In 2025, the digital writing tablet market is more vibrant than ever. Two standout options — the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Boox Note Air 4C — represent opposite philosophies. One offers a serene, distraction-free canvas; the other serves as a dynamic Android-powered workstation. Below, we unpack every detail to help you decide which fits your workflow—and your life.
Purpose & Positioning
Who is reMarkable targeting?
The reMarkable Paper Pro is engineered for minimalists who yearn for an analog feel with digital convenience. With its elegant build, matte 11.8-inch Gallery 3 color e-Ink canvas, and virtually no apps or distractions, it’s perfect for deep writing. It’s also great for sketching and focused note-taking. Reviewers highlight its meditative quality and refined surface friction that closely mimics paper.
Who benefits most from the Boox Note Air 4C?
The Boox Note Air 4C is a feature-rich, Android 13 device boasting a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color e-Ink screen, an Octa-core CPU, 6 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. It’s built like a Swiss Army knife: install any app, annotate PDFs, sync files, even browse the web. It’s for users who want both note-taking sophistication and tablet-level versatility.
Design & Build
Both exude premium elegance: metal backs, solid frames, and thoughtful ergonomics.
- reMarkable Paper Pro feels weighty and durable, with soft rubber feet to prevent slipping. Its stylus (“Marker Pro”) is weighted and satisfying — and you get six extra nibs in the box.
- Boox Note Air 4C is slightly lighter and includes standout features like a fingerprint-powered power button. The stylus feels hollow in comparison, and extra nibs are not included.
Display & Writing Experience
Gallery 3 vs Kaleido 3
- reMarkable’s Gallery 3 brings rich color using millions of ink particles. Its goal: authenticity. The writing surface rides on this realistic texture, making it feel incredibly like real paper.
- Boox’s Kaleido 3 offers color e-Ink too, but with faster refresh and adjustable LED front light (Moon Light 2). It’s highly functional in any lighting, and uses Boox’s flicker-free tech.
Color & Frontlight Experience
- reMarkable Paper Pro adds a front-lit layer, enabling well-lit writing in dim environments while retaining eye-friendly glow.
- Boox Note Air 4C offers warmer UI frontlights with color temperature controls, ideal for nighttime reading.
Color accuracy emerges as a contrast: RPP emphasizes true color depth, while Boox prioritizes brightness and usability.
Latency & Writing Friction
Users frequently praise RPP’s stylus feel:
“Writing experience is superb… feels like pen on premium paper” (Reddit).
However, some Boox users find its pen feel more like writing with a Sharpie — but custom nibs and settings can help:
“Writing/drawing experience is the best I’ve had for note-taking” (Reddit).
Performance & Hardware
- reMarkable Paper Pro runs a custom Linux-based OS on 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and 5,030 mAh battery.
- Boox Note Air 4C steps it up. It features an octa-core processor, 6 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. It also boasts an upgraded Android 13, delivering approximately 50% performance boost over the prior model.
Battery: RPP offers up to 3 weeks in distraction-free mode; Boox will vary by usage (LED, apps, etc.), but expect shorter endurance.
Operating System & Ecosystem
- reMarkable OS is lean, distraction-free — perfect for focused journaling. It is limited in export and third-party sync unless you pay for Connect. Options like folder structure or OCR are somewhat constrained .
- Boox Note Air 4C runs full Android 13. You can install apps like Kindle, notebook apps, file sync tools — total freedom, though onboarding takes time.
Note-Taking, Templates & Productivity
Native Tools & Workflow Support
- reMarkable Paper Pro (RPP) focuses on simplicity over options. You get an intuitive note-taking interface with tools like pens, highlighters, shapes, and layers. Switching between notebooks is fluid, and the interface is free from app clutter.
- For brainstorming sessions, RPP excels because you never get sidetracked by notifications or social media. This is the “zen” of the reMarkable experience. It offers a blank canvas with just enough digital tools to be powerful. These tools are never overwhelming.
However, the lack of built-in handwriting search or advanced tagging means organization depends on your manual discipline. You can create notebooks, tag them, and export, but that’s about as far as it goes without a Connect subscription.
- Boox Note Air 4C takes the opposite route: productivity on steroids. The built-in Notes app already offers handwriting-to-text and an infinite canvas. It also includes shape recognition and layers. Additionally, it supports audio recording during note-taking and provides PDF annotation tools.
- Because it runs Android 13, you can add apps like OneNote, Evernote, Notion, or Google Drive for cloud-based collaboration. Need a specific workflow? Install the app and integrate it.
