Best tablets for note-taking 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The art of handwriting may be vanishing in an increasingly digital world in which we rely on laptops, smartphones, and tablets daily. This doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the feel of pen and paper. Tablets designed for or including note-taking features can bring back some of the feel of handwriting. If you prefer to write rather than type, they are your best option for creative tasks as well as productivity.

Note-taking tablets provide more than just compatibility with a stylus. They can give you the option to annotate documents, create diagrams, autosave your work, sync it across platforms and devices, and collaborate with others, making them valuable tools for study and work.

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What is the best note-taking tablet you can buy right now?

After hands-on testing, the iPad Air is our pick for the overall best note-taking tablet. It is lightweight and compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it ideal for all of your writing needs.

We've tested tablets across all the major brands, ranging from Apple to Amazon, to find options that suit students, professionals, and everyday users. Some of these models can replace a laptop, while others are ideal for jotting notes on the go. We evaluated all of these tablets on performance, battery life, display, and writing experience. 

In our January update, we added the iPad Air (seventhth generation), Boox Note Air5 C, and the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus as top picks. 

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The best note-taking tablets of 2026

Why we like it: The seventh-generation iPad Air still follows the iPad Pro as the second-most capable tablet in the iPad lineup, although it's a lot cheaper. But the reason it's our top pick is thanks to its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence features. 

Apple Intelligence on the iPad Air includes Writing Tools to generate text, like summaries, emails, or messages, Genmoji to create custom emoji (which you can then use on other non-Apple Intelligence compatible devices linked to your Apple ID), Image Playground to generate images in different applications, and a smarter Siri that you can type queries to and leverages ChatGPT for more in-depth responses.

In addition, the Apple Pencil Pro incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an artistic masterpiece more intuitive.

Who it's for: ZDNET's Maria Diaz tested the new Air and said it was "leaps and bounds ahead of my M1 MacBook Pro. I can attest to the tablet's strong performance and capability to support a creator's workflow."

If you want the latest and greatest AI features from Apple, the built-in Apple Intelligence in the iPad Air is also a perk of the latest model. Its intrinsic features are woven into the user experience, with shortcuts and access points that blend into iPadOS.

In addition, for students or professionals who frequently need to use their tablets on the go, a cellular data plan option ensures you can always get online. 

Who should look elsewhere: It's an expensive tablet that offers note-taking as a feature--not centered around it--so if budget is a key factor for you, you might want to consider other options.

Apple iPad Air tech specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | Processor: Apple Silicon M3 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Weight: 11-inch: 16.3 ounces | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and 11.04 x 8.46 x .24 inches | Connections: USB-C port and magnetic connector for Apple Pencil Pro | Battery life: 10 hours

• Apple Pencil Pro compatibility
• Apple Intelligence note-taking features are actually useful
• Lightweight and portable

• Starting price at $599
• Still some application limitations

Why we like it: The seventh-generation iPad Air still follows the iPad Pro as the second-most capable tablet in the iPad lineup, although it's a lot cheaper. But the reason it's our top pick is thanks to its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence features. 

Apple Intelligence on the iPad Air includes Writing Tools to generate text, like summaries, emails, or messages, Genmoji to create custom emoji (which you can then use on other non-Apple Intelligence compatible devices linked to your Apple ID), Image Playground to generate images in different applications, and a smarter Siri that you can type queries to and leverages ChatGPT for more in-depth responses.

In addition, the Apple Pencil Pro incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an artistic masterpiece more intuitive.

Who it's for: ZDNET's Maria Diaz tested the new Air and said it was "leaps and bounds ahead of my M1 MacBook Pro. I can attest to the tablet's strong performance and capability to support a creator's workflow."

If you want the latest and greatest AI features from Apple, the built-in Apple Intelligence in the iPad Air is also a perk of the latest model. Its intrinsic features are woven into the user experience, with shortcuts and access points that blend into iPadOS.

In addition, for students or professionals who frequently need to use their tablets on the go, a cellular data plan option ensures you can always get online. 

Who should look elsewhere: It's an expensive tablet that offers note-taking as a feature--not centered around it--so if budget is a key factor for you, you might want to consider other options.

Apple iPad Air tech specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | Processor: Apple Silicon M3 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Weight: 11-inch: 16.3 ounces | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and 11.04 x 8.46 x .24 inches | Connections: USB-C port and magnetic connector for Apple Pencil Pro | Battery life: 10 hours

If you're looking for a light and thin note-taking tablet, the Boox Note Air5 C should be on your radar.

