ESR’s Geo Digital Pencil is inexpensive but still offers a range of useful features. Photo: ESR
The Geo Digital Pencil from ESR costs a quarter of what Apple Pencil Pro does, but both iPad styli support Find My so they can be easily located. And they cling magnetically to an iPad, and can be used for writing or sketching.
In addition, ESR also unveiled a mouse that magnetically attaches to a MacBook for easy portability.
Your iPhone could have an analog Notes app in addition to the digital one. Photo: Moft
Moft is way beyond its fundraising goal for its new Moft Snap Flow iPhone stand, which snaps to the handset magnetically and unfolds to give you a little organizer with pen and paper. Having raised more than 13 times the funding goal of $10,000 on Kickstarter, the accessories company will most likely put the new Snap Flow into production. With nearly 2,400 people financially backing it so far, there seems to be an appetite for the old-school accessory.
But in the meantime, you can pledge for one on Kickstarter at 20% off through July 31. So who needs a Samsung-style smartphone stylus (or Apple’s Notes app), anyway?
See that? Apple Pencil Pro casts the shadow of the tool selected -- a fountain pen. Photo: @SnazzyLabs, X.com
M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air users are justifiably excited by Apple Pencil Pro’s fantastic and highly functional new features. But now they’re discovering a delightful feature Apple didn’t highlight at its recent “Let Loose” event. The stylus casts a shadow of the selected tool in use on the screen.
That feature may not equal the functional importance of the new squeeze gesture or haptic feedback, but judging by user reactions in the videos below, it’s pretty much the coolest thing ever.
Get an Apple Pencil alternative for less than $40. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Using a digital pen with your iPad (or other tablet) can open up a whole world of new everyday uses. And you don’t need to invest in an expensive Apple Pencil to try it out. This iPad stylus is a much more affordable Apple Pencil alternative, and it’s even cheaper during our limited-time sale.
Right now, you can grab the top-rated Digi Pen for iPad and other tablets for just $31.99 with code ENJOY20. Don’t miss this hot deal on a great accessory for stepping up how you use your tablet.
The Cult of Mac buyback program pays top dollar for used Apple gear. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Apple Pencil is one piece of Cupertino kit for which there are plenty of cheaper third-party alternatives. But why shop around for those often not-as-good choices when you can get the lowest price on Apple Pencil 2?
Right now you can nab one on Amazon for $79. That’s down from the regular price of $129 — $50 off! And the still-capable Apple Pencil (1st generation) is on sale for even less. See below.
★★★☆☆
Adonit Note+ 2 is actually better than Apple Pencil 2 in a couple of ways. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Adonit Note+ 2 is an iPad stylus with all the usual features as well as pressure sensitivity and a pair of programmable buttons. Plus there are writing tips in hard, medium and soft. These make it much better option for digital artists than typical styli. It actually goes head-to-head with Apple Pencil 2.
An iPad Pro is my primary computer, so I took the Note+ 2 for a hands-on test drive.
★★★★☆
The first budget Apple Pencil is the iPad stylus students and businesspeople have been looking for. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The just-launched Apple Pencil includes USB-C charging, making it easy to use with the budget iPad. While top quality, the new model doesn’t have all the features of Apple Pencil 2 but costs $50 less.
I tested the stylus with my iPad and found reasons to like it even more than the premium version.
★★★★☆
Zagg's new iPad stylus is just right for students and businesspeople. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is ready to help you take handwritten notes on an iPad and sketch out your ideas, too. Or you can use it on your iPhone — don’t try that with Apple Pencil.
It wirelessly charges on the edge of an Apple tablet, and that’s just one of the tricks it can do.
I tested the Pro Stylus 2 with my iPad Pro and iPhone 15 and came away pleased.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad is the lowest-cost stylus made by Apple. Photo: Apple
Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad.
“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple VP of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”
The new version is $50 less than Apple Pencil 2, the premium model. But it lacks some of the features of the top-of-the-line version.
Rock Paper Pencil might make you a better digital artist. Photo: Astropad
Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil is designed for digital artists who want drawing on an iPad to feel more like using a pen on paper. It achieves this effect with an unusual combination: a screen protector and an Apple Pencil tip.
Notetakers can also appreciate not having to use the slippery glass screen of an iPad.
The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 does most of what Apple Pencil does, but costs less. Photo: Zagg
There are plenty of iPad styli, and also lots of iPhone ones. The just-launched Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is both. The colorful accessory also stands out from the crowd (and the original version) with wireless charging.
It works with a wide variety of iPad models, and launched Tuesday at a price well below Apple Pencil.
Head back to school with this affordable stylus, now only $35.97. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Going back to school means taking notes, marking up projects and assignments and perhaps a little doodling on your iPad as well. But, you can’t do any of that without a reliable and precise stylus for your tablet. While the Apple Pencil works great, it costs a lot. Fortunately, we’re offering a much more affordable iPad stylus just in time for the new school year.
The Digi Pen for iPad is designed to make it feel like you’re using pen and paper, without any of the drawbacks of those old-school school supplies. And you can save $64 on Digi Pen during our Back-to-School Sale. Through August 13 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific, you can get it for only $35.97 (regularly $99).
