Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
If you are looking for stylus and can’t afford the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) stylus, don’t worry. There are so many alternatives to choose that work just as good. From our research with finding the perfect styluses we have come up with these five to help you choose the best one that suits your budget, preferences and value. So what are you waiting for, check out five of the best Apple Pencil 2nd Generation alternatives.
Best Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Alternatives for iPads
1 – Adonit Mark
Best budget Apple Pencil 2 alternative
Adonit Mark
Specs
Compatible with: iPad (8th – 6th gen), iPad Pro (3rd, 4th gen), iPad Air (3rd, 4th gen), iPad mini (5th gen) | Length: 5.5 inches
Pros
- Cheap stylus
- Supports most iPads/smartphones
- Comes in many colors
- Great for taking notes & tablet navigation
- No connection or batteries needed
Cons
- Built from cheaper materials
- Not recommended for drawing sketches
Looking for a stylus that won’t cost you so much money? The Adonit Mark is so budget-friendly, you might want to grab a handful for the whole family!
While it’s a fantastic alternative to the Apple Pencil, it’s not just for Apple users. It works with virtually any tablet, smartphone, or any touchscreen mobile device, making it a versatile tool for everyone.
Compatible with a wide range of iPads (from the 3rd-Gen iPad Air to the latest iPad Pro), the Adonit Mark boasts a sleek anodized aluminum body that feels great in your hand. Its clever triangular design prevents it from rolling off your desk.
Now, let’s be real: this isn’t a precision instrument for professional artists. If you’re looking to create intricate sketches, you might want to explore other options. But for casual note-taking, or just navigating your device, the Adonit Mark shines.
And at such an irresistible price, you’ll get serious bang for your buck. Who knows, maybe even those mundane home office tasks will become a little more enjoyable with this handy stylus by your side.
2 – Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
All-round best Apple Pencil 2 alternative
Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
Specs
Compatible with: iPad Pro 11-inch (1st – 3rd gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen – 5th gen), iPad (8th – 6th gen), iPad Air (4th, 3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen) | Length: 6.4 inches | Battery Life: 7.5 hours
Pros
- Budget stylus
- No paring needed
- Accurate pen tip
- Easy & comfortable to hold
Cons
- Lacks pressure sensitivity
- Charges via USB-C cable
The Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil has emerged as the best Apple Pencil (2nd generation) alternative we’ve encountered – and it’s not just for students. In fact, other users and reviewers actually prefer it to the Apple Pencil itself. Yes, you read that right.
This sleek, 6.4-inch aluminum stylus, weighing in at a mere 0.7 ounces (20 g), feels as good as it looks. Its carpenter-pencil-inspired design is not only stylish but also practical, preventing those frustrating roll-offs your desk, and with high review ratings, it’s clear that users agree.
The Crayon’s 2-millimeter tip offers impressive accuracy, making it a joy for both tech pros and casual users. It even supports dynamic line weight, mimicking the feel of a real pencil by adjusting line thickness based on the angle you hold it. Talk about adding a touch of artistry to your digital life!
And with battery life? No worries. The Logitech stylus claims a solid 7.5 hours on a single charge, and the quick-charge feature is a lifesaver. Just two minutes of charging gives you a 30-minute boost – perfect for those times when you’re on the go. You’ll be ready to create long before the Crayon runs out of steam.
Overall, this is a solid all-round stylus for your iPad. If you’re looking for a premium stylus that delivers on both performance and style, the Logitech Crayon is the top of the class. It’s the coolest pencil in the digital school, and it’s ready to bring your iPad experience to a whole new level.
3 – Metapen Pencil A8
Metapen Pencil A8
Specs
Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation), iPad Air (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation, and M2 models), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation, and M4 models), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation, and M4 models), iPad Mini (5th and 6th generation) | Length: 6.5 inches | Battery Life: 10 hours
Pros
- Great battery life
- LED that shows power left
- Includes palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, & impressive precision
- Comes with two extra pencil tips
Cons
- Heavier than other stylus brands
- Expensive
The Metapen Pencil A8 is another Apple Pencil 2 impersonator sporting a noticeable USB-C port and an LED light. The Metapen powers on and off with a double-tap to the “eraser” end. However, this pen has some serious heft – it feels noticeably heavier than other brands.
