How Much Does a Typewriter Cost?

Typewriters might seem like a thing of the past, but they're still pretty popular with writers, collectors, and folks who just love the feel of old-school typing. Whether you're after a retro vibe or a no-distraction writing tool, knowing what to expect in terms of price can help you make the right choice. Let’s break down how much typewriters cost these days and what affects the price.

Factors That Affect Typewriter Prices

There’s no single price tag for typewriters. Some cost as little as $25, while others can go for hundreds or even thousands. It really depends on what kind of machine you’re looking at and what shape it's in. Here are the main factors that influence the price:

Brand and Model

Just like with cars or guitars, the brand makes a difference. Well-known names like Royal, Underwood, Smith-Corona, Hermes, and Olympia tend to be more desirable, especially if the model is known for smooth typing or stylish design. Some models, like the Hermes 3000 or Olivetti Lettera 32, have a loyal fan base, which can push the price higher.

Age (Vintage vs. Modern)

Older typewriters, especially those from the early to mid-1900s, often carry more value. That’s partly because they’re harder to find in good shape, and partly because people love the nostalgic feel. Newer models or modern reissues usually cost less and can be more practical if you just want a working typewriter without the quirks of older ones.

Condition (Working, Needs Repair, Mint, etc.)

Condition is one of the biggest pricing factors. A typewriter that’s clean, fully working, and ready to use will always cost more than one that’s dusty, damaged, or needs repairs. Some machines are sold “as-is,” which might be a bargain if you know how to fix them, but could also end up costing more if repairs are needed. Mint condition machines, especially if they've been professionally serviced, often sell for a premium.

Mechanical vs. Electric

Mechanical typewriters, where each key press directly moves a typebar to hit the paper, are usually more popular with collectors and purists. Electric typewriters are often easier to type on and were common in offices during the 70s and 80s. They're usually cheaper, but they don't have the same vintage charm that many buyers are after.

Rarity or Collectible Status

Some typewriters are rare because they were only made for a short time, came from a limited edition, or have an unusual design. These machines often appeal to collectors and can sell for much higher prices. Even if they aren't the easiest to use, their uniqueness adds value.

Aesthetic Appeal

Looks matter too. A sleek mid-century model with bold colors or glass-topped keys might fetch a higher price than a plain, functional machine. Many people buy typewriters to display as much as they use them, so visual appeal can strongly influence price.

Availability of Parts and Service

If replacement parts are easy to find and there are people who still service that brand, it helps the value. If the machine is from a lesser-known brand with no support or parts available, it might be cheaper, even if it looks great, because it's harder to keep it working.

Price Ranges by Type

When you're looking to buy a typewriter, the price will depend a lot on whether you're buying new, used, or vintage. Each type has its own price range and buying experience, so here's what to expect.

Vintage or Antique Typewriters

What Makes Them More Expensive

Vintage and antique typewriters can get pricey, especially if they’re rare, in great shape, or part of a well-known collection. Machines from the early 1900s or even the 1950s and 60s can be worth a lot if they’ve been preserved well. Some older machines are also valued for their unique designs, materials, or typing feel.

Typical Price Ranges:

• Common vintage models (like Smith-Corona or Royal from the 50s-70s): $100 to $300

• Rare or collectible models (like an early Underwood or special edition Hermes): $300 to over $1,000

• Non-functional but decorative models: $50 to $150, depending on looks

Tips for Collectors

• Learn to recognize key models and years that are more valuable

• Always ask if the machine works and if it’s been serviced

• Check for rust, missing parts, or keys that stick

• Don’t rush into a purchase - good deals pop up if you’re patient

Used Typewriters

How Prices Vary Based on Condition

Used typewriters are where most people start. Prices can range anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on the brand, condition, and whether it still works. A working used typewriter in decent shape usually goes for $75 to $150, while a fixer-upper with issues could be much cheaper. If it’s been cleaned and refurbished, expect to pay more.

