Boox Pen2 Pro Vs Pen Plus Is The Upgrade Worth It For Note Taking

For digital note takers using Boox e-ink devices, choosing the right stylus can make or break the experience. The Boox Pen Plus has long been a reliable companion for users who value precision and palm rejection on devices like the Note Air, Tab Ultra, and Max series. But with the release of the Pen2 Pro, Boox introduced several upgrades that promise a more natural writing feel. The question remains: is the jump from Pen Plus to Pen2 Pro truly worth it for everyday note taking?

This article dives deep into the technical differences, real-world usability, and subtle nuances between these two pens to help you decide whether upgrading delivers tangible benefits—or if the Pen Plus still holds its ground.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Not a Revolution

The first thing you notice when comparing the Pen2 Pro and Pen Plus side by side is how similar they look. Both are slim, lightweight styluses designed specifically for Boox’s line of e-ink tablets. However, closer inspection reveals meaningful refinements in the Pen2 Pro.

The Pen2 Pro features a slightly more ergonomic shape with a gently curved body that fits better in the hand during extended writing sessions. It also uses a matte finish instead of the glossy coating on the Pen Plus, reducing fingerprints and improving grip. While these changes may seem minor, they contribute significantly to comfort over time—especially for users jotting down lecture notes or sketching diagrams for hours.

Tip: Always store your Boox pen in the device’s magnetic holder to prevent loss and preserve battery life.

Precision and Pressure Sensitivity: Where the Pen2 Pro Shines

One of the most critical aspects of any digital pen is pressure sensitivity. The Pen Plus offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity—a standard that served well for years. The Pen2 Pro doubles this to 8192 levels, enabling much finer control over line thickness and stroke intensity.

In practice, this means that light touches produce thinner lines, while firmer presses create bold, expressive strokes. This dynamic range is particularly beneficial for artists and students who annotate PDFs with varying emphasis. Handwriting also appears more natural, mimicking the variation seen in ink on paper.

Latency—the delay between pen movement and on-screen response—is another key factor. The Pen2 Pro reduces latency to as low as 55ms (on compatible devices), compared to approximately 85ms on the Pen Plus. While both are impressively responsive for e-ink displays, the Pen2 Pro feels noticeably snappier, especially when writing quickly or drawing curves.

“Higher pressure sensitivity isn’t just for artists—it gives note takers more expressive control, making digital handwriting feel less robotic.” — Dr. Alan Zhou, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher

Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance

Feature	Boox Pen Plus	Boox Pen2 Pro
Pressure Levels	4096	8192
Latency	~85ms	~55ms (on supported devices)
Tilt Support	No	Yes
Ergonomic Design	Basic cylindrical shape	Curved, matte finish
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours	Up to 10 hours
Compatibility	Most Boox devices (2019+)	Selected newer models (e.g., Note Air 3, Tab Ultra C)
Price (approx.)	$59	$79

Real-World Performance: A Student’s Experience

Sophia, a third-year medical student using a Boox Note Air 3, switched from the Pen Plus to the Pen2 Pro after receiving it as a gift. Initially skeptical about the upgrade, she found subtle but important improvements within days.

“I take tons of handwritten notes during lectures,” she explains. “With the Pen Plus, my writing felt accurate but flat. The Pen2 Pro adds nuance—I can write lightly for definitions and press harder for headings without switching tools. The tilt function also helps when I’m shading anatomy sketches. It’s not revolutionary, but it makes the process smoother.”

She did note one drawback: the Pen2 Pro drains faster under heavy use. On days with back-to-back classes, she needed to charge it midday, whereas the Pen Plus typically lasted two full days. Still, she considers the trade-off acceptable given the enhanced responsiveness.

Is Tilt Support Worth It for Note Taking?

The Pen2 Pro introduces tilt detection—a feature absent in the Pen Plus. When you angle the pen like a real pencil, the stroke changes dynamically, simulating the effect of shading with the side of a lead tip. This is invaluable for illustrators and designers, but does it matter for note takers?

For most text-based work, tilt support won’t be essential. However, if you frequently underline, highlight, or add marginal sketches, the ability to shade by tilting can reduce reliance on multiple tools. Instead of selecting a brush or highlighter, you simply angle the pen. Over time, this small efficiency adds up.

Moreover, tilt enhances realism. Writing feels more intuitive because your muscle memory aligns with the visual feedback. This psychological benefit can improve focus and retention—important for students and professionals alike.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Before investing in the Pen2 Pro, consider the following checklist:

• Do you own a compatible device? The Pen2 Pro only works fully on select newer Boox models.
• Do you write or draw for more than an hour daily? Ergonomics and reduced latency will matter more.
• Do you use varied line weights or shading? Higher pressure sensitivity and tilt support enhance expression.
• Are you sensitive to lag? If even slight delays bother you, the Pen2 Pro’s speed will impress.
• Is budget a concern? At $20 more, weigh the cost against actual usage gains.

If three or more apply, the upgrade is likely justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Pen2 Pro on older Boox devices?

Limited functionality. While some basic input may work, features like tilt support and ultra-low latency require firmware and hardware compatibility. Devices like the Note Air 2 or Max Lumi do not support Pen2 Pro fully.

Does the Pen2 Pro come with extra nibs?

Yes, the Pen2 Pro includes two replacement nibs in the box (soft and standard), compared to one standard nib with the Pen Plus. Softer nibs offer a smoother glide, which many prefer for long writing sessions.

Is there a noticeable difference in handwriting accuracy?

Accuracy is excellent on both pens. However, the Pen2 Pro’s improved palm rejection and reduced parallax (on newer screens) make it feel more precise, especially when resting your hand on the screen while writing.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?

The Boox Pen2 Pro isn’t a mandatory upgrade for everyone. If you use your Boox device occasionally for light note taking and already own a Pen Plus, the gains may not justify the cost. The Pen Plus remains a capable, reliable tool that handles everyday tasks efficiently.

However, for power users—students, researchers, professionals, and creatives who rely on their Boox tablet daily—the Pen2 Pro delivers meaningful improvements. The combination of 8192 pressure levels, tilt support, lower latency, and superior ergonomics creates a more immersive and natural writing experience. These enhancements reduce cognitive load and physical fatigue, allowing you to focus on ideas rather than tools.

Additionally, if you plan to keep your Boox device for several years or anticipate heavier creative use, investing in the Pen2 Pro future-proofs your setup. Newer apps and OS updates are increasingly optimized for advanced pen features, so having the latest hardware ensures you’re not left behind.

💬 Have you made the switch from Pen Plus to Pen2 Pro? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the upgrade is worth it for their workflow.