Why we like it: The Boox Note Air5 C is a color e-ink tablet that is built for note-taking. The screen has a 1240 x 930, or 150 pixels per inch (ppi), resolution in color. When used in black and white, it has a 2480 x 1860 resolution, or 300 ppi -- the same as the Kindle Scribe. Plus, it's super lightweight at just under a pound. 

This tablet has all the best features of the top note-taking apps built right in. There are dozens of templates to use, audio recording, color-coding, and inserting links and attachments into notes. Plus, built-in artificial intelligence enables text recognition, shape correction, and a strike-through erase feature that makes erasing much easier.

Review: Boox Note Air5 C

Who it's for: I went hands-on with this tablet, and it is geared towards habitual note-takers looking to replace their daily planner, journal, and notebook of to-dos in just one device. It is completely customizable to exactly how I like you lists, instead of a planner that has limited pages and set out page types that might not flow with how you create and organize. 

The Pen is also an upgrade from previous generations, with 4,096 levels of pressure and ultra-low latency and captive touch to make it feel like you are writing on actual paper with a real ballpoint pen. Also, an upgrade for this generation's model is an attachable keyboard you can buy, if you'd rather take notes by typing (or if you have messy handwriting).

Who should look elsewhere: If Android isn't your jam, you probably won't like the Boox Note Air5 C, since it's noticeably slower than a traditional tablet like the iPad. 

Also, if you want AI features, the ones in this tablet leave much to be desired, and are suited for basic tasks instead of optimizing your productivity. 

Boox Note Air5 C tech specs: Display: 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display | Processor: Octa-core + BSR | Storage: 64GB | Weight: 15.5 ounces | Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.6 x 0.23 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 | Battery life: 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer

• Pen-to-paper writing experience
• Excellent note-taking features and templates
• Booxdrop to share files

• AI features leave much to be desired
• Muted colors

If you're looking for a light and thin note-taking tablet, the Boox Note Air5 C should be on your radar.

Why we like it: The Boox Note Air5 C is a color e-ink tablet that is built for note-taking. The screen has a 1240 x 930, or 150 pixels per inch (ppi), resolution in color. When used in black and white, it has a 2480 x 1860 resolution, or 300 ppi -- the same as the Kindle Scribe. Plus, it's super lightweight at just under a pound. 

This tablet has all the best features of the top note-taking apps built right in. There are dozens of templates to use, audio recording, color-coding, and inserting links and attachments into notes. Plus, built-in artificial intelligence enables text recognition, shape correction, and a strike-through erase feature that makes erasing much easier.

Review: Boox Note Air5 C

Who it's for: I went hands-on with this tablet, and it is geared towards habitual note-takers looking to replace their daily planner, journal, and notebook of to-dos in just one device. It is completely customizable to exactly how I like you lists, instead of a planner that has limited pages and set out page types that might not flow with how you create and organize. 

The Pen is also an upgrade from previous generations, with 4,096 levels of pressure and ultra-low latency and captive touch to make it feel like you are writing on actual paper with a real ballpoint pen. Also, an upgrade for this generation's model is an attachable keyboard you can buy, if you'd rather take notes by typing (or if you have messy handwriting).

Who should look elsewhere: If Android isn't your jam, you probably won't like the Boox Note Air5 C, since it's noticeably slower than a traditional tablet like the iPad. 

Also, if you want AI features, the ones in this tablet leave much to be desired, and are suited for basic tasks instead of optimizing your productivity. 

Boox Note Air5 C tech specs: Display: 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display | Processor: Octa-core + BSR | Storage: 64GB | Weight: 15.5 ounces | Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.6 x 0.23 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 | Battery life: 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer

if you want a central hub for your documents, books, notes, and writing projects, this is the tablet for you.

Why we like it: The Kindle Scribe is perhaps the perfect example of an e-reader tablet hybrid. 

It has the same functions you love in a Kindle, like a 300 ppi glare-free screen, weeks of battery life, and adjustable warm light. It's also compatible with Amazon's Premium Pen, so you can take handwritten notes or underline important quotations in your e-book. 

Your notes are automatically organized in one place for every book so that you can browse, review, and export them via email. The Kindle Scribe also comes with preset templates to help you create notebooks, journals, and lists. You can also create sticky notes in Microsoft Word and other compatible Word documents. 

