For more than one reason, the all-new iPad 8 is a complete entry-level iPad for most people. Be it the solid 10.2″ Retina display, robust A12 Bionic chip, or the much-improved cameras, the tablet shines where it really counts. And that too at a price tag ($329) that can comfortably fits into most wallets. Of course, if you want to enhance the functionality of your iPad, you will need to buy an accessory like Apple Pencil or keyboard case. Just in case you find the $99 price tag of Apple Pencil 1st-generation a bit too much for your budget, here are the 10 best Apple Pencil alternatives for iPad 8 lined up just for you.
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives for iPad 8
While no one can deny the excellent precision and sensitivity that the original Apple Pencil delivers, the digital pen lacks an ergonomic design. Besides, it supports only the iPad and comes in just white color.
What if you want a stylus that not only works with iPad but also iPhone (why not with the large-screen devices like iPhone 11 Pro Max) and comes in some nice-looking colors? This is where the third-party styluses come into the reckoning.
Many of them sport better design and come at a fraction of Apple Pencil’s price. Not to mention, most of them also work pretty well with the iPhone. Now that you know what these top Apple Pencil alternatives for the 8th-gen iPad have in store, let’s get started with the roundup!
1. Adonit Pixel
If versatility and high-efficiency rank right at the top in your priority list, look no further than Adonit Pixel. The stylus has got a modern-looking design that not only lives up to mark but also enhances your drawing and note-taking experience. And yes, it can even go head-to-head against Apple’s first-gen Apple Pencil on most fronts.
Probably the best part about Adonit Pixel is the improved 1.9mm Pixel point tip that offers better accuracy. Besides, the point tip also provides a paper-like drag to make writing and drawing feel more fluid. In terms of fluidity, Adonit Pixel is on par with Apple Pencil.
Better still, Adonit Pixel also features enhanced pressure sensitivity and palm rejection technology. Courtesy the 2048 levels of pressure and the reliable palm rejection, you will love sketching, drawing, or taking note. As for connectivity, it uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPad fast.
On top of all, it’s also compatible with a ton of apps including Goodnotes, Photoshop sketch, Procreate, Concepts, Note plus, Illustrator draw, Autodesk sketchbook, and more. So, you can use it to carry out various tasks. Taking everything into account, Adonit Pixel is a complete alternative to Apple Pencil.
Key Features:
- A modern-looking design
- Improved 1.9mm Pixel point tip
- Enhanced pressure sensitivity
- Compatible with a ton of apps
Buy from Amazon: $74.28
2. Logitech Crayon
Another digital pen that can take on Apple Pencil head-on is none other than Logitech Crayon. It features a good-looking profile that offers the needed grip so that you can hold the stylus comfortably. In terms of gripping, I find it better than the 1st-gen Apple Pencil.
When it comes to palm rejection, Crayon is top-notch, allowing you to rest your palm on the screen with the desired convenience while writing, drawing, or editing photos. One of my favorite features of Crayon is the smoothness with which it handles different tasks. For instance, you can quickly tilt the smart tip to get a thicker or thinner line while drawing amazing pictures.
Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the quick connection. To get going, all you need to do is just turn on the stylus. Furthermore, Logitech Crayon supports hundreds of Apple Pencil supported apps, ensuring you can use the digital pencil to go about your business without having to face compatibility issues.
Key Features:
- Apple approved
- Good-looking design
- Better grip
- Instantly connects to the iPad
- Supports hundreds of Apple Pencil supported apps
Buy from Amazon: $69.95
3. ESR
Sporting a pretty lightweight and sleek design, ESR stylus has got all the bases covered to be a fairly good alternative to Apple Pencil (1st generation). For starters, the digital pen offers a much-improved grip which plays a vital role in enhancing your experience. Thanks to palm-rejection technology, you will feel comfortable while using the stylus.
