With the latest Procreate version, it’s even more important to choose an iPad stylus that is fully supported by the app and provides pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and palm rejection.
With over 5 years of experience using Procreate and publishing Procreate online classes and tutorials, I’ve created this guide to help you find the best iPad stylus for Procreate and for your iPad. Let’s have a look!
Overview: Best iPad Stylus for Procreate
This guide for the best stylus for Procreate could have been quite long.
But it became quite brief because, since version 5.3, Procreate doesn’t support any other stylus not using Apple Pencil technology. And those are pretty much only three:
Tilt support
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Magnetic charging
Double-tap
Hover
Tilt support
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Lightning charging
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
USB-C charging
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Lightning charging
So, instead of getting lost in so many different styluses “claiming” they support Procreate, I will help you check which iPad model you have and which Apple Pencil version (1 or 2) is compatible with it.
So keep on reading!
Which iPad Model Do You Have?
Let’s find out which iPad model you have so you can get the right Apple Pencil for Procreate.
BTW, if you want to learn which is the best iPad for Procreate, click here to read my guide about that.
If you’re using iPadOS or iOS 12.2 or later, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name, and you will see the model of your iPad. Similar to the photo of my iPad Pro below.
If you are using an older version of iOS, you can find the instructions on how to find your iPad model number on Apple’s website. It’s easy. Either look at the back of your iPad or go to Settings > General > About again and use the part number to get the model number.
OK, did you get it? Then find the table below where I listed which Apple Pencil is compatible with which iPad model.
If you want to check out the iPad Pro, I am currently using, have a look here:
The best iPad for drawing and Procreate
Apple M1 Processor for next-level performance :: 12.9-inch liquid retina display for superior color, contrast, and brightness :: Light and extremely strong :: Up to 10 hours battery life :: Early 2021 model
Edit 2023: If you want absolutely the newest tech to get M2 chip and use Apple Pencil hover feature, get the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″
What Stylus Works Best with Procreate?
Apple Pencil has always worked best with Procreate, and since Procreate version 5.3, third-party styli are no longer supported, so you will need to get Apple Pencil.
Which Apple Pencil should you get, then? Use the helpful table below to decide:
| Your iPad Model | Compatible Apple Pencil |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 4th and 3rd generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd, 2nd and 1st generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Air (5th and 4th generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad mini (6th generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″) generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad mini (5th generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Air (3rd generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | Apple Pencil |
What is the Best Apple Pencil for Procreate?
The best Apple Pencil for Procreate is Apple Pencil 2, also called Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
The rule of thumb is if you have iPad Pro, Air, and Mini released after 2021 (except for iPad 10.9″), get Apple Pencil 2. If not, get the original Apple Pencil.
If you have iPad from before or the latest iPad 10.9″, you will need to get the original Apple Pencil, also called Apple Pencil 1st generation.
Apple Pencil 2
Second Generation Apple Pencil :: Best Drawing and Painting Experience :: Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 4th and 3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd, 2nd and 1st generation), iPad Air (5th and 4th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation)
Apple Pencil 2 Specs
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Palm rejection
- Automatic pairing
- Magnetic charging
- Double-tap shortcut – for switching tools and getting to your favorite Procreate tools
- Hover function – shows a preview of your selected brush before you use it (only available for iOS 16.1 and later on the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9)
Apple Pencil 2, or 2nd generation, is the Apple Pencil I’ve been using for the past couple of years with my iPad Pro 12.9″. I upgraded from iPad Pro 10.5″ and the original Apple Pencil, which I had used for a few years before.
I must say that by upgrading to iPad Pro 12.9″ with Apple Pencil 2 from the original Apple Pencil and iPad Pro 10.5″ has been amazing.
