The best iPad stylus of 2024: Expert tested

The best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which was specifically 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, attach to the side of the iPad Pro, and charge wirelessly.

In our testing of the Apple Pencil, we've found it to be super responsive and 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, 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, which 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. 

2nd Gen Pencil owners on Reddit said they liked the wireless charging and additional features of the stylus, like pressure sensitivity. However, they noted that a cheaper alternative would work just as well for here-and-there users or those not looking to use their iPad for drawing. Redditors said that if you could find the 2nd Gen at a discount, it would be a worthy investment for an everyday iPad user, but otherwise, it wasn't necessary. 

Apple Pencil 2nd Generation specs: Weight: 0.73 ounces | Battery life: Around 12 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes | Compatibility: iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th or 5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation)

The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is on sale for $80 (save $50) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication. 

In May 2024, Apple unveiled a new lineup of M3 and M4 iPad Air and Pro models. Alongside the latest tablets, the tech giant released the brand new Apple Pencil Pro, the first actual upgrade to Apple's stylus lineup since the release of the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) in 2018. 

The upgraded stylus incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating a masterpiece more intuitive and valuable. The Apple Pencil Pro charges wirelessly like its predecessor and was designed to work with the newest iPad Pro and upgraded software, which makes it our top stylus choice for the new iPad Pro and Air models.

Also: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

If you're buying a new M3 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro, purchasing the Apple Pencil Pro makes sense since its advanced features leverage the chip and AI technology incorporated into Apple's new tablets for the most productivity, functionality, and value out of your new iPad. 

ZDNET's Jason Hiner says the Apple Pencil Pro could easily have been branded as the Apple Pencil 3. After all, it is the third generation of the Apple Pencil, and therefore, is the natural evolution of the product with incremental new features that simply makes a good product even better. Physically, the form factor looks and feels exactly the same as the second-generation Apple Pencil, with one flat side that is magnetized to fit neatly along one side of an iPad Pro. But it packs some new technology inside -- a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, and a haptic feedback engine -- that gives it several valuable new tricks that make it more streamlined and a lot more powerful to use. You can now squeeze the Pencil Pro to activate an on-screen menu and select from the various pen tips. You can double-tap to switch between writing and erasing. You can also spin the pencil to activate the barrel roll for added creativity with the brush. These features make the iPad Pro an Apple Pencil-centric device more than ever. Using the pencil is the best and most unique thing to do with the iPad Pro.

Current Pencil Pro owners on Reddit said they liked the new haptic feedback and squeeze gestures, as well as the overall aesthetic. However, some Redditors said they did not like the weight distribution of the new pencil, which some called "top-heavy," and others were experiencing some sensitivity issues. Owners noted a bit of a learning curve with the new pencil and said that many apps and software offerings are still updating their content to support the latest features of the Pencil Pro. 

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), iPad Air 11-inch (M2)

The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $90 (save $39) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication. 

The Adonit Note+2 stylus is the only other stylus with pressure sensitivity, making it an excellent runner-up option if you don't want to spend $129 on the Apple Pencil. 

I went hands-on with the Adonit Note+2, and it impressed me in various ways—first, the accuracy and responsiveness when writing are exceptional. Writing notes in the Notes app was seamless and scratched my itch for writing pen to paper. 

The Adonit Note+2 also comes with three interchangeable tips, depending on whether you draw, write, or sketch. As a writer, I preferred the medium tip, but changing out the tips was super easy. 

The customizable shortcuts also make it easy to access the functions you use the most in certain apps. Users liked the pressure sensitivity, which is perfect for drawing and detailed work, but noted some connectivity issues. 

You can even seamlessly adhere it to the side of your iPad since, like the Apple Pencil, it also magnetically attaches. 

I verified that customers on Amazon did not have the same experience as I did. Many reviewers complained that the stylus came with little instructions on setting it up or changing stylus tips. Some customers ultimately chose to return the product for another option. 

Adonit Note+2 tech specs: Weight: 0.49 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes

This stylus from Jamjake costs $100 less than the Apple Pencil, making it a budget-friendly option. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes drawing accurately on your iPad easy 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's battery life is up to 20 hours on 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)

Jamjake users like the pen's performance, quality, grip, and battery life, with some even suggesting it works better than the Apple Pencil. Check compatibility before you buy, but this pen should work with all iPads from 2018 onwards.

Verified customers on Amazon give this stylus a 4.4/5 star rating online. Many customers liked the sleek design, balanced construction, and responsive, lag-free experience. Some customers pointed out that while it lacked pressure sensitivity, it still performed great at tasks like drawing or sketching, especially for the price. 

Jamjake Stylus Pen specs: Weight: 2.08 ounces | Battery life: 20 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No

Even though this stylus is not Apple-made, 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 Apple's stamp of approval (and even sold on Apple's website).

Like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt technology. It is a smart tip that dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down—just like a regular pencil. Current users like Logitech's stylus's quality, value, and ease of use, but a significant downside is noted: the lack of pressure sensitivity. 

Review: Logitech Crayon

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," he writes. 

Keep in mind that since it doesn't have pressure sensitivity, it's not ideal for drawing or sketching. 

Reddit users liked the Crayon's scaled-back yet practical features and cheaper price point. Some Redditors noted that they don't think it edges out the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for tasks like drawing or sketching but that it's a good alternative for more casual users or those looking to take notes. 

Logitech Crayon specs: Weight: 0.70 ounces | Battery life: 7.5 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes

The Zagg Pro stylus stands out 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. Current Zagg Pro stylus users like this pen's comfort, connection, and overall value. Many said it feels good in the hand and is stylish, but some expressed varying issues with battery life. 

Users on Reddit liked the practicality, affordability, and overall feel of the Zagg Pro. One Redditor said it's been especially great for basic note-taking on their 9th-gen iPad and that they have only needed to buy replacement tips here and there after losing some. Others noted that it's another good alternative for someone looking for a basic stylus that doesn't need features like pressure sensitivity. 

Zagg Pro Stylus specs: Weight: 0.56 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes

Adonit's latest addition to its stylus lineup is the Adonit Log, made entirely out of recycled material, making it super lightweight. Its ultra-fine 1mm tip ensures exact lines and precision when drawing or sketching. You can activate Apple's Notes App by tapping the screen with your Adonit Log.

Also: The best iPad keyboard cases

While it doesn't support pressure or tilt sensitivity, this stylus does have palm recognition technology. What's most impressive about this stylus is its battery life: It can last up to 24 hours on a single 1-hour charge (translation: You'll rarely have to charge it). 

Adonit Log users like the practical and stylish stylus and are satisfied with the overall value and battery quality. 

Customers on the Adonit website liked the Log's basic performance, price, and easy function. However, some noted that it doesn't fit in select iPad cases. 

Adonit Log specs: Weight: 0.45 ounces | Battery life: 24 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: No