The e-ink tablet market has exploded as professionals seek to digitize their workflow without the endless distractions of an iPad. At the forefront of this productivity shift are the reMarkable 2 and the Supernote A5X. Both promise a focused, eye-strain-free digital note-taking experience, but they approach the task with fundamentally different philosophies. One mimics the tactile scratch of a graphite pencil on premium paper, while the other prioritizes advanced digital organization and software flexibility.
Choosing between these two devices comes down to how your brain works. The reMarkable 2 is built for visual thinkers, sketchers, and minimalists who want a premium, distraction-free slab of glass and aluminum. The Supernote A5X, conversely, is a productivity powerhouse designed for project managers, writers, and students who need robust filing systems, text recognition, and reliable cloud syncing without a monthly subscription fee. We tested both devices to determine the definitive winner for your daily workflow.
The reMarkable 2 wins on pure hardware design and a realistic paper feel, making it ideal for minimalists and sketchers. However, the Supernote A5X is the better overall productivity tool due to its superior organizational software, ceramic nibs, and lack of subscription fees. Buy the Supernote for heavy note management, and the reMarkable for an unmatched writing experience.
reMarkable 2
reMarkable Essentials Bundle – Gray | reMarkable 2 Paper Tablet | Includes Black and White 10.3” Writing Tablet,…
- 10.3-inch CANVAS display (226 DPI)
- 8GB internal storage
- 4.7mm thick aluminum chassis
- Two-week battery life
Pros:
- Unrivaled pencil-on-paper writing latency
- Ultra-thin premium metal construction
- Incredibly simple and distraction-free UI
Cons:
- Requires a monthly Connect subscription for full cloud syncing
- Extremely limited organization tools
Supernote A5X
reMarkable Starter Bundle – reMarkable 2 is The Original Paper Tablet | Includes Black and White 10.3” Writing…
- 10.3-inch E-Ink Carta display (226 DPI)
- 32GB internal storage
- 2GB RAM on Chauvet OS (Android-based)
- Heart of Metal pen with ceramic nib
Pros:
- Advanced organization with headers, keywords, and star marks
- Zero subscription fees for cloud integrations
- Expandable software with native Kindle and email apps
Cons:
- Plastic casing feels less premium than the reMarkable
- Writing feels like a gel pen rather than a textured pencil
Design and Hardware
The reMarkable 2 dominates the hardware category. At just 4.7mm thick, its aluminum and glass chassis feels incredibly premium, resembling a high-end architectural tool. The Supernote A5X utilizes a plastic body that feels durable but undeniably cheaper by comparison. Both feature 10.3-inch, 226 DPI e-ink screens without backlights to eliminate eye strain. However, the Supernote is noticeably thicker and heavier. If aesthetics and a sleek profile are your primary concerns, the reMarkable 2 is the clear winner.
Writing Experience
This factor highlights their divergent approaches. The reMarkable 2 uses a textured screen and a graphite-like stylus tip, perfectly replicating the scratchy friction of a pencil on paper. It requires replacing nibs regularly. The Supernote A5X uses a self-recovering screen protector and a ceramic stylus nib that never needs replacing. It feels exactly like a smooth gel pen gliding across a notebook. The reMarkable wins for sketchers and pencil lovers, while the Supernote wins for heavy, continuous writers who prefer smooth strokes.
Software and Note Organization
The Supernote A5X absolutely crushes the reMarkable 2 in software. Supernote allows you to draw a star to create an action item, lasso text to build a dynamic table of contents, and tag keywords for instant global searching. The reMarkable 2 limits you to basic folders and notebooks, making it tedious to locate specific notes from months ago. Furthermore, Supernote includes a Kindle app and basic email client. For serious productivity and managing complex projects, the Supernote is the undisputed winner.
Pricing and Value
Pricing requires looking at the total ecosystem. The reMarkable 2 starts at $299 for the tablet, but adding the Marker Plus ($129) and Folio pushes the price past $500. Additionally, you need a $2.99 monthly Connect subscription for cloud integration. The Supernote A5X standard set, which includes the tablet, Heart of Metal pen, and folio, costs around $415 up front, with absolutely zero subscription fees for Dropbox, Google Drive, or Supernote Cloud syncing. The Supernote offers significantly better long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict
Buy the reMarkable 2 if you prioritize a premium, paper-like feel and distraction-free sketching. Buy the Supernote A5X if you are a power user who needs to organize thousands of notes, create searchable tags, and avoid monthly subscription fees.