reMarkable 2 Review - Still Worth It in 2026?
The reMarkable 2 is the tablet that convinced a lot of people e-ink writing was worth taking seriously, and years after launch it is still the value pick for a pure paper-like experience. It is thinner than a pencil, does almost nothing but let you write, and does that better than nearly everything. With the colour Paper Pro now above it, the real question is whether the cheaper, mono reMarkable 2 is still the smart buy. For most writers, it very much is.
Specifications
| Screen | 10.3" |
|---|---|
| PPI | 226 |
| Colour | No |
| Frontlight | No |
| Waterproof | No |
| Stylus | Yes |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Weight | 403 g |
| Price | $379 |
Verdict
The reMarkable 2 is proof that the fundamentals age well. Its writing feel is still among the best in e-ink, its focused software still does the job, and now that the Paper Pro sits above it, the reMarkable 2 has quietly become the value pick for anyone who wants a pure, distraction-free writing tablet in mono. Skip it only if you specifically want colour or a device that also runs apps and reads books well.
What we like
- Class-leading pen-on-paper writing feel, even years on
- Extremely thin, light and distraction-free
- Clean, reliable note software with handwriting conversion
- The value choice in the reMarkable line, often discounted
Worth noting
- No colour and no frontlight
- Pen and case usually cost extra
- Some features need the Connect subscription
- Basic ebook and PDF reading, no app store
Still the Best Feeling to Write On
The reMarkable 2 nailed the one thing that matters most on a writing tablet: the feel. The Marker glides across the textured 10.3 inch surface with a faint friction and almost no latency, and it still holds up against far newer devices. It is remarkably thin and light, and the whole thing is built to disappear so your notes take over.
There is no frontlight and no colour, so you write in daylight or lamplight, in black and grey. For a focused note-taker that is not a flaw so much as the entire point.
Focused Software, Optional Subscription
reMarkable's software is clean and reliable: fast handwriting-to-text, tidy layers and templates, and syncing to phone and desktop apps. There are no distractions because there is no app store and no browser, by design.
As with the Paper Pro, some cloud and handwriting features sit behind the optional Connect subscription, and PDF and ebook reading is functional rather than delightful. You are buying a single-purpose writing tool.
Price and Who It Is For
At around 379 USD before pen and case, and often discounted, the reMarkable 2 undercuts the colour Paper Pro significantly while offering the same core writing magic in mono. That makes it the value choice in the reMarkable line.
Buy it if you want the best mono writing feel for less and do not need colour. Step up to the Paper Pro only if colour notes matter to you, or look at a Boox if you want apps, colour and reading in one device.
Frequently asked
Is the reMarkable 2 still worth buying?
Yes, if you want the best mono writing feel for less money. Now that the colour Paper Pro sits above it, the reMarkable 2 is the value pick, and it is frequently discounted.
reMarkable 2 or Paper Pro?
Choose the reMarkable 2 to save money on a superb mono writing experience. Choose the Paper Pro if you want colour notes and the newest hardware, and do not mind paying a premium.
Does it have a frontlight?
No. There is no frontlight, so you need decent ambient light to write and read. That is part of its deliberately minimal design.
Is there a subscription?
The device works without one, but the optional Connect subscription unlocks unlimited cloud sync and some handwriting features. Many owners are perfectly happy without it.