ZNDET
If you've got an iPad, chances are you've considered getting an Apple Pencil or a similar stylus. While they all do the same thing on paper, the market is filled with numerous options. The Apple Pencil lineup certainly takes the cake in terms of popularity, but other brands offer competitive options with all the features you need.
Let's take the latest Apple Pencil Pro and a much cheaper market dupe, the ESR Geo Pencil. Apple's Pencil Pro is the latest in the series, and is compatible with iPadOS 17.5 and the iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2 and M3), and iPad mini (A17 Pro). The ESR Geo Pencil is compatible with most iPads made after 2018, including the latest 2025 models.
Also: The best iPad stylus options in 2026
At face value, the ESR Geo Pencil actually more closely imitates Apple's USB-C Pencil (which offers a wider compatibility), and as a gadgets tester here at ZDNET, I consider it modeled after three of Apple's stylus options (the Pencil Pro, Pencil 2, and Pencil USB-C).
The Pencil Pro, by comparison, is designed for the most advanced M4 and M5 iPads, and it shows. It's got advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback, double-tap, and Apple's Pencil hover. But it also comes with Apple's premium price tag.
So which should you buy? Let's break down the key differences.
You should buy the Apple Pencil Pro if...
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
1. You need the most advanced features
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