Apple’s iPad models continue to top the best tablet guide time and time again, and adding a stylus to the mix makes them even better. However, both Apple Pencils along with the Pencil Pro are pricey, and each generation only works exclusively with certain iPads. That’s why we’ve chosen some Apple Pencil alternatives that work seamlessly with the iPad while saving you a few bucks and even adding extra versatility.
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
- Zagg Pro Stylus 2 – Best for Aesthetics
A stylus is one of the best iPad accessories. Sure, not all of our picks will offer pressure sensitivity, tilt support, or haptics (yes, the Pencil Pro supports haptic vibrations). But the best Apple pencil alternatives still let you draw, sketch, and take notes to your heart’s content all while remaining comfortable in hand. Some even offer those handy Apple Pencil features and more, like unique designs, better compatibility, and additional controls.
Whether you’re after something rocking similar technology to the Apple Pencil, like the Logitech Crayon, or you want a stylus that’s cheap and simple but gets the job done, we’ve got you covered. One of our five Apple pencil alternatives should suit your needs, and as a bonus many work seamlessly with the best Android tablets, smartphones, and other touch-capacitive devices.
1. Logitech Crayon
The Best Apple Pencil Alternative
The Logitech Crayon packs much of the same Apple technology as the Pencil for a lower price point, which sets it apart from the other alternatives on this list. It’s super user-friendly with headache-free instant pairing to iPads by quickly sliding the on/off switch. Unfortunately, it won’t pair with other tablets. But whether you’re jotting down quick notes or getting lost in the latest digital masterpiece, the Crayon captures every detail flawlessly with no distracting, negligible lag. So, when you write something using the stylus, it nearly instantaneously appears on the screen, making it a perfect option for detail-oriented designers.
For better control over digital creations and notes, the Logitech Crayon comes with tilt sensitivity, providing an experience similar to the Apple Pencil. That means, holding the stylus at an angle will result in a more weighted line, similar to using a marker on paper. However, unlike actual pens, markers, and paints on paper, a palm rejection feature will prevent accidental presses with your hand from showing up on your digital canvas, ruining your creation.
The biggest way the Crayon differentiates itself from the pencil is its wider design. Some may even find it more comfortable to hold than the thinner Apple Pencil. The Crayon’s flat sides prevent it from falling off a desk too, while the sturdy build makes it a viable option to use with the best iPads for kids and iPads for students. Charging the Logitech Crayon is made simple using the USB-C port at the end of the stylus, and the seven-hour battery life ain’t too shabby either.
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.
