Head-to-head · Best iPad Stylus Alternatives

Adonit Note+ 2 vs Metapen Pencil A8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Metapen Pencil A8 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Budget-focused students and note-takers who want near-Apple-Pencil everyday writing and tilt for the lowest price. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best iPad Stylus Alternatives

Adonit Note+ 2

3.6

4 sources$70as of Aug 1

The Adonit Note+ 2 is the alternative for aspiring iPad artists: it is the only stylus here with genuine 2,048-level pressure sensitivity, plus two programmable shortcut buttons and three interchangeable nibs. AppleInsider rated it 3.5/5 and Laptop Mag called it a stroke of excellence. The catch reviewers stress is that pressure and shortcuts only work in select apps, and setup can be fiddly, but no rival here offers pressure at this price.

Strengths

— Genuine 2,048-level pressure sensitivity, rare among alternatives
— Two programmable shortcut buttons for tools and colors
— Three interchangeable nibs of varying hardness

Watch-outs

— Pressure sensitivity only works in select compatible apps
— Software compatibility is finicky to configure
— Durability raises long-term doubts per reviewers

$70 · Buy at adonit.net Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best iPad Stylus Alternatives

Metapen Pencil A8

4.5

2 sourcesall derived$24.99as of Aug 1

The Metapen Pencil A8 is the best budget Apple Pencil alternative: a tilt-sensitive, pixel-precise stylus that reviewers say writes virtually identically to an Apple Pencil for everyday notes and sketching, all for around $27. It charges fully in 30 minutes for up to 10 hours of use and carries a 4.5-star average across tens of thousands of reviews. It skips pressure sensitivity and magnetic charging, but the value is unmatched.

Strengths

— Writes virtually identically to an Apple Pencil for everyday use
— Tilt sensitivity for varied line weights and shading
— Pixel-level 0.1mm accuracy with no breakpoints or lag

Watch-outs

— No pressure sensitivity for pro art apps
— No magnetic wireless charging like the ZAGG
— Plastic build feels less premium than aluminum rivals

$24.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Adonit Note+ 2

The Adonit Note+ 2 is the only pressure-sensitive stylus in this group, the key differentiator over the Logitech Crayon, ZAGG Pro Stylus 2, Metapen A8 and JAMJAKE, which all lack pressure. It adds programmable buttons and interchangeable nibs the others do not have, but its app-dependent features and durability concerns mean the Crayon remains the more reliable everyday writer.

Metapen Pencil A8

The Metapen A8 is the value champion of this group, undercutting the Logitech Crayon, ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 and Adonit Note+ 2 by a wide margin while still offering tilt sensitivity and lag-free writing. Like the Crayon, ZAGG and JAMJAKE it has no pressure sensitivity, so the Adonit Note+ 2 stays the artist's pick, and unlike the ZAGG it lacks magnetic wireless charging, but no other stylus here matches its price-to-performance.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Adonit Note+ 2	Metapen Pencil A8
Compatibility	iPads 2018 and later	iPads 2018 and later
Pressure Sensitivity	2,048 levels (app-dependent)	No
Tilt Support	Yes	Yes
Buttons	2 programmable shortcuts	—
Nibs	3 interchangeable (soft/medium/hard)	—
Battery	8 hrs (1-hr charge)	Up to 10 hrs
Charging	USB-C	USB-C (30-min full charge)
Weight	14 g	—
Palm Rejection	—	Yes
Accuracy	—	0.1 mm
Tip Durability	—	20 km test
Material	—	Aluminum

← See the full ranking of best ipad stylus alternatives