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reMarkable Paper Pro vs reMarkable 2: Comparison and Recommendation
Quick Answer
The reMarkable Paper Pro adds a backlit screen and color highlights over the reMarkable 2. The Paper Pro is worth the upgrade if you write in low-light environments or want color annotation. If you write in well-lit spaces and do not need color, the reMarkable 2 remains excellent value. This 10-minute comparison covers every difference with a clear recommendation.
The reMarkable Paper Pro vs reMarkable 2 is the central question for anyone in the reMarkable ecosystem right now. The Paper Pro launched in 2024 as a premium upgrade -- adding a frontlit display for low-light writing, color highlight tools, premium build materials, and a higher price tag. This video is Branden's direct comparison of both devices, covering every category that matters for a note-taker and digital planner user.
Branden recorded this in September 2024 shortly after the Paper Pro launched. He covers the 100-day return policy (one of reMarkable's best selling points), price difference, form factor changes, color highlight functionality, device pairing and syncing, the backlit screen in practice, writing experience side by side, screen quality, and the distraction-free philosophy that makes reMarkable devices different from tablets. The video closes with a direct recommendation based on your use case.
After watching, you will know whether to upgrade. If you go with either device, the reMarkable Digital Planner Shop has templates built for both. For the full reMarkable setup guide, Branden's reMarkable planner setup tutorial covers the complete workflow.
What's Covered in This Video
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:17 100-day return policy
- 0:31 Price comparison
- 0:58 Form factor
- 2:04 Color features in Paper Pro
- 3:02 Device pairing and syncing
- 4:00 Backlit screen
- 5:00 Writing experience comparison
- 6:00 Typing and screen quality
- 7:30 Distraction-free experience
- 8:14 Key2Success Digital Planner
Video Transcript
This video is a direct comparison of the reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable 2, published September 2024. Branden opens by noting that reMarkable offers a 100-day return policy, making trying either device low-risk. He then covers the price difference between the two devices and what you get for the additional cost of the Paper Pro.
The form factor section covers the physical differences in size, weight, and build quality. The color features section explains what color highlights actually do in the Paper Pro context -- it is not a full color e-ink display but adds color annotation capability. Device pairing, cloud sync, and the backlit screen for low-light use are covered in detail. The writing experience comparison shows both devices side by side, followed by screen quality and typing experience. The video closes with the distraction-free philosophy of reMarkable devices and Branden's recommendation based on use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable 2?
The reMarkable Paper Pro adds a backlit screen, color highlights, and premium materials compared to the reMarkable 2. The reMarkable 2 remains a capable writing device at a lower price. The video covers the full comparison at each category.
Is the reMarkable Paper Pro worth the upgrade from reMarkable 2?
It depends on your use case. The Paper Pro is worth upgrading if you write in low-light environments and would use the backlight, or want color highlight functionality. If you write in well-lit conditions and do not need color, the reMarkable 2 remains excellent value.
Does the reMarkable Paper Pro have a backlight?
Yes. The reMarkable Paper Pro has a built-in frontlight, one of its most significant upgrades over the reMarkable 2. The backlight allows writing and reading in low-light conditions without blue light strain.
Does the reMarkable Paper Pro support color?
The reMarkable Paper Pro supports color highlights -- you can add colored annotations to your notes. It does not have a full color e-ink display, but color highlight tools are available for annotations.
What is reMarkable's 100-day return policy?
reMarkable offers a 100-day return policy on their devices, meaning you can try the Paper Pro or reMarkable 2 for over three months and return it for a full refund if not satisfied. This makes trying either device relatively low-risk.
Which reMarkable Should You Buy?
- Watch the price comparison section (0:31) to understand what the cost difference actually gets you.
- Watch the backlit screen section (4:00) -- if you ever write in dim light, this alone may justify the Paper Pro.
- Watch the writing experience comparison (5:00) to see if there is a noticeable difference for your use case.
- Remember reMarkable's 100-day return policy -- you can try either device with very low risk.
- Once you have a device, load the Key2Success reMarkable planner to get a structured planning system running immediately.
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The Key2Success Digital Planner works on both reMarkable 2 and reMarkable Paper Pro. Ready-made templates, no subscription.
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