In this DigiTech world, when looking for a pen and paper, we find an Apple Pencil instead, way more comfortable and technologically advanced. Be it sketching, scribbling down notes, drawing, or illustrating, Apple Pencil is hands-down unbeatable and marvelous. However, many would hesitate to consider it the best. Maybe because it’s expensive, or perhaps they don’t like Apple products.
In a world where Apple battles with the rest of the brands, the populace is easily constituted of two opposite teams; Apple fans and non-Apple fans. It could be any of the above reasons that Apple Pencil may not be the best choice. As a way out, we offer you the top alternatives to Apple Pencil in this article.
A good digital Pencil should be:
- Comfortable and much pencil-like. It should be supportive of the hand and finger muscles.
- Uniformly weighted- neither too heavy nor too light.
- There must be enough friction between the Pencil’s nib and the tablet surface- neither too coarse nor slippery.
Why People Need Alternatives to Apple Pencils
To explain briefly why some would not appreciate Apple Pencils, the following make reasonable points:
- Apple Pencils are expensive. The first-gen Apple Pencil was $99, and the second-gen cost $129, which could easily be beyond one’s budget.
- Apple Pencils are compatible only with certain iPads and not any again expensive tablets. Not everyone can afford an iPad as well as an Apple Pencil.
Check Out the 12 Best Apple Pencil Alternatives of 2023:
1. Logitech Crayon
The Crayon from Logitech was originally invented keeping educationalists in mind. However, as time passed by, it ventured into other functionalities. It is now affordable and an ideal Apple pencil alternative. What more can you ask for as long as Crayon has Apple’s approval?
Pros of Logitech Crayon:
- Logitech Crayon has a seven-hour duration.
- Requires only two minutes of fast charging to enable you to work for 30 minutes.
- Has a child-friendly design.
- Comes with a tilt detection technique to adjust the weight of the lines while shading.
- It is affordable.
- Logitech Crayon works on iPad and all of Apple’s apps.
Cons of Logitech Crayon:
- Seven hours of battery life is less compared to other Apple Pencil competitors.
- Its pressure sensitivity is disappointing compared to the Apple Pencil.
2. Wacom Bamboo Sketch
As an Apple Pencil alternative for artists and illustrators, Wacom Bamboo Sketch is one of the choicest styluses in the market. It has an excellent tip with a brilliant pressure sensitivity that makes it the ideal stylus for writing and sketching on tablets. It is compatible with iPad as well as iPhone using Bluetooth (iPhone 6 and later models).
Pros of Wacom Bamboo Sketch:
- It has 16 hours of battery life.
- Wacom Bamboo Sketch can be charged using USB and not only the lightning port, as in the case of Apple Pencil.
- It also offers you soft and firm tips along with two customizable buttons for your writing preference.
- It is known for its accuracy and wide compatibility.
Cons of Wacom Bamboo Sketch:
- Not recommended for more detailed forms of digital artwork.
3. Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus
However, Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus, another popular alternative to Apple Pencil, is known to be the best for writing and not for drawing. While the Bamboo Sketch was mostly for illustration, the Fineline Stylus is better for taking notes. It is also comparatively cheaper than the former.
Pros of Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus:
- It is handy and chunky with its simplistic design.
- Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus has a twist mechanism wherein you can hide the fine tip.
- It is excellent for writing with a 1024 pressure sensitivity level.
- Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus comes in four different colors.
- It has a 15-hour battery life.
Cons of Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus:
- Wacom Bamboo Fineline Stylus is not as sensitive as Sketch.
4. Adonit Jot Pro 3
A simple alternative to Apple Pencil, Adonit Jot Pro 3 is simple, elegant, and cost-affordable. It comes with a sleek aluminum body with a magnetic cap to project its tip.
Pros of Adonit Jot Pro 3:
- Adonit Jot Pro 3 requires no charging since it does not have a battery to charge.
- You can use it without pairing up.
