Top-Notch Alternatives to Apple Pencil: Endorsed by Experts
In the ever-evolving world of digital art, finding an affordable yet reliable Apple Pencil alternative for your iPad can be a daunting task. Here's a roundup of some of the best budget-friendly options currently available, each with its unique features and limitations.
ESR Stylus Pen
The ESR Stylus Pen, priced around $20-$40, offers a sleek design and a magnetic attachment similar to the Apple Pencil 2. Its long 13-hour battery life ensures uninterrupted creativity, and an extra capacitive tip allows for swiping and selecting – a feature lacking in the Apple Pencil. However, the ESR Stylus Pen does not have pressure sensitivity, making it more suitable for note-taking or general use rather than serious digital art.
Metapen
The Metapen, approximately €32 (~$35), boasts wireless charging, magnetic attachment to the iPad, and a home button. It is very responsive with no lag, and its lightweight design and long battery life make it an attractive choice for casual drawing or note-taking.
Sonar Pen 2
For artists seeking budget options with pressure sensitivity, the Sonar Pen 2 is worth considering. It can be paired with apps like High Paint (free) or Zen Brush ($5) for art, offering a more serious drawing experience.
Other Notable Mentions
The Adonit Dash 4, compatible with iPhone, Android tablets, and iPad Pro, offers palm rejection, super-fast USB-C charging, and a solid 15-hour battery life. Although it does not have pressure sensitivity or Bluetooth connectivity, it is lightweight and stylish, weighing just 15g, and sports a clip for portability.
The Adonit Note, an excellent choice for artists, offers palm rejection, 2,048 pressure sensitivity levels, tilt support, and programmable shortcuts. Its pricing is around $69.99 in the US and £70-£75 in the UK.
The Logitech Crayon, priced around $80, is the best overall Apple Pencil alternative, approved by Apple. It has a 7.5-hour battery life and can be recharged quickly. While it lacks pressure sensitivity, it works with a wide range of iPads, including the 6th Gen of iPad mini; 10th Gen of iPad; all iPad Pros back to 3rd Gen (12.9-inch) and 1st Gen (11-inch); and iPad Air back to 3rd Gen.
When choosing an Apple Pencil alternative, consider factors such as precision, palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, comfort and handling, resistance, connectivity, and battery life. Each of these options caters to different needs, so choose the one that best suits your requirements and budget.
- The ESR Stylus Pen, priced between $20 and $40, is a budget-friendly option that offers a magnetic attachment like the Apple Pencil 2 and a long battery life, making it ideal for note-taking and general use.
- The Metapen, around €32 or ~$35, includes wireless charging, magnetic attachment to the iPad, and a home button, making it attractive for casual drawing or note-taking.
- For artists seeking pressure sensitivity on a budget, the Sonar Pen 2 is a viable choice, pairing well with apps like High Paint or Zen Brush for a more serious drawing experience.
- The Adonit Dash 4, compatible with iPhones, Android tablets, and iPad Pro, features palm rejection, super-fast charging, and a long battery life, although it lacks pressure sensitivity and Bluetooth connectivity.
- The Adonit Note, priced around $69.99 in the US and £70-£75 in the UK, caters to artists with features like palm rejection, 2,048 pressure sensitivity levels, tilt support, and programmable shortcuts.
- The Logitech Crayon, priced approximately $80, is Apple-approved and offers a 7.5-hour battery life, although it does not have pressure sensitivity and works with a variety of iPads.
- When selecting an Apple Pencil alternative, factors such as precision, palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, comfort, resistance, connectivity, and battery life should be considered, as each option caters to different needs and budgets.