Out of the box, Apple Pencil 2 was much easier to pair with my iPad Pro. And thanks to its ability to magnetically attach to the side of my iPad Pro, it charges automatically, and I never have to worry about running out of battery. (Well, of course, when I am out and about, drawing outside, I have to be careful my iPad Pro doesn’t run out of power :))
Apple Pencil 2 still provides the best drawing experience on iPad thanks to the pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and palm rejection. It also comes with new features, such as the double-tap shortcut and hover function.
Double-tap shortcut allows you to switch tools or create a selection of your favorite tools. And hover function, introduced with the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″, shows a preview of your selected brush before you use it.
There is no wonder the guys at Procreate decided to discontinue the support of third-party styluses. I bet it took away a lot of developers’ time which they now use to make Procreate app even more awesome!
If you want to see me using Apple Pencil 2 on my iPad Pro 12.9″ I invite you to look at one of my tutorials:
Apple Pencil
First Generation Apple Pencil :: Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″ generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch
Apple Pencil Specs
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Palm rejection
I used the original Apple Pencil with Procreate on my first iPad Pro 10.5″, and I think it was the best introduction to Procreate I could wish for.
I remember the whole drawing experience was effortless. I just picked up the Apple Pencil, opened the Procreate App, and started doodling and exploring Procreate features.
The pressure sensitivity for drawing lighter and thicker lines, the tilt support for shading and the countless amount of Procreate brushes. I felt like a kid in a candy store 🙂
It’s clear iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate have always been made for each other!
Once I became more proficient with Procreate, and my design process became more efficient, there were a few things I started to notice with the original Apple Pencil. For example, using the lightning connector on my iPad Pro didn’t allow me to charge both at the same time. Or that after a while, the cap covering the connector became cracked, and I had to use washi tape to secure it.
These are, of course, minor issues and never took away from the amazing drawing experience Apple Pencil provided me on Procreate. But when I was in the flow, the charging was a tad bit annoying.
What is great, though, is that Apple guys listened to the community and got rid of all of these issues with the new Apple Pencil 2!
Due to the screen development on the newest iPad, Apple Pencil 2 doesn’t support older models, but if your budget only allows you to get a secondhand iPad Pro, you will definitely enjoy drawing with Apple Pencil on Procreate!
You can see me using the original Apple Pencil with my iPad Pro 10.5″ in one of my Procreate online classes:
What is the Difference Between Apple Pencil 1 and 2?
The main difference between Apple Pencil 1 and 2 is in their compatibility and charging method.
Apple Pencil 1 is compatible with older iPad models (prior to 2018) and 2022 iPad 10.9″ and charges via a Lightning connector. Apple Pencil 2 is only compatible with newer iPad models (2018 and later) and charges wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the iPad.
Additionally, Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge that allows for new gestures, such as double-tapping to switch between tools. When paired with the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″, it also comes with Procreate hover function, which allows you to preview the brush you are about to use.
To sum up, here are the main differences between Apple Pencil 1 and 2:
- Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil 1 don’t work on the same iPad models
- Apple Pencil 2 comes with magnetic charging, a double-tap shortcut, and a hover feature
- Apple Pencil 1 has to be charged using a lightning cable or USB-C to a lightning adapter
- Apple Pencil 2 has a design of a traditional pencil, and Apple Pencil 1 is round
- Apple Pencil 2 is slightly more expensive than Apple Pencil 1
- Apple Pencil 1 has a cap covering the lightning connector
- Apple Pencil 1 has a small metallic strip under the cap
What are Some Alternatives to the Apple Pencil for Procreate?
There is only one alternative to the Apple Pencil for Procreate since Procreate version 5.3. It is Logitech Crayon digital pencil.
Does Logitech Crayon Work with Procreate?
Yes, Logitech Crayon works with the latest Procreate version because it’s built using Apple Pencil technology.
