Before we continue, I like to work on combining the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils with features like Bluetooth and sensors built into the iPad screen. So both the stylus and the iPad need a specific set of hardware to work together. And that’s the main reason why older iPads don’t have compatibility with Apple Pencil or third-party pencils.
With the new iPad 2022 USB-C port support, Apple provides an adapter in the Apple Pencil (1st-gen) box to connect the stylus to the tablet. However, if you own a first-generation Apple Pencil, you can purchase the adapter for just $9.
That said, here’s a summary of functionality, compatibility, and best deals for the top Apple Pencil options on Amazon today.
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| **Only brands that officially update the purchase page with compatibility information for the new generation iPad and iPad Pro 2022. | |||||
For more details on each of the options mentioned above, as well as tips on what to look for when choosing a stylus for the Apple iPad, continue reading this article.
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Buying Tips: What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying an iPad Stylus?
If you’ve ever used an iPad with a stylus, you know how important features like grip, precision, and autonomy are. So before you trade in your Apple Pencil for an alternative model, here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a new stylus.
- Compatibility Before choosing an alternative to the Apple Pencil, check which iPad model you own. To do this, simply look at the back of the tablet. This is important, because both the stylus and your iPad need to provide a certain set of hardware to work.
- Hold on. The pen experience in hand is directly related to the shape and material used to build the gadget. So pay attention to shapes like cylindrical or triangular to ensure an ergonomic fit. Materials used in the stylus, such as aluminum, plastic or silicone, can also affect the pen’s grip.
- Additional Tips: Stylus pens are equipped with a resistant tip that ensures accurate writing without any lag or scratches. However, the tips will fade over time. Therefore, pay attention if the product is sent in the box with additional recommendations, especially if the price is cheap.
- accuracy and control; Unfortunately, we haven’t tested the models suggested in this list yet, but if one of the options on this list catches your attention, my suggestion is to look for product reviews on YouTube to confirm the accuracy of the design on the iPad.
- Pressure and sensitivity; Some manufacturers indicate sensitivity levels in the technical specifications of each product. This is important because this is how we can imitate handwriting, drawings, and create different line thicknesses in one stroke.
- Delay: Response time is also a feature to consider when choosing an iPad stylus, as it will be key to a good product experience. It is important to remember that even the Apple Pencil has a slight delay in digital writing. In this case it is less.
- Rejection of palm. Any pen with palm rejection technology filters out accidental inputs from the touchscreen. This directly affects the accuracy and control functions. All of the stylus pens recommended here are palm-rejected, so you can write by touching the screen with the side of your hand without worry.
- Magnetic attachment; One of the features of the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is the magnetic attachment to the iPad, which makes storing the pen more convenient, and reduces the chances of losing the gadget. Not all optional models offer this feature.
- Charging time: Battery life and charging time are important points when choosing an iPad stylus, as they have a direct impact on productivity. Additionally, accessories like the Type-C charger included in the box are extra.
- Price: A reasonable option does not always mean that the quality of writing is reduced. Also, some of the more expensive models may bring unnecessary features for your needs. Therefore, before leaving or choosing a product, be sure of its application in everyday life. If it’s just for notes, you don’t need a brush with different pressure and sensitivity.
The best Apple Pencil alternatives in 2022
Most Popular Choice: Logitech Bluetooth Digital Crayon
The Logitech Crayon is the only pen recommended by Apple! / © Logitech
First of all, the Logitech Crayon for iPad is the only stylus recommended by Apple as an alternative to the Apple Pencil in its official store. This alone says a lot about this model. And unlike the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon works with all iPads at half the price.
The design of the Logitech Crayon is also very different from Apple’s styluses, because it is triangular. The opposite of this, however, is that it does not easily roll off the table, so it reduces the chance of falling. The pen features an on/off button, and charging is done via a USB-C/Lightning cable.
The battery takes 50 minutes to charge and lasts for 8 hours. Notable weaknesses compared to the Apple Pencil include the lack of Quick Pair or magnetic charging. Features like ink flow and pen lag are very close to what we find in the original Apple Pencil. Among pen reviews, however, pressure sensitivity is a critical point for drawings. As for replacement nibs, a three-pack costs an additional $15.
Most affordable choice: Jamjake Stylus Pen for iPad
The Jamjake Stylus Pen is cool, stylish and cheap! / © NextPit
The Jamjake Stylus Pen for iPad is a pleasant surprise. The reason for this is the quality and extremely reasonable price. As a backup, it is an alternative to the Apple Pencil. As for the shape, it is very reminiscent of the Apple stylus, it comes with three removable tips in the box, it can be turned on and off, it can be charged via USB-C and it even magnetically connects to the iPad.
The battery takes about 1 hour to charge and provides up to 10 hours of use. The pen also features a double tap to turn it on, and in all the demos I’ve seen of the Jamjack Stylus, I have to say that the ink flow and pen lag are about the same as the Logitech Crayon and, not long ago, the Apple Pencil itself. . However, pressure sensitivity is also a weak point here.
Considering the price of the pen, the materials used in its construction do not promote durability, so if it is dropped on the floor from a great height, the product may be damaged.
For Productivity: Adonit Note 2
Adonit Note 2 stylus is really stylish and comes in different colors. / © Adonit.
The Adonit Note 2 has a sleek design, offers up to 24 hours of battery on standby, and is IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, according to the manufacturer. Here we have a USB-C port for charging, and it can be charged and used at the same time.
We have features like palm rejection, perfect pixel precision that allow you to write or draw very small images. Adonit Note Stylus works with a variety of apps, allowing you to quickly open the Notes app to add notes.
Here, there is no need for Bluetooth connection, just click the “on” button and the device is ready to write. The Adonite Note uses an easily replaceable screw tip.
Premium option: Adonit Pixel
Adonit Pixel is a premium and affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil. / © Adonit.
Another Adonite model that joins this list of options with the Apple Pencil is the Pixel, which is considered a premium option. with Smooth design, is one of the main ones The pressure sensitivity, there are 2,048 levels. The pen has two built-in shortcut buttons It can be assigned to the user’s favorite devices. This is a great option for drawing.
As for the battery, we have 14 hours of battery life on a single full charge using a USB-C device. The Adonit Pixel connects to your iPad via Bluetooth, which, according to the manufacturer, ensures the use of older iPads that aren’t compatible with the Apple Pencil. In addition, it allows to use the pen with different Types of applications on Apple’s tablets.
Super compatible choice: Zagg Pro Stylus
The Zag Pro stylus has a cylindrical design and magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro. / © Zag
The Zag Pro stylus is also sleek and magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro 11 and 12.9. It can be used in conjunction with all the latest iPads, and is sensitive to tilt and palm rejection.
Zag Stylus charging via USB-C in 1.5 hours. Here, we have a standard capacitive tip on the other end for use with your iPhone and other devices. It’s not that fun, but if you have it in your hand, you can use it to browse your iPhone, for example.
The Zag Pro Stylus can be compared to the Logitech Crayon Stylus, but it is a better option for professional creators, because it allows smooth and accurate lines for notes, drawings and sketches.
So what do you think about these alternatives to the Apple Pencil? Do you use a different pen with your iPad and want to recommend it to our community? Please share your suggestions in the comments section below.
