An iPad stylus is an invaluable asset that will take your Apple tablet to the next level. This handy tool allows you more control and precision for notetaking, drawing, and editing.
The Apple Pencil Pro is probably the first thing you think of when you start looking for the perfect iPad stylus, but it’s far from the only option. Many third-party styluses are just as capable as Apple, and a lot more affordable. The best iPad stylus right now for most people is the Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil Pro, but we’ve tested other options to explore.
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What is the best iPad stylus right now?
Our top pick for the best iPad stylus right now is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for its wireless charging capabilities, sleek design, ease of use, and compatibility options. ZDNET experts evaluate stylus options often in tandem with the latest iPads and software, so we’re experiencing the products just as you might. We’ve also tested plenty of other styluses, including options for the M4 iPads and budget picks.
Also: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2: Which is right for you?
The best iPad stylus of 2025
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Why we like it: Our verdict of the best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2, or the second generation, which was built specifically for iPads. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation model by attaching to the side of the iPad Pro, charging wirelessly, and including a double-tap function that you can customize to switch between pencil and eraser or show the color palettes. In our testing of the Apple Pencil, we found it to be super responsive and to have 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 instead of your hand or finger.
Who it’s for: The Apple Pencil 2 is for those looking to maximize the full potential of their iPad.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re a serious iPad user for editing, writing, and drawing, you may want to consider the Apple Pencil Pro, if your device is compatible. Similarly, if you just need a stylus for infrequent use, there’s really no need to purchase any of Apple’s flagship pencils. Plenty of alternatives get the job done.
Also: How to pair and charge your Apple pencil
Apple Pencil 2 specs: Weight: 0.73 ounces | Battery life: Around 12 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes | Compatibility: iPad mini (sixth-generation), iPad Air (fourth- or fifth-generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third-0, fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-generation)
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Apple unveiled a new lineup of M3 and M4 iPad Air and Pro models in 2024. Alongside the M3 and M4 tablets released in 2024, Apple also introduced the released the Apple Pencil Pro. It was the first actual upgrade to Apple’s stylus lineup since the 2018 release of the Apple Pencil 2.
Why we like it: The stylus incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an artistic masterpiece more intuitive. The Apple Pencil Pro charges wirelessly and works with the newest iPad Pro and upgraded software, which makes it our top stylus choice for the newest iPad Pro and Air models.
Who it’s for: Purchasing the Apple Pencil Pro makes sense if you have a newer tablet. The tool’s advanced features leverage the tablet’s upgraded tech for you to get the best experience with the iPad.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re not an everyday stylus user, skip the Pro for another Apple alternative or competitor product.
Also: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2
Apple Pencil Pro specs: Weight: 0.68 ounces | Battery life: Around 12 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes | Added Features: Barrel roll, Squeeze gesture, Double tap, and Find My technology | Compatibility: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
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Why we like it: ESR’s digital pencil is a $35 budget alternative packed with features. While this pencil doesn’t have wireless charging, it has features like quick charge to full in 30 minutes or less and a 12-hour battery life.
It also uses Bluetooth Find My tracking in case you’re prone to losing your stylus and can secure magnetically to your iPad. Like the more expensive Apple Pencil models, this ESR pencil has easy shortcuts. Connecting to Bluetooth enables tap to return to the main interface, double tap to access the task manager, and view real-time battery level display. There’s also tilt sensitive and palm rejection for maximum control, though there isn’t pressure sensitivity.
After testing the ESR pencil with my iPad Air unit over the last several months, I’m impressed. I actually prefer the weight and feel of this pencil over the Apple Pencil 2. ESR’s model makes Apple’s feel top heavy. It’s comfortable and easy to use, and I appreciate the competitive features. I missed the wireless charging, but for almost a $100 difference, I can get over it. It also comes in pink or black in addition to white, which is a fun bonus.
Who it’s for: A beginner iPad stylus user or someone who isn’t looking to use the full potential of Apple’s iPad and stylus connectivity. It’s also a great pick for a those on a budget.
Who should look elsewhere: Serious iPad users or those looking to complete detailed professional work in editing, design and more may want the seamless compatibiity and specially designed offerings delivered in an Apple-made stylus.
