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Updated: September 16, 20224
If you are an artist or a designer, then you know that the Apple Pencil is a great tool for drawing on the iPad. But, if the Apple Pencil seemed too pricey for you, or if you are looking for an alternative, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we have put together a guide to the latest model and best Apple Pencil alternatives that are currently on the market.
We’ve also included a buying guide to help you identify the features you need if you’ve made up your mind on a cheaper alternative. Our following list is also constantly being updated as we regularly review new products.
Check them out below.
Featured image by freepik
What are the best Apple Pencil alternatives?
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives for Procreate
- Zagg Pro Stylus 2 (Active Dual-Tip)
- Logitech Crayon with USB-C Fast Charging
- Adonit Neo with Palm Rejection
Best Budget iPad Stylus for Drawing
- Metapen Pencil A8 for iPad (2018-2024)
- ANYQOO Pencil for iPad (2018-2024)
- Adonit Mark
- Z-NUOJIA Stylus Pen with Palm Rejection (2018-2024)
- LUNTAK Stylus Pen
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives with Pressure Sensitivity
Buying Guide
Other Resources
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives for Procreate
1. Zagg Pro Stylus 2 (Active Dual-Tip)
This is a new and refreshed version of the Zagg Pro Stylus. It’s available in five attractive colors with additional features you’ll love.
The Pro Stylus 2 features an active dual-tip design. The fine tip delivers pixel-perfect drawing, while the rounded capacitive back-end tip ensures smooth navigation like swiping and document marking.
The stylus is easy to turn on, with just a press on the rounded capacitive end. It also automatically turns off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
In addition to the palm rejection technology, the Pro Stylus 2 also offers tilt detection, which can be used to create complex artwork.
Advantages:
- Battery life of up to 6.0 hours
- Compatible with iPads from 2018 onwards
- Automatically pairs with any iPad 2018 or newer
- Compatible with apps that support the Apple Pencil
- Attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro 11 & iPad Pro 12.9.
Disadvantages:
- Average battery life
- Does not have power indicator.
2. Logitech Crayon (new) with USB-C Fast Charging
Logitech has done an excellent job of creating a stylus that feels natural in the hand. This sleeker design and much improved Logitech Crayon, like the Apple Pencil, is equipped with pixel perfect precision to give you that natural drawing and writing experience.
With just a flick on the switch, the Crayon connects instantaneously to your iPad without any delays of device pairing.
In addition, Crayon’s smart tip technology allows you to dynamically adjust thicker or thinner line, giving you a personalised touch to your Procreate drawings and hand-written notes.
Advantages:
- Instant connection
- Palm-rejection technology
- USB-C type charging – battery life up to 7.5 hours and fast charging
- Compatible with iPad models with iOS 12.2 and 3rd-6th generation iPad Pros.
Disadvantages:
- Pressure sensitivity feature not available
- Average on grip and comfort.
3. Adonit Neo with Palm Rejection
The Adonit Neo is magnetically attachable to your iPad and has native palm rejection features. The Neo’s spiral tip can also be replaced easily.
This stylus also uses USB-C charging and lets you charge while in use. Although it lacks the pressure sensitivity feature, some customers who bought it gave thumbs up for its accuracy, design and its compatibility with various popular creative apps like Good Notes, Adobe Apps and of course, Procreate.
Advantages:
- Magnetically attachable
- Comes with replaceable tip
- Instant connection without Bluetooth pairing
- USB-C type charging – battery life up to 9.0 hours and fast charging
- Compatible with iPad Air (3rd-4th gen), iPad Mini (5th-6th gen), iPad (6th-9th gen), iPad Pro (3rd-6th gen).
Disadvantages:
- Has palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, but fairs average on accuracy.
Other accessories you may like
Xencelabs Breathable Tablet Drawing Glove
From $6.99 – Buy on Amazon
XP-Pen Cat Print Drawing Glove
From $8.99 – Buy on Amazon
CHESONA Backlit Keyboard for iPad Pro 13″ (2024)
From $109.99 – Buy on Amazon
Best Budget iPad Stylus for Drawing
1. Metapen Pencil A8 for iPad (2018-2024)
The newly upgraded Metapen Pencil A8 is now compatible with iPads from 2018 and up 2024’s version of iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPads!
This upgraded version now gives you a more durable pen tip, and a built-in double magnet for a firmer magnetic attachment to your iPad.
A highly rated stylus, the Metapen A8 has palm-rejection, tilt-sensivity and fast charge features. This stylus also performs splendidly with the Procreate and Good Notes apps.
If you need a stylus pen for frequent writing or drawing on your iPad, this will be the most ideal one to meet your needs.
Advantages:
- Great functionality and very easy to use
- Replaceable tip – comes with 2 durable pen tips
- Instant connection without Bluetooth pairing – with double-tap on/off switch
- USB-C type charging – battery life up to 10 hours and fast charging
- Compatible with the new 2024 iPad Air 11″ & 13″ (M2), iPad Pro 11″ & 13″ (M4), iPad Air (3rd-5th gen), iPad Mini (5th-6th gen), iPad (6th-9th gen), iPad Pro 11″ (1st-3rd gen), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd-5th gen).
