
Best E Ink Tablets of 2025: Eye-Friendly Screens for Reading, Writing, and Beyond
ROUNDUPSE Ink tablets use paper-like screens that reduce eye strain and last weeks on a single charge. Perfect for book lovers, students, and professionals who want a distraction-free device for reading, note-taking, or sketching. Prices range from $200 (for entry−level models) to $900 (for premium Android-powered tablets with stylus support and large screens).
How to Choose the Best E-Ink Tablet
Before diving into recommendations, here’s what to consider:
Screen Size: 7-10 inches for portability; 13 inches for PDFs or textbooks.
Color vs. Monochrome: Color E Ink (e.g., Kaleido 3) is great for comics but less vibrant than LCD.
Android OS: Let you install apps like Kindle or Google Drive.
Stylus Support: Essential for note-taking or drawing.
Top 6 Best E-Ink Tablets of 2025
1. Boox Note Air 3 (Best Android E Ink Tablet)
Overview: A versatile 10.3-inch Android tablet with a crisp E Ink screen and smooth stylus. Ideal for multitaskers who need apps like OneNote or Kindle.
Price: $499
Key Features:
Runs Android 12.
227 PPI screen (sharp text).
64GB storage + microSD slot.
Pros:
Great for reading, writing, and apps.
Long 3-week battery life.
Cons:
Expensive.
Color version not available.
2. Kindle Scribe (Best for Amazon Ecosystem)
Overview: Amazon’s 10.2-inch E Ink tablet syncs seamlessly with Kindle books and supports handwritten notes.
Price: $339 (16GB)
Key Features:
Direct Kindle store access.
Basic stylus included.
Pros:
Perfect for avid Kindle readers.
Simple interface.
Cons:
No Google Play Store.
Limited file format support.
3. PocketBook InkPad Color 3 (Best Budget Color E Ink Tablet)
Overview: A 7.8-inch color E Ink tablet under $300, great for comics or casual reading.
Price: $299
Key Features:
Kaleido 3 color display.
Waterproof design.
Pros:
Affordable color option.
Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
Low resolution (150 PPI).
Slower performance.
4. reMarkable 2 (Best for Writing & Minimalism)
Overview: A super-thin 10.3-inch tablet focused on distraction-free writing. No apps, just paper-like feel.
Price: $299 (device only) +$79 (stylus).
Key Features:
10.3-inch monochrome screen.
Realistic pencil-on-paper texture.
Pros:
Excellent writing experience.
Sleek, lightweight design.
Cons:
No backlight or apps.
Expensive accessories.
5. Onyx Boox Tab X (Best Large-Screen E Ink Tablet)
Overview: A massive 13.3-inch Android tablet for textbooks, PDFs, and split-screen work.
Price: $899
Key Features:
220 PPI, 13.3-inch screen.
Android 11 with Google Play.
Pros:
Huge screen for documents.
Strong multitasking.
Cons:
Heavy (560g).
Very pricey.
6. Bigme Galy (Best Color E Ink Tablet with Gallery 3 Tech)
Overview: A 10.3-inch color tablet using Gallery 3 tech for faster refresh rates and richer colors.
Price: $699
Key Features:
Gallery 3 color E Ink (improved color accuracy).
Stylus included.
Pros:
Best color display on E Ink.
Good for magazines or diagrams.
Cons:
Short battery life (1 week).
Still pricier than Kaleido 3 models.
E Ink Tablet Comparison Table
Model | Screen Size | Color? | OS | Price | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boox Note Air 3 | 10.3" | No | Android | $499 | App users, note-taking |
Kindle Scribe | 10.2" | No | Proprietary | $339 | Kindle readers |
PocketBook InkPad 3 | 7.8" | Yes | Linux | $299 | Budget color comics |
reMarkable 2 | 10.3" | No | Proprietary | $299+ | Writing, minimalists |
Onyx Boox Tab X | 13.3" | No | Android | $899 | PDFs, textbooks |
Bigme Galy | 10.3" | Yes | Android | $699 | Color accuracy enthusiasts |
Beyond E-Ink: XPPen Magic Note Pad
E-ink excels in eye comfort, weeks of battery life, and paper-like writing, but has a slower refresh rate and limited color vividness compared to LCD screens. XPPen Magic Note Pad is an excellent device that combines the above advantages. It uses a paper-like screen and can switch between three color modes. It is also equipped with a high-pressure pencil and note-taking app to make your reading and writing experience better.
Key Features:
3-in-1 X-Paper: XPPen Paper-like display has gained TÜV SÜD Low Blue Light Certification and Paper-like Display Certification. And it supports switching between natural color, light color and ink paper mode.
Industry-leading Pressure - Sensitive Stylus: The XPPen Magic Note Pad comes with a 16K levels of pressure - sensitive stylus (world’s first), which allows for precise writing. The stylus has customizable shortcut buttons, which can be programmed to perform different functions.
90Hz Refresh Rate: Compared with the high latency of traditional ink tablets, it can better present clear and dynamic content.
XPPen Notes: Native note-taking app is developed specifically for you. Enjoy seamless noting with permanent membership.
Pros:
Low Blue light: The XPPen Magic Note Pad has low blue light certification, which can reduce at least 75% of blue light that may be harmful to the eyes.
Versatile for Note - taking and Annotation: The XPPen Magic Note Pad is a great device for those who need to take notes and mark up PDFs.
Free Note-taking Function: You can use free features such as wake Inspiration by one click, PDF files import & editing, multiple pen brushes selection, convert handwriting to text, recording follows handwriting.
FAQs
Q: Can E Ink tablets replace iPads?
A: Only if you prioritize eye comfort and battery life. E Ink tablets lack video/gaming capabilities.
Q: Do color E Ink tablets have good battery life?
A: Yes, but less than monochrome models. Expect 1-2 weeks vs. 3-4 weeks.
Q: Are Boox tablets better than Kindle Scribe?
A: Boox offers Android flexibility, but Kindle is simpler for Amazon book fans.
Final Verdict
The Boox Note Air 3 is our top pick for most users in 2025, balancing Android apps, writing, and reading. For color lovers, the Bigme Galy leads but is pricey, while budget readers should try the PocketBook InkPad Color 3. Choose reMarkable 2 if you crave a pure writing tool, or Kindle Scribe for seamless Kindle access.
For a hybrid experience blending e-ink writing feel with LCD versatility, consider the XPPen Magic Note Pad – you can enjoy a smoother writing experience than the e-ink tablet without straining your eyes.
About Us
Originated from 2005, XPPen is now one of the top brands under HANVON UGEE, integrated with digital drawing products, content and service as a globally notable digital brand of digital art innovation.
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