While Apple’s iPad might be the most well-known tablet out there, it’s not always the best choice if you’re prone to eyestrain, distractions, or just plain prefer a more paper-like reading or writing experience. If that sounds familiar, then an e-ink tablet might be exactly what you’re looking for. With their low-distraction designs, easy readability, and frequently excellent handwriting experience, they’re a standout alternative for students, professionals, and anyone who craves a bit more focus in their life.
E-Ink tablets have been on the rise for years and there’s no shortage of options to choose from these days. I’ve done the testing and am a verified lover of all things e-ink, so if you’re on the hunt for anything from a paper replacement, to a “second brain,” to a simple e-reader, I’ve got something in mind.
E-Ink first came into the mainstream with the Amazon Kindle. Like many people, it was my first experience with it, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Compared to traditional tablet LCD displays which use bright backlights and quickly flashing images to display motion, e-ink displays don’t have lights behind the screen to shine into your eyes and only refresh the image as much as necessary to display the content – even if that’s only one time to change the page you’re reading.
Modern e-ink tablets have evolved from simple e-readers into feature-rich alternatives to normal tablets. Many run on modified versions of Android for their operating system and some even offer Google Play Store access. Most offer an array of reading, writing, planning, and productivity apps to support your needs through the day, even if you can’t freely download any app you’d like. The handwriting experience is often much better too, as the screens most often utilize Wacom EMR technology and micro-textured surfaces to deliver a more paper-like writing experience.
Even with these advancements, the limited nature of the display technology makes them much less likely to distract you while you read or take notes. While you can browse the web or load a video on some models (not all), the experience isn’t as fast, seamless, or tempting, allowing you to focus and accomplish more.
E-Ink tablets aren’t new anymore and as the technology has advanced, there are more factors to weigh when it comes to best meeting your needs. I’ve done the research and testing to find the best picks for most people, but if you’d rather consider options on your own, these are the things to look out for.
Stylus Support
Just like with traditional tablets and tablet PCs, stylus support can vary between brands and models. The most common stylus technology for e-ink tablets is Wacom EMR (electromagnetic resonance). Wacom styluses are a popular choice for their natural and responsive writing experience and exceptional palm rejection, and they don't actually need to be recharged since they don't run on batteries. Any EMR stylus will work with any EMR tablet, but the same can’t be said for capacitive styluses, which are the second option.
Capacitive styluses are commonly found on traditional tablets. But, just like that world, there are multiple standards applied between brands. You'll need to do research to ensure any aftermarket option you consider is compatible. Right now, the leading options are Bluetooth, USI, and USI 2.0. USI 2.0 is backward compatible with USI, but the opposite isn't true. As you can see, things can get confusing if you’re not careful. In general, however, if the tablet you’re considering offers stylus support, go for Wacom if possible.
Tablet Size
From the smartphone-like Boox Palma to the paper-sized Boox Note Max to middle-ground options like the Viwoods AI Paper at 10.3 inches or the Remarkable Paper Pro at just over 11 inches, there is a wide range of size options. If you're looking for a simple e-reader, a smaller tablet may be a better choice for its increased portability. If you read a lot of large PDFs or want to write on a sheet that's nearly the same as physical paper, a 13.3-inch option would be a good fit. In my experience, if you're not sure, opting for something in the middle is the safest bet, such as one of the 10.3-inch options in this list.
Color or Monochrome
Do you want color on your screen, or will black and white suffice? Color can be an important feature if you read files with color imagery or highlighters, download apps, or spend a lot of time browsing the web. If you'll mainly be using your tablet for reading, writing, or sketching, then monochrome is a fine choice and often comes with benefits, such as a lower price. One important thing to remember is that color e-ink is significantly less vibrant than color on an LCD tablet. Think of it more like color newsprint, and you'll be on the right track.
OS and App Support
As you consider what you would like to do with the tablet, one of the most important aspects to think about is whether you want access to an app store or if you'll be content with the features and functions provided by the manufacturer. While many e-ink tablets are deliberately designed to avoid downloadable apps for their propensity to distract, others, like those from Boox, aim to offer a full Android experience in an e-ink format. Just because a tablet runs on Android doesn’t mean that it will offer Google Play support, though. Be sure to verify that the tablet you’re considering offers access to the tools you’ll need to make it through your day.
