reMarkable vs Boox - Full Comparison
reMarkable versus Boox is a clash of philosophies more than hardware. reMarkable believes a device should do one thing perfectly and leave you alone; Boox believes a device should do everything and let you tinker. One is a focused paper notebook, the other an open Android tablet in e-ink clothing. Deciding between them is really deciding what kind of person you are: the minimalist, or the maximalist.
| reMarkable 2 | Boox Go 10.3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 10.3" | 10.3" |
| PPI | 226 | 300 |
| Colour | No | No |
| Frontlight | No | No |
| Waterproof | No | No |
| Stylus | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 8 GB | 64 GB |
| Weight | 403 g | 375 g |
| Price | $379 | $379 |
| Check price | Check price |
Quick Verdict
Choose reMarkable if you want the best writing feel and a distraction-free tool that does notes and nothing else. Choose Boox if you want one device that writes, reads from every store, browses, runs apps and handles colour. reMarkable is the better instrument; Boox is the better all-rounder. Your answer depends on whether you crave focus or flexibility.
Openness vs Focus
This is the whole comparison. Boox runs open Android, so you can install Kindle, Kobo, Libby, a browser and any note app, reading and working from any source. reMarkable has no app store, no browser and no distractions, on purpose.
If you have ever been frustrated by a locked-down device, Boox is liberating. If you find yourself distracted by everything a tablet can do, reMarkable's discipline is the feature.
Writing, Reading and Colour
reMarkable has the better pen feel and cleaner note software. Boox is close on writing and adds things reMarkable cannot match: colour models, far better ebook and PDF reading through real apps, and audio. reMarkable counters with a frontlight-free, focused calm that colour and Android cannot replicate.
For pure writing, reMarkable. For reading plus writing plus colour in one device, Boox.
Price, Battery and Which to Choose
Boox devices span a wide range of prices and often do more for the money, though running Android costs battery, measured in days rather than weeks. reMarkable is premium, sometimes needs the Connect subscription, but its focused simplicity is the draw.
Minimalist who wants the best writing tool: reMarkable. Maximalist who wants one do-everything e-ink device and enjoys tinkering: Boox. There is no universally better choice here, only the one that matches how you like to work.
Frequently asked
Is reMarkable or Boox better?
Neither is simply better; they are built for opposite people. reMarkable is the better focused writing tool with a superior pen feel. Boox is the better flexible all-rounder, with open Android, colour and real reading apps.
Can Boox run reading apps like Kindle?
Yes. Boox runs open Android, so you can install Kindle, Kobo, Libby and any other app. reMarkable cannot; it has no app store and is deliberately closed.
Which has the better writing feel?
The reMarkable, slightly, along with cleaner note software. Boox writing is very good too, but reMarkable still sets the standard for pen-on-paper feel and focus.
Which has better battery life?
The reMarkable, comfortably. Its focused, non-Android design lasts a week or two, while Boox devices running Android with a frontlight and apps typically last days.