Disadvantages:
- Stylus won’t charge with the iPad – requires separate charging.
2. ANYQOO Pencil for iPad (2018-2024)
Also, new in the market is this ANYQOO Pencil that’s fit for iPads from 2018-2024. A cheaper alternative, this stylus still aces in quality, performance and value. It’s also available in 6 colors.
ANYQOO’s tilt feature and 1.5mm fine pen tip will give you a more precise and natural drawing and writing experience. It is also smooth and easy to use, and automatically switches into Sleep Mode after 10-minutes of inactivity.
Advantages:
- Great functionality and quality
- Value for money and easy to use
- Replaceable tip – comes with 3 pen tips
- Compatible with the new 2024 iPad Air 11″ & 13″ (M2), iPad Air 5th(2022) Air 4th(2020), Air 3rd(2019), iPad Pro 7th Gen 11 inch/13″ M4 (2024), iPad 6th Gen 12.9″(2023), iPad Pro 5th Gen 12.9″ (2021), iPad Pro 4th Gen 11″ (2022), iPad Pro 3rd Gen 11″ (2021), iPad Pro 4th Gen 12.9″ (2020), iPad Pro 2nd Gen 11″ (2020), iPad Pro 3rd Gen 12.9″ (2018), iPad Pro 11″(2018), iPad 10th Gen (2022), 9th Gen (2021), 8th Gen(2020), 7th Gen(2019), 6th Gen (2018), iPad mini 6th Gen(2021) mini 5th Gen (2019).
Disadvantages:
- Average battery life
- Rather average magnetic strength.
Other accessories you may like
ODOSOLA Metal Tablet Stand
From $29.99 – Buy on Amazon
CHESONA Keyboard for iPad Air 11″ (2024)
From $34.98 – Buy on Amazon
JSAUX Universal & Portable Tablet Stand
From $15.99 – Buy on Amazon
3. Adonit Mark
The Adonit Mark is far less advanced than the Zagg Pro Stylus or the Apple Pencil, but it’s a great budget pick for those who want an affordable stylus that still offers good performance.
The stylus is compatible with all touch screen devices and built to last. It is good for daily basic use like sketching and coloring.
Although it doesn’t perform specialized tasks like what the Apple Pencil does, the Adonit Mark still makes for a handy and useful tool.
Advantages:
- Budget-friendly
- Also compatible with iPhone, Android Phones and Microsoft Surface 3
- Durable mesh tip provides a smudge-free writing and drawing
- Climate friendly and energy saving – no connection or batteries required.
Disadvantages:
- Only suitable for simple day-to-day use.
4. Z-NUOJIA Stylus Pen with Palm Rejection (2018-2024)
Ergonomically designed, the Z-Nuojia iPad Stylus is ideal for all-day use.
Made of aluminium, this stylus has a fine 1.5mm nib that is wear-resistant. It also has magnetic feature, palm rejection, tilt sensitivity and double-tap switching – which makes it easy and convenient to use.
You can use the Z-Nuojia without worrying about screen scratches, lags, misalignment, or breaking lines.
This budget stylus is also perfect for office presentations and students, as it works well for note-taking, writing, and drawing.
Advantages:
- Light, sturdy and comfortable
- Pixel-prefect precision
- Low power consumption – automatically turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity.
- Compatible with iPad Air (3rd-5th gen), iPad Mini (5th gen), iPad (6th-9th gen), iPad Pro (3rd-5th gen), iPad Pro 11″ (1st-3rd gen).
Disadvantages:
- Average battery life
- Tilt sensivity doesn’t work well for advanced drawing on Procreate.
5. LUNTAK Stylus Pen
The LUNTAK Stylus Pens come in three color variations and they’re suitable for all-day use. The scratch prevention disc-tip is smooth and responsive and doesn’t leave any disconnecting lines on your iPad when in use.
Packaged with the pen are 4 spare disc tips. Customers who bought it love that the pen is easy to hold and the magnetic pen cover slides on nicely.
Features:
- Light & easy to use
- Wide compatibility
- Climate friendly and energy saving – works without battery
- Good responsiveness and precision for basic writing and drawing
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Tab S6/S7/Tab A7, iPad Air (1st-5th gen), iPad Mini (2nd-5th gen), iPad (5th-9th gen), iPad Pro (3rd-5th gen), iPad Pro (10.5″-12.9″), iPhone 11-13 Pro.
Disadvantages:
- Has no magnetic attachment
- May not be suitable for intermediate or advanced digital artists.
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives with Pressure Sensitivity
1. Adonit Pixel Creative Stylus
The Adonit Pixel Creative Stylus is a popular choice among iPad users due to the rising demand for pressure-sensitive styluses.
Curious, we did a review on this product and here’s what we found – the Adonit Pixel Creative has quite a lower than average performance with its palm rejection and pressure sensitivity features in terms of responsiveness and accuracy.
