ZDNET editor shares 5 iPad accessories, including a $35 Apple Pencil alternative

ZDNET's deals and shopping editor Kayla Solino shares the five iPad accessories she uses daily after over two years with an 11-inch iPad Air M2. She emphasizes that most of these picks aren't Apple brand, yet they deliver excellent value. The star is the ESR Geo Digital Pencil, a $35 stylus that undercuts the $129 Apple Pencil while offering Find My Bluetooth tracking and multiple colors. It charges via USB-C instead of wirelessly, but for casual users it's a no-brainer. Other favorites include the Zugu iPad Air Case for drop protection, the Baseus Enercore CJ11 67W fast charger, Apple's own Magic Keyboard for laptop-like use, and the ESR Slim Foldable Case for lightweight travel.

Solino notes that while Apple Pencils offer advanced features and compatibility complexity, the ESR alternative covers 90% of needs for a fraction of the cost. She also stresses that these accessories earned their spot through real-world use — not just quick impressions. The list aims to help iPad owners save money without sacrificing quality, targeting professionals who want a reliable daily setup without overspending on brand-name gear.