Buying lab

Compare consumer tech gear before you buy.

Line up review signal, value, lifecycle, chip and buyer fit across up to four products.

Best blended pick

Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

A safe choice, but compare against competing models before buying. Target price: $258.

Worth-it breakdown

3 products selected

Apple Pencil (USB-C) official product visual

Accessories

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

87
Best value

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options.

Critic score87
Value signal100
Price$79
Lifecycle2y 8m old
User score9.2

Consensus

87/100

Lifecycle

2y 8m old

Value signal

100/100

Apple Pencil Pro official product visual

Accessories

Apple Pencil Pro

84
Best value

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options.

Critic score84
Value signal100
Price$129
Lifecycle2y 2m old
User score9.4

Consensus

84/100

Lifecycle

2y 2m old

Value signal

100/100

Magic Keyboard for iPad Air official product visual

Accessories

Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

81
Shortlist

A safe choice, but compare against competing models before buying.

Critic score81
Value signal100
Price$269
Lifecycle1y 4m old
User score9.3

Best for

studentslight creationtablet-first households

Consensus

81/100

Lifecycle

1y 4m old

Value signal

100/100