Apple Pencil Pro vs ESR Geo Pencil: I tested both, here’s what I recommend
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...
1. You need the most advanced features
If you are a creator or developer who uses your iPad for advanced photography, videography, graphic design, and editing, the Apple Pencil Pro is designed to enhance and functionally upgrade your creative experience, especially when paired with the iPad Pro.
The Pencil Pro steps up the low latency and pixel-perfection of the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen). It expands its feature set to include a squeeze gesture for quick tool, color, and other changes; a gyroscope for precise control of pens and brush tools with a simple twist; and custom haptic feedback you can feel via a pulse.
Plus, Apple Pencil hover lets you know precisely where your Apple Pencil will touch down on your display for greater precision.
2. You have one of the newest iPad models
Assuming your iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, it may be a recent M4/M5 iPad Pro model or an M2/M3 iPad Air. That gives it the ability to unlock the full potential of the latest iPadOS when paired together.
And since the Apple Pencil Pro was designed with the latest iPad models in mind, it's a preferable choice, especially if you are looking to invest in your iPad setup as an artist, designer, or other digital creative who will benefit from Apple's unique suite of stylus features.
If you're making the jump to a new model soon, buying the Apple Pencil Pro may make the most sense, since its advanced features leverage the chip and AI technology in the latest tablets (which likely includes new iPads that could be launching soon). It's always wise to invest in a tool designed to maximize your new device's capabilities.
3. You won't compromise on wireless charging
If you've hopped on the wireless charging train with no plans to derail, the Apple Pencil Pro (or the Pencil 2, depending on your iPad) is the one that's got it. By comparison, ESR's Geo Pencil charges via USB-C, but it does still have magnetic attachment.
The Apple Pencil 2 and Pro both feature wireless charging and magnetic attachment, with 10-12 hours of battery life, depending on feature use.
You should buy the ESR Geo Pencil if...
1. You're on a budget
Bottom line: If you don't want to spend $129 on an Apple Pencil, but want similar features, go with the ESR Geo Pencil. For $35, you can't go wrong: you still get great 12-hour battery life, responsive writing feedback, Bluetooth FindMy tracking, and you can pick from five colors (something Apple doesn't offer).
Even if you think you may want the older Pencil Gen 2, don't pay $129 for it. I still recommend starting with this more affordable option. This way, you get a feel for how a stylus fits into your workflow and lifestyle, and if it's really a necessity for you or just a nice-to-have accessory.
Plus, wider compatibility and USB-C charging mean it can be used across more devices and will likely have better connectivity longevity as your iPad ages. You don't want to invest in an accessory that may be antiquated or incompatible sooner than later.
2. You don't need advanced features
The allure of Apple is its brand name. The benefit of capitalism is the many great market alternatives it offers. If you are a casual iPad user, a basic note-taker, sketcher, doodler, etc -- you don't need any of the "better" features offered by the Pencil Pro.
That's not to say that those features can't be a "want," but it's essential to ask yourself if the ends really justify the means. Do you need a $129 Pencil Pro if you only use a stylus to take notes during meetings or scroll the internet? Probably not.
Yes -- the Geo Pencil lacks wireless charging, automatic power-off, or intuitive features tied to iPadOS. But it does offer fast 20-minute charging, a 12-hour battery, and some elevated aspects like shortcuts, handwriting, shape sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, and more. It also has replaceable tips (hallelujah), FindMy technology, and magnetic attachment. Did I mention it's just $35?
3. You want FindMy capabilities
If the primary attraction to the Apple Pencil Pro is the built-in Bluetooth FindMy technology, ESR's Geo Pencil has that -- for $94 less. I've personally never needed to use it, but if you do frequently lose your tech gear or want a way to track it all, it's a nice touch, especially for the price.
Which do I recommend?
Both the Apple Pencil Pro and the ESR Geo Pencil will significantly upgrade your user experience, but the difference is in the details. For students, kids, note-takers, and most casual iPad users, I don't find many reasons to splurge on the Apple Pencil when the Geo Pencil does the basics so well.
But if you do find yourself in need of advanced features and a way to unleash the full creative potential of iPadOS, the Pencil Pro (or the most advanced Apple Pencil option that's compatible with your iPad model) will be worth the investment for you, especially if you can catch it on sale (like right now -- the Pencil Pro is $35 off at several retailers).
Ultimately, I recommend the Geo Pencil over the Apple Pencil USB-C for most users. But if you're positive you can't live without wireless charging or elevated stylus features (and your iPad supports it), then it may be worth passing your dollars to Apple.
Post Comment