Though I still won’t call iPad Pro 2021 a full-fledged replacement for a laptop, I must say that the tablet has gotten a lot closer to being perfect. Be it the powerful Apple M1 chip, the beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display, or the much-improved iPadOS 14, the new iPad Pro models leave little room for complaint. But, as has always been the case, you need to invest in accessories like Apple Pencil to unlock the full potential of Apple’s high-end tablet. And this is where these 8 best Apple Pencil alternatives for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 come into play.
What should you expect from these Apple Pencil substitutes? While only a handful of premium styluses for iPad Pro 2021 come on par with the pixel-perfect precision and low latency of the Apple Pencil, flexibility is the one department where they have an edge.
- Logitech Crayon
- Wacom Bamboo Fineline
- Adonit Dash 3
- Renaisser
- ZAGG Pro Stylus
- ESR
- Jamjake
- Homder Fun
1. Logitech Crayon
Sporting a pretty compact design, Logitech Crayon has got all the bases covered to be one of the best Apple Pencil alternatives for iPad Pro 2021. The flat design not only enhances grip but also prevents the digital pen from rolling off desks.
Cons:
- Comparatively less battery life
- Requires Lightning cable for charging
Wacom is well-known for producing top-of-the-line digital pens. And well, its Bamboo Fineline stylus looks premium from every aspect. The stylus has a profile that can easily appeal to pros. The ergonomic triangular design coupled with the skid-proof soft-touch finish provides enhanced grip. Therefore, you will feel comfortable holding the digital pen while drawing, writing, or note-taking.
Pros:
Cons:
If ease of use and universal support is what you after, Adonit Dash 3 could be a more suitable answer to your needs. The stylus features a modern-looking design thanks to the aluminum construction with a precision finish that also plays a vital role in enhancing grip.
Adonit claims that the digital pen features a PixelPoint tip that is pretty responsive. Hence, you can use it to draw, sketch, and take notes with the needed responsiveness on your new iPad Pro 2021. While Dash 3 can’t go head-to-head against the precision that Apple Pencil delivers, it won’t disappoint you either.
4. Renaisser
Renaisser is the sort of stylus that aims to deliver the best of both worlds – a great drawing experience and a competitive price point. If you want your digital pen to check off this important point, it would be apt to give seriously consider buying the Renaisser stylus for your iPad Pro in 2021.
- Neat design with anti-slip grip
- Provides pen-on-paper experience
- Magnetic attachment
- 15 minute of charge offers 70 hours of battery life
Cons:
There are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on ZAGG Pro Stylus. First and foremost, the digital pen features a dual-tip to let you draw, write, and sketch with better control. To be more precise, you can use the universal capacitive backend tip to navigate and scroll and take advantage of the active tip to write or draw.
In terms of compatibility, ZAGG Pro Stylus works with almost all the apps that support Apple Pencil. So, I don’t you will have to deal with incompatibility issues in most cases. Besides, it delivers up to 9 hours of battery life which could be more than enough to last multiple drawing and writing sessions. Keeping these features in mind, the ZAGG Pro Stylus seems to be a strong contender for the Apple Pencil.
Though ESR is better known as a case maker that produces affordable yet high-quality covers, the company has introduced a pretty neat stylus pen that can comfortably fit most wallets. Design-wise, it looks similar to Apple Pencil. The flat sides ensure you have the needed hold to sketch pictures or write notes.
- The power button feels a bit stiff
If all you need is a decent stylus that enables you to draw, sketch, and write with ease at a relatively low price point, this offering from Homder Fun would be a worthy pick. The stylus is well-built and features flat sides for an anti-slip grip. Made of high-grade aluminum alloy, this digital pen can also endure impacts and drops. With the 1.2mm carbon fiber tip, it is equally capable as the Apple Pencil.
Furthermore, the Homder Fun stylus also supports palm rejection technology, ensuring you can rest your palm on the screen while drawing or taking notes. Just like other affordably-priced Apple Pencil alternatives, it also doesn’t require a Bluetooth connection or the installation of any app.
