Many people are under the impression that the Apple Pencil is the only best pen for an iPad, which may be true in some aspects but it is definitely not the only stylus that works well with an iPad.
It cannot be refuted that the Apple Pencil is indeed the most well-suited pencil for an iPad but other manufacturers have done a great job of developing pens that work equally well if not better.
Hence we have put forth a guide on the Best iPad Stylus for Drawing.
Whether you want to buy a new pencil along with your new iPad or if you’ve suddenly unleashed artistic powers and want a stylus to digitize your ideas, rest assured you are going to love it and will never want to use your iPad without a stylus ever again.
This brings us to the most crucial part of our article. Which stylus to buy? The first and the most obvious choice is the Apple Pencil of course but there is a vast variety of third-party styluses to choose from. There are many that perform equally as good as the Apple Pencil but cost way lesser than it. Which is why we have compiled a list of pens depending upon usage and budget both that work with an iPad.
7 Best iPad styluses for drawing & note-taking pens
Here is our favorite’s list, we are sure that you will not be disappointed whichever you may choose out of the 7 mentioned below.
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Apple Pencil
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Stylus truly designed for an iPad – only those iPads that are compatible with the Apple Pencil
Pressure Sensitivity: 4096
Weight: 20.7g
Length: 175.7mm
Connectivity Features: Bluetooth
Battery life: 12 hours
There are two Apple Pencils, one that was launched in 2023 and the other known as the original Apple Pencil. The original works with the iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st and 2nd Gen both), the iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7 inch and iPad (6th generation). Whereas the new Apple Pencil only works with the 3rd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro or the 11-inch iPad Pro.
If you have these specific iPads only than the Apple Pencil will be compatible. And if you do own one of these then it goes without saying that the Apple Pencil remains the first and most obvious choice of stylus. Apple has worked on its performance with respect to other third-party styluses, you will experience a smooth writing/drawing experience thanks to the palm rejection technology and your strokes will visible instantly meaning there is zero lag. The Apple pencil is easy to use with its comfort level and the pressure sensitivity will ensure that even the slightest stroke will be easily displayed. All angles will be read and visible on the screen. Slight change in pressure will give you bold and un-bold writing so you can place emphasis on areas with just a light pressure on the pen. You are likely to make most of all the iOS creative applications thanks to the great tool of art the Apple Pencil is.
Pros:
- Feels like a natural pencil
- Optimizes iOS application use
- Makes writing and drawing fun
Cons:
- Can only be used with certain models
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Wacom Bamboo Sketch
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Second to Apple Pen, the Wacom Baboo Sketch is the all-rounder in all areas.
Pressure Sensitivity: 2048
Weight: 17g
Length: 142.2mm
Connectivity Features: Bluetooth
Battery life: 16 hours
Pros:
- Perfect for artists
- Sleek & Stylish
- Pairs best with Wacom
Cons
- Dedicated sketching tip
Not restricted to just the iPads that pair with the Apple Pencil but also with the iPad Air and iPad Mini range, the Bamboo Sketch works brilliantly with all. Wacom the parent company of Bamboo Sketch, holds a reputable name in the market of drawing tablets and styluses that are elegant in design and ideal for artistic use.
Unlike most styluses, the Bamboo Sketch has an ergonomic triangle shape, that is deliberately designed so for better grip and comfort while sketching. Thanks to its delicate nib and pressure sensitivity of 2,048 makes you will barely feel the difference of sketching on tablets versus sketching on paper.
Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you not only have it connected to your iPad but can also establish shortcuts for quick use with iOS application. Plus, the battery will not disappoint you at all. It can be recharged conveniently with its USB port. All in all, the Bamboo Sketch offers the closest to Apple Pencil feels without costing the same an arm and a leg.
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Adonit Dash 3
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Basic but gets the work done equally well, with a battery that can give the Apple Pencil a tough time.
