The 2nd generation of the Apple Pencil is an awesome device. At the moment, our absolute favorite stylus is the Apple Pencil 2. But is the Apple Pencil 2 worth it?
Some people consider the Apple Pencil 2 a bit too expensive for a stylus. Others who are non artists, or people who have no business with note-taking do not bother buying one. But, is the Apple Pencil 2 worth it for non artists? Is Apple’s second-generation Pencil for creative connoisseurs, art students, and artists only? Will the Apple Pencil 2 enhance your productivity?
This article answers these questions and other Apple Pencil 2-related questions you might have.
Now, let’s dig into the specifics.
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Apple Pencil 2
The Apple Pencil 2 released in 2018 is by far the best stylus for drawing, note-taking, and annotating PDFs.
Writing with the 2nd generation of the Apple Pencil is frictionless and smooth. Using the Apple Pencil 2 gives you a pen-on-paper feel. What’s more, drawing with the Apple Pencil 2 and the Procreate app is a pure joy.
Of course, the Apple Pencil 2 is pretty easy to hold and weighs 20.7 grams so you won’t have problems writing or drawing with it for long. Having said that, the Apple Pencil 2 weighs more than a standard unsharpened pencil. To get a feel for the Apple Pencil 2’s weight, a standard unsharpened pencil with an unused eraser weighs on average 6-7 grams.
We love the fact that you can attach the Apple Pencil 2 to your iPad magnetically. Being able to attach the Pencil 2 magnetically makes it a lot easier and convenient to access the stylus whenever you need it. Plus, you need not worry about misplacing the Apple Pencil 2 because it attaches to the side of the iPad pretty well.
Thankfully, unlike the Apple Pencil (1st generation) which is completely circular, the Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge which makes it somewhat difficult to roll away.
Charging Apple’s 2nd generation Pencil is as easy as attaching it to the side of your iPad.
Don’t buy it if…
You won’t draw, take notes, or annotate documents
If you do not plan to draw, take notes, or annotate PDFs and other documents using a stylus, the Apple Pencil 2 isn’t an immediate need.
You don’t have extra cash to spare
If you are on a strict and limited budget, or don’t have a dollar to spare, the Apple Pencil 2 isn’t for you.
You own an incompatible device
If you do not own an Apple Pencil 2 compatible device (more on that in a bit), steer clear of this stylus.
Apple Pencil 2 alternatives
The Apple Pencil 2 isn’t the only stylus on the market. There are alternatives. However, these alternatives are not better than the Pencil 2. The Apple Pencil 2 remains the best stylus right now.
So what are the alternatives? The Apple Pencil (1st generation), Adonit Pro 4, Wacom Bamboo Fineline 3, Adonit Pixel, and Logitech Crayon are good Apple Pencil 2 alternatives.
Be sure to check compatibility before buying one of these options.
Longevity
Some people worry about the longevity of the Apple Pencil 2. How long will the Apple Pencil 2 last? Truth is, you won’t need a replacement for a very, very long time.
Just know: the way you handle and care for the Apple Pencil 2 determines how long it would last. That said, the Apple Pencil 2 is quite durable, so you need not worry.
Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with the following iPads:
- iPad Mini (6th generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
If you don’t have one of these iPad models, but still need a stylus with the same level of performance, your best bet is to get the Apple Pencil (1st generation). The Apple Pencil (1st generation) works well with:
- iPad (6th, 7th or 8th generation)
- iPad Mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro (10.5- or 9.7-inch)
Is the Apple Pencil worth it for note-taking?
Yes, the Apple Pencil 2 is fantastic for taking notes, and annotating PDFs. The Apple Pencil 2 and Notability are a perfect match. For many, Apple’s second-generation Pencil is an indispensable stylus for note taking.
Is the Apple Pencil 2 worth it for non artists?
The Apple Pencil 2 isn’t only for digital creatives, and graphic artists. It is also a great pick for non artists who need a solid stylus that just works without issues.
How about college students?
Most college students who own iPads take notes with the Apple Pencil 2. Truth is, the Apple Pencil 2 works really well. You’d be hard pressed to find any major faults because it’s almost flawless.
Should I get my Apple Pencil 2 engraved?
If you live in a house or you’re in an office where everyone owns an Apple Pencil, then you might want to engrave yours for easy identification. In a place where there are lots of Apple Pencil users, you might pick up a Pencil from a desk and try to scribble something, only to find out that it does not belong to you.
It is worth mentioning that the Apple Pencil 2 can be engraved free if you buy it online.
All in all, choosing to engrave your Apple Pencil or not comes down to your unique situation and personal preference.
Drawbacks
We’ve admitted that the Apple Pencil 2 is a great stylus and arguably the best stylus on the market. Having said that, the Apple Pencil 2 isn’t without its faults (what gadget is?). The only major “but” here is the price. The Apple Pencil 2 is quite expensive – for a stylus, that is.
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So is the Apple Pencil 2 worth it?
In a word: yes. It is our Editors’ Choice, our all-time favorite stylus, and the best stylus on the market.
The Apple Pencil 2 is awesome for taking notes, drawing and annotating PDFs. It raises the bar for styluses, combining brilliant design, peppy performance and ease of use.
If money is no object, and you want to enhance your productivity, the Apple Pencil 2 is the way to go. We can say with confidence that the Apple Pencil 2 is absolutely worth buying.
