If you’re tired of the glare from your phone or tablet, or just want something that feels more like paper, E Ink tablets are worth a look. These devices have gotten a lot better over the years. You can find them in different sizes, some even have color screens, and they’re great for reading and taking notes without straining your eyes. We’ve checked out a bunch of them to help you find the best e ink color display tablet for your needs in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- E Ink tablets offer a paper-like reading and writing experience, reducing eye strain compared to traditional screens.
- Color E Ink displays are becoming more common, adding versatility for notes and documents.
- These devices are ideal for reading, note-taking, and sketching, but not for fast-moving content like videos or games.
- Consider screen size, battery life, stylus feel, and software capabilities when choosing an e ink color display tablet.
- Many E Ink tablets run on Android, allowing access to a range of apps, though performance may vary.
1. Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro
When you think about E Ink tablets, you might picture something basic, just for reading. But the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro really breaks that mold. It’s a pretty capable device that can handle a lot more than just books. This tablet is a standout because it manages to blend the eye-friendly nature of E Ink with the functionality you’d expect from a more standard tablet.
First off, the screen. It’s a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display, which means it can show colors. We’re not talking vibrant, super-saturated colors like your phone, but it does a decent job of displaying hues for notes, diagrams, or even just making your reading material a bit more lively. It supports a stylus, and the touch response feels good, almost like writing on paper. This makes it great for jotting down notes or sketching.
What really sets this one apart is what’s under the hood. It runs Android 12, so you can actually download apps from the Google Play Store. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond just reading. You can use it for email, browsing the web, and even some light productivity tasks. It comes with 128GB of storage, which you can expand with a microSD card, and it has a decent battery that should last you a good while, especially if you’re not constantly pushing it with video.
Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:
- Screen: 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color E Ink
- Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Operating System: Android 12
- Stylus: Included, Wacom-powered
- Battery: 4,600mAh
- Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
It’s not perfect, of course. E Ink screens aren’t as bright as regular screens, so using it in direct sunlight might be a bit challenging. Also, it’s on the pricier side compared to some other E Ink devices, and you’ll need to buy a keyboard case separately if you want that laptop-like experience. But if you’re looking for an E Ink tablet that can do a bit of everything, the Tab Ultra C Pro is definitely worth a look.
2. reMarkable 2
If you’re looking for a tablet that really nails the feeling of writing on paper, the reMarkable 2 is a solid choice. It’s designed specifically for note-taking and reading, and it does both pretty well. The screen feels great under the stylus, and there’s hardly any lag, which makes it feel very natural. You can get documents onto it easily, too. Sending articles from your browser using a Chrome extension is a neat trick, and it syncs up with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
The reMarkable 2 excels at providing a distraction-free writing and reading environment. It’s not trying to be a do-everything device like a standard tablet. Instead, it focuses on that core experience. You can organize your notes into notebooks and folders, and there are a few different pen types to play with. It can even convert your handwriting into typed text, which is surprisingly accurate.
However, it’s worth noting that reMarkable does encourage you to stay within its ecosystem. While the tablet itself is reasonably priced, accessories like the Marker Plus (which has an eraser) and the keyboard folio add to the cost. Plus, some of the best features, like editing notes on other devices, require a Connect subscription. It’s a bit of a trade-off for that focused experience. If you just want a digital notebook that feels like the real thing, this is definitely worth a look, especially if you’re tired of the constant pings from other devices. You can find out more about its capabilities on the reMarkable website.
3. Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
Amazon jumped into the dedicated e-note space a bit later than some, but their Kindle Scribe made quite an impression. The 2024 model, the second generation, builds on that initial success. It sports a 10.2-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display with a crisp 1860×2480 resolution at 300 PPI. A noticeable change this year is the uniform white border around the screen, giving it a cleaner look compared to older models. The screen itself is flush with the bezel and protected by glass. For those who like to read or write in various lighting conditions, it comes with 35 white and amber LEDs that adjust automatically, spreading light evenly without shining directly into your eyes.
The included Premium Pen has also seen some nice upgrades. It now comes in colors to match the Scribe itself, and the shortcut button is customizable. You can set it to quickly switch to a highlighter, different pen types, an eraser, or even a sticky note. Plus, the eraser on the top of the pen is a welcome addition, making quick corrections much easier. This device aims to be your all-in-one digital notebook, reading device, and thought organizer.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a 1GHz MediaTek MT8113 processor, paired with 1GB of RAM. Storage options range from 16GB up to 64GB, giving you plenty of space for books and notes. Connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 5 for downloading content from the Amazon Store, and Bluetooth 5.1 is available in some regions for audiobooks, though availability can vary by country. Battery life is rated similarly to the original, offering up to three weeks of writing time or 12 weeks of reading time with about 30 minutes of use per day. The dimensions are 196 x 230 x 5.8mm, and it weighs 433g. While it’s a solid device for reading and basic note-taking, its note-taking software is still a bit basic compared to some competitors, lacking advanced organizational features. However, for its price point and the integration with the Kindle ecosystem, it’s a compelling option for many.
