reMarkable RM114

The reMarkable 2 is a 10.3-inch E Ink writing tablet that delivers the best paper-like writing experience we've seen. It's distraction-free by design, with no apps or backlight, which is either a feature or a dealbreaker depending on what you need. For focused note-taking and document markup, it's worth the investment, especially if you can find it at the lower end of the EUR 379 to EUR 619 price range.

The reMarkable 2's performance isn't about benchmark scores or frame rates. It's about latency, and that's where it shines. Writing with the Marker Plus feels immediate. The stylus tracks fast enough that the ink appears to flow right from the tip, and the textured screen surface gives just enough resistance to mimic pencil on paper. Our database puts the screen quality around the middle of the pack for tablets overall, but for E Ink specifically, it's a standout.

Battery life is a mixed bag. reMarkable claims up to two weeks, and in practice, light note-takers will get close to that. Heavy users who sync constantly and mark up large PDFs will see less. The battery percentile ranking lands near the bottom third of tablets in our database, but comparing an E Ink device to an iPad on battery is apples to oranges. The real performance story here is the writing feel, and that's genuinely best-in-class.

The reMarkable 2's closest spiritual competitor is the Kindle Scribe, and several reviewers mention trying both. The Scribe offers a backlight and a bigger ecosystem, but the writing feel isn't quite as paper-like. The reMarkable 2 wins on focus and tactile feedback. Against the Apple iPad Pro M5 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, there's no contest on raw power, but those devices are full multimedia machines. The reMarkable 2 is a notebook, not a computer.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and Xiaomi Pad 7 are similarly mismatched. They're productivity tablets with full operating systems, and they'll run circles around the reMarkable 2 on specs. But they also come with distractions, notifications, and the constant temptation to check email. If you want a device that does one thing extremely well, the reMarkable 2 beats them all at that one thing. If you want a do-everything tablet, look elsewhere.

Value is where the reMarkable 2 gets tricky. At EUR 379 from some European retailers, it's a compelling buy for serious note-takers. At EUR 619, you're paying a premium for the same hardware, so shop around. The USD 640 price in the US feels steep, especially when you factor in the Connect subscription after the 100-day trial ends. But owners consistently say the device is worth it for focused work. If you're comparing it to an iPad, you're missing the point. This is a specialized tool, and for the right buyer, the price is justified. Just don't pay the high end of that EUR range when the low end exists.

The reMarkable 2 is a 10.3-inch E Ink writing tablet that sits in a weird but wonderful niche. It's not trying to be an iPad. It's not trying to be a Kindle. It's a digital notebook that feels shockingly close to real paper, and that's the whole pitch. The Essentials Bundle throws in the Marker Plus stylus with a built-in eraser and a gray Book Folio cover, so you're ready to go out of the box. Prices bounce around a lot depending on where you shop, from EUR 379 to EUR 619 in Europe and around USD 640 in the US.

People searching for a distraction-free note-taking tablet usually land here after bouncing off regular tablets. And honestly, that's the right audience. If you want a device for writing, sketching, and marking up PDFs without notifications, social media, or a web browser tugging at your attention, this thing nails it. The 4.7mm thickness makes it feel like a fancy legal pad, and the 1872x1404 resolution keeps text crisp enough that you forget you're looking at a screen.

But let's be clear about what this isn't. It's not a general-purpose tablet. No apps, no backlight, no color. Just 8GB of storage, which sounds tiny until you remember it's mostly for text and sketches. The trade-off is focus, and for the right person, that's worth every penny.

Skip the reMarkable 2 if you want a backlit screen for reading at night, need to install apps like OneNote or Notion, or expect a full tablet experience with web browsing and video. Artists who need color or pressure-sensitive drawing with tilt support will find it limiting too. If you're on a budget, the Kindle Scribe offers similar note-taking with a backlight and often costs less. And if you need a do-everything device, the iPad Pro M5 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 are better fits, just with more distractions built in.

Should you buy the reMarkable 2? If you're a student, writer, designer, or anyone who takes handwritten notes daily and wants to go paperless without losing the feel of paper, yes. It's the best digital notebook we've tested for pure writing experience. The lack of distractions is a feature, not a bug, and the build quality is excellent.

But if you need a backlight for reading in bed, want to install apps, or expect a full tablet experience, this will frustrate you. The 8GB storage and subscription model are real limitations. The reMarkable 2 is a luxury tool for a specific kind of person. Know what you're getting into, and you'll love it.