- It is simple and handy and can be a ready-to-go stylus for any simplistic need.
- Adonit Jot Pro 3 is the best affordable stylus in the market.
- It comes in four stylish colors.
Cons of Adonit Jot Pro 3:
- It has no pressure sensitivity.
- The nib is flimsy and does not work efficiently if there is debris on the surface.
- The disc surrounding the nib seems to be annoying.
5. AWAVO Stylus Pencil
A perfect Apple Pencil alternative, especially for handwriting and scribbling, would be the AWAVO Stylus Pencil. It is a capacitive stylus that looks and feels almost like an Apple Pencil except for when you are drawing.
Pros of AWAVO Stylus Pencil:
- It works on 3rd-gen, 5th-gen mini, 6th-gen iPad, and the 11-inch and 12.9-inch 3rd-gen iPad Pro.
- AWAVO Stylus Pencil has a 24-hour battery life that is truly amazing.
- Works without a Bluetooth connection.
- It is effective, comfortable, and a cost-affordable stylus.
Cons of AWAVO Stylus Pencil:
- AWAVO Stylus Pencil is not universally compatible but selectively so.
- Its pressure sensitivity is lacking.
6. Adonit Mark
Adonit Mark is one of the best Apple Pencil alternatives in South Africa at an affordable price. It is compatible with iPad (6th-8th-gen), iPad Pro (3rd and 4th-gen), iPad Air (3rd and 4th-gen), and iPad mini (5th-gen).
Pros of Adonit Mark:
- It is incredibly affordable.
- Its triangular-shaped aluminum body makes it handy.
- Unlike Logitech Crayon, it resists rolling.
- Adonit Mark comes in three shades- white, black, and teal.
- It is widely compatible.
Cons of Adonit Mark:
- The build materials are necessarily cheap.
- Adonit Mark is comparatively less precise.
7. MoKo Universal Active Stylus Pen
MoKo Universal Active Stylus Pen is an amazing alternative to Apple Pencil for Procreate, especially when it comes to drawing, sketching, and noting. It is known for its versatility to function as a pen and a stylus.
Pros of Moko Stylus:
- Moko Stylus is compatible with iPhones, smartphones, and a variety of iPads.
- Its 1.5 mm metal point is excellent for drawing and writing.
- Its sleek aluminum design and cubical clip make it handy. You can carry it in your pocket or on your tablet cover.
- Moko Stylus has fast charging- it requires only an hour to get fully juiced up. You can use a USB to charge it.
Cons of Moko Stylus:
- Moko Stylus has 8 hours of battery life.
- The stylus cuts off power if you do not use it for 30 minutes straight.
8. Zagg Pro Stylus
A remarkable Apple Pencil alternative for the 8th generation iPad, Zagg Pro Stylus is ideal for smooth and precise line drawing, sketching, and taking notes. However, it could be seen as a rather expensive option for a writing stylus.
Pros of Moko Stylus:
- It is best known for its palm rejection and tilt sensitivity.
- Moko Stylus works with iPad 2017 and newer models and magnetically pairs up with iPad pro 11 and 12.9.
- It is a capacitive stylus known for its uber-precise tip.
- Moko Stylus has a premium build and falls as a close competitor to Logitech Crayon too.
- Its dual-tip helps in tilt recognition, capacitive touch, and drawing precisely and accurately.
- Moko Stylus requires less than 1.5 hours to charge it fully. You need a type-C USB for that.
Cons of Moko Stylus:
- It could be considered relatively expensive.
- Moko Stylus lacks pressure sensitivity.
9. Ankace Stylus Pen
Ankace Stylus Pen falls under the affordable Apple Pencil alternatives. Known for the inbuilt palm rejection technique, the pen is comparatively more sophisticated-looking than its competitors.
Pros of Ankace Stylus Pen:
- It is cost-effective.
- Ankace Stylus Pen comes in various color ranges.
- Its 1.2 mm tip is what makes it a similar alternative to Apple Pencil.
