Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil 2: Which one is best for you?

Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil 2 - both Pencils next to each other
(Image credit: Future/Apple)

When we set out writing this Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil 2 article, we thought there'd be an obvious winner. After all, the 2 is the more expensive, more up-to-date model. But actually both styluses can be a brilliant choice for digital artists wanting to use their iPad for drawing, as they both offer sophisticated artistry features such as tilt sensitivity and pressure sensitivity, and of course, differ in price. It just depends what you need from the stylus and how much you want to spend on it.

Apple's digital drawing offer has changed from the first generations of the iPad, and it has now evolved into one of the most compelling experiences around for digital artists. If you can afford it, the best combo is an Apple Pencil 2 with an iPad Pro. For digital drawing, you can't really do better – as our best tablets with a stylus guide shows, in which it beats dedicated drawing tablets from the likes of Wacom. It's that good. It could be that the original pencil (which came out in 2015) is a better shout for you. It all depends on which iPad you have as different generations are compatible with different iterations of the Apple Pencil. 

Matt Bolton

Matt is Managing Editor at TechRadar.com, and previously worked on T3, MacLife and MacFormat. He's been testing technology for over a decade, working in specialist Apple publications as well general technology and creative journalism, and has charted Apple’s ups and downs since his student days (but still hopes to hear “one more thing”). By day, you can find him covering TV, audio, smart home gear and more at T3.com, as Home Tech Editor. By night, he's probably updating or pairing or installing some new piece of technology in the quest for the perfect setup.

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