10Best.Guide

Apple Pencil

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Accurate and pressure-sensitive for drawing and note-taking.
  • Easy to use and better than off-brand alternatives.
  • Good for graphic art and design classes.
  • Charges quickly and comes with a replacement nib.
  • Allows for palm rejection.
Cons
  • Charging through lightning is inconvenient and can damage the pencil.
  • Connectivity issues and expensive compared to other stylus options.
Bottom Line
The Apple Pencil 1 is a great tool for drawing, note-taking, and graphic design, but it has some drawbacks such as inconvenient charging, connectivity issues, and high cost compared to other stylus options. It is recommended for those who prioritize accuracy and pressure sensitivity.
Pros
  • Original packaging and documentation included.
  • Discounted price compared to buying from Apple store.
  • Accurate and convenient for artists.
  • Game changer for drawing and writing.
  • Charges quickly and lasts long.
Cons
  • Stopped working less than a year after purchase.
  • Compatibility issues with some iPads.
Bottom Line
The Apple Pencil is a great tool for artists and writers, with its accuracy and convenience. However, there are some issues with compatibility and durability that buyers should be aware of. It is recommended to purchase from a reputable seller and keep the original packaging and documentation.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Good quality
  • Long battery life
  • Comes with extra tips
  • Smooth writing
Cons
  • No pressure sensitivity
  • Issues with palm rejection while charging
Bottom Line
This stylus pen is an affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil with good quality and long battery life. However, it lacks pressure sensitivity and has some issues with palm rejection and tip looseness.
Pros
  • Good alternative to expensive Apple Pencil
  • Comfortable to use
  • Long battery life
  • Magnetizes to iPad
  • Great for drawing and coloring apps
Cons
  • Not always responsive
  • May not work well for editing and moving things around
Bottom Line
This stylus pen is a good alternative to the expensive Apple Pencil, with a comfortable feel and long battery life. However, some units may have issues with charging and responsiveness, and the tips may deteriorate quickly. It is great for drawing and coloring apps, but may not work well for editing and moving things around.
Pros
  • Affordable alternative to Apple Pencil
  • Easy to set up and pair with iPad
  • Efficient and works as described
  • Lightweight and fits well on iPad case
  • Flawless charging and connection
Cons
  • No pressure sensitivity
  • Does not automatically turn on when removed from iPad
Bottom Line
This affordable alternative to Apple Pencil is efficient, easy to set up, and works well for drawing and note-taking. However, it lacks pressure sensitivity and has some connectivity issues that may be a hassle for some users.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Apple Pencil: Everything You Need to Know

Overview

If you're an artist, designer, or just someone who loves taking notes on your iPad, the Apple Pencil is a game-changer. But with different types and features, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this buying guide, we'll help you understand the different types of Apple Pencils, key considerations to keep in mind, and features to look for. We'll also provide tips on how to get the most out of your Apple Pencil and answer some frequently asked questions.

Types

There are two types of Apple Pencils: the first-generation and the second-generation. The first-generation pencil is compatible with the iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), and iPad (6th generation). The second-generation pencil is compatible with the iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation), iPad Pro (11-inch), and iPad Air (4th generation).

Key Considerations

Before purchasing an Apple Pencil, consider the following:

1. Compatibility: Make sure the pencil you choose is compatible with your iPad model.

2. Battery Life: The first-generation pencil has a battery life of about 12 hours, while the second-generation pencil lasts for up to 10 hours.

3. Charging: The first-generation pencil charges via lightning cable, while the second-generation pencil charges wirelessly.

4. Price: The second-generation pencil is more expensive than the first-generation pencil.

Features

Here are some features to consider when choosing an Apple Pencil:

1. Pressure Sensitivity: The Apple Pencil has pressure sensitivity, which means that the harder you press, the thicker the line will be.

2. Tilt Sensitivity: The Apple Pencil also has tilt sensitivity, which means that the angle at which you hold the pencil affects the thickness and shading of the line.

3. Palm Rejection: The Apple Pencil has palm rejection technology, which means that you can rest your hand on the iPad while using the pencil without accidentally making marks.

4. Double-Tap: The second-generation Apple Pencil has a double-tap feature that allows you to switch between tools or functions quickly.

Prices

The first-generation Apple Pencil costs around $99, while the second-generation pencil costs around $129.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Apple Pencil:

1. Use a screen protector to protect your iPad screen from scratches and damage from the pencil.

2. Keep your Apple Pencil charged, so it's always ready to use.

3. Use the double-tap feature to switch between tools and functions quickly.

4. Experiment with different apps to find the ones that work best with your Apple Pencil.

FAQs

Q: Do I need an Apple Pencil to use my iPad?

A: No, you don't need an Apple Pencil to use your iPad, but it can enhance your experience if you're an artist, designer, or someone who loves taking notes.

Q: Can I use the first-generation Apple Pencil with the iPad Air (4th generation)?

A: No, the first-generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Air (4th generation).

Q: Can I use the second-generation Apple Pencil with the iPad Pro (10.5-inch)?

A: No, the second-generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Pro (10.5-inch).

Q: How do I charge my Apple Pencil?

A: The first-generation Apple Pencil charges via lightning cable, while the second-generation pencil charges wirelessly.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Good value for the price
  • Works great
  • Charges while attached to iPad
  • Auto-off feature
  • Closest to the real thing at a fraction of the cost
Cons
  • Misleading instruction manual
  • Doesn't charge while magnetically attached to iPad
Bottom Line
This stylus is a great alternative to the expensive Apple Pencil. It has some minor issues, but overall it is a good value for the price and works great.
Pros
  • Affordable alternative to Apple Pencil
  • Works well for note-taking and annotations
  • Comes with extra tips and charging cord
  • Easy power on button
  • Accurate and comfortable to use with palm rejection feature
Cons
  • May get extremely hot and cut in and out
  • Short battery life
Bottom Line
This stylus is a great affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil for note-taking and annotations, but may have some issues with certain features and battery life.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Works well for note-taking and drawing
  • Easy to turn on and off
  • Comes with charger and extra pencil tip
  • Connects quickly through Bluetooth
Cons
  • No tilt sensitivity
  • Disconnects after a short idle time
Bottom Line
This stylus is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil for those on a budget, but it has some limitations such as no tilt sensitivity and a shorter battery life than advertised. It works well for note-taking and drawing, but the tips wear down quickly and it needs to be charged through USB.
Pros
  • Precise lines for art and drawing
  • Long battery life
  • Easy to set up and pair with iPad
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Affordable alternative to Apple Pencil
Cons
  • Randomly turns off
  • Inconsistent line weight
Bottom Line
This stylus is a good option for those who want an affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil for basic use, but it may not be as precise or sensitive for serious artists. The random shut off and inconsistent line weight may be frustrating for some users.
Pros
  • Affordable alternative to Apple Pencil
  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with replacement tips and charger
  • Magnetically attaches to iPad
  • Good for emergency use
Cons
  • Tip can come off easily
  • May not work with older iPads
Bottom Line
This pen is a good affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil, but it has some issues with durability and sensitivity. It may not be the best option for heavy use or older iPads, but it can serve as a good emergency or occasional use stylus.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}