If you’re looking for an e-ink device specifically for planning — not just reading or casual note-taking — you’ve probably narrowed it down to three options: Onyx Boox, Kindle Scribe, and reMarkable 2.
All three have stylus input, e-ink screens, and long battery life. But they’re very different devices when it comes to actually using them as a planning tool. What works for reading a novel doesn’t necessarily work for managing your business week.
This guide compares all three from a planning perspective — not specs and benchmarks, but the things that actually matter when you’re trying to stay organised and get things done.
Quick Overview
Before we go deep, here’s the headline summary:
Onyx Boox — the most flexible. Runs Android, supports any PDF reader, handles hyperlinked planners well. Best for people who want options and customisation.
Kindle Scribe — the simplest. Great writing feel, easy setup, but limited app support and weaker hyperlink handling. Best for people who want basic planning without complexity.
reMarkable 2 — the best writing experience. Closest to paper feel, beautiful hardware, but the most closed ecosystem. Best for people who prioritise handwriting above everything else.
Writing Feel
This matters more than most people expect. If the writing feels wrong, you won’t use the device.
reMarkable 2 wins here. The screen texture and stylus combination feel remarkably close to writing on paper. There’s a slight resistance that makes handwriting feel natural and controlled. If you’re coming from a paper planner, this is the easiest transition.
Kindle Scribe is very good. The writing feel is smooth and responsive, and Amazon’s stylus is well-designed. It’s slightly slicker than the reMarkable but still comfortable for extended writing sessions.
Onyx Boox varies by model. Higher-end models (Note Air series) have excellent writing feel with their latest screen technology. Budget models feel less refined. Overall it’s good but not quite as natural as reMarkable.
Hyperlink and PDF Support
This is where planning-specific differences become critical. A hyperlinked PDF planner needs clickable tabs that jump between sections — monthly, weekly, daily, goals, reviews. Without working hyperlinks, you’re scrolling through hundreds of pages manually.
Onyx Boox handles this best. NeoReader (the built-in PDF app) supports hyperlinks natively and reliably. You can also install third-party PDF readers from the Play Store if you prefer alternatives. This flexibility is a major advantage for planner users.
Kindle Scribe has improved its PDF support over time, but hyperlink handling is still inconsistent. Some planners work, others don’t. There’s no way to install alternative PDF readers, so you’re stuck with what Amazon provides. This is the Kindle Scribe’s biggest weakness for planning.
reMarkable 2 supports hyperlinked PDFs and handles them reasonably well. Navigation works, tabs are clickable, and the experience is smooth. It’s not as flexible as Onyx Boox (no third-party apps), but for a dedicated planner it works reliably.
App Ecosystem
Onyx Boox runs Android, which means you can install apps from the Google Play Store. This includes cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), email apps, web browsers, and even some productivity tools. The downside is that most Android apps aren’t optimised for e-ink, so they can feel sluggish. But having the option is valuable.
Kindle Scribe is a closed ecosystem. You get Amazon’s built-in tools and that’s it. No Play Store, no third-party apps. This keeps things simple but limits what you can do beyond reading and basic writing.
reMarkable 2 is also closed. There’s a built-in notebook, PDF reader, and cloud sync. No app store, no browser, no extras. This is intentional — it’s designed to be distraction-free. For planning, this is either a strength or a limitation depending on your needs.
Distraction-Free Planning
All three devices are significantly better than an iPad or laptop for focused planning. No notifications, no social media, no email pinging. That’s the whole point of e-ink.
reMarkable 2 is the most distraction-free because there’s literally nothing else you can do on it. Open your planner, write, close it. No temptation.
Kindle Scribe is close — there’s a book store but no web browser or apps to distract you.
Onyx Boox is the least distraction-free of the three because it runs Android. You could install social media apps if you wanted to. But if you have the discipline to not do that, the planning experience is excellent. The flexibility is an advantage as long as you don’t abuse it.
Battery Life
All three last days to weeks on a single charge depending on usage. This is one of the key advantages of e-ink over tablets — you never need to worry about charging before a planning session. There’s no meaningful difference between the three for practical purposes.
Price
Kindle Scribe is the most affordable entry point, typically starting around £280–330.
reMarkable 2 sits in the middle at around £350–400 depending on accessories.
Onyx Boox has the widest range. Budget models start around £180 but the planning-suitable models (10”+ screens) are typically £400–550.
Which Device Is Best for Business Planning?
There’s no single right answer — it depends on what matters most to you:
Choose Onyx Boox if: you want the most flexibility, reliable hyperlink support, and the option to use third-party apps. This is the best all-round choice for someone who wants a proper planning system with a hyperlinked PDF planner.
Choose Kindle Scribe if: you want simplicity and you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem. Good for basic planning, but the inconsistent hyperlink support can be frustrating with more complex planners.
Choose reMarkable 2 if: writing feel is your top priority and you want the most distraction-free experience possible. Hyperlink support works but the closed ecosystem means less flexibility.
Whichever device you choose, the most important thing is having a planner that’s designed for e-ink. We’ve created device-specific versions of the MY PA Digital Business Planner for Onyx Boox, Kindle Scribe, and reMarkable 2 — each optimised for that device’s screen and navigation.
Setting Up Your Device for Planning
Once you’ve chosen your device, the setup process is straightforward. We’ve written step-by-step guides for each:
How to use Onyx Boox for business planning — full setup, planner installation, and weekly workflow
How to upload a planner to Kindle Scribe — step-by-step transfer guide
How to upload a planner to reMarkable 2 — step-by-step transfer guide
The Device Matters Less Than the System
All three of these devices will work for planning. The difference between someone who plans effectively and someone who doesn’t isn’t the hardware — it’s whether they have a system and use it consistently.
Pick the device that fits your budget and preferences. Get a planner designed for it. Build a weekly rhythm. That’s what actually moves your business forward.
For a full guide on building that system, read how to use Onyx Boox for business planning — the workflow applies to any e-ink device.
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