- This flexibility can be overwhelming if you’re coming from a paper mindset. However, it’s a dream for multitaskers and researchers.
Custom Templates & File Handling
- RPP supports adding custom templates, but it’s a bit tedious. You need to connect via USB, load the files, and sometimes adjust resolutions manually. Once added, they work seamlessly.
- Boox lets you drop custom templates directly into folders or download them from the internet — no PC needed. Plus, it supports a huge range of file formats (PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DOCX, PPT, CBR, etc.) right out of the box.
Connectivity & Syncing
Wi-Fi, USB-C, Bluetooth Options
- Both devices use USB-C for charging and data transfer, and both support Wi-Fi. But Boox adds Bluetooth for headphones, keyboards, and even wireless styluses — opening up more creative options.
- RPP has no Bluetooth for audio — this fits its distraction-free ethos, but limits media and accessory integration.
Cloud Services & Third-Party Sync
- reMarkable Paper Pro uses its own Connect cloud service. Free users get limited sync options (mobile and desktop app integration for viewing and exporting notes). Paid Connect unlocks Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive syncing.
- Boox Note Air 4C is wide open — you can use Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or any Android-compatible cloud tool. You can also sideload via USB or OTG, or even share files directly via Bluetooth.
Reading & Multimedia
eBook Support (Format & Apps)
- RPP treats reading as a side feature. You can open PDFs and ePUBs, annotate them, and export. But there’s no store, no font customization for eBooks, and limited format support.
- Boox Note Air 4C is a full-fledged eReader. It supports Kindle, Kobo, PocketBook, and other reading apps. The color e-Ink screen enhances comics, magazines, and textbooks, making it a better fit for mixed media reading.
Audio Features & App Versatility
- Boox supports audiobooks via Audible or Kobo, podcasts, and music streaming (Spotify, YouTube Music). You can plug in headphones via Bluetooth or use a small built-in speaker.
- RPP has no audio hardware at all. It’s purely for silent work.
Real-World User Insights
Remarks from reMarkable Users
Common praise:
- “Best writing feel I’ve ever had.”
- “Makes me focus — no distractions.”
Common complaints:
- “Too expensive for what it does.”
- “Why is basic cloud sync behind a paywall?”
Feedback from Boox Note Air 4C Owners
Common praise:
- “It’s the most versatile e-Ink device I’ve used.”
- “Perfect for academic research and reading.”
Common complaints:
- “Battery life drops quickly with heavy use.”
- “The UI can feel laggy if you install too many apps.”
Pros & Cons Table
| Feature | reMarkable Paper Pro | Boox Note Air 4C |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Feel | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| App Support | Minimal | Extensive |
| Color Display Quality | Rich, Gallery 3 | Brighter, Kaleido 3 |
| Cloud Integration | Paid for full | Free, flexible |
| Battery Life | Longer | Shorter (heavy use) |
| Reading Formats | Limited | Wide range |
| Audio Support | No | Yes |
| Price/Value Ratio | Premium niche | Versatile, value |
Alright — let’s wrap up the reMarkable Paper Pro vs Boox Note Air 4C comparison. We need to finalize the remaining sections. Then, the blog will be complete and ready for publishing.
Price & Value for Money
When investing in a premium e-ink device, you’re not just buying hardware. You’re buying into an ecosystem. You are also buying into a workflow philosophy.
reMarkable Paper Pro
- Price Range (2025): Around $699 USD (stylus and folio sold separately)
- Extras: The Marker Plus stylus adds around $129, and premium folios range from $79–$169.
- Subscription Costs: reMarkable’s Connect subscription ($2.99/month or $29/year) unlocks advanced cloud syncing, unlimited cloud storage, handwriting-to-text conversion, and integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
The value proposition here is minimalism and focus. If you buy into the idea that fewer features = more productivity, the RPP delivers exactly that. However, if you want versatility, you might find yourself wishing for more built-in functions.
Boox Note Air 4C
- Price Range (2025): Around $499–$549 USD (includes stylus, but folio sold separately).
- Extras: Official magnetic cases range from $50–$90, but you can find cheaper third-party options.
- No Subscription Fees: Cloud syncing works out-of-the-box via Google Drive, Dropbox, or any Android-compatible service.
The Boox Note Air 4C offers more functionality for less money. It includes color e-ink, Android apps, audio, and wider format support. This makes it a better value for users who want a device that can do it all. The trade-off is slightly less polish in the writing feel and more potential distractions.
Ideal Buyer Profiles
Who Should Buy the reMarkable Paper Pro?
- Writers, Journalers, and Creatives who want a pure, distraction-free environment.
