Digital Note Essentials: Best Notepads & Notebooks Reviewed

If you take notes for work or school, you should consider getting a digital notepad. Not only are these gadgets eco-friendly, but they’re very practical too. 

With a digital notepad, you can write just like with a regular or traditional notebook. But the best bit is that it will automatically sync your notes digitally so you can access them online. 

Using a digital writing pad feels more natural than writing on a tablet or laptop screen. The best digital notepads or smart notebooks feel just like paper and respond instantly to your touch. They are tactile and allow you to work with your hands and let your creativity flow. But there’s no need to type up your notes later on.  

Check out the best digital notepad reviews below to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Best Electronic Notebook: Buying Guide

Here are some things to look out for when shopping around for a digital writing pad:

Technology

Not all digital notepads work in the same way. Some are actual tablets with a screen or an LCD screen you draw on using e-ink technology

But for others, they have a sensor within the pen itself that picks up your drawings. In that case, you’ll still need to draw on a regular notepad or paper and upload those designs to the cloud. 

So, the first thing you should look into is what technology the electronic notepad uses. Make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting and that it meets your expectations.

Battery

Next, it’s worth finding out how long the battery life is. The last thing you want is for your digital notepad to run out of charge in the middle of a work meeting or lecture. And just as the technology can differ in these tablets, the battery life varies a lot, too.

Size

How large is the tablet? The benefit of a larger screen is that you have more space to take notes. But at the same time, it can mean that your digital notepad is less compact and portable. 

It’s worth checking the weight to see if it’s lightweight, too – especially if you’ll carry it with you a  lot. 

Storage Space

The internal storage space is another essential factor as you don’t want to risk losing your files. There may be times when you’re using your writing tablet with no internal connection. 

So, you want to look for a writing pad with plenty of internal storage. You’ll need it to save your files safely until you can transfer them to the cloud. 

Pen Design & Sensitivity

The stylus is a crucial feature of any writing pad. So, the first question is whether it even comes with a pen included? Most digital notepads will do, but in some cases, you may need to buy it separately. (If that’s the case, make sure you’ve budgeted for the stylus, too!) 

You want a pen that is comfortable with an ergonomic design that’s easy to grip. But the comfort level is very personal and can differ from person to person. If possible, test it out for yourself before you buy to see how you like the feel.

But it’s not just the design that’s important when it comes to the stylus. 

The best digital pens are pressure-sensitive, so they pick up on how much pressure you apply. Push down harder, and you’ll get a thicker line. Press lightly, and you can get light shading effects. The more pressure levels, the more control you’ll get over what you draw. 

Latency

The latency refers to how fast the screen responds to what you write with the pen. It all relates to how fast the data travels – you can find out more about latency here. Low latency means that it will be very responsive and there won’t be a delay. 

But a high latency is something to watch out for as it can affect your creative flow. It gets frustrating waiting for the tablet to catch up with you.

Compatibility

What devices/operating systems does the tablet or notepad work with? You want to check that it’s compatible with your other devices, such as your phone and laptop. 

Also, look into how easy it is to access your digital notes. Find out which file formats it supports and what app integrations it has. For example, can you save your notes to Google Drive or Evernote? You want to find out how user-friendly and streamlined it is.

Price

Digital notepads range hugely from affordable to premium prices. Before you start shopping around, make sure you know how much you want to spend on it. Then, you can find the best electronic notepad in your price range.

The Best Digital Notepads 

Top 3 Digital Writing Pads: Quick Comparison

In a rush? Here’s what you need to know summarized for you! 

The best electronic notepad overall is the BOOX Note Air. It’s pretty expensive, but it feels just like writing on paper. The e-ink appears instantly, and the specs on this model are superb. It’s simple to use but very responsive, and the pen is pressure-sensitive. If you aren’t worried about your budget, go for this outstanding digital pad.

If you’re looking for a digital notebook for art, check out the Wacom Bamboo Slate. It’s highly sensitive with very little latency, and your drawings will look amazing.

But if you’re on a tighter budget, don’t worry. The Rocketbook reusable notebook is an excellent option for students. It saves on paper and creates digital versions of your notes, and all at a reasonable price. 

