Apple Pencil: The 3 best alternatives for the iPad
Is the Apple Pencil for the iPad really that unique? We present three alternatives that can easily keep up with the Apple pen - and are significantly cheaper.
Alternative 1 to the Apple Pencil: Adonit Pixel
The Adonit Pixel has an integrated handle sensor. This means that the pen is always ready as soon as you pick it up. If you connect the Pencil to the iPad via Bluetooth, it can react with up to 2048 sensitivity levels on the screen. This allows strokes with different widths and weights to be drawn.
The two programmable shortcut buttons are practical. You can easily delete or repeat your previous activity with the pencil. The Apple Pencil does not have such a function. The Adonit Pixel is also compatible with various apps such as Goodnotes, Procreate and AstroPad.
- How it works: Active or via Bluetooth
- Device compatibility: iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPhone
- Charging: mini-dock with USB
- Functions: pressure detection, tilt detection, 2 programmable buttons
- Price: from 77.50 euros
Alternative 2: Bamboo Finline
The Bamboo Fineline from Wacom can also be paired with the iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth. This allows apps to be informed of the pressure levels. Although you have to do without hatching due to the lack of a tilt angle, the Bamboo Finline is very nice for writing and drawing. Another positive thing: with the programmable button, errors can be quickly undone.
- How it works: Active or via Bluetooth
- Device compatibility: Touchscreen devices with Apple iOS
- Charging: micro USB
- Functions: pressure detection, programmable key
- Price: from 41 euros
Alternative 3: Moko Active Stylus
The Moko Active Stylus is equipped with a 1.5 millimeter thick metal tip that creates a magnetic field when it comes into contact with the screen. In this way, the finger is simulated, which makes writing and drawing feel very realistic. At the other end of the pencil there is a soft rubber tip that can be used for the touchscreen without energy. There are no pressure levels or inclination detection, but the pencil is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil in terms of price-performance ratio.
- How it works: Active and passive
- Device compatibility: touchscreen devices
- Charging: micro USB
- Features: Precise metal tip, integrated rubber tip
- Price: around 25 euros
Overview of pencil technologies
Pens for iPad and Co. follow different technical concepts.
- Conductive tip: The conductive, mostly round and flexible tip imitates the finger on the iPad. It is one of the simplest types of tablet pencils.
- Active pen: The pen creates a small electrical field at the front, which allows the tip to be kept very small.
- Bluetooth pen: These pencils also have an active tip that is connected to the tablet via Bluetooth.
What you can do if your iPad doesn't come on is on the next page.