Digital Planner Tablets and How to Choose the Best One for Your Needs

7 min read6 days ago

Whether you’re shopping Black Friday deals or just starting to think about getting into digital planning in 2025, I want to help make the process as easy as possible. I’m a big fan of digital planning! I think it’s a great way to get organized and be productive — and it’s also just really fun.

I’m fortunate to have had the chance to use all of the tablets I’m about to share here in this blog. To decide which one is best for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. So without further ado..

What Digital Planner Tablets Are Out There?

Digital planner tablets have become essential tools for individuals seeking to organize their schedules, take notes, and enhance productivity in a paperless environment. Let’s start with an overview of some of the leading digital planner tablets available, highlighting their key features, advantages, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

1. iPad Series

Overview: Apple’s iPad lineup, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and standard iPad models, offers versatile devices suitable for digital planning. It’s a classic for a reason and probably the most popular device for digital planning that’s out there on the market now. When paired with the Apple Pencil and apps like GoodNotes or Notability, iPads provide a seamless note-taking and planning experience.

Key Features:

High-resolution Retina displays with ProMotion technology (in Pro models) for smooth scrolling and writing.
Extensive app ecosystem supporting various productivity and planning applications.
Integration with other Apple services and devices for a cohesive user experience.

Considerations:

Higher price point, especially for Pro models and accessories.
Shorter battery life compared to e-ink devices.
Potential for distractions due to access to a wide range of apps and notifications.

2. Onyx Boox Series

Overview: Onyx Boox offers a range of e-ink tablets like the Boox Note Air3 and Boox Tab Ultra C, combining the benefits of e-ink displays with the versatility of the Android operating system. It’s a newer addition to the digital planner tablet lineup, and quickly becoming a strong go-to for many users.

Key Features:

E-ink displays that are gentle on the eyes and provide a paper-like writing experience.
Access to the Google Play Store, allowing installation of various Android apps.
Support for multiple file formats and note-taking capabilities.

Considerations:

Some users may experience a steeper learning curve due to the extensive customization options.
Higher price points for models with advanced features.
Potential for slower performance with certain Android apps not optimized for e-ink screens.

3. reMarkable 2

Overview: The reMarkable 2 is a dedicated e-ink tablet designed primarily for note-taking and reading, offering a distraction-free environment.

Key Features:

Ultra-thin and lightweight design, closely mimicking the feel of paper.
High-friction surface for a natural writing experience.
Handwriting-to-text conversion and cloud synchronization capabilities.

Considerations:

Lacks a backlight, limiting usability in low-light conditions.
Requires a subscription for full feature access.
Limited app ecosystem compared to Android or iOS devices.

4. reMarkable Paper Pro

Overview: Building upon the reMarkable 2, the reMarkable Paper Pro introduces enhancements such as a color e-ink display and front light, aiming to provide a more versatile note-taking experience.

Key Features:

Color e-ink display using custom “Canvas Color” technology.
Front light system for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
Larger 11.8-inch display for more expansive note-taking and reading.

Considerations:

Higher price point
Slower refresh rates inherent to color e-ink technology.
Limited app support, focusing primarily on note-taking and reading.

5. Amazon Kindle Scribe

Overview: The Kindle Scribe combines Amazon’s e-reader capabilities with note-taking features, offering a device suitable for both reading and planning.

Key Features:

10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display for crisp text and comfortable reading.
Includes a stylus for note-taking and annotating documents.
Seamless integration with Amazon’s extensive e-book ecosystem.

Considerations:

Limited app support, focusing primarily on reading and basic note-taking.
Lacks advanced note-taking features found in dedicated devices like the reMarkable.
Potential limitations in file format compatibility for note-taking purposes.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab Series

Overview: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series, including models like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S8, offers Android-based tablets with S Pen support, catering to users seeking a versatile device for digital planning and other tasks.

Key Features:

High-resolution Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors.
S Pen included for precise note-taking and drawing.
Access to a wide range of Android apps through the Google Play Store.

Considerations:

Shorter battery life compared to e-ink devices.
Potential for distractions due to access to a wide range of apps and notifications.
Higher price points for models with advanced features.

Bottom Line

Choosing the best digital planner tablet depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize a versatile device with access to a wide range of apps, the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab series may be suitable.

For a distraction-free, paper-like note-taking experience, the reMarkable 2 or reMarkable Paper Pro are excellent choices. The Onyx Boox series offers a balance between e-ink display benefits and Android app versatility, while the Amazon Kindle Scribe caters to avid readers who also wish to take notes.

How to Decide Which Digital Planner Tablet is right for you

To determine the best digital planner tablet, individuals should consider their specific needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some key questions to ask when deciding:

1. What Will I Primarily Use It For?

Productivity and Multitasking: Do you need access to apps like Microsoft Office, digital planners, or email? (Consider iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.)
Note-Taking and Distraction-Free Planning: Is your focus mainly on planning and note-taking without notifications? (Consider reMarkable or Kindle Scribe.)
Reading and Annotating: Will you use it primarily for reading e-books and marking documents? (Consider Kindle Scribe or Onyx Boox.)
Creative Work: Do you need a tablet for drawing, design, or artistic projects? (Consider iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab.)

2. How Important is Screen Type?

High-Resolution Display: Do you want a vibrant, colorful display for multitasking or creative work? (iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.)
E-Ink Display: Do you prefer a paper-like display for comfortable reading and writing? (Onyx Boox, reMarkable, or Kindle Scribe.)

3. Do I Need a Versatile App Ecosystem?

Extensive App Support: Do you want access to a wide variety of apps for planning, productivity, and entertainment? (iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.)
Basic Note-Taking: Is a dedicated app ecosystem less important than having a focused, streamlined note-taking experience? (reMarkable or Kindle Scribe.)

4. What is My Budget?

How much am I willing to spend on the device and accessories?
Budget options: Kindle Scribe, standard iPad.
Mid-range: reMarkable 2, Onyx Boox.
Premium: iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, reMarkable Paper Pro.

5. Do I Need a Lightweight, Portable Device?

If portability is crucial, consider lighter devices like the reMarkable 2 or standard iPad.
Larger screens may be bulkier but better for expansive planning or multitasking (e.g., iPad Pro or Onyx Boox Tab X).

6. How Much Battery Life Do I Need?

Long Battery Life: E-ink devices like reMarkable, Kindle Scribe, or Onyx Boox typically last longer than LCD/AMOLED devices.
Moderate Battery Life: Tablets like iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs will require more frequent charging.

7. Will I Be Using It in Different Lighting Conditions?

If you plan to use the device in low-light conditions, choose a backlit device like the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Kindle Scribe.
The reMarkable 2 lacks a backlight, so it’s not ideal for dim environments.

8. Do I Value Seamless Integration with Other Devices?

If you already use other devices in the Apple ecosystem (MacBook, iPhone), the iPad offers unmatched integration.
Android users might find the Samsung Galaxy Tab or Onyx Boox more appealing.

9. How Important is Writing Feel?

Do you want a writing experience that mimics pen and paper? E-ink devices like the reMarkable or Onyx Boox are best for a natural feel.
For smoother, faster interactions, iPads with the Apple Pencil are excellent but less “paper-like.”

10. Do I Need Cloud and Syncing Features?

Cloud-Based Workflow: Devices like the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab are ideal for seamless syncing across apps and services.
Simplified Syncing: reMarkable offers cloud sync but with limited integration options unless you subscribe to its service.

By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and choose a device that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.