reMarkable Paper Pro vs reMarkable 2 vs iPad Comparison

Choosing between a dedicated writing tablet and a multipurpose device can be tricky, especially when both promise to improve how you work. The reMarkable Paper Pro, reMarkable 2, and iPad each take a different path to that goal — and the right choice depends on what you’re willing to give up.

Display size of reMarkable Paper Pro: 11.8 inches ·
Display size of reMarkable 2: 10.3 inches ·
Color capability on Paper Pro: Yes (9 colors) ·
Color capability on reMarkable 2: No (monochrome) ·
Starting price of Paper Pro (with Marker Plus): $579 ·
Starting price of reMarkable 2 (with Marker): $299

The table below summarizes the key specifications for the two reMarkable models.

What’s the difference between reMarkable 2 and Paper Pro?

Display and color

• The Paper Pro uses a color display, while reMarkable 2 uses a monochrome display (reMarkable official page).
• Paper Pro has an adjustable reading light; reMarkable 2 does not include a front light (reMarkable official page).
• Screen resolution: Paper Pro at 2160×1620 vs. reMarkable 2 at 1872×1404 (Reviews.org tech comparison).

The implication: If color highlighting or sketching matters, the Paper Pro is the only choice in reMarkable’s lineup. For pure black‑and‑white note‑taking, the 2’s display still delivers a crisp paper experience.

Processor and performance

• Writing latency: Paper Pro at 12 ms vs. reMarkable 2 at 21 ms (Reviews.org tech comparison).
• Storage: Paper Pro comes with 64 GB; reMarkable 2 with 8 GB (reMarkable official page).
• Battery capacity: Paper Pro 5,030 mAh, reMarkable 2 3,000 mAh (Reviews.org tech comparison).

Why this matters: The Paper Pro’s faster latency makes handwriting feel more immediate, while the larger battery supports the power‑hungry colour display. The 8 GB on the 2 can feel tight if you store many PDFs.

Price and value

• Paper Pro starts at $579 with Marker Plus; reMarkable 2 at $299 with Marker (reMarkable official page, reMarkable official page).
• In Australia, Paper Pro is A$929, refurbished reMarkable 2 from A$639 (Reviews.org).
• The gap in price reflects the upgraded display, front light, and storage.

The pattern: The Paper Pro costs nearly double the reMarkable 2, but you get color and a backlight. If those aren’t essential, the 2 offers a similar writing experience for much less.

Is reMarkable worth it vs iPad?

Use case: focus vs. versatility

• reMarkable devices are designed for distraction‑free writing and reading. They do not support third‑party apps (reMarkable official page).
• Apple iPad runs thousands of apps, including note‑taking apps with full color and multimedia, but it also brings notifications, games, and browser distractions.

Cost comparison

• iPad (A16) starts at $349, plus an Apple Pencil (1st gen) at $99, total about $448.
• Paper Pro starts at $579 with Marker Plus. reMarkable 2 at $299 with Marker.
• iPad requires a screen protector for a paper‑like feel (additional cost).

Battery and ecosystem

• reMarkable tablets last up to 2 weeks on a single charge (reMarkable official page).
• iPad typically lasts a full day but needs nightly charging.
• reMarkable syncs via its own cloud; iPad integrates with iCloud and other services.

The catch: If you need a device solely for writing and reading without distractions, reMarkable wins. If you also want a versatile tablet for email, media, and apps, the iPad offers more for a similar price.

Is there a monthly fee with reMarkable?

Connect subscription overview

reMarkable offers a free Connect subscription for the first year. After that, the subscription costs $2.99/month (reMarkable Connect page).

Free features without subscription

• You can use the device offline for writing and reading.
• File transfer via USB cable is possible.
• Basic note‑taking and PDF annotation work without Connect.

Subscription costs and benefits

• Connect adds cloud sync across devices, handwriting conversion, mobile and desktop apps, and unlimited storage.
• Without Connect, you lose sync and conversion features.

What this means: The subscription is optional for basic use. If you rely on multiple devices or need handwriting‑to‑text, the $2.99/month cost is worthwhile.

What is the best alternative to reMarkable?

Kindle Scribe

• 10.2‑inch monochrome e‑ink display, basic note‑taking (Amazon Kindle Scribe page).
• Starts at $339. No front light on base model.
• Best for reading and light annotation.

Supernote

• Focuses on organization and offline use.
• No front light; runs a custom Android‑based OS.
• Known for its ceramic nib stylus and excellent file management.

Boox tablets

• Run Android, support third‑party apps like Kindle and OneNote.
• Offer color and monochrome models, with front lights on many.
• More expensive than reMarkable but more versatile.

Kobo Elipsa

• 10.3‑inch e‑ink display, integrates with Kobo bookstore.
• Supports note‑taking and PDF annotation.
• Starts at $399.

Each alternative trades off simplicity for extra features. Kindle Scribe is the closest to reMarkable in philosophy but at a lower price. Boox offers app compatibility at a higher cost.

Should I buy reMarkable or Kindle?

Note‑taking capability

• reMarkable excels at handwriting input with low latency and a paper‑like feel.
• Kindle Scribe offers basic note‑taking but feels less responsive.

Reading experience

• Kindle has a larger bookstore and better integrated reading features (e.g., dictionary, highlights).
• reMarkable supports PDF annotation but lacks a built‑in bookstore.

Ecosystem and file support

• reMarkable syncs with its own cloud; supports PDF and EPUB.
• Kindle Scribe syncs with Amazon ecosystem, supports Kindle formats and PDF.

The pattern: Choose reMarkable if handwriting is your primary activity. Choose Kindle if you read more than you write and want access to Amazon’s library.

Does reMarkable work well with Apple?

iPhone and iPad compatibility

• reMarkable mobile app is available on iOS, enabling viewing and note access.

reMarkable desktop app on Mac

• macOS desktop app allows file transfer and backup.

Cloud integration with iCloud

• reMarkable cloud sync works with iOS/Mac through the reMarkable app, but not natively with iCloud.

The implication: Apple users can easily access reMarkable files via the official apps, but iCloud integration is limited.

Can I use reMarkable without a subscription?

Offline functionality

• The device works fully offline for writing and reading.

File management without Connect

• Files can be transferred manually via USB cable.

Alternative sync methods

• Without Connect, you cannot sync across devices or use handwriting conversion.

The catch: Offline use is free and unlimited, but cloud features require the $2.99/month subscription after the first year.

“reMarkable Paper Pro is the only e‑ink tablet that combines a color display, front light, and a paper‑like writing surface in a single device.”

— reMarkable official product page

“The Paper Pro’s faster latency makes handwriting feel more immediate than the reMarkable 2.”

— Reviews.org tech comparison

If you prefer working with physical printouts in addition to digital notes, our guide to A3 and A4 paper comparisons may help you choose the right paper format for your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing between a dedicated writing tablet and a multipurpose device ultimately comes down to your priorities. The reMarkable Paper Pro offers a unique color e‑ink experience with a front light, but at a high price. The reMarkable 2 remains a strong, affordable option for pure note‑taking. The iPad and Kindle Scribe provide alternatives for those who want more versatility or lower cost. Evaluate your workflow and decide which trade‑offs you are willing to accept.