The finest Apple Pencil alternatives are worth looking into even if the Apple Pencil is an absolute delight for scribbling, sketching, annotating, and illustrating.
After all, the second version Apple Pencil costs $129/£119/AU$199, up from the first iteration’s $99/£89/AU$145 price tag. Many competing products cost a lot less.
The second generation Apple Pencil only works with iPad Pros, including the most recent iPad Pro 12.9 model, as well as the new iPad mini. There is also the issue of compatibility with Apple Pencils, which only function with specific iPads(opens in new tab) (and not iPhones). Competitor styli are widely available and some of them even function with tablets made by other companies.
Additionally, charging might be more practical, and then there’s the issue of preferences. The Apple Pencil may not feel comfortable to you because what feels comfortable in one hand may not feel comfortable in another.
Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top Apple Pencil alternatives below. These range from basic and affordable options for quick note-taking up to sophisticated models for expert artists who place a premium on accuracy.
Best Apple Pencil alternatives 2022
1. Wacom Bamboo Sketch
Wacom is the authority on writing on tablets since Moses, so it should come as no surprise that two of their styluses made our list of the top five. The Sketch is a pressure-sensitive, fine-tipped stylus that connects wirelessly to iPad and iPhone devices. It works with iPhones starting with the iPhone 6; however, before purchasing, check the list of compatible apps. For instance, iPad Pros do not support Adobe Sketch or Procreate.
The Sketch may be customised to meet your preferences with a selection of interchangeable firm and soft tips, as well as two configurable buttons. In contrast to the Apple Pencil, it charges through a USB connector rather than a Lightning port, and the average charge time is 16 hours. It’s excellent for making sketches and drawings, and it’s pricey.
2. Logitech Crayon
The Apple seal of approval is something that many other styluses lack, yet it is present in Logitech’s Apple Pencil substitute. On paper, the seven-hour battery appears to be a touch inferior to competitors’ offerings, but since a two-minute rapid charge may provide 30 minutes of use, we don’t think this is a deal-breaker.
Despite the Crayon’s bright, kid-friendly look, it’s a fine stylus for contexts other than classrooms despite its original market focus on the education sector. The Crayon uses tilt detection instead of pressure sensing to change the weight of the line you’re drawing, which is the single flaw in the electronic system. It’s a strong competitor if you want something with excellent build quality but don’t need pressure sensing.
3. Adonit Note+
The Adonit Note+ has many appealing features. There is no chance of interference because it has 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. Its two configurable shortcut buttons are the standout feature. They don’t work with all apps, but when they do, they’re excellent. It’s quite helpful to be able to quickly undo or redo whatever you need to do frequently.
This won’t function on older iPads, and depending on the apps you use, some capabilities are a little limited, but the potential is huge for iPad owners with later models.
4.Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus
The Bamboo Sketch’s less expensive brother is called the Fineline. Since the Fineline was designed for handwriting rather than sketching and art, it is pressure sensitive but only has 1024 pressure levels as opposed to the Sketch’s 2,048. It works just fine for simple sketches and diagrams, but if you want to create highly elaborate artwork, you should choose its slightly more expensive sibling.
But for taking notes, it’s fantastic. It includes a twist mechanism to switch it on and off and to cover the fine tip when not in use. It feels comfortable and substantial in the hand. It has a single programmable shortcut button, comes in four colours, and charges via USB; battery life is approximately 15 hours.
5. Adonit Jot Pro 3
The Adonit is a surprisingly decent pencil for the money because it comes in four fashionable colours, has a handy magnetic cap to protect the stylus, and has an etched aluminium body that makes it appear and feel more premium than it is. However, it is not pressure sensitive, and you could find the tiny plastic disc irritating because it dislikes any trash on your display and is located around the nib.
The benefit? It works with virtually any touchscreen because it is passive rather than active, so there is no pairing required and no battery to recharge. Although it’s not as excellent as a Wacom, it is much more accurate than using your finger.
6.AWAVO Stylus Pencil
Despite not requiring a Bluetooth connection to function, the AWAVO capacitive stylus still has to be charged in order for your iPad to recognise it. Up to 24 hours should be possible on one charge.
It supports iPads from the sixth generation, the third generation Air, the fifth generation mini, and the third generation 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. While it resembles the Apple Pencil in feel and appearance (especially if you choose the white one), it lacks pressure sensitivity, making it more suitable for doodling than creating intricate artwork. However, it’s a lot of stylus for not a lot of money when used for handwriting and short sketches.