Wacom Bamboo Boox notebook Rocketbook
Product NameWacom Bamboo SlateBOOX Note AirRocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
Screen Size5.5. x 8.5 inches 10.3 inchesNo screen
Dimensions & Weight9.8 x 7.3 x 0.3 inches, 0.58 lbs7.9 x 9 x 0.2 inches, 0.92 lbs8.5 x 11 inches, 0.53 lbs
TechnologyPatented electromagnetic resonance methodE-Ink TechnologySpecially coated synthetic paper

Wacom Bamboo Digital Notebook

Best Digital Notebook for Art and Illustration

Wacom Bamboo Digital Notebook

(Image credit: Wacom)

You’ve probably heard of Wacom already. It’s one of the most well-known manufacturers of drawing tablets around right now. Wacom produces the One, Intuos, and Cintiq tablets, among others.

Wacom drawing tablets are popular among experienced and professional artists. That’s because they’re precise, reliable, and high-quality. 

But this time, the Wacom team has applied their technology and expertise to digital notepads and smart notebooks. And the result is outstanding! 

Introducing the Wacom Bamboo digital notebook, which is a joy to use. It comes with a slim bamboo slate and a digital pen that’s portable, so you can take it anywhere. Just add regular paper, and you’re ready to start drawing.

You can use the Wacom Bamboo notebook for note-taking, drawing, or illustration. It’s incredibly responsive, producing accurate digital designs. Plus, it has a long battery life, so you can draw or take notes for as long as you like. 

(Image credit: Wacom)

The Wacom Bamboo Slate captures your drawings and stores them in its internal memory. Then, it’s easy to export to the cloud services in various file formats. 

You can connect it to your laptop (or even your smartphone or tablet) to transfer the files across. You will need a Bluetooth-enabled device and an internet connection, though.

It’s hard to find faults with the Wacom Bamboo Slate. It’s the best digital paper tablet for creating art and illustrations on the go.

But it is on the expensive side, so it’s not for anyone on a budget. In that case, check out some of the cheaper notepads I’ve reviewed below. 

  • Screen Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches (approx)
  • Dimensions & Weight: 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.3 inches, 0.58 lbs
  • Technology: Patented electromagnetic resonance method

Pros:

  • Amazing digital notepad for drawing and illustration
  • It’s slim, lightweight, and easy to take anywhere
  • It has a long battery life and is super responsive and accurate
  • It offers simple connectivity and supports several file formats

Cons:

  • The Wacom Bamboo Slate doesn’t come cheap

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Amazon

Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set

Best Traditional-Style Digital Handwriting Pad

reMarkable Pen Smart

(Image credit: Moleskine)

You’ll probably be familiar with the Moleskine brand, but this new product is well worth your attention.

The Moleskine Smart Writing Set brings this well-established company into the 21st century. What you get is a clever digital notebook that is simple and easy to use.

It provides all the luxury of Moleskine’s regular stationery range. But, it’s much more user-friendly and allows you to access your notes online and in real-time, too. 

This smart notebook is perfect for anyone transitioning to their first digital notepad. 

The infrared camera in the pen keeps track of your notes whenever you write and identifies the page you’re on. But some users have found the automatic activation feature is temperamental. So, make sure you switch it on before you start writing or you could lose your notes. 

(Image credit: Moleskine)

The pen is rechargeable, so you won’t need to worry about batteries. It has a nice triangular design that sits comfortably in your hand, but it is a little heavy. 

Plus, the Moleskine Pen+ offers extra features such as the ability to save audio notes. Then, you can sync them with your written notes to explain your ideas. 

This multimedia feature creates an improved user experience. It’s handy for collaborating with colleagues or creating reminders for yourself.

The Moleskine set is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. You’ll need to download the dedicated app so you can transfer your documents to the cloud. 

The Moleskine Pen+ set doesn’t come cheap, and the ink refills can be a little hard to come by. You’ll also need to replace the notebooks as you fill them up. But if you’re looking for quality and tons of extra features, you’ll love this electronic notebook with a pen! 

  • Screen Size: The notebook measures 5.5. x 8.26 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.9 inches, 0.87 lbs
  • Technology: NCoded & infrared technology

Pros:

  • A quality digital notepad with all the style you’d expect from a Moleskine product
  • It comes with a rechargeable pen that has an ergonomic design
  • You can add tags, organize your notes online, and even add audio notes too
  • It syncs your documents to the cloud automatically

Cons:

  • It’s pretty expensive as you’ll need to replace the notebooks as you go
  • It’s not the most responsive and is a little bulky

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Amazon

reMarkable – Digital Notepad

Best Premium Writing Pad

reMarkable - Digital Notepad

(Image credit: reMarkable)

The reMarkable digital notepad truly lives up to its name. It doesn’t come cheap – but it’s well worth taking a look at this exceptional device.

