Best iPad stylus for use in schools

The Original Apple Pencil, this device is an excellent entry into iPad styluses and it will no doubt serve your students well.

Firstly, you’ll need an iPad with a lightning port. To pair the pencil, you simply remove the cap on the end and plug it into the lightning port. This is also how you pair the device.

The pencil has imperceptible latency, so there won’t be a noticeable delay from pen stroke to the line appearing on the screen. What’s more is the Apple pencil supports pressure sensitivity and adjusts the stroke width based on the angle of the pencil. All of this combines to create a realistic input experience for students.

It’s worth bearing in mind, there are some drawbacks to the design of the device, particularly in a classroom setting. The cap can be easily lost, and the way the pencil plugs into the iPad makes it easy to break while charging.

The Apple Pencil 2 is probably best explained in reference to its predecessor. It functions much the same, with the same latency, pressure sensitivity and tilt controls. The design has changed, this time with one flat edge, a slightly shorter length and a matte finish making it feel more like a pencil.

The Apple Pencil 2 also introduces a double tap feature. Now by double tapping the side of the pencil, you’re able to quickly switch between functions such as an eraser and pen stroke.

Finally, the new charging and pairing mechanism is magnetic. No more plugging your Apple Pencil in, you just attach it to the side of your compatible iPad and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, this means the Apple Pencil 2 isn’t compatible with the previous generation iPads. If you’re unsure about compatibility, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.

The Apple Pencil 2 is a little more expensive. However, ultimately, if you’re choosing between the 2 Apple made devices, your decision will probably come down to compatibility.

The Logitech Crayon is an interesting device. This one has been designed for schools, so has a number of advantages over the other two in this list.

The Logitech Crayon is built on Apple technology, so you get the same imperceptible latency and a similar experience. You do, however, lose out on the double tap feature and the pressure sensitivity, which could be a deal breaker if these are to be used in art classes.

For all other applications, the Logitech Crayon is a fantastic choice. It’s designed with a protective cover so students can’t easily remove the tip. It’s flat, which can make it more comfortable to hold and stops it rolling off of a desk. And, it doesn’t come with any parts that could be easily lost (such as the cap in the Apple Pencil 1st generation).

The Logitech Crayon also has no need to pair. You just turn it on and start writing. This can be useful in a classroom scenario, as the last thing you want to be doing is troubleshooting technical issues with your pencils.

Finally, the real big advantage to the Logitech Crayon is its’ price point. Just £45 + VAT as compared to £95 + VAT for the Apple Pencil 2 or £89 for the original Apple Pencil. This price difference can really add up if you’re buying for entire classrooms.

The Zagg iPad Pencil is much cheaper and cost-effective, compatible with latest iPads.

This stylus lets you take notes, sketch, swipe, mark documents, and more with precision and speed. The ZAGG Pro Stylus has a universal capacitive backend tip that lets you scroll through pages easily, and the active tip on the other end lets you draw smooth, precise lines for notes or sketches. The Pro Stylus also has tilt recognition so you can vary the width of your stroke.

The Zagg alternative has a magnetic attachment but does not charge the pencil in this state (Requires connection with a type-C Cable).

Finally, the real big advantage to the Zagg iPad Pencil, similar to the Logitech Crayon, is its’ price point. Just £45 + VAT as compared to £95 + VAT for the Apple Pencil 2 or £89 for the original Apple Pencil.