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reMarkable Paper Pro vs Onyx Boox Air 3C
Quick Answer
The reMarkable Paper Pro is the better choice if you want a distraction-free writing experience with a premium paper-feel stylus. The Onyx Boox Air 3C wins if you need Android app support, Google Play access, and more software flexibility. Both have front-lit displays and color e-ink. This 17-minute video covers every category side by side so you can decide which device fits your workflow.
The reMarkable Paper Pro and the Onyx Boox Air 3C are two of the most talked-about e-ink tablets for productivity and digital planning. Both launched with front-lit displays and color e-ink panels, which makes comparing them more interesting than any previous reMarkable vs Boox matchup. The question is no longer just writing feel -- it is also about how much you want your e-ink device to behave like a full Android tablet.
Branden published this comparison in September 2024 after spending time with both devices. He goes through first impressions, bezel and form factor differences, the front-lit display on each device, and a live demonstration of front-lit vs back-lit viewing. The second half of the video covers software: the reMarkable OS versus Android on the Boox, what the Google Play Store access means in practice, how each device handles digital planning and color tools, and the actual writing experience with a stylus on both surfaces.
If you have already landed on the reMarkable Paper Pro, the reMarkable Paper Pro digital planner shop has Key2Success templates built for the device. For a deeper look at the Paper Pro setup, the Paper Pro digital planner overview covers hyperlinks, color tools, and Google Calendar integration.
Video Chapters
Video Transcript
Branden opens by introducing both devices -- the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Onyx Boox Air 3C -- and framing the comparison around the new features both devices share: front-lit displays and color e-ink panels. He notes that with these additions, the two devices are more directly comparable than older generations.
The first section covers the reMarkable Paper Pro's initial impressions, including its physical build quality, the texture of its writing surface, and how it feels in hand. Branden then compares bezel size and form factor between the two, showing how the Boox Air 3C has a slightly different hand-feel and physical footprint.
The front-lit display section explains what front-lit means in practical terms versus backlit LCD panels, and why it matters for eye strain during long writing or reading sessions. Branden then demonstrates the difference live on camera so viewers can see how the illumination looks in practice on each device.
The software section is where the two devices diverge most sharply. The reMarkable runs its own proprietary OS with a focused set of features -- note-taking, document review, and a small set of integrations. The Onyx Boox Air 3C runs Android, which means full Google Play Store access. Branden shows what having apps like Notion, Obsidian, and Kindle available on the Boox means for people who want an all-in-one productivity device.
The distraction-free section makes the case for the reMarkable approach. Having fewer apps and features is a feature for some people -- the device simply cannot be as distracting as a full Android tablet.
The writing experience comparison is hands-on: Branden writes on both devices and describes the feel difference in the stylus response, latency, and surface texture. He notes that the reMarkable has a slight edge in paper-like feel but acknowledges the Boox is competitive.
The final sections cover using colors in digital planning on the reMarkable, the writing tools available on the Onyx Boox, and a tour of what the Google Play Store looks like on the Boox Air 3C. The video closes with Branden's summary recommendation based on use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Onyx Boox Air 3C?
The reMarkable Paper Pro is a distraction-free e-ink writing tablet with a proprietary OS focused on handwriting and note-taking. The Onyx Boox Air 3C runs Android and supports the Google Play Store, giving it far more software flexibility. The Paper Pro has a more premium writing feel; the Boox Air 3C offers app versatility. The right choice depends on whether you want simplicity or flexibility.
Does the reMarkable Paper Pro have a front-lit display?
Yes. The reMarkable Paper Pro introduced a front-lit display, a significant upgrade over previous reMarkable models. Front-lit displays illuminate from the front rather than backlighting through the panel, preserving the paper-like appearance while making the device usable in low-light environments.
Can the Onyx Boox Air 3C run apps?
Yes. The Onyx Boox Air 3C runs Android and has access to the Google Play Store, so it can run Notion, Obsidian, Kindle, and other productivity or reading apps. This makes it significantly more versatile than the reMarkable, which is limited to its own app ecosystem and a small set of integrations.
Which e-ink tablet is better for digital planning?
The reMarkable Paper Pro works well with structured digital planners like Key2Success because it supports hyperlinks and color tools. The Onyx Boox Air 3C also supports digital planning and can run GoodNotes and other third-party apps via Google Play. For Key2Success planner users, the Paper Pro integrates cleanly; for users who want more app options, the Boox Air 3C is more flexible.
Is the writing experience better on the reMarkable or the Onyx Boox?
Most reviewers including Branden find the reMarkable Paper Pro has a slightly more natural writing feel due to its surface texture and stylus technology. The Onyx Boox Air 3C also has a solid writing experience but is generally considered slightly behind the reMarkable in feel. Both are significantly better than writing on a standard LCD tablet.
What is the Onyx Boox Air 3C front-lit display like?
The Onyx Boox Air 3C has a front-lit color e-ink display with adjustable warm and cool lighting. Color e-ink panels show color content with a slightly muted appearance compared to LCD, which is typical for the technology. For note-taking and planning in color, the display is functional and easy on the eyes in most lighting conditions.
How to Decide Between reMarkable Paper Pro and Onyx Boox Air 3C
- If you want a focused, distraction-free writing device and do not need third-party apps, the reMarkable Paper Pro is the right choice.
- If you need Android app support -- Notion, Kindle, GoodNotes, or custom apps -- the Onyx Boox Air 3C is more versatile.
- If writing feel is your top priority, the reMarkable Paper Pro has a slight edge in paper-like texture and stylus response.
- If you want a front-lit color e-ink display with the most software options, the Boox Air 3C covers both.
- Watch the comparison video above to see both devices side by side before making a final decision.
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