QUESTION

Should I buy a used Apple Pencil or a cheap stylus from Amazon?

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Asked May 30, 2026Last updated June 10, 2026Answers can change over time.
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Answer74% confidence

A used Apple Pencil is usually worth paying about $40–$90 depending on the model and condition. A cheap Amazon stylus is usually about $15–$35. If you need the best handwriting, drawing, palm rejection, and overall iPad feel, the used Apple Pencil is the better buy as long as it’s the correct version for your iPad and the battery/charging still works. If you only tap, scroll, highlight, or take occasional notes, the cheap stylus is often good enough.

Rule of thumb:

  • Buy used Apple Pencil if the price is around $40–$70 for a Pencil 1 or $60–$90 for a Pencil 2, and you can verify compatibility.
  • Buy the Amazon stylus if you want to spend under $30 and don’t care about advanced Apple Pencil features.
  • Walk away from a used Apple Pencil if it’s priced near new retail, has a dead or weak battery, won’t pair, or is missing tips/adapter/charging parts.

Prices change a lot, so check sold/completed listings before buying.