Who it's for: If you're someone who likes taking notes while reading. The new Active Canvas on the Kindle Scribe allows you to take notes and scribble your thoughts directly onto the pages of your book. 

ZDNET editor Kyle Kucharski put the Active Canvas feature to the test and appreciated the feature as an avid note-taker. 

"The cool design element here is that the notes you draw with the pan exist on another "layer" than the book text, allowing you to edit what you write without messing with the text in the book," he wrote in his review.

Review: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)

In addition, if you're someone with messy handwriting, the AI features can transcribe handwritten notes into text, making it easier to go back and read. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you're not much of an annotator, you might be better off with the reMarkable Paper Pro. It costs about the same at $449 and is considered a more premium device. 

Kindle Scribe tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display | Storage: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB | Weight: 15.3 ounces | Dimensions: 7.7 x 9.0 x 0.22 inches | Battery life: Up to 12 weeks of reading, up to three weeks of writing

• Impressive battery life
• Included Premium Pen for handwritten notes
• Compatible with Microsoft Word

• Higher memory models are expensive

The reMarkable Paper Pro is a worthy option if you need a dedicated tablet providing a paper-like writing surface and a comfortable experience.

Why we like it: The reMarkable Paper Pro is an improvement over the reMarkable 2. Its aesthetic is premium and minimalist, with a larger color screen and adjustable backlight. 

Review: reMarkable Paper Pro

Kucharski also went hands-on with the Paper Pro and was especially impressed with the writing experience. 

"The pesky latency you often find when using a stylus is absent altogether here; there is zero lag between the motion of your hand and the line you're drawing on the device's screen, resulting in a realistic, enjoyable writing experience," he wrote in his review. 

Who it's for: This device is for people looking to seriously lock into their productivity. The Paper Pro can't browse the web, play videos, or edit your photos, but that's the point. 

Instead, it takes a more disconnected approach to help complete tasks with productivity tools like templates, workflow, and app connections, and an additional Type Folio to combine handwriting and typing into one device. 

Who should look elsewhere: This note-taking tablet appears more high-end and comes with a $679 price tag to match. Plus, an additional subscription is required to access the full suite of useful features. If you have a budget of $500 or less, we recommend checking out a Boox tablet or perhaps the Kindle Scribe instead. 

reMarkable Paper Pro specs: Display: 11.8-inch display with 2160 x 1620 resolution and 229 ppi | Processor: 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 | Storage: 64GB | Weight: 2.43 ounces | Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.8 inches | Connections: USB-C port | Battery life: Up to 14 days

• Integrations with popular productivity software
• Colored screen
• Long battery life

• Subscription required to access complete features
• Expensive

The reMarkable Paper Pro is a worthy option if you need a dedicated tablet providing a paper-like writing surface and a comfortable experience.

Why we like it: The reMarkable Paper Pro is an improvement over the reMarkable 2. Its aesthetic is premium and minimalist, with a larger color screen and adjustable backlight. 

Review: reMarkable Paper Pro

Kucharski also went hands-on with the Paper Pro and was especially impressed with the writing experience. 

"The pesky latency you often find when using a stylus is absent altogether here; there is zero lag between the motion of your hand and the line you're drawing on the device's screen, resulting in a realistic, enjoyable writing experience," he wrote in his review. 

Who it's for: This device is for people looking to seriously lock into their productivity. The Paper Pro can't browse the web, play videos, or edit your photos, but that's the point. 

Instead, it takes a more disconnected approach to help complete tasks with productivity tools like templates, workflow, and app connections, and an additional Type Folio to combine handwriting and typing into one device. 

Who should look elsewhere: This note-taking tablet appears more high-end and comes with a $679 price tag to match. Plus, an additional subscription is required to access the full suite of useful features. If you have a budget of $500 or less, we recommend checking out a Boox tablet or perhaps the Kindle Scribe instead. 

reMarkable Paper Pro specs: Display: 11.8-inch display with 2160 x 1620 resolution and 229 ppi | Processor: 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 | Storage: 64GB | Weight: 2.43 ounces | Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.8 inches | Connections: USB-C port | Battery life: Up to 14 days

Why we like it: The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is the perfect nexus between a reading/note-taking tablet and a regular tablet. TCL's Nxtpaper technology lets you switch from regular mode to color paper to ink paper (the most similar to what you can expect from an e-reader). Regular Mode provides sharp, vibrant visuals for streaming, video calls, and creating digital art. Ink Paper Mode transforms the screen into an e-reader-like display for extended reading sessions and note-taking. Color Paper Mode offers soft, low-saturation colors ideal for reading comics or magazines

Its display also helps reduce eye strain while reducing blue light, omitting a conventional backlight, and eliminating flickering, making it easier on the eyes than traditional screens while displaying the different types of content you'd expect from a tablet or smartphone.

