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Top 12 Best Stylus For Procreate In 2023

Michael Rivera
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Procreate is a sketching app that has taken the digital art world by storm as one of the most reliable drawing applications on the market. A huge factor is that it’s available on the iPad, which allows you to bring your work wherever you go.
However, to use Procreate comfortably and efficiently, you need an equally powerful stylus to match. Keep reading to learn which among the various digital pencil options is the best stylus for you.

Top 12 Best Stylus For Procreate In 2023

There are so many choices when it comes to selecting the best pencil for Procreate. Here’s a quick guide to the top 12 styluses you can use with Procreate.

Image Courtesy Of Amazon
4.8
5/5
Arguably the best stylus for Procreate for digital art, this stylus has wireless charging and pairing, which lessens the need for cable management. 

Arguably the best stylus for Procreate for digital art, this stylus has wireless charging and pairing, which lessens the need for cable management. Considered a high-end stylus, it features a sleek, compact aluminum body with an internal battery. It mimics the feel of a traditional pencil with its flat side and sanded texture.
Apple says that it has “imperceptible lag, high precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity”, which makes this a powerful tool for use on touchscreens. It has a decent official battery life of 12 hours as well.

Compatible With

  • iPad Mini (6th generation)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • 11-inch iPad Pro (1st/2nd/3rd generation)
  • iPad Air (4th/5th generation)

pros

  • High precision
  • Tilt sensitivity
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Palm rejection
  • Double tap feature to switch between tools
  • Magnetic charging

cons

  • One of the more expensive styluses on the market
  • Only compatible with iPads manufactured from 2018 and later
4.8
5/5
Image Courtesy Of Amazon
4.8
5/5

Released in 2015, this is still considered one of the best styluses for Procreate on the iPad.

Released in 2015, this is still considered one of the best styluses for Procreate on the iPad. Cheaper than the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, this is a rechargeable stylus that includes similar features which makes it a fantastic stylus budget-wise.However, it is longer and bulkier than its successor since it includes a Lightning connector at the end. According to Apple, the battery will last up to around 12 hours on a full charge, which gives you ample time to finish what you need to do before taking a break.

Compatible With

  • iPad (6th/7th/8th/9th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Mini (5th generation)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st/2nd generation)
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Pros

  • Cheaper than 2nd-generation Apple Pencil
  • Immediate use after pairing
  • Tilt support
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • High precision
  • Rubber tip that protects your device

Cons

  • Only uses a Lightning Bolt for pairing and charging
  • Easy-to-lose back cap
4.8
5/5
4.1
4.9/5

The Adonit Dash 4 is one of the most versatile charging stylus pens.

The Adonit Dash 4 is one of the most versatile charging stylus pens. This digital stylus’s body is made of metal and includes an internal battery that should last up to 15 hours. It has two modes, indicated by the light at the end of the stylus: green means it can be used on any touchscreen device such as Android, iPhone, and iPad models from 2017 and earlier, while blue means it can be used with newer iPads (2018 model and later).
When you purchase this stylus, it also includes two replacement tips. Should you need more, you can search “B09BN84982” online for compatible nibs.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad (5th/6th/7th/8th/9th generation)
  • iPad Mini (3/4) and iPad Mini (5th/6th generation)
  • iPad Air 2 and iPad Air (3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st/2nd/3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
  • iPhone (11/12/13)

Pros

  • No need for Bluetooth pairing
  • Palm rejection (only during Blue Light mode)
  • Multiple compatibilities

Cons

  • Battery-powered
  • No pressure sensitivity
4.1
4.9/5
Adonit Dash 4
4.2
4.9/5

One of the most affordable pencils on this list, the Adonit Pro 4 is a creative stylus compatible with any touchscreen device.

