5 Best Note-taking Tablets in 2025: Expert Review and Buying Guide

The scratch of pen on paper is fading - 2024 MIT research reveals 73% of college students now initiate notes digitally, with 58% completely abandoning physical notebooks. This shift isn't confined to academia: corporate surveys show 41% of Fortune 500 companies now issue note-taking tablets to employees, citing a 19% average productivity boost in meeting efficiency (2024 Deloitte Workplace Report).

So, choose the best note-taking tablet is important for everyone. That’s why in this article, we’re going to recommend the best note-taking tablets in 2025.

Quick Comparison of the Best Note-Taking Tablets

In order to give you a preliminary impression, we have made a comparison table of the basic information of the 5 popular tablets on the market.

Best Note-Taking Tablets with Pen in 2025

This part, we’ll give you some of the most comprehensive devices, each with its own strengths and unique capabilities.

1. reMarkable 2

$399 - $499

Unlike the other tablets that are to be presented in this article, the reMarkable 2 stands as the best note-taking tablet overall because it is specifically manufactured for the task. The reMarkable 2 is more of a digital notebook than a tablet and it is strictly used for note-taking, which is why it is so good at it. If you want a tablet that’s solely focused on note-taking then the reMarkable 2 is the one for you!

Key Features:

• 10.3" textured E-Ink display (paper-like friction)

• 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM processor + Linux-based OS

• 2-week battery life (3000mAh)

• Pressure-sensitive stylus (no charging required)

• PDF annotation & handwriting-to-text conversion

• Cloud sync (Google Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive)

2. XPPen Magic Note Pad

$439.99

Another choice is the XPPen Magic Note Pad. It has a 10.3-inch paper-like display, which provides a great writing experience. The device is targeted towards students, professionals, and business people who need to take notes, or mark up PDFs.

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 3 colors (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.

• Android 14 OS: You can download any other apps you are used to from Google Play.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with S Pen

$429.99

When looking for the best note taking tablet that is directly integrated with the Android operating system, look no other than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with the S Pen. The main selling point of this tablet is that it has been designed for note-taking at the center. It’s the best for students who want to take their note-taking capabilities to another level.

Key Features:

• 10.4" LCD display

• 128GB internal storage + expandable microSD slot (up to 1TB).

• S Pen with 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels.

4. Amazon Kindle Scribe

$339.99

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s largest and most powerful device in the Kindle line-up. The price can vary depending on your choice of internal storage which is 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Still, when comparing it to the other devices on this list, it is truly the best Kindle ecosystem tablet for taking notes.

Key Features:

• 10.2" E Ink Display: 300 ppi glare-free screen optimized for reading and writing.

• Weeks of use on a single charge (varies by usage).

• Storage Options: Available in 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB configurations.

5. XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro

$369.99

If you prefer a larger screen, then a perfect choice would be the XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro. Compared to its counterpart, the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad, the Artist 15.6 Pro is curated specifically for artists. It’s considered to be a professional drawing tablet but it can still definitely be used for note-taking.

One of its most notable features is the 8 shortcut keys that are fully customizable. You can change its functionalities depending on your given task, making the workflow smoother than ever before. In addition, the battery-free stylus has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and by pairing it up with the 60-degree tilt function, you can naturally write from most angles.

The XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro is compatible with most operating systems such as Windows, Chrome OS, MacOS, and even Linux. It also means that it can support any type of software, may it be for editing like Photoshop and Clip Studio or note-taking apps.

As mentioned before, the tablet’s main target audience is professional artists as it needs to be attached to a laptop or PC in order to be used. However, it is still great for note-taking, especially in remote scenarios.

Tips for Choosing the Right Note-Taking Tablet

1. Consider Your Primary Use

Before choosing the right note-taking tablet for you, determine if you need a dedicated device like the reMarkable 2 or Amazon Kindle Scribe or a versatile tablet such as the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad.

2. Evaluate Stylus Quality

A stylus is one of the key components of any note-taking tablet. Try to find a stylus with high-pressure levels, low latency, and tilt recognition capabilities as these features can help you to achieve a more natural writing experience.

3. Compare Display Features

Select a display feature that suits your needs. When doing so, check certain factors such as screen size, display resolution, and the texture of the screen.

4. Check Software Compatibility

This is a very important aspect of your desired tablet as it needs to support note-taking software and applications that you are comfortable using. Take note that some tablets such as the reMarkable 2 have built-in software while ones like the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad can be downloaded with Android apps.

5. Battery Life and Storage

In addition, consider how long is the battery life of your desired tablet and if the internal and external storage capabilities can match your requirements. Consider a tablet that can also access Cloud Storage.

6. Take a look at your Budget

Lastly, when trying to purchase a note-taking tablet, consider your budget. It may be different for a professional compared to a student, so make sure that it can fit your budget and your needs at the same time.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving world of our digital era, tablets have become crucial assets for professionals, artists, and students may it be for note-taking or for any other task.

While every device on our list could be considered the best note-taking tablet, the XPPen Magic Note Pad stands out for its pen-and-paper feel and free app made for note-taking. Give it a try and see if it’s the right device for you.