Customer Ratings & Reviews

This attractive white active stylus looks just like my Apple Pencil. The dimensions are identical. It also magnetically attaches to my iPad Air, but cannot charge through induction like the Apple Pencil can. It charges through a matching white USB-C cable, and you can connect the other end of the cable to any device such as a computer, phone, or iPad which can pass a charging current. An LED indicator tells you when the stylus has enough juice to work. I hooked the stylus to my iPad, and in just few minutes the LED changed from orange to white, indicating it was ready to put into use. A double tap on the top of the stylus turns it on or off. The charge will last for many hours, and, once charged, the stylus is great for writing notes and any text entry that the user may want to try. I am not big on more sophisticated drawing, so for those who want that, I defer to those reviewers who have that skill and need such flexibility. This product does everything I use the Apple Pencil for, at a fraction of the cost. It looks great, and its easy to use. Highly reccomended!

This is an easy review to write because there are very few times where you have a 'store brand' product that is superior to the brand name one, but here we are. If you are looking for a stylus/pencil for your iPad, don't bother buying the brand name one, get this one and save yourself a bunch of money. I wanted a stylus for my iPhone because either my fingers have gotten fatter or the buttons have gotten smaller, but I keep messing up when I'm trying to do stuff on my phone. When I first got the Insignia Active Stylus, I charged it up and tried to get it to work but it wouldn't. I thought it was perhaps the screen protector but no, it was me being stupid and assuming that all of the Apple products could use the stylus but the iPhone actually can't (they have different types of screens). That's OK though because it works awesome with my iPad Mini! My wife has the brand name Pencil and we compared the two and the build quality on both is solid in both cases. Now hers is the kind that charges from her device when 'clipped' to the side and this one charges via USB-C, but I actually prefer having dedicated charging for this vs. the draw from the tablet. Charging was super fast so even if it conks out on me, a few minutes on a charger would get me plenty to finish what I'm doing before charging it fully. It says it can go for 15 hours of active use on a full charge but I haven't used it anywhere near that yet. The LED battery indicator has yet to change to blue, which tells you that it is below 60% battery, despite heavy use for about five hours or so. The feel and precision of the Insignia Active Stylus is identical to the brand name version and the magnetic connection to my iPad is ridiculously strong. I have NO worry that this will be popping off of my iPad without actively trying to do so. The extra tip and the mini USB-C to C cord are nice additions and really adds to the value of this device. BTW, when the instructions tell you to 'double-click' the power button on the stylus (the 'eraser' end), it doesn't really 'click' and its not even really a press. It is touch sensitive and it is more like just a double-touch instead. I spent way too much time trying to get an immovable 'button' to click before realizing I was just hurting my thumb and it's really just a tap. Again, if you are looking for a stylus/pencil for your iPad and you want the same quality and functionality as the brand name at half the price, just get the Insignia Active Stylus. You will not be disappointed.

I am amazed by the Insignia Active Stylus and its affordable price of only 40 dollars. This stylus is definitely worth every penny. It is well-designed and performs just as well as the Apple Pencil. The Insignia Stylus comes with a complete set, including a USB-C charging cable and a spare tip. After a quick 30-minute charge, the stylus is ready to use. Its precision is remarkable, making it perfect for taking notes or browsing the web. My 5-year-old daughter loves using this stylus for her educational games. It's great for tracing letters and drawing. It's also ideal for kids, even though it doesn't have pressure sensitivity, which is not a big deal for me. Connecting the stylus to the iPad is effortless. Simply press a button, and it automatically connects without the need for Bluetooth. It also features an LED light that indicates when the stylus needs charging. If you're looking for a stylus that performs just as well as the Apple Pencil, then you've come to the right place. Overall this is an amazing pencil at a outstanding price that works great and that my daughter loves using it. I definitely recommend this Insignia Active Stylus!!!

Having long used the Apple Pencil now with the second generation, I’m happy to see an alternative. The Insignia active stylus is all but identical to the Apple Pencil with only the USB-C charge port giving away its origins. That port is how you charge it as it doesn’t magnetically charge like the Apple Pencil. The stylus comes with a charge cable and an extra replacement tip. Using the stylus, it has all the same functionality with the exception of how you turn it on. Unlike the Apple Pencil that is automatically connected when you pull it off the iPad, the Insignia stylus requires a double tap on top to turn it on. Once turned on, it has white led to let you know it’s on. Another difference with the Insignia stylus is you can’t see the battery charge state in the iPad Notification Center. For the difference in price these minor differences are well worth it. The Insignia active stylus gives you all the functionality the Apple Pencil has for less than half. If you want a stylus for your iPad but don’t want to pay the Apple tax, Insignia has you covered.