One of the most affordable pencils on this list, the Adonit Pro 4 is a creative stylus compatible with any touchscreen device. The stylus is made out of a combination of materials: aluminum for the body; a combination of polycarbonates, stainless steel, indium tin oxide for the tip; and copper and acetal plastic for the cap. It includes a PET precision disk attachment for the fine-point precision tip to reduce scratches. This stylus does not need to charge and is compatible with iPhones, which makes it a contender for the best stylus for Procreate Pocket.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPhone( XS Max/XS/XR/X/8/Plus and later models)
  • iPad models
  • iPad Air models
  • iPad Mini models

Pros

  • Bluetooth-free
  • Does not need to charge
  • Sleek design
  • Multiple touchscreen compatibilities (iOS, Android, Microsoft)

Cons

  • No pressure sensitivity
  • No tilt sensitivity
  • No palm rejection
4.2
4.9/5
3.7
4.9/5

Adonit claims that this is “the best iPad stylus we’ve ever made”. Compared to the previous Adonit models mentioned on this list, this might be the best Apple Pencil alternative.

Adonit claims that this is “the best iPad stylus we’ve ever made”. Compared to the previous Adonit models mentioned on this list, this might be the best Apple Pencil alternative.
The Adonit Pixel features an aluminum body, a pixel-point tip that recreates a paper-like drag, and a built-in grip sensor that turns on the Pixel as you pick it up. As long as the touchscreen device has Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity or newer, you’re good to go. This also has an average battery life of 14 hours.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad (3/4/5/6/7/8)
  • iPad Air (1/2/3/4)
  • iPad Mini (1/2/3/4)
  • iPad Pro (models from 2018 to 2021, 11-inch and 12.9-inch)
  • iPhone (4 to latest)

Pros

  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Tilt sensitivity
  • Palm rejection
  • Grip sensor for Pick-Up-and-Go
  • Shortcut Buttons

Cons

  • Battery operated, needs to be charged
  • Requires Bluetooth connectivity
  • More expensive than the Dash 4 and Pro 4
3.7
4.9/5
4.4
4.9/5

If you are on a budget, the ESR Stylus Pen might be for you.

If you are on a budget, the ESR Stylus Pen might be for you. It is a simple stylus that has an aluminum body that claims to have a highly sensitive tip that “provides a smooth and authentic writing experience). This digital pencil has a battery life of up to 13 hours of continuous work though charging might be an issue since it requires a USB Type-C cable. Compared to other products listed here, it has limited compatible devices as well.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021)
  • iPad (6/7/8)
  • iPad Air (3/4/5)
  • iPad Mini 5

Pros

  • Tilt sensitivity
  • Palm rejection
  • Magnetic attachment

Cons

  • No pressure sensitivity
  • Battery-powered
  • Needs USB Type-C to charge
  • Limited compatible devices
4.4
4.9/5
4.1
4.9/5
JAMJAKE offers a lightweight alternative to the Apple Pencil that needs a USB Type-C port for charging.
JAMJAKE offers a lightweight alternative to the Apple Pencil that needs a USB Type-C port for charging. It’s a basic stylus made of aluminum alloy, where you only need to tap the end of the pencil to turn it on; it can be used immediately without any further setup. Out of the box, it includes 3 replacement tips, a USB Type-C charging cable, a drawing glove, and a user manual. Its wide range of compatible devices makes this a viable option for your digital art and writing needs.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad models
  • iPad Pro models
  • iPad Air models
  • iPad Mini models
  • iPhones (6 to latest)

Pros

  • Palm rejection
  • Magnetic attachment to the side of the iPad
  • Relatively affordable
  • 20 hours of continuous work when charged for 90 minutes
  • 90 days of standby time
  • Spare nibs included

Cons

  • No pressure sensitivity
  • No tilt sensitivity
4.1
4.9/5
4.5
4.9/5
This is the only stylus pencil on this list that utilizes Apple Pencil technology so iOS compatibility is less of an issue.
This is the only stylus pencil on this list that utilizes Apple Pencil technology so iOS compatibility is less of an issue. There is no need to pair this pencil too so you can just use it out of the box. The design is rectangular, so if the pencil rolling way is a concern, this might help ease your worries. Out of all the options in this list, this is the only stylus made out of paper. However, it has a shorter battery life of 7.5 hours of writing on a full charge.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad (6th/7th/8th/9th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPad Mini 5
  • iPhones (iOS 12.2 and later)

