The Apple Pencil reigns supreme as far as styluses for iPads go, but it is pricey. However, the good news for budget-conscious note-takers and artists is that there are some excellent alternatives. Finding a substitute stylus for your specific iPad generation or individual needs isn’t as difficult as you might think.

Best Apple Pencil Alternative Overall: Logitech Crayon

A hand drawing intricate details with the Logitech Crayon
Logitech

The most widely regarded Apple Pencil alternative is the Logitech Crayon. In fact, Apple even endorses it despite it sporting a more reasonable price tag than the company's proprietary stylus. It features some of the same technology, meaning any app compatible with the Apple Pencil will also work with Logitech's alternative.

Pairing with your iPad is super easy. Just press the power button and get scribbling. If you need thicker or thinner lines while drawing, just tilt the stylus, and the smart tip will adjust the line size to the angle. Furthermore, palm rejection technology ensures only the stylus input is registered instead of any hand input.

A Logitech Crayon
Logitech Crayon USB-C
Best Overall
$59 $70 Save $11

The Logitech Crayon is the best overall alternative to the Apple Pencil. It incorporates much of the Apple Pencil's technology, including palm rejection and tilt detection. This new generation features USB-C charging for added convenience, and the 7.5-hour battery life ensures you have time to get all your tasks done.
 

Pros
  • Its flat shape ensures it won't roll off a desk
  • 7.5 hours of drawing time on a single charge
  • USB-C charging
  • Responsive and lag-free
Cons
  • No pressure sensitivity

Best Budget Apple Pencil Alternative: Adonit Mark

A man at a desk drawing using the Adonit Mark
Adonit

The Adonit Mark is available at a rock-bottom price and offers convenience on top of money saving. As it’s a capacitive stylus, it works on all touchscreens, meaning you can also use it with devices other than your iPad. Additionally, there are no internal electronics, so it doesn’t require a battery.

Capacitive styluses like the Adonit Mark don't feature the high-end tech of the Apple Pencil or its more premium alternatives. Yet, it’s responsive enough for essential note-taking and basic sketching and is comfortable to hold with its grade school pencil dimensions.

An Adonit Mark stylus
Adonit Mark
Best Budget
$10 $12 Save $2

It doesn’t get any more affordable than the Adonit Mark. While there are many other options around the same price point, the Adonit Mark is one of the better capacitive styluses. The durable mesh tip is responsive, and the aluminum body is robust. You also don't have to worry about compatibility because it works on any touchscreen.
 

Pros
  • Works on any touchscreen
  • No charging required
  • Highly affordable
Cons
  • Lacks active stylus technology

Best Apple Pencil Alternative for Drawing: Adonit Note+

An Adonit Note+ sketching on a tablet
Adonit

The Adonit Note+ has several great features and works with many iPad models. It’s compatible with many popular note-taking and drawing apps, and you can customize the two shortcut buttons for quick access to features like erase, undo, or redo.

While drawing, the stylus can support up to 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. It also supports a natural tilt feature that allows you to use different shading techniques, just as you would with a real pencil, and even features natural palm rejection. All in all, it’s the perfect Apple Pencil alternative for artists.

An Adonit Note+ stylus
Adonit Note+
Best for Drawing

With compatibility with a range of iPads and its excellent features for artists, the Adonis Note+ is one of the best Apple Pencil alternatives for drawing. It boasts excellent pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, while tilt sensitivity helps you to sketch natural shades.

Pros
  • Excellent 10 hours of draw time on a single charge
  • A five-minute charge provides an hour of use
  • USB-C charging cable included
  • Excellent features for artists and doodlers
  • Two programmable shortcut buttons
Cons
  • No magnetic attachment

Best Battery Life: Adonit Dash 4

A man and a young girl using Adonit Dash 4s on tablets

You can consider the Adonit Dash 4 as a versatile hybrid alternative to the Apple Pencil. Click the power button to green, and you can use it as a capacitive stylus on any iPad, iPhone, or Android—in fact, absolutely any device with a touchscreen. In this mode, its battery usage is minimal.

However, if you have a newer iPad (2018 and later), click the power button to blue for palm rejection technology. There’s no need for Bluetooth pairing, and even in this mode, the battery life can reach up to 15 hours. It comes with a magnetic USB-C charger, and the pen is fully powered within the hour.

