The Apple Pencil is a fantastic stylus, no doubt. However, it's not inexpensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of less expensive options out there for your drawing, sketching, and note-taking needs. Here are some of our favorite iPad stylus pens that cost less than the Apple Pencil.
The best iPad stylus pens that cost less than the Apple Pencil
You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
Stylus and mouse in one
Adonit may just change the way you think about a stylus with the Note-M. The Note-M has integrated mouse functionality such as left and right click buttons. This stylus has a touch panel which is a touch-sensitive scrolling wheel. Plus it's an agile stylus, all for less than the price of an Apple Pencil.
Bargain disc style
A clear disc at the tip lets you see what you're doing while still getting the fine tip experience for a bargain price. Get two stylus pens in various color options along with extra tips. It's compatible with any iPad or other touchscreen, no charging or pairing needed.
Super basic
This is what you get when your kids are all clamoring for a stylus of their own. Scoop up this four-pack and pass them around. You won't have to worry about charging, pairing, or even if one gets lost between the sofa cushions. The Digiroot Stylus won't break the bank. They even come with replacement tips in case of wear and tear.
Not a pencil
The Logitech Crayon is built on Apple Pencil technology and was developed in conjunction with Apple. It works with any iPad built-in 2018 or later. As noted in our review, there is no pairing procedure, just turn it on and start your creativity. The Logitech Crayon charges via a Lightning cable after you exhaust the 7.5 hours of battery time, enough to last an entire day.
Universal compatability
You can use the Adonit Dash 3 with any iPad or virtually any touch screen device. You get 14 hours of battery life, and it only needs 45 minutes to fully charge. There is no need for any Bluetooth pairing, just turn the power on, and it's ready to go. It also has a carrying clip for your shirt pocket.
Dupe with color options
This Apple Pencil-like dupe comes in several color choices and includes three spare nibs. It's compatible with many different iPad models and has palm rejection. Use it for 20 hours on a single 90 minute charge via USB-C port, plus you get nearly three months of standby time.
Pencil like
If you are looking for a very similar stylus to the Apple Pencil, check out the Adonit Note+. As noted in our review, it features pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and a 1mm tip. It can be used with any iPad that is compatible with the Apple Pencil. The 10 hours of battery life will get you through the day, and if you need to quick charge, a 5-minute charge will get you an hour of battery life.
Zig ZAGG
The ZAGG - Pro Stylus is a great alternative to the Apple Pencil. It pairs quickly with any iPad that is Apple Pencil compatible. With features like tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and 10 hours of battery life, we certainly enjoyed reviewing the ZAGG Pro and think that you'll enjoy using it.
Jammed with features
This JamJake pen has many of the features of the Apple Pencil for much less. No need to connect via Bluetooth; just turn it on, and it's ready to go. You can use it with any iPad compatible with the Apple Pencil. It charges with a USB-C cable, and you get 20 hours of battery life.
Pencil alternatives for less
The Apple Pencil and later the Apple Pencil 2 completely changed iPad users' workflow. The Apple Pencil's ability to sketch, draw, and paint with pressure sensitivity helps make the iPad perfect for artists. Likewise, the inclusion of a stylus for note-taking and document signing makes an iPad perfect for students and business persons. However, the Apple Pencil is expensive, and there are excellent alternatives that cost less.
Our top pick is the Adonit Note-M because it has so many cool features. It manages to be both a fully functional stylus and a mouse in one slender device. Left click, right click, and scroll, just like a mouse. You can even adjust the functions to suit you best in the stylus' settings. The Note-M has palm rejection, so you can rest your working hand on the iPad while you write or create and not worry about your hand creating stray marks. Get 10 hours of drawing or five hours of mouse function on a single charge.
Since it was developed in conjunction with Apple, the Logitech Crayon is one of our favorites. It has many of the same features as the Apple Pencil for less money. This is the only alternate stylus built on Apple Pencil technology, so you know that it will be a seamless experience with your compatible iPad. Just be sure to check that your model is included in the Logitech Crayon's list of compatible iPad models.
The Apple Pencil: your official option
There are plenty of helpful third-party iPad styluses out there, but when it comes to compatibility and function Apple Pencil really is the best option by far. Those looking to simply make notes are fine to use an alternative stylus, but if you're specifically looking for a drawing tool to use with drawing apps, then you really ought to get the official Apple Pencil that works with your iPad.
The official Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 offer excellent pressure sensitivity and are specifically kept in mind when coding iPad drawing apps. Not to mention, the convenient magnetic charging of the Apple Pencil 2 makes it incredibly easy to keep juiced up and next to your tablet.
Just remember that these styluses are designed to work with specific iPads, so make sure to purchase the one that's compatible with your model.
