Choosing between a reMarkable and an iPad for digital planning is one of the most common decisions new digital planners face. Both are excellent choices, but they serve fundamentally different needs. Here’s how to decide which is right for your planning style.
The Core Philosophy Difference
Before comparing specs, understand what each device is designed to do:
reMarkable: A focused tool for reading and writing. It intentionally excludes features to minimize distraction. No apps, no notifications, no color—just you and your thoughts on a paper-like surface.
iPad: A versatile computing device that can do nearly everything. Planning is one of hundreds of capabilities, alongside email, social media, games, streaming, and professional apps.
This fundamental difference determines which device suits you better.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | reMarkable 2/Paper Pro | iPad (with Apple Pencil) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | E-ink (paper-like, no backlight) | LCD/OLED (vibrant, backlit) |
| Writing Feel | Paper-like friction | Smooth glass surface |
| Distractions | None (no apps/notifications) | Full access to all apps |
| Battery Life | Weeks | 10-12 hours |
| Eye Comfort | No blue light, easy on eyes | Blue light emission |
| Color | Grayscale (Paper Pro has color) | Full color |
| Apps | None (PDF only) | GoodNotes, Notability, etc. |
| Price | $299-$599 | $329-$1,299+ |
The Writing Experience
reMarkable
The reMarkable’s writing experience is its defining feature. The e-ink display with textured surface creates friction that feels remarkably close to pen on paper. The 21ms latency means your strokes appear almost instantly. Many users report their handwriting actually improves on reMarkable because the resistance mimics natural writing.
There’s no learning curve for the feel—it writes like paper because it was designed to write like paper.
iPad
The iPad’s glass screen offers zero friction, which some find too slippery for natural writing. Apple Pencil’s latency is impressively low (around 9ms on newer iPads), but the sensation differs from paper. Many iPad users add screen protectors like Paperlike to introduce friction, though this adds cost and affects display clarity.
The iPad writing experience is excellent—but it’s excellent in a digital way, not a paper-like way.
Distraction and Focus
reMarkable: Pure Focus
The reMarkable cannot check email, browse social media, or run productivity apps beyond its core functions. This isn’t a limitation—it’s the entire point. When you pick up a reMarkable, your brain knows it’s time for focused work.
For users who struggle with distraction, this forced focus is transformative. There’s literally nothing else to do but plan, write, and think.
iPad: The Distraction Challenge
The iPad offers Focus modes, Do Not Disturb, and Screen Time controls. But the temptation remains. That notification badge, that quick email check, that “just one scroll” through social media—they’re always one tap away.
Some users thrive with this flexibility. Others find their planning sessions constantly interrupted by the very device meant to organize their life.
Eye Comfort and Health
reMarkable: Zero Eye Strain
E-ink displays don’t emit light—they reflect ambient light like paper. No blue light emission means no eye strain, even during extended planning sessions. You can plan for hours without the fatigue that comes from screen time.
Evening planning on reMarkable doesn’t affect your sleep patterns the way backlit screens can.
iPad: Screen Time Concerns
Despite Night Shift and True Tone, iPads are still backlit displays that emit blue light. Extended use causes eye fatigue for many users. If you’re already getting significant screen time from work, adding more via your planner compounds the issue.
App Ecosystem
reMarkable: PDF-Only
The reMarkable works exclusively with PDFs and its native notebook format. Digital planners must be in PDF format with hyperlinks for navigation. This simplicity means no app decisions, no subscriptions, and no learning curve—but also no alternatives if PDF planners don’t suit you.
iPad: Unlimited Options
The iPad supports dozens of excellent planning apps:
- GoodNotes: Industry-standard for digital planning
- Notability: Recording and handwriting combined
- Noteshelf: Beautiful templates and customization
- PDF Expert: Powerful PDF annotation
- Notion/Obsidian: Text-based planning alternatives
This flexibility is powerful—but also requires decisions about which app to use, potentially paid subscriptions, and learning curves for each.
Battery Life
reMarkable: E-ink only uses power when the screen changes. Expect 2-3 weeks between charges with normal use. You can forget about charging for days at a time.
iPad: 10-12 hours of active use. Daily charging is typical for regular planners. Low battery anxiety is real when your planner might die mid-day.
Portability
reMarkable 2: 4.7mm thin, 403g. One of the thinnest tablets ever made.
iPad (10th gen): 7mm thick, 477g. Still portable, but noticeably more substantial.
Both fit in bags easily. The reMarkable feels more like carrying a notebook; the iPad feels more like carrying a device.
Color Capability
reMarkable 2: Grayscale only.
reMarkable Paper Pro: Color e-ink display.
iPad: Full color with millions of colors.
If color-coding is essential to your planning system, the iPad offers more vibrant colors. The Paper Pro brings color to e-ink, though with more muted tones than LCD/OLED.
Who Should Choose reMarkable
- Focus seekers: You struggle with digital distraction and want a device that literally cannot distract you
- Paper lovers: You miss the feel of writing on paper and want to preserve that experience digitally
- Eye care: You’re sensitive to screen time and want planning that doesn’t strain your eyes
- Minimalists: You prefer simple tools that do one thing well
- Evening planners: You plan before bed and don’t want blue light affecting sleep
Who Should Choose iPad
- Multi-taskers: You want one device for planning, email, reading, entertainment, and more
- App enthusiasts: You want choices between different planning apps and approaches
- Color users: Full-color planners and vibrant highlighting are important to you
- Already invested: You have an iPad and Apple Pencil already
- Budget flexible: You’re okay investing in the Apple ecosystem
Can You Use Both?
Many serious digital planners use both devices for different purposes:
- reMarkable for daily planning: Focused morning and evening sessions
- iPad for project work: When you need apps, references, and color
This isn’t a cop-out answer—it’s genuinely how many power users operate. The devices complement rather than compete.
The Bottom Line
Choose reMarkable if you want a focused planning tool that eliminates distraction and replicates the paper experience.
Choose iPad if you want a versatile computing device where planning is one of many capabilities.
Neither is objectively better. The right choice depends entirely on your relationship with technology, your planning style, and your self-discipline with distractions.
Either way, both devices support excellent digital planners. The tool matters less than the habit of using it consistently.
Find Your Perfect Digital Planner
Whether you choose reMarkable or iPad, we have planners optimized for your device:
- For reMarkable: Ultimate reMarkable Planner 2026-2027 or reMarkable Color Planner
- For iPad: Custom Digital Planner – Works with GoodNotes, Notability & more
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reMarkable or iPad better for digital planning?
It depends on your priorities. Choose reMarkable if you want a distraction-free, paper-like writing experience with weeks of battery life. Choose iPad if you need app flexibility, color displays, and want one device for multiple purposes including planning, entertainment, and productivity apps.
Can I use the same digital planner on both reMarkable and iPad?
Not typically. iPad uses apps like GoodNotes or Notability with their own file formats. reMarkable uses PDF files directly. Some planners offer versions for both platforms, but they are different files optimized for each device.
Does reMarkable have apps like iPad?
No. reMarkable is intentionally app-free to eliminate distractions. It only handles PDF documents, EPUB files, and its own notebook format. This limitation is a feature for users who want focused productivity without social media, email, or other app temptations.
Made Your Choice? See our iPad Planner Guide or reMarkable Planner Guide based on your decision.
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 Paper Pro Digital Planning Guide: Color, Lighting & Setup (2026)
- Best Digital Planners for reMarkable 2: Complete Setup Guide (2026)
- reMarkable Color vs Paper Pro: Which Is Better for Digital Planners?
Recommended Planners
Ready to start planning? Check out our professionally designed planners: