The Best iPad Stylus for 2023
Create the most precise strokes, curves, and handwritten text with these accurate, high-quality iPad styluses.
Technology continues to birth ease-of-life gadgets and tools, and an iPad stylus is one of the many life-changing technological innovations. If you have ever experienced discomfort while drawing, writing, or editing images with your fingers, you just might need to invest in an iPad stylus.
An iPad stylus is a pen-like device that works with your iPad to take notes, write on the screen, or navigate through it. It helps you avoid putting finger pressure on the screen, making it easier and faster to write or draw on it. Creating swooping curves, making stick-straight lines, and easily swapping nib sizes to fit the needs of your creation are some of the many benefits of using a stylus.
Our interest in researching the best iPad styluses, combined with our dedication to recommending only the best products, has compelled us to draft a list of our favorite styluses that can become your go-to iPad pencils, too.
Our Top Picks
Our Top Pick
Second-generation Apple Pencil
With its minimalistic design and high-quality build, this stylus is undeniably the best on the market.
$112.89
Our Runner-Up
First-generation Apple Pencil
The first stylus designed by Apple, this pencil is accurate, durable, and sleek.
$94.99
Most Cost-Effective
Adonit Mark Stylus Pen
Great quality and affordability make this stylus one of our favorites.
$9.99
Our Picks For You
Our Top Pick - Second-generation Apple Pencil
Our Top Pick
Second-generation Apple Pencil
With its minimalistic design and high-quality build, this stylus is undeniably the best on the market.
The Second-generation Apple Pencil is a spectacular iPad stylus that boasts top-notch quality evident in its ease of use, efficiency, smooth, comfortable handle, and, of course, precision.
Who It's For
This stylus is great for anyone who wants to take their iPad drawing experience to the next level. It is the best for illustrators, writers, and even inexperienced users who want a stylus that is durable, comfortable, and accurate.
Why It's Great
It is made from high-quality plastic that feels smooth in your hand, and it has a delicate tip that helps prevent scratches on your screen. This coating helps the stylus pick up details more easily when you're using it on your iPad. The best part about this stylus is that it won't break down over time, as some other styluses do. You can use it for years without worrying about it breaking down unexpectedly. It is lightweight, so it doesn't weigh your iPad down when you're trying to take notes or draw. Not to mention that it feels great when held!
Potential Flaws
With an impressive average Amazon rating of 4.8 stars out of five, this widely-recognized stylus has received a few complaints. A few previous customers emphasized that its battery life runs down very quickly. After its battery dies, the stylus gets unresponsive for a long time, even while it's charging. When revived, the battery begins to die much quicker than during the last period of use. This contradicted Apple's promise of a long-lasting pencil. In addition, unlike the First-generation model, it doesn't come with extra nibs.
Other Features
The Second-generation Apple Pencil supports many iPad models, including the iPad Air, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the 11-inch iPad Pro. It has a minimalistic matte finish. It lacks a lightning connector, so to charge it, it magnetically connects to the supported iPad using its flat side. It allows users to double-tap to switch between its pencil modes and eraser modes. With its double-tap action, different functionalities are provided by different apps. Similar to the First-generation model, it provides palm rejection and pressure sensitivity.
Our Runner-Up - First-generation Apple Pencil
Our Runner-Up
First-generation Apple Pencil
The first stylus designed by Apple, this pencil is accurate, durable, and sleek.
Designed by the well-known king of new-age gadgets, Apple, the First-generation Apple Pencil, highly competes with its second-generation counterpart for popularity and demand. While the second generation model is quite expensive, this stylus is cheaper and easier to find.
Who It's For
This First-generation Apple Pencil, or Apple Pencil 1, is for anyone who wants to use their iPad in a professional setting and be able to touch up their work with the best tools. This stylus will help you to get more done on your iPad, whether that's taking notes in class or sending emails from your tablet. It's perfect for people who want to take their work on the go with them.
Why It's Great
This stylus is made of high-quality materials, so it is durable and efficient. The tip is designed to make writing easy and accurate while also being thin enough to fit into tight spaces like underlines and italic fonts. It also comes with an extra nib, so you can replace it if one breaks or wears out over time.
Potential Flaws
The First-generation Apple Pencil has a few shortcomings. It has been reviewed by a few Amazon customers and is not waterproof. It doesn't have a very long battery life, which means you'll need to get it charged very often between usages. Because the tip and handle are made from metal, the stylus can be uncomfortable to hold, and the weight has been reviewed to be a tad heavy, causing quite a bit of pressure on the iPad. Compared to other picks, this stylus is expensive and not affordable for most beginners and non-professional users.
Other Features
The Apple Pencil 1 is a stylus that can be used with your iPad and Mac computers. It has a compact design that fits into the palm of your hand, so it's very easy to take with you, even if you're on the go. The Apple Pencil 1 comes in three colors — silver, space gray, and gold — so you can pick the color that matches your style best! The Apple Pencil 1 features several features that make it perfect for use on your iPad or Mac. First off, it's lightweight and small enough to fit into your pocket or bag without weighing it down. You can also adjust its angle so that you can use it comfortably while sitting at a desk or standing up during meetings or presentations. And last but not least, the Apple Pencil 1 has an eraser end so that you don't have to worry about smudging up your screen!
Most Cost-Effective - Adonit Mark Stylus Pen
Most Cost-Effective
Adonit Mark Stylus Pen
Great quality and affordability make this stylus one of our favorites.
Ranked as the best affordable iPad stylus on countless lists, the cost-effective Adonit Mark stylus gives the best value for your money and allows you to stick to your budget.
Who It's For
If you're looking for an affordable stylus that can be used with any iPad, we recommend the Adonit Mark stylus. We recommend this stylus for regular students, non-professional designers, and simple homeowners who need a sturdy tool that doesn't break easily but who doesn't want to spend too much money on unnecessary features.
Why It's Great
It is made of durable plastic and has a sensitive rounded rubber tip that makes it easy to control where you're writing or drawing, and it won't damage your screen. It is ideal for people with small hands as its build is quite small.
Potential Flaws
The iPad stylus is a great tool for taking notes, drawing, and writing. However, this stylus has some flaws that make it less useful than other styluses on the market. First of all, the iPad stylus doesn't have a magnet inside, so you can't attach it to a metal surface. This means that you have to use the plastic tip for the stylus instead of having a stronger one. Secondly, there are no settings available for this stylus, which means that if you want better precision or accuracy, then this will not be the right choice for you because there aren't any options available on how good or bad each stroke will be when using this stylus. It has no eraser on the end, so if you make a mistake on your paper, you'll have to go back over it with your finger. This stylus also does not have a case or any other protection to keep it safe while in transit.
Other Features
The Adonit Mark is popularly tagged as the best affordable stylus for the iPad. It has a very smooth writing experience, and it has a very accurate click. It has a triangular anti-roll handle and a sensitive round nib. The feature that makes this stylus stand out from the rest is its ability to switch between left- and right-handed use. This feature allows you to use your iPad in whatever position you prefer, whether it's at home or on the go. Another great feature of this stylus is that it doesn't connect via Bluetooth technology, which means you don't have to worry about connecting or charging your stylus' battery like other standard styluses.
Almost Made The Cut - Zagg Pro Stylus
Almost Made The Cut
Zagg Pro Stylus
Popular among writers and illustrators, this stylus is cherished for its accurate pointed nib and simple but ergonomic design.
Although this top-quality stylus isn't as praised, commonly reviewed, or on-demand as our top and runner-up selections, the Zagg Pro Stylus creates accurate curves and lines with its highly-sensitive pointed tip.
Who It's For
This sleek stylus is great for anyone who is looking to get the most out of their iPad. Whether you're drawing, writing, or even just using the stylus as a way to control your cursor on touchscreens, this stylus will help you get the most out of your device.
Why It's Great
The Zagg Pro Stylus is a sleek, easy-to-use stylus that works with any tablet model (even if it isn't an iPad), which makes this stylus suit the needs of professionals who need an elegant touch screen device for their work.
Potential Flaws
There are several flaws with this iPad stylus. The first and most obvious is that it does not fit well in your hand. This stylus is too long for comfortable use, and even when you attempt to hold it in the same position as other styluses, the extra length makes holding it uncomfortable. The second flaw is that this stylus tends to fall out of the tablet when you try to hold it in one position. This can be very frustrating if you need quick access to your tablet while doing work or playing games since losing access to your stylus means losing access to whatever information you were working on at that time. Finally, this stylus tends to get dirty easily because of how much friction there is between the rubber tip and the screen of your tablet.
