8 min read

A digital notebook is an essential tool for writers, students, designers, and anyone who loves to capture ideas on the go. Thanks to AI, cloud syncing, and ultra-responsive e-ink screens, digital note-taking is smarter than ever.
Among the top contenders in the market are the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2. However, which one offers the best writing experience?
Let’s explore this battle of digital giants and break down everything you need to know.
Both the Kindle Scribe and the ReMarkable 2 are highly regarded e-ink tablets designed for note-taking, reading, and creativity, but each offers a unique set of features.
Amazon’s Kindle lineup is created for readers, and the Kindle Scribe is no exception. However, it steps up the game by combining the signature Kindle experience with an intuitive note-taking feature.
It features a large 10.2-inch screen, making it the perfect size for both reading and writing. The Kindle Scribe also supports stylus input, which allows users to jot down notes, highlight text, or even sketch freely.
Here are some key features:
The ReMarkable 2, on the other hand, is focused entirely on creating the best possible note-taking experience with a sleek design and some truly impressive hardware.
It features a 10.3-inch screen, slightly larger than the Kindle Scribe, but with a thinner and lighter build. Known for its ultra-low latency and paper-like writing feel, the ReMarkable 2 is aimed at professionals who want to replace traditional paper notebooks.
Let’s look at the key features of ReMarkable 2:
Here’s a quick breakdown of Kindle Scribe 2024 vs Remarkable 2: The Best Digital Notebook Under $400.
Feature | Kindle Scribe | ReMarkable 2 |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Custom Kindle OS (based on Linux) | Custom ReMarkable OS (Codex, Linux-based) |
Handwriting Conversion | No built-in handwriting-to-text conversion | Yes, built-in handwriting recognition |
Cloud Storage | Amazon Cloud (limited syncing) | ReMarkable Cloud (subscription required for full sync) |
Third-Party App Support | Limited (no external apps) | No external apps, but integrates with Google Drive & Dropbox |
Export Options | PDFs, Kindle Notes, limited sharing | PDFs, PNGs, SVGs, email export |
Pen Latency | Regular updates focused on Kindle features | Ultra-low latency, near-instant feedback |
Accessories | Premium pen with an eraser, folio covers | Marker Plus stylus, folio covers, keyboard folio (future) |
Software Updates | Regular updates, focused on Kindle features | Frequent updates, improving handwriting & UI |
Offline Usability | Fully functional offline | Fully functional offline |
Customization | Basic note templates, pen types | Multiple note templates, layers for sketching |
Environmental Impact | Made with recycled materials, energy-efficient | Designed for minimal environmental impact, repairable |
Price | Starts at $339 (includes basic pen) | Starts at $399 (stylus sold separately) |
Both devices take advantage of E Ink technology to offer a glare-free, paper-like display, which is gentle on the eyes during long reading or writing sessions.
However, when it comes to design, they each have their own flair.
If you’re looking for portability, the ReMarkable 2 might have the edge due to its thinner, lighter design. But if you want a bit more screen real estate for both reading and writing, the Kindle Scribe’s slightly larger display might appeal to you.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2 offer exceptional writing experiences, but key differences exist.
The writing experience on the Kindle Scribe is smooth, but it doesn’t quite match the precision of the ReMarkable 2.
The stylus that comes with the Kindle Scribe is responsive, but you might notice a slight delay when compared to ReMarkable’s near-instantaneous writing response.
The Scribe offers different pen types and line thicknesses, but it’s more about versatility in integrating with Amazon’s ecosystem rather than a pure note-taking machine.
The ReMarkable 2 is often hailed for its lag-free writing experience, with a paper-like texture that makes it feel incredibly natural to write on.
It uses a stylus with no batteries (unlike the Kindle’s rechargeable pen), offering a true pen-to-paper experience. There’s no noticeable lag, and the handwriting recognition is spot on.
If you write a lot by hand or need to draw/sketch with precision, the ReMarkable 2 is your best bet for a seamless experience.
On the other hand, if you’re a Kindle user who wants a good note-taking feature integrated into the Kindle ecosystem, the Kindle Scribe might do the trick.
When choosing a digital notebook, features, and functionality can make or break the experience. Let’s explore how the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2 stack up beyond just writing.
The Kindle Scribe is more than just a note-taking device. It’s also a full-fledged Kindle reader, allowing you to access thousands of books, documents, and audiobooks in the Kindle library.
You can annotate books, highlight text, and even write in the margins—perfect for avid readers who also want to make notes or underline important parts.
The Kindle Scribe supports Amazon’s cloud-based ecosystem, meaning your notes and books can sync across multiple devices, making it an excellent choice for users already deeply invested in Amazon’s ecosystem.
ReMarkable, on the other hand, is more focused on the creative and productivity side of things. While you can read documents and annotate PDFs, it’s not designed for immersive reading experiences like the Kindle Scribe. It doesn’t have an integrated bookstore or audiobook functionality.
The focus here is entirely on writing, sketching, and PDF annotation, making it ideal for professionals, designers, and students who want a device dedicated to creativity and productivity.
Both the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2 excel regarding battery life. Thanks to the efficiency of E Ink technology, both devices can last for weeks on a single charge.
However, the Kindle Scribe edges out the ReMarkable 2 by a small margin, thanks to its integration with the Kindle ecosystem, which offers optimized battery usage for reading and light note-taking.
The price difference between the two could be a dealbreaker for some.
The Kindle Scribe starts at $339, making it affordable if you’re already part of the Amazon ecosystem.
The ReMarkable 2, on the other hand, starts at $399, with additional costs for the stylus and accessories. The Marker (stylus) costs an additional $79, while the Marker Plus (which includes an eraser) costs $129.
Folio cases are sold separately, ranging from $79 to $129.
The Kindle Scribe is more affordable upfront, especially if you already use Amazon services. The ReMarkable 2 is more expensive, particularly when adding the stylus and accessories.
Both the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2 are excellent digital notebooks, each with its own strengths. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
The ultimate digital notebook depends on your needs—whether you’re after seamless integration with your reading habits or a pure, distraction-free writing and creative tool.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback about this page with us.
Whether it's praise for something good, or ideas to improve something that
isn't quite right, we're excited to hear from you.
Lucky you! This thread is empty,
which means you've got dibs on the first comment.
Go for it!