Best Stylus for iPad in 2026: Tested & Ranked

You're about to drop $100+ on an iPad stylus. But here's the problem: half the "reviews" online are paid promotions, and the other half are written by people who've never actually used the pens they're recommending.

We tested 5 of the most popular iPad styluses over three months—from the $129 Apple Pencil Pro to budget options under $50. Real drawing sessions, real note-taking marathons, real palm rejection fails.

The result? Most styluses aren't worth the box they ship in. But a few actually deliver.

Here's what works, what doesn't, and which stylus deserves your money in 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 iPad Styluses

What Actually Matters in an iPad Stylus

Before we rank the styluses, let's cut through the marketing BS. Here's what you actually need:

1. Palm Rejection (Non-Negotiable)

If you can't rest your hand on the screen without triggering unwanted marks, the stylus is useless. This should be standard, but somehow it's not.

2. Tilt Sensitivity (For Artists)

This lets you shade by angling the pen, just like a real pencil. If you're drawing or sketching, this is essential. For note-taking? Nice to have, not required.

3. Battery Life That Actually Lasts

A stylus that dies mid-lecture or mid-drawing session is worse than no stylus at all. Look for 8+ hours minimum.

4. Fast Charging

When your pen does die, it should charge fast. 20 minutes should get you hours of use.

5. Compatibility with Your iPad

Not every stylus works with every iPad. Check compatibility before you buy. We'll cover this below.

6. Shortcut Buttons (Bonus)

Double-tap to switch tools, press to undo—these shortcuts save time. Not essential, but once you have them, you won't want to go back.

The Rankings: Best iPad Styluses Tested

🏆 #1 Best Overall: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra

Price: $49.99
Why it wins: It's the only stylus that works with BOTH iPads AND Android phones/tablets. Plus dual charging options (USB-C + wireless), smart switch technology, and all the features the Apple Pencil Pro has—for $68 less.

What we loved:

• Palm rejection works flawlessly (tested on iPad Air M2, iPad Pro 11", iPad 10th gen)
• Tilt sensitivity for shading is smooth and responsive
• Dual compatibility means one pen for all your devices, Apple and Android
• Shortcut buttons actually feel useful (double-tap to screenshot, press to exit apps)
• 20-minute charge = 10+ hours of use
• Comes with 3 replacement nibs and a leather case

Best for: Artists, students, and professionals who want premium features without the Apple tax. If you also have an Android device, this is a no-brainer.

Compatibility: iPad 6th gen and newer, iPad Mini 5 & 6, iPad Air 3/4/5, iPad Pro 11" & 12.9" (2018+), plus Android devices

👉 Shop Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra

🥈 #2 Best Premium Option: Apple Pencil Pro

Price: $129
Why it's here: It's the Apple Pencil. It works perfectly. But you're paying a premium for the logo.

What we loved:

• Pixel-perfect precision
• Squeeze gesture for tool switching (actually useful)
• Hover feature shows where you'll draw before touching the screen
• Deep integration with iPad OS
• Wireless charging on compatible iPads

What could be better:

• Costs $129 for features you can get for $71 elsewhere
• Only works with iPad Pro 11" (M4), iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Air 11" (M2), iPad Air 13" (M2)
• Battery life is good but not better than alternatives

Best for: People who want the "official" Apple product and don't mind paying extra for it. Or if you specifically need the squeeze gesture and hover features.

The reality: It's excellent. But unless you're in the Apple ecosystem deep enough to care about those exclusive features, you're overpaying.

🥉 #3 Best Value: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus

Price: $45.99
Why it's here: Wireless charging, tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and shortcut buttons—all for less than the Logitech Crayon that doesn't even have tilt support.

What we loved:

• Wireless charging (magnetically attaches to iPad like Apple Pencil)
• All the core features of Apple Pencil 2 for half the price
• Feels premium—aluminum body, balanced weight
• Works perfectly for drawing and note-taking
• Included leather case and replacement nibs

What could be better:

• No pressure sensitivity (but honestly, tilt does most of what you need)

Best for: Anyone who wants wireless charging without spending $129 on an Apple Pencil.

Compatibility: iPad 6th gen and newer, iPad Mini 5 & 6, iPad Air 3/4/5, iPad Pro 11" & 12.9" (2018+)

👉 Shop Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus

#4 Best Budget Pick: Tinymoose Pencil Pro

Price: $29.99
Why it's here: If you need a reliable iPad stylus and don't want to spend over $30, this is it. Full stop.

