The Best iPad Pens
Sketching your wildest fantasies no longer requires a trip to the art store to invest in myriad brushes, canvases, and the like. Digital drawing has taken the art world by storm, and it's no surprise, as new technologies allow more of us than ever to experience the joys of creative genesis, no matter our level of experience. Apple has been at the fore of creative computing solutions since the late 90s, and many choose the iPad for its native support of some of the most lauded design applications available. Whether you're sketching, coloring, blueprinting, or just looking for an elegant solution to capture digital handwriting, a stylus is sure to elevate your iPad to the next level. As we searched for the best iPad pens on the market today, we had three qualifying criteria in mind: How accurate is its performance in terms of spatial precision and temporal latency? Does it have a balanced and manipulable feel in the hand? Are there added features, like mode-switching and palm rejection? Sure enough, Apple's very own model came out on top. The unparalleled precision of the 2nd Gen Apple Pen makes it a top choice for professionals across the board, with features like touch sensitivity and mode-switching that many users deem essential. The main drawback is the price. Fortunately, if you're looking for precision options that won't leave such a dent in your wallet, be sure to check out the styluses from Jamjake and Xiron. Read on below to get the scoop on the rest of our favorites.
Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
The one and only
No list of the top iPad pencils would be complete without a nod to the original Apple Pencil, and we certainly won’t be the first to laud the compatibility and superlative design on offer here. Few iPad pens offer a tactile experience equivalent to this flagship model. You’re sure to find your flow, with indiscernible lag and pixel-perfect precision that captures every moment and intention. Best of all, it has a steady, ergonomically balanced feeling in the hand
Pros:
- Perfect for artists looking to make digital drawings, the Apple pencil registers pressure sensitivity when drawing.
- Optimize your workflow with a nifty double-tap feature that allows you to switch effortlessly between draw modes.
- Recharge in a breeze with wireless magnetic charging directly from your iPad.
Cons:
- The price tag is undeniably high. This stellar option is worth every penny, but if you’re after a bargain you might be tempted to consider options from unofficial competitors.
Jamjake Stylus Pen
Pinpoint precision
This precision stylus from Jamjake facilitates a precise translation of every gesture, helping you to effortlessly capture the details of your imagination. With this fine 1.5mm tip, you can articulate the details of a visual composition with exactitude. The small point of contact also creates an impressively smooth action on your screen’s surface and reduces slippage, meaning you can guide each line with poise and intention.
Pros:
- Imperceptible lag offers you an interfacing experience akin to pen and paper.
- Native iPad compatibility does away with the need for third-party software or drivers, so you’ll be ready to sketch right out of the box.
- The type-C USB charging means you’re likely to have plenty of cables on hand when power runs dry.
Cons:
- The lack of pressure sensitivity might be a hindrance when using some digital drawing applications.
Xiron Stylus Pen
Free-hand drawing
Just like the familiar frustration of smudging from an ink pen, palm interference can bring unwelcome disruption to our digital drawing experience. The Xiron stylus implements a smart palm rejection function, so you can anchor your grip without the need for a stylus glove. The ultra-fine 1.2mm tip offers a tactile and intuitive feeling. It’s so compelling that you might forget that you’re not putting pen to physical paper.
Pros:
- This capacious onboard battery boasts 20 hours of continual use after a charging cycle of just two hours. A smart auto-off function after five minutes further helps to preserve battery life.
- You don’t need Bluetooth to get this pen working. Instead, simply tap the smart touch tip on the head to turn it on and you’ll be good to go.
- The delicate fiber tip gives you a gliding action on the screen, preventing slips and scratches.
Cons:
- Some writing positions might lead you to tap the smart power switch by accident during use.
Stylushome Magnetic Disk Universal Stylus Pens, 2 Pack
Ditch the batteries
Nothing puts an end to a digital drawing session faster and more unexpectedly than a suddenly drained battery. This handy pack of two from Stylushome offers a failsafe solution when charging options are scarce, with a clear disk tip that operates without any power requirement. These double-sided styluses are also equipped with a rounded fiber tip that can be deployed for coloring, scrolling, or tapping, so you can keep your screen free of smudges and fingerprints.
Pros:
- This disk tip design isn’t just great for your iPad. Thanks to its universal design, it can be used to equal effect on almost any touch screen.
- Removable caps for each tip keep the delicate components of these styluses under cover, and magnetic attachments mean they’re less likely to get lost.
- Manual interfacing means you’re unlikely to experience lag during use.
Cons:
- The flat base of these magnetic disks won’t offer you the same precision as fine-tipped styluses.
Liberrway Stylus Pen, 10 Pack
This set of 10 from Liberrway offers serious bang for your buck. Whether you’re known to leave valuables lying around, you’re just getting started with digital drawing, or you tend to be heavy on your hardware, this multipack will equip you with enough to keep you going. Unsurprisingly, these low-cost pens don’t boast the same advanced features as more expensive charged options. But with a soft fiber tip and ergonomic geometry, they’re a great choice for basic applications.
Pros:
- A classic clip on the side of each pen makes them easy to carry on the go or store securely in backpacks and tablet cases.
- With so many pens included in this multipack, this option is a great choice to share with a group of friends or family.
- The universal fiber tip can be used on most touchscreens.
Cons:
- The top of these styluses are uncovered and can scratch a screen on contact, so be careful before handing them to toddlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a replacement tip for my iPad pen if it breaks?
If your stylus tip starts to show signs of wear, it’s best to put any drawing session on hold to avoid scratches to your iPad screen. Most of the iPad pens we found offer purchase options for replacement tips. Many of the more advanced models also come with spare tips included, so you can be sure to have a backup to hand if things go south.
Will my iPad pen work with all models of iPad?
Styluses without batteries that don’t need to connect can be used on any model of iPad. If you’ve got your hands on a powered option, you’ll want to be sure you check the device’s compatibility list before buying, as most pens are only compatible with a certain range of iPad generations.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.