Made with Apple Pencil® technology | Tilt sensitivity & Palm rejection | USB-C charging | 7h battery life
Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (6th, 5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 11-Inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st Gen), iPad (10th Gen), iPad Air (5th & 4th Gen), iPad Mini (6th Gen)
For older iPads, get Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
Made with Apple Pencil® technology | Tilt sensitivity & Palm rejection | Lightning charging | 7.5h battery life
Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 11-Inch (3rd, 2nd & 1st Gen), iPad (9th, 8th, 7th & 6th Gen), iPad Air (5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Mini (6th & 5th Gen)
For the newest iPads, get Logitech Crayon 2 Digital Pencil
Unfortunately, Logitech Crayon doesn’t fully support pressure sensitivity.
Yes, you could use a workaround – tilt it to achieve lighter or thicker lines, but that’s not the same intuitive experience you’d get with Apple Pencil.
And that’s a deal breaker for me because of how I use Procreate. I use it to both draw and paint, and I want to use it without thinking about these nuances when I am in my creative mode.
Now, if you plan to use Procreate only for drawing, Logitech Crayon may work for you. However, at a price, which is not significantly cheaper, I’d go directly for Apple Pencil.
Plus, Apple Pencil reminds me of my favorite drawing and sketching pencils, so it’s the clear choice for me!
The artist from seismic studios used the Logitec Crayon to create some Harry Potter inspired doodle art in the following video. You can see their experience with the stylus and how it is for drawing.
What is the Difference Between Logitech Crayon 2 and Logitech Crayon?
The main difference between Logitech Crayon 2 and Logitech Crayon is their charging method and compatibility.
Both Logitech Crayon 2 and Logitech Crayon are compatible with a mix of the newest and older iPad models. Logitech Crayon 2 is compatible with the newest iPad Pro models released in 2022.
On top of that, Logitech Crayon 2 is charged with a USB-C cable, and Logitech Crayon is charged with a Lightning cable.
Other than that, they both pair with your iPad automatically, and they have tilt sensitivity and palm rejection.
FAQs – Best Stylus for Procreate on iPad
The best stylus for Procreate on iPad Pro 12.9″ generation 3, 4, and 5 is Apple Pencil 2. For iPad Pro 12.9″ 1st and 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5″ and 9.7″ it’s the original Apple Pencil.
The best stylus for Procreate on iPad Pro 11″ generation 1, 2, and 3 is Apple Pencil 2.
The best stylus for Procreate on iPad Air generation 4 and 5 is Apple Pencil 2. For iPad Air 3rd generation, it’s the original Apple Pencil.
The best stylus for Procreate on iPad mini 6th generation is Apple Pencil 2. For iPad mini 5th generation, it’s the original Apple Pencil.
The best stylus for Procreate on iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), and 10th (10.9″) generation is the original Apple Pencil.
The battery on Apple Pencil 2 lasts virtually forever because I always magnetically attach it to my iPad Pro, and therefore it never runs out of battery for me. The original Apple Pencil I had before used to run out of battery after about 3 days of drawing in Procreate.
Pressure sensitivity refers to a stylus’s ability to sense how hard or soft you’re pressing down on the iPad screen. It’s important for making lighter or thicker strokes. Tilt recognition refers to a stylus’s ability to detect the angle at which it’s held. It’s important for shading and applying more color when painting.
Can You Use Procreate Without an Apple Pencil?
Yes, you can use Procreate without an Apple Pencil, but it won’t be an optimal experience.
You can use Logitech Crayon or your finger, but both are not the best drawing experience you can get on Procreate. Apple Pencil drawing and painting experience is just out of this world and I recommend you invest in getting it because it will be one of the best art tools you will ever get.
Summary
In this post, I provide a guide on the best iPad stylus for Procreate, an app for digital art creation.
I highlight that since version 5.3 of Procreate, third-party styli are no longer supported, and only Apple Pencil technology is supported.
I recommend three Apple Pencil versions – 2nd generation, 1st generation, and Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil, along with a Paperlike matte screen protector and original Apple Pencil Tips.
The post also includes a table of which Apple Pencil version is compatible with which iPad model and how to determine the iPad model.
I hope my guide has helped you choose your new stylus for Procreate, and you will have a lot of fun drawing, painting, and illustrating in this amazing app.
Happy drawing!