Moreover, ESR stylus also offers pixel-perfect precision so that you can draw and take notes with the desired flow. Though it can’t make a match with Apple Pencil in terms of precision, you will find it up to the task.
Another feature that makes ESR’s offering a notable substitute for Apple Pencil is the ability to work instantly without needing to be paired via Bluetooth. So, you can just turn on the stylus and start sketching your imagination.
What’s more, it comes with a fully capable battery that can last up to 12 hours after just one hour of charging. Oh yes, it can run for up to 1 hour after just 5 minutes of charging, which is yet another plus.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Much-improved grip
- Last up to 12 hours after just one hour of charging
- Work up to 1 hour after just 5 minutes of charging
- No pairing required
Buy from Amazon: $38.99
4. Ankace
While Ankace may not be a popular name like some of its counterparts, it’s got the quality to be a handy replacement for Apple Pencil. The stylus has an incredibly lightweight design and looks quite similar to Apple’s digital pen Thanks to the useful tilt function, it allows you to draw and sketch with the desired precision.
Notably, it features a replaceable nib and comes with the essential palm-rejection technology. Besides, the 1.2mm POM tip is able to carry out sketching and drawing tasks without any lag.
Furthermore, Ankace doesn’t require a Bluetooth connection. That means you can just turn it on and start working. As for battery life, the company says that it can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, which is a big plus. In a nutshell, it’s an affordable substitute for Apple Pencil which you can buy to use with your iPad 8.
Key Features:
- Impressive lightweight design
- Useful tilt function
- 1.2mm POM tip
- Can last up to 20 hours on a single charge
Buy from Amazon: $39.99
5. JAMJAKE
Going by the sheer numbers (4.6 stars out of more than 10.5K ratings), this offering from JAMJAKE appears to be one of the most popular styluses on Amazon. The digital pencil features a better-looking design that can offer the essential grip so that you can hold it perfectly while carrying out your task.
Design-wise, JAMJAKE looks slightly better than the 1st-gen Apple Pencil. Besides, it has a 1.5mm pen tip that’s quite efficient for drawing or sketching. You can also use it to jot down your thoughts.
As for the natural writing feeling, it shouldn’t disappoint you courtesy the inclusion of the palm-rejection technology. Furthermore, it doesn’t require Bluetooth to connect with your iPad and offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. Priced at $34, it’s also among the cheapest Apple Pencil alternatives for iPad 8.
Key Features:
- Grippy design
- Doesn’t require Bluetooth to connect to the iPad
- 1.5mm pen tip
- Delivers up to 20 hours on a single charge
Buy from Amazon: $33.99
6. Blooding Stylus Pen
Another stylus that packs a solid punch way above its weight is Blooding. Unlike the original Apple Pencil, it features a modern-looking form-factor. Plus, the exterior also offers much better ergonomics that make it easier for your fingers to grip.
Like most of its counterparts, Blooding also comes with the palm rejection technology to provide a natural writing feeling. So, whether you are drawing pictures, writing stories, or editing images, it can live up to the task.
The 1.2mm nib may not be as sensitive and precise as that of Apple Pencil, but it shouldn’t disappoint you. As it doesn’t need Bluetooth or any app to pair with your iPad, you can simply turn it on and start using it. Keeping in mind these notable specs, Blooding seems to be a great pick at $30.
Key Features:
- Trendy form-factor
- 1.2mm nib
- Works efficiently
- Doesn’t require an app or Bluetooth to pair with the iPad
Buy from Amazon: $29.99
7. Milemont
For the folks who are looking for a decent Apple Pencil substitute at a cheap price point, Milemont is worth checking out. For all being in the cheap category, it has got a neat design that has a lot of similarities with Apple’s offering.
Being slim and lightweight, it’s convenient to hold. One of my favorite features of this digital pencil is the integration of an additional fine pen point which comes in handy for selecting tiny icons.
