reMarkable 2

Sascha Segan from PCMag highlights the reMarkable 2 as the best E Ink tablet for note-taking, praising its exceptionally smooth, precise, and lag-free inking experience that closely mimics writing on paper. The tablet’s Wacom-based stylus support and responsive interface set it apart from competitors, making it ideal for users focused on handwriting and PDF annotation. However, Segan points out notable drawbacks, including the lack of a front light, limited document format support, and sluggish performance with complex PDFs. The device’s Wi-Fi connectivity is weak, and many cloud features require a costly monthly subscription, unlike competitors that offer these for free. While the reMarkable 2 excels as a dedicated note-taking tool, its restricted ebook capabilities and additional fees temper enthusiasm. Overall, Segan regards it as a specialized device with a unique inking advantage but recommends alternatives like the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 for more versatile E Ink tablet use.

Henry T. Casey from Tom’s Guide highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely focused tablet designed primarily for writers and those who cherish the feel of handwriting on digital paper. Praising its remarkably slim, metal design and natural writing experience, Casey emphasizes how the device excels at replicating the sensation of pen on paper, outperforming general-purpose tablets like the iPad in this niche. The review applauds the improved stylus latency, long battery life, and the handy handwriting-to-text conversion feature, though it notes the latter’s occasional accuracy issues. While the reMarkable 2 lacks apps, color display, and multimedia capabilities, these omissions are framed as intentional trade-offs to maintain its writing-first ethos. Casey also offers practical insights on accessories and real-world use, such as the preference for the pricier Book Folio case and the Marker Plus stylus. Overall, the review conveys genuine enthusiasm for the reMarkable 2’s specialized strengths, positioning it as an indispensable tool for focused note-taking and creative work despite its higher price and limited versatility.

Sharmishta Sarkar from TechRadar highlights the reMarkable 2 as the premier e-paper tablet for writing and sketching, praising its exceptional note-taking experience, sleek design, and continual firmware improvements that have added valuable features like cloud integration, handwriting-to-text conversion, and enhanced stylus precision. The reviewer admires the tablet’s paper-like feel, minimal input lag, and the innovative Type Folio accessory that transforms it into a capable E Ink laptop. However, Sarkar also points out significant limitations, notably the lack of frontlighting, which restricts use in low-light conditions and diminishes its appeal as an e-reader. The absence of a browser, limited file format support, and the high cost of the device and accessories further temper enthusiasm. Despite these drawbacks, the review conveys a measured but positive tone, emphasizing that while the reMarkable 2 is not a multimedia device, it excels at focused, distraction-free digital note-taking and creative work, making it a unique and worthwhile investment for dedicated users.

Daniel Bader from Android Central highlights the reMarkable 2 as a transformative and focused writing tablet that excels at replicating the feel of pen on paper, offering a uniquely satisfying handwriting experience. Despite initial skepticism and its high price point—starting at $399 plus accessories—the reviewer found the device invaluable for organizing daily tasks and annotating documents by hand, praising its beautiful, slim aluminum design and impressive two-week battery life. The tablet’s e-ink display and stylus input create a tactile, paper-like interaction unmatched by traditional tablets, though input lag and the lack of a backlight are noted limitations. Bader also points out the clunky, unidirectional cloud apps as a significant drawback, reducing seamless workflow integration. While the reMarkable 2 is not a full-featured tablet and demands a deliberate purchase decision, its niche focus and well-executed core functionality make it highly recommended for those who prioritize handwritten note-taking and document annotation.

Ally Thomas from Laptop Mag highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely focused tablet designed to deliver a calm, distraction-free note-taking experience. Praising its incredibly low latency, crisp E Ink display, and remarkably thin design, Thomas emphasizes how the device closely simulates writing on paper, making it a joy for artists and note-takers alike. The review appreciates the long battery life and seamless PDF annotation capabilities, while also noting the thoughtful inclusion of multiple brush options and a smooth, pressure-sensitive marker experience. However, Thomas points out some drawbacks, including the marker being sold separately, the lack of a backlight which hampers use in low light, and limited search functionality within documents. Despite these issues and a relatively high price, the reviewer finds the reMarkable 2’s singular focus and elegant simplicity refreshing, ultimately calling it a pleasure to use for those seeking a dedicated digital notebook without distractions.

Louryn Strampe from WIRED highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely focused E Ink tablet that excels at replicating the feel of paper for handwritten notes, sketches, and PDF editing. Praising its thin, lightweight design and the satisfying, natural writing experience with the Marker stylus, Strampe conveys genuine appreciation for its niche appeal to dedicated note-takers. However, the review tempers enthusiasm with clear reservations: the device’s limited functionality—no internet browsing, no app ecosystem, and weak cloud integration—restricts its usefulness. Features like handwriting-to-text conversion and article reading are underwhelming, and hardware omissions such as lack of waterproofing or tracking capabilities are notable drawbacks. While the reMarkable 2 offers a charming, distraction-free alternative to tablets like the iPad, Strampe suggests it remains a specialized tool best suited for those prioritizing paper-like note-taking over versatility, recommending cautious consideration before investing in this imperfect but admirable device.