ESR Geo Digital Pencil specs: Weight: 0.476 ounces | Battery life: Around 12 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes | Compatibility: All iPads after 2018 | Find My Bluetooth Enabled Tracking | USB-C charging | Magnetic Attachment | Easy, customizable shortcuts
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Why we like it: The Logitech Crayon is built using Apple Pencil technology and can be used with hundreds of Apple Pencil-supported apps. It’s the only non-Apple stylus with the tech giant’s stamp of approval. It’s even sold on Apple’s website.
Like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt technology. This means its smart tip dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down — just like a regular pencil.
Review: Logitech Crayon
Who it’s for: The Logitech Crayon is good for casual stylus user or as an Apple Pencil 2 alternative. ZDNET’s Kerry Wan tested out the Logitech Crayon and thought the flat form factor was much more comfortable and offered a reassuring grip compared to the Apple Pencil. “The Crayon is great for jotting down notes and serving as a more accurate touchpoint than your finger,” Wan wrote.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re looking to complete detailed drawing, sketching, or graphic design work, you may want to skip out.
Logitech Crayon specs: Weight: 0.70 ounces | Battery life: 7.5 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes
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Why we like it: The Adonit Note+2 stylus is the only other stylus on our list with pressure sensitivity. This makes it an excellent option if you don’t want to spend over $100 on the Apple Pencil. I went hands-on with the Adonit Note+2, and it impressed me with its exceptional accuracy and responsiveness. Writing in the Notes app was seamless and certainly scratched my tactile itch for writing pen to paper. The Adonit Note+2 also comes with three interchangeable tips for options depending on whether you draw, write, or sketch.
Who it’s for: If you want a similar experience to the Apple Pencil and the ability to change tips.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re not interested in changing tips or want the full scope of iPad features to be compatible with your stylus.
Adonit Note+2 tech specs: Weight: 0.49 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes
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Why we like it: This stylus from Jamjake costs a whole $100 less than the Apple Pencil, making it a far more budget-friendly option. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes it easy to draw without lags or slips, and the palm rejection technology allows for a more natural handwriting feel. The stylus pen’s battery life is up to 20 hours on a full charge, and it automatically goes into Sleep Mode after five minutes of idle time to conserve battery power.
Also: The top stylus pens (and if they work for all devices)
Who it’s for: No fuss or frill stylus users who want a cheap option that gets mundane, basic tasks done.
Who should look elsewhere: Those looking for more advanced features and seamless Apple design will want to spend a bit more.
Verified customers on Amazon give this stylus a 4.4- out of 5-star rating online, with many liking the sleek design, balanced construction, and lag-free responsiveness. Some customers said while the stylus lacked pressure sensitivity, it still performed well for the price.
Jamjake Stylus Pen specs: Weight: 2.08 ounces | Battery life: 20 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No
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The best iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil 2, which was made to work specifically with iPad models. With features like pressure sensitivity and hovering abilities, the Apple Pencil is built for just about anything on the iPad. For newer M4 iPad models, ZDNET recommends leveling up to the Apple Pencil Pro.
| iPad stylus | Price | Battery life | Tilt recognition? |
| Apple Pencil 2 | $72 | 12 hours | Yes |
| Apple Pencil Pro | $99 | 12 hours | Yes |
| ESR Geo Digital Pencil | $33 | 12 hours | Yes |
| Logitech Crayon | $54 | 7.5 hours | Yes |
| Adonit Note+2 | $70 | 8 hours | Yes |
| Jamjake Stylus Pen | $18 | 20 hours | No |
*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.
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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 2 | The best overall option. The Apple Pencil was made for the iPad and has unique features like the hover function. |
| Apple Pencil Pro | The most intuitive stylus experience for the newest iPad Air and Pro models. |
| ESR Geo Digital Pencil | A budget option with Find My Bluetooth technology. |
| Logitech Crayon | A great stylus for drawing on iPad apps. It has a smart tip that dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down. |
| Adonit Note+ 2 | A runner-up alternative to the best iPad stylus. Like the Apple Pencil, it has pressure sensitivity, but it costs $59 less. |
| Jamjake Stylus Pen | A basic stylus that’s cheaper than the Apple Pencil. In addition, it has palm rejection technology. |
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If you’re in the market for an iPad Stylus, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Features: Special features like palm-rejection technology and tilt-sensing are important to have in a stylus to make the writing experience feel more natural. Think about what you want to use your stylus for and which features are necessary for that — drawing will be more challenging with a stylus that lacks pressure recognition.
