Metapen Air 8 Review (2025): Is It the Best Budget Stylus for U.S. Users?

5/5 - (1 vote)

If you’ve ever tried writing notes on your iPad during a Starbucks run, sketching ideas for a project, or editing documents while commuting on the NYC subway, you already know how much a good stylus can make or break the experience. That’s where the Metapen Air 8 comes in.

The Metapen Air 8 is one of the most talked-about budget-friendly Apple Pencil alternatives in the U.S. right now. Packed with features like palm rejection, magnetic charging, and tilt sensitivity, it aims to give you a premium experience at nearly one-third of the cost of the Apple Pencil 2.

But here’s the real question: Is the Metapen Air 8 really worth your money, or should you go for the Metapen A8, A14, or the older Metapen D1?

In this detailed review, I’ll break down everything you need to know: performance, design, connectivity, comparisons, pros & cons, U.S. buying options, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether the Metapen Air 8 is the right stylus for your iPad (or whether another model fits you better).

What is the Metapen Air 8?

The Metapen Air 8 is a lightweight, 8th-generation stylus pen designed specifically for iPad users. Unlike generic knock-offs, it comes with advanced features like:

Magnetic wireless charging (like the Apple Pencil 2)
Tilt sensitivity for shading in apps like Procreate
Palm rejection for natural writing without accidental touches
Shortcut button for switching tools faster
Ultra-lightweight design (just 8 grams)

For U.S. buyers, it’s positioned as a budget-friendly Apple Pencil 2 alternative—perfect for students, professionals, and artists who don’t want to spend $129 on the Apple Pencil.

You’ll typically find it on Amazon U.S., Walmart.com, or Best Buy for $39–$49, depending on discounts.

Metapen Air 8 vs A8: What’s the Difference?

Many buyers confuse the Air 8 with the Metapen A8. Let’s clear it up.

🔹 Metapen Air 8

Magnetic wireless charging
Ultra-light 8g weight
Shortcut button
Best for: Everyday note-taking & portability

🔹 Metapen A8

No wireless charging (USB-C charging instead)
Slightly heavier
More budget-oriented
Best for: Students on a tight budget

👉 Verdict for U.S. users: If you’re constantly on the go—taking notes in college lectures, Zoom meetings, or while travelling—Air 8 is worth the extra $10–$15. If you just need a simple pen for occasional use, the A8 might be enough.

Metapen Air 8 vs Metapen A14: Which One to Pick?

The A14 is like the big brother of the Air 8.

Air 8 → Portable, budget-friendly, minimal design
A14 → More advanced features like double-tap shortcut, higher battery life, and stronger magnets

👉 If you’re a U.S. college student who just needs something light and cheap, Air 8 is perfect. But if you’re a digital artist using apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco, the A14 might be worth the extra money (around $59–$69 on Amazon U.S.).

Metapen D1 vs Air 8: Old vs New

The Metapen D1 was one of the earliest budget alternatives to the Apple Pencil. Compared to the Air 8, it feels outdated:

D1 requires manual charging via USB
No tilt sensitivity
Heavier and less comfortable for long writing sessions

👉 If you see the D1 on Amazon under $20, it’s okay as a backup stylus. But for long-term use, Air 8 is a much better investment.

How to Connect Metapen to iPad (Air 8, A8, A14, D1)

Connecting a Metapen is super simple (and doesn’t need Bluetooth pairing like other cheap pens).

Check compatibility → Works with iPads from 2018 onward (iPad 6th Gen, iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 5, iPad Pro 3rd Gen, and newer).
Charge your pen → For Air 8, attach it magnetically to the iPad side. For others, use USB-C.
Enable stylus input → On your iPad, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Turn on “Scribble.”
Start writing → The pen activates automatically—no extra app required.

👉 Pro tip for U.S. users: If your Metapen doesn’t respond, make sure your iPad’s iOS is updated. Apple sometimes restricts stylus compatibility until updates are installed.

Real-Life U.S. Use Cases

Here’s how the Air 8 fits into everyday American life:

Students → Note-taking in OneNote, Notability, or GoodNotes during classes at universities like UCLA, Harvard, or NYU.
Professionals → Signing PDFs and editing documents on the go (common for real estate agents, lawyers, or healthcare workers).
Artists → Using Procreate or Sketchbook for digital art without spending on Apple Pencil money.
Casual users → Making grocery lists, drawing doodles, or organising notes while at Starbucks or on a flight.

Pros & Cons of Metapen Air 8

✅ Pros

Affordable (under $50)
Magnetic wireless charging
Tilt sensitivity for shading
Lightweight, comfortable design
Works with all modern iPads (2018+)

❌ Cons

No pressure sensitivity (artists may miss this)
Battery life shorter than Metapen A14
Limited features compared to Apple Pencil 2

Where to Buy Metapen Air 8 in the U.S.?

You can buy the Metapen Air 8 at:

Amazon U.S. (fast shipping, easy returns)
Best Buy (check availability in-store)
Walmart (sometimes cheaper online than in-store)
Target.com

Price range: $39–$49 (before sales tax).

Buy on Amazon

FAQs

1. Is the Metapen Air 8 better than the Apple Pencil?

For the price, yes. While it lacks full pressure sensitivity, it’s great for 90% of U.S. users (students, professionals, casual note-takers). Artists may still prefer Apple Pencil 2.

2. Does Metapen Air 8 work with iPhones?

No. Like the Apple Pencil, it’s designed only for iPads (2018 models and later).

3. Can I use Metapen Air 8 with screen protectors like Paperlike?

Yes. Many U.S. users report that it feels even more natural with Paperlike, making it similar to writing on paper.

4. How long does the battery last?

On average, 6–7 hours of continuous use. It charges fully in about 1 hour via magnetic charging.

5. Does Metapen Air 8 come with a warranty in the U.S.?

Yes. Amazon and Walmart listings usually mention a 12-month warranty from the manufacturer.

Conclusion

The Metapen Air 8 hits the sweet spot for U.S. buyers who want an affordable, lightweight, and functional stylus without breaking the bank. While it’s not a full replacement for the Apple Pencil 2 in terms of pro art features, it’s more than enough for students, office workers, and casual iPad users.

👉 If you’re deciding between models:

Air 8 → Best for portability & everyday use
A8 → Cheaper, but lacks wireless charging
A14 → Better for serious digital artists
D1 → Outdated, not worth it in 2025

Final Verdict: For under $50, the Metapen Air 8 is the best value-for-money stylus for most U.S. iPad users.

Metapen Air 8 Review (2025): Is It the Best Budget Stylus for U.S. Users?

What is the Metapen Air 8?