Furthermore, the nib is quite sensitive, allowing you to write thoughts and draw without any pain. As for the connection, all you need to do to get started is to activate it, which is more helpful than using an app or Bluetooth. Lastly, Milemont delivers up to 10 hours of battery life and is priced at $26.
Key Features:
- Slim and lightweight
- Convenient to hold
- The integration of an additional fine pen point
- Delivers up to 10 hours of battery life
Buy from Amazon: $25.99
8. MPIO
For drawing fascinating pictures or sketching images, you can’t go wrong with MPIO. The stylus features an ergonomic design that graces your fingers with much-improved gripping. So, just in case you find the original Apple Pencil a bit slippery, MPIO would be a fine substitute.
Beyond design, MPIO has a 1.0mm fine tip that can’t deliver the same level of sensitivity that Apple Pencil is known for. However, you can count on it to get through the usual tasks like drawing and writing without any noticeable lag.
That’s not all, MPIO also has the trusted palm rejection feature that ensures you don’t need to use a glove while writing. From a user’s perspective, it’s a must-have feature. So, I’m glad that the accessory has included it.
Additionally, it delivers up to 20 hours of battery life which should be more than enough to last multiple stints. Overall, MPIO is among the best Apple Pencil alternatives for the 8th-gen iPad.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Decent sensitivity
- Can run up to 20 hours after being charged
- Auto turn off
Buy from Amazon: $29.99
9. KSW KINGDO
Whether you find Apple Pencil’s white color boring for your taste or you are hunting for an attractive digital pen, KSW KINGDO is the one I would recommend you to check out. For starters, it showcases a sleek profile that looks way better than that of the original Apple Pencil.
Plus, KSW KINGDO comes in multiple color variants including the eye-popping pink, ever-green silver, and the stylish navy blue. Beyond design, it’s also up to the mark when it comes to drawing and writing. With the 1.4mm fine tip, it offers the required control while drawing.
In terms of battery life, KSW KINGDO can last up to 10 hours. As compared to many other Apple Pencil substitutes, the battery life does seem below par. However, you can count on it to easily last 2-3 normal sessions of writing. Being available for $30, it deserves a shot on your iPad 8 as a reliable digital pen.
Key Features:
- Attractive design
- Comes in multiple color variants
- 1.4mm fine tip
- 10 hours of decent battery life
Buy from Amazon: $29.99
10. Domiy
Well, I have specifically picked out Domiy for the folks who just need a simple stylus that can do all the basic stuff. If that’s you, you should give a close look at it.
The stylus has a 1.4mm tip which is fully capable to deliver desired control while sketching or taking notes. And with the palm rejection feature at the disposal, you can rest your hand on the screen to write or draw with the desired peace of mind.
On the battery life front, Domiy can run continuously for up to 10-12 hours after being fully charged. Thanks to the 30-minute automatic power-off functionality, it also cuts down unnecessary power consumption. Priced at $16, it can certainly claim to be a cheap yet quite efficient Apple Pencil competitor.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and grippy
- 1.5mm tip
- Can run continuously for up to 10-12 hours
- 30-minute automatic power-off functionality
Buy from Amazon: $29.99
Top Apple Pencil Alternatives for iPad 8
There you go! So, these are the highly-rated Apple Pencil substitutes for the 8th-generation iPad. Despite being priced less than Apple’s offering, they are quite efficient. Whether you enjoy drawing or like to jot down your thoughts, they have got the qualities to live up to the expectation.
What’s more, many of them offer better gripping and also come in some good-looking color variants. Thus, you can pick the stylus that can get along nicely with your iPad and your profile.
It’s worth noting that we have also rounded up the best Apple Pencil 2 alternatives for iPad Air 4. Also, check out the highly protective cases and screen guards for iPad 8 if you want to safeguard the beautiful Retina display against scratches.
By the way, which one of these digital pens has caught your eyes? Do let us know your top pick in the comments below.
Anshuman Jain
Sagnik Das Gupta
