Market Analysis
Top 5 reMarkable Competitors in 2026: Who Challenges the Paper King?
For a long time, reMarkable was the only name in town. They invented the category of “paper tablets” and held a monopoly on the hearts of writers and thinkers. But 2026 is a different era. The success of the Paper Pro has awakened giants like Amazon, Lenovo, and Apple, while nimble startups like Supernote and Boox continue to innovate at breakneck speeds.
Today, the landscape of **remarkable competitors** is fierce. These rivals are not just copying the Norwegian design; they are challenging its fundamental philosophy. Some argue that a tablet should run apps. Others argue it should be cheaper. Others claim it should be indestructible. If you are in the market for a digital notebook but aren’t sold on the reMarkable ecosystem, you have options. In this guide, we rank the top 5 challengers that are stealing market share this year.
The Competitive Landscape of 2026
When analyzing **remarkable competitors**, it helps to divide the market into three camps:
- The Minimalists: Devices that try to be simpler and more focused (Supernote).
- The Maximalists: Devices that try to do everything a laptop can do (Boox, iPad).
- The Readers: Devices that are e-readers first and notepads second (Kindle, Kobo).
The reMarkable Paper Pro sits squarely in the “Minimalist” camp but with “Maximalist” hardware specs (color screen, fast processor). This unique positioning is what makes it so hard to beat, but certainly not impossible.
1. The Goliath: Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft
Amazon is the biggest threat to reMarkable’s dominance. With unlimited resources, they have created a device that undercuts the Paper Pro on price while offering superior reading features.
Why it’s a competitor: The **Kindle Scribe Colorsoft** ($499) brings color e-ink to the masses. It integrates seamlessly with the Kindle Store, making it the default choice for anyone who reads more than they write. As noted by CNBC Reviews, “Amazon has democratized the digital notebook.”
Where it wins: Backlight brightness, battery life (reading), and ecosystem (Kindle books).
Where it loses: The writing feel is slippery, and the note-taking software is rudimentary compared to reMarkable’s layers and folders.
2. The Swiss Knife: Onyx Boox Note Air5 C
If reMarkable is the Apple of e-ink (walled garden, polished), Onyx is the Android. The **Boox Note Air5 C** is one of the most versatile **remarkable competitors** because it literally runs Android 14.
Why it’s a competitor: It solves the “feature gap.” Users who complain that reMarkable can’t check email or run OneNote flock to Boox. You can install Chrome, Gmail, and even YouTube (though video playback is jerky).
Where it wins: Functionality. You can do almost anything on it.
Where it loses: Complexity. The interface is cluttered with settings, refresh modes, and optimization toggles. It is not “pick up and play.”
Check out the deep dive at Boox.com.
3. The Cult Favorite: Supernote A5 X2
Ratta, the company behind Supernote, takes a philosophical stance that rivals reMarkable. They build “Forever Devices.” The **Supernote A5 X2** is modular, repairable, and built for writers.
Why it’s a competitor: It offers a superior writing feel. Their “FeelWrite 2” self-healing screen protector combined with a ceramic nib pen creates a gel-pen-like resistance that many prefer over reMarkable’s pencil scratch.
Where it wins: Durability and organization features (keywords, stars, headers).
Where it loses: No color (yet). It is strictly a monochrome device, which puts it at a disadvantage in 2026.
Learn more at Supernote.com.
4. The Mainstream: Apple iPad Air (M3)
While not an e-ink device, the iPad is the most common cross-shop. Many users ask: “Why pay $579 for a slow black-and-white tablet when I can get an iPad?”
Why it’s a competitor: Value. For the same price, you get a supercomputer. With the Apple Pencil Pro and a matte screen protector (like Paperlike), it mimics the writing experience decently well.
Where it wins: Everything except focus and battery life.
Where it loses: It is a distraction machine. Notifications, bright lights, and social media apps destroy the “deep work” state that reMarkable cultivates.
5. The Budget Pick: Kobo Elipsa 2E
For those who find the $500+ price point offensive, Kobo offers a solid alternative. Owned by Rakuten, Kobo is the main rival to Kindle outside the US.
Why it’s a competitor: Price. At around $350 (often on sale), it is significantly cheaper than the reMarkable. It supports OverDrive (library books) natively, which is a huge plus for students.
Where it wins: Library integration and cost.
Where it loses: The latency is higher (slower writing), and the build quality feels more “plastic” and less premium.
Final Rankings
When we stack up these **remarkable competitors**, a clear hierarchy emerges based on user needs.
Best for Power Users: Onyx Boox
If you need your tablet to be a laptop replacement, get the Boox.
Best for Readers: Amazon Kindle
If you consume more than you create, get the Scribe.
Best for Writers: Supernote
If you want a dedicated drafting tool that lasts forever, get the A5 X2.
However, despite the stiff competition, the reMarkable Paper Pro remains the king of “Focus.” No other device has so successfully stripped away distractions while maintaining such premium hardware quality.
Already Switched?
Whether you chose Boox, Supernote, or stayed with reMarkable, you need a system to stay organized. Our templates work on all PDF-compatible devices.