Tech Retrospectives
Best E Ink Tablets 2024: The Year Color Changed Everything (Retrospective)
History will remember 2024 as the year the “Paper Tablet” grew up. Before then, the market was dominated by monochromatic devices that were excellent for reading but lacked the vibrancy needed for modern work. We were stuck in a black-and-white world, forced to choose between the distraction-free reMarkable 2 (released way back in 2020) or clunky Android tablets.
But in 2024, the floodgates opened. reMarkable finally launched the Paper Pro with its stunning Canvas Color display. Boox perfected the Android e ink experience with the Note Air 3 C. And Supernote redefined portability with the Nomad. If you are shopping the used or refurbished market today, these 2024 models represent the best value in tech. In this guide, we look back at the **best e ink tablets 2024** produced and rank them by their lasting impact.
The 2024 Landscape: A Quick Recap
Why are we focusing on the **best e ink tablets 2024** list? Because 2024 introduced the technologies we now take for granted.
- Gallery 3 vs. Kaleido 3: 2024 was the battleground for color tech. reMarkable bet on “Gallery 3” (particle-based color), while everyone else bet on “Kaleido 3” (filter-based color).
- Front Lights became Standard: Before 2024, many “purist” tablets (like the Supernote A5X) lacked lights. By the end of 2024, almost every flagship had a glow.
- Repairability: The Supernote Nomad introduced user-replaceable batteries, starting a trend that continues today.
1. The Game Changer: reMarkable Paper Pro
Released in September 2024, the reMarkable Paper Pro instantly became the **best e ink tablet 2024** had to offer. It ended the four-year reign of the reMarkable 2.
Why it defined the year:
It was the first mass-market device to use a “Canvas Color” display. Unlike the washed-out colors of competitors, the Paper Pro’s colors looked textured and printed. It also finally added a reading light, silencing the biggest criticism of the brand.
Should you buy it used?
Absolutely. Since e ink tech moves slowly, a used Paper Pro from 2024 performs almost identically to a new unit today. Just check the screen for dead pixels. Read the original launch coverage at reMarkable.com.
2. The Android King: Boox Note Air 3 C
While reMarkable went for simplicity, Onyx went for power. The Boox Note Air 3 C (released late 2023 but dominating 2024) was the swiss-army knife of the year.
Why it defined the year:
It proved that e ink could be fast. With its “Boox Super Refresh” (BSR) technology, it allowed users to browse websites and use apps like Notion and OneNote without unbearable lag. It brought the Google Play Store to the e-ink masses.
Should you buy it used?
Yes, but be careful of the battery. The BSR chip consumes a lot of power, and heavily used units from 2024 might have degraded battery health by now. Check specs at Boox.com.
3. The Writer’s Choice: Supernote Nomad (A6 X2)
In early 2024, Ratta released the Supernote Nomad. While smaller (7.8 inches), it made a huge impact on the market.
Why it defined the year:
It introduced the “FeelWrite 2” film, widely considered the best writing surface ever made. It feels soft, like a gel pen digging into paper. It was also the first “Right to Repair” friendly tablet, letting users swap their own batteries and motherboards.
Should you buy it used?
Yes. These devices are built like tanks. A Nomad from 2024 is practically indestructible and likely still supported with software updates today. See the longevity promise at Supernote.com.
4. The Value Pick: Kindle Scribe (1st Gen)
Although launched in late 2022, the Kindle Scribe received massive software updates throughout 2024 that transformed it from a “big Kindle” into a legitimate notebook.
Why it defined the year:
In 2024, Amazon added “Lasso Select,” “Handwriting Conversion,” and “PDF Margins,” finally making the Scribe a serious contender. It remains the only 300 PPI screen at 10.2 inches, making it the sharpest text reader of the bunch.
Should you buy it used?
Definitely. You can often find 2024-era Scribes for under $250. Just be aware it lacks the color capabilities of the newer “Colorsoft” models. Check listings at Amazon.
Which 2024 Tablet Should You Buy Today?
If you are looking for **best e ink tablets 2024** deals, here is our advice:
Best Overall: reMarkable Paper Pro
If you can find a used or refurbished unit, grab it. It is still the gold standard for focus and writing feel.
Best Budget: Boox Note Air 3 C
If you need apps and color on a budget, a used Air 3 C offers incredible value compared to buying a brand new tablet.
Best Portable: Supernote Nomad
For writers who travel, this small, durable, and repairable device is a lifelong companion.
Timeless Organization
Good hardware lasts years. Good systems last forever. Download our universal PDF templates that work on all 2024 devices.