Accomplish more with your iPad by picking up this stylus pen for only $25. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Need more than your fingertip and a keyboard to get your point across on an iPad? An iPad stylus is an excellent option, and we’re currently offering one at a discounted price.
Much less expensive than an Apple Pencil, this one’s available for only $24.99 (regularly $39) with no coupon required. You can save almost 40% on a pen that’s perfect for designing, drawing and much more on any iPad produced since 2018.
★★★★☆
That's not a fountain pen. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Adonit Star is the stylus for iPad users who love antiques; it’s designed to look like a fountain pen, not the usual plastic pencil. Despite the traditional design, it’s a fully functional stylus that’s ready for handwritten notes or sketching out ideas.
I used it with my iPad Pro, and it works as good as it looks. Even better, it is surprisingly affordable.
It's not a fountain pen. It's Adonit Star. Photo: Adonit
Adonit Star is an iPad stylus for those who love antiques but don’t want to forgo modern technology. It’s designed to look like a fountain pen, not the usual plastic pencil.
It’s an accessory any 19th century lawyer would be proud to own. But is surprisingly affordable.
The Logitech Crayon could be a better option for iPad 10 buyers. Photo: Logitech
The latest version of the Logitech Crayon iPad stylus charges via USB-C, just like the new iPad 10. That makes it a simpler option than the Apple Pencil 1 that still uses Lightning.
The Adonit LOG wooden iPad stylus combines sustainability and functionality. Photo: Adonit
The Adonit Log is a new iPad stylus that skips the usual plastic or metal body and instead uses sustainably-sourced wood. It’s like using a pencil with your tablet.
But the stylus still includes high-tech features, including a 1-millimeter tip for high accuracy, palm rejection and a long-lasting battery.
This Apple Pencil dupe is loved by users, and it’s less than $40 today. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The Apple Pencil can open up a whole new dimension for creativity on your iPad. But does your creativity really cost $129? An Apple Pencil alternative can offer many of the same features, allowing you to sketch on your iPad — or any other tablet — without breaking the bank.
For example, the Digi Pen comes highly recommended by users. And it’s on sale right now for $39.99, more than half off its regular price.
★★★★☆
The Adonit Neo Pro is the strongest competitor for Apple Pencil yet. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Adonit Neo Pro iPad stylus gets power just by being placed on the edge of the tablet. This is a trick that used to be reserved for Apple Pencil, but no more. Even better, the stylus is well designed for note taking and sketching, and offers palm rejection and tilt sensitivity.
I’ve used the affordable iPad stylus as part of my job for over a week now. Here’s why I love it.
The Adonit Neo Pro gets power from the side of a compatible iPad, just as Apple Pencil does. But it costs much less. Photo: Adonit
Place the Adonit Neo Pro on the side of an iPad and the stylus will start charging. The Apple Pencil 2 can do the same trick, but the Neo Pro costs less than half as much.
Adonit’s stylus can do most of what Apple’s can, as it offers tilt sensitivity and palm rejection. All it’s missing is pressure sensitivity.
Break away from your desk but not your art with the Digi Pen. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Doing digital art on your tablet can be a relaxing change if you’re used to doing it hunched over a desk. With the right tools, you can turn your iPad or other tablet into your favorite art station
While Apple Pencil is great, the Digi Pen is an affordable option. This smooth, smart digital pen for tablets is on sale for $39.99 (regularly $99).
The Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad makes a great addition to an iPad, no matter where you take it. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad resists up to 99.9% of bacterial growth for the life of the product. That’s one less thing to worry about while you’re taking notes or sketching on your tablet.
I tested this stylus with my iPad Pro to be sure it’s up to the job. Here’s why the extra features Targus built in make me quite pleased with it.
You don’t need an Apple Pencil just to take notes. Consider the Adonit Neo Duo or Adonit Neo instead. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Writing on an iPad with a fingertip is ridiculous, but an Apple Pencil is overkill for many people. The Adonit Neo Duo is an active stylus with a fine tip that works well for taking notes of sketching. As a bonus, press a button and it also writes on iPhone. It even clings to the side of several iPad models.
There’s also the Adonit Neo, a simpler version that just works with iPad.
I tested the capabilities of both styli. And I found a lot to like.
Easily switch the Adonit Neo Duo between iPad and iPhone, and write accurately on either. Photo: Adonit
Whether you’re using an iPad, iPad Pro or iPhone, the just-released Adonit Neo Duo stylus is compatible. Its small writing tip mimics a pen, and the accessory clings magnetically to several iPad models.
It’s part of a new series of styli. The Adonit Neo has many of the same features as the Neo Duo but is intended specifically for iPad. And the inexpensive Adonit Neo Lite works with all touchscreen devices.
The Adonit Dash 4 looks great and can be used with either iPad or iPhone. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Adonit Dash 4 is an iPad stylus well suited for writing or drawing. And it offers something the Apple Pencil doesn’t: iPhone compatibility. The stylus flips between Apple’s tablet and handset with the push of a button. Or use it with Android.
I tried the Dash 4 with a variety of devices. Here’s what I found out.