Best Stylus for iPad

A Stylus is sometimes as good as a keyboard. It has become a basic requirement. A regular stylus will not work with your iPad but there are still many options for your iPad stylus. Compatibility is key when you buy a stylus for your iPad.  What you require for your iPad stylus is pressure sensitivity, firm grip, comfortable drawing experience, and a tip of the stylus that won’t leave a scratch on your screen. 

The best thing about buying a stylus for your iPad is that you don’t just have the option of buying the expensive Apple Pencil, there are so many options from mid to lower range. You don’t have to splash the cash if you don’t need to.

There are so many options for an iPad stylus and that’s really comforting. You have already splashed a serious amount of dough on an iPad so chances are you might want to take a step back and buy a stylus that doesn’t put a dent in your pocket again.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Stylus

Before making a final decision, take into consideration the below points:

 

• Pressure Sensitivity

 

Not every Stylus will have a pressure sensitivity tip but the ones that do are highly productive. 

The nib of the pressure-sensitive pen has a pressure sensor which means a pressure-sensitive pen can not only be used for writing but also can render lines of various shapes by pressing different pressure to the pen nib.

 

• Firm Grip 

The grip is a very underrated aspect of a stylus. Growing up we would only use a pen or a pencil whose grip fits us perfectly. You can maneuver your pen or pencil accordingly without it slipping from your hand. A firm grip means firm control over what you write, what you draw, or what you create.

 

• Comfortable Drawing Experience

 

One of the most important reasons why you buy a stylus in the first place. You want to draw on your iPad with a stylus that is comfortable in your hand. You would want a smooth experience while drawing and not scratch and double tap on your stylus to draw something. A stylus with good sensitivity that just rolls with your arm.

 

• Smooth Tip

 

It is obvious that you require a stylus that is equipped with a rigid tip and by rigid we mean a tip that doesn’t break easily. Also, a tip that doesn’t leave scratch marks on your iPad’s surface once you’re done using the stylus. The tip’s sensitivity has to be just right too. You would want a smooth experience while writing and drawing with the stylus.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the Best Stylus for iPad:

 

1. Apple Pencil(2nd Generation)

 

 

The Staple! If you are already hell-bent on buying Apple-exclusive products, then you don’t have to look any further than the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil has pixel-perfect precision and tilt and pressure sensitivity. The stylus is so smooth that it will turn into your favorite creative instrument, your paintbrush, your charcoal, or your pencil. 

It makes the painting, sketching, doodling, and even note-taking better than ever. The Apple Pencil magnetically attaches with your iPad Pro and iPad Air. It also charges wirelessly and lets you change tools with a simple double-tap. The stylus is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Air (4th generation). The Apple Pencil connects via Bluetooth.

 

Key Specifications:

• Color: White
• Weight: 21 g
• Length: 8.3 inches
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Battery life: 12 hours
• Pressure level:  4046

 

Pros:

• Smooth use
• Good battery life
• Great for drawing and writing
• Gets the best out of iOS apps

 

Cons:

• Can only be used on limited models

 

2. Apple Pencil(1st Generation)

 

 

A generation older version but almost as good as the latest model. Apple Pencil(1st generation) features the precision, responsiveness, and natural fluidity of a traditional writing instrument. The pressure sensitivity is very likable. Works perfectly. It is very accurate and fast.

One of the best functions of the Apple pencil(1st gen) is its blazing-fast charging. It goes from 0% to 30% charge in just 5 mins. Overall it takes around 20 mins to fully charge. The rubber tip works perfectly on the surface. It is smooth and leaves no scratches or doesn’t lag. Considering the 1st gen Apple Pencil is cheaper than the 2nd gen Apple Pencil it is actually really worth the money.

The Apple Pencil(1st Generation) is compatible with Apple iPad Models – iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch.

 

Key Specifications:

• Color: White 
• Weight: 20.7 g
• Length: 6.92 inches
• Diameter: 0.35 inches

 

Pros:

• Quick charging
• Great compatibility
• Palm rejection
• Pressure sensitivity

 

Cons:

• Rubber tip doesn’t have a good friction

3. Adonit Pro 4

 

 

The Adonit Pro 4 is a Fine Point Precision Engineered Stylus that is singularly pieced for added stability for a precise line every time. The design of the stylus is sleek and cool. It has a soft touch precision disc PET material designed precision disc scratch resistance on touchscreens.

