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.
Apple's tablet lineup has a wide range of prices and capabilities.
Read nowWhen 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$129on 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 iPad accessories
Apple Pencil 2nd generation specs: Weight: 0.73 ouncesBattery life:12 hoursPalm rejection:YesTilt recognition:Yes
The best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd generationsince 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, 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.
Also: 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.
View now at Best Buy View now at Apple View now at Amazon more buying choicesJamjake Stylus Pen specs: Weight:2.08 ouncesBattery life:20 hoursPalm rejection:YesTilt 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 hourson a full charge, and to conserve battery, it automatically goes into Sleep Mode after five minutes of idle time.
Also: The top stylus pens (and if they work for all devices)
Check the compatibility before you buy, but this pen should work with all iPads from 2018 and later.
View now at AmazonLogitech Crayon specs: Weight:0.70ouncesBattery life:7.5 hoursPalm rejection: YesTilt recognition:Yes
Even though this stylus is from Logitech, the Logitech Crayonis 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 Crayonhas tip-tilt technology, a smart tip that dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down -- just like a regular pencil.
Also: The best iPad drawing apps
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.
View now at Best Buy View now at Apple View now at B&H Photo-Video more buying choicesZagg Pro Stylus specs: Weight:0.56 ouncesBattery life:8 hoursPalm rejection:YesTilt 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.
Also: The best note-taking apps for iPad
This stylus is great for taking notes, journaling, or marking up documents.
View now at B&H Photo-Video View now at Target View now at Walmart more buying choicesAdonit Log specs: Weight:0.45 ouncesBattery life:24 hoursPalm rejection:YesTilt 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'sNotes App by tapping the screen with your Adonit Log.
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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 hourson a single 1-hour charge (translation: You'll rarely have to charge it).
View now at Amazon View now at Adonit more buying choicesAdonit Note-M specs: Weight:0.53 ouncesBattery life:10 hours (stylus), 5 hours (mouse)Palm rejection:YesTilt 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.
Also: The best iPad Air cases
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.
View now at B&H Photo-VideoThe 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 | $13 | 20 hours | No |
Logitech Crayon | $70 | 7.5 hours | Yes |
Zagg Pro Stylus | $40 | 8 hours | Yes |
Adonit Log | $40 | 24 hours | No |
Adonit Note-M | $65 | 10 hours (stylus) and 5 hours (mouse) | No |
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. |
We chose these styluses after extensive research into the product category. We looked at renowned brands and reviews (both good and bad) and noted the top-rated styluses for different needs. We considered price, compatibility, and special features when making our final picks.
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.
Also: The best iPad Pro cases you can buy under$150
A stylus pen is much more precise than your fingers, so any type of precision work is better.
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.
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.
This Apple Pencil is compatible with older iPad versions and boasts incredible sensitivity.
View at AppleThis stylus has palm rejection and 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity to ensure that you interact with your iPad precisely. It has two shortcut buttons that you can program to do things like erase or redo.
View at AmazonThe Targus stylus is compatible with iPad models from 2018 or newer. You can charge it for 90 minutes for 10 hours of nonstop work and ninety days of standby time.
View at Best Buy