What we loved:

• Under $30 with tilt sensitivity and palm rejection
• USB-C charging (works with your existing phone charger)
• Magnetically attaches to iPad
• Comes with replacement nibs
• 10+ hour battery life

What could be better:

• Charges via USB-C instead of wirelessly (not a dealbreaker, charges in 20 minutes)

Best for: Students, note-takers, and anyone who wants a solid iPad stylus without overspending.

Compatibility: iPad 6th gen and newer, iPad Mini 5 & 6, iPad Air 3/4/5, iPad Pro 11" & 12.9" (2018+)

👉 Shop Tinymoose Pencil Pro

#5 Runner-Up: Logitech Crayon

Price: $79
Why it's here: It's Logitech. It works. But it's missing features that cheaper styluses have.

What we loved:

• Built by a reputable brand
• Works across multiple iPad models
• Good for basic note-taking

What could be better:

• No tilt sensitivity (seriously?)
• No pressure sensitivity
• Costs more than better options
• Shorter battery life than competitors

Best for: People who really trust the Logitech brand and only need basic functionality.

The reality: You can get more features for less money elsewhere. Hard to recommend unless you're brand-loyal.

How to Choose the Right Stylus for YOUR iPad

Not sure which one to get? Here's how to decide:

If You're an Artist or Designer

Get: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra
Why: Tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and dual device compatibility. You need precision and flexibility—this delivers both.

If You're a Student

Get: Tinymoose Pencil Pro
Why: $43 gets you everything you need for note-taking, annotations, and studying. Save the extra cash for textbooks.

If You Want Wireless Charging

Get: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus
Why: Wireless charging without the Apple price tag. Magnetic attachment, premium build, half the cost of Apple Pencil.

If You Also Use Android Devices

Get: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra
Why: It's the only stylus that works seamlessly across both iOS and Android. One pen, all your devices.

If Money Isn't a Concern and You Want the "Official" Apple Product

Get: Apple Pencil Pro
Why: You'll get exclusive features like squeeze gestures and hover. But know you're paying a premium for the logo.

iPad Stylus Compatibility Guide

Before you buy, double-check your iPad model:

Works with Tinymoose Styluses:

• iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Generation
• iPad mini 5, mini 6
• iPad Air 3rd, 4th, 5th Generation, Air 11" (2024)
• iPad Pro 11" (all models)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (2018 and later)

Works with Apple Pencil Pro:

• iPad Pro 11" (M4)
• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Air 11" (M2)
• iPad Air 13" (M2)

Not sure which iPad you have? Go to Settings > General > About > Model Name

Common Questions About iPad Styluses

Do I really need an iPad stylus?

If you're taking notes, drawing, sketching, editing photos, or signing documents on your iPad—yes. Using your finger is like trying to write with a hotdog. A stylus gives you precision and control.

What's the difference between active and passive styluses?

Active styluses (like all the ones we tested) connect to your iPad and offer features like palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and tilt. Passive styluses are just rubber-tipped sticks. Don't waste your money on passive styluses.

Do cheap styluses work as well as expensive ones?

Sometimes, yes. The Tinymoose Pencil Pro ($29.99) performs just as well as the Apple Pencil ($129) for 90% of users. You're paying for brand and a few niche features with the expensive options.

Can I use Apple Pencil alternatives with Procreate?

Yes. Procreate works with any active stylus that supports tilt and pressure (where available). We tested all our top picks with Procreate, Notability, and GoodNotes—they all work perfectly.

How long do iPad styluses last?

With normal use, 2-3 years minimum. The nibs wear out faster (6-12 months depending on use), but they're replaceable. Tinymoose styluses come with 3 replacement nibs included.

The Verdict

Best overall: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra—premium features, dual compatibility, $68 cheaper than Apple Pencil Pro.

Best value: Tinymoose Pencil Pro—everything you need for under $29.99.

Best for wireless charging fans: Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus—Apple Pencil 2 features for half the price.

The Apple Pencil Pro is excellent if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want exclusive features like squeeze gestures. But for most people, you're paying a premium for a logo.

Skip the overpriced options. Get a stylus that actually delivers.

👉 Shop Tinymoose Styluses

Last updated: January 2026