4 Apple Pencil Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

Introduction

For iPad users, the Apple Pencil has become more than just a stylus—it’s an essential creative tool. Whether you’re an artist sketching intricate illustrations, a student jotting down lecture notes, or a professional designing on the go, the Apple Pencil delivers precision and fluidity that elevate the iPad experience.

However, with three different Apple Pencil models now available—and several capable alternatives on the market—many users find themselves asking, "Which one should I buy?"

This article breaks down the key differences between Apple Pencil models, helping you understand which version best fits your creative workflow, device, and budget.

Overview of Apple Pencil

Since the debut of the first Apple Pencil, Apple has continually advanced the art of digital creation — transforming the iPad into a powerful canvas for artists, designers, and note-takers alike. With the arrival of the Apple Pencil Pro, the lineup reaches its most sophisticated stage yet, combining cutting-edge sensing technologies with intuitive interaction to make writing and drawing feel more natural than ever.

Whether you’re a professional illustrator, designer, student, or casual creator, Apple now offers four distinct models — Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), Apple Pencil (1st Generation), and Apple Pencil (USB-C) — each tailored to different workflows, devices, and budgets. From the Pro’s haptic feedback and barrel rotation detection to the streamlined simplicity of the USB-C model, every version enhances the creative potential of the iPad in its own unique way.

In the sections below, we’ll explore the key features, ideal users, and compatibility of each Apple Pencil to help you find the one that best fits your creative style and needs.

1. Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple’s stylus innovation, introduced in 2024 to deliver an unparalleled drawing and writing experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Built on years of refinement, it introduces advanced tactile and motion-sensing technologies that make digital creation feel more like working with traditional art tools — but with the power and flexibility of iPadOS.

🌟 Key Features

• Haptic Feedback: Provides subtle vibrations when switching tools or performing actions, giving users a more tactile and responsive feel.

• Barrel Rotation Detection: Detects the rotation of the stylus, allowing artists to control the orientation of brush strokes or pencil tips naturally — perfect for calligraphy, shading, and detailed illustrations.

• Pressure & Tilt Sensitivity: Captures the full range of motion, pressure, and tilt for lifelike line variation and shading precision.

• Squeeze Gesture: A new customizable gesture that lets you quickly access tool palettes, switch brushes, or trigger shortcuts with a gentle squeeze.

• Magnetic Attachment & Wireless Charging: Attaches magnetically to compatible iPads for secure storage, automatic pairing, and wireless charging.

• Find My Support: Built-in tracking via Apple’s Find My network ensures you’ll never lose your stylus again.

💡 Ideal For

Professional artists, designers, and creators who demand maximum control, responsiveness, and realism in their digital workflow. Perfect for apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, Affinity Designer, and Concepts, where precision and expressiveness are essential.

⚙️ Compatibility

The Apple Pencil Pro works with:

• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

• iPad Air 11-inch (M2)

• iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

2. Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

The Apple Pencil (1st Generation) is Apple’s original stylus for iPad, designed to deliver pixel-perfect precision and a natural, paper-like writing experience. Since its debut in 2015, it has remained a dependable choice for students, illustrators, and note-takers who value accuracy and smooth pen performance on compatible iPads.

🌟 Key Features

• Pixel-Perfect Precision: Offers extremely low latency and high accuracy, making drawing, sketching, and handwriting feel natural.

• Pressure & Tilt Sensitivity: Detects subtle pressure and tilt variations for shading, calligraphy, and fine-line detail.

• Lightning Charging: Charges via the iPad’s Lightning connector; simply plug it in for pairing and quick power-up.

• Instant Responsiveness: Works seamlessly with Apple’s native apps (Notes, Markup, Freeform) and creative tools like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Notability.

💡 Ideal For

Students, casual artists, and digital note-takers using older iPad models — especially those that don’t support magnetic charging or USB-C connectivity.

⚙️ Compatibility

The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) works with:

• iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen)

• iPad mini (5th Gen)

• iPad Air (3rd Gen)

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st & 2nd Gen)

• iPad Pro 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch

3. Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

The Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), launched in 2018, refined every detail of the original design. It features a sleek matte finish and a flat magnetic edge that attaches directly to the iPad for wireless charging and pairing — keeping the stylus secure, charged, and always ready to use.

Performance is where it truly shines. With ultra-low latency, pressure and tilt sensitivity, and the intuitive double-tap gesture, artists can effortlessly switch tools, sketch, or shade with precision. It also integrates seamlessly with iPadOS features such as Scribble, Quick Note, and hover preview (available on M2 iPad models), offering a fluid, desktop-like creative experience.

The ergonomic balance and lightweight design make it ideal for long sessions in apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Concepts, where accuracy and speed are key.

🌟 Key Features

• Magnetic Charging & Pairing: Snaps onto the iPad edge for automatic pairing and wireless charging.

• Pressure & Tilt Sensitivity: Captures delicate variations in stroke width, shading, and pressure.

• Gesture Control: Double-tap to switch tools instantly without breaking workflow.

• Seamless Integration: Fully compatible with iPadOS creative tools and gestures.

💡 Ideal For

Professional illustrators, designers, and note-takers who need high precision, fast response, and a seamless creative workflow.

⚙️ Compatibility

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) works with:

• iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen and newer)

• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen and newer)

• iPad Air (4th Gen and newer)

• iPad mini (6th Gen)

4. Apple Pencil (USB-C)

✏️ Apple Pencil (USB-C) — Simplicity Meets Versatility

Introduced in 2023, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) delivers a more affordable and streamlined experience, perfect for students and casual creators. It connects via a hidden sliding USB-C port under the top cap, making pairing and charging quick and convenient — no adapters required.