Chris Taylor from Mashable highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely pleasurable and innovative e-ink tablet that significantly improves on its predecessor’s paperlike writing experience. Praising its near-instant ink response, sleek design, and extended battery life, Taylor conveys genuine enthusiasm for the device’s ability to mimic pen and paper while offering modern conveniences like magnetic stylus attachment and cloud syncing. He notes thoughtful software enhancements such as diverse page templates and impressive handwriting recognition, though he points out limitations like slow document sync, minimal pen stroke customization, and the inability to store converted text beyond emailing it. While the folio case’s stiffness and some jagged brush strokes may frustrate artists, Taylor frames these as minor trade-offs in an otherwise remarkable tool for distraction-free, handwritten note-taking. Overall, he regards the reMarkable 2 as a rare, futuristic device that stands apart from more expensive tablets, ideal for those seeking a focused, digital writing experience.

Prakhar Khanna from Forbes highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely focused digital notepad that excels at delivering a distraction-free writing experience. He praises its lightweight, solid build and the paper-like feel enabled by the fast, responsive e-ink display and the well-designed Marker 2 stylus, noting excellent palm rejection and pressure sensitivity. Khanna appreciates how the device enhances productivity by eliminating typical tablet distractions, making it ideal for brainstorming and note-taking. However, he points out notable limitations, such as the lack of a backlight, slower e-ink scrolling, absence of universal search, and limited e-reader functionality due to no image support or browser capabilities. The subscription model also feels pricey, with a desire for a more affordable cloud storage option. Ultimately, Khanna finds the reMarkable 2 to offer the best note-taking experience on an e-ink device but cautions that its high cost and single-purpose design mean it’s a worthwhile investment only for those who highly value focused writing.

Daniel Bennett from BBC Science Focus highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely focused digital notebook designed to replace traditional pen and paper. Praising its remarkably paper-like e-ink display, pressure-sensitive stylus, and customizable notebooks, he emphasizes how the device excels at decluttering workspaces and helping users organize thoughts without distractions common to multifunction tablets. Bennett appreciates the tactile writing experience, noting it surpasses other stylus devices in mimicking pen on paper. While the interface can feel slightly clunky due to e-ink limitations, and the stylus nibs require regular replacement, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise polished tool. The main drawback is its steep price, which may deter some potential users despite its exceptional performance. Overall, Bennett finds the reMarkable 2 a compelling choice for professionals and students seeking a dedicated, distraction-free writing device, valuing its simplicity and focus over feature overload.

Sanibel Lazar from The Quality Edit highlights the reMarkable 2 as a transformative tool for writers and note-takers who crave the tactile feel of pen on paper without the clutter of physical notebooks. Praising its remarkably realistic writing experience—thanks to the Marker stylus’s paper-like friction and diverse pen options—the review emphasizes how the tablet excels at organizing handwritten notes, annotating PDFs, and syncing seamlessly with desktop apps. Lazar appreciates the device’s distraction-free design, long battery life, and thoughtful features like Quick Sheets and customizable templates. While the grayscale screen limits color display to the companion app, this is framed as a purposeful trade-off to maintain focus. The review also acknowledges the optional Connect subscription and compares the reMarkable 2 favorably to its predecessor and the newer Paper Pro model, noting the 2’s portability and affordability. Overall, the tone is enthusiastic and confident, portraying the reMarkable 2 as an ideal digital notebook replacement for creative and academic users alike.

Susan Dennard highlights a deeply personal and enthusiastic endorsement of the reMarkable 2, emphasizing how it uniquely bridges the gap between traditional paper and digital note-taking for creative professionals. She praises the device’s exceptional handwriting feel, near-perfect text conversion, and seamless cloud syncing, which have transformed her writing and editing workflow by eliminating paper clutter without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Dennard candidly addresses the device’s limitations, including its high total cost (marker and keyboard sold separately), lack of apps, absence of a backlight, and battery life concerns, yet these drawbacks do not diminish her overall affection. Her detailed real-world use cases—brainstorming, scene outlining, and manuscript editing—offer valuable insights into how the reMarkable 2 excels in niche creative contexts. The review’s warm, genuine tone and practical examples make it clear that while the device is not for everyone, it is a game-changer for those who, like her, rely heavily on handwritten workflows.