- Minimalists who appreciate focused design over endless features.
- Pen-and-paper loyalists who want the closest digital equivalent.
- People with long-form note-taking habits rather than multitasking needs.
Who Should Buy the Boox Note Air 4C?
- Students & Researchers who need to annotate textbooks, use multiple formats, and integrate cloud tools.
- Multimedia Readers who enjoy comics, magazines, and color diagrams.
- Professionals who need handwriting-to-text, audio recording, and app-based workflows.
- Tech Enthusiasts who want a flexible, all-in-one e-ink device.
Longevity & Software Updates
- reMarkable pushes firmware updates a few times per year, focusing on stability and subtle improvements to the writing experience. Major feature additions are rare.
- Boox releases updates more frequently, with occasional UI redesigns, added features, and compatibility fixes for third-party apps.
If predictability matters more to you, reMarkable’s slow and steady approach may be appealing. If you want constant feature evolution, Boox leads here.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is one of the most important considerations for e-ink devices.
- RPP: It can last up to 3 weeks with light usage. This is thanks to its monochrome E Ink Gallery 3 display and stripped-down OS. Heavy note-taking may reduce that to 1–2 weeks.
- Boox NA4C: The color Kaleido 3 display and Android OS mean heavier power draw. Expect 1 week with mixed use and 2–3 days if you’re using third-party apps heavily.
Both charge via USB-C. Neither supports wireless charging, but the Boox supports OTG file transfer directly from USB drives.
Stylus & Writing Feel Comparison
The writing experience is where many users make their decision.
- reMarkable Paper Pro’s Marker Plus:
- Feels almost identical to writing with a fine-tip pen on premium paper thanks to the textured screen.
- No charging required — uses passive EMR technology.
- Built-in eraser on the back works seamlessly in the OS.
- Limited shortcut functionality compared to Boox’s stylus.
- Boox Pen Plus / Pen2 Pro:
- Also passive EMR, works without charging.
- Slightly smoother writing surface due to the less gritty screen texture.
- Supports customizable gestures, like double-tapping for quick tools (Pen2 Pro).
- No built-in eraser in the Pen Plus; Pen2 Pro adds it.
Eye Comfort & Lighting
Technology
- RPP: Uses a monochrome E Ink Gallery 3 display, which reduces eye strain significantly. Adjustable front light (warm & cool) helps with night reading. However, the lack of a color display results in less eye fatigue for text-heavy work.
- Boox NA4C: Uses Kaleido 3 color e-ink — excellent for graphics, comics, and annotations. Adjustable warm/cool front light. Slightly less crisp for pure black-and-white text compared to RPP.
Verdict: If your work is 90% text, RPP is easier on the eyes. However, if you read color-rich content, Boox takes the lead.
Software Learning Curve
- RPP: Extremely easy to learn — most users master the interface within minutes. Almost no settings to tweak.
- Boox: It is more like learning a tablet. You have settings, apps, gestures, and cloud accounts. It’s more to set up, but offers more flexibility long-term.
Verdict: RPP wins for beginners; Boox wins for tech-savvy power users.
Final Verdict
If we strip away brand loyalty and focus purely on what each device does best, the choice becomes clearer:
- Choose the reMarkable Paper Pro if you want the purest digital paper feel on the market. It features an elegantly minimal interface. There is no temptation to install distractions. It’s a premium writing tablet — nothing more, nothing less.
- Choose the Boox Note Air 4C if you want color e-ink versatility. It offers the freedom to run any Android app. It also provides better PDF handling, audiobook support, and a lower price point.
In other words:
- RPP = Creative Zen Garden
- Boox = Swiss Army Knife of e-ink devices
Verdict: RPP wins on raw writing feel; Boox wins on stylus customization.
Also Read: Boox Go Color 7 vs Kobo Libra Colour: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
FAQs
Q1: Which has better writing latency, the Paper Pro or Note Air 4C?
A: The reMarkable Paper Pro feels slightly more paper-like. The Boox NA4C’s latency is also excellent. This is especially true with its stylus calibration.
Q2: Can both devices read Kindle books?
A: The Boox NA4C can (via Kindle app); the Paper Pro cannot.
Q3: Which one is better for students?
A: The Boox NA4C is better for academic work because of its format flexibility, PDF tools, and app integration.
Q4: Do either of them have backlighting?
A: Yes — both have adjustable front lights, but the Boox has color temperature control.
Q5: Which one will last longer on a single charge?
A: The Paper Pro generally lasts longer due to its simpler OS and monochrome-focused display.
