Baseus 3rd Gen Bluetooth Stylus for Apple Pencil Review: Is It Really Worth the Hype?
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at your desk, ready to sketch out an idea or take some notes on your iPad, and you reach for your Apple Pencil. Then, you see the price tag for a replacement or an upgrade, and your stomach drops. It’s no secret that official Apple accessories are expensive.
I’ve spent the last few weeks testing the Baseus 3rd Gen Bluetooth Stylus for Apple Pencil Palm Rejection Compatible with iPad pro Mini Air 2024 2022-2018 for Apple Pen. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t feel like a cheap toy, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down whether this stylus actually holds up to the hype or if you’re better off saving for the real deal.
What Exactly is the Baseus 3rd Gen Stylus?
At its core, this is a third-party stylus designed to mimic the functionality of the official Apple Pencil for a fraction of the cost. Baseus has built a reputation for making decent tech accessories that don’t break the bank.
The main appeal here is simple: you get the convenience of palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and Bluetooth connectivity without needing a second mortgage. Plus, many retailers offer free shipping on this model, making the deal even sweeter. It’s marketed as a direct competitor to the high-end pencils, aimed at students, casual artists, and note-takers who don't necessarily need the professional-grade pressure sensitivity required for high-end digital painting.
Real-World Features: How Do They Actually Feel?
Specs are one thing, but how does the pen perform when you’re actually using it? Here is my take on the features that matter most:
1. Palm Rejection That Works This is the most important feature for any iPad stylus. If you can’t rest your hand on the screen while writing, the device is basically useless. The Baseus 3rd Gen handles this surprisingly well. I spent hours writing in GoodNotes, and I didn’t have any issues with stray marks caused by my palm. It feels natural, just like writing on paper.
2. The Bluetooth Advantage Unlike the cheaper "dumb" styluses that just act like a finger, this one connects via Bluetooth. Why does this matter? It allows you to see the exact battery percentage on your iPad’s battery widget. It also enables shortcut features, like double-tapping to go home or bringing up the multitasking menu, which feels very similar to the official Apple experience.
3. Tilt Sensitivity If you enjoy sketching, you’ll appreciate the tilt sensitivity. When you angle the pen, the line thickness changes. It’s not as granular or precise as the Apple Pencil Pro, but for quick sketches or shading, it is more than enough for 90% of users.
4. Build Quality and Feel The pen has a nice weight to it. It doesn’t feel hollow or overly plasticky. It magnetically attaches to the side of compatible iPads, which is a huge plus for keeping track of it. However, keep in mind that it doesn't charge magnetically like the official one—you’ll need to use the USB-C port on the side of the pen.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
No product is perfect. To give you a fair Baseus 3rd Gen Bluetooth Stylus for Apple Pencil Palm Rejection Compatible with iPad pro Mini Air 2024 2022-2018 for Apple Pen review, I have to be honest about where it falls short.
The Pros: Affordability: It costs a fraction of the original Apple Pencil. Palm Rejection: Extremely reliable; no accidental dots or lines. Battery Life: Lasts long enough for a few days of heavy note-taking. Compatibility: Works across a wide range of iPads from 2018 to 2024. Battery Display: Connects via Bluetooth so you can track the charge level.
The Cons: No Pressure Sensitivity: This is the big one. If you are a professional illustrator who needs to vary line weight based on how hard you press, this pen won't do it. Charging: You have to plug in a cable to charge it. It doesn't charge wirelessly on the side of the iPad. Plastic Tips: The nibs feel slightly "harder" than the original, which can feel a bit slippery on a glass screen.
Who is This For (And Who Should Skip It)?
Buy this if: You are a student: If you just need a reliable tool for highlighting PDFs and taking lecture notes, this is perfect. You are on a budget: If you can’t justify spending over $100 on a stylus, this is the best middle-ground option. You are a casual user: If you use your iPad for journaling, casual sketching, or navigating, you won't miss the high-end features of the expensive version.
Skip this if: You are a professional digital artist: If you rely on pressure sensitivity for complex shading and line work in apps like Procreate, you need the original Apple Pencil. The lack of pressure sensing will frustrate you immediately. You hate cables: If you want a pen that is always charged because it lives on the side of your iPad, the manual charging requirement might annoy you.
What Users Are Saying
To see if my experience was a fluke, I looked at what others are saying:
“I was skeptical because of the low price, but I’ve been using this for my nursing school notes for three months now. It connects instantly, and the battery life is great. I just leave a USB-C cable on my desk and charge it for 15 minutes while I grab coffee. Totally worth it.” — Sarah J., verified buyer.
“It’s a solid pen, but don't expect it to replace a Wacom tablet. I use it for sketching and it works fine, but the lack of pressure sensitivity means I have to manually change brush sizes in the app. Good for the price, though.” — Mark D., digital illustrator.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
The Baseus 3rd Gen Bluetooth Stylus for Apple Pencil Palm Rejection Compatible with iPad pro Mini Air 2024 2022-2018 for Apple Pen is a fantastic piece of kit for the right person.
If you are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly tool for note-taking, annotating documents, or basic drawing, you will be happy with this purchase. It’s well-built, the palm rejection is on point, and the Bluetooth connectivity adds a layer of convenience that most cheap styluses lack.
However, if you are a professional artist or someone who demands the absolute best performance for pressure-sensitive work, stick with the official Apple product. For everyone else, this Baseus stylus is a smart way to save money without sacrificing the core iPad experience. With many retailers offering free shipping, it’s a low-risk way to upgrade your iPad workflow.