Apple Pencil Price Guide: USB-C vs 2nd Gen vs Pro
There are three Apple Pencils, and the most important thing to know is that compatibility, not price, decides which one you can use. Here's what each costs, which iPads they pair with, and how to buy cheapest.
The Lineup at a Glance
- •Apple Pencil (USB-C), $79: the budget option. No pressure sensitivity, but supports tilt and hover. Pairs and charges via USB-C.
- •Apple Pencil (2nd generation), $129: pressure sensitivity, magnetic attach-and-charge, double-tap. For iPads with the flat magnetic edge.
- •Apple Pencil Pro, $129: the top model, adds squeeze, barrel roll, and haptics for the latest iPad Pro and Air.
Check the Live Apple Pencil Price
Apple Pencils are frequently discounted by third-party retailers, the 2nd generation in particular often drops below its $129 list. See the current cheapest price on our tracker:
Set a price-drop alert if it's above your target, Pencil discounts come and go quickly around major sale events.
Compatibility Comes First
The single most common Apple Pencil mistake is buying the wrong one for your iPad. The Pencils are not cross-compatible, an iPad that supports the Pro won't necessarily work with the 2nd gen, and vice versa.
Before you buy, confirm your exact iPad model and generation against the Pencil's supported list. If you're also choosing an iPad, our iPad Air vs iPad Pro guide covers which Pencil each supports.
Which Should You Buy?
Notes and casual sketching
The Apple Pencil USB-C at $79 is plenty, you keep tilt and hover for a much lower price.
Drawing and serious note-taking
Pressure sensitivity matters, so the 2nd generation or Pencil Pro is worth the step up, whichever your iPad supports.
Professional illustration
If your iPad supports it, the Apple Pencil Pro's squeeze, barrel roll, and haptics are genuinely useful day to day.