After going through two original pencils which eventually died out and became paper weights, I was tired of spending the ridiculous price for something I felt was going to stop working relatively fast. That's when I discovered the new Insignia Active Stylus made specifically for most iPads compatible with their pencils, typically the ones post-2018. It was very simple to set up out of the box by doing the initial fast charge via the included USB-C cable which takes only about 30 minutes if completely dead and can last up to 15 hours on a full charge. Once charged, you double click the power button located on the end of the stylus and you will see a small LED light turn on showing it's on. Once that is done, you are ready to start using it; there is no need to set anything else up via the iPad settings or an app which makes it very user friendly with minimal reliance on the instructions. The stylus has pixel precision which accurately locates each touch point on the screen and by tilting the stylus while drawing/writing it will adjust the line thickness. While drawing/writing, if you are like me and rest your palm on the screen, it does not affect any touchpoints on the display. You can even use the stylus to select items on the iPad screen and if you double tap the screen, you are able to make quick notes in the Note app. Another useful feature is you can store the stylus just as you would the magnetic pencil on the top portion of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen or later) and/or the iPad Pro 11-inch. The stylus also comes with a 1 year limited warranty. Overall, I believe the Insignia Active Stylus works just as well as the original pencil at a fraction of the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative.

The Insignia Pencil may look like Apple’s Pencil, but the similarities end there. Apple’s pencil is likely over priced, but it definitely delivers when paired with the right apps. I have an iPad Air and an iPad Mini. I’d gotten a pencil with the Air, but wanted to get something to use with the Mini for note taking and perhaps some quick Photoshop edits. The Insignia pencil is not nearly as responsive. When editing in Photoshop, changes are updated only after the Pencil is lifted from the screen. There are no quick tap short cuts (I.e between drawing and erasing). Leaning the Insignia pencil does change the results when drawing, but that’s not as convenient as using pressure to impact the area you’re editing. It behaves more or less like a really skinny finger. The Insignia worked just fine for note taking. It’s nice that it attaches to the side of my iPad and fits in the same space as Apple’s offering. Charging is convenient with the included cable. I was able to charge straight from the USB-C port on my iPad without any issue. It will not charge from the magnetic dock. Note that you will have to ‘forget’ the Apple Pencil from your iPad in order to use the Insignia pencil. No need to pair the Insignia In this case, you clearly get what you pay for. The Insignia provides a clear option for those on a budget with a limited need for a stylus. I’m fine using it with my Mini for notes, but it can’t replace the Apple Pencil for me overall.

The Insignia Active Stylus for iPad is an exceptional value for users who are OK with basic functionality and are cost conscious as long as they understand that advanced features such as pressure sensitivity or hover capabilities are not compatible with this stylus. The Insignia stylus does a great job if your main purpose is to take notes, and it also does work well for photo editing if your main purpose is to select precise areas of the photo. For me, pressure sensitivity is a 'nice to have', not a 'need to have' but if you're an artist who does things like shading, you're better off investing in the real deal. I will say, I was thinking I might be annoyed by the USB-C charging vs. the inductive charging on the real deal, but it honestly wasn't an issue, and I like how it attaches the same way as the OEM version. In conclusion, the Insignia Active Stylus stands out as a solid, cost-effective choice for iPad users who do not require advanced features like pressure sensitivity or hover detection. It performs reliably for basic tasks such as note-taking and simple drawing, offering good functionality at its price point. Note for the Insignia team: Since this is a house brand I would assume you'd be able to make these improvements. The instructions about how to turn the stylus on weren't intuitive. You don't 'double-click' the power button to turn it on. A) There's no button B) There's no click. You would have been better off instructing the user to 'Double Tap the End" or if you insist on calling it a power button at least say 'tap' instead of click.

I just recently bought a new (ish) 10 year gen iPad. I hadn’t had an iPad in Years as they always looked the same. But when I saw the redesigned iPad 10 I thought you know what”it’s time”. I never tried an Apple Pencil so I can’t speak directly to the comparison. But I can speak on how well this insignia active style works for me. First it looks identical. Feels good in the hands and is very comfortable to hold and use for how ever long you need it. Personally I use this like a traditional stylus and allow my kids to draw on my iPad sometimes as well. It works great if that is what you plan on doing with this. Battery last a few days with moderate use. Tho I don’t use my iPad all day everyday. To turn on you simply double tap the top part of the stylus and boom. On or off. Type C is include but is very very short. This only matters if you plug into a wall outlet which I do. But not a biggie as we all have many wires around the house. The only thing I have a complaint about it that the stylus does not line up with the magnetic part of the iPad on top(see pics). From what the paper states, it works on all new iPads minus the iPad 10. My luck lol. Again not a huge deal. There isn’t much to say. Beside,. This insignia active stylus works very well and cost 60 percent less than the Apple variant. You can not beat that. I would highly recommend getting this over Apple own. I like a lot.

