Remarkable 2 Vs Ipad With Paperlike Is The Writing Experience Actually Better

For digital note-takers, students, creatives, and professionals who value handwriting, the choice between devices often comes down to one critical factor: how closely the writing experience mimics pen-on-paper. Two popular contenders dominate this niche — the reMarkable 2 and the iPad paired with a Paperlike screen protector. Both promise a tactile, distraction-free environment for writing, but they take very different approaches. One is a minimalist e-ink device built solely for writing; the other leverages the power of a full tablet enhanced by a textured screen. So, which delivers a genuinely better writing experience?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on your priorities: raw authenticity, functionality, speed, or ecosystem integration. This article dives deep into both setups, comparing their feel, responsiveness, software behavior, and real-world usability to determine whether the reMarkable 2 truly outperforms an iPad with a Paperlike screen.

Understanding the Core Differences

Before evaluating the writing experience, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between the two platforms.

The reMarkable 2 runs on a 10.3-inch matte e-ink display with zero backlight and minimal processing power. It’s designed exclusively for reading PDFs, annotating documents, and freehand writing. There are no apps, notifications, or distractions. The stylus (called the Marker) uses electromagnetic resonance (EMR), allowing for pressure sensitivity and hover detection without batteries.

In contrast, the iPad (typically 10th-gen, Air, or Pro models) uses a vibrant, backlit LCD or OLED display. When paired with a Paperlike screen protector — a frosted film that adds friction and reduces glare — the surface feels more like paper. Writing is done with the Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd gen), which offers pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and deep integration with iOS apps like GoodNotes, Notability, and OneNote.

While both aim to improve the tactile aspect of digital writing, their underlying technologies create divergent experiences. The reMarkable leans into authenticity; the iPad prioritizes performance and versatility.

Writing Feel and Surface Texture

The most immediate difference users notice is the physical sensation of writing.

On the reMarkable 2, the screen has a naturally grainy, paper-like texture. No additional screen protector is needed because the surface is engineered from the start to mimic the resistance of real paper. This results in a consistent scratchy sound and tactile feedback with every stroke. For many, this sensory detail enhances focus and makes writing feel intentional.

The iPad, by default, has a slick glass surface. The Paperlike screen protector changes that dramatically. It’s made from a micro-etched film that increases friction, making the Apple Pencil drag slightly across the surface. While not identical to real paper, it’s close enough to satisfy most analog enthusiasts. However, the texture can wear down over time, especially if cleaned improperly, and may leave behind a faint haze under bright light.

Tip: Clean your Paperlike screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth only. Avoid liquids or abrasive wipes, as they can damage the etched surface.

One notable distinction: the reMarkable’s texture is uniform and permanent. The Paperlike’s texture is an add-on — effective, but less durable. Users report needing replacements every 6–12 months depending on usage.

Latency, Responsiveness, and Palm Rejection

Latency — the delay between stylus movement and ink appearing on screen — is crucial for natural writing.

The reMarkable 2 boasts extremely low latency for an e-ink device: around 23ms. That’s impressive considering e-ink panels refresh much slower than LCDs. However, because the screen doesn’t redraw constantly, there’s still a subtle “ghosting” effect during fast writing. You may see remnants of previous strokes until the next full refresh, which occurs when you lift the pen or pause briefly.

The iPad, especially newer models with ProMotion (120Hz refresh), achieves near-zero latency — as low as 9ms with the Apple Pencil 2. Ink appears instantly, with no ghosting or flicker. Combined with excellent palm rejection, this allows for a fluid, uninterrupted writing flow. You can rest your hand on the screen while writing, just like on paper, without interference.

The reMarkable also supports palm rejection, but due to its monochrome interface and lower refresh rate, accidental touches can occasionally register, particularly during long handwriting sessions. It works well enough for basic notes but isn’t as seamless as the iPad’s implementation.

“Low latency isn’t just about speed — it’s about subconscious confidence. When your brain trusts that the ink will follow your hand exactly, you stop thinking about the tool.” — Dr. Lena Tran, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Feature Comparison: Functionality vs. Focus

This is where philosophy shapes performance. The reMarkable 2 wins on focus; the iPad wins on function.

Feature	reMarkable 2	iPad + Paperlike
Display Type	E-ink (matte, no glare)	LCD/OLED (backlit, glare-prone without protector)
Writing Latency	~23ms (with minor ghosting)	~9–15ms (near-instantaneous)
Palm Rejection	Moderate (works, but occasional errors)	Excellent (flawless in supported apps)
Battery Life	4+ weeks on standby	8–10 hours active use
App Ecosystem	None (closed system)	Full iOS app support (GoodNotes, Notability, etc.)
Searchable Handwriting	Limited (OCR available but slow)	Strong (instant search in most apps)
Export & Sync	Email, cloud folders, limited integrations	iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneNote, etc.

