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10 Best Apple Pencil Alternatives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Stylus Pen for iPad with Palm Rejection, Active Pencil Compatible with (2018-2025) Apple iPad Pro (11"/12.9"/M4),iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3,iPad 6/7/8/9/10/11,iPad Mini 5/6 Gen(Blue)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Compatibility
Pressure Sensitivity
Tilt Sensitivity

Most important from
96391 reviews

Compatibility
It pairs quickly and easily with compatible iPads, requiring no Bluetooth connection or complex setup.
Pressure Sensitivity
Lacks pressure and tilt sensitivity, limiting its usefulness for detailed art or advanced drawing techniques.
Tilt Sensitivity
Lacks pressure and tilt sensitivity, limiting its usefulness for detailed art or advanced drawing techniques.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with 8 to 10 hours of use after just a brief 15 to 20-minute charge.
Palm Rejection
Palm rejection works well, allowing a natural hand rest on the screen without unwanted marks.
Tip Material and Size
The stylus delivers smooth and precise input with a fine tip that outperforms finger accuracy for writing and drawing.
Additional Features
Turning the pen on and off is effortless—just a simple tap on the top makes it instantly ready or powers it down.

This stylus pen is a solid choice if you want a budget-friendly Apple Pencil alternative compatible with a wide range of iPad models from 2018 through 2025, including iPad Pro, Air, Mini, and standard iPads. It offers smooth and precise input thanks to its fine 1.5mm tip, which provides more accuracy than using your finger. The stylus supports palm rejection, so you can rest your hand on the screen naturally while writing or drawing without unintended marks. Battery life is quite good for this type of product, lasting 8-10 hours on a 15-20 minute charge, and you don’t need to pair it via Bluetooth—just turn it on by tapping the cap button.

However, it does not have pressure sensitivity or tilt sensitivity, meaning it won’t respond to how hard or at what angle you press, which limits its usefulness for detailed art or pressure-sensitive drawing apps. Also, this stylus is not compatible with iPad models before 2018 or any non-Apple devices, and the magnetic attachment feature doesn’t work with the iPad 10th generation. The pen is lightweight and made of aluminum, but it lacks a pen cap or charging port cover, which could affect protection and convenience.

If you want a simple, reliable stylus for note-taking, browsing, or casual drawing on newer iPads without the higher cost of an Apple Pencil, this pen fits well. It does not offer the advanced features that professional artists or designers might need, but it provides a practical and affordable option for everyday use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Compatibility
Pressure Sensitivity
Tilt Sensitivity

Most important from
96391 reviews

Compatibility
It pairs quickly and easily with compatible iPads, requiring no Bluetooth connection or complex setup.
Pressure Sensitivity
Lacks pressure and tilt sensitivity, limiting its usefulness for detailed art or advanced drawing techniques.
Tilt Sensitivity
Lacks pressure and tilt sensitivity, limiting its usefulness for detailed art or advanced drawing techniques.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with 8 to 10 hours of use after just a brief 15 to 20-minute charge.
Palm Rejection
Palm rejection works well, allowing a natural hand rest on the screen without unwanted marks.
Tip Material and Size
The stylus delivers smooth and precise input with a fine tip that outperforms finger accuracy for writing and drawing.
Additional Features
Turning the pen on and off is effortless—just a simple tap on the top makes it instantly ready or powers it down.
#2

Stylus Pen 2X Fast Charge Active Pencil Compatible with 2018-2025 Apple iPad Pro 11"/12.9"/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad 6-11, iPad mini 5/6 Gen-Black

Rating
9.1
Pressure Sensitivity
Battery Life

Most important from
96391 reviews

Pressure Sensitivity
Very responsive and does everything I need it to do. It doesn’t have pressure sensitivity but that isn’t an issue for me.
Battery Life
Battery life seems to be good. I haven’t had to charge it yet.

The Stylus Pen from JAMJAKE is a compelling alternative to the Apple Pencil, particularly for users with newer iPad models from 2018 to 2024, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. One of its key strengths is its compatibility with a wide range of iPads, making it a versatile choice for those who own multiple devices within that timeframe. The stylus boasts a 1.5mm tip that provides precise control for drawing, writing, or navigating, which users appreciate for its accuracy and smooth performance. Additionally, features like palm rejection enhance usability, allowing for a natural writing experience without unintentional touches on the screen.

Battery life is another highlight, offering up to 20 hours of continuous use and a quick charge time of just 90 minutes. The automatic sleep mode is smart, as it helps conserve battery when the pen is not in use, making it more efficient in everyday scenarios.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The stylus lacks pressure sensitivity, which may limit its functionality for artists or users who require different line thicknesses based on pressure. While it is easy to use and doesn't require any special app installation, its incompatibility with earlier iPad models and other devices like iPhones and Android tablets could be a dealbreaker for some potential customers. Also, while it has a good build quality, users should ensure compatibility with their specific iPad models before purchasing. This stylus pen is particularly suitable for iPad users seeking an affordable and effective writing tool for note-taking and casual drawing, but it may not fully meet the needs of those requiring advanced features like pressure sensitivity.

