Best Tablets Compatible with Apple Pencil in 2024

Apple Pencil Tablets: What Works and What Doesn't

Let's be clear: not every iPad works with every Apple Pencil. Apple made two generations that don't play nice together, and picking the wrong combination will cost you money and frustration. Here's what actually works in 2024.

Apple Pencil Generations: The Short Version

There are two Pencil generations, and compatibility matters more than you think.

• Apple Pencil 1st Gen — Lightning connector, pairs with older iPads. Charges by plugging into your iPad's port.
• Apple Pencil 2nd Gen — Magnetic attachment, wireless charging, matte finish with flat edge. Only works with newer iPads.
• Apple Pencil USB-C — Budget option from 2023. No pressure sensitivity at the tip, but cheaper and works with newer models.

Best iPads for Apple Pencil in 2024

iPad Pro M4 (11" and 13")

The current flagship. It's fast, it's gorgeous, and the OLED display makes the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen feel premium. If you're doing digital art or serious note-taking, this is the machine.

Downsides? The price. You're dropping $999+ for the base model. The 13-inch version is basically a portable display that happens to run iPadOS.

Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and Apple Pencil USB-C

iPad Air M2 (11" and 13")

Apple's "good enough for most people" option. The M2 chip handles anything you'd realistically do on a tablet. The 13-inch model gives you screen real estate without the Pro price tag.

It charges the Pencil 2nd Gen magnetically. No wireless charging for the USB-C Pencil, though — that one just sits there looking sad.

Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and Apple Pencil USB-C

iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

The entry-level iPad got a redesign in 2022. It works, but it's the awkward middle child. The Pencil 1st Gen is your only option here, and you need that awkward adapter dongle to charge it.

Great for students on a budget. Less great if you value elegant solutions.

Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1st Gen and Apple Pencil USB-C

iPad mini (6th Generation)

Compact and surprisingly capable. The A15 chip keeps up with most tasks, and the 8.3-inch screen is perfect for reading or quick sketches.

Only works with the 1st Gen Pencil. No magnetic attachment, no wireless charging. You'll be hunting for that pencil cap within a week.

Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1st Gen and Apple Pencil USB-C

Quick Comparison Table

Third-Party Alternatives Worth Considering

Apple's Pencils are expensive. Here's the reality of alternatives:

• Logitech Crayon — $74, works with any iPad that supports the 1st Gen Pencil. No pressure sensitivity at the tip, but palm rejection works well. Good for students.
• Adonit Note — Budget option around $40. Basic functionality, hit-or-miss build quality.
• Pencil by FiftyThree — Only works with older iPads. Skip it unless you have legacy hardware.

The cheap knockoffs on Amazon exist. Some even work. Most introduce lag, lose connectivity, or die within months. You're not saving money in the long run.

Getting Started: Pairing Your Apple Pencil

If you buy the right combination, setup takes 30 seconds.

• Pencil 2nd Gen: Attach it magnetically to the side of your iPad. A popup appears. Tap "Pair." That's it.
• Pencil 1st Gen: Plug it into your iPad's Lightning port. Accept the pairing prompt. Prepare to hate the dongle situation.
• Pencil USB-C: Connect via USB-C cable to your iPad. Pair once. After that, it reconnects automatically.

Once paired, your Pencil works across apps. No app-specific setup needed for basic functionality. Procreate, Notability, and GoodNotes all recognize it immediately.

What Actually Matters When Choosing

Skip the spec sheet wars. Here's what to actually consider:

• Screen size — 11" is portable. 13" is for desk work. The mini is for your bag.
• Storage — iPads aren't expandable. 128GB is workable. 256GB is comfortable. Don't cheap out here.
• Refresh rate — Pro models have 120Hz. Everything else is 60Hz. Artists notice. Note-takers don't.
• Face ID vs Touch ID — Face ID on Pro/Air. Touch ID on base iPad and mini. Neither is better. Just different.

The Bottom Line

Buy the iPad Air M2 if you want the best value. It runs everything the Pro runs, costs $400 less, and the Pencil 2nd Gen snaps on magnetically like it should.

Buy the iPad Pro M4 if you need the OLED display or the M4 chip for professional work. The 120Hz display genuinely matters for drawing.

Buy the iPad (10th Gen) if $449 is your hard limit. The Pencil situation is annoying, but the tablet itself is solid.

Skip the iPad mini if drawing is your main use case. The small screen fights you on everything except quick markup.