Whether for digital art or notetaking on your new slate, the best Apple Pencil alternatives can help you save some serious money.
While the Apple Pencil 2 reigns supreme for iPad users, especially creatives, we understand that it may not be the right fit for everyone due to its price and features. We've tested all of the Apple Pencil alternatives below and compared them to Apple's own options to assess the ergonomics, performance, and features and help you make the best choice for you.
If you do want an Apple Pencil after all, you'll find the best prices in our guide to the best cheap Apple Pencil deals. If you've not fully settled on getting an iPad yet, we'd also recommend reading our guide to the best tablets with a stylus pen. In the meantime, here's our pick of the best Apple Pencil alternatives.
The best Apple Pencil alternatives available
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The best Apple Pencil alternative overall
+ Battery life
+ Palm rejection
+ Tilt support
- Sensitivity
Expect great things from this one; it's the only Apple-approved stylus on this list. With lightning-quick recharge and 7.5 hours of battery, this stylus is comfortable to draw with and has many of our favourite Apple Pencil 2 features. See our review.
The best for digital artists
+ Battery life
+ Compatibility
+ Pressure sensitivity
- No recording
With palm rejection, 2,048 pressure sensitivity levels, tilt support, and programmable shortcuts, it offers versatility and heated competition for Logitech. It supports most iPads and various apps, has USB-C charging, and provides 10 hours of continuous use. See our in-depth Adonit Note+ review for more details.
The most pen-like alternative
+ Design
+ Comfort and feel
- Pressure
- Non-magnetic
This high-end stylus looks just like a fountain pen with its sleek metal body and removable cap to protect the lid. It's comfortable to hold and can be easily clipped onto clothes if you want to safely store it.
The best Apple Pencil-lookalike on a budget
+ Really cheap
+ Comfortable
+ Palm rejection
- Pressure sensitivity
While lacking Bluetooth and pressure sensitivity, this Apple Pencil lookalike excels at note-taking and quick sketches and features palm rejection. It's compatible with all iPads after 2018, and an excellent choice if you're seeking an affordable stylus that delivers functionality without breaking the bank.
The best alternative for multiple devices
+ Palm rejection
+ Battery life
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
This stylus lacks Bluetooth connectivity, pressure sensitivity, and tilt support, but does have palm rejection, fast USB-C charging, and a 15-hour battery life. Lightweight and stylish at 15g, it includes a clip for portability, and while not aimed at professional artists, it's a solid choice for everyday use. For more details, check out our full review.
The best for older iPads
+ Scratchless
+ Highly affordable
- Palm rejection
- Basic
While lacking Bluetooth features, the affordable Adonit Pro 4 excels in touchscreen navigation with its PET Precision Disc tip. Note-taking and drawing may be less optimal without palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, but for a budget-friendly option, especially for older iPads, it's great. For more information, check out our full review.
A beautiful wood-inspired stylus
+ Design
+ Battery life
+ Palm rejection
- No pressure
This is one of the most pencil-like iPad stylus options available, with its wood texture and light weight. It's very affordable but still feels high-end. While it doesn't offer pressure sensitivity, palm rejection will help keep your slate on track.
A smart alternative with great features
+ Battery life
+ App compatibility
+ iPad compatibility
- Pressure sensitivity
Similar to the Logitech Crayon, the Zagg Pro Stylus stands out with features like palm rejection and tilt sensitivity. Although lacking pressure sensitivity, it offers comfort and wide compatibility. Pairable with any iPad from 2018 onwards, it provides around 8 hours of battery life and fast USB-C charging in under two hours.
The cheapest Apple Pencil alternative
+ Very cheap
+ Does the job
- Pressure sensitivity
- Very basic
By far the cheapest listed here, the Meko Universal stylus lacks advanced features like pressure sensitivity but offers a pleasant nib, a clear disc for precise drawing, and replaceable tips. It's not suitable for digital art but works well for note-taking and quick sketches.
