You asked if there are any decent alternatives. If all you want is a stylus then any stylus will do but if you want something that actually works like an Apple Pencil then no, there are no decent alternatives.
So don't. But don't expect anything else to work as well.
This nails it perfectly.
Going round in circles here, there isn’t any. It doesn’t exist.
I do feel as though we’re wasting our time.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-Pencil-2nd-Generation-for-iPad-Pro-White-/334402921187
Every single apple pencil I've bought has been second hand. They have all been flawless.