If you‘re looking to go paperless with note taking, two excellent options to consider are the reMarkable 2 and Rocketbook. But which digital device best fits your needs and budget? This comprehensive comparison examines all the key factors to help you decide.
An Overview of reMarkable and Rocketbook
First, what are these products and how do they work?
The reMarkable 2 is a high-end tablet with a 10.3” canvas display designed to mimic paper. It comes with a marker and stylus to write directly on the screen. Notes sync via Wi-Fi and are stored in the cloud.
Rocketbook, on the other hand, is a reusable dot-grid notebook. You write using a Pilot FriXion pen, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. The Rocketbook app scans and digitizes notes to the cloud.
Both save paper and make handwritten notes searchable and shareable. But beyond that, there are some significant differences.
Key Feature Comparison
Here’s an at-a-glance feature comparison before we dive into the details:
| Feature | reMarkable 2 | Rocketbook |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.3” mono E Ink | 8.5” x 11” dot grid notebook pages |
| Stylus | Marker Plus stylus with 4096 pressure levels | Pilot FriXion pen |
| Cloud Sync | Wi-Fi auto sync to reMarkable cloud | Scan via app to Google Drive, Dropbox, etc |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks | N/A |
| Template Types | Notebooks, dot grid, lined, graph, etc | Dot grid notebook only |
| Search Handwriting | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $499 | $32 for notebook |
Display: Writing Experience is Lifelike on reMarkable
The reMarkable 2’s canvas display is designed to recreate the feel of writing on paper. The E Ink display provides zero lag or latency, avoiding the slippery writing sensation some tablets have.
With 4096 pressure levels, its Marker Plus stylus responds precisely to your writing pressure. Tilt functionality detects the stylus angle, allowing shading like the side of a pencil.
As user Victoria explained, “It feels exactly like writing on paper with a pen. I can rest my hand on the screen and everything."
In contrast, Rocketbook relies on traditional notebook paper and a smooth writing Pilot FriXion pen. While satisfying for pen-to-paper fans, it lacks the dynamic experience of reMarkable’s pressure sensitivity.
Winner: reMarkable 2
Tools: reMarkable 2 Has More Writing and Note Taking Features
reMarkable 2 comes equipped with a range of helpful note taking tools:
- Highlighters in 8 colors
- Eraser to remove writing strokes
- Lasso for selecting sections to move
- Eyedropper to grab colors
- Undo button
- Customizable pen thickness and opacity
Add in planner templates, quick switching between tools, and a clever floating menu, and reMarkable 2 simplifies note organization.
Rocketbook, on the other hand, relies solely on the abilities of the FriXion pen and notebook. While you can erase mistakes, advanced tools don’t exist.
Winner: reMarkable 2
File Organization: Both Offer Searchable Notes
Organization is key for digital notes. Thankfully, both options make handwritten notes searchable using AI handwriting recognition.
On reMarkable 2, notes are organized in digital notebooks you customize with names and colors. A Quick Menu offers one-tap access to notebooks. Search handwriting, keywords, and tags to instantly find notes.
Rocketbook has you organize notes by scanning notebooks into different cloud folders. An OCCR text recognition feature reads handwriting for search.
Users mention frustration with Rocketbook‘s dependence on the phone app for organization versus reMarkable‘s built-in system.
Winner: Toss up
Cloud Sync and Sharing: reMarkable 2 Has Smoother Syncing
Syncing notes to the cloud allows access across devices.
reMarkable 2 has built-in Wi-Fi that effortlessly syncs notes to its cloud service. Share notebooks with other reMarkable users or export as PDFs. The web dashboard enables browsing notes.
With Rocketbook, you must manually scan each page using the mobile app to save to the cloud. Reviewing notes requires downloading to the app.
One Rocketbook user complained of frustrating delays if you fall behind on scanning. reMarkable 2‘s live sync is more seamless.
Winner: reMarkable 2
Portability: Rocketbook is More Portable
If you‘re always on the go, portability matters. At 7.5 by 4.7 by 0.27 inches and 14.2 ounces, the reMarkable 2 tablet is perfectly portable. But Rocketbook‘s slim 6 x 8 inch notebook is even lighter at 5.6 ounces.
