Digital Notebook Throwdown (2026): Kindle Scribe, ReMarkable Paper Pure

I also like that the Kindle Scribe stylus has a button on it that switches to highlight mode, which is especially convenient as a reader if you wanted to easily switch from underlining or note-taking to highlighting a passage. While the ReMarkable is more accurate and has an impressive paper feel to it, I actually think either Scribe model feels a little more comfortable and convenient to use, especially since you don’t need to pay extra for the eraser point. But the slimmer second-generation Scribe is slightly more comfortable to write with, at least for my hands.

Reading Winner: Both Kindle Scribes

Photograph: Nena Farell

If you’re looking at these devices more as a reader and less as a note-taker, then you’ll want to pick a Kindle Scribe. While you can read books on any ReMarkable device, whether it’s the Paper Pure or another model, you have to manually download the files onto your ReMarkable through the ReMarkable desktop or mobile app. That means you need to have the PDF or ePUB file version of that book or reading material for you to upload.

Kindles, on the other hand, are designed primarily for reading. The Kindle Scribes both work the same as a regular Kindle, allowing you to purchase books through the Kindle Store, download library books through the Libby app, download files on the built-in internet browser, and manually download files as well via a USB cable and software like Calibre.

Software Winner: ReMarkable Paper Pure

The ReMarkable Paper Pure with an example calendar note.

Photograph: Nena Farrell

If you want the most impressive range of software abilities (beyond reading software, that is), then ReMarkable is the one to turn to. While the Paper Pure has no front light and fewer accessories, it has all the same software abilities as ReMarkable’s Pro line. You’re able to edit and annotate a range of documents, convert notes into a typed format, connect to services like Google Drive and Microsoft for your documents, search all your notes with AI that learns to read your handwriting, and so much more. New software features also launched with the ReMarkable Paper Pure this year, including calendar-based notes and sharing your documents with non-ReMarkable users. However, you’ll want a Connect subscription ($3 a month) to get the best of ReMarkable’s features.