- Compatibility: Not all stylus pens are compatible with all iPad models, so consider options that would work with your device.
- Price: Stylus pens range in price from $20 all the way to $130, so decide on how much you are willing to spend to help narrow down your list.
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We chose these stylus options after extensive research into the product category and by going hands-on with some of these products. We looked at renowned brands and reviews — both good and bad — and noted the top-rated styluses for different needs. Ultimately, factors like cost, compatibility, and use case guided our top picks. We additionally consider ease of use, function, battery life, and other direct features to help ensure we’re recommending the best of the best to you.
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Latest news on iPad styluses
- The Apple Pencil celebrated its 10th birthday in September.
- According to reported rumors, Apple has been granted a patent for an Apple Pencil that would work across multiple Apple devices. This means a future Apple Pencil model could work on an iPad, as well as an iPhone.
Apple released its newest iPad models in March 12, 2025. These include the iPad 11th-gen and the 11-inch iPad Air M3. Apple didn’t announce any new iPads during its September event, so it’s likely we won’t see any new models until next year.
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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, but if you only use your iPad for entertainment or games, you may not need to invest in a stylus if it’s just going to collect dust. Any accessory is only as good as you make it, and if it isn’t being utilized for your daily activities, it’s probably not worth it.
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Yes and no. Plenty of Apple Pencil alternatives will be compatible with various iPad models, and you certainly don’t have to purchase an Apple stylus. We’ve included several non-Apple picks on the list for you to consider, but ultimately, it’s best to make sure you double-check the stylus compatibilities as indicated by the brand before purchasing.
Some iPad iterations don’t even support the Apple Pencil, so make sure to do your homework.
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The Apple Pencil’s hefty price tag can be attributed to Apple’s esteemed brand value, its advanced technology offerings, the research and design that supported them, and demand.
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Yes, the Apple Pencil lineup sees discounts during the year at major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and more. Shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmastime, Presidents’ Day, Back to School, and during Prime Days are popular periods of the year where you can expect to see a drop in the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil 2 has dropped to $79, or $50 less, several times this year. The Pencil Pro has started to see its first discounts since its release, usually selling for $90-$98 on sale.
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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.
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Latest updates
- In our September 2025 update, we made minor editorial changes, verified product prices and availability, and included the latest news on styluses.
- In our August 2025 update, we updated information about each of our top picks, removed outdated products, and added an FAQ on new iPad models.
- In our June 2025 update, we added ESR’s Geo Digital Pencil as a budget pick for an iPad stylus.
Other iPad styluses worth considering
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This Apple Pencil is compatible with numerous older iPad models, as well as the iPad 10th-gen with a USB-C adapter. The tool still boasts tilt and pressure sensitivity.
For $99, you get the original Apple Pencil, a lightning adapter, USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter, and an extra tip.
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The Apple Pencil (USB-C) includes some of the same features as the Apple Pencil 2. The tool has low latency and tilt sensitivity but lacks pressure sensitivity and wireless charging.
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) supports the magnetic storage and the hover feature.
is compatible with an extensive amount of iPad models including the new M4 versions. It is also cheaper than the other Apple Pencil models.
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If you have a tablet other than an iPad, you’re not out of luck. This Wacom pen offers crisp Windows-powered function for under $50.
The stylus supports more than 4,000 pressure levels and can launch Windows Ink Workspace with a tap.
The Wacom pen is made out of aluminum for durability, clips to the front of your tablet, sports two programmable side switches for shortcuts, and runs on an AAAA battery.
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For more information on styluses, as well as tips and tricks, check out the 12 Apple Pencil Pro features and settings you should know, and the best smart pens you can buy.