The reMarkable digital notepad stands out most due to the writing experience. This notepad looks and feels just like you’re using real paper. It’s a joy to draw or write on and outdo regular tablets with shiny glass screens and a sleek design. 

reMarkable is a true digital notepad. You don’t need to pair it with any actual sheet of paper or notebooks. Instead, you write onto the screen, saving money and cutting down on paper wastage. 

(Image credit: reMarkable)

The e-ink display is gentle on the eyes, allowing you to work for as long as you need. There’s no off-putting backlight or annoying glare to worry about. And with very low latency, you’ll see your notes instantly.

Plus, when you use reMarkable, you can truly focus on the notes you’re making. There are no other distractions such as emails or notifications popping up. You’ll be amazed by your improved concentration and how much you can get done. 

The reMarkable electronic notepad also allows you to convert handwritten notes into text. It supports 33 languages, making it versatile.

But reMarkable is one of the more expensive products on this list. And that doesn’t even include the cost of the stylus or folio. You’ll need to buy both these items separately. Whether it’s worth the price will come down to how often you’ll use it – so think about that carefully! 

  • Screen Size: 10.3 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 6.9 x 10.1 x 0.26 inches 0.89 lbs
  • Technology: E-Ink, digital paper touch display

Pros:

  • An excellent digital notepad with a fantastic user experience
  • It feels like writing on paper and is gentle on your eyes
  • It’s responsive and accurate, with useful extra features

Cons:

  • One of the most expensive digital notebooks out there
  • You’ll have to buy the stylus and folio separately 

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Amazon

Royole RoWrite Smart Writing Digital Pad

Best Digital Note-Taking Device

RoWrite Smart Writing Digital Pad

(Image credit: Royole)

The RoWrite is ideal for taking notes due to its simple interface and internal storage. 

You’ll find this digital writing pad easy to use with great compatibility. You can hook it up to a range of devices, including laptops, tablets, and Android device products, or iOS smartphones. It connects via Bluetooth, so you can see your notes straight away and edit them online, too. 

This streamlined note storage system ensures that you never lose your documents again. But, you still get to write by hand, which has been proven to aid in memory retention. So, you’ll remember your notes better – making it ideal for both work and school.

(Image credit: Royole)


And you don’t need to worry about when you don’t have a connection. The RoWrite has internal storage space so you can use it whenever and wherever you are. 

This mid-range device is sensitive and accurate and comes with several digital brushes. So, you can add annotations online, choosing the brush thickness and color. Plus, you can also add photos and convert your handwritten notes into text.

It’s also possible to export your notes in many different formats. So, as you can see, the RoWrite is feature-packed and user-friendly. It doesn’t have a screen, so you do need to use real paper and ink refills. That can get a little expensive over time. 

But other than that, it’s a great digital writing pad at a reasonable price! 

  • Screen Size: No screen
  • Dimensions & Weight: 8.2 x 11.1 x 1.2 inches 1.95 pounds
  • Technology: Sensor technology in pen

Pros:

  • Accurate, responsive, and easy to use 
  • You can connect to almost all devices easily via Bluetooth
  • Has internal storage so you won’t lose your notes

Cons:

  • It comes with 2 A5 notebooks – but you’ll need to buy more once they’re finished
  • There’s no screen – you’ll need to use a regular pen and paper too

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Amazon

BOOX Note Air 10.3 ePaper

Best Premium Pad for Drawings & Notes

BOOX Note Air 10.3 ePaper

(Image credit: Boox)

If budget isn’t an issue, consider going for the BOOX Note Air. It’s one of the best premium writing tablets around! 

The Note Air is super thin and portable at just 5.8 mm thick. So, you can work on it from anywhere as it fits easily in any bag. The durable aluminum frame provides protection and ensures that it’s hardwearing. So, you don’t need to baby it or worry about it breaking.

This device uses e-ink technology and has a 227-dpi HD screen. As a result, your drawings and notes come out clear and crisp with almost no lag. 

(Image credit: Boox)

The other features don’t disappoint, either. It packs a powerful octa-core CPU and includes 32 GB of storage space. 

Plus, it comes with an extremely sensitive pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. That means it picks up on the pressure you apply, allowing you to create thin or thicker lines. Just like with a real pen. 

You can even use the Note Air in horizontal mode if you pair it with the Bluetooth keyboard. Then, it transforms into a mini laptop for practical and ergonomic use. So, you can work more quickly, and it’s useful if you prefer typing to write on the screen. 

It’s hard to find fault with the BOOX Note Air. Without a doubt, it’s not a cheap product and will set you back a lot of money. But if it’s in your budget, you won’t regret going for this amazing digital writing tablet.

