If you're searching for the best Apple Pencil alternative, you've come to the right place.
When first introduced, the Apple Pencil certainly stood out as it took the concept of the stylus to the next level with a ton of smart features like wireless pairing plus pressure and tilt sensitivity allowing you to vary your line weight.
However, both the 1st generation and 2nd generation Apple Pencils came with pretty heft price tags. Let's face it, not everyone wants to break the bank on a stylus.
Another downside is compatibility. Apple Pencils only work on a limited number of devices. In fact, the second generation model only works on the iPad Pro and the iPad mini.
Enter the best Apple Pencil alternatives. By comparison, our top picks are relatively inexpensive and work with a wider range of devices, with some even functioning on iPhones too.
You're not losing out in terms of features either. Many alternatives still offer some of the Apple Pencil's standout qualities, such as pressure and tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and Bluetooth pairing.
So, just because you have an Apple device, it doesn't mean you have to stick to its stylus. We've picked out some amazing alternatives for all budgets right here. Whether you're just jotting down notes, or you're a professional artist looking for something more precise, we've got you covered.
Let's get into it...
Best Apple Pencil alternative
- Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
- Adonit Note+
- Blooding Stylus Pen
- Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen
- LDNIO Stylus Pen
Best Apple Pencil alternative - Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
click to enlargeLogitech's answer to the Apple Pencil looks pretty impressive, so impressive in fact that Apple itself actually lists it as an accessory for the iPad on its website.
The Crayon was originally meant for education, but we feel it can make for an excellent all-rounder to be used both casually and for professional design.
For example, the stylus has a smart tip that automatically adjusts the line weight when you draw. All you have to do is tilt it depending on whether you want a thicker or thinner line.
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Another standout feature it has is palm rejection technology. This means you can freely rest your hand on the screen of your tablet without it reading your hand as input from your stylus.
This should make your life easier when you're trying to write or draw because it lets you place your hands in a more natural position, similar to the one you might use when using a pen and paper.
The device also boasts an impressive 7-hour battery life. You can also gain up to 30 minutes of battery from its 2-minute quick charge feature to ensure that, when the pencil dies, you don't have to wait long before you're able to get back to work.
Best Apple Pencil alternative for artists - Adonit Note+
click to enlargeWe feel this Adonit Note+ is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Apple Pencil if you're a digital artist.
It offers similar features to the Logitech Crayon, with palm rejection and tilt support, both of which can come in handy when you're trying to draw but want to rest your hand for a little extra precision.
The stylus also has an impressive 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity which, Adonit boasts, can make its stylus feel like a real pen by accurately replicating the pressure you're applying on-screen.
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Interestingly, the device also comes with two programmable shortcut buttons, allowing you quick access to some of your most used controls. For instance, you could set them to the eraser or undo functions so you can save time when editing your work.
With a 10-hour battery life as well, you can draw and create to your heart's content with this Adonit stylus.
Best fast-charging Apple Pencil alternative - Blooding Stylus Pen
click to enlargeIf you find yourself using your tablet all day and need a stylus that can keep up, then this Blooding Pen could be your answer.
Blooding boasts its stylus can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Don't worry if it runs out though as its fast-charging feature means you should regain that 10 hours from just 30-minutes of charging.
And it's not all about the battery with this stylus...it also has some great features that should help with design work.
For instance, its palm rejection technology allows you to rest your hand on the screen of your tablet whilst drawing, and its 1.2mm pen nib should allow you some extra accuracy and precision when it comes to adding finer detail to your designs.
Another notable feature of this pen is it's magnetic, meaning you should find the stylus sticks to your tablet when not in use, thus preventing it from rolling away and losing it.
Best budget Apple Pencil alternative - Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen
click to enlargeThis Mixoo Stylus appears to be a great pick if you're after something relatively inexpensive with the look and feel of a real pen.
This is largely thanks to its aluminum body, giving it the look of a ball-point pen whilst actually delivering all the features you need from a great stylus.
Perhaps the best thing about it is that it's universally compatible with all capacitive touchscreen devices, so you can use it no matter which tablet you have. It even works on iPhones and Androids.
Another handy feature is that it comes with two different tips at each end. One is for producing thick lines or shading large areas, whilst the other is for thinner, more precise detail.
The main end - designed for thinner lines - comes with a precision clear disc which Mixoo boasts allows for more accurate drawing because it lets you see where you're pointing on the screen.
As this pen is passive rather than active as well, it should be ideal if you simply need a device for everyday use like taking notes as you'll never need to charge it. All in all, we feel this stylus is well worth checking out.
Best Bluetooth Apple Pencil alternative - LDNIO Stylus Pen
click to enlargeThe LDNIO Stylus comes with built-in Bluetooth to make connectivity with your tablet a little easier, plus a few additional smart features help speed up your work.
For example, once you've connected to Bluetooth, you can simply tap the end once to take a photo and twice to take a screenshot.
Also, like an Apple Pencil, this stylus will automatically connect to your tablet after connecting it the first time so you don't have to go through the hassle of pairing it each use.
Like some of the other entries, you get palm rejection and tilt sensitivity to help you draw comfortably and with more control over the thickness of your lines.
Not only that, but you should find you're able to use this pen all day long as LDNIO boasts the stylus features a 10-hour battery life.
Another helpful feature is that it's magnetic, so will attach to the side of your iPad or tablet, meaning you shouldn't have to worry about it rolling off your desk and losing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right stylus can often lead to a ton of questions. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries about Apple Pencil alternatives below.
Are Apple Pencil alternatives worth it?
Yes, we'd say Apple Pencil alternatives are worth it.
As you can see from our list, you can get alternative styluses that come with many of the same features as the Apple Pencil, such as pressure and tilt sensitivity and palm rejection, for a fraction of the cost.
We'd argue this makes them well worth considering if you're a beginner in graphic design, for example, wanting to test the waters with a relatively inexpensive stylus.
And if you don't want advanced features and just need something simple for jotting down notes, a budget alternative might be a better option for you than an Apple Pencil anyway.
Can I use an Apple Pencil alternative on an iPad?
Yes, you can use an Apple Pencil alternative on an iPad, as long as it's compatible with the device you have.
Most alternatives work on all the latest iPad models, with some even working on tablets from other brands too.
If you have an older device though, it's best to double-check whether the stylus is actually compatible before deciding to buy it as not every device is. This information can usually be found on the manufacturer's website.