Best reMarkable Tablet Alternatives in 2025 — Write Smarter, Spend Less

I’ve always admired the reMarkable 2 for its paper-like writing—it’s like a notebook from the future! But its steep price and limited features left me wondering if I could find something just as good for less. Can you get a stellar digital note-taking experience without breaking the bank? Absolutely, and I’m excited to share my favorite reMarkable tablet alternatives that deliver in 2025!

Part 1: reMarkable 2 — Is It Really Worth It?

Before I jumped into reMarkable tablet alternatives, I wanted to see what the reMarkable 2 is all about. It’s got a cult following for its paper-like writing, but I needed to know if it’s worth the hype—and the price. Here’s what I found after digging in.

1. The Pros and Cons of reMarkable 2

I tried jotting notes on a friend’s reMarkable 2, and the e-ink display blew me away—it’s like writing on paper, with zero glare. The distraction-free vibe kept me locked in, and the battery lasted through days of use. But the price stung, and I missed color for sketches—plus, no apps meant I couldn’t do much beyond notes.

2. Is It Worth It?

The reMarkable 2 is a dream if you’re all about handwriting and focus—like writers or students who live for pen-on-paper vibes. I can see why some swear by it; the writing experience is top-notch, and the minimalist design cuts out digital noise. But for me, the cons hit hard. At nearly $500, it’s pricey for what it offers—especially with no color, limited apps, or multimedia. If I need versatility or geometric drawing, it falls short. For niche users, it’s a gem; for the rest of us, it feels overpriced. If the cost or monochrome screen turns you off, reMarkable tablet alternatives might be the answer.

Part 2: Best reMarkable Tablet Alternatives in 2025

After weighing the reMarkable 2’s pros and cons, I went hunting for reMarkable tablet alternatives that deliver a great handwriting experience for less. I wanted devices under $500 with excellent stylus support, ideally offering color or app flexibility for digital note-taking and geometric drawing. Here are my top three picks for 2025.

1. Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022)

Alt tag: Apple iPa

Price: ~$349 (often ~$299 on sale)

I was amazed by how fluid the Apple Pencil (1st Gen) feels on this iPad—it’s a game-changer for digital note-taking. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360x1640) bursts with color, making my sketches and diagrams pop. Apps like GoodNotes are perfect for organizing notes, while Concepts handles geometric drawing with precision—think floorplans or math graphs. At this price, it’s one of the best reMarkable tablet alternatives, offering way more than just writing.

I sketched a colorful mind map in GoodNotes, and the vibrant screen made it fun and functional—reMarkable’s monochrome can’t compete. The iPad’s app ecosystem also lets me multitask, from note-taking to streaming, without missing a beat.

2. BOOX Note Air3 C (2024)

Price: ~$399

For fans of e-ink notebooks, the BOOX Note Air3 C is a standout. Its 10.3-inch color E-Ink Kaleido 3 display adds subtle hues—great for highlighting notes or sketching diagrams—while keeping eye strain low. The included BOOX Pen Plus stylus feels smooth for writing and geometric drawing, and since it runs Android 12, I can install apps like OneNote or GeoGebra for math-heavy tasks. It’s a versatile pick among reMarkable tablet alternatives.

I tried annotating a PDF with colored highlights, and the mix of E-Ink clarity and app support felt like the best of both worlds. It’s not as flashy as an iPad but perfect for focused work without distractions.

3. Supernote A5 X

Price: ~$399

The Supernote A5 X is my go-to for a paper-like feel that rivals the reMarkable 2. Its 10.3-inch monochrome E-Ink screen paired with a ceramic nib stylus (no charging needed!) makes writing a joy—smooth and precise for notes or geometric sketches. Cloud sync and export options keep my work accessible, and the durable build feels premium. It’s a top choice for note-taking purists seeking reMarkable tablet alternatives.
I scribbled a quick geometry proof, and the stylus’s texture was so satisfying—like real paper but better. The no-fuss stylus and long battery life make it a joy for marathon study sessions.

These reMarkable tablet alternatives have won me over with their affordability and flexibility. Whether you want color, apps, or a pure writing experience, there’s something here for you. Ready to pick one and start writing smarter?

Part 3: Why WPS Office Completes Your reMarkable Tablet Alternative

Finding the perfect reMarkable tablet alternative is only half the fun—pairing it with the right software takes it to the next level. I’ve tried plenty of tools, but WPS Office has become my must-have companion for note-taking, editing, and staying productive. Whether I’m using an iPad, BOOX, or Supernote, here’s why WPS makes my setup unstoppable.

• Optimized for Performance: I love how lightweight WPS Office is—it barely nudges my device’s resources. On my iPad, I’ve run it alongside note-taking apps without a hint of lag, keeping everything fast and smooth. It’s built to complement high-performance devices without slowing them down.

• Full Compatibility: WPS seamlessly handles Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files, which is a lifesaver for me. I’ve imported handwritten notes from my BOOX Note Air3 C into WPS, edited them as PDFs, and exported them as .docx files for sharing—no hiccups, just results.

• Free and Cost-Effective: The free version of WPS gives me everything I need, unlike pricier suites that nickel-and-dime you. For budget-conscious folks like me who’ve already saved with reMarkable tablet alternatives, it’s the perfect match—full features, zero cost.

I recently used WPS on my iPad to annotate a PDF report—its speed and AI Spell Check caught typos I’d have missed, making my notes look polished in minutes. On my Supernote, I synced notes to WPS via cloud and edited them effortlessly—it’s like having a digital assistant that keeps up with my ideas. WPS Office turns any reMarkable tablet alternative into a productivity powerhouse. Download it at wps.com and try it yourself—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

FAQs

Is reMarkable 3 coming out soon?

I’ve been curious about this too, so I poked around for updates. As of 2025, there’s no official word on a reMarkable 3 release—rumors float on forums, but reMarkable seems focused on the Paper Pro (2024) instead. I wouldn’t hold my breath for it soon; the reMarkable 2 is still their flagship. That’s why I’m loving reMarkable tablet alternatives right now

Can you use reMarkable without a subscription?

Yes, and I confirmed this with a friend who owns a reMarkable 2—you can absolutely use it without the Connect subscription. It works fine for writing, sketching, and basic syncing to their app, which is great for core note-taking. But if you want cloud backups or fancy features like handwriting-to-text, you’ll need the plan. I prefer subscription-free reMarkable tablet alternatives like the Supernote for hassle-free use.

Summary

Hunting for reMarkable tablet alternatives in 2025 led me to some fantastic options that outshine the reMarkable 2 for less. The iPad (10th Gen) brings color and apps, the BOOX Note Air3 C blends e-ink notebooks with versatility, and the Supernote A5 X nails the paper-like feel—all under $500. Each excels at digital note-taking and geometric drawing, making them perfect for budget-savvy writers like me. But to really level up, I pair my device with WPS Office—its lightweight design and AI tools (like Spell Check and PDF editing) keep my notes and projects flying without slowing me down. Grab WPS at wps.com and make your new tablet unstoppable!