Looking for a better way to take notes, stay organized, and digitally manage your documents? We tested the top smart notebooks of 2024, comparing their functionality, design, and features. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who loves writing by hand but needs digital organization, these smart notebooks bridge the gap between traditional note-taking and modern tech.
Expert Tested for Productivity and Creativity
With smart notebooks, you get the best of both worlds: the satisfaction of writing by hand and the efficiency of digitizing your notes, storing them in the cloud, and sharing them across devices. Here’s a breakdown of the best smart notebooks for 2024, based on hands-on experience and expert reviews.
1. BOOX Go 10.3 Inch 64GB Tablet | ePaper E Ink
Best for: All-in-one note-taking and reading solution with excellent storage
The BOOX Go 10.3 Inch Tablet is an advanced ePaper tablet featuring a 300 PPI E Ink display, perfect for long reading sessions and smooth note-taking. This device offers a paper-like feel, allowing users to write notes, sketch, and annotate documents as naturally as they would on paper. The tablet supports 64GB of storage, making it ideal for anyone who needs a large digital notebook and e-reader in one.
With access to a wide range of apps via the Android store, the BOOX Go offers incredible versatility for both work and leisure. The 10.3-inch screen size provides ample room for notes, PDFs, and even split-screen multitasking, making it the ultimate device for productivity on the go. The ePaper technology is easy on the eyes and mimics the experience of writing on paper, which is great for those who want to avoid screen fatigue.
Pros:
- Large 10.3-inch screen for ample note-taking space
- ePaper display mimics real paper for eye comfort
- 64GB of storage, ideal for storing large files
- Supports multitasking with split-screen features
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Slight lag when using apps other than note-taking
2. Rocketbook Fusion Reusable Undated Productivity Planner
Best for: Budget-friendly smart notebook with reusable pages and cloud integration
The Rocketbook Fusion Reusable Productivity Planner is the perfect blend of affordability and functionality. It features 42 reusable pages, allowing you to wipe them clean with a damp cloth after each use. Paired with the Pilot FriXion pen, this planner lets you easily convert your handwritten notes into digital files. You can save these files to the Rocketbook app and sync them with popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
With pages that include templates for goal setting, calendars, and task lists, this notebook is ideal for those who need structure and organization. It’s especially useful for students and professionals who want to keep track of their to-do lists and schedules without the waste of paper.
Pros:
- Reusable pages that can be wiped clean
- Compatible with popular cloud services
- Affordable and eco-friendly
- Different page templates for various uses (calendars, to-do lists, etc.)
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer a hardcover option
- May not have the tactile feel of real paper
3. Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB)
Best for: Those who want to combine note-taking with a top-tier e-reader
The Amazon Kindle Scribe combines the functionality of a smart notebook with the best Kindle reading features. Featuring a 10.2” 300 PPI Paperwhite display, the Scribe not only lets you read books but also take notes directly on your Kindle. You can annotate documents, highlight passages, and even convert your handwritten notes into text. The Scribe also allows you to organize and share your notes via email or cloud services.
The Basic Pen included with the Kindle Scribe is pressure-sensitive, making it easy to write and sketch with precision. If you prefer additional features, you can upgrade to the Premium Pen, which comes with an eraser and customizable shortcuts.
Pros:
- Excellent for reading and note-taking in one device
- High-resolution Paperwhite display for easy reading
- Converts handwritten notes to text
- Long battery life and comfortable for extended use
Cons:
- Premium Pen with advanced features sold separately
- Lacks some customization options compared to other tablets
4. Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse Smart Pen + Paper Tablet Smart Notebook
Best for: Stylish and traditional note-taking with digital storage capabilities
For lovers of the classic Moleskine notebooks, the Pen+ Ellipse Smart Pen and Moleskine Paper Tablet Smart Notebook provide the ultimate combination of style and functionality. The Pen+ Ellipse is designed to work with the Moleskine Paper Tablet and sync with the Moleskine Notes app, allowing users to digitize their handwritten notes. As you write, the smart pen tracks your movements and transfers the notes to your device in real time.
The Moleskine Paper Tablet features 176 pages of high-quality dotted paper, offering a tactile writing experience. With Ncoded technology embedded in the pages, the smart pen can accurately track where it is on the paper, ensuring that every note is captured perfectly. You can share your notes with Google Drive, Evernote, and other cloud services. This is the go-to choice for those who want to blend the classic feel of a Moleskine with modern digital storage.
Pros:
- Classic Moleskine design with smart pen integration
- Real-time transfer of handwritten notes to digital format
- High-quality 176-page notebook with smooth paper
- Compatible with cloud services for easy storage and sharing
Cons:
- Requires the purchase of both the pen and the notebook
- Some users report that transcription can be slow
5. reMarkable 2 Essentials Bundle
Best for: Premium note-taking experience with a real paper feel
The reMarkable 2 Essentials Bundle offers an unrivaled note-taking experience with its 10.3-inch E Ink display. The Marker Plus Pen included in the bundle has a built-in eraser and provides over 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it feel just like you’re writing on paper. This is perfect for artists, designers, and anyone who values precision in their digital handwriting or sketching.
With Connect—reMarkable’s cloud service—you can sync your notes across all devices and even access features like handwriting-to-text conversion and screen sharing. The bundle also includes a Book Folio Cover for extra protection and style. Overall, the reMarkable 2 is the best option for anyone willing to invest in a high-quality, paper-like digital notebook.
Pros:
- Paper-like feel with low-latency E Ink technology
- Marker Plus Pen with eraser and pressure sensitivity
- Long battery life and sleek design
- Includes free one-year subscription to reMarkable Connect
Cons:
- High price point
- Some key features (like the eraser) require the premium pen
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an affordable, reusable planner like the Rocketbook Fusion or a premium digital notebook like the reMarkable 2, there are plenty of options to meet your needs. The BOOX Go 10.3 Inch Tablet offers the best all-in-one solution for productivity, while the Kindle Scribe blends the best of both reading and note-taking.
For those who prefer the traditional feel of a notebook but want digital functionality, the Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse Smart Pen and Paper Tablet Smart Notebook is the perfect combination of style and tech. Ultimately, the right smart notebook depends on your personal preferences, how much you’re willing to spend, and how you plan to use the device.
Choose your perfect smart notebook, and transform the way you take notes, plan, and create.
