reMarkable Paper Pro vs reMarkable 2 – Which Should You Buy?

Choosing the right digital paper tablet depends on how you plan to use it, whether for creative work, academic reading, or distraction-free note-taking. The reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable 2 are two sleek options that appeal to focused professionals and digital minimalists. The reMarkable 2 is known for its lightweight design and simple interface, while the Paper Pro brings added power and upgraded features for heavier workflows. This article breaks down the differences between these two devices to help you decide which one better fits your personal or professional needs.

Side By Side Comparison

Detailed Feature Comparisons

Design and Construction
The reMarkable Paper Pro has a refined aluminum chassis that feels more premium and robust compared to the mix of aluminum and polymer used in the reMarkable 2. It is slightly heavier but offers a more solid, durable feel. Both devices are minimalist and thin, but the Pro feels more business-class in appearance and build quality.

Display Quality
Both tablets feature a 10.3-inch CANVAS display with a 226 DPI resolution. However, the Paper Pro introduces a higher refresh rate, resulting in faster stroke rendering and smoother animations when flipping through pages. For artists and professionals, this improvement can help make the experience feel more fluid and natural.

Performance and Speed
The Paper Pro features a newer dual-core ARM A53 processor and double the RAM (2 GB) compared to the reMarkable 2. This leads to better multitasking, snappier performance when opening large documents, and quicker navigation between files. Users who annotate heavy PDFs or switch between notebooks frequently will notice the speed bump.

Stylus and Input
While both tablets support pen input, the Paper Pro includes the upgraded Marker Pro with pressure sensitivity and a built-in eraser. The touch layer in the Pro is more responsive, allowing for smoother pen interaction and less lag. reMarkable 2 users can purchase the Marker Plus separately, but it’s not bundled by default.

Storage Capacity
The reMarkable Paper Pro offers 32 GB of internal storage, while the reMarkable 2 is limited to 8 GB of user-accessible space. For those storing numerous documents, notes, and notebooks locally without relying entirely on cloud sync, the extra space on the Paper Pro is a meaningful upgrade.

Audio and Multimedia
Unlike the reMarkable 2, the Paper Pro includes basic audio support with built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. This addition is helpful for listening to audio notes or integrating with accessibility tools. The reMarkable 2 omits all audio features, maintaining its strict e-ink writing purpose.

Battery and Charging
Both models offer up to two weeks of battery life under typical usage. However, the Paper Pro includes faster charging via an upgraded USB-C port, cutting down the time needed to recharge. For mobile professionals, this can be a small but valuable time-saver.

Software and Ecosystem
Both devices run on the same reMarkable OS with support for handwriting-to-text conversion, cloud sync, and mobile/desktop app access. However, the Paper Pro’s extra RAM and processing power give it a slight edge when handling large or complex documents. Otherwise, software features remain nearly identical between the two.

FAQ

Is the reMarkable Paper Pro compatible with the same apps as the reMarkable 2?
Yes, both devices run the same operating system and support the same mobile and desktop companion apps. You will get similar syncing, handwriting conversion, and cloud storage features on both.

Does the reMarkable Paper Pro support handwriting to text?
Yes, the Paper Pro supports handwriting recognition just like the reMarkable 2. This feature is available through the Connect subscription and works similarly across both devices.

Can I use the Marker from reMarkable 2 with the Paper Pro?
Yes, the original Marker and Marker Plus are fully compatible with the Paper Pro. However, the Paper Pro comes bundled with the upgraded Marker Pro for better writing precision and added features like an eraser.

Does the Paper Pro have backlighting for night use?
No, like the reMarkable 2, the Paper Pro does not include a backlight. Both tablets are designed to replicate paper and must be used in well-lit environments.

Is there a significant difference in note-taking performance between the two?
Yes, the Paper Pro feels noticeably faster when writing or switching between pages. It offers a more responsive experience, especially during fast note-taking or sketching.

Can I play audio files on the reMarkable 2?
No, the reMarkable 2 does not support any audio features. The Paper Pro adds this with built-in speakers and Bluetooth audio, allowing playback of audio notes or pairing with headphones.

Is the battery life better on the Paper Pro than on the reMarkable 2?
Battery life is about the same under typical use for both, lasting up to two weeks. However, the Paper Pro charges faster due to improved USB-C circuitry.

What type of files can both devices read?
Both the reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable 2 support PDF, EPUB, and PNG files. You can also convert handwriting to text and export to various formats using the cloud system.

Can I use these devices without a subscription?
Yes, both devices work without the reMarkable Connect subscription. However, some premium features like unlimited cloud sync, handwriting conversion, and third-party cloud integrations require a subscription.

Is the Paper Pro worth the higher price compared to the reMarkable 2?
That depends on your usage. If you need faster performance, more storage, better pen input, and occasional audio functionality, the Paper Pro justifies its higher cost. For basic note-taking and reading, the reMarkable 2 remains a very capable and affordable choice.