My favourite e ink tablets for reading in 2023

If you’re like me and you love reading and writing, you’ll appreciate an e ink tablet. I invested in an e ink tablet recently and was a bit skeptical, as I love my handwritten notes but I also love to read anywhere and everywhere.

But after using my e ink tablet for some time it honestly is just as good as writing things down in my notebook or a random piece of paper. I also don’t feel so exposed having everything written down everywhere for anyone to find!

If you’re looking to get an E-ink tablet check out the Remarkable 2 and other e-ink tablets I reviewed here before finally making the decision. It’s honestly as close to paper as it gets, and if you’re looking for a cheap e-ink notepad (I’ve got you covered).

Related: 9 Best Gifts for Designers in 2023 (Unique and Creative)

What Are E-Ink Tablets?

E-ink stands for “electronic ink,” and it’s a type of display technology that mimics the look and feel of real ink on paper.

E-ink displays use tiny microcapsules filled with charged particles that move in response to an electrical field, creating black and white images that are easy on the eyes and consume very little power.

Unlike traditional LCD or OLED screens, e-ink displays don’t emit blue light, which can disrupt your sleep cycle and cause eye strain. With e-ink tablets, you can enjoy the benefits of a digital device while still getting the comfort and convenience of reading on paper.

What Are The Best E-Ink Tablets?

---

1. Remarkable 2 – The Best E-Ink tablet for Reading and Writing.

Overview

The Remarkable 2 is a premium e-ink tablet designed for reading, writing, and note-taking. With its advanced technology and sleek design, it provides a superior reading and writing experience that is both comfortable and efficient.

It features a 10.3-inch display that mimics the feel of real paper, making it perfect for those who prefer the traditional reading and writing experience.

Highlights

• Large 10.3-inch display with a paper-like feel for a natural reading and writing experience
• Thin and lightweight design for easy portability
• Long-lasting battery life of up to two weeks on a single charge
• Advanced note-taking and annotation capabilities for efficient note-taking
• Syncs with cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Drive for easy access to documents

Pricing

The Remarkable 2 is priced at $299, which may seem steep, but its premium features and advanced technology make it worth the investment for avid readers, students, and professionals.

In my perspective

The Remarkable 2 is best suited for individuals who value a high-quality reading and writing experience and are willing to invest in a premium e-ink tablet.

Its advanced technology and efficient note-taking capabilities make it an excellent choice for students and professionals, while its lightweight design and long battery life make it perfect for on-the-go use.

If you’re still unsure, the Remarkable 2 offers a 30-day trial period, so you can test it out risk-free.

2. Onyx Boox Note Air2 Plus – Most Versatile E-Ink Tablet.

Overview

Onyx Boox Air2 is a versatile e-ink tablet with a 10.3-inch screen and a lightweight design.

It boasts a fast processor, a long-lasting battery, and compatibility with multiple file types. The device also comes with a stylus that provides a natural writing experience and supports handwriting recognition.

Highlights

• Large, high-resolution e-ink display for easy reading and annotation
• High-performance processor for smooth multitasking and faster page turns
• Multiple file format support for reading and annotating different types of documents
• Long battery life for extended use without needing to recharge frequently
• Stylus support with handwriting recognition for natural note-taking and sketching

Pricing

The Onyx Boox Note Air2 is priced at $449.99 on the Onyx website. It may also be available for purchase through third-party retailers such as amazon.

In my perspective

The Onyx Boox Note Air2 is best suited for professionals, students, and avid readers who value a large, high-quality display and advanced note-taking capabilities.

Its long battery life and multiple file format support make it an excellent option for those who need a device for extended use while on the go.

If you’re looking for a premium e-ink tablet that provides an exceptional writing and reading experience, the Onyx Boox Note Air is definitely worth considering.

3. Kobo Elipsa – Best E-Ink tablet for Reading.

Overview

The Kobo Elipsa is a premium e-ink tablet with a large 10.3-inch display that boasts a resolution of 1404×1872 pixels. It comes with an ergonomic stylus for note-taking and sketching and provides a great reading experience for e-books.

Highlights

• Large, high-resolution display
• Ergonomic stylus for note-taking and sketching
• Supports multiple file formats for e-books and documents
• Long battery life
• Expandable storage up to 32GB

Pricing

The Kobo Elipsa is priced at $399.99 and comes with the stylus.

In my perspective

The Kobo Elipsa is ideal for professionals, students, and avid readers who want a premium e-ink tablet that provides an excellent note-taking and sketching experience along with great reading features. It is also suitable for those who want to read and annotate PDFs and other documents.

4. Supernote A5X

Overview

The Supernote A5X is an e-reader that is designed to mimic the feel of writing or drawing on paper, with its 10.3 inch E-Ink screen and stylus support.

Highlights

• The large screen size provides ample space for reading, writing, and drawing.
• The stylus support allows for precise note-taking and sketching.
• The device has a long battery life, with up to 4 weeks of use on a single charge.
• The A5X supports multiple file formats, including PDF, EPUB, and MOBI.
• The device also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy file transfer and syncing.