The design of the Adonit Pro 4 is very desirable. The body is made of lightweight aluminum with an efficient copper twist cap design for improved texture and grip. It fits nicely in your shirt’s front pocket. The stylus is compatible with iPad Pro and iPad Air. Not only that, if you have any other tablet other than iPad then it is compatible with it.

Adonit Pro 4 is a reasonably priced stylus. That is its greatest strength. Despite having a modest price the build of the stylus feels premium. Its compatibility with an older or a newer iPad makes the price of the stylus even more mouth watering.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 22 g
• Battery required: None
• Length: 4.9 inches
• Pressure levels: 2046

 

Pros:

• Scratchless disc design
• Modest pricing. Affordable
• No batteries

 

Cons:

• Generic basic feature-set
• No palm rejection
  

4. ZAGG Pro Stylus

 

 

One of the finest-looking stylus for your iPad. It certainly has a crisp look to it. A couple of shades of black and it looks premium.
It’s not all about the look though. ZAGG Pro is a dual-tip stylus to navigate and scroll with the universal capacitive backend tip. You can write or draw with great control with its active tip.

ZAGG Pro stylus offers tilt recognition so that you can draw on the iPad and vary the width of your stroke. Not only that, but the stylus also offers palm rejection which means only the stylus will register on your iPad, even if your hand touches the screen. Unfortunately, there is no pressure sensitivity on the ZAGG Pro stylus.

Considering the ZAGG Pro Stylus is new in the market, it pairs with any iPad model from 2017 to the latest. The battery is included in the stylus and with one full charge, the battery can last up to 9 hours.

 

Key Specifications:

• Color: Dual shade black
• Weight: 15.8 g
• Dimensions: 9.09 x 2.76 x 1.06 inches
• Battey: 1 Lithium-ion battery(included)
• Display feature:  Wireless

 

Pros:

• Tilt recognition and Palm rejection
• Good battery life
• Precise tip
• Design

 

Cons:

• No pressure sensitivity
  

5. Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3

 

 

Now, this is a stylus that isn’t available in the US. But it would be unfair not to talk about Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3. If ever a stylus was designed as a stylus then this is it. You can look at it once and realize it is a stylus!

Wacom specializes in making industry-leading drawing tablets. So it’s only natural that they come up with a natural-looking stylus as well. Wacom hands down have one of the best if not the best stylus when it comes to sketching. It also works pretty well with the iPad Pro and iPad Air thanks to its compatibility with iOS devices.

Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3 has an ergonomic triangular design. It comes with a palm rejection function of itself. 

But the best part about the Fineline 3 stylus is its pressure-sensitive nib. It is as close you will get to a sketching experience on a paper. The tip alone would make the stylus worth buying. The experience is surreal and with its excellent long-lasting battery, the Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3 is a must-buy if you are really into drawing and sketching stuff.

As said earlier Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3 is compatible with the iPad, it connects via Bluetooth, and given it has integrated shortcut buttons, you can operate iOS apps with the click of a button.

 

Key Specifications:

• Color: Black
• Pressure levels: 2048
• Weight: 18 g
• Length: 0.4 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 
• Battery: 18 hours

 

Pros:

• Great for sketching and drawing
• Long-lasting battery life
• Palm rejection

 

Cons:

• Unavailable in the US
• Nib only specialized in sketching
  

6. Adonit Pixel

 

 

A very Superior standard stylus. Compatible with any iOS tablet, the Adonit Pixel stylus is a premium-looking device. It is a Bluetooth-enabled stylus and is compatible with quite a few apps. Adonit Pixel does have Pressure Sensitivity and it works quite well too. 

There is a range of buttons included in the style that can be assigned to your preferred tools. Be careful while using the buttons, because there are so many buttons and the sensitivity is really good, you might end up the opening or closing an app accidentally.

It has a good battery life, with up to 15 hours of use with one full charge. The app compatibility of Adonit Pixel is unreal. Here are some of those apps: Notability, Linea, Evernote, Paper, Procreate, Animation Desk, Graphics, PDF Expert 6, Astropad, Pigment, Affinity Photo, Pixelmator, Photoshop Sketch, uMake, Concepts, Illustrator Draw.

Year after year Adonit comes out with a better stylus. The design makes it look almost like a pen and it is genuinely enjoyable to use.

