Top choices for Apple Pencil alternatives, endorsed by professionals
Best Budget Alternatives to the Apple Pencil: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of digital art and note-taking, the Apple Pencil continues to be a popular choice for iPad users. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, there are several notable alternatives available. Here's a breakdown of some of the best options on the market.
ESR Stylus Pen
The ESR Stylus Pen is a top contender for the best budget option, priced around $20-$40. It boasts a sleek design, a flat side similar to the Apple Pencil, and a long 13-hour battery life. The stylus also features magnetic attachment, but it lacks pressure sensitivity, making it better suited for note-taking or casual drawing rather than serious art.
Logitech Crayon
The Logitech Crayon is another highly recommended alternative, offering smart features such as tilt recognition and palm rejection. It is more affordable than the Apple Pencil and well-suited for general use and creative tasks. The Logitech Crayon retails for around $69.99 in the US and £69.99 in the UK, but it can often be found for around $40-$50 / £55-£60.
Adonit Note
For digital artists, the Adonit Note+ is a favored alternative, providing pressure sensitivity and precision better suited to drawing while still costing less than the Apple Pencil. The Adonit Note retails for around $69.99 in the US and £70-£75 in the UK, but it can often be found closer to $40-$50 / £40-£60 on third-party sites like Amazon or the Adonit website directly.
Zagg Pro Stylus 2
The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 includes tilt recognition and palm rejection, making it a smart choice for drawing but at a budget price point lower than Apple's stylus. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 retails for $79.99 in the US and £65-£80 in the UK, but it can often be found at a lower price on retailers like Best Buy and Amazon in the US, and Argos, Currys, or eBay in the UK, often landing in the $50-$70 / £50-£65 price range.
Metapen
If you prioritize specific features like wireless charging and a home button, the Metapen is also an excellent value for money. Priced around €32, it offers a good balance between cost and functionality for iPad users.
LISEN Apple Pencil Alternative
Extremely affordable, around $10, the LISEN Apple Pencil Alternative offers magnetic attachment and compatibility with older iPads, making it an attractive option for those looking to breathe new life into aging devices.
Suntaiho Pencil 2
The Suntaiho Pencil 2 offers features such as magnetic charging, an extendable fine tip, and anti-friction gloves; it is compatible with all touchscreen devices, making it a versatile, budget-friendly option.
Among these, the ESR Stylus Pen stands out as the best budget choice for casual users, while the Logitech Crayon and Adonit Note offer more advanced drawing features closer to the Apple Pencil experience but still at a lower price. The Adonit Dash 4 is compatible with iPhone, Android tablets, and iPads, making it a versatile option for users with multiple devices. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is compatible with any iPad from 2018 or later, and the ESR Stylus Pen is compatible with most iPads. The Adonit Note is compatible with a wide range of iPad models, including the latest iPad Pro series, iPad Air, and iPad mini.
- For digital artists seeking a budget-friendly option that offers pressure sensitivity for precise drawing, the Adonit Note is a favorable alternative to the Apple Pencil.
- In the world of digital art and note-taking, the ESR Stylus Pen is a top budget choice, providing a sleek design, magnetic attachment, and a long battery life for note-taking or casual drawing.
- The Logitech Crayon is a budget-friendly option, suitable for general use and creative tasks with smart features such as tilt recognition and palm rejection.
- If you're looking for a budget-friendly stylus with tilt recognition, palm rejection, and precision suitable for drawing, the Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is a smart choice.
- For users seeking a budget-friendly stylus with specific features like wireless charging and a home button, the Metapen offers a good balance of cost and functionality.
- The LISEN Apple Pencil Alternative is a very affordable choice for those looking to breathe new life into their aging iPad, offering magnetic attachment and compatibility with older iPad models.
- The Suntaiho Pencil 2 offers a versatile, budget-friendly option with features like magnetic charging, an extendable fine tip, and anti-friction gloves, compatible with all touchscreen devices.
