styluses

Turn your iPad into an art studio with this top-rated digital pen

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Get more than half off this top-rated tablet pen today.  
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.

Apple Pencil 2 drops to lowest-ever price

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Apple Pencil 2 in hand
Now's your chance to bag a great stylus at its lowest price ever.
Photo:

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.

Premium iPad stylus takes on Apple Pencil with pressure sensitivity and buttons [Review] ★★★

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Adonit Note+ 2 review★★★
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.

New USB-C Apple Pencil is lower in price but not usability [Review] ★★★★

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Apple Pencil (USB-C)★★★★
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.

This brilliant iPad stylus also works with iPhone [Review] ★★★★

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Zagg Pro Stylus 2 review★★★★
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.

Get ready to grab the first budget Apple Pencil

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Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad
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.

Draw more easily on iPad with screen protector and Apple Pencil tip combo

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Astropad Rock Paper Pencil includes both iPad screen protector and Apple Pencil tip.
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.

Zagg’s colorful new stylus works with both iPhone and iPad

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Zagg Pro Stylus 2
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.

This pixel-precise stylus for iPad (and other tablets) costs less than $36

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This pixel-precise digital pen for iPad and other tablets is now under $36.
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).

This versatile stylus can increase your iPad efficiency for just $25

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This versatile pen tool can increase your iPad efficiency for just $25.
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.

Adonit Star brilliantly merges iPad stylus with fountain pen [Review] ★★★★

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Adonit Star iPhone stylus review★★★★
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.

Go old school with this wooden iPad stylus

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Go old school with this wooden iPad stylus
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.

Looking for an Apple Pencil alternative? This Digi Pen comes highly rated and only costs $40.

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Boost your creativity with this five-star Apple Pencil alternative, more than half off now.
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.

This iPad stylus steals Apple Pencil’s best feature [Review] ★★★★

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Adonit Neo Pro review★★★★
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.

Adonit’s inexpensive new iPad stylus offers on-tablet wireless charging

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Adonit's inexpensive new iPad stylus offers on-tablet wireless charging
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.

Draw the line with this affordable digital pen for iPads

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Transform your iPad into an art tablet with this $40 gadget.
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).

Clever iPad stylus defends itself against germs [Review]

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Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad review
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.

Write easily and accurately on iPad or iPhone with this active stylus [Review]

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Adonit Neo Duo and Adonit Neo review
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.

Adonit Neo Duo stylus works wonders on iPhone as well as iPad

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Adonit Neo Duo stylus works wonders on iPhone as well as iPad
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.

New Adonit active stylus works with both iPad and iPhone [Review]

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Adonit Dash 4 review
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.

This iPhone and iPad stylus will drive your co-workers mad with envy [Review]

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Stand out in the boardroom with Adonit Prime iPhone/iPad stylus [Review]
The Adonit Prime looks like a top-tier writing instrument. But it’s a high-quality stylus for either iPhone or iPad.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Adonit Prime is a stylus for iPhone or iPad that combines a premium form with top-quality function. It’s for anyone not satisfied with everyday styli — anybody who wants one that stands out from the crowd.

I tried both the Prime – Dash (the version for iPhone) and the Prime – Note (for iPad). Here’s why they would be at home on any executive’s desk.

With Father’s Day coming up, the Adonit Prime might be just right for the dad who has everything.

Adonit Prime is a stylus fit for a king

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Adonit Prime is an iPad or iPhone stylus fit for a king
Dress to impress with the Adonit Prime iPad or iPhone stylus.
Photo: Adonit

The Adonit Prime is a stylus for the luxury shopper. There are versions for Apple tablets or iPhone, and both are made with premium materials.

With a price of $250, the Prime is for business professionals who want a digital stylus for the boardroom or office. A desktop charging stand both stores and shows off the accessory.

EasyPencil Plus is like Apple Pencil lite [Review]

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SwitchEasy EasyPencil Plus review: Inexpensive iPad stylus
This isn’t an Apple Pencil, though the SwitchEasy EasyPencil Plus looks much like Apple’s iPad stylus.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The SwitchEasy EasyPencil Plus is an iPad stylus that does most of what Apple Pencil does for a lot less money. It even magnetically clings to the iPad Pro, and works with a broad variety of Apple tablets.

I used the stylus for taking notes, sketching and photo editing. Here’s how it stood up to my everyday life.