We’ve tested every iPad, and you probably don’t need a pro

Which Apple Pencil should you buy?

The Apple Pencil is a must-have for any iPad owner who takes a lot of notes or likes to draw. (You can even use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also supports handwriting in some search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t need to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple launched a new Pencil in 2024, so now there are four to choose from. Here are the differences:

Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99: The first generation Pencil is quite old but still works well, offering pressure sensitivity (lines get thicker as you press harder on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (for shading). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish instead of matte (if that matters), and it’s also completely rounded, meaning it will roll across surfaces. There are no magnets, so you can’t stick it to the tablet to keep it safe. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it you’ll need to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad’s charging port. If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can purchase an adapter. It is only compatible with iPad (6th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.

Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69: Apple Apple Pencil USB-C is a bit confusing. It’s not pressure sensitive, so it’s better suited to note-takers than artists. It can attach magnetically to the sides of an iPad, so you don’t need to find a place to store it, but it doesn’t support wireless charging, so you’ll need to pair and charge it via USB-C. It supports hover mode, which lets you preview what will happen before tapping the screen, but this is exclusive to certain iPad Pro and iPad Air models. It is compatible with iPad (10th generation and A16), iPad Air (4th, 5th generation, M2, M3 and M4), iPad Mini (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later, including M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil comes with the same features as the 1st generation and USB-C versions, plus wireless pairing and charging (it will charge when it magnetically sticks to the top edge of supported iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by double-tapping the Apple Pencil. It is compatible with iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad Mini (6th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later), and 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later). Unfortunately, Apple has officially discontinued it, so newer iPads don’t support it, including the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple Professional pencil is the most feature-rich of all. It looks identical to the second-generation model, with a matte finish, but it also features a few new tricks. A “press” function opens a tool palette (in addition to the double-click function), and a new haptic engine provides feedback when you press. A built-in gyroscope sensor lets you change the orientation of the tools as you turn them (for more precise control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to track the pen when you lose it. It is only compatible with iPad Air (M2, M3 and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5) and 7th generation iPad Mini. (Come on, why isn’t it backwards compatible?)

Great iPad Accessories

iPad accessories are endless. Below we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to complement your tablet experience, and you can find more in our Guide to the best iPad accessories.

Twelve South Curve Mini for $50: iPads can be great tools to use with your MacBook or PC, but they require proper support with lots of adjustments. The Curve Mini is simple, but it’s stable and attractive, especially in this Dune color I sampled.

Zugu Case for $50+: This is our favorite folio case for the iPad for several reasons. Not only is it durable (with a hard bumper), but it also has a magnetic cover that stays closed and a flip that lets you position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to stick it securely to the refrigerator. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in a range of colors, and has a slot for your Apple Pencil.

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $25: We’re already big fans of Satechi accessories at WIRED, and this mouse did not disappoint. It features a comfortable ergonomic design, sleek aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It also has excellent battery life: with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for four months and haven’t charged it yet.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: This case allows you to connect it magnetically to Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without having to remove the case every time. It’s durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There is also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for iPad Air (M2).

Logitech Combo Touch (10th Gen) for $220: THE Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for working on your iPad. It’s also removable, allowing you to easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you never need to fiddle with Bluetooth or charge it. It is also available for iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (even if it adds a bit of weight to such a thin tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you are worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is ultra thin, has excellent tactile sensitivity and is Above all fingerprint resistant (I wiped off a few smudges here and there). Its application is painless: the company provides a microfiber cloth, a dust removal sticker, and wet and dry wipes.

Charcoal Paper-Like Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to look like a sketchbook, with a high-quality, lightweight polyester fabric cover. You can also support your iPad at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that prevents it from falling out. I tested it with the iPad Airbut it is also available for iPad Pro (both sizes).

Twelve StayGo South mini USB-C hubs for $60: Ports are limited regardless of the iPad model. This hub from Twelve South features an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. If you’re having trouble installing it on an iPad with a case, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will solve that problem.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on the side of your bed, kitchen counter, or shelf (to view content comfortably and hands-free), or you can use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd generation version, you can now remove the clamp arm and attach it directly to the mount, making it easier to switch between the two modes.

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