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Articles Feb 25
By Key2Success Team 0 Comments

Is reMarkable 2 Worth It?

If you’re asking yourself: “Is reMarkable 2 worth it?” then you are in the right place. We have extensive experience using reMarkable 2 and other products and want to share what we’ve learned along the way! When asking yourself “Is reMarkable w worth it?” there are a few things to consider and additional questions to ask yourself. We’ll unpack that, too. By the end of this guide, you should have a better grasp of whether reMarkable 2 is worth it to you.

We’ll cover:

  • What is reMarkable 2?
  • Is reMarkable 2 worth it?
  • How does reMarkable 2 compare to other devices?
  • What is a distraction-free device?
  • How to use reMarkable 2 to its fullest potential?
  • What are some templates for reMarkable 2?

As always, we’re here to help with your reMarkable and digital planning journey. Feel free to reach out to our friendly professional team today!

Visit the reMarkable 2 Planner Shop

What is reMarkable 2?

The reMarkable 2 is a digital paper tablet designed to replicate the tactile experience of writing on paper, offering a focused environment for note-taking, reading, and reviewing documents without typical digital distractions. Released in 2020, it features a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink display, providing a paper-like feel for handwriting and sketching. The device is exceptionally thin, measuring just 4.7 mm, and lightweight at 403.5 grams, making it highly portable. It boasts a battery life of up to two weeks, ensuring extended use without frequent charging.

Users can convert handwritten notes into typed text, annotate PDFs directly, and organize their work using folders and tags. The reMarkable 2 supports integration with cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, facilitating seamless access and management of documents across platforms. It also makes it great for digital planning.

While it excels in providing a distraction-free writing experience, it lacks features such as a backlight, limiting usability in low-light conditions. Additionally, the device does not support app installations or web browsing, reinforcing its purpose as a dedicated tool for focused work.

In September 2024, reMarkable introduced the Paper Pro, an upgraded model featuring an 11.8-inch color E Ink display and an adjustable front light, enhancing readability and versatility. The Paper Pro also offers improved responsiveness and additional accessories like new folio covers and an active stylus with wireless charging.

The reMarkable 2 is ideal for individuals seeking a minimalist, distraction-free digital writing experience that closely mimics traditional paper, with the added benefits of digital organization and cloud integration.

Key Features of reMarkable 2:

  • E Ink display for a natural writing experience
  • Ultra-thin (4.7mm thick) – the thinnest tablet of its kind
  • Paper-like feel with minimal latency and a stylus that mimics pen-on-paper writing
  • No glare, no backlight for comfortable reading and writing, even in bright light
  • Long battery life (up to two weeks on a single charge)
  • Cloud syncing via reMarkable’s Connect service for access to notes on various devices
  • Handwriting conversion into typed text
  • File compatibility with PDFs and eBooks (EPUB)
  • Minimalist design with no apps, web browsing, or social media to reduce distractions

The reMarkable 2 is ideal for professionals, students, and creatives who prefer a distraction-free environment for note-taking, brainstorming, or reading documents without the eye strain of traditional screens.

Is reMarkable 2 Worth it?

Is reMarkable 2 worth it? Well, it depends on how you use it. At its current price point, it is an investment. If you treat is as an investment into yourself, then it’s worth it (I think). 

Whether the reMarkable 2 is worth it depends on your needs and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

Paper-like Writing Experience: The E Ink display and low-latency stylus make it one of the best digital writing surfaces, closely mimicking real paper.
Distraction-Free Focus: No apps, notifications, or web browsing—ideal for deep work, note-taking, and reading.
Slim and Lightweight: At just 4.7mm thick, it’s ultra-portable and easy to carry.
Long Battery Life: Up to two weeks per charge, making it great for extended use without worrying about power.
Handwriting to Text Conversion: Helps you digitize handwritten notes into typed text.
Cloud Integration: Syncs with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and reMarkable’s own cloud service.

Cons:

Expensive for Limited Features: At around $299+ for the device (plus extra for the stylus and accessories), it’s pricey compared to tablets like the iPad with Apple Pencil.
No Backlight: Can’t be used in low-light conditions without an external light source.
No Colors or Multimedia Support: Black-and-white display only, no web browsing, video playback, or app support.
Subscription for Extra Features: Some cloud services and handwriting-to-text features require a Connect subscription ($2.99-$7.99/month).
Limited Annotation Tools: While it supports PDFs and EPUB files, its annotation options are not as advanced as other devices.

Who Should Buy It?

  • Writers, professionals, and students who want a distraction-free note-taking device.
  • Minimalists looking for an e-ink notebook without digital distractions.
  • Artists or sketchers who enjoy a paper-like drawing experience (though it lacks color).
  • People who dislike tablets and prefer a paper-feel over traditional screens.

Who Might Prefer Something Else?