Where to Look (EBay, Thrift Stores, Garage Sales)

You can find used typewriters in all sorts of places, including:

• eBay: lots of variety, but prices vary widely

• Etsy: often has refurbished or stylized machines

• Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: great for local deals

• Thrift stores or antique malls: sometimes a hidden gem

• Garage sales and estate sales: hit or miss, but often cheap

New Typewriters

General Price Range

New typewriters are still being made, although options are limited. Most of them are basic manual models or electronic versions designed for practical use, not style. You can expect to pay around $100 to $300 for a new machine. Higher-end models, like the ones made by professional or boutique brands, can go up to $500 or more.

Where to Buy (Specialty Stores, Online)

You won’t find new typewriters in your average electronics store, but they are available through:

• Online retailers

• Specialty shops that sell office supplies or retro tech

• Brands that still manufacture them (like Royal or Nakajima)

• Niche websites dedicated to writing tools or analog tech

Modern Typewriter for Distraction-Free Writing

While new manual typewriters are still being made, they often focus more on function than innovation - and they still come with the usual limitations: no backups, no portability, and plenty of maintenance. If you’re looking for the feel and focus of a typewriter, but with modern upgrades, there's a smarter alternative worth exploring.

EnterFreewrite - a modern typewriter designed for today’s writers. It keeps the core idea of a distraction-free writing tool but adds helpful features like cloud syncing, a backlit display, and long battery life. With no apps, notifications, or internet browsing, it’s built to help you break free from phone addiction and get back to writing with purpose.

In the next section, we’ll introduce you to the different Freewrite models out there and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for your writing life.

Alpha

TheAlpha is an ultra-portable, distraction-free writing device built for writers who want to stay focused on the go. Weighing less than 2 pounds, it’s designed for everything from coffee shop sessions to cross-country travel. Alpha provides a simple, distraction-free writing experience that helps eliminate the common interruptions of modern devices.

It features a warm backlit LCD screen for low-light environments, a satisfying low-profile mechanical keyboard, and automatic cloud syncing. The device saves work continuously, so there's no need to worry about losing progress. With up to 100 hours of battery life, Alpha is built to keep up with even the longest writing streaks.

Main Features:

• Ultra-portable

• Backlit display

• Mechanical keyboard

• Distraction-free drafting

• Continuous autosave

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• Kickstand and palm rest

• 100-hour battery

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $349

Smart Typewriter

TheSmart Typewriter is built for writers who want a premium, distraction-free drafting experience. Featuring a frontlit E Ink display and a full-size mechanical keyboard, it delivers the feel of a traditional writing tool with modern performance. Its rugged aluminum body and retractable handle make it a sturdy choice for both at-home use and travel.

This device is ideal for deep work, allowing writers to focus fully on the drafting process without the usual digital distractions. Documents are saved automatically and synced to the cloud once Wi-Fi is connected, so your work is always backed up and accessible. Whether you're writing at your desk or outdoors, the Smart Typewriter is designed to keep you in the zone.

Main Features:

• E Ink display

• Frontlight

• Mechanical keyboard

• Aluminum body

• Distraction-free drafting

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• Long battery life

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $699

Traveler

TheTraveler is a lightweight, compact writing tool made for writers who want to take their creativity on the road. Designed to be half the size of a laptop, it's perfect for anyone who values portability without giving up a full keyboard experience. With its eye-friendly E Ink display, it's readable in sunlight and easy on the eyes in long writing sessions.

The Traveler is built purely for drafting, cutting out the distractions of web browsers, notifications, and apps. It automatically saves your work locally and syncs it to the cloud once you're connected to Wi-Fi. With a battery that lasts for weeks, it’s always ready when inspiration strikes, no matter where you are.

Main Features:

• Portable

• E Ink display

• Full-size keyboard

• Distraction-free drafting

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• Long battery life

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $549

Hemingwrite

TheHemingwrite Signature Edition is a premium, collector-grade writing device created in collaboration with the Ernest Hemingway estate. Built on the foundation of the Smart Typewriter, it includes all the same distraction-free features wrapped in a beautifully hand-polished raw aluminum body. Its deep green keycaps, official engraved signature, and genuine leather attaché case make it a standout for writers who value craftsmanship and inspiration.

With a focus on timeless simplicity, the Hemingwrite strips writing down to its essence. There's no internet, no formatting tools, and no editing distractions - just you, your words, and a device built to last. Whether you're drafting the next great novel or journaling late at night, the Hemingwrite offers an elevated, focused experience that honors the spirit of its namesake.