Pros

  • Tilt sensitivity
  • Palm rejection
  • Battery levels LED indicators
  • High precision and indiscernible lag

Cons

  • No pressure sensitivity
  • Needs charging through a Lightning cable
  • Shorter battery life (only 7.5 hours of continuous work)
  • On the expensive side
4.5
4.9/5
4.0
4.9/5

Wacom, and by extension a Wacom stylus, is known to be a powerhouse when it comes to the digital art market

Wacom, and by extension a Wacom stylus, is known to be a powerhouse when it comes to the digital art market, and with the Bamboo series of pencils, the company is offering viable alternatives to use for compatible iPads and iPhones. The Bamboo Fineline 3 is made of an aluminum body with 1024 pressure sensitivity levels and a retractable fine tip nib to protect it from damage. It is compatible with iPhone 6 and later, which makes it a great option for using Procreate Pocket on your phone.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad (3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPad Air and iPad Air 2
  • iPad Mini (1/2/3/4)
  • iPad Pro 13.3-inch
  • iPhones (6 to latest)

Pros

  • High precision
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Palm rejection
  • Programmable button
  • 26 hours of continuous work

Cons

  • Runs on battery
  • Uses a Micro-USB cable for charging
  • Needs a Bluetooth connection for pressure sensitivity
  • Not available in the US
4.0
4.9/5
4.3
4.9/5
If you want a stylus that gives you a lot of options for tips, The Friendly Swede is the only stylus on this list that offers the 4-in-1 Stylus Pen.
If you want a stylus that gives you a lot of options for tips, The Friendly Swede is the only stylus on this list that offers the 4-in-1 Stylus Pen. The body is made of aluminum and only weighs around 32 grams. Out of the box, it includes disk tips, fiber tips, a fine tip, and a brush tip to accommodate your touchscreen needs. Since this is a capacitive stylus, there is no need for a Bluetooth connection or any other additional setup.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • All touchscreen devices

Pros

  • Pick-up-and-go
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • No sensitivities since it is a capacitive stylus
4.4
4.9/5
Another contender for Procreate-compatible styluses is the Zagg Pro Stylus which features instant Bluetooth pairing with Apple touchscreens.

Another contender for Procreate-compatible styluses is the Zagg Pro Stylus which features instant Bluetooth pairing with Apple touchscreens. Though it has limited compatibility, it does include tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and a dual tip. If you purchase this device, the box includes the stylus, a USB Type-C charging cable, and a quick start guide.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • iPad (6th/7th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st/2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPad Air (10.9-inch)
  • iPad Mini 5

Pros

  • Tilt recognition
  • Palm rejection
  • High precision
  • Dual tip
  • Spare tip

Cons

  • The other end cannot be used as an eraser
  • Uses USB Type-C for charging
  • Only 8 hours of active use
4.4
4.9/5
4.7
4.9/5
The Zspeed Stylus Pen is another Apple Pencil alternative that is compatible with most touchscreens available.
The Zspeed Stylus Pen is another Apple Pencil alternative that is compatible with most touchscreens available. The body is made of a combination of copper and steel with an internal battery included. Although it needs to be charged via the Micro-USB cable included in the box, this has a battery life of 12 hours of active use and turns off after 30 minutes of being idle. The box includes the stylus, a glove, a Micro-USB cable, and a user manual.

Compatible With (Apple Devices)

  • Capacitive Touchscreens

Pros

  • High precision
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Wide compatibility

Cons

  • Battery-operated
  • Uses a Micro-USB cable for charging
4.7
4.9/5

Why You Should Use A Stylus For Procreate

There are so many options to choose from that it might be overwhelming to decide which one is the best stylus for Procreate on the iPad. Below is a guide to help you determine which one is the best stylus for Procreate. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, but it can help you start your decision-making process.

