iPad vs Remarkable Paper Pro: Which to Choose for Note taking?

4 min readSep 27, 2024

I’ve had the chance to use two very different devices and put together a summary of my thoughts. When choosing between the reMarkable Paper Pro and the iPad, it really depends on your personal workflow, preferences, and what you’re hoping to get out of the device.

There are some key differences between these devices, but both are powerful when used with a digital planner. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:

1. Purpose: Note-Taking vs. Multitasking

reMarkable Paper Pro: If your main goal is distraction-free note-taking and you don’t need apps, browsing, or multimedia, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a clear winner. It’s designed for simplicity and focus, making it ideal if you’re primarily looking for a device to replicate the feel of pen and paper, without distractions like notifications or internet access.
iPad: On the other hand, if you’re looking for a device that can handle multiple tasks — note-taking, browsing, email, apps, multimedia — the iPad is far more versatile. It’s a productivity powerhouse with countless apps available for anything you might need.

2. Writing Experience: Paper-Like vs. Digital

reMarkable Paper Pro: Known for its authentic paper-like writing experience, the reMarkable’s e-ink display gives you that satisfying tactile feel when writing or drawing. It’s an excellent choice if you value that natural, analog-like interaction with your notes.
iPad: While the iPad can also be used for note-taking (with apps like GoodNotes, OneNote, and Notability), its writing feel is more “digital.” You can add accessories like paper-like screen protectors to improve the writing experience, but it won’t completely replicate the pen-on-paper sensation of the reMarkable.

3. Focus: Distraction-Free vs. Versatility

reMarkable Paper Pro: With no notifications, social media, or web browsing, the reMarkable excels at keeping you focused on writing and planning. If you’re easily distracted and need a minimalist workspace, this is a big plus.
iPad: The iPad can do much more, but it also comes with the potential for distractions — notifications, apps, and browsing the web can interrupt your focus. If you’re disciplined or need access to these features for your work, then the iPad offers more flexibility.

4. App Ecosystem: Simplicity vs. Extensive Options

reMarkable Paper Pro: The reMarkable doesn’t have an app store; it’s built for one purpose — writing and note-taking. If that’s all you need, its simplicity is a benefit, and you can import PDFs, annotate documents, and integrate with specific planners like Key2Success.
iPad: With the iPad, you have access to a massive range of apps, including advanced note-taking apps, productivity tools, entertainment apps, and more. You can customize your experience in countless ways depending on your needs.

5. Portability and Battery Life

reMarkable Paper Pro: The e-ink screen is extremely power-efficient, offering up to two weeks of battery life on a single charge. This is ideal if you don’t want to charge your device frequently or plan to take it on the go without worrying about power.
iPad: While the iPad is portable and offers decent battery life, you’ll need to charge it more frequently, especially if you’re using apps, watching videos, or multitasking throughout the day.

6. Price: Value for Money

reMarkable Paper Pro: At around $829 (for the device, Marker, and Folio), you get a specialized note-taking tool. If this is all you need, it’s a worthwhile investment for the focus and writing experience it offers.
iPad: For around $1,100 (including the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil), the iPad offers far more versatility. The extra cost is justified if you’ll be using it for much more than just note-taking, like media consumption, drawing, or running apps.

7. Sharing and Syncing: Local vs. Cloud Access

reMarkable Paper Pro: The reMarkable does have cloud syncing options, but its capabilities are more limited compared to the iPad. It works well if you need basic sync features, like accessing your notes across a few devices.
iPad: The iPad syncs seamlessly across all Apple devices and third-party apps, like Google Drive and Dropbox. If you frequently work across multiple platforms, need to collaborate with others, or want to access your notes from a variety of devices, the iPad is a better fit.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

Do I need a distraction-free device? If yes, lean toward the reMarkable.
How important is the paper-like writing experience to me? If it’s crucial, the reMarkable stands out.
Do I need to multitask and use apps? If yes, the iPad is a clear winner.
Is budget a big concern? While the reMarkable is cheaper, the iPad offers more functionality for the higher price.
Do I need long battery life? If yes, the reMarkable is better.
Am I someone who prefers simplicity over complexity? If yes, go for the reMarkable.

Ultimately, it boils down to your specific needs: the reMarkable Paper Pro is perfect for focused, distraction-free note-taking, while the iPad offers versatility and powerful multitasking. Consider what matters most for your workflow, and that will help guide your decision.

In this video, I answer one of the most common questions people ask: should you get the reMarkable Paper Pro or an iPad for note-taking? 🤔 These two devices are completely different, each serving distinct purposes, and I break down the pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your needs. Whether you’re a fan of distraction-free writing or prefer an all-in-one productivity tool, I cover everything you need to know!

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