Between the , , , and , iPad user have good deal of stylus options to choose from when it come to digital banker’s bill - pickings and draft . These models bid premium features like tilt sensibility , wireless pairing , barrel roll , and evenFind My , which set aside you to find your Apple Pencil if it ’s been misplaced . While they ’re excellent tools for iPad users , not everyone wants to pay a premium price just to mark up PDFs . luckily , there are several option that cater to unlike needs and budget .
From the Logitech Crayon , to the Zagg Pro Stylus 2 , and Ugreen ’s affordable Smart Stylus , these accessories extradite many of the canonic features iPad users require . These alternatives often include palm rejection , air pressure sensitivity , and tilt documentation , give them stark replacements for most masses . Some even offer singular features not discover in Apple ’s offering , such as multiple charging methods and wide compatibility across unlike devices , including smartphones . Whether you ’re a bookman or professional looking for for a more budget - well-disposed choice or only prefer different design feature , there ’s probably a third - company stylus that fit your requirements without compromise too much on public presentation .
The Best Overall Apple Pencil Alternative
Logitech Crayon
The Logitech Crayon serial is one of the oldest choice to the Apple Pencil , with the first iterationreleasing back in 2018 . The latest simulation has been updated with a more refined design and USB - C charging embrasure , get it compatible with what is now the standard port in the iPad dividing line . I really used the original when it first launched way back when , and have been using the newest variation for the past few workweek . As you may have guessed by its emplacement on this tilt , it ’s the best overall alternative for iPad and iPad Pro owner .
There are a lot of similarity between the Logitech Crayon and Apple Pencil , admit tilt sensitivity , ribbon rejection technology , instant union , and minimum meantime for a more straightaway written material experience . The most notable deviation is the Crayon ’s flatter , more blocky intention . It feel well-to-do to hold , though it took some getting used to compared to a traditional pencil intention . Otherwise , the Crayon is nonrational and fits in dead as a writing replacement for the Apple Pencil .
The Crayon ’s top offers fulfill resistance when glide over the iPad ’s screen , giving it a report - alike feel ( or as paper - the likes of as you’re able to get on deoxyephedrine ) . While I primarily used the Crayon for writing , it feel just as prosperous for drawing . However , it does lack out on more modern Apple Pencil features , such as pressure sensitiveness . But as a tool for doodling , it more than get the job done .
Something the Crayon offers that the Apple Pencil does n’t is a battery indicator , with three lead lights that show you how much charge continue . During my examination , it was helpful to have that optical feedback about the battery status . However , the Crayon lacks the magnetic attachment capability of the Apple Pencil , which I really missed — not just for charging , but also as a commodious way to stash away the stylus when it was n’t in enjoyment .
There ’s no true one - to - one Apple Pencil replacement , but in term of features , build quality , and assault and battery life , the Logitech Crayon comes closely , peculiarly if you ’re able to pluck it up on sale ( it ’s just $ 49 at Amazon as of this penning , down from its normal $ 69 ) .
The Best Budget Apple Pencil Alternative
Meko Universal Stylus
If you do n’t need modern technology from your Apple Pencil alternative because you require to beat to a pie-eyed budget , then the Meko Universal Stylus is a great choice . It ’s made of unstained steel and aluminum for a premium pen sense in your hired hand , and it has a clear platter crown at the end that permit you clearly see where you ’re writing or drawing .
One of the advantages of the Meko Universal Stylus is its compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem ; it will work with other tablet apart from the iPad . Its versatility is a significant advantage — you could seamlessly switch between an iPad , Android tablet , and even a smartphone ’s touchscreen . The style comes with replacement tips and a fiber lead on the opposite end .
While it miss premium feature of speech like palm rejection and pressure sensitivity , the Meko Universal Stylus declare oneself reliable canonic functionality at a fraction of the cost of the Apple Pencil , make it a compelling selection for fooling exploiter who in the first place involve a tool for canonical navigation and note - taking .
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The Most Versatile Charging
Ugreen Smart Stylus Pen
During my examination , I found the Ugreen Smart Stylus Pen to bet remarkably standardized to the Apple Pencil — so much so that without its silver rearward top , you ’d scarcely tell them apart . It matches the Apple Pencil ’s ergonomics with its flat edge , size of it , and shape . In fact , the Smart Stylus Pen outshines Apple ’s offering in some slipway — I appreciated its light-colored weight during longsighted preeminence - take Roger Sessions , and the flexibleness to charge either wirelessly or via USB - C was staggeringly convenient .