  • Screen Size: 10.3 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 7.9 x 9 x 0.2 inches, 0.92 lbs
  • Technology: E Ink Technology

Pros:

  • It’s powerful, responsive, and provides a great writing experience
  • It’s portable yet durable
  • The pressure-sensitive pen writes smoothly on the screen – just like on paper
  • It has impressive features

Cons:

  • It’s very expensive

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Amazon

The Boogie Board Blackboard

Best Electronic Note Taking Device for Students 

Boogie Board Blackboard

(Image credit: Boogie Board)

Looking for a simple note-taking device? Then, check out the Boogie Board. 

This low-cost electronic board is perfect for students to take notes during lectures. Or, you could use it at work to take notes during meetings or brainstorm on a project.

The Boogie Board has the vintage feel of an actual blackboard. It has a simple yet effective design that allows you to write on the screen and wipe it with just one button. You can also spot erase – although this feature can sometimes smudge your work.  

But unlike other Boogie products, this one also allows you to save your notes to the cloud. To do this, you’ll download the free Blackboard app that’s both fun and easy to use.

Image credit: Boogie Board)

The Boogie Board comes with four templates, including dotted, lined, and a planner. You slide them into place, and then you can draw onto the background. 

But it can be a little tricky to get the templates into the slots at first. A helpful tip is to secure them with tape, so they don’t come loose as you work. 

As the Boogie Board is see-through, you can also take notes on other materials. That includes maps, spreadsheets, photos, and more. Then, you can upload your documents to the web and access them online. 

The Boogie Board isn’t as advanced as some writing tablets. But it’s a fantastic budget option – perfect for students or anyone watching their spending. 

  • Screen Size: 8.5 x 11 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 10.5 x 13.8 x 1 inches, 1 lbs
  • Technology: Liquid Crystal Paper 

Pros:

  • Very cost-effective – an excellent budget option
  • Almost no latency makes for amazing lag-free writing
  • You can write on all sorts of documents and upload your notes to the cloud
  • Perfect for students

Cons:

  • Lacks any extra features

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Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

Best Electronic Reusable Notebook

Rocketbook Notebook

(Image credit: Rocketbook)

This eco-friendly reusable notebook is both revolutionary and effective. It’s a smart notebook with synthetic pages that you can write on again and again. All you need to do is wipe it down with the included cloth, and you can start over on a fresh page. 

The notebook syncs all your notes to the cloud using its free app, so you can access them online later. It’s compatible with lots of different apps and programs, such as Google Drive and Evernote. You’ll find it easier than ever to search and organize your digital notes the way you like best.

The Rocketbook notebook is available in several different sizes and colors. It also comes with a Pillot Frixion pen and microfiber cloth included. So, you don’t need to buy anything else and can get started straight away.

(Image credit: Rocketbook)

You do need to wait for 15 seconds to let the ink dry on the specialized pages. And you can’t just use any pens with it, either. But that’s a small factor given this amazing, affordable and sustainable solution. 

The handwriting recognition is superb, and the digital scanning is also flawless.

The Rocketbook is cheaper than most writing tablets and will save you the cost of new notebooks, too. That makes it perfect for students or anyone on a budget who wants to take digital notes.

  • Screen Size: No screen
  • Dimensions & Weight: 8.5 x 11 inches, 0.53 lbs
  • Technology: Specially coated synthetic paper

Pros:

  • A great, low-cost reusable notebook 
  • It’s environmentally friendly and works seamlessly
  • You can transfer to the cloud instantly and access your digital notes online
  • It’s much cheaper than making writing tablets

Cons:

  • The ink takes some time to dry
  • You will need to replace it eventually as it will wear down with time

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Amazon

NEWYES Robot Pad 8.5 Inch

Best Budget Writing Tablet for Children

NEWYES Robot Pad 8.5 Inch

(Image credit: Newyes)

If you’re looking for a writing tablet for children, the NEWYES Robot Pad ticks all the right boxes. It’s sturdy, bright, and easy to use, so you can set your kids up and let them get to work.

The Robot Pad has a colorful yet hardwearing design that’s perfect for children. You can even give it to little ones as young as three years old to doodle and draw. 

It’s a great tool for inspiring creativity in young children. You could also use it for handwriting practice or taking notes on the go. And, you’ll save money on the pencils and paper your kid would go through otherwise! 

It comes with a stylus plus a case to protect it from bumps and scratches. Despite this, it’s lightweight and easy to take anywhere.