It's also the cheapest option on our list at $370 (but is often on sale for as low as $270). 

Who it's for: Diaz went hands-on with the TCL tablet and said it was perfect for everyday use, especially for reducing eye strain while reading or taking notes. "I use my MacBook Pro and iPad every day for work, so I found a big difference when using the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus instead of my iPad each night," she wrote, adding, "By the end of the night, my eyes weren't straining or exhausted, and my tension headaches even became milder, which is a big plus."

Review: TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus

The TCL T-Pen stylus offers 4.096 pressure levels, along with AI-powered handwriting recognition and handwriting-to-text conversion. There is also a Writing Assist feature in the tablet's AI that suggests helpful options and templates if you're writing an email, essay, lists, or more. 

Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is the heaviest on our list at 17.28 ounces, making it not as portable. If you plan to carry your note-taking tablet with you on your daily commute, it might be worth considering a lighter option. 

TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus specs: Display: 11.5-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 display | Processor: MediaTek Helio G100 (MT8781) | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 17.28 ounces | Dimensions: 10.26 x 6.96 x .26 inches | Connections: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C | Battery life: 8000mAh

• Switch from full color to e-ink display
• AI note-taking features
• Display technology reduces eye strain

• Heavier weight makes it not as portable

Why we like it: The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is the perfect nexus between a reading/note-taking tablet and a regular tablet. TCL's Nxtpaper technology lets you switch from regular mode to color paper to ink paper (the most similar to what you can expect from an e-reader). Regular Mode provides sharp, vibrant visuals for streaming, video calls, and creating digital art. Ink Paper Mode transforms the screen into an e-reader-like display for extended reading sessions and note-taking. Color Paper Mode offers soft, low-saturation colors ideal for reading comics or magazines

Its display also helps reduce eye strain while reducing blue light, omitting a conventional backlight, and eliminating flickering, making it easier on the eyes than traditional screens while displaying the different types of content you'd expect from a tablet or smartphone.

It's also the cheapest option on our list at $370 (but is often on sale for as low as $270). 

Who it's for: Diaz went hands-on with the TCL tablet and said it was perfect for everyday use, especially for reducing eye strain while reading or taking notes. "I use my MacBook Pro and iPad every day for work, so I found a big difference when using the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus instead of my iPad each night," she wrote, adding, "By the end of the night, my eyes weren't straining or exhausted, and my tension headaches even became milder, which is a big plus."

Review: TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus

The TCL T-Pen stylus offers 4.096 pressure levels, along with AI-powered handwriting recognition and handwriting-to-text conversion. There is also a Writing Assist feature in the tablet's AI that suggests helpful options and templates if you're writing an email, essay, lists, or more. 

Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is the heaviest on our list at 17.28 ounces, making it not as portable. If you plan to carry your note-taking tablet with you on your daily commute, it might be worth considering a lighter option. 

TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus specs: Display: 11.5-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 display | Processor: MediaTek Helio G100 (MT8781) | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 17.28 ounces | Dimensions: 10.26 x 6.96 x .26 inches | Connections: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C | Battery life: 8000mAh

What is the best note-taking tablet?

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which note-taking tablet is right for you?

Choosing a tablet really comes down to what you want to use it for and spend. Basic tablets tend to be cheaper, while devices with more bells and whistles sport a higher price tag. 