The style delivered impressive performance in my day-to-day function . Its tilt sensitivity accurately produced variegate line thicknesses as I wrote and sketched , closely correspond my experience with the Apple Pencil . I found the 1.5 millimetre tip peculiarly precise when marking up documents and taking elaborate notes .
There are some trade - offs , though . Unlike the Apple Pencil , it lacks pressure sensitivity and gesture controls for quick tool switching . The mate process also requires a few extra step — rather of the unseamed magnetic connection of the Apple Pencil , you ’ll need to manually twin through Bluetooth preferences .
Battery lifetime lived up to Ugreen ’s 12 - hour claim in my testing . As someone who primarily used it for notation - taking and document notation rather than extensive artwork , I easily get down through a full day of use with boot to spare . For the price , I set up the Ugreen Smart Stylus Pen to be a compelling Apple Pencil alternative , especially if you prioritize compose over artistic features .
Best for Precise Lines
Adonit Pro 4
The Adonit Pro 4 is similar to the affordable Meko Universal Stylus , offering a fine - point with a precision saucer , agio construction , and compatibility with any touchscreen . Where it stands out is in its excellent habitus quality and attention to detail . The stylus sport a one - slice fine breaker point design that provides stability while write or drawing , and its soft - signature precision disc protect your screen while keep up accuracy .
craft from lightweight Al with refined pig accents in the twist cap , the Pro 4 feel like a gamey - end written material legal instrument . A thoughtfully design grooved crotchet give up for secure fastening to pockets and bags , making it extremely portable . While it does n’t offer smart features like medallion rejection or pressure sensitivity , its versatility across all touchscreen devices is idealistic for working with multiple gadget — e.g. an iPad and iPhone . The Adonit Pro 4 is also very low-cost , making it a great value for those who like to jot down down digital annotation .
Best Premium Alternative
Zagg Pro Stylus 2
The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 features dual crown — an participating tip for accurate writing and drawing , and a back - end tip for scrolling on the touchscreen . The combat-ready tip recognizes argument so you may change the width of your stroke , and palm rejection that will neglect your hand if it touches the exhibit . It ’s outfit with a barrage that can last up to 6.5 hour from a single charge , and it magnetically attaches to its included wireless turn on cradle . It can also magnetically attach to the iPad for easy warehousing .
The stylus ’s aluminum body cater a agio feel with balanced free weight distribution , making it comfortable for extended piece of writing or draught session . That say , it ’s the hard option on this list , so your hand may fatigue a little faster than if were to use an Apple Pencil ( or any other alternative on this list ) . Meanwhile , Zagg notes that the Pro Stylus 2 is not compatible with the M4 iPad Pro , though it ’s undecipherable if the brand is referring to the magnetised attachment feature of speech or if the stylus does n’t work at all .
While it does n’t offer pressure sensitiveness like the Apple Pencil , its tilt acknowledgment and palm rejection feature of speech make it a capable tool for note - pickings and basic nontextual matter . The included charging place of origin gift you a consecrate spot to store and charge the style when not in use , with USB - C charging as an additional convenient selection .
Best Find My Capability
ESR Geo Digital Pencil
The ESR Geo Digital Pencil is one of the newest models on this lean , offering a lot of the same feature as other alternatives on this leaning . However , what make this option stand out is its Find My support . This integrating allows you to locate the stylus anywhere through the Find My electronic connection , provide repose of intellect and restroom that most third - party option ca n’t equalize .
Beyond its Find My support , the stylus extend dissolute charging via USB - C , reaching full assault and battery in just 30 minutes . The Geo Digital Pencil includes smart features like shortcuts — you may tap to bring back to the home screen or double - tap to access multitasking view , while also display real - metre shelling levels . Its tilt sensitivity enables natural shading and varied crinkle heaviness , mimicking traditional piece of writing and drawing puppet .
The stylus magnetically attach to compatible iPads for commodious storage and patronage a wide range of iPad modelling , from the latest M4 iPad Pros to one-time generations of iPad , iPad Air , and iPad mini machine .
What to consider
The true statement is no style can match the Apple Pencil ’s features and software integration . Some get close , but Apple will eternally have an edge if you contrive to use a stylus with the make ’s new iPads , particularly for drawing . That said , there are alternatives out there that match the Apple Pencil ’s silky design and long assault and battery lifespan , while offer rudimentary features like laurel wreath rejection and tilt sensitivity . For many drug user who chiefly take notes , mark up document , or do casual sketching , these basic capableness are more than sufficient — and they arrive at a significantly lower price point . Here ’s what to look for in the best Apple Pencil alternatives .
What features should you look for?