4. Boox Go 10.3
The Boox Go 10.3 is a pretty interesting device if you’re looking for a large E Ink screen without breaking the bank. It sports a 10.3-inch display that’s sharp, thanks to its 300PPI resolution. This means text and writing look really clear. One thing to note, though, is that it doesn’t have a frontlight, so it’s not ideal for reading in dim conditions. If a built-in light is a must-have for you, you might want to check out other options.
This tablet is also quite thin and light, with a design that feels pretty sleek. It packs in modern features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, speakers, and a microphone. Under the hood, it’s got a decent octacore processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, plus a battery that should last about a week with regular use. It runs Android 12, which means you can install apps from the Google Play Store, though performance on E Ink screens can be hit or miss. Boox’s own apps for reading and note-taking are really packed with features, but the user interface can take some getting used to. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the sheer number of options makes it a very versatile device.
The main draw of the Boox Go 10.3 is its versatility, fitting a lot of different needs well. While I used it daily for a good chunk of time and found it to be a great E Ink tablet, it’s not my absolute top pick anymore. A minor annoyance is the stylus attachment; it sticks magnetically but can fall off easily. If you’re interested in exploring what Android offers on an E Ink screen, this is a solid contender. You can find more details about its capabilities and compare it with other devices that support Windows Ink.
5. Bigme B751C Color
The Bigme B751C Color is a pretty interesting option if you’re looking for a smaller, more budget-friendly E Ink device. It packs a 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen, which is decent for reading and light note-taking. It runs Android 11, so you can get a good number of apps on there, and it even comes with a stylus. Plus, there’s a microSD slot, which is always nice for expanding storage.
It’s not going to blow you away with super high-end specs compared to some of the bigger players, but for the price, it’s a solid contender. This tablet is a good choice for someone who wants a portable E Ink device without breaking the bank. If you’re curious about the specs, here’s a quick look:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 |
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Storage | Expandable via microSD |
| Stylus | Included |
While it might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the Bigme B751C Color offers a straightforward E Ink experience. It’s a good way to get into color E Ink without a huge investment, and you can find it at a reasonable price point. It’s definitely worth considering if portability and affordability are high on your list when looking at E Ink tablets.
6. Boox Note Air4 C
The Boox Note Air4 C is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for a color E Ink tablet that can do a bit of everything. It feels like Onyx is really trying to hit that sweet spot between a dedicated note-taker and a more general-purpose tablet.
What stands out is that it runs Android 13, which means you can actually install apps from the Google Play Store. So, if you want to read on Kindle, check emails, or even browse the web, you can do that. It’s not going to replace your iPad for heavy multitasking, but for reading and note-taking with the added flexibility of apps, it’s quite nice. The color Kaleido 3 screen is decent, though don’t expect vibrant, punchy colors like on an LCD. It’s more about adding a bit of color to your documents and notes, which can be helpful for organization.
Here’s a quick look at some of its features:
- Display: 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 with 4,096 colors.
- Processor: 2GHz octa-core, 6GB RAM.
- Storage: 64GB internal storage.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
- Software: Android 13 with Google Play Store access.
- Battery: 3,700mAh, offering weeks of use.
The Note Air4 C comes with a battery-free stylus that feels good in the hand and offers pressure sensitivity, making note-taking feel pretty natural. It also has some neat software features, like converting your handwriting to text and allowing you to add various media to your notes. If you’re someone who juggles different reading sources or needs a device for both jotting down ideas and reading PDFs, this Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C is definitely worth considering. It’s a step up from simpler e-readers, offering more versatility for a bit more money.
7. Supernote A5X
Okay, so if you’re really into just writing and taking notes, the Supernote A5X is a pretty solid choice. It’s not trying to be a do-everything tablet like some of the others; it’s focused. Think of it like a really fancy digital notebook that also happens to be an e-reader.
What I really liked about it is how simple and clean the software feels. It’s designed to be distraction-free, which is nice when you just want to get thoughts down on paper, or, well, screen. The writing experience itself is supposed to be really good, with a special screen protector that feels less scratchy than some other E Ink devices. Plus, it’s lightweight, which is always a plus when you’re carrying it around all day.
Here are a few things that stand out:
- Modular Design: You can actually replace parts like the battery, which is pretty unique and good for the long run.
- Intuitive Software: The note-taking app has some neat features, like automatically creating a table of contents based on your headings. It makes organizing your notes much easier.
- No Frills: It doesn’t have a frontlight or speakers, which might be a con for some, but for me, it just adds to that minimalist, paper-like feel. It means you’re not getting distracted by notifications or bright screens.
It’s definitely more of a niche device. If you want to browse the web extensively or run a bunch of different apps, this probably isn’t it. But for pure writing and note-taking, it’s a strong contender.
8. Boox Note Max
If you’re looking for a truly massive E Ink experience, the Boox Note Max steps up to the plate with a 13.3-inch display. This is a big jump from the more common 10-inch tablets, and it really changes how you interact with your documents and notes. Think of it like using a full-sized legal pad, but with all the digital benefits. It’s the largest E Ink tablet from Boox, offering a 300 PPI resolution on its Carta 1300 screen.