But don’t despair because despite falling short compare to the Apple Pencil, the Pixel Creative is still effective in meeting your advanced drawing needs.
The stylus offers more than 2,000 levels of pressure sensitivity along with programmable shortcut buttons which allow you to access commonly used tools like Undo, Redo, or Erase more quickly.
The Adonit Pixel Creative is especially useful for illustrators and digital artists who need to work on illustrations and vector graphics on various creative apps like Procreate, Autodesk, Sketchbook, Artrage, Concepts and Medibang.
Advantages:
- Programmable shortcut buttons
- Enhanced pressure sensitivity & palm rejection
- Long battery life – battery life up to 14.0 hours
- Improved pixel point tip for increase accuracy in writing and drawing experience
- Compatible with iPad Air (3rd-5th gen), iPad Mini (5th-6th gen), iPad (6th-9th gen), iPad Pro 11” (1st-3rd gen), iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd- 4th gen), iPhone 13/Pro/Pro Max/12/11/X/XR.
Disadvantages:
- Stylus won’t charge with the iPad – requires separate charging
- Bluetooth connectivity may not work on certain apps
- Disconnecting lines may appear when in use on Procreate.
2. Adonit Note+
There are also users who are favoring the Adonit Note+. With a cheaper price tag, the Adonit Note+ is a great stylus for artists and note-takers alike.
This programmable stylus also features desirable Apple Pencil traits – the pressure sensitivity and programmable gestures. The result is greater control when drawing or writing on your iPad. It can work well with Procreate, Clip Studio, ArtStudio Pro, Zenbrush 2, and Animation Desk.
The ultra-fine 1.0 mm tip makes this stylus pen as precise as a real pen and the fine point pen tip will not scratch the screen. It offers great pressure sensitivity, as well as tilt recognition, so you can create thicker or thinner lines by adjusting the angle at which you hold it.
You can use the Adonit Note+ with any Bluetooth-enabled device running iOS 13 or later. And since it’s an active stylus, it charges while you write. Simply pair it with your iPad and start using.
Advantages:
- Pressure and tilt-sensitive tip
- Bluetooth enabled connectivity
- USB-C type charging – battery life up to 10 hours
- Fine point for precision tasks
- Compatible with iPad Air (3rd-4th gen), iPad Mini (5th-6th gen), iPad (6th-9th gen), iPad Pro 11” (3rd gen-4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd gen)
- Programmable and configurable short cut buttons for quick access to various app features like undo, redo or erase.
Disadvantages:
- Stylus won’t charge with the iPad – requires separate charging
- Bluetooth connectivity may not work on certain apps
- Programmable functionality are not compatible with certain apps
- Inconsistent performance when used across various writing and drawing apps.
Other accessories you may like
TiMOVO Tablet Sleeve Bag
From $26.99 – Buy on Amazon
Paperlike Apple Pencil Grips
From $19.99 – Buy on Amazon
ProElife 2-pack Ergonomic Apple Pencil Grips
From $5.99 – Buy on Amazon
Buying Guide
If you’ve decided to invest in an Apple Pencil alternative, you should take into account what features are most important to you. As promised, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Is the stylus compatible with your version of iPad?
Before deciding on an alternative to the Apple Pencil, be sure your iPad model is compatible. Just inspect the back of the device to find out. Make sure to also check if the stylus works with the apps you are using. Checking for compatibility is critical because both the stylus pen and your iPad must have a specific set of components in order to operate.
Pixel precision and control
To learn how well the stylus performs in terms of pixel precision and control, look for product reviews on YouTube to see what other people have to say about the stylus you intend to buy.
Pressure sensitivity
Find out if the stylus supports sensitivity levels in the technical specifications. This is especially important if you intend to use the stylus for drawings, paintings and creating varying line thicknesses in a single stroke.
Comfort
The structure and materials used to create the gadget have a strong influence on how the pen feels in your hand. Take note of the stylus’s shape and design. If you can, try testing the pen out to ensure an ergonomic fit.
Responsiveness
In addition to the shape and design, consider how quickly the stylus responds when in use. Take some time to read some product reviews to find out how well the stylus performs; because this will be the key factor in determining whether or not your investment will be worthwhile.
Palm rejection
Any stylus with palm rejection technology filters out accidental inputs from the touch screen and makes for great product and user experience. This is an important factor to consider if you will be using the stylus for long periods of time.
Magnetic features
The Apple Pencil 2nd generation’s magnetic attachment to the iPad makes storage easier and lowers the risk of losing the device. This feature may not be available on some alternative models. So, if you want the convenience of a magnetic attachment, be sure to find out if the stylus supports it.
Charging time
When it comes to choosing a stylus, battery life and charging time are important factors to consider because they have an impact on productivity.
Extra pen tips
Stylus pens are known for their durable tips, which guarantee precise writing without lags or scratches. However, the tips do wear out over time. Pay attention if the product comes with extra tips in the box, especially if the price is low.
Thoughts
We hope you find our favorite Apple Pencil alternatives recommendation helpful.
Do you use a stylus pen besides the ones recommended above? Share your thoughts and recommendation with us in the comments below.
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