Looking for a simple stylus for your iPad to make it easy to operate? The Apple Pencil is then a fairly pricey option. Bee iPhoned we have therefore listed the best alternatives to the Pencil.
What is an Apple Pencil
With the Apple Pencil you can operate your iPad with slightly more precision than with your fingers. This has a number of advantages, such as avoiding fingerprints on your screen and the option to select specific items on your tablet more accurately.
You can also use the Apple Pencil to take notes in apps such as Goodnotes or Notability. For creatives, the stylus is also an indispensable tool, because drawing and sketching on an iPad feels more natural with a stylus in apps such as Procreate.
Apple Pencil in short
Different versions
There are three different variants of this Pencil available: the Apple Pencil 1st generation, Apple Pencil 2nd generation and finally the Apple Pencil with USB-C connection. You can charge the 1st Apple Pencil via the Lightning port of your iPad. Keep an eye on: the Apple Pencil 1 does not support the iPad Pro 2022 and the iPad Air 2022.
A while ago, Apple also presented the new Apple Pencil, which is equipped with USB-C. This latest Pencil looks like a cross between the Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2. As the name suggests, the new version contains a USB-C connection. It is also possible to magnetically click the Pencil onto the iPad Pro and iPad Air 2022, among others
Prices of the Apple Pencil
The price of the Apple Pencil is often something to take into account. For example, the entry-level model, the Apple Pencil 1, costs 119 euros. You pay even more for the Apple Pencil 2, namely: 149 euros. If you prefer an Apple Pencil with a USB-C connection, you can easily pay 95 euros. Below we have listed the best prices for the different Apple Pencil models.
- Apple Pencil 1: for 119 euros – Amazon
- Apple Pencil 2: from 135 euros for 129.95 euros – Belsimpel
- Apple Pencil USB-C: for 95 euros – MediaMarkt
Alternatives to the Apple Pencil
There are now also various alternatives to the Apple Pencil available. And the great thing about this is: they are often a lot cheaper. We have selected two (with the best price) for you below!
#1. Logitech Crayon: the best alternative
Logitech’s Crayon is the best alternative. This colorful stylus is certainly on par with the more expensive Apple Pencils. The stylus has an aluminum exterior with a wide grip, so it fits firmly in the hand. The only thing you miss is the pressure sensitivity, but that is only important if you want to draw professionally.
The Crayon connects directly to the iPad as soon as it’s turned on, so you can start drawing right away. With one battery charge, the Crayon lasts no less than 7.5 hours.
You normally pay 60 euros for the Logitech Crayon. However, you can now get this stylus at a small discount. This is what the pen costs at Amazon now 57 euros. That is of course still a lot cheaper than an Apple Pencil.
#2. Buddi Active Stylus: the affordable Apple Pencil
This stylus combines features of both the Apple Pencil 2 and the Apple Pencil with USB-C. The fact that it looks quite a lot like the ‘real’ Apple Pencil is of course a bonus, but even better is the price of this stylus. You just pay 24.95 euros for this Buddi pen.
Just like the Apple Pencil with USB-C, the Buddi Pen is also equipped with a USB-C port at the end of the pen. However, this is always visible, unlike with the Apple Pencil USB-C. This makes the pen seem a little less refined and there is more chance of dirt and dust in the port. In addition, no cap is included to close this port. But in terms of performance, it is on par with an Apple Pencil, although you also have to make do without pressure sensitivity.
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