(Image credit: Newyes)

There are user-friendly functions such as the erase button, so you can wipe the screen with one press. Plus, you can set the screen to lock if you don’t want to erase anything. But do note that you can’t save or transfer your drawings digitally. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Another fun use for this tablet is to attach it to your fridge (as it has magnets on the reverse side). Then, you can jot down reminders, create a shopping list, or leave fun notes for each other.

This low-cost writing tablet is fun for all the family and won’t break the bank. It’s not as advanced as other models, but it’s fine for this price! 

  • Screen Size: 6.9 x 5.1 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 6.65 x 9.45 x 0.67 inches, 0.43 lbs
  • Technology: LCD 

Pros:

  • A fun and sturdy tablet for young children
  • You can save a lot of paper with this portable drawing tablet
  • It’s the perfect entertainment for kids as they can draw anywhere

Cons:

  • No way to transfer your notes to digital files
  • It has limited features 

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Amazon

Likebook Ares-Note E-Reader

Best Mid-Range Electronic Writing Pad

Likebook Ares-Note E-Reader

(Image credit: Likebook)

The Likebook Ares Note is an excellent writing tablet at a reasonable price. If you’re after a mid-range digital writing pad, this one fits the bill. 

The Ares Note comes with a lightweight stylus that sits nicely in your hand. This electromagnetic stylus is responsive and precise, so you can easily take notes. Then, you can sync them to the cloud to access anywhere. 

The pen has 4,096 pressure levels, giving you a high level of control over what you write or draw. You can shade areas and create thicker or thinner lines depending on the pressure you apply. So, it feels just like a real pen.

You can adjust the lighting, choosing between a warm or cold light. That makes it ideal for use at any time of the day, even at bedtime. It allows you to select the right brightness and avoid eye strain. 

(Image credit: Likebook)

Plus, it has a robust octa-core processor that provides all the power you need. And as it’s slim and lightweight, it’s very portable and easy to take anywhere.

One drawback is that the compatible software options are a little limited. But other than that, it’s a great option that comes with 24 months of after-sale support. So, you can feel confident buying this drawing tablet. 

  • Screen Size: 7.8 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 6.97 x 9.92 x 0.31 inches, 0.65 lbs
  • Technology: E-Ink & electromagnetic stylus

Pros:

  • A great mid-range tablet
  • It comes with a pressure-sensitive stylus for more control
  • It has adjustable lighting and a powerful CPU 
  • You get access to 24 months of after-sale support & fantastic customer service

Cons:

  • The supported software is a bit limited

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Amazon

Sony DPT-CP1/B

Best Digital Notepad & PDF Reader Combo

Sony DPT-CP1/B

(Image credit: Sony)

This Sony e-reader digital notepad works seamlessly, and it’s slim and lightweight. That makes it easy to take anywhere as you can slip it into any bag, and it won’t weigh you down. 

It looks stylish and sleek, and the e-ink display is gorgeous. It’s easy on the eyes, so you don’t need to strain or get headaches.

Plus, this digital paper tablet has an extremely long battery life. It can last up to a week on a single charge, so you don’t need to stress about plugging it in all the time. Turn off the WiFi function, and the battery life goes up to around three weeks!

(Image credit: Sony)

But it doesn’t have the largest internal storage, with just 11 GB. There’s no way to boost that, so you could run out of space pretty quickly.

It’s also a little tricky to get the Sony digital notepad to sync with your phone at first. 

When it comes to taking notes, the experience is flawless. There’s almost no latency, so the pen flows smoothly and you can work seamlessly. But as it has no pressure sensitivity, it doesn’t double up as a drawing tablet. 

This digital notepad is well-built and ideal if you take a lot of notes. But it’s quite expensive, and the features aren’t as polished as you’d expect for the price.

  • Screen Size: 10.3 inches
  • Dimensions & Weight: 7.36 x 10.41 x 1.08 inches, 0.78 lbs
  • Technology: E-Ink Mobius

Pros:

  • You can take notes smoothly with no delays or lags
  • It has a very long battery life

Cons:

  • The software is a little complicated and syncing to other devices can be tricky
  • It doesn’t have much storage
  • It’s very expensive for what you get

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Amazon

Best Digital Notepads & Smart Notebooks (Buying Guide & Reviews)

 

The Wrap Up

Having a digital notepad can be a game-changer! And this guide will help you find the right digital note-taking device for your needs. So, browse through and take your pick. 

Let me know if you have any questions below. And make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more reviews, tips, and tutorials! 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Proactive Creative may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Author

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.


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