Other Features
With a sleek, slim design, the Zagg Pro Stylus is an accurate pencil that offers a wide range of features, including pressure sensitivity, an easily removable nib for cleaning, and an integrated Bluetooth 3.0 chip that enables the use of the Adonit Mark with any compatible iPad or tablet. The pen has an integrated touch screen design, so you can write and draw on the screen with ease and precision. It comes with an easy-to-use eraser, so you can get rid of any errors without having to use your fingers. With a comfortable feel in your hand, the Zagg Pro Stylus is the best stylus for any iPad. The pointed tip glides smoothly over the iPad's screen with no interference or drag.
Who This Is For
If you’re a designer, artist, or writer who uses your iPad to create and communicate, you know that having a great stylus can make all the difference. The best stylus for your iPad is one that feels comfortable in your hand, has an effective tip for precise drawing, and has a sturdy grip that doesn’t slip off your table. Whether you’re looking for a stylus that’s great for drawing, painting, or taking notes, these iPad styluses are perfect for you!
Do I need a stylus for my iPad?
No. However, while it isn’t necessary to use a stylus for your iPad, investing in a good stylus can help you to get the most out of your iPad. Artists, writers, and graphic design students find styluses to be essential tools in their writing and drawing professions or activities (whichever the case may be) because of their high precision, ease of use, and point-sensitive nibs.
Do I need a particular stylus for my iPad?
There are dozens of styluses available online and in retail stores. Some models are made with high-quality materials and boast precision, while others aren’t up to the task. Brands such as Apple, Zagg, and Adonit design great styluses, and choosing a good one from their series is advised. In addition, considering the size of your choice (depending on your hand size), the color of preference, and nib(s) to fit the task at hand all contribute to helping you decide the particular stylus you need for your iPad.
If your iPad has its own integrated stylus, you don’t necessarily need to buy another one. However, if you want to use another type of stylus that works with your iPad, then you must find one that works well with the device.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to choosing a stylus for your iPad, you want something that’s going to work for you. You should feel comfortable using it and not have to worry about whether or not it will be compatible with your device. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the best iPad styluses on the market. We can understand what it’s like to struggle with finding a stylus that works well, so we’re here to help!
How We Picked
The best iPad stylus for you gives you the best of every feature. We’ve reviewed over 20 styluses from leading brands like Apple, Wacom, and Adonit by evaluating important features so you can find the perfect fit for your own unique needs.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the stylus is a key aspect of your stylus, as it will help you to get the most out of your writing and drawing experience on your iPad. Accuracy refers to how closely the stylus matches the angle of the screen, and this can vary between devices. For example, a stylus that is too short may lead to incorrectly positioned text or graphics on a device’s screen. The better a stylus can mimic your fingers and thumbs, the more natural it will feel, leading to a better user experience.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a stylus is an important feature to consider when choosing the best iPad stylus. The stylus needs to be able to detect small movements so that the user can interact with their device more easily. A good stylus will be able to register even the smallest movements of your finger, which means that you won’t have to press too hard or use up all of your battery power when you’re trying to write with it.
Sensitivity is measured in lines per inch (LPI), which means how many lines it can draw per inch. The best iPad stylus has a sensitivity of at least 50 LPI, and ideally, it will have better than 100 LPI. This means that you should look for iPad styluses with a higher number than 50 LPI because they will be able to detect finger movements when writing or drawing on the screen.
Other models also allow you to select one of four levels of pressure sensitivity so that they respond more or less aggressively depending on how hard you’re trying to press down on them. This allows users with varied physical abilities — from those who have arthritis or other joint issues, those who have limited hand mobility due to stroke or injury, and even those with poor eyesight — to enjoy using their iPads just as much as everyone else does!
Ergonomic handle
The ergonomic handle of a good iPad stylus allows for a more natural grip on your iPad, so you won’t have to strain your hand or wrist. This makes writing and drawing on your iPad easier, so you can focus more on the content itself. The ergonomic handle of a stylus can be as simple as a rubberized grip or as complex as a metal one. Some choose to go with a rubberized grip because it is more comfortable and less prone to slipping than one made from metal. However, some prefer the feel of metal over rubber because it is more durable than the latter material.
Price vs. quality
The quality of a stylus is determined by how well it functions and how durable it is. You can find styluses in many different styles, but if you want one that will last for years, then you should opt for a high-quality model. A high-quality stylus is durable, withstanding the pressure of daily use without breaking or becoming damaged. Although the best styluses tend to be on the pricey side, considering your budget will help you settle for one of our picks that matches your desired price and is still up to the task.