Pressure Sensitivity: n/a
Weight: 12g
Length: 141mm
Connectivity Features: n/a
Battery life: 14 hours
Adonit Dash 3 is a budget stylus that pairs well with majority iPads and delivers a more than decent drawing experience. And it provides an uninterrupted drawing session so that your creativity flows unhindered thanks to a long battery life coupled with fast charging. You can choose from three different stylish colors; black, silver and bronze (bronze being particularly our favorite).
However, there are a certain drawback due to absence of Bluetooth connectivity. For instance, you will experience palm rejection issues because of it otherwise Adonit Dash 3 wins points in most areas. It is a great and affordable pen to go with an iPad.
Pros
- Looks premium in design and finish
- Great battery life
Cons
- It is not pressure sensitive
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth connection
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Hahakee iPad Stylus
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Great budget option with a mind-blowing battery life.
Pressure Sensitivity: N/A
Weight: 159g
Length: 144mm
Connectivity: None
Battery life: 40 hours
This pen comes with an aluminum body and refined finish that leaves an impression of a pricey product but you can easily get your hands on the Hahakee Stlyus for less than 30 pounds. You can binge draw, sketch, write and get completely lost in thoughts without a worry thanks to what feels like and endless battery life of 40 hours. It feels comfortable to hold and that suits the long hours of battery well. You can easily charge it with a hidden micro-USB port at the top.
Known for precision thanks to its delicate tip and extra nibs that come along. The extra nibs are a guarantee that this pen will last long, probably longer than the iPad you use it on. Of course, it cannot compete with the Apple Pencil but given its price it gets the work done.
Pros:
- Very long battery life
- Replicates a real pen
Cons:
- No connectivity features like Bluetooth
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Adonit Pixel
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One of the best styluses for drawing and note-taking
Pressure Sensitivity: 2048
Weight: 20g
Length: 150mm
Connectivity Features: Bluetooth
Battery life: 15 hours
Adonit has mutlitple styluses that go well with iPads. So far, Pixel is known to be the most ideal pen for drawing to be used on an iPad. Because it is so pressure-sensitive, it delivers great results and notices even the acutest of angles means the drawings can be accurate and precise. Plus, it becomes compatible with a range of creative applications on the tabs. Also, another feature that makes it our favorite is the function buttons that can assigned as per your preferred short cut keys but since they’re extremely sensitive buttons you can make a lot of errors if you use it carelessly.
The comfort of using this pen is ideal with its 15 hours of battery life. You can get engrossed in your creative process without time restraint.
Pros:
- Great pressure sensitivity
- Works well with a lot of iOS applications
Cons:
- Over-sensitive buttons
- Palm Rejection isn’t perfect
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Logitech Crayon
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A fun pen that’s light on the pocket!
Pressure Sensitivity: n/a
Weight: 18.1g
Length: 163mm
Connectivity Features: Wireless
Battery life: 7 hours
Originally manufactured for schools and education purpose but it was eventually made accessible in the market. Because it lags in pressure sensitivity, it gets a bit difficult to rank it close to the Apple pencil but it offers variety of competitive features like palm rejection, easy set up with the iPad and easily varying the thickness by tilting the Crayon.
It may not be an outstanding pen but its effective to use with iPad and delivers a good 7 hour of operation.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Easy Setup
Cons
- Not pressure sensitive at all
- Palm rejection issues
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Adonit Mark
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Efficient and cheap, just what is required.
Pressure Sensitivity: N/A
Weight: 22g
Length: 140mm
Connectivity Features: None
Battery life: N/A
Costs less than $20 and gets the work done. Unless you require detailed functions and specialized features like that you get from a Wacom or the Apple Pen this can easily be considered for practice. It has special triangular design that prevents the stylus from rolling off the table. Plus, it feels as comfortable in a hand as an actual pen would.
The smudge-free mesh tip ensures that you get the precision that should be expected from a good stylus. If you aren’t a hi-fi artist, then this should be ideal for your use.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Easy to use
Cons
- Basic
- No Bluetooth Connection
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