an on a regular basis stylus consumer or somebody benefiting from the upgraded options, skipping out on the Professional for one more Apple various or competitor product is a totally cheap choice.
Additionally: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)
Apple Pencil Professional specs: Weight: 0.68 ounces | Battery life: Round 12 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: Sure | Added Options: Barrel roll, Squeeze gesture, Double faucet, and Discover My expertise | Compatibility: iPad Professional 13-inch (M4), iPad Professional 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Mini (A17 Professional)
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Why we prefer it: ESR’s digital pencil is a finances various filled with options which will simply make it value your purchase. Though this pencil would not function wi-fi charging, it is beneath $35 and does have options like fast cost to full in half-hour or much less and a 12 hour battery life, like different rivals on this checklist.
It additionally makes use of Bluetooth FindMy monitoring in case you are vulnerable to dropping your stylus and might safe magnetically to your iPad. Just like the dearer Apple Pencil fashions, this ESR pencil has simple shortcuts that when related to Bluetooth allow faucet to return to the primary interface, double-tap to entry the duty supervisor, and think about real-time battery degree show. There’s additionally tilt delicate and palm rejection for optimum management, although there is not stress sensitivity.
After testing the ESR pencil with my iPad Air unit during the last a number of months, I am impressed. I really choose the burden and really feel of this pencil over the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen — ESR’s mannequin makes Apple’s really feel prime heavy. It is comfy and straightforward to make use of, and I recognize the aggressive options. I did not miss something in addition to wi-fi charging, however for nearly a $100 distinction, I can recover from it. It additionally is available in pink or black along with white, which is a enjoyable bonus.
Who it is for: A newbie iPad stylus consumer or somebody who is not trying to make use of the total potential of Apple’s iPad and stylus connectivity. It is also an important choose for a these on a finances.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Severe iPad customers or these trying to full detailed skilled work in modifying, design and extra might want the seamless compatibiity and specifically designed choices delivered in an Apple-made stylus.
ESR Geo Digital Pencil specs: Weight: 0.476 ounces | Battery life: Round 12 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: Sure | Compatibility: All iPads after 2018 | FindMy Bluetooth Enabled Monitoring | USB-C charging | Magnetic Attachment | Simple, customizable shortcuts
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Why we prefer it: Regardless that this stylus just isn’t Apple-made, the Logitech Crayon is constructed utilizing Apple Pencil expertise and can be utilized with a whole bunch of Apple Pencil-supported apps. It is the one non-Apple stylus with Apple’s stamp of approval (and is even bought on Apple’s web site).
Just like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt expertise, which means its good tip dynamically adjusts line weight relying on the angle you place it down—identical to an everyday pencil.
Overview: Logitech Crayon
Who it is for: The Logitech Crayon is an choice for an informal stylus consumer or somebody searching for an Apple Pencil 2nd Gen various. ZDNET’s Kerry Wan examined out the Logitech Crayon and thought the flat kind issue was far more comfy and supplied a reassuring grip in comparison with the Apple Pencil. “The Crayon is nice for jotting down notes and serving as a extra correct touchpoint than your finger,” Wan wrote.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to’re trying to full detailed drawing, sketching, or graphic design work, chances are you’ll need to skip out.
Logitech Crayon specs: Weight: 0.70 ounces | Battery life: 7.5 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: Sure
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Why we prefer it: The Adonit Notice+2 stylus is the one different stylus on our checklist with stress sensitivity, making it a superb choice in case you do not need to spend over $100 on the Apple Pencil. I went hands-on with the Adonit Notice+2, and it impressed me with its distinctive accuracy and responsiveness throughout writing. Writing within the Notes app was seamless and definitely scratched my tactile itch for writing pen to paper. The Adonit Notice+2 additionally comes with three interchangeable suggestions for choices relying on whether or not you draw, write, or sketch.
Who it is for: If you would like an identical expertise to the Apple Pencil and the flexibility to vary suggestions, this may be the stylus for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to’re not fascinated with altering suggestions or need the total scope of iPad options to be appropriate together with your stylus, you will need to contemplate options.
Adonit Notice+2 tech specs: Weight: 0.49 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: Sure
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Why we prefer it: This stylus from Jamjake prices an entire $100 lower than the Apple Pencil, making it a much more budget-friendly choice. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes it simple to attract precisely in your iPad with out lags or slips, and the palm rejection expertise permits for a extra pure handwriting really feel. The stylus pen’s battery life is as much as 20 hours on a full cost, and it routinely goes into Sleep Mode after 5 minutes of idle time to preserve battery energy.
Additionally: The top stylus pens (and if they work for all devices)
Who it is for: No fuss or frill stylus customers who need an affordable choice that will get mundane, primary duties executed.
Who ought to look elsewhere: These searching for extra superior options and seamless Apple design will need to spend a bit extra.
Verified clients on Amazon give this stylus a 4.4/5 star ranking on-line, with many liking the smooth design, balanced building, and lag-free responsiveness. Some clients identified that whereas the stylus lacked stress sensitivity, it nonetheless carried out nicely at duties like drawing or sketching, particularly for the value.
Jamjake Stylus Pen specs: Weight: 2.08 ounces | Battery life: 20 hours | Palm rejection: Sure | Tilt recognition: No
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The most effective iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which was made to work particularly with iPad fashions and the iOS system. With options like stress sensitivity and hovering skills, the Apple Pencil is constructed for absolutely anything on the iPad. For newer M4 iPad fashions, ZDNET recommends leveling as much as the Apple Pencil Professional.
| iPad stylus | Value | Battery life | Tilt recognition? |
| Apple Pencil 2nd Gen | $129 | 12 hours | Sure |
| Apple Pencil Professional | $129 | 12 hours | Sure |
| ESR Geo Digital Pencil | $33 | 12 hours | Sure |
| Logitech Crayon | $70 | 7.5 hours | Sure |
| Adonit Notice+2 | $70 | 8 hours | Sure |
| Jamjake Stylus Pen | $30 | 20 hours | No |
*MSRP on the time of writing. Please be aware that precise costs could differ relying on accessible gross sales, offers, reductions, and coupons.