Main Features:

• Signature edition design

• Hand-polished aluminum body

• Green keycaps

• Laser-engraved Hemingway signature

• Genuine leather attaché case

• Distraction-free drafting

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• Long battery life

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $1,099

Alpha Cosmic Edition

TheAlpha Cosmic Edition is a special release of the Alpha, designed to take your writing sessions out of this world. With its terrazzo-speckled black exterior and vibrant space-themed design, it's a visual treat that pairs cosmic style with serious writing focus. Weighing 1.6 pounds, it's built for portability, ready to go from the comfort of home to wherever inspiration strikes next.

This edition includes the same distraction-free writing features as the standard Alpha - like a warm backlit display, quiet mechanical keyboard, and automatic cloud syncing - plus an exclusive charcoal felt sleeve with constellation-inspired stitching. The Alpha Cosmic is all about keeping your creativity in orbit while making sure your words stay grounded and secure.

Main Features:

• Special edition design

• Backlit display

• Mechanical keyboard

• Exclusive felt sleeve

• Distraction-free drafting

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• 100-hour battery

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $499

Smart Typewriter Valentine

TheSmart Typewriter Valentine is a bold special edition that blends iconic 1969 Italian design with the modern functionality of Freewrite’s flagship writing tool. It’s not just a device -  it’s a creative statement. With its aluminum body, signature mechanical keyboard, and distraction-free experience, Valentine is designed to transform writing from a task into a ritual.

Engineered for both performance and style, it features the same trusted specs as the original Smart Typewriter, including an E Ink screen, long-lasting battery, and wireless cloud syncing. It also ships with a specially designed water-resistant case and stylish strap system, so your writing setup travels as well as it performs.

Main Features:

• Special edition design

• Aluminum body

• Mechanical keyboard

• E Ink display

• Distraction-free drafting

• Cloud syncing

• Offline transfers

• Long battery life

• Language support

• 1-year warranty

Price: $999

Tips for Buying a Typewriter

Buying a typewriter can be exciting, especially if it’s your first one. But before you hand over your money, it’s smart to know what to look for so you don’t end up with a dusty, broken machine that just sits on a shelf. Here are some simple tips to help you buy the right typewriter with confidence.

What to Check before Buying

• Key action: Press every key to see if it moves smoothly. Sticky keys can sometimes be cleaned, but if they’re jammed or broken, it might be more serious.

• Carriage movement: Make sure the carriage moves freely when you type and that it returns properly when you push the carriage return lever.

• Platen condition: The rubber roller (called the platen) should be firm but not cracked or rock-hard. If it's too stiff, the print might be too faint or uneven.

• Ribbons and spools: Check if there's a ribbon installed and whether it's still in good shape. If it’s dry or missing, you’ll need to replace it.

• Cosmetic wear: A few scratches or scuffs are fine, but watch out for broken parts, heavy rust, or missing keys.

How to Test if it Works

If you're buying in person, bring a sheet of paper with you. Feed it into the typewriter and:

• Type on each key to make sure the letters hit the paper clearly.

• Use the shift key and spacebar to test for smooth movement.

• Try the return lever, backspace, and any other features (like tab or margin release).

•  If you're buying online and can't test it yourself, ask the seller for a video of it in action.

Things to Ask the Seller

1. Does the typewriter work properly?

2. Has it been cleaned or serviced recently?

3. Is anything broken or missing?

4. When was the last time it was used?

5. Are replacement ribbons easy to find for this model?

These questions can help you spot red flags and avoid surprise repair costs later.

Conclusion

Whether you're into vintage charm or modern minimalism, there's a typewriter out there that fits your style and your budget. Used typewriters can be found for as little as $25 at garage sales or online marketplaces, while fully restored vintage models often fall in the $100 to $300 range. New mechanical typewriters typically start around $100. On the higher end, digital writing tools like Freewrite devices range from about $349 to $1099 depending on the model and features.

Ultimately, the best typewriter or digital writing tool is the one that keeps you writing. Take some time to explore different models, try out what feels right, and pick the one that fits your writing habits, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you're typing out your next novel or journaling for peace of mind, there's a perfect writing companion waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)