Choosing a Stylus for Your iPad – Tips & Recommendations


I was recently asked to recommend a good stylus for the iPad. Here are a few recommendations based on personal experience and a bit of research. I looked for a popular stylus with a selling price between $10 and $30. You need to spend more than a few dollars to get a decent model. Go for a nib (rubber tip) rather than foam. You can also find models that include a pen for taking notes or drawing doodles the old fashioned way. Note that with most combo models the pen cap doesn’t fit over the stylus end. This makes it easy to lose the pen cap. If you have a screen protector on your iPad, test the model you want with the screen protector. Not all stylus/screen protector combinations work well.

I’ve included links to online vendors with suggested prices. You may also be able to find these locally at a store near you.

Griffin  $15 – 20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858995085

Targus  $15 – 20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858994105
2-in-1 with pen $25 – 30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855987020

Kensington Touch Screen Stylus/Pen  $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858995181

Wacom Bamboo Stylus $30
http://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Stylus-for-iPad-CS100K/dp/B004VM0SE6/

Adonit Jot $20 – 25
Has a disc tip instead of a nib
http://www.amazon.com/Adonit-Classic-Stylus-Screens-ADJP/dp/B005GSS7PQ/

SGP Kuel H12 $20
Similar to a pen with a retractable tip.
http://www.amazon.com/SPIGEN-SGP-Stylus-Series-generation/dp/B0069EGOP6/

Studio Neat Cosmonaut $20 – 25
Shaped like a dry erase marker and shaft is rubber coated. Should be more durable and a good stylus choice for children.
http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut


About Andy Brovey

Dr. Andy Brovey, The Portable Prof, teaches about digital tools through his work, websites and social media. In 2007, Apple Inc. recognized his work and named him an Apple Distinguished Educator. He started this iPad Academy website shortly after the first iPad went on sale. On his Freelance Teaching site you'll find the resources you need to teach like a smart entrepreneur.