Kindle Scribe vs. ReMarkable Paper Pro: I compared both tablets, here's which is better

Nina Raemont/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Amazon announced its new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, a premium writing tablet with a color display. It's thin and light, designed to feel just like writing on paper - similar to the ReMarkable Paper Pro. Prices range from $500 to $679. At its recent fall hardware launch, Amazon showcased its two new e-readers designed for note-taking: the Kindle Scribe and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, solidifying its position in the premium paper tablet market. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is the first full-color note-taking e-reader Kindle and competes against the ReMarkable Paper Pro, a colorized paper tablet and fantastic device in its own right with a stalwart following for its robust feature set and smooth writing experience. Also: Amazon event 2025 updates: Reactions to Echo, Kindle Scribe, Alexa+, Fire TV, more Both the ReMarkable Paper Pro and Amazon's new Scribe Colorsoft aim for the high end of the creative productivity market, with the Scribe Colorsoft starting at $630 and available later this year, and the ReMarkable Paper Pro starting at $675. Neither of these tablets is cheap, so what's the difference between them? Let's examine some of the main features. The writing experience When it comes to pen-to-paper emulation, both tablets succeed in delivering a satisfying writing experience with their own versions of textured glass, premium pencils, backlit displays, and color screens. ZDNET's Nina Raemont recently tested out the 11-inch Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and noted the tablet's smooth texture-molded glass that improves the pen's friction. In addition, the tablet's increased memory (32GB or 64GB) results in zero lag from the pen to the surface, even with rapid movements. Also: I've used a color E Ink for months, and here's how it boosted my productivity The ReMarkable Paper Pro has a slightly larger 11.8-inch display and uses real ink particles held together in chambers that individually control each pixel. It also has a dithered color system that mixes RGBCYM pixels with blacks and whites to create custom colors that are more muted and have a natural palette. The writing experience on the Paper Pro is top-tier, responding to the movement of the stylus in subtle ways that feel realistic and responsive. Both tablets have similar technology for a limited array of colors, utilizing shading and color combinations to provide more options. App integrations Kerry Wan/ZDNET Both tablets have fantastic writing experiences, but it's the app integrations that make them practical. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft syncs with Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive and will feature an AI-powered search (through the cloud). Later this year, Amazon will introduce integrations with Alexa. Obviously, Amazon's tablet also integrates with its vast e-book ecosystem, which makes it the better choice if you're looking for a tablet to mark up all your favorite e-books. Also: I used ReMarkable's new colored E Ink tablet for two weeks - and can't go back to 'real' paper The ReMarkable Paper Pro also features a robust lineup of integrations, including the two previously mentioned and a very important one: Slack. With a few taps, you can send sketches and notes directly to Slack, which is a standout feature for me. Paired with the ReMarkable Connect subscription service, you can get unlimited cloud storage and access to ReMarkable's entire ecosystem of templates, which includes lists, calendars, flowcharts, and storyboarding materials. These thoughtfully designed templates encourage exploration. Which form factor is for you? The ReMarkable Paper Pro Move Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET The previous-gen Kindle Scribe resembled a sheet of notebook paper, with one side of the tablet thicker than the other. The new model opts for a sleeker look, with all four bezels the same size and a stronger magnet for the stylus, which I noted was a little finicky and prone to falling off. Conversely, the ReMarkable Paper Pro is a little more sleek, even though it's slightly thicker and heavier. ReMarkable also has a nice collection of high-quality woven fabric and genuine leather cases that contribute to the device's overall premium aesthetic. Also: I replaced my iPad with this $100 Android tablet - and it was pretty dang close The ReMarkable Paper Pro also comes in a second, more compact form factor: the Paper Pro Go, which is about the size of a notepad -- a unique, 7.7-inch tablet for note takers, journalists, or designers looking for an expressly portable paper tablet. In terms of dimensions, the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is 5.4mm thin and weighs 0.8 pounds (14.1 ounces), while the ReMarkable Paper Pro is 5.1mm thin and weighs 1.16 pounds (18.56 ounces). ZDNET's buying advice Both tablets are comparable when it comes to the premium writing experience. You'll experience no lag and smooth, realistic pen-to-paper and a selection of colors on both. The ReMarkable Paper Pro has a slightly more textured surface, and it's larger -- offering a little more workspace. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft connects with Amazon's ecosystem, making it the better choice for anyone who already has an extensive library and wants to take notes on e-books. The ReMarkable Paper Pro, however, has its own unique ecosystem with templates, an AI-powered search, and seamless integration with Slack. Plus, it comes in two sizes. The ReMarkable's physical form feels a little more premium to me (and it's a little more expensive), which contributes to the overall experience. However, I haven't yet had a chance to test out the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft for an extended amount of time, as it's not released yet. Stay tuned for additional updates.