Rocketbook is also more discreet for use in meetings or classes. However, reMarkable 2‘s bezel provides a solid grip vs. Rocketbook‘s soft cover.
Winner: Rocketbook
Durability: Rocketbook Pages Can Take More Abuse
Durability is vital for devices we write on. The reMarkable 2 has a sturdy metal-and-plastic frame. But active note takers may experience screen scratches after a year or so.
Rocketbook‘s synthetic pages stand up extremely well to weekly wiping and erasing. Even pen marks outside the lines get cleared. The binding is reinforced for continued use.
Winner: Rocketbook
Template Options: reMarkable 2 Offers More Variety
reMarkable offers a wide selection of note taking templates:
- Blank
- College ruled
- Dot grid
- Graph paper
- Storyboard
- Checklist
- Music sheet
- Planner
It’s easy to add templates through the web dashboard. You can also import PDFs or create custom templates.
Rocketbook only has dot grid paper available. For basic notes it works well, but it limits other applications.
Winner: reMarkable 2
Ease of Use: reMarkable 2 Has Shorter Learning Curve
While both devices have a learning curve, reMarkable 2 is more intuitive right out of the box. Its iOS-like interface will feel familiar to many users. Settings allow high customization for preferences.
With Rocketbook, you must learn the intricacies of working with the mobile app. The dependence on scanning pages to see notes can be cumbersome compared to reMarkable‘s instant sync.
Winner: reMarkable 2
Battery Life: reMarkable 2 Lasts 1-2 Weeks
One significant advantage of reMarkable 2 is long battery life, lasting an estimated 1-2 weeks with average use. So it‘s always ready when inspiration strikes.
Rocketbook relies on battery power only for the mobile app. But regularly scanning and exporting notes can drain your phone.
Winner: reMarkable 2
Cost: Rocketbook is More Affordable
The biggest disadvantage of reMarkable 2 is its high $499 price tag. Budget-focused users may struggle justifying the cost.
Rocketbook costs just $32 for a notebook. Refill packs run $9-$12. At 1/10th the price, Rocketbook is far cheaper to trial digital note taking.
Winner: Rocketbook
Support: reMarkable 2 Has Advantage in Support Resources
Considering the price, purchasing support is important. reMarkable 2 offers priority email support and live chat for $2.99/month. There is also an extensive online knowledge base.
Rocketbook currently only provides email support for troubleshooting issues. Response times appear slower based on reviews. Their FAQ database has useful information.
Winner: reMarkable 2
The Verdict: Which Device is Right for You?
With a comprehensive look at their features and trade-offs, which device wins out?
For aNatural Handwriting Experience: reMarkable 2
If an ultra-realistic writing experience is important, reMarkable 2 easily wins out. The zero latency canvas display and pressure sensitive stylus provide an unmatchable sensation of writing on paper. The extensive tools for shading, highlighting, and editing further enhance the experience for artists, note takers, and creatives.
For Affordability and Portability: Rocketbook
If budget or portability are priorities, Rocketbook has the edge. At 1/10th the cost, it‘s fantastic for testing digital note taking at low risk. The traditional notebook form factor slips easily into bags and pockets. And the indestructible pages mean it will last for years of daily use.
For Business Users: reMarkable 2
For business settings like meetings or conferences, reMarkable 2 has advantages. The large screen provides ample writing space to brainstorm ideas while collaborating. Extensive cloud storage and easy PDF exporting make it easy to share notes with teams. And the device itself looks professional for client presentations.
For Casual Use: Rocketbook
If you just want to digitize your grocery lists, recipes, or occasional notes, Rocketbook is the obvious choice. At $32, it can pay for itself in paper savings after just a couple months. And there‘s no charging or connectivity frustrations – just snap a photo and upload to the cloud.
The Bottom Line
While the premium reMarkable 2 leads in features and writing experience, the affordability and portability of Rocketbook are big advantages. Consider your specific needs in display quality, tools, syncing, and cost. But either device can make converting to digital note taking rewarding.
We hope this detailed reMarkable 2 vs Rocketbook comparison helps you select the right paperless note taking solution for your needs. Let us know if you have any other questions!