The Apple Pencil is great for note-taking and drawing on your iPad, but with the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) coming in at $99, and the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) available from $129, it might be worth exploring the best Apple Pencil alternatives. Not to mention, each generation of Apple Pencil only works with certain iPad models, so if you are looking for something a little more versatile, we’ve got you covered.
TL;DR – These are the Best Apple Pencil Alternatives to Shop:
- Logitech Crayon (Best Overall)
- Adonit Note+ (Best for Artists)
- Meko Universal Stylus (Budget Option)
- Adonit Star (Business Option)
- Zahh Pro Stylus 2 (Best for Aesthetics)
If you want to save some money or want a stylus that works with a variety of iPads and tablets, it’s time to consider these Apple Pencil alternatives.
1. Logitech Crayon
The Best Apple Pencil Alternative
The Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil is a fantastic pick if you find the Apple Pencil a bit too expensive. It's built with the same technology as the Apple Pencil, ensuring your drawings and notes are just as sharp and precise. Whether you're jotting down quick notes or getting lost in your latest digital masterpiece, the Crayon captures every detail flawlessly. One of our favorite things about the Logitech Crayon is its ability to adjust line thickness with a simple tilt, something we find adds a layer of versatility that artists and note-takers alike will appreciate.
What really sets the Logitech Crayon apart is how user-friendly it is. The entire pairing process is headache-free since the stylus instantly connects to your iPad with a quick slide of its on/off switch. Another thing we love about it is the fact that it has a flat side, which prevents it from rolling off your desk. The Logitech Crayon charges via USB-C which is convenient. You also get up to 7 hours of use on a single charge, which makes it the perfect companion to an iPad for kids.
2. Adonit Note+
Best Apple Pencil Alternative for Artists
The Adonit Note+ is a fantastic choice if you want a stylus that's precise enough for writing and flexible enough for drawing. With its 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Adonit Note+ promises a high degree of accuracy. From the lightest touch to the boldest line, the Adonit Note+ promises to deliver every line exactly how you want it. This is an ideal situation for artists and designers who rely on their stylus to act just like a regular pencil would.
Something that makes the Adonit Note+ particularly awesome is the presence of two programmable shortcut buttons. You can program functions like erase, redo, or zoom, saving you time (and making the process less annoying). Palm rejection technology is also essential here and it allows you to rest your hand naturally on the screen without leaving unwanted marks.
3. Meko Universal Stylus
Best Budget Apple Pencil Alternative
Sometimes you get sick of spending a ton of money on a stylus, so you just want something cheap. That's what the Meko Universal Stylus is – a super affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil. This model doesn't just work with the iPad, but any capacitive screen, from tablets to smartphones to laptops.
It doesn't need to be charged, doesn't need Bluetooth, or special apps to work – it just works. The stylus has a clear disc tip on one end for prevision use and a fiber tip on the other end for tapping, coloring, or scrolling through your favorite apps. It's basic, but it work, and it may very well be exactly what you need if you're tired of overpaying on the Apple Pencil.
4. Adonit Star
Best Apple Pencil Alternative for Business Users
While the Apple Pencil looks plain and simple, there's something to be said about a stylus that's inspired by the timeless beauty of a fountain pen. The Adonit Star looks exactly like the fountain pens you used as a student, down to the nib. Of course, there’s a special tip hidden behind the engraved metal.
The Adonit Star looks sophisticated and feels nice in your hand. It features a battery that will give you about 11 hours of use, more than many other pens. Another cool thing about this particular model is that it comes with palm rejection, which means you can rest your hand naturally on the screen without worrying about misplaced streaks.
5. Zagg Pro Stylus 2
Best Apple Pencil Alternative to Match Your Tablet
If you're looking for a simple stylus that will pair with any iPad, then the ZAGG Pro 2 is a fantastic choice. With a gorgeous design and multiple colorways, the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 can match your iPad's colorway with ease. This model comes with two tips – one for writing and one for scrolling, which is pretty handy.
When not in use, the ZAGG Pro 2 attaches magnetically to the side of your tablet, so you don't have to worry about losing it. The stylus has palm-rejection technology and tilt recognition so you can vary the width of your stroke.
How to Choose the Best Apple Pencil Alternative
Whatever reason you have to stray away from the Apple Pencil, there are loads of things you have to take into consideration when choosing an alternative stylus.
First of all, you need to make sure the stylus you've been looking at is compatible with your iPad model. Issues usually arise with older tablet models, so you should be pretty much covered with any of the newer iPads.
You also have to take into consideration just what features you need depending on what you're going to use the stylus for. If you're going to write or draw a lot, you'll need a stylus with pressure sensitivity for perfect line thickness and sharing work. If you're just going to use the stylus to scroll through social media, any stylus will do.
You should also look for extra features like shortcut buttons, tilt recognition, or palm rejection, the latter being essential if you're going to write on your tablet a lot.
The price is another element that you should be taking into consideration. While all the Apple Pencil alternatives we chose today are cheaper than the original, we're sure you have a spending limit, so make sure you stick to it.
Choosing the best Apple Pencil alternative involves a balance of compatibility, precision, user-friendly features, and affordability. Ultimately, it boils down to your specific needs and your budget.
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives FAQ
What Can Be Used Instead of Apple Pencil?
There are countless styluses you can purchase that can replace the Apple Pencil successfully. These are usually a lot cheaper and offer similar functionality.
Do Other Pencils Even Work With iPads?
Yes! There are a number of stylus brands that work with iPads just fine. You'll need to make sure to check compatibility, but they should, in general, be ok even if it's a basic stylus with no Bluetooth connection or battery to speak of.
What Devices Can I Use My Apple Pencil With?
Each Apple Pencil works with certain iPads only. This is why it’s worth considering an Apple Pencil alternative. For example, the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) is compatible with iPad mini (5th Generation), whereas the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is compatible with iPad mini (6th Generation), and so on.
Gabriela Vatu is a longtime writer since 2006, focusing on tech since 2012. She has bylines in numerous publications, including PCMag, MakeUseOf, Android Police, How to Geek, as well as here at IGN.
