reMarkable 2 Review: The Best E-Ink Tablet for Note-Taking?
The reMarkable 2 is an ultra-thin e-ink tablet designed for writing, reading, and annotating documents with a paper-like feel. It’s marketed as a distraction-free alternative to traditional tablets, focusing purely on productivity. But does it live up to the hype?
Design & Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice is how sleek and premium the reMarkable 2 feels. At just 4.7mm thick, it’s the thinnest tablet on the market, making it feel more like a clipboard than an electronic device. The aluminum body gives it a sturdy yet lightweight build, and the lack of unnecessary buttons keeps things minimalistic.
The Canvas Display (a 10.3-inch monochrome e-ink screen) is optimized for writing and reading, mimicking the texture of paper with an impressive level of friction. This provides a satisfying writing experience, especially with the Marker Plus stylus, which has tilt and pressure sensitivity.
Performance & Writing Experience
Where the reMarkable 2 truly shines is in its writing experience. The stylus has near-zero lag, making it feel like you’re using a real pen and paper. Handwriting is crisp, and there are multiple pen styles (ballpoint, marker, pencil, etc.) that further enhance the experience.
The tablet has no backlight, which makes it feel natural to write on but also means you’ll need good lighting to use it effectively. The battery life is excellent, lasting two weeks on a single charge, making it one of the most power-efficient tablets available.
Software & Features
The reMarkable 2 isn’t trying to be a full-fledged tablet like an iPad—it’s built for focused productivity. There are no apps, no web browsing, and no notifications. Instead, you get:
• Handwriting-to-text conversion (decent but not perfect)
• Cloud syncing to access notes from your phone, tablet, or desktop
• PDF and ePUB support for reading and annotating documents
• Organized notebooks and tagging for keeping track of notes
That said, the reMarkable software has some limitations. The lack of direct email support, web browsing, or third-party apps makes it a very niche device. It’s also not ideal for tasks like heavy PDF editing, and there’s no color support.
Pricing & Subscription Model
The reMarkable 2 starts at $299, but if you want the full experience, you’ll need the Marker Plus ($129) and the Folio Case ($99+). Additionally, reMarkable introduced a Connect subscription ($2.99/month or $4.99/month) to enable cloud syncing and advanced features, which feels like a letdown given the high initial cost.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔️ Best-in-class writing experience
✔️ Ultra-thin and premium design
✔️ Excellent battery life
✔️ No distractions—pure focus
✔️ Great for note-taking and document annotation
Cons:
❌ Expensive, especially with accessories and subscription
❌ No backlight (not usable in low light)
❌ Limited software features (no apps, color, or email)
❌ Handwriting recognition isn’t perfect
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a minimalist, distraction-free digital notebook, the reMarkable 2 is one of the best options out there. It’s perfect for writers, students, professionals, and anyone who prefers the feel of paper but wants digital convenience. However, if you need a more versatile tablet for reading, productivity, or entertainment, an iPad with an Apple Pencil might be a better investment.
Overall Rating: 8/10 – A fantastic writing experience with some frustrating limitations.