With the first peeking-throughs of spring, now is a perfect time to take your device on the go--and an iPad stylus makes all the difference in portability without sacrificing effectiveness. A stylus is an invaluable asset to any iPad, allowing you more control and precision for note-taking, drawing, editing, and more. The Apple Pencil Pro is probably the first thing you think of when you start looking for the perfect iPad stylus. But it is not the only option, and many third-party styluses are just as capable (and a lot more affordable), as brands like Logitech and Adonis have developed impressive alternatives. To help you decide which iPad stylus to buy, we tested a range of options, from premium picks to budget alternatives, so you can cozy up this spring with your iPad. What is the best iPad stylus right now?Our top pick for the best iPad stylus right now is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for its wireless charging capabilities, sleek design, ease of use, and compatibility options. But we tested plenty of other stylus options -- including for the new M4 iPads -- so keep reading to see how our other choices stack up against the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen).  Sort by All The best iPad stylus of 2025 Show less The best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which was specifically built for iPads. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation model by attaching to the side of the iPad Pro, charging wirelessly, and including a double-tap function that you can customize to switch between pencil and eraser or show the color palettes.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 pencilBy using the Apple Pencil with your iPad (specifically, the iPad Pro 2022 model), you'll get exclusive innovations like the new hover feature, which makes 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 a necessity. 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 $114 (save $15) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication.  Pros Magnetically clips to the iPad Pro and iPad Air to charge wirelessly Intuitive touch surface that supports double-tapping and pressure sensitivity Palm-rejection technology Drops to $79 during many sale periods Cons Expensive if not on sale Limited iPad compatibility The best stylus for iPads is the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which was specifically built for iPads. This Apple Pencil builds on the first-generation model by attaching to the side of the iPad Pro, charging wirelessly, and including a double-tap function that you can customize to switch between pencil and eraser or show the color palettes.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 pencilBy using the Apple Pencil with your iPad (specifically, the iPad Pro 2022 model), you'll get exclusive innovations like the new hover feature, which makes 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 a necessity. 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 $114 (save $15) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication.  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less 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 an artistic masterpiece more intuitive. The Apple Pencil Pro charges wirelessly 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.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, it is the natural evolution of the product with incremental new features that make 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. 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 $99 (save $30) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication.  Pros Find My technology Squeeze gesture Double tap feature Barrel roll feature Leverages new chips and upgraded software Cons Super limited compatibility (only works with 2024 iPad Air and Pro models) Expensive 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 an artistic masterpiece more intuitive. The Apple Pencil Pro charges wirelessly 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.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, it is the natural evolution of the product with incremental new features that make 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. 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 $99 (save $30) at several major retailers like Amazon and Walmart at the time of publication.  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Adonit Note+2 stylus is the only other stylus on our list with pressure sensitivity, making it an excellent option if you don't want to spend over $100 on the Apple Pencil. I went hands-on with the Adonit Note+2, and it impressed me with its exceptional accuracy and responsiveness during writing. Writing in the Notes app was seamless and scratched my tactile itch for writing pen to paper. The Adonit Note+2 also comes with three interchangeable tips for options 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 found that customers on Amazon did not have the same experience as I did. Many reviewers complained that the stylus came with little instruction on setup 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 Pros Exceptional alternative to the Apple Pencil Pressure sensitivity and palm recognition Customizable shortcuts Cons Pressure sensitivity only works in certain apps The Adonit Note+2 stylus is the only other stylus on our list with pressure sensitivity, making it an excellent option if you don't want to spend over $100 on the Apple Pencil. I went hands-on with the Adonit Note+2, and it impressed me with its exceptional accuracy and responsiveness during writing. Writing in the Notes app was seamless and scratched my tactile itch for writing pen to paper. The Adonit Note+2 also comes with three interchangeable tips for options 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 found that customers on Amazon did not have the same experience as I did. Many reviewers complained that the stylus came with little instruction on setup 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This stylus from Jamjake costs $100 less than the Apple Pencil, making it a far more budget-friendly option. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes it easy to draw accurately on your iPad without lags or slips, and the palm rejection technology allows for a more natural handwriting feel.The stylus pen's battery life is up to 20 hours on a full charge, and it automatically goes into Sleep Mode after five minutes of idle time to conserve battery power.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, with many liking the sleek design, balanced construction, and lag-free responsiveness. Some customers pointed out that while the stylus lacked pressure sensitivity, it still performed well 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 Pros Cheaper option than the Apple Pencil Charges quickly and holds a charge for long Cons No pressure sensitivity Works best with a tempered glass screen protector rather than a naked screen This stylus from Jamjake costs $100 less than the Apple Pencil, making it a far more budget-friendly option. Its 1.5mm pen tip makes it easy to draw accurately on your iPad without lags or slips, and the palm rejection technology allows for a more natural handwriting feel.The stylus pen's battery life is up to 20 hours on a full charge, and it automatically goes into Sleep Mode after five minutes of idle time to conserve battery power.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, with many liking the sleek design, balanced construction, and lag-free responsiveness. Some customers pointed out that while the stylus lacked pressure sensitivity, it still performed well 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less 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 is even sold on Apple's website).Like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt technology, meaning its smart tip dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down—just like a regular pencil. Current users liked Logitech's stylus's quality, value, and ease of use, but noted its lack of pressure sensitivity as a serious downside.Review: Logitech CrayonZDNET'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. 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 (largely because it doesn't have pressure sensitivity), but 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 Pros Tilt technology for thicker lines when drawing Comfortable form factor Apple Pencil technology without the Apple Pencil price tag Cons Battery life could be better No pressure sensitivity 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 is even sold on Apple's website).Like the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon has tip-tilt technology, meaning its smart tip dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down—just like a regular pencil. Current users liked Logitech's stylus's quality, value, and ease of use, but noted its lack of pressure sensitivity as a serious downside.Review: Logitech CrayonZDNET'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. 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 (largely because it doesn't have pressure sensitivity), but 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Zagg Pro stylus stands out because of its dual-tip stylus; meaning 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.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 added features like pressure sensitivity. Zagg Pro Stylus specs: Weight: 0.56 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes Pros Palm rejection and tilt recognition technologies Dual tips for different functions Cons No pressure sensitivity Replacement tips are hard to find The Zagg Pro stylus stands out because of its dual-tip stylus; meaning 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.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 added features like pressure sensitivity. Zagg Pro Stylus specs: Weight: 0.56 ounces | Battery life: 8 hours | Palm rejection: Yes | Tilt recognition: Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Adonit's latest addition to its stylus lineup is the Adonit Log, which is super lightweight and made entirely out of recycled material. Its ultra-fine 1mm tip ensures exact lines and precision when drawing or sketching, and you can activate Apple's Notes App by tapping the screen with your Adonit Log.While it doesn't support pressure or tilt sensitivity, this stylus does have palm recognition technology to prevent device confusion. What's most impressive about this stylus is its battery life; it can last up to 24 hours on a single 1-hour charge--the best on this list.Customers on the Adonit website liked the Log's basic performance, practicality, price, and easy function, though 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 Pros Amazing battery life Lightweight feel Instant connectivity Made of recycled materials Cons No tilt recognition Adonit's latest addition to its stylus lineup is the Adonit Log, which is super lightweight and made entirely out of recycled material. Its ultra-fine 1mm tip ensures exact lines and precision when drawing or sketching, and you can activate Apple's Notes App by tapping the screen with your Adonit Log.While it doesn't support pressure or tilt sensitivity, this stylus does have palm recognition technology to prevent device confusion. What's most impressive about this stylus is its battery life; it can last up to 24 hours on a single 1-hour charge--the best on this list.Customers on the Adonit website liked the Log's basic performance, practicality, price, and easy function, though 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best iPad stylus? The best iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which was made to work specifically with iPad models and the iOS system. With features like pressure sensitivity and hovering abilities, the Apple Pencil is built for just about anything on the iPad. For new 2024 iPad models, ZDNET recommends leveling up to the Apple Pencil Pro. iPad stylusPriceBattery lifeTilt recognition?Apple Pencil 2nd Gen$12912 hoursYesApple Pencil Pro $12912 hours Yes Adonit Note+2$708 hoursYesJamjake Stylus Pen$3020 hoursNoLogitech Crayon$707.5 hoursYesZagg Pro Stylus$408 hoursYesAdonit Log$4024 hoursNo*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons. Show