Pricing

Available on the Supernote website for $415, it includes the device only. You can buy a standard set for $514 and a premium set for $589 both including a pen and folio.

In my perspective

The Supernote A5X strikes a balance between the minimalist reMarkable 2 and the feature-rich Onyx Boox Note Air 2, offering users a range of functions from Android apps while maintaining simplicity.

It is a great option for writers seeking a premium notepad experience with a ballpoint-like pen, as well as those who require a basic yet high-functioning e-ink tablet for daily planning and to-do lists.

Supernote is a reputable brand known for its commitment to customer feedback and continuous updates, which has resulted in a loyal following.

5. PocketBook InkPad X

Overview

The PocketBook InkPad X is a large, high-resolution e-reader with advanced features such as note-taking and handwriting recognition.

Highlights

• Large, 10.3-inch E Ink Carta display with 1872×1404 resolution
• Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable reading
• Built-in note-taking and handwriting recognition features
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy transfer of documents and e-books
• Long battery life of up to 3 weeks on a single charge

Pricing

The PocketBook InkPad X is priced at $399.99.

In my perspective

The PocketBook InkPad X is a great choice for avid readers who also need note-taking functionality in a high-quality e-reader. The large screen and lightweight design make it easy to read for long periods of time, and the advanced features make it a versatile device for both personal and professional use.

6. Kindle Scribe

Overview

Kindle Scribe is similar to the extra-large Kindle Paperwhite with its high resolution and Scribe has the highest resolution among e-ink devices above 10”.

It is the first Kindle you can write on, it uses a Wacom screen that has an anti-gloss coating on top that also adds texture when writing and a side bezel to easily hold for hours at a time. It mainly allows users to write on sticky notes above the documents.

Highlights

• 10.2” glare-free Paperwhite display with a resolution of 300 DPI
• Battery life can last up to 10 weeks.
• There are 18 notebook templates available, including six lined options, graphing paper, musical notations, and to-do lists
• Has rubber feet on the back of the device and a cover that stands for surface grip so it won’t slide easily and prevents scratches
• Has 35 adjustable front lights from cool to warm
• Magnetic stylus that does not require charging and has a button to switch pen functions; The key map of the pen is customizable on the device

Pricing

Available on Amazon for $339.99 with 16GB. For larger storage capacity, you can buy Kindle Scribe for $389.99 with 32GB or for $419.99 with 64GB. The package includes the device, a premium pen, and a USB-C charging cable.

In my perspective

If you’re someone who enjoys using Amazon’s products and services and wants a device that provides a single-use experience with a high-resolution display without having to constantly pinch and zoom or deal with ghosting when refreshing, then the Kindle

Scribe is perfect for you. You can also browse books for free on the Kindle app and it also allows for occasional note-taking on Amazon books, but not directly on the file.

Like other Kindle devices, the Kindle Scribe gives access to the Kindle library, which offers over 13 million titles to choose from.

US-based customers can also receive a free four-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited, providing access to over 3 million e-books.

7. Boox Tab Ultra

Overview

For those who want an e-ink tablet that functions more like a true tablet than an e-reader, the BOOX Tab Ultra is the perfect choice. Unlike the other devices mentioned in this article, which primarily function as e-readers, the BOOX Tab Ultra is powerful and offers a user experience that mimics that of a traditional tablet, complete with a home screen filled with apps.

Highlights

• 10.3-inch e-ink tablet that runs on Google Android 11 with access to the Google Play Store
• Provides a great writing experience: it comes with a stylus that has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and palm rejection
• Front-lit display with white and amber LED lights.
• Qualcomm octa-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage
• Hardware specs also include a new graphic processor with BOOX Super Refresh technology for a faster screen refresh and smooth movement
• 16MP camera with OCR technology, a dedicated GPU for multimedia content, and a magnetic keyboard for comfortable typing.
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB-C port for easy file transfer
• Supported by firmware updates for at least five years
• UI and settings menu are easy to navigate
• G-sensor allows for automatic screen rotation, and the device has a thin protective glass with reduced glare
• Ideal tool for reading and working with documents

Pricing

Costs $559 on Amazon and the BOOX website.

In my perspective

The Boox Tab Ultra is a one-of-a-kind e-ink tablet that offers a natural and seamless writing experience with its stylus, and a durable battery life. It comes with a 10.3-inch sharp E Ink display, access to Google Play Store, and operates on Android 11.

However, the device is not without its drawbacks, including ghosting and a monochromatic display, and some compatibility issues with Android apps. Additionally, the keyboard folio connection is weak and may disconnect with movement.

With a price tag of $599, potential buyers should weigh the unique benefits of the e-ink display and stylus input against the device’s compromises and cost.

Summary

In conclusion, if you’re a book lover or a professional who needs to read and annotate documents on the go, an e-reader can be a game-changer. With so many options available, it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs.

The Boox Tab Ultra is a great choice for professionals who require advanced features, while the PocketBook InkPad X is the best cheap e-ink writing tablet option for avid readers. Whichever e-reader you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy reading without the inconvenience of carrying around physical books.