Factors to consider when choosing the best note-taking tablet

Before you choose your new note-taking tablet, you'll want to consider the following:

• Display: A tablet's experience is largely based on its display, so pay attention to tablets with HD resolutions and paper-like displays. We recommend choosing an e-ink or paper-simulation display if your primary reason for purchase is digital writing. However, if you want to combine note-taking with standard mobile apps, such as for gaming or internet surfing, a standard display might suffice.
• Stylus compatibility: Consider tablets that either come with a stylus right out of the box or have the option to buy one from the maker separately. Most universal styluses will also work with these tablets, but ensure you check for compatibility first. 
• Size: Tablets that you will mainly use for note-taking purposes will have different requirements than tablets you need to replace a laptop with. Smaller size tablets are best for note-taking purposes and are lightweight and portable, and these can range from roughly six to nine inches.
• Operating system: Apple, Google, or Amazon? Note-taking tablets run on different operating systems, so ensure you pick a model you will be comfortable with. 
• Storage: If you want to use a tablet as a dedicated workhorse, the storage on your new device will likely be an important factor. Entry-level tablets may only have 32GB of storage, but some models go up to 512GB -- or even higher at 1TB. If you want a tablet purely for writing, 32GB to 128GB should be sufficient.
• Price: Tablets will vary in price from $150 all the way up to $1,000 or more, depending on storage capacity, display quality, processors, and more. Consider whether you just want a convenient note-taking tablet or if you plan to use apps with heavy resource requirements. 

How we test tablets

The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.

• Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy. 

  We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.

• Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks. 

• Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.

• Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.

For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology. 

Note-taking tablet FAQs

Digital notepad vs tablet: Which is better for taking notes?

Many of our top picks can be considered digital notebooks over traditional tablets, and there is a unique difference. Traditional tablets like the iPad Air and Samsung Galaxy S10+ have all the capabilities of a computer, meaning they can browse the web, access software and programs like Photoshop, can take photos or videos, and are great for media consumption through apps. 

On the other hand, a digital notebook like reMarkable Paper Pro or Boox Note Air 4 C still has a processor and storage like that of a tablet but is more focused on the specific task of note-taking. These devices will feel more like paper thanks to a dedicated E-ink screen. They also usually have a much longer battery life than tablets, since you're just using them to write. 

Do I need a stylus for a note-taking tablet?

Using a stylus is totally up to you, but it can definitely help with functionality. Some tablets come with a stylus, while others will have them sold separately. If you're looking at this from a cost perspective, consider the fact that the stylus will often be an added expense, but you may find it worth it for ease of use, especially if you're the type that likes the feeling of writing out your notes rather than typing them.

Does my tablet stylus have to be brand specific?

The answer to this question is generally no. However, as many stylus products are based on different technologies, there's no universal stylus around that will work with every tablet. If you're considering purchasing a third-party stylus, check for compatibility first. You'll usually find this information in product descriptions.

Do note-taking tablets convert handwriting to text?

Yes, many of them are capable of converting handwriting to text. Tablets can use optical character recognition (OCR) technology to detect and convert handwriting into usable characters. In addition, some makers -- such as reMarkable -- specialize in these functions. Other tablet manufacturers, such as Samsung, also provide apps for the task. However, accuracy rates can vary between tablets.

What are the best note-taking apps?

The best note-taking apps let you digitize your notes and to-dos while keeping them all in one place or syncing them to a cloud. Our favorites are Notability, Evernote, GoodNotes 5, and even Apple's free Notes app is a worthy choice.

Does the Apple Pencil convert handwriting to text?

Yes, the Apple Pencil can convert your handwritten notes into text for better legibility. Here's how: 

• In the Notes or Freeform apps, tap to show the tool palette.

• In the tool palette, tap the Handwriting tool to the left of the pen.

• Write with Apple Pencil, and Scribble automatically converts your handwriting into typed text.

Are writing tablets good for drawing too?

Actually, no. A writing tablet like the Amazon Kindle Scribe or the reMarkable Paper Pro are specifically made with writing in mind, and a paperlike screen and lag when flipping pages or swapping tools make it not an ideal device for drawing or sketching. 

However, a traditional tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ would double as a good drawing tablet, since you can work on apps like Photoshop or Sketchbook with ease. 

Recent updates

• January 2026: In our January update, we added the seventh-generation iPad Air, the Boox Note Air5 C, and the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus as top picks to replace outdated models. 
• November 2025: In ZDNET's November update, we updated our FAQ section and reviewed our top picks, adding additional information and news. We also added the reMarkable Paper Pro Move as an alternative.
• October 2025: In our October 2025 update, we made editorial and style changes. We also provided more information on our top picks and alternatives. 
• September 2025: In our September 2025 update, we made minor editorial changes, verified product availability and prices, and added new information post-Apple event and ahead of Amazon Prime Day.

Other note-taking tablets to consider