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The best Apple Pencil is the one your exact iPad supports. Apple Pencil Pro is the feature-rich pick for compatible recent iPads and pressure-sensitive drawing; Apple Pencil (USB-C) is a simpler option for writing, sketching and markup. Some older iPads work only with a first- or second-generation Pencil. Check your iPad model before you buy.
Check compatibility before comparing features
Apple Pencil models are not interchangeable across iPads. Find your iPad’s model name in Settings > General > About, then confirm the pairing in Apple’s compatibility guide. The supported combinations listed by Apple are:
| Apple Pencil | Compatible iPad models |
|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | iPad mini (A17 Pro); iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2, M3, M4); iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (M4, M5) |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | iPad mini (6th generation and A17 Pro); iPad (10th generation and A16); iPad Air (4th and 5th generations) and 11-inch/13-inch Air (M2, M3, M4); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generation and M4/M5), 12.9-inch (3rd–6th generation), and 13-inch (M4/M5) |
| Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | iPad mini (6th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generations); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generation); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd–6th generation) |
| Apple Pencil (1st generation) | iPad mini (5th generation); iPad (6th–10th generations and A16); iPad Air (3rd generation); iPad Pro 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generations) |
Apple lists both the first-generation Pencil and the USB-C Pencil for iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16). Don’t assume that the newer or higher-numbered Pencil is automatically the right one. For those USB-C iPads, pairing and charging a first-generation Pencil requires Apple’s USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. Check Apple’s live guide before buying in case compatibility details change.
How the four models differ
Apple’s US store prices observed on October 5, 2026, are listed below. They are not guaranteed prices from other retailers or in other countries; check your local store for current pricing and availability.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Model | Best fit | Key differences | Apple US price observed October 5, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible recent iPad Air, Pro and mini models; especially useful for illustration | Pressure sensitivity, squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback, double tap, hover on supported displays, Find My, and magnetic pairing and charging | $129 |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Compatible iPads used mainly for notes, sketching, markup or journaling | Pairs and charges by USB-C cable; magnetic attachment is for storage. Offers tilt sensitivity, but Apple’s comparison does not list pressure sensitivity, double tap or Pro controls | $79 |
| Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Supported iPad Air 4/5, mini 6 and earlier Pro models | Magnetic pairing and charging, plus double tap; it does not support the newer Pro-compatible iPad Air and Pro models listed above | $129 |
| Apple Pencil (1st generation) | Older compatible iPads and certain base iPads | Older connection and charging design; requires the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter for specified USB-C iPads | $99 |
Apple also lists a four-pack of replacement tips for $19 in its US store. Check that replacement tips fit your Pencil model and confirm the current local price.
Which Apple Pencil should you choose?
Choose Apple Pencil Pro for pressure-sensitive drawing and its extra controls
Among iPads that support it, Pencil Pro is the most capable option for drawing that relies on pressure-sensitive strokes. Apple lists squeeze, which opens a tool palette; barrel roll, which changes the orientation of shaped brushes; haptic feedback; double tap to change tools; hover to preview the tip position on supported displays; and Find My. It attaches, pairs and charges magnetically. Those features are most relevant if you draw often and will use pressure and gesture shortcuts; they matter less for occasional note-taking. Apple describes squeeze as opening a palette for changing tools, line weights and colors, in product-marketing language.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose Apple Pencil (USB-C) for everyday writing, sketching and markup
Apple presents the USB-C Pencil for note-taking, sketching, document markup and journaling. Its listed features include pixel-perfect precision, low latency, tilt sensitivity and hover on a limited set of iPads. It pairs and charges with a USB-C cable. The magnetic attachment holds it for storage but does not charge it. Apple’s comparison lists pressure sensitivity for Pencil Pro but not for the USB-C model, so don’t choose USB-C if pressure-controlled brushwork is essential.
Choose Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only if your iPad supports it
The second-generation Pencil remains an option for iPad mini 6, iPad Air 4 or 5, and the specified earlier iPad Pro generations in Apple’s compatibility list. It supports magnetic pairing and charging and double tap. It is not a replacement for Pencil Pro on the newer M-series Air and Pro models.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose Apple Pencil (1st generation) for compatible older iPads
The first-generation Pencil supports a range of older iPad, mini, Air and Pro models, as well as iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16). On those two USB-C base iPads, include the required USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter in your decision. If both first-generation and USB-C Pencil are compatible with your iPad, weigh the adapter and connection inconvenience against the USB-C model’s current price and features.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Three checks to make before you buy
- Identify the iPad precisely. Open Settings > General > About, then match the model to Apple’s compatibility list.
- Decide whether pressure sensitivity matters. If you need variable line width or brush response from pressure, choose a compatible model that lists pressure sensitivity. Do not assume the USB-C Pencil provides it.
- Choose your preferred charging and pairing method. Pencil Pro and second-generation Pencil pair and charge magnetically on supported iPads. USB-C Pencil uses a cable for pairing and charging; its magnetic attachment is for storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