  • If you need a full-featured tablet, an iPad with Apple Pencil or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 offers better value with additional functionality.
  • If you want a budget-friendly e-ink notepad, BOOX Note Air 2 or Kindle Scribe might be better alternatives.
  • If you need a backlight for night reading, the reMarkable 2 isn’t ideal.

Bottom Line:

  • Worth it if you value focus, handwriting, and minimalism.
  • Not worth it if you want a versatile tablet with apps and multimedia.

A digital planner can greatly enhance your experience with the reMarkable 2, turning it into a powerful organization and productivity tool. Here’s why and what to consider when choosing one:

Why Use a Digital Planner on reMarkable 2?

  • Paper-Like Feel with Digital Benefits: You get the satisfaction of handwriting while enjoying the organization and reusability of a digital system.
  • Distraction-Free Productivity: Unlike tablets with apps and notifications, reMarkable 2 keeps you focused on your planning.
  • Easy Organization & Hyperlinks: Many digital planners include hyperlinked navigation, allowing you to quickly move between sections (daily, weekly, goals, etc.).
  • Reusable & Customizable: No need for physical paper planners—erase, edit, and reuse each year.
  • Seamless Cloud Sync: With reMarkable Cloud, you can access your planner across devices.

What to Look for in a Digital Planner for reMarkable 2

  1. Hyperlinked PDF Format – reMarkable 2 supports PDF planners with navigation links for easy switching between pages.
  2. Minimalist Design – Since reMarkable has a monochrome e-ink display, choose a planner with a clean, high-contrast layout for better visibility.
  3. Handwriting-Friendly Layout – Opt for planners with lined, dotted, or blank note spaces that work well with the stylus.
  4. Goal Tracking & Habit Monitoring – A good planner should include sections for goals, budgeting, meal planning, or other productivity tools.
  5. Monday or Sunday Start – Choose one that matches your preference for weekly layouts.

What is "Distraction-Free"?

“Distraction-free” means that a device, environment, or tool is designed to minimize interruptions and help you focus on the task at hand.

In the Context of reMarkable 2:

  • No Notifications – Unlike an iPad or smartphone, the reMarkable 2 doesn’t have pop-ups from emails, social media, or apps.
  • No Apps or Web Browsing – You won’t get sidetracked by YouTube, news, or endless scrolling.
  • Minimalist Interface – The device is designed just for writing, reading, and sketching, keeping your workflow simple.
  • Paper-Like Experience – Writing on it feels like a notebook, which helps maintain focus without the distractions of a bright screen.

This makes it an excellent tool for deep work, note-taking, planning, and brainstorming without digital temptations.

reMarkable 2 vs reMarkable Paper Pro

The reMarkable Paper Pro offers significant improvements over the reMarkable 2, including a larger color display, reduced latency, and a built-in front light. These enhancements cater to users seeking a more versatile and responsive digital writing experience. However, the increased size and weight, along with a higher price point, may influence your decision based on portability needs and budget considerations.

The reMarkable Paper Pro, introduced in September 2024, builds upon the foundation of the reMarkable 2 with several notable enhancements. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences:

Display and Size

  • reMarkable 2: Features a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink display, providing a paper-like writing experience.
  • reMarkable Paper Pro: Upgrades to an 11.8-inch color E Ink display, known as the Canvas Color display, offering a broader color range and more screen real estate for notes and documents.

Writing Experience

  • Latency: The Paper Pro reduces latency by 40% compared to the reMarkable 2, resulting in a more responsive writing experience.
  • Stylus: The Paper Pro introduces a new active Marker that offers improved accuracy and responsiveness. However, accessories from the reMarkable 2 are not compatible with the Paper Pro.

Lighting

  • reMarkable 2: Lacks a built-in front light, limiting usability in low-light conditions.
  • reMarkable Paper Pro: Incorporates a front light, allowing users to read and write in various lighting environments.

Portability

  • reMarkable 2: Weighs approximately 403.5 grams and is 4.7 mm thick, making it lightweight and portable.
  • reMarkable Paper Pro: Slightly heavier at 525 grams and 5.1 mm thick, offering a larger display while remaining relatively portable.

Battery Life

  • Both Devices: Offer a battery life of up to two weeks, ensuring extended use without frequent charging.

Accessories and Customization

  • reMarkable Paper Pro: Provides a broader range of Folio options in different materials and colors, allowing for greater personalization.

Price

  • reMarkable 2: Priced at $399.
  • reMarkable Paper Pro: Starts at $579, reflecting the additional features and enhancements.

Check out the video above for a full comparison, or visit the blog!

Bottom Line: Is reMarkable 2 worth it?

Ok, now that you have all that to consider, I’ll break it down into the simplest way I explain it to people: The reMarkable 2 is worth it IF you’ll use it. I know that seems kind of obvious, but it’s true! It’s a great device with a ton of potential. But no device is good if you won’t use it. And to get the most out of it, I highly recommend a digital planner (and of course, Key2Success):

Visit the reMarkable 2 Planner Shop

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