Buddi Active Stylus pen: the affordable Apple Pencil for every iPad

Would you like an Apple Pencil, but do you think it is too expensive? Then this affordable buddi pen as an alternative to the Apple Pencil might be something for you!

Buddi Active Stylus pen: the affordable Apple Pencil

We’ll admit it right away: the Apple Pencil is handy to have, but if you don’t plan to draw, such a pen is quite a bit on the pricey side. For the Apple Pencil with USB-C you pay around 100 euros, and for the Apple Pencil 2 you even spend a lot more.

In that case, the buddi-pen Active Stylus pen is a good alternative. This pen looks like a cross between the Apple Pencil 2 and the Apple Pencil with USB-C. The fact that it looks like the ‘real’ Apple Pencil is nice, but even better is its price. You only pay for the buddi pen 24.95 euros. In this review we tested the Active Stylus pen from buddi for you!

The buddi pen in use

When you hold the Buddi Pen in your hand, it feels almost the same as the Apple Pencil. Connecting it is a bit different, because you first have to switch this pen on with the button on top of the pen. Then you can start immediately, the pen will connect automatically.

The buddi pen is good, very good even, for all house, garden and kitchen tasks on the tablet. This pen is also great for drawing, but then you miss an important function that the Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2 have: pressure sensitivity. With the buddi pen it is not possible to draw thicker (or thinner) lines by pressing harder (or softer) on the pen. Important to know: the Apple Pencil with USB-C does not have this function either.

Just like the Apple Pencil with USB-C, this Buddi pen has a USB-C port at the end of the pen. It is always in sight and that is a shame. This makes the pen look a little less finished and dirt and dust can easily get into the port. There is also no cap to close this port.

To charge the pen, use the supplied USB cable (USB-C to USB-A). A charging pad is not included. By charging the buddi pen for 15 minutes, you can use it for about 12 hours.

Do you have an iPad with a USB-C connection? You can also charge the Buddi Pen that way, but you do need a USB-C cable (with a USB-C connection on both sides). You cannot use the buddi pen while charging.

Do you have an iPad that supports the Apple Pencil 2? Then you click the buddi pen onto the magnetic side of the tablet. And no, the pen will not be charged like the Apple Pencil 2 does.

There is still more that can be added

In addition to a quick manual and the charging cable, you will also find an extra pen nib in the box. This tip also fits a real Apple Pencil and feels exactly like Apple’s on the screen.

If you look closely, the tip is a bit less smooth, but you won’t notice this during use. Nice detail: you can also use the tips of Apple’s pen on the buddi pen.

Conclusion buddi Active Stylus pen review

If you want an Apple Pencil, but are not sure whether you will actually use it a lot, the buddi pen is a great alternative. It is an excellent buy for small drawings, taking notes or using the pen as a tablet control.

The lack of pressure sensitivity is a shame, but you will only notice that if you plan to draw enthusiastically on the iPad. It is also a pity that the USB-C port at the top of the Buddi Pen is not behind a slider or cap.

However, these negatives pale into insignificance if you take the price into account. This gives you a pretty good ‘sort of’ Apple Pencil. And another advantage: this pen can be used on all iPads with Apple Pencil support!

Buy Apple Pencil

Do you still want to buy a real Apple Pencil? Then you have to pay close attention. Not every Apple Pencil works on every iPad. In that case, first read our purchasing advice for the Apple Pencil.

Read more: Apple Pencil buying advice – which pen should you buy

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