- Its skinny nib offers pixel-perfect precision, smooth gliding, and zero lagging on the surface.
Cons of Ankace Stylus Pen:
- Ankace Stylus Pen is not compatible with any of the iPad models before 2018.
- The build quality may be found lacking.
10. Zspeed Stylus Pen
Known for its long battery life, Zspeed Stylus Pen falls in the 12 best Apple Pencil alternatives for various reasons. It has numerous pros, all within an affordable budget, allowing you to bring out the artist on the surface.
Pros of Zspeed Stylus Pen:
- It comes with a magnetic cap that protects the USB charging port from dust. It can be swapped for a rubber tip for better productivity.
- Zspeed Stylus Pen is highly sensitive and comes with a precise pen tip.
- It comes in different colors.
- Its 1.45 mm tip is known for its capacitive touch that is compatible with any capacitive touchscreen device.
- Zspeed Stylus Pen has a battery life that lasts for 8 to 10 hours straight.
Cons of Zspeed Stylus Pen:
- It automatically cuts off power after 30 minutes of no use.
- Zspeed Stylus Pen is comparatively fragile.
11. Cosmonaut
Cosmonaut by Studio Neat is an alternative to Apple Pencil for those who are looking for wilder grips. It is excellent for writing, doodling, and sketching on capacitive touchscreen tablets (iPad Air, iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Surface, and more).
Pros of Cosmonaut:
- Cosmonaut is widely compatible with iPads and any other capacitive touchscreen device.
- Owing to its wide grip, it is easy to hold and not prone to slipping and falling.
- The rubber material makes it quite comfortable, grippy, and handy. It is also durable and waterproof.
- Cosmonaut is cost-effective.
Cons of Cosmonaut:
- Cosmonaut is not suitable for precise drawing.
- It lacks a capacitive tip.
12. Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen
Among the various Apple Pencil alternatives discussed above, Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen is the best for writing. It has a rubber grip with light grooves, a silicon disk, and fiber tips, which adds to its writing advantage. It is a pen-and-paper alternative.
Pros of Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen:
- It comes with two replacement tips.
- Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen has a rubbery grip with light grooves to make it grippy and handy.
- It offers high precision.
- Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen is made up of stainless steel and aluminum without any plastic to give a pen-like writing experience.
Cons of Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen:
- It is not ideal for any kind of sketching or drawing.
See Also:
Conclusion
With the above 12 best Apple Pencil alternatives, you can now select the perfect stylus either for your noting purpose or for your professional or recreational illustrations and artwork. You can also choose with a tighter budget. Hope the options fit your wallet and serve your needs.
Why Is the Apple Pencil So Expensive?
Apple is known for their incomparable quality, looks, functionality, and finish. Over the years, the brand has done a marvelous job making the Apple Pencil comfortable and people-friendly.
Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Apple Pencil?
There are many cheaper alternatives to Apple Pencil, such as Logitech Crayon and Adonit Mark, which offer excellent precision and finish.
What Is a Good Substitute For the Apple Pencil?
As a stylus that offers precision, functionality, and a smoother finish, you can go for the Wacom bamboo Fineline Stylus for writing or the Bamboo Sketch for drawing. AWAVO Stylus Pencil is also a great choice when it comes to cost-effectiveness and comfort.
Do I Need an Apple Pencil?
Apple Pencils are the best styluses in the market. However, if you have a tight budget and are not okay with its limited compatibility, you can check out the best Apple Pencil alternatives listed in this article.
Can I Write on an iPad without an Apple Pencil?
There are many alternatives to the Apple Pencil that allows you to write on an iPad, such as the Logitech Crayon, Moho Stylus, and Zagg Pro Stylus.
What Is the 1st Generation Apple Pencil Compatible With?
The 1st-gen Apple Pencil is compatible with various iPad Pro alterations- the 1st and 2nd-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro released in 2016, and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro in 2017.