Rating
9.1
Pressure Sensitivity
Battery Life

Most important from
96391 reviews

Pressure Sensitivity
Very responsive and does everything I need it to do. It doesn’t have pressure sensitivity but that isn’t an issue for me.
Battery Life
Battery life seems to be good. I haven’t had to charge it yet.
#3

Pencil for Apple iPad A16 10th Generation, Fast Charge Stylus Pen for 2025-2018 iPad A16/11-6th Gen, Air 11"/13" M3/M2/5th-3rd, Pro 13"/11"/M4/12.9", Mini A17 Pro/6/5th Palm Rejection Tilt Sensitivity

Rating
7.3
Compatibility
Pressure Sensitivity
Tilt Sensitivity

Most important from
1753 reviews

Compatibility
Setup is incredibly simple with instant connection to compatible iPads, enhancing overall user experience.
Pressure Sensitivity
The stylus delivers impressive performance with virtually no lag, making writing and drawing feel fluid and natural.
Tilt Sensitivity
Palm rejection and tilt sensitivity work flawlessly, allowing natural hand placement and varied line thickness just like a real pencil.
Battery Life
Fast charging gets you back to work quickly, fully charging in about 15 minutes for extended use.
Palm Rejection
Palm rejection and tilt sensitivity work flawlessly, allowing natural hand placement and varied line thickness just like a real pencil.
Tip Material and Size
Extra tips included add value and ensure the stylus remains functional over time.
Additional Features
Magnetic attachment offers convenient storage, keeping the stylus easily accessible without clutter.

This stylus is designed specifically for newer iPads from 2018 up to 2025 models, including various iPad Air, Pro, Mini, and standard versions, making it a versatile choice if you own one of these devices. It supports tilt sensitivity, which lets you draw lines with varying thickness depending on the angle you hold the pen, a handy feature for artists or note-takers who want more control over their strokes. Palm rejection is included, so you can comfortably rest your hand on the screen while writing or drawing without worrying about accidental marks, which enhances usability during longer sessions.

The pen offers a fast charging capability via a Type-C port, fully charging in about 15 minutes and providing up to 9 hours of use, which means less downtime and more productivity. It also magnetically attaches to compatible iPads for easy storage, like Apple’s own Pencil, but it doesn’t support magnetic charging, so you’ll need to plug it in to charge.

Made from aluminum, the stylus feels sturdy and lightweight (just under 3 ounces), which should be comfortable for extended use. It comes with one rechargeable lithium polymer battery included. The stylus requires manual charging and doesn’t support the magnetic charging feature found in Apple’s official Pencil, which could be less convenient for some users. Nevertheless, with broad compatibility and strong customer approval, this stylus serves as a solid alternative to the Apple Pencil for most casual users, students, or creatives looking for good features without the official Apple price tag.

Rating
7.3
Compatibility
Pressure Sensitivity
Tilt Sensitivity

Most important from
1753 reviews

Compatibility
Setup is incredibly simple with instant connection to compatible iPads, enhancing overall user experience.
Pressure Sensitivity
The stylus delivers impressive performance with virtually no lag, making writing and drawing feel fluid and natural.
Tilt Sensitivity
Palm rejection and tilt sensitivity work flawlessly, allowing natural hand placement and varied line thickness just like a real pencil.
Battery Life
Fast charging gets you back to work quickly, fully charging in about 15 minutes for extended use.
Palm Rejection
Palm rejection and tilt sensitivity work flawlessly, allowing natural hand placement and varied line thickness just like a real pencil.
Tip Material and Size
Extra tips included add value and ensure the stylus remains functional over time.
Additional Features
Magnetic attachment offers convenient storage, keeping the stylus easily accessible without clutter.

Buying Guide for the Best Apple Pencil Alternatives

Choosing an alternative to the Apple Pencil involves understanding your needs and preferences for a stylus. Whether you're an artist, a student, or a professional, the right stylus can enhance your productivity and creativity. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting the best stylus for you.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the stylus works with your device. This is crucial because not all styluses are compatible with all tablets or smartphones. Some styluses are designed specifically for certain brands or models, while others are more universal. To pick the right one, check if the stylus is compatible with your device. If you have an iPad, ensure the stylus works with iOS. If you have an Android tablet, look for styluses that support Android.
Pressure SensitivityPressure sensitivity measures how well the stylus can detect different levels of pressure applied to the screen. This is important for artists and designers who need precise control over their strokes. Styluses with higher pressure sensitivity can create more detailed and varied lines. If you're an artist, look for a stylus with high pressure sensitivity (e.g., 4096 levels or more). If you're using the stylus for general note-taking, lower pressure sensitivity may suffice.
Tilt SensitivityTilt sensitivity allows the stylus to detect the angle at which it is being used. This feature is particularly useful for shading and creating dynamic strokes in digital art. If you plan to use the stylus for drawing or painting, choose one with good tilt sensitivity. If your primary use is writing or simple sketching, tilt sensitivity may not be as critical.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the stylus can be used before needing a recharge. This is important for uninterrupted use, especially during long sessions of drawing or note-taking. Styluses with longer battery life are more convenient and reliable. If you use the stylus frequently, look for one with extended battery life (e.g., 10 hours or more). If you use it occasionally, shorter battery life may be acceptable.
Palm RejectionPalm rejection technology prevents the screen from registering your hand or palm while using the stylus. This is important for a comfortable and natural writing or drawing experience. If you often rest your hand on the screen while using the stylus, ensure it has good palm rejection capabilities. If you tend to keep your hand off the screen, this feature may be less important.
Tip Material and SizeThe tip material and size affect the feel and precision of the stylus. Tips can be made of rubber, plastic, or other materials, and come in various sizes. Softer tips may provide a smoother writing experience, while harder tips offer more precision. If you need fine control for detailed work, choose a stylus with a smaller, harder tip. For general use, a larger, softer tip may be more comfortable.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include shortcut buttons, erasers, and customizable settings. These can enhance the functionality and convenience of the stylus. If you need quick access to certain functions or tools, look for a stylus with programmable buttons. If you prefer simplicity, a basic stylus without extra features may be sufficient.

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