Style/design
The style and design of the stylus should be considered when making a purchase, as this will be the first thing you see before you purchase and will contribute to inducing aesthetically pleasing emotions in you. Styluses with minimalistic designs are usually preferred as they tend to look professional and match many artists’ style choices.
Size
To get the most out of your iPad stylus, it should be a perfect size and be able to fit in your hand comfortably. With a large screen like an iPad, it’s important to have a stylus that is as small as possible without sacrificing usability. If your stylus is too big, its wide curves and lines might mess up your drawings. On the other hand, if your stylus is too small, it might be difficult to grip and easily fall off your hands. If you’re looking for more precision when writing or drawing on your iPad, consider purchasing a medium-sized stylus with a smaller tip size.
Balance/weight
The balance and weight of the stylus should be light enough to allow for accurate control, but heavy enough to not slip out of your hand. If it is too light, it will be difficult to hold and use; if it is too heavy, it will be uncomfortable and your hands may tire quickly while holding it. Either situation can lead to fatigue and reduced accuracy of the drawings or text on your iPad. To remedy this, our picks have the perfect equilibrium of weight and balance.
Holder
The holder can make or break your experience with a stylus and can impact how you use it and how fast you will get used to using it. If the holder is too loose, it will be difficult or impossible to hold onto the stylus and use it as intended. The stylus will also slip out of your hand while using it. If the holder is too tight, you may be able to use the stylus, but it will be uncomfortable and difficult to control.
Size of nib
This feature determines the width of each stroke made by your stylus. For precise and delicate drawings, styluses with small nibs are recommended to prevent unnecessarily wide lines and curves. For text and drawings that don’t require precise strokes or thin lines, a stylus with a large nib is sufficient. The best styluses have switchable nib sizes that allow you to choose between two or more different types of nib sizes (from fine-point, medium-point, or large-point size). Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
After selecting the styluses that checked our boxes for each vital feature analyzed, we looked at Amazon reviews from other people who have bought and used these styluses, as well as our own experience with them.
How We Picked
Accuracy
The accuracy of a stylus is measured by its capacitance, which is the amount of charge that can be stored in a capacitor. A stylus with a high capacitance will give you more control over your screen. Accurate styluses create the straightest lines and most delicate curves, following your hand movement.
Sensitivity
The more sensitive a stylus is, the more accurate it will be in responding to your touch. If you're looking for a stylus that can be used for drawing and writing, you should find one with a high level of sensitivity. You don't want to have to press down on your iPad screen too hard to get an accurate response from the stylus.
Ergonomic Design
The best iPad stylus is one that has a lightweight ergonomic design that allows for comfortable use and a firm grip throughout its period of use.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-Effectiveness refers to how much you pay for each unit of functionality. The best iPad stylus is the one that provides the most functionality for the least cost. You want a stylus that's not too expensive but also doesn't cost too much money.
Care and Maintenance
Before each use of your stylus, you must clean your iPad’s screen to enhance the sensitivity of the stylus. The best way to clean your iPad’s screen is with a microfiber cloth or a soft dryer sheet. Remember not to use anything abrasive or harsh on the screen. This could damage it permanently. Be careful not to get any liquid on the screen!
When your iPad is stain/dust-free and ready for use, you should consider cleaning your stylus. Simply wiping your stylus on a clean cloth should do the trick. For deep cleaning, dip a clean cloth in a mixture of mild soap — or rubbing alcohol — and water. Dab the cloth around the tip of the stylus and wipe the handle. Dip another cloth (or a dry corner of the same cloth) in clear water and dab the tip and handle clean. Rub the stylus gently on a dry microfiber cloth until it’s completely dry and rid of the water drops.
Before you can use your stylus, you’ll want to calibrate it. Calibrating different styluses depends on their brands. While some stylus brands connect to iPads via Bluetooth, some physically attach to iPads with a port. To calibrate an Apple Pencil 1 or 2 to an iPad, remove the cap on the stylus and plug the Apple Pencil’s port into your iPad’s lightning connector. To calibrate Adonit styluses (Adonit Touch and Adonit Mark), turn your iPad’s Bluetooth on and power the stylus on. Then connect the Adonit stylus to any Jot-Ready app (such as Photoshop Sketch or Procreate) by tapping the “pair” icon.
When using your iPad stylus, it is important not to apply unnecessary pressure, as this can lead to the stylus breaking or your delicate screen getting a crack/dent. Keep your fingers off your iPad’s screen as fingerprints and smudges can affect your stylus’ accuracy.
Sources and Research
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