The trade-off is clear: choose the reMarkable if you want deep focus, long battery life, and a paper-like aesthetic. Choose the iPad if you need powerful organization, searchable notes, multimedia integration, and cross-device syncing.

A Real-World Scenario: The Law Student’s Dilemma

Consider Sarah, a third-year law student who takes extensive handwritten notes during lectures and case briefings. She needs durability, legibility, and the ability to annotate dense legal texts.

She tried the reMarkable 2 first. Loved the lightweight design and eye comfort during long reading sessions. The lack of glare was perfect for library use. However, she struggled with organizing hundreds of case notes. Searching for a specific ruling took minutes, and syncing her outlines to her laptop was cumbersome. When she switched to an iPad Air with Paperlike and GoodNotes, everything changed. Her notes were automatically searchable. She could tag cases by jurisdiction, color-code arguments, and export annotated PDFs directly to her professor. The battery required nightly charging, and the screen caused mild eye strain after hours of use — but the productivity gains outweighed the downsides.

Sarah’s experience reflects a broader trend: professionals who prioritize output efficiency tend to favor the iPad, while those seeking mindfulness and simplicity lean toward the reMarkable.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Setup for You

Follow this decision framework to determine which device suits your needs:

1. Assess your primary use case: Are you writing for focus (journals, brainstorming) or function (work, study, collaboration)? If the former, reMarkable; if the latter, iPad.
2. Test the feel: If possible, try both surfaces. Does the iPad with Paperlike provide enough friction, or do you miss the consistent grit of the reMarkable?
3. Evaluate your workflow: Do you need OCR, tagging, audio linking, or cloud sync? These features are robust on iPad, limited on reMarkable.
4. Consider eye fatigue: If you read for hours daily, e-ink’s non-backlit screen may be gentler on your eyes, especially in bright environments.
5. Check budget and longevity: The reMarkable 2 costs $299; iPad starts at $449 plus $50 for Paperlike and $130 for Apple Pencil. Factor in long-term durability — e-ink lasts longer with less degradation.

Tip: If you’re unsure, rent both devices for a week through services like Grover or Amazon Renewed to test them in real conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Apple Pencil on reMarkable?

No. The reMarkable uses its proprietary Marker stylus, which is EMR-based and incompatible with iPad technology. Conversely, the Apple Pencil won’t work on reMarkable devices.

Does the Paperlike screen protector affect display clarity?

Yes, slightly. The etched surface diffuses light, which reduces glare but also makes text appear softer. Colors look muted compared to a bare screen. This is a deliberate trade-off for improved writing feel.

Is the reMarkable 2 worth it if I already own an iPad?

Only if you value distraction-free writing and eye comfort above all else. For most users, the iPad with Paperlike offers a superior balance of performance and utility. The reMarkable serves a niche audience seeking digital minimalism.

Final Verdict: Is the Writing Experience Actually Better?

“Better” depends on what you mean by the term.

If “better” means more authentic, then yes — the reMarkable 2 offers a closer approximation to pen-on-paper. Its textured screen, silent operation, and lack of visual distractions create a meditative writing atmosphere unmatched by any tablet.

But if “better” means more responsive, accurate, and functional, the iPad with Paperlike wins decisively. The combination of ultra-low latency, flawless palm rejection, and powerful note-taking apps creates a productive, modern writing experience that adapts to your life rather than dictating it.

The reMarkable excels as a single-purpose tool for purists. The iPad with Paperlike is a multi-tool for pragmatists. Neither is objectively superior — they serve different philosophies.

Ultimately, the writing experience isn’t just about friction or latency. It’s about how the tool integrates into your thinking process. Some thrive in silence with minimal feedback; others need instant response and organizational depth. Your ideal device should disappear into the background, letting your ideas flow unimpeded.

Conclusion: Make Your Choice With Confidence

The debate between reMarkable 2 and iPad with Paperlike isn’t about specs — it’s about values. Do you write to think, or to produce? To disconnect, or to connect faster?

There’s no wrong answer. But now you have the insights to make the right one for you. Whether you choose the quiet elegance of e-ink or the dynamic power of iOS, the goal remains the same: to capture ideas with clarity and intention.

💬 Have you switched between these setups? Share your experience below — your insight could help someone make their decision.