I recently tried the Insignia Active Stylus for iPad, and I’m pleasantly surprised by its performance, especially given its affordable price compared to the Apple Pencil. The stylus is a great budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing much in terms of functionality. It offers smooth and precise input, making it a solid choice for note-taking, drawing, or navigating through apps. The accuracy is impressive, and it handles fine lines and detailed work well. One of the standout features is its ease of use. The stylus requires no pairing or Bluetooth connection—just turn it on, and it works right away. This simplicity is a major advantage, especially if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience. The build quality is also commendable for the price. The stylus feels comfortable in hand and is well-balanced, making it easy to use for extended periods. The responsive tip provides a natural writing experience, which is great for both creative and productivity tasks. Battery life is decent, and the stylus charges quickly, which ensures you’re not left waiting around. For those looking for a practical and cost-effective solution, the Insignia Active Stylus offers a great value without breaking the bank. Overall, the Insignia Active Stylus is an excellent alternative to the Apple Pencil. It provides reliable performance, ease of use, and a comfortable design at a fraction of the cost. If you’re in the market for an affordable stylus for your iPad, this one is definitely worth considering.

I really enjoyed this pencil before I was able to get my other one. It is a great cheaper alternative to the name brand pencils that are offered. I used this pencil for about a week. The only complaint that I would voice would be that the included pencil tips were not the best quality for the work load I needed them for. Within that week I had exposed the metal inside the tip. I am a college student who uses my tablet to take notes. If it was not for the heavy use needed I would just continue with this pencil. It is a fraction of the cost and the replacement tips are close to $4-$6 for four tips. It functions the absolute same as a name brand and it is very user friendly. It has a better battery life and it does not use the tablet to charge itself when attached. It says attached to my tablet just like any other name brand. Overall, if you want heavy-duty use either buy replacement tips corresponding with the brand of this pencil or name brand pencil tips (they fit, but they do last a little bit longer). If you are just wanting a simple tablet pencil save hundreds of dollars and get this one!

I have used this stylus for a couple of months now. Overall it does most of what I need it to do. Charges in a half hr as stated. And holds charge well. Price was very good since it was on sale. Being a 3rd party active stylus it doesn’t perform some actions as smoothly, as a native Apple Pencil would. Erasing can be challenging at times if not using the on-screen keyboard. There is minimal latency when writing. Like that you can tell by color of light about how much charge is left in the battery. No pairing needed is a nice feature.

Works as expected. Long lasting charge and charges quickly.

I purchased two of the Insignia Stylus for iPad for my seven-year-old grandsons to use with their iPads. The stylus connected easily and works great—it’s responsive and accurate, just what they needed for drawing and writing. I also like that it’s magnetic and holds securely to the iPad or the iPad case, which helps keep it from getting lost. It came with an extra Stylist tip and the type C cord for charging.The price is much lower than the Apple brand stylus, yet it performs really well. For the value and functionality, I would definitely recommend this product and would purchase it again.

Battery holds, easy to use, and no lag for drawing on ipad

Works well my daughter loves and it charges fast and lasts for a while

Works great! Love how easy it is to use. Wasn’t sure if I would use one enough to spend the money on the apple one. Got this one to test out. I don’t think I use it enough to buy the more expensive one since this works well for what I am doing.

This is the second stylus I've used with my iPad Pro; I've never used an genuine Apple Pencil because that price tag is too high. This Insignia Active Stylus is a great alternative. First, I love the simplicity in turning this device on and off, just two taps on top and you're off and running. The other pencil I used required additional steps to turn it on and to charge it. I'm not crazy about the battery life, as compared to my other second party pencil. However, unlike the other said pencil, this Insignia pencil charges much faster, so I'm back to tapping in no time. When I ordered this pencil, I didn't purchase the replacement tips right away in case I didn't like it, but after only a day of using it, I bought a pack of replacement tips post haste. This pencil is a great, less expensive alternative to the name brand version. I couldn't tell you if it's better or worse than the original, but I can't see the original being worth more than twice the cost of this product. Highly recommended.

Excited that there was still one available in stock at my local store so immediately purchased for in-store pickup. Works exactly as described no issues there. Unfortunately they must have given me a returned item as when I got home and opened the box there was only the pen and replacement nib. This was not marked as a used or discounted item. The usb charging cable and instruction booklet were missing so removed one star.

The Insignia Active Stylus is a fantastic and budget-friendly option for iPad users. It pairs instantly, feels comfortable in hand, and offers precise input—perfect for note-taking, drawing, or general navigation. The design is sleek, and the battery life is solid for regular use. I’ve been using it with my iPad Air and haven’t faced any lag or connectivity issues. For the price, it absolutely delivers great value and quality.

This pen is a nice addition to my iPad and works easily via Bluetooth connection. Charges quickly with a standard USB – C plug. It fits my needs perfectly and a considerable class savings over an Apple brand it home.