When reMarkable launched its color e-ink tablets in 2024, the big question became: should I get the reMarkable Color or the Paper Pro? Both devices offer the signature paper-like writing experience, but they serve different users. This comprehensive comparison helps you decide which is right for your digital planning needs.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | reMarkable Color | Paper Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.3″ | 11.8″ | Paper Pro |
| Color Display | ✅ Yes (Gallery 3) | ✅ Yes (Gallery 3) | Tie |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 | 2160 x 1860 | Paper Pro |
| Front Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (adjustable) | Paper Pro |
| Keyboard Folio | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available | Paper Pro |
| Weight | 268g | 370g | Color |
| Price (USD) | ~49 | ~79 | Color |
| Battery Life | ~2 weeks | ~2 weeks | Tie |
Screen Size: Does Bigger Matter for Planning?
The Paper Pro’s 11.8-inch display is 15% larger than the Color’s 10.3-inch screen. For digital planning, this matters in specific scenarios:
When Bigger Is Better
- Detailed daily layouts – More space for hourly scheduling
- Two-page spreads – Weekly views display larger
- Handwriting comfort – More room for natural writing size
- Desk use – Better for stationary planning sessions
When Compact Wins
- Portability – The Color fits easily in bags
- Travel planning – Lighter and more convenient
- Hand fatigue – Easier to hold for extended periods
- Minimalist planners – Simple layouts don’t need extra space
Verdict for planners: If you use detailed, multi-section planners, the Paper Pro’s extra space is noticeable. For minimal layouts, the Color is perfectly adequate.
Front Light: The Paper Pro’s Hidden Advantage
The Paper Pro includes an adjustable front light—a feature the reMarkable Color lacks entirely. For digital planning, this impacts:
- Evening planning sessions – Plan your next day before bed
- Low-light environments – Cafés, planes, dimly lit rooms
- Reduced eye strain – Warm light options available
- Early morning reviews – Check your day before sunrise
If you plan exclusively in well-lit environments, this feature won’t matter. But for flexible, anytime planning, the Paper Pro’s light is genuinely useful.
Color Display Performance
Both devices use E Ink Gallery 3 technology, meaning identical color reproduction:
- 16 pen colors available for writing and highlighting
- Muted palette compared to iPad (typical of e-ink)
- Color-coded planners display accurately
- No color saturation issues between models
For digital planners, both devices show the same colors. The Paper Pro’s larger screen simply displays them bigger.
Writing Experience Comparison
Both use the same Marker Plus stylus with identical latency and feel. The difference comes from:
Paper Pro Writing
- More writing space per page
- Natural A4-sized writing area
- Better for detailed notes alongside planning
Color Writing
- Familiar reMarkable 2 form factor
- Comfortable one-handed holding
- Better for quick list-making
Keyboard Folio Option
The Paper Pro supports an optional keyboard folio for typing—the Color does not. For planners, this matters if you:
- Type meeting notes alongside planning
- Prefer typing for journaling
- Use your device for work documents
For pure handwritten planning, the keyboard is unnecessary.
Portability & Daily Carry
| Metric | reMarkable Color | Paper Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (device only) | 268g (0.59 lbs) | 370g (0.82 lbs) |
| Thickness | 5.1mm | 5.1mm |
| Fits in | Most bags, large pockets | Bags, briefcases |
| One-hand use | Comfortable | Manageable |
The 100g difference is noticeable over time. If you carry your planner everywhere, the Color’s lighter weight adds up over a day of use.
Price Comparison
At launch, the Paper Pro costs approximately 30 more than the Color. Consider what that extra cost gets you:
- 1.5″ additional screen size
- Adjustable front light
- Keyboard folio compatibility
For dedicated digital planners, the front light is the most valuable feature. The larger screen is nice but not essential for most planner layouts.
Best Use Cases
Choose reMarkable Color If You:
- Prioritize portability
- Plan primarily during daylight hours
- Use minimal, single-page planner layouts
- Want the most affordable color e-ink option
- Already own reMarkable accessories (same form factor as reMarkable 2)
Choose Paper Pro If You:
- Want the largest possible planning canvas
- Plan in the evening or low light
- Use detailed planners with multiple sections
- Type notes alongside handwritten planning
- Use your device for work documents too
Digital Planner Compatibility
Both devices handle PDF planners identically:
- Hyperlinks – Work on both devices
- Color-coded pages – Display accurately on both
- Writing on PDFs – Same annotation experience
- Cloud sync – Same Connect subscription model
Any digital planner that works on one works on the other. The only difference is display size.
Final Recommendation for Digital Planners
For most digital planners: The reMarkable Color offers the best balance of features, portability, and price. Its screen is large enough for nearly any planner layout, and the weight savings make daily carry easier.
For serious planners and professionals: The Paper Pro’s front light and extra screen real estate justify the premium. If you plan in varied lighting conditions and use detailed layouts, the upgrade is worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same planner PDF on both devices?
Yes! Any PDF planner works identically on both the reMarkable Color and Paper Pro. The file format is the same—only the display size differs.
Which device has better color accuracy?
Both use E Ink Gallery 3 with identical color reproduction. Neither is “better”—they show colors exactly the same way. E-ink colors are more muted than LCD/OLED screens, which is normal for this technology.
Is the Paper Pro worth 30 more?
It depends on your priorities. If you value the front light and larger screen, yes. If you prioritize portability and cost, the Color offers better value. For digital planning specifically, both perform excellently.
Do I need a subscription for either device?
reMarkable Connect subscription (optional) adds cloud sync, screen share, and integration features. It’s the same for both devices. You can use either device without a subscription, but syncing requires it.
Which should I choose for journal-style planning?
For journaling that involves lots of writing, the Paper Pro’s larger screen provides more comfortable writing space. For structured planner use with less freeform writing, the Color is sufficient.
Related Guides
Continue exploring digital planning with these related guides:
- reMarkable Paper Pro Move Digital Planner Guide: The Pocket-Sized Color E-Ink Tablet (2026)
- reMarkable vs iPad for Digital Planning: Which Is Better? (2026)
- reMarkable Paper Pro Digital Planning Guide: Color, Lighting & Setup (2026)
- Best Digital Planners for reMarkable 2: Complete Setup Guide (2026)
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