This might be due to its super-strong magnetic attraction. When attached to the iPad, the Metapen clings on like it’s part of the tablet itself – a rock-solid connection. And just like its rivals, the Metapen delivers Apple Pencil-level performance, complete with palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and impressive precision.
Metapen claims the tip is tough enough to draw a staggering 20 kilometers worth of lines. Bonus points for including two extra tips in the box! Battery life clocks in at a respectable 10 hours, and the LED light changes color to indicate the charge level.
The Metapen A8 is a good stylus, although the price is quite high, and feels heavier than other styluses. It has almost all the features of the Apple Pencil 2 which makes it worth considering.
It’s available in a rainbow of colors—pink, black, mint green, and the classic white, which is our favorite. It seems Metapen also offers other styluses tailored for various iPad models, so it’s worth exploring their full range.
4 – Zagg Pro Stylus
Best dual-tip stylus with tilt recognition
Zagg Pro Stylus
Specs
Compatible with: iPad (8th – 6th gen), iPad Pro (3rd, 4th gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad mini (5th gen) | Length: 9.1 inches | Battery Life: 8 hours
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Premium build
- Tilt sensitivity & palm rejection
- Uber-precise capacitive tip
- Magnetically attaches to iPad
Cons
- Lacks pressure sensitivity
- Charges via USB-C cable
Want a premium stylus experience without the premium Apple Pencil 2nd generation price tag? The Zagg Pro Stylus is a worthy contender, coming in a close second to the Logitech Crayon. This dual-tip wonder offers the best of both worlds.
One end boasts a universal capacitive touch tip—perfect for scrolling and general navigation—while the other end features an active tip designed for smooth, precise lines ideal for note-taking, drawing, and sketching. Think of it as having two tools in one!
The Zagg Pro stylus works nicely with any iPad from 2017 onwards, and it even magnetically attaches to the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models for convenient storage. Modern tech lovers will appreciate the USB-C fast-charging, which gets you a full charge in under 90 minutes.
While the Zagg Pro Stylus has a lot going for it, it’s worth noting that it lacks pressure sensitivity. So, if you’re a digital artist who relies on varying line weight based on pressure, the Apple Pencil still holds an edge. However, for everyday tasks and creative exploration, the Zagg Pro Stylus offers a compelling alternative.
5 – Apple Pencil (USB-C)
The previous USB-C version
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Specs
Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen), iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), iPad (10th gen) | Length: 6.1 inches | Battery Life: 11 hours
Pros
- Cheapest stylus in the Apple Pencil range
- Magnetic attaches to iPad
- Includes tilt sensitivity
Cons
- No USB-C cable included
- Only charges using USB-C cable
- No pressure sensitivity
- No wireless charging or pairing
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) stylus is a great alternative to the Apple Pencil 2nd gen. It comes with three great features that stand out the most. Firstly, the ability to use a USB-C cable to charge the stylus, which sadly there’s no USB-C cable in the box. There’s also a sliding cap which reveals and hides the USB-C connector – which is very convenient.
Secondly, the stylus design looks good and feels good as well. It’s smooth to the touch and feels light and good to hold. And lastly, it’s cheaper than the other Apple Pencil styluses in the range.
As much it has some great perks, there are some things to note. First, no wireless charging nor wireless pairing. Yes, it does magnetically attach to the iPad but it does not charge nor does it pair with the iPad unless you connect the USB-C cable. And secondly, there’s no pressure sensitivity, meaning you can’t draw lines thicker or thinner depending on the pressure applied.
Overall, if want a cheaper Apple Pencil, or you’re looking for an alternative, then the Apple Pencil USB-C is one of the best to pick.
Lastly
So which one of these stylus alternatives are you mostly interested in? If you have any comments or wish to express yourself, please feel free to leave them below at the comments section. And if you like what you see, then click on the red button to find out more and to purchase if you so desire 😀