Whereas any of those iPad styluses we listed are nice picks, it in the end comes all the way down to if tilt recognition is vital to you, what sort of battery life you want, and what value you are prepared to spend.
| Select this iPad stylus… | If you need… |
| Apple Pencil 2nd Gen | The most effective total choice. The Apple Pencil was made for the iPad, and has distinctive options just like the hover perform. |
| Apple Pencil Professional | Probably the most intuitive stylus expertise for the most recent iPad Air and Professional fashions. |
| ESR Geo Digital Pencil | A finances choice with FindMy Bluetooth expertise. |
| Logitech Crayon | An amazing stylus for drawing on iPad apps. It has a sensible tip that dynamically adjusts line weight relying on the angle you place it down. |
| Adonit Notice+ 2 | A runner-up various to the very best iPad stylus. Just like the Apple Pencil, it has stress sensitivity, but it surely prices $59 much less. |
| Jamjake Stylus Pen | A primary stylus that is cheaper than the Apple Pencil. As well as, it has palm rejection expertise. |
If you happen to’re out there for an iPad Stylus, this is a number of issues to remember:
- Options: Particular options like palm-rejection expertise and tilt-sensing are vital to have in a stylus to make the writing expertise really feel extra pure. Take into consideration what you need to use your stylus for and which options are mandatory for that — drawing shall be more difficult with a stylus that lacks stress recognition.
- Compatibility: Not all stylus pens are appropriate with all iPad fashions, so contemplate choices that may work together with your system.
- Value: Stylus pens vary in value from $20 all the way in which to $130, so determine on how a lot you might be prepared to spend to assist slim down your checklist.
We selected these stylus choices after intensive analysis into the product class and by going hands-on with a few of these merchandise. We checked out famend manufacturers and critiques (each good and unhealthy) and famous the top-rated styluses for various wants. Finally, elements like value, compatibility, and use case guided our prime picks. We moreover contemplate ease of use, perform, battery life, and different direct options to assist guarantee we’re recommending the very best of the very best to you.
Newest information on iPad styluses
In response to reported rumors, Apple has utilized for and has been granted a patent for an Apple Pencil that may work throughout a number of Apple units. This implies a future Apple Pencil mannequin may work on an iPad, in addition to an iPhone.
Apple launched its latest iPad fashions on March 12, 2025. These embrace the iPad eleventh Gen and the 11-inch iPad Air M3. Apple’s common iPhone launch event is simply across the nook on September 9, so it is doubtless we cannot see any new iPad fashions till March or April 2026.
An iPad stylus is value it in case you do quite a lot of notetaking or marking up paperwork, writing lists, drawing, or sketching together with your iPad.
Additionally: The best iPad Pro cases you can buy under $150
A stylus pen is far more exact than your fingers, so any kind of precision work is healthier, however in case you solely use your iPad for leisure or video games, chances are you’ll not must spend money on a stylus if it is simply going to gather mud. Any accent is barely pretty much as good as you make it, and if it is not being utilized in your each day actions, it is most likely not value it.
Sure and no. Loads of Apple Pencil options shall be appropriate with varied iPad fashions, and also you definitely do not need to buy an Apple stylus. We have included a number of non-Apple picks on the checklist so that you can contemplate, however in the end, it is best to be sure you double-check the stylus compatibilities as indicated by the model earlier than buying.
Some iPad iterations do not even assist the Apple Pencil, so make certain to do your homework.
The Apple Pencil’s hefty price ticket might be attributed to a number of elements, together with Apple’s esteemed model worth, its superior expertise choices (and the analysis and design that supported them), and demand.
Sure, the Apple Pencil (each 1st and 2nd Gen, and even the most recent Pencil Professional) see reductions throughout the yr at main retailers like Greatest Purchase, Amazon, Walmart, and extra. Purchasing occasions reminiscent of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmastime, Presidents’ Day, Again to Faculty, and through Prime Days are common durations of the yr the place you may anticipate to see a drop within the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen has dropped to $79 ($50 much less) a number of occasions this yr and the Pencil Professional has began to see its first reductions since its launch, normally promoting for $90-$98 on sale.
No. Earlier than shopping for any stylus, learn the checklist of appropriate units. And sure, you need to guarantee your iPad is appropriate with completely different Apple Pencil fashions since compatibility varies between generations.
Newest updates
- In our August 2025 replace, we up to date details about every of our prime picks, eliminated outdated merchandise, added a Newest Information part, and added an FAQ on new iPad fashions.
- In our June 2025 replace, we added ESR’s Geo Digital Pencil as a finances choose for an iPad stylus.
Different iPad styluses value contemplating
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This Apple Pencil is appropriate with older iPad fashions (in addition to the iPad tenth Gen with an adapter) and boasts unimaginable sensitivity.
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The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is not as top-notch because the 2nd Gen pencil but it surely contains a number of the similar options, like low latency and tilt sensitivity. It lacks stress sensitivity and wi-fi charging and is appropriate with an intensive quantity of iPad fashions together with the brand new M4 variations. Additionally it is cheaper than the opposite Apple Pencil fashions.
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In case you have a pill apart from an iPad, you are not out of luck. This Wacom pen affords crisp Home windows-powered perform for beneath $50.
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For extra info on styluses, in addition to suggestions and tips, try the 12 Apple Pencil Pro features and settings you should know, and the best smart pens you should buy.
