X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Don't write it off: Adonit Pixel stylus takes on Apple's Pencil

The Pixel is Adonit's most advanced stylus yet and is compatible with nine iPad models, not just iPad Pros.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
See full bio
David Carnoy
2 min read

When it comes to iPad styluses, the Apple Pencil has understandably gotten most of the press. But that digital pen only works with iPad Pros.

Adonit's new Pixel, which the company calls its most accurate and responsive stylus to date, with an improved 1.9 mm Pixelpoint tip, is compatible with several iPads -- nine to be exact -- not just the top-end ones. Its list price is $80, £80 or AU$129, or about $20 or AU$45 less than the Apple Pencil (they're the same price in the UK).

Shop for Adonit Pixel

See all prices

Like Adonit's two earlier styluses, the Jot Script and the Touch, the Pixel is Bluetooth-enabled and turns on automatically when pressed to the screen when using certain note-taking and sketch apps that have built-in Pixel support. It also ships with a magnetic charger/dock that plugs into the USB port on your computer.

adonit-pixel-stylus-05.jpg
Enlarge Image
adonit-pixel-stylus-05.jpg

The Pixel in its magnetic charging dock.

 Sarah Tew/CNET

According to Adonit, Pixel's highlights include:

  • Bluetooth 4.0 enables 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, shortcut buttons, palm rejection and offset correction
  • More user-friendly setup process
  • Improved offset correction allows for more accuracy and precision, providing a more natural pen-to-paper experience
  • Enhanced tip drag ensures users have a natural writing and drawing experience
  • Increased responsiveness improves lag time with predictive touch technology that places the point of the pen exactly where it's intended
  • Grip Sensor turns the stylus off when not active, and turns it on when the user picks it up
  • Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9- and 9.7-inch, iPad Air and Air 2, iPad 4, and iPad Minis 1 to 4
  • Compatible with more apps: Goodnotes, Concepts, Notes Plus, Astropad, Medibang Pain, Autodesk Sketchbook will have Pixel integration at launch with Adobe Sketch, Adobe Draw, and Procreate supported soon