Apple ’s card of styluses offer advanced features , such as pressure sensitivity , haptic feedback , and oscillate , which is why they ’re a top pick for pro drug user . When choosing an alternative , look for comparable features that touch your needs , whether you plan to take a lot of notes or do pictorial design work . Essential capabilities admit thenar rejection for natural writing and drawing , pressure sensitivity for depart line weight , and low latency so your strokes instantly appear on filmdom . These features ensure your style provides a smooth experience comparable to Apple ’s own products .
Beyond these core features , see practical aspects like battery life-time and charging methods — some option have rechargeable batteries that you could refill via wireless charging or a USB - deoxycytidine monophosphate port . Additional feature worth considering admit magnetised attachment capabilities for comfortable storage and straightaway pairing , so you may start using your style without a complicated frame-up . While you might not recover an option that agree every premium feature article of Apple ’s Pencils , many third - party pick proffer excellent functionality at a more budget - friendly cost point .
What iPad models does the stylus work with?
Apple ’s Pencils offerbroad compatibility across the iPad lineup , which is a major ground why they ’re such a democratic alternative . For example , the Apple Pencil with USB - C is compatible with ten different iPads across several generation , including theiPad mini ( 6th generation)andiPad Pro 13 - inch ( M4 ) . That ’s why it ’s all-important to avow that the alternative you select works with your specific iPad model . Not all third - political party options offer the same wide - ranging compatibility , and some may only work with certain iPad generations or sacrifice forward-looking features when used with incompatible models . Take our budget filling , the Ugreen Smart Stylus Pen — while it supports wireless charging , the feature is n’t compatible with the M4 iPad Pro .
Reliability is a key factor
If you ’re run with an Apple Pencil choice , you should get a instrument that ’s going be as authentic — or even more — than the Apple Pencil itself . To verify of this , we only selected instruments made by bank brands — it ’s a good idea to loosely avoid products made by brands that you have n’t heard of , as you ca n’t be certain of the quality that you ’ll get . You also would n’t want an Apple Pencil option that will break after just a few weeks or even days of use , so countenance ’s get with the names that have proven themselves to be dependable ones .
Does size and ergonomics make a difference?
Apple ’s stylus equalize the look of a traditional pencil , with a consistent size and form ingredient across its different models . Third - company selection come in various shape and sizes — you ’ll find slender profiles and thicker barrels to reconcile different purposes and manus sizes . Think about your main use — artists who draw for hours may prefer a cogent option with a larger clench , while promissory note - taker might do good from a lighter , svelte design that prioritizes portability .
Meanwhile , blueprint feature can enhance the experience . The Apple Pencil 2 and newer models incorporate a flat bound that stops it from roll and attaches magnetically to the iPad . Third - party manufacturers have watch over suit of clothes , impart to their own anti - roll feature through flat sides , clips , or hexangular shapes . As you shop , pay up attention to factors like button placement , charging port location , and whether you’re able to exchange the tips when they wear upon down .
How much value does the stylus offer?
Whether you ’re look at a chintzy or expensive Apple Pencil alternative , the crucial affair to consider is the note value that you ’ll be getting in exchange for your heavily - earned money . A punk tool should n’t sacrifice the important features , while an expensive instrument should n’t command a high price if you’re able to get a alike one with the same features for less . The Apple Pencil itself is pretty expensive , so we want you to write a few bucks while pay off more out of these Apple Pencil option .
How we selected
I ’ve been using the same iPad Pro since 2018 , and during that prison term I ’ve tested a number of different styluses , including the original Logitech Crayon . While the Apple Pencil is my independent stylus , my experience using popular alternatives has give me a clear understanding of which features matter most in a third - party option . When testing and researching the good Apple Pencil alternatives , I focused on essential features like laurel wreath rejection technology , tilt support , compatibility , and stamp battery lifetime . For the exemplar I tested , I used each one for daily tasks like bank note - taking , sketching , and written document markup to evaluate how well they could serve as substitute for the Apple Pencil . you may learn we testproducts for these pathfinder .
Why trust us
Digital Trends has been covering and prove iPads and their accessories since the original tablet launched in 2010 , from instance to screen protectors , and , yes , style . Since the institution of the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil , these gadget have been essential tools in the daily workflow of Brandon Russell , who has been examine and review technical school for nearly 15 years . This experience has allowed Brandon to throughly measure new features , apps , and stylus choice .
While the Apple Pencil is the top stylus for the brand ’s various tablets , our goal is to help oneself readers find alternatives that put up similar functionality at unlike terms points . We valuate these option through the crystalline lens of everyday usability , considering factors that matter most to users — from doodlers to note - taker . Our examination process draws from years of iPad expertness and handwriting - on experience , allowing us to ply recommendations that balance performance , features , and value .
