Exploring Affordable Alternatives to the Apple Pencil
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Are you in the market for an Apple Pencil but want to save some cash? I've personally tested several alternatives that can rival the original in quality and performance.
My journey with Apple products began not too long ago. For years, I relied on budget-friendly Android devices, but a hand-me-down iPad mini and my first iPhone (SE2) opened my eyes to the Apple ecosystem. It didn’t take long for me to embrace the intuitive iOS interface, and now, over a year later, I’m fully committed to Apple, having acquired two iPad 7s and an iPad 8.
However, my budget doesn’t always align with my Apple enthusiasm. When I got my iPad for digital art, I realized I needed a high-precision stylus. While the Apple Pencil was my first choice, I set out to find alternatives that wouldn’t break the bank but still delivered excellent performance.
Here are five top contenders, listed from highest to lowest price:
ANKACE Stylus Pencil
Price: $29.99 Charging: USB-C
This stylus caught my eye because it was slightly pricier than others, leading me to believe it would perform better. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. While it resembles other styluses, its performance fell short, especially in drawing and writing.
I experienced significant issues with squiggly lines, a common problem among styluses, including the Apple Pencil. Even when I adjusted my grip or tested it on different screens, the shaky lines persisted. The stylus does feature angle detection and tilt shading, but lacks pressure sensitivity, meaning it can’t adjust the thickness of strokes based on pressure.
A major advantage of this stylus is that it doesn’t require Bluetooth pairing. You simply turn it on and start using it right away. It also comes in various colors and includes two extra tips, but it’s not my top pick among the alternatives.
ZOXKOY Stylus Pencil
Price: $25.99 (often discounted on Amazon) Charging: USB-C
I found this stylus to be my favorite and even purchased a second one for backup. It utilizes a similar POM plastic tip as the Apple Pencil and performs beautifully, with no issues in line quality or skipping across apps, particularly in Procreate and Autodesk Sketchbook.
This stylus includes palm rejection, so no need for a palm glove while drawing. It has a sensitive on/off button, but a simple fix is to place the tip cap on the end while in use to prevent accidental shutdowns. The Zoxkoy charges quickly and powers down after five minutes of inactivity, preserving battery life.
ZSPEED Stylus Pencil
Price: $19.99 Charging: Micro USB
This stylus stands out as it’s compatible with iOS, Android, and Microsoft devices, making it versatile. However, I returned it due to the metal tip, which I’m not fond of. Its rounded design is unique but not what I prefer for drawing.
While it performs well for writing and tapping, I found it less suitable for sketching. It does not require Bluetooth pairing, which is convenient, and it comes with a protective sleeve.
KECOW Stylus Pen
Price: $19.99 Charging: Micro USB
The Kecow stylus offers 10 hours of continuous use and is dual-ended with a fiber mesh tip. However, it lacks pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, making it less ideal for drawing without interference. It’s a solid choice for precise writing across devices but falls short for artistic endeavors.
PENYEAH 4-in-1 Stylus Pen
Price: $10.98 Charging: None required
This stylus is a unique hybrid, functioning as both a stylus and a traditional ink pen. It’s incredibly versatile, working on nearly any touchscreen device. The Penyeah includes a variety of tips and is compact and handy, making it a great backup option.
Any of these styluses would make an excellent choice, whether you're new to digital art and want to try before investing in a pricey Apple Pencil or if you're a seasoned user seeking a reliable backup at a fraction of the cost.
Ultimately, you can find a stylus that meets your needs without spending a fortune. Here’s a quick comparison chart to help you choose the right stylus for your needs:
Stay tuned for my upcoming post on affordable smartwatches, which, like these styluses, I have personally tested!
Disclaimer: All items mentioned were purchased by me, and I have no affiliation with the companies mentioned. My reviews are purely based on my personal experiences.