iPads are one of the most popular tablets on the market. Although the iPad Pro is the model with the most premium features for professional use scenarios since the iPad 2017 Apple has been adding support for the Apple Pencil to other models, which has also reached the iPad 2018.
However, the price of the Apple Pencil makes many users look for more affordable alternatives with which to take advantage of its features. In this buying guide for alternatives to the Apple Pencil, we propose a series of stylus compatible with the iPad.
What to consider when choosing an iPad stylus
With the Apple Pencil —both 2nd generation 135 euros and the original 99 euros—, performing tasks such as taking notes or creating art in digital format is easier and more precise by allowing us to interact with the Apple tablet in pencil format as if we were doing it by hand. Despite its price, its design and intuitiveness of use make the Apple Pencil an interesting option and a reference for other styluses on the market.
In this sense, it is interesting to look for third-party styluses with an ergonomic design that allows digitizing content comfortably and accurately .
Likewise, and as with the Apple Pencil, some models offer shortcuts to work faster, either through touches or through the integration of buttons.
Before choosing an alternative for the Apple Pencil, it is important to verify that the specific model is compatible with both our iPad and the apps that we plan to use.
Regarding its battery, we will pay attention to both the autonomy of the stylus and the charging time and which port it uses for this purpose.
Finally, it is interesting that as with the Apple Pencil, the stylus in question has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to perform functions without having to touch the screen.
6 alternatives to the Apple Pencil
Adonit Mark
The Adonit Mark is a simple and affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil, though it lacks any additional buttons or connectivity, making it compatible with any model of iPad or Android tablet.
Despite its low price, it has a premium triangular aluminum design to make it comfortable in the hand, preventing slipping, for precise drawing or writing.
Hahakee
Another simple model to replace the Apple Pencil for less demanding users is the Hahakee stylus. With an attractive aluminum design, the Hahakee is very similar to a regular ballpoint pen. One of the strengths of this stylus is its battery, of approximately 40 hours.
Bamboo Stylus Fineline 3
The Bamboo Stylus Fineline 3 is a very attractive alternative to the Apple Pencil because, in addition to being more affordable, it has interesting features.
It has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows us to program a button to perform actions and take advantage of its pressure-sensitive tip, which we can pick up when we’re not using it. In addition, it has a clip to carry it in pockets like traditional pens. Its battery has an approximate autonomy of 15 hours and is charged via micro USB.
Wacom Bamboo Sketch
Wacom is a reference brand within digitization its Bamboo tablets are very popular within the creative sector. In addition to the aforementioned tablets, it also markets stylus pens such as the Bamboo Sketch.
Like the Fineline 3, the Sketch features an ergonomic triangular design for a better grip. Its tip is sensitive to pressure and offers a fairly long autonomy of 15 hours. With Bluetooth connectivity, we can program 2 buttons to perform the tasks we want.
Adonit Pixel
A very interesting stylus to replace the Apple Pencil is the Pixel, one of the most complete and premium within the Adonit firm and also on the market. With Bluetooth and great compatibility, the Pixel offers 2,048 pressure levels and programmable functions. In addition, its battery is approximately 15 hours.
Logitech Crayon (2018)
The Logitech Crayon ( 69.99 euros ) is one of the most popular alternatives to the Apple Pencil, especially for people who seek simplicity and do not perform artistic tasks.
The motives? Careful design and materials and performance at the level of the Apple Pencil, but somewhat cheaper. This stylus uses Apple Pencil technology, so it doesn’t need to be paired via Bluetooth.
Its battery is one of the shortest of the proposed models, but in return, it charges in less than 1 hour through a lightning cable. Another weak point of this model is that it lacks pressure sensitivity, so we will have to tilt it to try to simulate it. In addition, it does not have any additional functions either.
Sharlene Meriel is an avid gamer with a knack for technology. He has been writing about the latest technologies for the past 5 years. His contribution in technology journalism has been noteworthy. He is also a day trader with interest in the Forex market.
