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reMarkable reMarkable 2 E Reader

reMarkable reMarkable 2 E Reader

By reMarkable · E Readers · Desk & Streaming Setup

  • 10.3" monochrome digital paper display, 1872 x 1404 (226 PPI)
  • 1.2 GHz dual core ARM processor
  • 1 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM, 8 GB internal storage
  • 3000 mAh battery, up to 2 weeks
  • 187 x 246 x 4.7 mm, ~403.5 g

Price not listed

New
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Used, refurbished, open-box

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Problems, parts and running costs

Summary

Check your lighting before you buy: it has no built-in frontlight or backlight, so reading in bed requires an external lamp.

Strengths

  • Pressure-sensitive writing with low latency and paper-like feel, praised by independent reviewers.
  • Free core functionality works without a subscription; only cloud features require Connect.
  • Extremely thin 4.7mm metal-and-glass body makes it portable despite the 403.5g weight.
  • Linux-based OS focuses on distraction-free note-taking without social media or app notifications.
  • Company continues software updates for discontinued hardware with no announced end date.

Weaknesses

  • No built-in frontlight or backlight means external lighting is required for reading in dim conditions.
  • Battery runtime can vary dramatically, with owners reporting anywhere from weeks to less than a day of use.
  • EPUB reading lacks built-in bookstore and dictionary features found in dedicated e-readers.
  • Handwriting-to-text transcription is imperfect and requires manual correction of errors.
  • Documents not synced within the last 50 days may be removed from cloud storage without Connect.
  • Disposable pen tips wear out every 3–7 weeks for daily writers, adding ongoing replacement costs.

Verified specifications

Display10.3-inch monochrome Canvas screen, 1872 × 1404 at 226ppi, with paper-textured surface and 4,096 pressure levels.
Dimensions188 × 246 × 4.7mm, about 403.5g.
Processor1.2GHz dual-core ARM, 1GB LPDDR3 RAM, 8GB built-in storage (approximately 6.5GB usable).
BatteryBuilt-in 3,000mAh lithium-ion, USB-C charging, manufacturer claims up to two weeks on a charge.
Connectivity2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 Type-C port, magnetic accessory connector.
File formatsPDF and EPUB import, PDF, PNG, SVG export.
PensCompatible reMarkable 2 Marker ($79) and Marker Plus ($129), each with nine spare tips.
Full research notes and sources

Writing experience and battery

The reMarkable 2’s main advantage is its paper-like writing experience. Independent reviewers like Tom’s Guide and WIRED have praised the low-latency pressure-sensitive pen and natural feel for handwritten notes. The 10.3-inch screen with 226ppi resolution provides ample space for documents and sketches, though the lack of color means photo-heavy PDFs and color-coded materials are not ideal.

Battery life is highly variable. The manufacturer claims up to two weeks on a charge, but real-world reports show wide variation. Some owners with four-year-old units still get weeks of use, while others report battery dropping from 100% to under 10% during less than four hours of use. Charging requires patience—manufacturer recommends a 5V/1.5A charger, and some owners have found that higher-wattage chargers don’t work for units that won’t start.

Cloud features and costs

Core writing and document storage work without a subscription. The optional Connect subscription costs $3.99/month or $39.90/year and provides unlimited cloud storage, handwriting search, cross-device editing, and integrations. Without Connect, only documents synced within the last 50 days remain in cloud storage, though local documents always work.

The subscription model changes the value proposition. For a single device, three years of Connect at annual pricing plus a $349 refurbished bundle comes to $468.70, before consumables and tax. One subscription covers all compatible devices in a household, so the math improves in a multi-device home.

Parts and running costs

Consumable costs add up for daily users. Manufacturer estimates pen tips last 3–7 weeks for daily writing, translating to 8–18 tips per year. A 25-pack costs $39 at Staples, about $1.56 per tip, so annual replacement costs range from $12.48 to $28.08 depending on writing pressure and frequency.

Electricity costs are minimal. Assuming a 3,000mAh battery at 3.7V (11.1Wh), with 75% charging efficiency and 52 cycles per year, electricity costs about $0.15 annually. A complete first-year cost with Connect and nib replacements ranges from $52.53 to $68.13, excluding the initial device purchase.

Is it worth it?

At $200 or less for a used unit with working pen, the reMarkable 2 is attractive for dedicated note-takers who prefer handwriting. Between $201–$275 it’s reasonable only with low wear and protective case. Above $276, official refurbished bundles ($349–$499) become better value than random used units.

The discontinued status changes the calculus. The new reMarkable Paper Pure costs $399 with a compatible included pen, has 32GB storage instead of 8GB, and longer battery life. Unless you specifically need compatibility with reMarkable 2 accessories like the Type Folio, the Paper Pure is usually the better new purchase.

Which model this is

This page covers the 2020-generation reMarkable 2, hardware model not specified in sources. It is not the 2024 color reMarkable Paper Pro or the 2026 reMarkable Paper Pure. The manufacturer discontinued reMarkable 2 hardware sales in 2026 but continues software support. Pen accessories are not compatible across generations—reMarkable 2 Markers do not work with Paper Pro/Pure devices.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Parts and stores:

Buying guides for this category

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