 

Key Specifications:

• Pressure levels:  2048
• Weight: 20 g
• Length: 5.9 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Battery: 15 hours

 

Pros:

• Proper pressure sensitivity
• Compatible with lots of apps
• Battery life

 

Cons:

• Buttons are overly sensitive
• Shoddy palm rejection
  

7. Logitech Crayon

 

 

For every Apple Pencil, you have a Logitech Crayon. Smart and affordable. The striking metal and orange color is unique. If you can’t afford an Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon is your go-to Stylus.

Apple, at first, had only made Crayon available for students but as time elapsed and the demand for Crayon grew, Apple gave in and made it available for everyone. The soaring demand was unsurprising as it was a perfect alternative to the premium Apple Pencil.

Just because Crayon is affordable doesn’t mean it isn’t packed with features. With Apple technology inside, Crayon is packed with hundreds of apps supporting stylus. As it gets updated, newer apps will be unlocked with it.

Logitech Crayon is equipped with a Palm rejection function too. Palm Rejection Technology lets you enjoy natural hand placement while using Logitech Crayon. Crayon’s cap is made of Silicon Rubber.

Crayon also possesses Tilt technology.  Need a thicker or thinner line? Just tilt – the smart tip adjusts line weight automatically. As said earlier, Crayon does possess some really smart features for an affordable price.

The Logitech Crayon is a wireless device. The stylus just needs to be turned on and it’s ready to use. No need for a Bluetooth connection or a USB cable. It’s a hassle-free device. It works with any Logitech iPad case or cover.

The cap of the stylus is tethered so it won’t get lost. The tip can be damaged if Crayon is dropped and will also wear down with use. Extra tips, tip covers, and tethered caps can be purchased separately. So you have options available separately.

Logitech Crayon gives you up to 7.5 hours of writing time on a single charge and sleeps after 30 min of idle time to save battery power. If you’re out of juice and want to draw, sketch or note something urgent then a 2-minute charge can give you up to 30 minutes of writing time.

 

Key Specifications: 

• Color: Metallic silver and Orange
• Weight: 20 g
• Length: 6.4 inches
• Connectivity: Wireless
• Battery: 7 hours

 

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Palm rejection and tilt function
• Sturdy body design
• No pairing and unpairing required
• A rubberized cap gives a good grip

 

Cons:

• No pressure sensitivity
• Battery life is limited

 

Final Thoughts

 

For everyone who is actually an Apple buff, Apple Pencil will be an obvious choice. But there are many budget-friendly styluses with almost equally good specifications out there. 

For us, the Adonit Note-M is a complete package. Adonit Note-M has everything you might need in a stylus. You actually get Mouse-like control from scrolling to going left to right like a mouse on your control. You have buttons for right and left click as well.

There is a Palm rejection function which is a necessity in a stylus. On top of that, you get a quality Pressure Sensitivity as well. It has a magnetic body that can attach itself to your iPad Pro or iPad Air.

The body, design, and overall look of the stylus are simply stunning. The charcoal black color looks handsome and devilish. The grip is firm which is much needed and has an aluminum body.

The only downside is its battery life, which to us is still pretty decent. It just lags behind another stylus which is why it looks bad. Otherwise, 10 hours battery life for a stylus should be sufficient to use.

Adonit’s reliability and consistency shouldn’t be overlooked as well. They always produce quality devices and Note-M is no different.

Hence, with almost no weakness Adonit Note-M takes our vote as the best stylus for iPad. The choice is ultimately yours, we have given every possible option for you to make the best decision. Select wisely and enjoy!

FAQ

 

Can you use any stylus with an iPad?

As long as it is designed to work with an iPad. In order to find that out, you have to check if the pen is compatible with the iPad under the descriptions. Manufacturers will include that. You can also check the Stylus Pen Compatibility articles we wrote – here.

How do I enable a stylus on an iPad?

Remove the cap and plug your Stylus into the Lightning connector on your iPad. When you see the Pair button, tap it. After you pair your Apple Pencil, it will stay paired until you restart your iPad, turn on Airplane Mode, or pair with another iPad.

Why isn’t my stylus working?

There might be various reasons for your stylus to not work. We recommend restarting your device and try again. If it’s still not working Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is turned on, on your iPad. On the same screen press on Apple Pencil in order to pair the devices together. 

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