What sets this device apart is its full Android 13 operating system, giving you access to the Google Play Store. This means you can load up on your favorite reading apps, productivity tools, and more, just like on a regular tablet. Boox has even tweaked some popular apps, like Kindle, to work better on the E Ink screen, reducing those sometimes-annoying page-turn animations. It’s not perfect for video, of course – E Ink just isn’t built for that – but for reading and writing, it’s pretty great.
Under the hood, it’s got some serious power with an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. You can’t expand the storage with an SD card, though. It also includes stereo speakers and a microphone, so listening to podcasts or taking voice notes is no problem. Plus, Bluetooth 5.0 lets you connect your wireless headphones.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Unlike some other E Ink devices that can last for weeks on a single charge, the Note Max’s battery life is more in line with a standard tablet, measured in days. Also, it doesn’t have a built-in front light, so you’ll need a good light source to use it comfortably in dimmer conditions. It’s a bit of a trade-off for that large, high-resolution screen and the full Android experience.
9. Viwoods AI Paper Mini
The Viwoods AI Paper Mini is an interesting option, especially if you’re looking for something on the smaller side, around the 7.8-inch mark. It’s a bit of a compromise size – not quite as portable as a 7-inch device, but not as spacious for writing as a 10-inch tablet. For me, it works best for reading e-books, particularly at night, and it can handle some writing too.
What sets it apart are some of its software features. It runs Android, which means you get access to a lot of apps. Plus, it has some unique tools like a calendar that links to your notes, and you can even have semi-transparent notebooks so you can see what’s underneath while you write. The built-in generative AI is also a neat addition for processing your notes, though it does need an internet connection. Viwoods is a newer brand, but they’re actively updating their firmware and listening to user feedback, which is a really good sign.
However, it’s not perfect. It can feel a little heavy if you’re holding it for extended reading sessions. Also, while it has a frontlight, it’s a monochrome display, so don’t expect color. If you’re heavily into note-taking and want something that feels very much like paper, you might look at other options, but for a compact, versatile e-ink device with some smart AI features, the Viwoods AI Paper Mini is definitely worth considering. It’s a device to watch as the company matures in the market, potentially becoming a top choice in the future. You can find out more about how it compares to other devices by checking out this guide on future PC technologies.
10. Boox Go 7
The Boox Go 7 is a pretty neat little device if you’re looking for something compact. It’s got a 7-inch screen, which is a good size for carrying around without feeling like you’re lugging a full-sized tablet. What I really like about it are the physical page-turn buttons; they’re placed just right for your thumb, making reading feel more natural, kind of like an old-school e-reader. It also has a front light, which is a must-have for reading in different lighting conditions, especially at night.
This device runs on Android 13, which means you can actually install apps from the Google Play Store. So, it’s not just for reading books; you can use it for other things too, depending on how well apps work on an E Ink screen, of course. The stylus support is a big plus if you like to jot down notes or mark up documents. The Boox Go 7 is a highly capable e-reader, offering significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Go 6. It’s a solid choice for those who want a portable device that can do a bit more than just display text. If you’re interested in exploring more E Ink options, checking out the Boox Go 7 might be a good starting point.
Wrapping Up Your E Ink Journey
So, that’s a look at some of the top E Ink color display tablets you can grab in 2025. These devices really do offer a unique way to interact with your digital content, giving you that familiar paper feel without all the clutter. Whether you’re a dedicated note-taker, an avid reader, or just someone looking for a less distracting digital experience, there’s likely an E Ink tablet out there that fits the bill. Remember to think about what you’ll use it for most – reading, writing, drawing, or a mix of everything – and that will help you pick the perfect one for your needs. Happy tablet hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes E Ink tablets special?
E Ink tablets are different from regular tablets because they use a special screen that looks like real paper. They don’t give off light, which makes them easier on your eyes, especially for long reading or writing sessions. Plus, their batteries can last for days or even weeks without needing a charge.
Are E Ink tablets good for everything?
These tablets are fantastic for reading, writing, and taking notes because the screen is easy to look at. However, they aren’t the best for things that move fast, like playing games or watching videos, because the screen doesn’t update as quickly as regular tablet screens.
What should I look for when buying an E Ink tablet?
Think about what you’ll use it for most. If you want to write a lot, check how well the stylus works and how fast the screen responds. If reading is your main goal, consider the screen size and how easy it is to get books. Also, see if it comes with a stylus or if you need to buy one separately.
Can I use apps on E Ink tablets?
Some E Ink tablets, especially those that run on Android, let you download apps. However, they might not work as smoothly as on a regular tablet, and the colors might not be as bright. They are best for reading and writing tasks rather than heavy app usage.
Why are some E Ink tablets more expensive than others?
The price can change based on features like screen size, whether it has color, the quality of the stylus, and extra features like built-in speakers or advanced note-taking tools. Tablets with more advanced technology or larger screens usually cost more.
Are E Ink tablets good for students?
Yes, E Ink tablets can be great for students! They offer a paper-like feel for taking notes, reading textbooks, and studying without the eye strain from bright screens. Their long battery life is also a big plus for busy school days.