Although it lacks pressure sensitivity and gesture support, it still offers tilt functionality and pixel-level precision, making it well-suited for sketching, note-taking, and everyday use. Its matte finish provides a comfortable grip, while the lightweight design enhances portability.

The USB-C model’s broad compatibility with modern iPads ensures easy setup and reliability without the premium cost of higher-end versions.

🌟 Key Features

• USB-C Charging & Pairing: Simple, direct connection through the stylus itself.

• Tilt Sensitivity: Allows natural shading and angle-based control.

• High Precision & Low Latency: Ideal for handwriting, annotation, and light drawing.

• Magnetic Attachment: Snaps to the side of compatible iPads for storage (does not charge magnetically).

💡 Ideal For

Students, hobbyists, and everyday users who want reliable Apple Pencil performance without needing advanced features.

⚙️ Compatibility

The Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with:

• iPad (10th Gen)

• iPad Air (4th Gen and newer)

• iPad mini (6th Gen)

• All iPad Pro models with USB-C ports

Apple Pencil Comparison Table

XPPen Drawing Stylus: A better writing and painting experience

Beyond the Apple Pencil, drawing tablet manufacturers like XPPen and Huion offer EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) pens that deliver even higher pressure sensitivity and precision, providing a more natural and detailed drawing experience.

Unlike the Apple Pencil, which uses an internal battery and Bluetooth connection, XPPen’s pens are battery-free and powered wirelessly by the tablet. This means no charging, lighter weight, and effortless maintenance—all, all without sacrificing accuracy or responsiveness.

1. The X4 Smart Chip Stylus

At the heart of XPPen’s latest innovation lies the X4 Smart Chip Stylus, setting a new benchmark for precision and responsiveness in digital drawing. It features:

• 2g initial activation force, capturing even the lightest touch with effortless control.

• 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity for ultra-smooth, natural transitions.

• Enhanced accuracy (±0.2mm) and minimal jitter for perfectly consistent strokes.

• Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

With its upgraded smart chip and improved stability, the X4 Smart Chip Stylus delivers a truly paper-like experience—ideal for digital artists, designers, and students who demand precision, fluidity, and comfort in every stroke.

2. XPPen X3 & X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus

The X3 Smart Chip Stylus marked XPPen’s first major leap into smart chip technology, bringing digital pens into a new era of accuracy and control. Powered by EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology, it eliminates the need for charging or batteries while maintaining a natural, responsive writing experience.

The X3 Stylus features:

• 3g initial activation force, 10× more sensitive than traditional styluses.

• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for smooth, gradual transitions between strokes.

• ±0.5mm accuracy and 0.6mm tip travel, ensuring stability and comfort for extended use.

• Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux devices.

Building on that foundation, the X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus—used in the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad (MDP)—delivers professional-grade precision with:

• 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, doubling the resolution of the X3.

• 3g activation force and improved response time for balanced sensitivity and stability.

• Enhanced tip control, with twice the stability of the original X3 for smoother, more accurate lines.

• 0.6mm tip travel, providing a natural pen-to-surface feel.

Both the X3 and X3 Pro represent XPPen’s dedication to evolving pen performance through chip innovation. The X3 is ideal for students, casual artists, and creators seeking precision and affordability, while the X3 Pro is built for professionals who demand consistent accuracy and a premium, lag-free drawing experience.

Apple Pencil vs. XPPen X4 Stylus: The key difference?

Conclusion

If you’re an iPad-exclusive user, the Apple Pencil remains the best choice—offering seamless integration, top-tier performance, and excellent software support.

However, if your workflow spans multiple platforms or you want professional performance without the premium price, the XPPen X3 or X4 stylus offers remarkable value.

Ultimately, your ideal stylus depends on your device ecosystem, creative workflow, and budget—but with today’s technology, you can’t go wrong with either option.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use the Apple Pencil with non-Apple devices?

No. Apple Pencil only works with compatible iPads. It cannot be used with Android tablets, Windows PCs, or drawing displays.

Q2: Is the XPPen stylus compatible with iPads?

No. XPPen styluses are designed for use with XPPen drawing tablets and displays, not iPads. However, they are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices, offering broad flexibility across digital art platforms.

Q3: Which stylus is better for professional digital art?

Both the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and XPPen’s X3 Pro/X4 styluses deliver professional-grade precision and responsiveness. If you primarily use an iPad, the Apple Pencil is the ideal choice. However, if you work across multiple platforms or need a full-featured drawing display, pairing the XPPen X3 Pro or X4 stylus with an XPPen pen display (such as the Artist 12 3rd or Magic Drawing Pad) provides a more versatile and advanced creative setup.

Q4: Do XPPen pens require charging?

No. XPPen styluses use passive EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology, which means they don’t require charging or batteries — offering a truly hassle-free, always-ready drawing experience.

Q5: Which one offers better value for beginners?

The XPPen Artist 12 3rd is a lightweight and portable drawing display designed to inspire creativity anywhere. Featuring the latest X4 Smart Chip Stylus, 16K ultra-fine pressure sensitivity, and a new X-Dial dual shortcut wheel, it offers both precision and flexibility for artists, students, and designers alike. It’s a perfect entry point for students and new digital artists who want a smooth, natural drawing experience without the premium cost of an iPad setup.