An Adonit Dash 4 with magnetic USB-C charger
Adonit Dash 4
Best Battery Life

The Adonit Dash 4 is a versatile stylus you can use on any touchscreen. And, if you have a newer iPad, you can activate Blue Mode for palm rejection technology. In this mode, you can get up to 15 hours of continuous use. Additionally, connecting to your device is easy, and there’s no need for cumbersome Bluetooth pairing.

Pros
  • Palm rejection for newer iPads
  • Versatile with a long-lasting battery
  • Easy connection and Bluetooth free
  • LED warnings when the battery is at 20 and 10 percent
  • Works on any touchscreen
Cons
  • No pressure sensitivity for artists

Best Multi-Device Stylus: Adonit Pro 4

A man using the Adonit Pro 4 on a smartphone
Adonit

If you need a stylus that works across all devices, you need a passive stylus like the Adonit Pro 4. It doesn’t have a built-in battery and is compatible with all touchscreens.

However, when choosing a stylus like this, you must sacrifice certain technologies, such as pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. This certainly doesn't render the stylus useless, but it’s not the best choice for artists and serious note-taking.

The Adonit Pro 4 is sturdy yet stylish. With its black aluminum body and copper twist cap, it is reminiscent of a traditional fountain pen, while silver and gold versions are also available. They all look great in a shirt pocket and feature PET tips for durable and anti-scratch performance.

An Adonit Pro 4 stylus
Adonit Pro 4
Best for Multi-Devices

The Adonit Pro 4 uses passive technology, meaning you can use it on any touchscreen. It may not have the technology artists need, but it’s an inspired choice for all-purpose use. It looks stylish, and is robust, and you can choose from several classy designs.
 

Pros
  • Stylish and lightweight
  • Works on any touchscreen
  • No need for pairing or charging
  • Durable build
Cons
  • Disc on the tip can take some getting used to
  • Doesn't have the tech that artists need

FAQ

Q: Does any stylus work with an iPad?

You absolutely need to check for compatibility before purchasing a stylus with special features like tilt detection or palm rejection. The online store or manufacturer’s website should provide details about this. Even if you buy an Apple Pencil, you should check if it is compatible with your iPad generation.

However, buying a passive Apple Pencil alternative means you get a stylus with capacitive capabilities that you can use on any touchscreen, including any iPad model.

Q: Should I use an Apple Pencil with my iPad or iPhone, or is an alternative better?

The Apple Pencil is specifically designed for Apple tablets. However, while they offer pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, low latency, and seamless integration between the pencil and device, they are considerably more expensive.

Also, Apple Pencils will not work on an iPhone. For this, you need a capacitive stylus that will work on any touchscreen.

Choosing a suitable alternative for your needs can be more affordable, while many can still do most, if not all, of what you need it to do.

Q: Why is the Apple Pencil so expensive?

Apple has always pushed itself as a premium brand, and this is reflected in the cost of its accessories. However, the Apple Pencil does tick every box in terms of features, including pressure and tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and virtually no latency. The stylus also attaches to the iPad magnetically, which pairs the two devices and charges the Pencil.

Q: How do I connect an Apple Pencil alternative to my iPad?

First, consider if your stylus is active or passive. An active stylus has built-in electronics, and a passive stylus does not. So, the passive stylus will work straight away with no connection necessary.

It would be best to refer to your device’s manual for specific instructions for active styluses. If you have a Bluetooth stylus, it will likely just be a simple pairing before you can get scribbling.

One of the most popular iPad alternatives, the Logitech Crayon, only requires you to press and hold the power button until the LED lights up green. However, you must ensure compatibility with any alternative stylus before using it.

Q: How do I connect an Apple Pencil alternative to my iPhone?

iPhones do not officially support any stylus. Even the Apple Pencil won’t work with it. However, you can use a capacitive stylus with your iPhone. It will only offer basic functionality (consider it an extension of your finger) and won’t provide the precision you need for serious drawing or note-taking.

Q: Do Apple Pencils and other styluses scratch my device screens?

iPads and most other modern devices have tough, scratch-resistant screens. In addition, reputable styluses are made with soft tips. However, nothing is guaranteed, and there is a minimal risk of scratching if you apply excessive pressure or if some debris gets trapped in the tip. Using a screen protector and ensuring your stylus tip is regularly cleaned will just about guarantee a scratch-free screen.