Screen and Resolution
As you look into different tablets, you'll surely notice different screens highlights in feature and specification lists. Unless you’re shopping the used market and are considering a tablet more than 2 or 3 years old, you don’t need to get too hung up on this. For e-reading and writing, most displays will work similarly. Instead, I recommend paying closer attention to the resolution of the display and its pixel density (measured in Pixels Per Inch or PPI). As of this writing, the gold standard is 300 PPI, which offers a crisp reading experience with enough resolution to fully enjoy illustrations and photos.
As with most things, doing your research is still important. In the world of color e-ink, panel technology is advancing quickly, so a newer screen may offer more vivid colors and less ghosting. As always, take a gander at user reviews before pulling the trigger if you’re shopping for prior years’ models.
Reviews, Reviews, Reviews
I can't stress this enough: Even if you feel totally confident in a certain tablet being a great fit for you, take the time to read and watch different reviews to get a better idea of its strengths and weaknesses. Ghosting performance, app performance, update cadence, and battery life are all qualities with an element of subjectivity to them and aren’t things you can typically clean from product listings. Depending on your preferences, any of these qualities could turn a tablet that’s popular among others into a frustration for you. Do yourself a favor and do your research before pulling the trigger. You'll be glad you did.
Best E-Ink Tablet
Best for Students
Best Color E-Ink Tablet
Best E-Reader
Best Digital Notebook
Best Paper Replacement
Are e-ink tablets better for your eyes?
Many people think so! E-Ink displays work differently than the LCD or OLED displays found on traditional tablets. Those displays project light outward and flash their images many times per second. Both qualities are known to cause eye strain, and some people are more susceptible to this than others.
E-Ink tablets can refresh a single time to display a static image, and rely on outside light or edge lighting for illumination. Both qualities tend to make them easier on the eyes and much more like traditional paper.
Are e-ink tablets good for drawing?
That depends on the specific tablet in question, but many of them are. A large amount of e-ink tablets use the same electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology found in Wacom art tablets, which is currently one of the leading brands among digital artists. This stylus, in combination with a well-implemented screen and drawing tools, can provide a near paper-like sketching experience.
Art isn’t a primary concern of every e-ink tablet, however, so pay attention to what features and apps the model you’re considering supports. If you’re on the hunt for a great e-ink art tablet, definitely consider the Boox Note Max or Viwoods AI Paper, as both offer a robust selection of art tools and Photoshop-like canvas layering.
Why are e-ink tablets so expensive?
There are several reasons for this, but the biggest is that e-ink, while consistently rising in popularity over the years, is still a small market with less awareness than traditional tablets like the iPad. They’re also not for everyone as their screen technology is inherently more limited than similarly priced LCD or OLED options.
Other reasons include a limited supply chain (branded “e-ink” displays are produced solely by the E Ink Corporation) and the company’s themselves are frequently smaller. This translates into a reduced ability to operate at scale, which usually allows for lower prices.
Can e-ink tablets play videos, games, or browse the web?
Yes and no. Remember, e-ink displays don’t refresh as much as LCD displays and both movies and games rely on fast refresh rates to deliver smooth motion. E-Ink tablets that can refresh faster than once per page turn are comparatively very slow. Videos and games are often plagued by blurry motion and ghosting that make the experience less than optimal.
With that in mind, the door isn’t completely closed. Newer tablets like the Boox Tab X C can play YouTube videos well enough to make out what’s going on and can refresh quickly enough for simple games like Threes to be very playable. It still won’t compare to a normal tablet, but it’s possible on some tablets. Also, if you’re more concerned with hearing the video than seeing what’s on screen, the refresh rate may not matter at all.
Web browsing is another matter and many e-ink tablets can handle that just fine. Ghosting is still sometimes an issue, but many tablets offer different performance modes or even come with their own browsers to improve performance. If the tablet you’re considering comes with a web browser, it’s usually safe to assume that web browsing and checking up on social media won’t be an issue.
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