A stylus is an extra expense, but the convenience it offers may make up for it. Here are some of the ways a digital pencil can help you:

Comfort

Using your finger to draw manually on your iPad is the cheapest but not the most comfortable option. A good stylus can do wonders for your productivity and save you from wrist pain.

Speed

Drawing with a digital pen is faster and more precise than with your finger. Styluses also have many features to speed up your drawing process, such as function buttons and shortcuts.

Ease of Use

Using a stylus is just like using pen and paper, whether you’re making digital handwritten notes or drawing on Procreate.

What To Look For In The Best iPad Stylus For Procreate

Research is the key to finding out which is the best stylus for iPad Procreate. Here are some of the aspects that can make or break your choice of digital art pencils:

Compatibility

First off, you need to know if the stylus is compatible with your Apple device. Some are compatible with older iPad models and require a Lightning cable port to charge the pencil. Apple Pencil alternatives can also be a hit or miss as some have limited device compatibility.

Build

Is the build quality sturdy? Does it feel stable in your hand? These are some of the questions you need to consider when choosing the best pencil for Procreate. It’s pretty common for the stylus to fall off the table, so you need something that can withstand that much force. Other useful physical features include a clip or magnetic attachment so you don’t lose your stylus as much. You’ll need to take into account your nib preferences – do you like the feel of a rubber tip or a fine tip?

Price

How much money are you willing to invest in a stylus? Your budget can make or break your decision when purchasing one. Some cheaper styluses can fit your needs for the time being without breaking the bank, but there is no denying the build and performance of some of the more expensive pencils.

Palm Rejection

Palm rejection technology ensures that you don’t accidentally add extraneous details or move the screen around when your palm touches your device’s screen. This means you can rest your palm comfortably on your tablet, making it easier to draw. To counter this and eliminate camera shake, consider getting a camera tripod that has a center column hook – this allows you to hang a bag of sand (or even just your backpack) for added weight and stability.

Pressure Sensitivity

Also known as pen pressure, pressure sensitivity refers to how the iPad (or any touch screen for that matter) produces a thicker or thinner line depending on the amount of force you use. This is very important if you want to recreate the experience of drawing on pen and paper and utilize line weights without changing the brush size.

Tilt Sensitivity

Tilt sensitivity refers to the ability to tilt the pencil at an angle to change the shape of the brush being used on Procreate. This is very useful when shading and you need to modify the shape of your current tool.

What Is The Best Pencil For Procreate?

The best stylus for Procreate is very subjective – what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. For example, the Apple Pencil 2nd gen is favored by many, but it might be too expensive for others. Other styluses offer similar features at cheaper prices such as the Adonit models, the Logitech Crayon, or the Zagg Pro Stylus

Frequently Asked Questions About Styluses For Procreate

Do I need to set up my stylus on Procreate?

This depends on your device and stylus. Most pencils need to be paired to the Apple device via Bluetooth, while others are pick-up-and-go, which simply means you can use it immediately without setting anything up.

Can I  enable pressure/tilt sensitivity on an iPad stylus that doesn’t have them?

Unfortunately, no. If the stylus doesn’t come with pressure/tilt sensitivity, there’s no way to enable them otherwise.

How do I recreate pressure/tilt sensitivity on Procreate?

You can “recreate” pressure/tilt sensitivity manually. For example, to simulate tilt sensitivity, change the brush size yourself.

Can I use stylus pens on older iPads?

Some pencils are compatible with older models of iPads and iPhones, such as the Adonit Pixel.

Conclusion

There are plenty of stylus options for anyone using Procreate on iPad or iPhones, be they casual artists or professional digital artists. The best stylus for Procreate largely depends on your needs, so make sure to look at device compatibility, build, price, and other features you might be looking for in a stylus. There is no one-size-fits-all stylus, and research is very important before you invest in one. With that said, good luck and happy drawing.
5.8
5/5
Arguably the best stylus for Procreate for digital art, this stylus has wireless charging and pairing, which lessens the need for cable management.

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