reMarkable Paper Pro 11.8" RM83C-1005NW 2024, Cortex-A53, 64GB, Black

The reMarkable Paper Pro is the best digital notebook we've tested for people who actually write. It's expensive and single-purpose, but the paper-like feel is so good you'll stop caring.

The 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 is nothing special on paper, and our benchmarks put it in the bottom third for raw CPU power. But here's the thing: this device doesn't need horsepower. It needs to feel instant when you write, and it does. The 11.8-inch 2160x1620 display sits in the top third of our screen rankings, and the color highlighting is a standout feature we didn't expect to love as much as we did. The backlight is a welcome addition over the previous model. Battery life is excellent according to owners, though WiFi drain when left on is a real complaint. The 64GB storage is fine for notes and PDFs, but don't expect to load up a media library.

The obvious comparison is the Apple iPad Pro M5, which absolutely crushes the Paper Pro on raw performance, app ecosystem, and versatility. But that's like comparing a chef's knife to a Swiss Army knife. The iPad does everything, the Paper Pro does one thing exceptionally well. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is a middle ground with better specs and a stylus, but it still feels like a tablet pretending to be paper. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a full laptop replacement, not a competitor here. If you want a device that disappears when you write, the Paper Pro wins. If you want a device that does everything else too, get the iPad.

This is where it gets tricky. US prices swing from USD 499 to USD 799 depending on the bundle and vendor, and that's a huge spread for the same core device. The best deal in our database is at the USD 499 end, which makes it a much easier recommendation. At USD 799 with the folio and Marker Plus, you're paying iPad Pro money for a device that does one thing. In Europe, prices range from EUR 722 to EUR 849, so shop around before you commit. If you can find it at the low end, it's a fair price for a tool you'll use daily. At the high end, it's a luxury purchase.

The reMarkable Paper Pro is the closest thing to actual paper we've tested in a digital notebook. The writing feel is genuinely uncanny, with a textured surface and Marker Plus that make you forget you're holding a tablet. It's not trying to be an iPad, and that's exactly the point. If you want a focused note-taking machine that feels like a premium legal pad, this is it. Just know you're paying a premium for that focus.

If you're looking for a tablet that does it all, this isn't it. Go get an iPad Pro M5 or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 instead. The Paper Pro is for people who want a focused writing tool and nothing else. If you need apps, games, video streaming, or a laptop replacement, you'll be frustrated within a week.

The reMarkable Paper Pro is a niche device that nails its niche. If you're a writer, student, or professional who takes handwritten notes daily and values focus over features, this is the best tool for the job. The writing feel alone justifies the purchase for the right person. But if you need apps, media, or a general-purpose tablet, this isn't it. Buy it for what it is, not what it could be.