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Best E-Ink Tablets for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: July 15th, 2024

📚E-ink tablets have really taken off, offering a reading and writing experience that feels much more like paper than regular screens. Whether you're a bookworm, a meticulous note-taker, or just looking for a versatile gadget, we’ve rounded up the top e-ink tablets for 2024 that should have you covered. Based on our extensive research and testing, here are our favorites, judged on performance, features, and how happy they make their users.

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Overall Best: Onyx Boox Note Air3 C

BOOX Tablet Note Air 3 C E Ink Tablet 10.3 ePaper 4G 64G Paper Tablet

The Onyx Boox Note Air3 C tops our list as the best overall e-ink tablet. This device boasts a 10.3-inch color display that excels in clarity and versatility, ideal for both reading and creative tasks. Running on Android 12, it supports a wide array of apps, enhancing its utility far beyond just e-reading. The precision of the 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity in its stylus makes note-taking and drawing a pleasure. Additionally, the backlit screen ensures you can use it comfortably in any lighting condition. This combination of advanced features, impressive display quality, and broad app support makes the Onyx Boox Note Air3 C an outstanding choice for most users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$499.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the BOOX Note Air 3? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the color display compare to regular tablets on the BOOX Note Air 3 C?

The BOOX Note Air 3 C has a pretty unique color display thanks to its E Ink Kaleido Plus color screen. From what the manufacturer says, this E Ink style gives you a more paper-like reading experience, plus the bonus of being able to see colors. This is quite different from what you'd get with the usual LCD or OLED screens on regular tablets, where colors tend to be more vibrant and bright. If you're wondering about color richness and vividness, regular tablets like the [iPad](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dipad%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Samsung Galaxy Tab](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2Bgalaxy%2Btab%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) usually come out on top. They have things like Retina or AMOLED displays which give really saturated colors that are easy to see in almost any light. But, the BOOX Note Air 3 C uses E Ink tech, which is awesome for eye comfort and reading outside, making it a great pick if you read a lot or like to hang out in sunlight. Our research suggests that the color display on the BOOX Note Air 3 C works well for lighter color tasks, like reading colorful comics or checking documents with a few colored highlights. If your main thing is watching videos or doing photo edits, traditional tablets probably give a better experience because of their advanced color displays. One cool thing about the BOOX Note Air 3 C is that it's really good with battery life. Because E Ink doesn't need a backlight like other tablet displays, it uses less power. Perfect if you're mainly reading and don't want to charge it often. So, if eye comfort with some color capability is your thing, and you love reading, the BOOX Note Air 3 C could be a great match. But if you’re all about those vibrant colors and multimedia stuff, maybe stick to a regular tablet. Think about what you really need it for, and that'll help you pick between the BOOX Note Air 3 C and a standard tablet.

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What is the battery life of the BOOX Note Air 3 C?

So, you're wondering about the battery life of the BOOX Note Air 3 C? Well, according to how the manufacturer describes it, you can expect about four weeks on a single charge if you're using it for around an hour each day. The E Ink display plays a big role in making that happen because it's pretty light on power usage compared to regular screens. Our data suggests the actual battery life can vary depending on how you use it—things like screen brightness and Wi-Fi usage can make a difference. If you’re using Bluetooth a lot or cranking up the brightness while taking tons of notes, you might notice the battery draining faster. But many find it convenient to go a while between charges if they’re mainly reading or taking notes with more moderate settings. Overall, people seem to appreciate not having to charge it constantly, which is great if you're headed on a trip or just don't like dealing with frequent charges. The BOOX Note Air 3 C tends to do well in the battery department, as long as you’re mindful of how you use it. So, if having a solid battery life is a top priority for you, this device could be a good match; just keep an eye on your usage to make the most of it.

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Can you use Microsoft Office apps on the BOOX Note Air 3 C?

Hey! So, about using [Microsoft Office](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmicrosoft%2Boffice%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) apps on the BOOX Note Air 3 C—it's doable, but let's break it down a bit. First off, it's handy to know that the BOOX Note Air 3 C runs on [Android](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dandroid%2Btablet%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which gives you flexibility with apps. However, remember that this tablet is designed only for Wi-Fi connectivity, so no built-in mobile data like 4G here. If you want to use it online while you're out, you'll have to connect to a Wi-Fi network or use your phone's hotspot. Now, getting to Microsoft Office apps. Good news—you can definitely use them! You can download [Word](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dword%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Excel](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dexcel%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [PowerPoint](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpowerpoint%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) from the [Google Play Store](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bplay%2Bstore%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and they'll work on your BOOX Note Air 3 C since they're optimized for Android. According to our research, folks have enjoyed using these apps on this tablet for boosting productivity, and it's quite nice on the eyes with its e-ink display, especially if you're reading or doing some light editing. But just a heads up—while the e-ink screen is awesome for document reading and some basic productivity tasks, it might not be the best for anything requiring quick responses or heavy graphics. That might be something to keep in mind depending on what you typically use Office apps for. In short, you're all set to use Microsoft Office apps on the BOOX Note Air 3 C thanks to Android. Just make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, and you should be good to go!

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Runner-up: Supernote Nomad

Our runner-up, the Supernote Nomad, is a stellar choice for those seeking a blend of practicality and advanced functionality in an e-ink tablet. Its interface is user-friendly, and the screen’s paper-like texture delivers an authentic writing experience. Key features include a replaceable battery and expandable storage up to 2TB, offering long-term usability and ample space for notes and files. Furthermore, its robust connectivity options allow seamless syncing across devices, ensuring you can access your documents anytime, anywhere. These attributes make the Supernote Nomad an excellent choice for professionals, students, and creative users alike.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$2.99 at Etsy

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Budget Pick: PocketBook e-Book Reader

PocketBook Basic Lux 4 E-Book Reader | 6ʺ Glare-Free & Eye-Friendly E-Ink Technology | Compact & Lightweight E-Reader | Frontlight | Touchscreen | Wi-Fi | Dictionaries | Micro-SD Slot

The PocketBook e-Book Reader is our top budget-friendly pick, perfect for users who want an effective yet affordable e-ink tablet. Despite its lower price, it features a high-resolution 300dpi color display and 16GB of storage. Weighing just 159 grams, it's incredibly portable, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go reading. Although it has a smaller screen and limited battery life compared to more expensive models, its value and effectiveness make it a standout for those on a budget.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$109.00 at Amazon

Best for Note-Taking: Kobo Elipsa 2E

Kobo Elipsa 2E | eReader | 10.3” Glare-Free Touchscreen with ComfortLight PRO | Includes Kobo Stylus 2 | Adjustable Brightness | Wi-Fi | Carta E Ink Technology | 32GB of Storage

When it comes to note-taking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E shines brightest. Featuring a 10.3-inch backlit ComfortLight Pro display, it offers an adjustable color temperature for a comfortable viewing experience in any light. The included stylus not only has an eraser tip but also provides smooth handwriting recognition, making it easy to digitize your handwritten notes. While Kobo's e-book selection isn't as vast as Amazon's, it supports multiple file types and integrates smoothly with Dropbox and Google Drive, offering great versatility for note-taking and document management.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$389.99 at Amazon

Best E-Ink Tablet for Students: Amazon Kindle Scribe

Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) - 10.2” 300 ppi Paperwhite display, a Kindle and a notebook all in one, convert notes to text and share, includes Basic Pen

Students will find the Amazon Kindle Scribe perfectly tailored to their needs. This e-ink tablet features a 10.2-inch 300dpi display paired with an included stylus, creating an excellent platform for both reading and note-taking. Its seamless integration with Amazon's extensive e-book library provides a massive range of readily available study materials. Though it lacks some advanced annotation features on book pages, the Kindle Scribe's affordability, long battery life, and strong focus on reading make it a highly practical choice for academic pursuits.

Lowest at Amazon

$339.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$254.98 at QVC

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