more Which iPad stylus is right for you? While any of these iPad styluses we listed are great picks, it ultimately comes down to if tilt recognition is important to you, what kind of battery life you need, and what price you're willing to spend.Choose this iPad stylus...If you want...Apple Pencil 2nd GenThe best overall option. The Apple Pencil was made for the iPad, and has unique features like the hover function.Apple Pencil ProThe most intuitive stylus experience for the new M3 and M4 iPad Air and Pro models. Adonit Note+ 2A runner-up alternative to the best iPad stylus. Like the Apple Pencil, it has pressure sensitivity, but it costs $59 less.Jamjake Stylus PenA basic stylus that's cheaper than the Apple Pencil. In addition, it has palm rejection technology.Logitech CrayonA great stylus for drawing on iPad apps. It has a smart tip that dynamically adjusts line weight depending on the angle you place it down.Zagg Pro StylusAn iPad stylus with dual tips for different uses. The end tip is excellent for scrolling, while the active tip is built for drawing and writingAdonit LogAn iPad stylus made of recycled material with excellent battery life. You can get up to a day's worth of battery life in one single charge. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an iPad stylus If you're in the market for an iPad Stylus, here's a few things to keep in mind:Features: Special features like palm-rejection technology and tilt-sensing are important to have in a stylus to make the writing experience feel more natural. Think about what you want to use your stylus for and which features are necessary for that -- drawing will be more challenging with a stylus that lacks pressure recognition. Compatibility: Not all stylus pens are compatible with all iPad models, so consider options that would work with your device. Price: Stylus pens range in price from $20 all the way to $130, so decide on how much you are willing to spend to help narrow down your list.  Show more How did we choose these iPad stylus picks? We chose these stylus options after extensive research into the product category and by going hands-on with some of these products. We looked at renowned brands and reviews (both good and bad) and noted the top-rated styluses for different needs. Ultimately, factors like cost, compatibility, and use case guided our top picks. We additionally consider ease of use, function, battery life, and other direct features to help ensure we're recommending the best of the best to you.  Show more What are the newest iPad models? Apple announced the 6th-generation iPad Air and the 7th-generation iPad Pro models on May 7.The new iPad Air comes in two sizes for the first time (11 inches and 13 inches) and features the M2 chip. In addition, the iPad Air now starts at 128GB instead of the mere 64GB that Apple previously included in the base model.The iPad Pro now comes with the new M4 chip, which Apple says delivers up to 4x faster GPU rendering and a 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 in the previous iPad Pro. The Pro tablets also feature an Ultra Retina XDR display, which Apple called "the world's most advanced display." Show more What's new in the Apple Pencil Pro? The Apple Pencil Pro was announced on May 7 and features a slew of new features to go with the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. It supports Apple Find My and includes a new sensor in its barrel, enabling new gestures, like squeezing and barrel rolling. Priced at $129, it's the same price as the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.  Show more Is it worth getting a stylus for iPad? An iPad stylus is worth it if you do a lot of notetaking or marking up documents, writing lists, drawing, or sketching with your iPad. A stylus pen is much more precise than your fingers, so any type of precision work is better, but if you only use your iPad for entertainment or games, you may not need to invest in a stylus if it's just going to collect dust. Any accessory is only as good as you make it, and if it isn't being utilized for your daily activities, it's probably not worth it.  Show more Can I use a non-Apple stylus with an iPad? Yes and no. Plenty of Apple Pencil alternatives will be compatible with various iPad models, and you certainly don't have to purchase an Apple stylus. We've included several non-Apple picks on the list for you to consider, but ultimately, it's best to make sure you double-check the stylus compatibilities as indicated by the brand before purchasing. Some iPad iterations don't even support the Apple Pencil, so make sure to do your homework.  Show more Why is the Apple Pencil so expensive? The Apple Pencil's hefty price tag can be attributed to several factors, including Apple's esteemed brand value, its advanced technology offerings (and the research and design that supported them), and demand.  Show more Does the Apple Pencil ever go on sale? Yes, the Apple Pencil (both 1st and 2nd Gen, and even the newest Pencil Pro) see discounts during the year at major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and more. Shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmastime, Presidents' Day, Back to School, and during Prime Days are popular periods of the year where you can expect to see a drop in the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen has dropped to $79 ($50 less) several times this year and the Pencil Pro has started to see its first discounts since its release, usually selling for $90-$98 on sale.  Show more Does any stylus work with iPad? No. Before buying any stylus, read the list of compatible devices. And yes, you must ensure your iPad is compatible with different Apple Pencil models since compatibility varies between generations. Show more Are there alternative iPad styluses worth considering? Outside of these six styluses, there are also a handful of others that caught our attention. Adonit's lineup of styluses is extensive and has many options that are compatible with iPads. In addition, the Apple Pencil 1st generation is a great Apple-made pick that's a bit cheaper than the current model.  Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends