10+ Best Digital Notepads & Notebooks for Creatives in 2023
These days, we’ve found ways to combine inventive strategies with traditional practices. Not only has the digital space democratized how we work, but it’s also allowed us to be as imaginative as possible.
Take digital notepads and notebooks, for example.
Whereas conventional paperback notebooks allow us to note our best ideas and important points, digital notepads and notebooks have elevated this practice in that we’re able to write and sketch with the familiarity of a physical paperback but with the advancements of tablet technology.
Because of these inventions, we’re able to save paper, streamline all of our notes, and cut back on expenses too.
If you’re looking for the best digital notepads and notebooks available today, this feature is for you!
You may also be interested in our features on the best drawing tablets, the best pens & pencils and the best Apple Pencil alternatives.
10+ Best Digital Notepads & Notebooks in 2023 — Overview
- reMarkable — The best digital notebook overall (Editor’s Choice)
- The Boogie Board Blackboard — The best budget digital notebook
- Apple iPad — The best value tablet for creatives and taking notes
- GAOMON PD1161 — Best tilt-support digital pad
- Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad — The best professional digital notebook
- Royole RoWrite — The best digital notebook for sketching
- Sony DPT-CP1/B — The best high-end digital notebook
- The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook — The dot-grid digital notebook
- XP-PEN Artist12 — Best digital notepad for versatility
- iskn The Slate 2+ — The best innovative digital notepad
- BOOX Note Air 10.3 Notepad — The best robust digital notepad
What is the best digital notebook?
reMarkable is the best digital notebook. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best digital notebooks and choose what is right for you.
How to choose the best digital notepads or notebooks
Although this list will feature a few products that don’t belong to the tablet category, it’s bears mentioning that the entries here that call for charging all need to be factored in by certain categories. Here are the top three aspects you’ll need to consider when purchasing tablet-like notepads:
Battery
Digital notepads and notebooks may sound exactly like tablets, but they’re not entirely like them. Consider these pieces to be a distant cousin of the mobile device. As such, you’re going to want to consider a digital notebook’s battery life when shopping. The last thing you’d want is to miss having to take notes all because your notebook is electronically drained. Find something that lasts for days and fits your lifestyle.
Apps
Many of these digital notepads save your notes in the cloud. As a result, you should easily be able to access your notes via other mobile devices too. That said, go for digital notepads and notebooks that have convenient apps. Whether powered by android or reliant on web apps, pick a product that makes it easy for you to study and review what you took note of through apps that come with the device.
Memory
It’s only natural for you to want to pick a digital notebook that isn’t going to stop you from drawing or taking down notes. On that note, your potential device’s memory should be a huge factor when shopping for digital notepads and notebooks. Select for devices that easily allow you to transfer your files and save them elsewhere when needed.
Price
When it comes to digital notebooks your budget depends entirely on what features you’re looking for. Most of the simple ones out there have pages that can be converted to digital formats like PDFs, text documents, or JPEGS and are typically under $100.
For more interactive features like pressure-sensitive pens or even applications, the price typically moves from 100 dollars to even $600 dollars. That said, not everyone needs to opt for the pricey options, as several of the more budget-friendly digital notepads are quite suitable.
Top 3 Most Popular Digital Notepads for Creative
These are the three best selling digital notepads on Amazon right now:
Benefits of a digital notepad
If you have any confusion about buying a digital notepad, then it’s best to learn about the benefits of having a digital notepad before diving deep into details.
Organizing
Having a digital notepad helps you to keep things organized no matter where you are while you work. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of many different files and documents at a time, so it’s best to keep your
Portability
Sometimes it is difficult to carry notes everywhere you go. If you want to carry your note, then a digital notepad is more convenient than a paper one which helps to transfer the notes from device to device even wirelessly via Bluetooth function. It also has many built-in features to help in calendaring, reading, drawing, writing, and annotation.
This helps you by enabling you to view your files wherever and whenever you want.
Easy access
If you want to search, research, or analyze things, it helps in finding them easily with a word or phrase within your digital notepad.
Reduce clutter
If you are a person who wants to keep your surroundings clean, organized and unscattered then this is the perfect choice for you. It helps in clearing scattered papers, sticky notes, and books that you may have lying around. Instead, it allows you to keep reminders, notes, and ebooks all in your digital notepad no matter if it is an office, home, or organization.
Easy sharing and distributing
It helps you to stop worrying about sharing notes or any important points with your colleagues, friends, or your partners. Since this notepad helps you share everything digitally with the help of either wireless or wired connections.
It allows you to simply share your digital notes via email, Bluetooth, or wireless transfer. As a result, you can easily collaborate with others without having to search through multiple pieces of paper.
The Best Digital Notepads & Notebooks for Creatives in 2023
1. reMarkable Digital Notepad (Editor’s Choice)
The best digital notebook overall
The best electronic writing pad overall on our list is the reMarkable digital notepad. Confidently sporting a 10.3-inch screen, that seamlessly converts handwritten notes to typed text, powered by 512 MB RAM and an 8GB hard drive.
Boasting an improved paper-like reading experience, this device allows readers and writers alike to breeze through notes, edit PDFS, and even read long-form articles and novels. Whether you’re someone from the academe or a professional creative, instantly improve your writing style and process with this find!
Make sure you pair it up with their official protective sleeve case and consider a STAEDTLER stylus pencil and folio case cover.
Pros |
Cons |
 Good storage |
 Bit bulky |
| Reliable OS |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The reMarkable paper tablet - a digital device for writing, reading & sketching that feels like paper.
- No other tablet in the world gives you an experience so close to paper as reMarkable.
- Here to replace your notebooks, printouts and documents. A groundbreaking device that changes how people work.
- Super low latency, 226 DPI CANVAS display. You've never experienced anything like the CANVAS display.
- In the box: reMarkable, Marker, 8 extra Marker tips and charging cable. Original reMarkable Folio (sleeve) NOT included.
Protective Sleeve Price on Amazon:
- Protect your reMarkable with the original grey Folio
- Our design includes a holder specifically designated to fit your reMarkable marker so you don't lose it
- Tailored to fit snugly around your reMarkable and fit comfortably in your backpack or bag
2. The Boogie Board Blackboard
The best budget digital notepad
Arguably one of the best electronic writing pad examples of what a digital notepad should be like is the Boogie Board Blackboard. Optimizing the advanced technology of Liquid Crystal paper, this contender competently packs an Exact-Erase feature on the writing tablet, ensuring efficiency, speed, and convenience.
To avoid accidental erasures, you can also lock the writing tablet with the Erase-Lock button. What’s more, this piece comes with a Blackboard app both Android and iOS users can install on their smartphones to save their notes. Did we happen to mention you don’t need to charge it either?
Pros |
Cons |
| Easy to use |
Can feel less professional |
| Great price |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- An electronic writing tool to plan, sketch, and design featuring Liquid Crystal paper
- It's a whole new way to write, edit, and erase by hand. A touch of a button clears the entire screen
- Back to basics convenience with nothing to charge, plug in, or turn on
- Write on anything, Lines, grids, photographs... even digital screens
- The downloadable blackboard app makes it easy to save, organize, search, and share your work, doodles, designs, lists, and more
3. Apple iPad
The best value tablet for creatives and taking notes
While technically a tablet, the 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad doubles as an excellent e notebook. This impressive device comes with an A13 Bionic chip and up to 256GB of storage ensuring you have more than enough storage for notes, books, illustrations, and apps.
With an 8MP wide-back camera and a 12MP Ultra-wide front camera, the 2021 iPad makes an excellent choice for recording footage, capturing videos, and attending video calls. While not the most conventional electronic notebook, it’s capable of being used with an Apple pen making things a lot more convenient.
With up to 10 hours of battery life and compatibility with a smart keyboard, this sleek iPad is one of the best digital notebooks to work with.
Pros |
Cons |
| Versatile functionality |
Expensive when compared to the other cheaper options |
| Has a 10.2-inch Retina display with true tone |
|
| Comes with both front and back cameras |
|
| Has over 256GB of storage space |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone
- A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB storage
- Stereo speakers
4. GAOMON PD1161
Best tilt-support digital pad.
GAOMON PD1161 drawing monitor features with 11.6” FHD IPS screen display. It includes a battery-free pen which becomes an economical option for professors and E-learning/working people. GAOMON PD1161 graphic pen display supports ±60 degree Tilt function allowing you to freely draw, write, read, illustrator, and more.
The pen is environmentally sustainable and humane, so it can be charged without the use of batteries. The tablet has 8192 degrees of pen pressure so that writing feels natural and fluid. If you are concerned about the line width, it gets thicker as you apply more pressure to the pen.
Its two customizable hotkeys for mouse right click and erasing are a special feature. Additionally, eight new nibs are included inside the pen folder.
For e-learners and professionals, this digital notepad can also be used as a drawing tool. It is widely used for many distinct software programs, including sketching, 3D sculpture, building design, photography, animation, and more.
Pros |
Cons |
| Comes with 8 replacement nibs |
It is not compatible with Android and Chrome OS |
| Allows you to simplify your workflow with its customizable Express Keys |
|
| Ideal for online education, E-learning, PPT, and more |
|
| Compatible with many software programs |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [11.6-Inches 1080P HD IPS Monitor]--GAOMON PD1161 drawing monitor comes with 1920x1080 HD IPS monitor paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, work area is 256.32×144.18mm (10*5.7 inch). High-end...
- [±60 Degree Tilt Function]--GAOMON PD1161 graphic pen display support ±60 degree Tilt function. We can freely draw from various angles according to the subtle pressure differences, and every...
- [8192 Levels Battery-free Pen AP50 ]-- Say good bye to battery.No need to charge pen anymore, which is an humanized and environment-friendly design. The tablet equip with 8192 levels pen pressure, the...
- [Warm Reminder]-- GAOMON PD1161 drawing pen display is not a standalone product, it must be used with a computer which running windows or mac OS. It not compatible with Chrombook (chrome OS) . [8...
- [OS Support& Art Program Compatibility]-- GAOMON PD1161 art tablet support Windows 7/8/8.1/10 or later, Mac OS 10.12 or later; Compatible with...
5. Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad
The best professional digital notebook
When many people hear the name Wacom, they immediately see large tablets for creating incredible works of art. The Bamboo Folio Smartpad aims to change that thinking with its beautiful design.
Connecting the pad through Bluetooth allows you to instantly transfer any information to Wacom’s Inkspace app where you can view or even export the information. A professional-looking design keeps it protected and makes it applicable in the boardroom or your home office.
Pros |
Cons |
| Works with any paper |
Battery life is short |
| Pen doesn’t require charging |
Cannot record audio |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Start with a pen in your hand and a clean sheet of paper. Capture your thoughts and ideas. Then turn them into digital, shareable files while you write. When you're ready to turn the page, just touch...
- Use the free, next generation Wacom Inkspace app to convert your handwritten notes to text, edit your digitized notes and export them into JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, or WILL files
- With an optional upgradeRegister for the free Inkspace cloud service to convert your handwritten notes to text, intuitively tag your ideas on paper, or export them as DOC format. Sync your ideas with...
- System requirements: Bluetooth enabled iOS or Android smartphone or tablet with Wacom Inkspace app/Internet connection/Maximum notepad thickness: about 80 pages (<8 mm)
- And for a short time, we’re offering limited edition Bamboo Slate large in red and blue. The pixel pattern is inspired by Minecraft and designed with the high-energy, gig economy go-getter in mind.
6. Royole RoWrite
The best digital notebook for sketching
One of the more novel contenders on this list is Royole RoWrite. Creatively combining digital and paper, this piece allows users to write and draw on physical paper before saving it as digital material. In other words, handwritten sketches and scribbles are saved on paper and as digital pages.
This also means that because physical drawings and notes are stored digitally, artists and students can immediately adjust whatever they need to on their computers. Although this piece isn’t a tablet, it’s still most definitely a digital notebook offering that streamlines and simplifies completing tasks and creative projects.
Pros |
Cons |
| Great for artists |
Might be too small for some |
| USB Type-C support |
Lag issues |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- (NOTE: Without LCD Screen& Not A Tablet)RoWrite utilizes Royole’s advanced flexible sensor technology. Capacitive, transparent, and highly sensitive, the flexible sensors track where the RoWrite pen...
- Make your notes or drawings come alive by editing or enhancing digital Pages in real time. Pair a device with the RoWrite App and erase digitally, or select from different writing instruments, change...
- RoWrite is intuitive and easy to use. Pages can be modified on RoWrite until you decide to close them, even after periods of inactivity. When paired with a device content is communicated quickly and...
- RoWrite’s ink pen delivers a natural and realistic pen to paper experience. It’s a refillable ballpoint pen with built-in pressure sensor circuitry to capture 2048 pressure points and deliver a...
- NOTES: this product is not a tablet and has no display. It needs to be used with real paper and ink pen refills which are included in the product.
7. Sony DPT-CP1/B
The best high-end digital notebook
The Sony DPT-CP1/B might be three years old, but it’s still one of the best digital notepads around. Standing tall and slender at 10.3-inches, this piece allows anyone to sync whatever they write almost instantaneously to the cloud.
It sports a sleek design, weighs only 8.5-ounces, and can last longer depending on your usage. It also runs on the familiar Windows OS system, ensuring that you can edit whatever you need to with ease on other Windows devices.
Pros |
Cons |
| Great aspect ratio |
A bit bulky |
| Great ergonomic design |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Thin, lightweight design, Approximately 8.5 oz. (240 grams -dpt-cp1)
- 10.3” (diagonal) high contrast display; 1404 x 1872 dots
- Low-glare display for comfortable, long term reading
- Paper-like texture for precise writing.Computer-based Charging - Approx. 5.5 hours. Battery Life with Wi-Fi On - Approx. 1 week. Battery Life with Wi-Fi Off - Approx. 3 weeks. AC Adaptorbased Charging...
- Digital paper application (PC/Mac) to transfer documents and notes.Wi-fi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO
8. The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
The best dotted grid digital notebook
At first glance, the Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook looks like your everyday notebook. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find that this tool is a lot more than just ordinary pages. Complete with 32 reusable dot grid pages, users can write and sketch all they need to erase the content of these pages before uploading them to the cloud.
Connectable to Google Drive, iCloud, and other cloud subscriptions, this contender makes it easy for any creative to save on having to buy new digital notebooks for every lecture or class. As with other picks on this list, this device is made possible because of a smartphone app that’s paired with the notebook.
Pros |
Cons |
| Reuseable |
A bit bulky |
| Easy to use |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- One Executive Size (6 inches by 8.8 inches), Midnight Blue, Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook includes 36 dot grid notebook pages, one microfiber cloth and one black Pilot FriXion erasable pen
- No more wasting paper – write on Rocketbook spiral notebook pages like regular paper, then erase your notes with a wet cloth to reuse again and again
- Save notes online in seconds – use the free Rocketbook app to scan and save your notes online to cloud services like Google Drive, Evernote, OneNote and more
- Stay Organized – Rocketbook reusable notebook features smart titles, smart search and email transcription, making it easy to name and find your digitized notes
- Perfect as a college, work or travel notebook – choose from lined or dot-grid pages to adapt the hardcover notebook to your note-taking needs
9. XP-PEN Artist12
Best digital notepad for versatility
This handy XP-PEN Artist12 is the perfect option for you if you frequently broadcast and give presentations. You can view, create, and edit even complex functional equations and formulas with this convenient graphic tablet.
Also, you can use its 11.6 HD IPS display for editing, writing, and annotating directly on a web conference or interactive session to graphically explain the material. Microsoft Office applications like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and others are compatible with this simple and slick-display digital notepad.
It has the most recent 1920×1080 HD monitor and 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, which beautifully displays your artwork. Additionally, it has an anti-reflective screen protector already fitted. Six shortcut keys are also customizable to make your process simpler.
Pros |
Cons |
| It has good compatibility and versatility |
Screen is small compared to other products in the list. |
| Customizable shortcut keys to simplify workflow |
|
| Battery-free pen with unique features |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Universal Compatibility: It's compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac 10.10 or later, Linux. Compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. It's ideal for...
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest smallest 1920x1080 HD display paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, presenting vivid images, vibrant colors and extreme...
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06 passive pen was made for a traditional pencil-like feel! Featuring a unique hexagonal design, non-slip & tack-free flexible...
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet with screen is ideal for online education and remote work. Set the Artist12 drawing screen as an extended display when working from home, visually present your...
- XP-PEN provides a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support for all our drawing pen tablets/displays. Register your XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet on xp-pen web to apply for an ArtRage 5,...
10. iskn The Slate 2+
The best innovative digital notepad
The iskn Slate 2+ isn’t exactly magic, but you might as well call it that. One of the better-reviewed pieces on the list, this contender stays true to the game in giving your paper creations a digital life.
Because the brand’s iskn rings can be slid into any of your favorite pens or pencils, artists are free to draw however they want to use their go-to drawing tools, and automatically, you can see your work come to life in real-time on another device.
Pros |
Cons |
| Efficient |
Parts can be easy to misplace |
| Lightweight |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Draw with your own pencils and pens thanks to the removable ring that gives digital superpowers
- Use any kind of paper to draw with the Slate, even a sketchpad (up to 0. 27 in. )
- Use the Slate connected to your tablet, smartphone or computer to see your drawings instantly come to life, or in screenless mode to use the Slate while on the go
- Enhance your creations with Repaper Studio app (pencils, felt-tip, airbrush. . . )
- Enjoy the graphic tablet mode to use the Slate with all desktop drawing software such as the Adobe Suite, gimp, and many others
11. BOOX Note Air 10.3 Notepad
The best robustdigital notepad
If you are looking for the best Notepad that is robust and provides you with many features, BOOX Note Air 10.3 Notepad is an ideal choice. It comes with both robust and excellent features that allow you to read, annotate, and create your projects.
It’s one of the most expensive digital notebooks in the industry, however, it is worth the price. This tablet looks classy, weighs about only 0.98 Kilograms with a screen size of 10.3 Inches, and comes with a USB-C charger port and an on/off switch.
It comes with an anti-glare coating on the front surface which allows you to work on your notepad regardless of the lighting conditions. Additionally, it comes with different modes of screen brightness, allowing you to configure between warm or cool modes. This notepad has a thickness of 5.3mm, which provides the most comfortable view with a 227dpi HD screen.
The flat screen of this notepad has layers and aluminum pieces for its sturdy design and to withstand pressure while writing, reading, and pressing. It has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, so it is not suitable for managing text and drawing which requires extra memory.
It also allows you to download other Android apps on it to get access to limitless features and can play MP3 files. This also includes its decent battery life which lasts a whole day even after continuous use.
Pros |
Cons |
| It allows you to run Android apps as well |
Costly |
| It comes with an anti-glare display. |
|
| Adjustable brightness |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best use of an electronic notepad?
An electronic notepad is useful for users to write/draw on the board and save that piece of writing/art in a digital format. You can then open, edit, and view it further on PC, mobile, laptop, tablet, etc. It is an eco-friendly alternative, and anyone who uses paper, pen, and board for writing/drawing will find these notepads a worthy alternative.
Which digital notepad is best?
The reMarkable Digital Notepad is the best digital notepad. It has a 10.3-inch screen, 512 MB RAM, and 8 GB storage, offering delightful writing and drawing paper-like experiences. From professional creatives to students, it is an ideal choice for everyone.
Are smart notebooks worth the money?
Smart notebooks are worth every penny. They make your note-taking activity interactive. In this digital era, people on the go don't have the time to keep track of physical notes and books, let alone keep them in sync. With smart notebooks, you can store it all on your mobile or laptop and access your digital notes or drawings anytime, anywhere.
Does the iPad have a notebook app?
Yes, the iPad offers an amazing notebook app - Apple Notes. It comes free with the device and does a great job of letting you type, draw, or take notes by hand. The drawing feature makes it easy for you to add awesome illustrations and sketches.
What is the best digital notebook for sketching?
When it comes to the best digital notebook for sketching, the 2021 iPad when used along with the apple pen makes the best choice. That said, the more affordable option would be the Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad.
What is the best portable digital notebook?
When it comes to the best digital notebooks for portability, the Likebook Ares-Note is a great option to work with. This electronic notebook comes with a compact 7.8-inch making it easy to fit in your bag without taking up too much space.
The Best Digital Notepads & Notebooks for Creatives in 2023
We have formulated a list of the most compelling options in the market for you. You may choose and find the best digital notepad with the aid of our list. The digital notebooks on this list offer portability, long battery life, and numerous other features that will simplify the creation process. Most of the time, using the best tool can elevate your work to an unexpected level of quality, and the list above will assist you in locating that best tool
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