Anthony Sculimbrene from Everyday Commentary highlights the reMarkable 2 as a highly effective and thoughtfully designed “paper tablet” that excels in focused note-taking and document review, particularly for legal professionals. He praises its near-authentic writing experience, slim and substantial build, and distraction-free tech integration that fosters deep concentration. Unique insights include its role as a “funnel” for information, helping users avoid the overwhelm of typical multitasking devices. While he notes minor design nitpicks—such as the folio’s weak magnets causing the pen to occasionally detach—these do not detract from the overall positive impression. Sculimbrene emphasizes that the device is not a “hobbled iPad” but a distinct tool that encourages more frequent use than paper itself. His enthusiasm is clear, underscored by real-world use cases like reviewing thousands of legal documents outdoors and billing more hours on day one than the device’s cost. The review conveys genuine delight balanced with practical observations, culminating in a strong recommendation.

Sebastian Gebski from No Kill Switch highlights the reMarkable 2 as a thoughtfully designed e-ink tablet that excels in hardware quality, offering solid build, precise and low-latency stylus input, and a satisfying note-taking experience reminiscent of paper’s flexibility. While the device impresses with its responsiveness and accuracy, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone due to significant software limitations. The minimalistic firmware lacks advanced features like dictionary support, robust OCR, and integration with popular note-taking platforms, which hampers its potential as a seamless digital note-taking front-end. The companion PC app and Chrome extension work adequately but reveal quirks, such as poor EPUB rendering and occasional bugs. Gebski appreciates the device’s core strengths but underscores that its true value depends on future software improvements, especially in expanding note space, better syncing, and richer ecosystem connectivity. Overall, the review balances enthusiasm for the hardware with measured critique of the software, reflecting both promise and current shortcomings.

Jared Belcher highlights the reMarkable 2 as a uniquely joyful productivity tool that has deeply integrated into his daily workflow, despite its more limited feature set compared to devices like the iPad. Emphasizing the tablet’s e-ink display and focused design, he praises how its simplicity and tactile writing experience make note-taking and task management genuinely enjoyable, which ultimately drives consistent use. While acknowledging that the reMarkable 2 doesn’t offer the broad functionality of more powerful tablets, Belcher’s enthusiasm stems from how well it fits his personal productivity style—valuing ease and pleasure over feature overload. His long-term use and subsequent upgrade to the Paper Pro underscore the reMarkable 2’s role as a foundational writing device. The review offers a thoughtful perspective on how the device’s “limitations” are actually its strengths, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a distraction-free, satisfying digital writing experience.

Dan from eWritable highlights the reMarkable 2 as a beautifully designed and durable e-ink tablet that excels in delivering a premium, minimalist note-taking and typing experience. He praises its slim form factor, solid build quality, and the tactile, natural feel of writing on its proprietary CANVAS screen, which remains one of the best implementations of pressure and tilt sensitivity. However, Dan also points out notable limitations: the device’s hardware is low-spec by modern standards, leading to occasional sluggishness with large PDFs and a basic, sometimes frustrating reading app. The lack of third-party app support and minimal hardware features (no frontlight, Bluetooth, or expandable storage) restrict its versatility. Accessories, while well-made, are considered overpriced. Despite these drawbacks, Dan appreciates the seamless integration with reMarkable’s companion apps and the exceptional typing experience with the keyboard folio. Overall, he views the reMarkable 2 as a niche, elegant tool best suited for focused note-taking and document work, but less competitive against newer, more feature-rich e-ink tablets.

Filip Verloy assesses the reMarkable 2 as an excellent tool primarily for dedicated note-taking, praising its paper-like writing experience and highly accurate text conversion, which surpasses that of an iPad. He highlights the tablet’s Screen Share feature as a seamless way to draw and present in real time, expanding its utility beyond simple note-taking. However, Verloy expresses reservations about using the device as an e-reader, noting limitations such as lack of front lighting, lower contrast, and the need to zoom on complex PDFs, which detract from reading comfort compared to dedicated e-readers like the Kindle. He also appreciates the Chrome plugin for distraction-free article reading and annotation. Overall, Verloy’s tone is measured and thoughtful, recommending the reMarkable 2 strongly for users focused on note-taking who can integrate it consistently into their workflow, while advising caution for those seeking a versatile all-in-one device, especially for reading in varied lighting conditions.

Michael Linn from Original Content Books offers a measured and candid assessment of the reMarkable 2 tablet after four weeks of use. While acknowledging the device’s unique position as a hybrid between analog paper and digital tablets, Linn expresses skepticism about its value given the high cost—especially when fully equipped with the marker and eraser, which push the price well above comparable tablets like the iPad. He highlights some positive aspects, such as the lightweight design, good performance in sunlight, and a variety of built-in templates that enhance the writing experience. However, limitations like pen lag, lack of support for popular DRM-protected eBooks (e.g., Kindle), and a handwriting-to-text feature that falls short compared to modern speech-to-text reduce its appeal. The cloud-based Connect service’s read-only access and ongoing subscription fee also detract from usability. Linn appreciates the straightforward 100-day return policy but ultimately finds the reMarkable 2 not worth the money for most users.