Buyer’s Guides
The Best reMarkable Alternatives in 2026: A Buyer’s Guide (Color & B&W)
The reMarkable Paper Pro is a masterpiece, but it is also an island. With its proprietary Linux operating system, lack of an app store, and steep $579 price tag, it is a device that demands compromise. You have to accept that you cannot check your email, read Kindle books easily, or sync directly with OneNote without a workaround. For many professionals, these limitations are dealbreakers. They love the idea of digital paper, but they need a device that fits into their existing workflow, not one that forces them to change it.
Fortunately, the market has exploded in the last two years. In 2026, there are incredible **remarkable alternatives** that offer color screens, Android apps, and backlight technology for a fraction of the price. Whether you are a student on a budget, a coder who needs a split screen, or a writer who wants a modular device that lasts a decade, there is a tablet for you. In this guide, we break down the top four competitors to help you find the perfect match.
1. The Productivity Beast: Boox Note Air5 C
If you find reMarkable’s software too restrictive, Onyx Boox is the answer. The Boox Note Air5 C is widely considered one of the most powerful **remarkable alternatives** available today.
The Specs: It features a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color screen, runs Android 14, and has access to the Google Play Store. This means you can install Outlook, Slack, Obsidian, and Notion directly on the device.
Why choose it?
- Multitasking: It supports true split-screen. You can have a PDF open on the left and a notebook on the right.
- GPU Power: It has a dedicated “Boox Super Refresh” chip that makes scrolling websites smooth, unlike the choppy experience on other e-ink tablets.
- Apps: If your workflow relies on OneNote or Evernote, this is the only e-ink device that runs them natively.
The Downside: The battery life is significantly worse than the reMarkable (about 2-3 days vs. 2 weeks) because of the Android overhead. The user interface is also steeper to learn. See the full review at Boox Official Store.
2. The Writer’s Choice: Supernote A5 X2 (Manta)
If you don’t care about color and just want the absolute best writing feel, the Supernote A5 X2 is the premier **remarkable alternative** for purists.
The Specs: It uses a 10.7-inch monochrome screen with a unique “FeelWrite 2” self-healing film. When paired with their ceramic nib pen (which never needs replacing), it feels like a gel pen on high-quality bond paper.
Why choose it?
- Modularity: This is the only tablet where you can unscrew the back and replace the battery or motherboard yourself. It is built to last 10 years.
- Organization: The software features “Real-Time Recognition.” You can draw a star next to a paragraph, and it instantly adds it to a searchable index.
- Durability: The plastic chassis is rugged and drop-resistant, unlike the fragile glass of the Paper Pro.
The Downside: It is black and white only. If you need to highlight plans in red, look elsewhere. Read more at Supernote.com.
3. The Reader’s Choice: Kindle Scribe Colorsoft
For those who already own hundreds of Amazon books, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is the most logical **remarkable alternative**.
The Specs: It features a 10.2-inch color screen using Amazon’s oxide backplane technology for fast page turns. It includes a powerful front light that adjusts warmth automatically.
Why choose it?
- The Library: It syncs perfectly with your Kindle purchases, Audible audiobooks, and Goodreads account.
- The Screen: While the writing feel is slicker (more like glass), the screen is sharper for reading text (300 PPI).
- Price: At $499 including the pen, it is cheaper than the reMarkable Paper Pro bundle.
The Downside: The note-taking software is basic. You cannot easily move pages between notebooks or visualize your week. It is a reader first, writer second. Details at Amazon.com.
4. The All-Rounder: iPad Air (M3)
Sometimes the best **remarkable alternative** isn’t an e-ink device at all. The iPad Air (2026 Model) offers versatility that no paper tablet can match.
The Specs: Liquid Retina LCD screen, M3 processor, and Apple Pencil Pro support.
Why choose it?
- Color Accuracy: If you are an artist, e-ink color is too washed out. The iPad gives you full RGB accuracy.
- Power: You can edit 4K video, play games, and attend Zoom calls on the same device you take notes on.
- Software: Apps like GoodNotes 6 and Procreate are lightyears ahead of reMarkable’s software.
The Downside: Eye strain. Staring into a lightbulb for 8 hours is tiring. Also, the battery lasts 10 hours, not 10 days. See specs at Apple.com.
Comparison Table
Here is how the top **remarkable alternatives** stack up against the Paper Pro.
| Device | Screen Type | OS | Best Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| reMarkable Paper Pro | Canvas Color (11.8″) | Linux | Focus / Feel | $579 |
| Boox Note Air5 C | Kaleido 3 (10.3″) | Android 14 | Apps / Speed | $499 |
| Supernote A5 X2 | Carta 1300 (10.7″) | Chauvet | Durability | $459 |
| Kindle Scribe Colorsoft | Colorsoft (10.2″) | Kindle OS | Reading | $499 |
Final Verdict
The search for the best **remarkable alternatives** depends entirely on your workflow.
- Choose the Boox Note Air5 C if you need a laptop replacement that can run email, browsers, and sophisticated Android apps.
- Choose the Supernote A5 X2 if you want a “forever device” that feels amazing to write on and helps you organize deep thoughts without color.
- Choose the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft if you primarily read books and comics, and just need to take occasional notes.
- Stick with the reMarkable Paper Pro if your number one priority is a large, distraction-free canvas that feels like real paper.
Standardize Your Notes
No matter which tablet you choose, the secret to productivity is a good template system. Our bundles work on all PDF-compatible devices.