TL;DR
WIRED's roundup highlights several E Ink tablets, smart pens and hybrid readers that aim to combine handwriting with digital storage and sharing. The reMarkable Paper Pro is the publication's top pick for overall note-taking, while the Kindle Scribe (2nd gen) is recommended for readers who value long battery life and basic jotting features.
What happened
WIRED updated its guide to the best digital notebooks in late December 2025, testing a mix of E Ink tablets, smart pens and reader-notebooks. The reMarkable Paper Pro earned the top spot for its paperlike matte display, expanded 10.8-inch screen, adjustable front light and color pen options; the device supports organization via notebooks, tags and folders and offers cloud integration through a paid Connect subscription. A smaller sibling, the Paper Pro Move, keeps the same writing feel in a narrower 7.3-inch, notebook-shaped form factor aimed at list writers. Amazon's Kindle Scribe (2nd Gen, 2024) is highlighted as a favorite for people who read a lot and want occasional note-taking, offering very long battery life and new generative AI features. The guide also added models such as the Boox Note Air4 C and noted color and accessory updates across several lines.
Why it matters
- Handwritten notes on these devices combine the memory benefits of writing with the convenience of digital storage and export options.
- Different form factors and features (large slate, slim notebook, e-reader hybrid) suit distinct use cases like heavy reading, list-making or PDF annotation.
- Subscriptions, cloud integrations and accessory ecosystems affect how easily notes are backed up, searched and used across other apps.
Key facts
- WIRED named the reMarkable Paper Pro its best overall pick for digital note-taking.
- The reMarkable Paper Pro has a 10.8-inch matte screen, color pen options and a built-in front light that uses ambient room light.
- The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is a 7.3-inch, long-notebook–style device recommended for list writers; it includes a convert-to-type feature.
- reMarkable offers a Connect subscription (listed at $3 per month) for unlimited cloud storage and access to beta features like Handwriting Search and reMarkable Methods.
- The reMarkable styluses are called Marker and Marker Plus; the Marker Plus adds an eraser and charges on the device.
- Amazon's Kindle Scribe (2nd Gen, 2024) is praised for extremely long battery life—up to 12 weeks—and blends reading and light note-taking workflows.
- Kindle Scribe added generative AI tools labeled Summarization and Refined Writing; its notebook sync to the Kindle app is supported but less seamless than some competitors' apps.
- Kobo devices such as the Kobo Libra Colour are noted for letting users write directly on book pages and offering a color option.
- WIRED updated the guide in December 2025 to add picks like the Boox Note Air4 C and to note newer Scribe and Montblanc Digital Paper mentions in honorable mentions.
What to watch next
- Expansion of handwriting-recognition and search features (reMarkable's Handwriting Search beta) and how broadly they roll out.
- Further integration of generative AI tools for summarization and writing refinement on reader/notebook hybrids.
- Broader adoption of color E Ink displays across note-taking devices and additional accessory development (keyboards, folios).
Quick glossary
- E Ink: A low-power display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper and is commonly used in e-readers and some note-taking tablets.
- Stylus: A pen-like input tool used to write or draw on touch-sensitive screens; some models include features like an eraser or magnetic charging.
- Cloud sync: The process of storing device data on remote servers so files and notes can be accessed from multiple devices.
- Handwriting-to-text (convert-to-type): Software that analyzes handwritten strokes and converts them into editable, typed text.
Reader FAQ
Which device did WIRED recommend as best overall?
WIRED's top pick for overall digital notebook use is the reMarkable Paper Pro.
What is the best option for heavy readers who also want note-taking?
WIRED highlights the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2nd Gen, 2024) as a good hybrid choice for readers who want occasional digital note-taking and long battery life.
Do these devices support handwriting transcription?
Some devices offer convert-to-type tools and transcription options; reMarkable and others have features or betas for handwriting search and conversion.
Are color displays available in digital notebooks?
Yes — the guide notes color-capable options, including reMarkable's color pen options and color e-reader models like the Kobo Libra Colour.
How important are subscriptions and accessories?
Not confirmed in the source
NENA FARRELL GEAR DEC 30, 2025 6:38 AM The Best Digital Notebooks and Smart Pens These nifty tools combine the ease of jotting notes by hand with the power of…
Sources
- 7 Best Digital Notebooks (2026): reMarkable, Kobo, Kindle
- The 3 Best Digital Notebooks of 2025 – The New York Times
- Best Writing Tablets 2025 – Forbes Vetted
- The Best Ereaders We've Tested for 2026
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