One of the beauties of owning an iPad is its pencil's flexibility. From writing to sketching and everything in-between, it will be a big miss not to have one. Ordinarily, a manufacturer’s accessories should go with its main product. However, because almost all the Apple Pencils are expensive and restrictive, many people now shop for alternatives. Apart from being affordable, many of these alternative styluses support other functions than the Apple Pencils.
For instance, some of these alternatives work well with iPhones and the great comfort of use they afford with iPads. Many of them will also not leave scratches on your tablet. That said, choosing the best stylus for iPads can be tricky, primarily because of the numerous options available. So, the right way to help you buy the best would be to start with the factors to consider.
5 Things To Consider Before Buying A Stylus
- Compatibility
Not all styluses are compatible with all iPads. Some iPads only recognize the second generation pen, while others work with the first. If you buy the wrong stylus for your tablet, it won’t work. So, you may have to check the appropriate type for your tablet and match it with your purchase. If you buy online, you can avoid purchasing the wrong stylus by carefully reading the specifications.
- Shape & Size
Styluses come in different shapes, and whatever you choose will depend on your preferences. If you are unsure which is the best, you may opt to see a photo of all options or visit the store to see things for yourself.
- Cost
You’re probably not going for an Apple Pencil in the first place because of its price. Some brands like ESR are notable for producing excellent accessories at the most competitive prices. As such, you should carefully check that you’re buying the best at the lowest price possible.
- Functionality
Styluses can either be capacitive or active. Capacitive ones have rubberized tips that imitate the finger when used. As you can imagine, the rubber tip will not make it much more effective in writing very fast or in the drawing. However, it would be super-effective in navigating small icons that often prove elusive to styluses.
Active styluses are more sophisticated, with fewer thick tips than the capacitive ones. As such, they are the best for sketching and writing, although they cost more. So, it would help if you were sure what to use the stylus before purchasing one.
- Brand
With the array of styluses available nowadays, one effective way to curate them is to buy from reputable brands. Building a brand takes consistency and time, and those who have achieved a name don’t want to lose it by producing defective products. One reputable brand in accessories manufacturing is ESR. You can trust their products.
Recommended Styluses For Your iPads in 2025
If you've been itching to know what our picks for the best stylus in 2022 are, here you have them.
1. ESR Geo Digital Pencil with Built-in Find My – $32.99
Features
● Fully Charge in 20 Minutes
● Apple Find My Compatibility
● Palm Rejection and Tilt Sensitivity
● Real-Time Battery Display
● Time-Saving Shortcut Button
A smart stylus designed for iPads released from 2018 onward, offering a high-performance experience for note-taking, sketching, and navigation. Its integration with Apple’s Find My network allows users to locate the pencil through sound and map tracking, a feature Apple’s own entry-level USB-C Pencil lacks. Features a 1.5 mm POM nib for precision input, tilt sensitivity for variable line thickness, and palm rejection support for natural writing comfort.
Unlike other styluses, it offers a 12-hour battery backup in a single charge that eliminates the need to charge repeatedly. In addition to the Geo Digital Pencil, ESR also offers a collection of stylus pens designed for iPad Pro, Air, and mini, giving users more choices tailored to different creative needs. Users can replace worn tips for continued precision and smooth performance.
2. Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil For iPads – $69.99
Features
● Employs Apple Pencil’s Tech
● Precision With No Delays
● Palm Rejection Tech
● Tip Tilt
● Multiple Compatibility
Like the ESR product above, this Logitech stylus works well with iPad Pro (11/12.9), iPad Air (5/4/3), iPad mini 5, iPad (9/8/7/6), and iOS 12.2 and above. It’s such a versatile stylus that combines favorably with almost all recent iPads. According to Logitech, it utilized Apple’s technology to build this pen, which functions with many Apple Pencil-supported apps. The precision level of this stylus is high, with zero lag time when writing or drawing.
And because you can hardly write or work on your tablet without your hands or fingers touching the screen, the pencil also incorporates palm rejection technology. The technology removes unwanted interference from your hands touching the screen, as it only recognizes the stylus’ tip while in use. By tilting the end, you can change the thickness of the lines or words you’re writing on your iPad.
3. Adonit Note – M Mouse Sensor Pencil – $79.99
Features
● Lightweight (15g)
● Mouse Sensor
● Magnetic Body For Attachment
● Natural Palm Rejection
● Full-Mouse Functionality
This stylus supports only iPad models that run on iOS 13.3 or a later version. And even then, you must have disconnected all previous Pencils from your tablet before it can work. Its unique Note-M offers all the functions you would get on a mouse with the option of deciding where they will be. So, you can right-click and left-click as you would do with a mouse, and it also gives the scrolling feel when you use it for such. And to safeguard it while traveling, the magnetic body attaches seamlessly to your 3rd or 4th-generation iPad.
As with the first two options on this list, this Adonit product also incorporates palm-rejection technology to eliminate unwanted interferences while drawing or writing. It is the lightest stylus out of the three considering it is only 15g in weight. If any part of it becomes inactive within a year of purchase, the manufacturer’s warranty policy offers a replacement.
4. ESR Rebound Magnetic Case with Pencil Holder- $36.99
Features
●Built-in magnets with 1900 g of magnetic strength
●High-quality build withstands 100N strength test
●Trifold stands for different purposes
●Textured surface for an easy grip
●2.5 mm thin and lightweight design
After discovering the best styluses for your iPad, it's clear that protection and practicality matter to users everywhere. Many people worry about losing their Apple Pencil, but this magnetic case solves this concern by keeping your iPad and stylus safe and accessible at all times. Its powerful magnetic attachment keeps your setup locked securely whether you’re on the move or working from home.
This durable case is crafted from premium materials designed for longevity to help your iPad look new. With the support of Pencil Pro and Pencil (USB-C), it features a recessed groove for magnetic charging and a secure clasp for your Apple Pencil. Available for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models, this ESR case delivers peace of mind for creators and everyday users alike.
Wrapping Up
Apple Pencil has many alternatives, which work as well as it and even better in some cases. Our article recommends based on customer reviews, specifications, and the brand’s reputation. All three on this list have replacement lids, are precise, and have palm-rejection technology. Nevertheless, the ESR’s stylus stands out for its functionality, affordability, and design. It will make an excellent accessory to your Apple tablet.
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