7+ Best Digital Notepads [New 2023]

Digital notepads are becoming increasingly popular devices as they offer a number of advantages over traditional paper notepads. They are more portable, take up less space, and can be easily edited and shared.

Additionally, many digital notepads offer features that paper notepads simply can’t match, such as the ability to add multimedia content and collaborate with others in real time.

Is handwriting becoming obsolete?

The old adage “written words are better than pictures” holds true for many people.

Although modern technology has made it easier to share ideas and thoughts with others, there will always be those who want to stick with the old-fashioned way of writing by hand.

The science

There’s actually research showing how pen-to-paper helps improve cognitive skills like memory formation as well as mental health by providing a more continuous flow of information throughout our day.

Which can ultimately make life seem less hectic overall (and maybe help you stay organized).

Fast Company published an article about the psychological benefits of writing by hand.

It reported a study in the Journal Frontiers in Psychology, which found that regions of the brain that are associated with learning are more active when we complete a task by hand than when it’s completed on a keyboard device.

The article also mentioned an earlier study by Mueller and Oppenheimer that found students who use laptops to write down notes only focus on writing what their professor said word by word.

On the other hand, those who wrote their notes by hand were more likely to listen and analyze them for important content.

The point concludes that when students were asked conceptual questions about the lecture, those “who had taken notes by hand were better able to answer than those who had typed their notes on a device.”

Nevertheless, our technology seems to replace handwriting with typing, and those who love writing by hand are torn between the familiarity of handwriting and the convenience offered by technology.

But despite the speculation that technology could make handwriting obsolete, it is still possible for technology to actually promote handwriting and, more importantly, how we record and share ideas.

Making the switch to digital notepads

In today’s world, writing is no longer limited to paper.

With the trend toward note taking devices and the popularity of tablets, laptops, and smartphones (have you heard of smart business cards yet?), many people are choosing to use digital notebooks.

Of course, there are a number of benefits to using smart notebooks; they are more portable, take up less space, and are ultra-efficient.

You can find and share your notes with a click of a button!

On the go? The convenience of having all your information in one place without being weighed down by bulky notebooks or folders is invaluable.

Most importantly, if you lose your device, you won’t have to worry about losing all of your important files.

Taking notes when collaborating in-person

As a bonus, I have learned that people generally prefer handwritten notes over typed notes when working in person.

There’s something to be said about handwritten notes that shows the other person, particularly in presentations and 1-1 meetings, that you are paying attention.

What to consider when buying a digital notepad 

When you’re looking for a digital notepad, you should keep a few things in mind.

Price

The price of an electronic notepad can vary greatly, from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

One of the most important things to consider is how much you’re willing to spend on a digital notepad.

Do you need all the bells and whistles, or are you looking for something more basic? 

Storage capacity

Another thing to keep in mind is storage capacity.

How much space do you need to store your files? 

Are you jotting down quick notes, or do you want to use it for anything else work or school-related (i.e. email, photos, videos, web browsing, software)?

Type of digital notepad

There are two main types of electric notepads: those that use an electronic paper display (EPD) and those that use a liquid crystal display (LCD).

EPDs mimic the look and feel of paper, while an LCD writing tablet will offer a backlit screen that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions. 

Size and weight

When it comes to digital notebooks, size and weight are important considerations.

Do you need an electronic notepad that’s small enough to fit in a handbag or cramped spaces (like a plane) or something larger that offers more screen real estate?

Do you typically jot down notes on a letter-sized notebook or a small sticky note?

Are you on the go? If you carry a smart writing pad around with you all day, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to carry. 

The best digital notebook for you might just be the lightest!

Connectivity

Another thing to consider is how you’ll be connecting to your smart notebook.

Some digital notepads come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, while others require a physical connection to your computer. 

Battery life

When choosing a digital notebook, it’s important to consider battery life.

Some smart notebooks can last for weeks on a single charge, while others need to be recharged daily. 

7 Best Digital Notepads in 2023 

Holding an important meeting or note?

The best digital notebook is a modern-day staple for any note-taker.

It’s simple and easy to use, so you’ll be able to get back on track with your work in no time!

1) iPad Pro

As the best digital notebook in general and the best for business, the iPad Pro has many features like apple notes that make it stand out. It has a large 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which is perfect for writing or sketching.

It also comes with the Apple Pencil, which offers a natural and precise note taking writing experience. The iPad Pro also features built-in Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, so you can always stay connected and works beautifully with synced devices.

One downside of the iPad Pro is its price. If you are on a budget, this is one of the most expensive digital notepads on the market.

But if you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich smart notebook with a computer screen feel, the iPad Pro is the best option. Order on Amazon, and you could even get one of these electronic notebooks in your hands today.

Psst.. make sure you get the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.

It’s totally worth it.

I use this every day.

Want something even lighter? Check out the iPad Air.

GoodNotes on iPad

This app is the best note-taking app for iPad.

It allows you to take handwritten notes and organize them into folders. You can also add images, PDFs, and audio files to your notes. One of the best features of GoodNotes is that you can convert your note taking writing to text.

Bluetooth keyboard

Of course, if you need a keyboard, you can grab the widely-loved magic keyboard.

Then, you can quickly switch between typing and handwriting with your pencil.

2) Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook (now Core)

The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook tablet is a 36-page, eco-friendly smart notebook that uses Pilot FriXion pens and erases with a damp cloth.

Within 15 seconds, ink from any Pilot Frixion pen, marker, or highlighter will dry and bond our Rocketbook’s specialized pages.

This notebook comes in dot, grid, and blank templates and offers a variety of covers and accessories. The Rocketbook is consistently rated as one of the best digital notepads.

One downside of the Rocketbook tablet is that it requires special paper, which can be a hassle to buy (stick with Amazon and look for a discount).

However, you will get plenty of uses out of the 36 pages that are included. According to the manufacturer, the pages are reusable, but only for a limited time – around 5-20 uses.

The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook is a great option for those looking for a digital notepad that’s reusable.

Do you want the feel of writing on paper but the convenience of a digital notebook? When it comes to best digital notepads, reviewers have said the Rocketbook strikes the perfect balance!

3) Moleskine Notes App Pen+ Smart Writing Set 

The Moleskine Notes App Pen+ Smart Writing Set is a digital notebook that uses Ncoded technology to capture and store your written notes digitally.

The Moleskine notes app digital notebook comes with a special pen that automatically syncs your notes with the Moleskine Notes app.

You can also use the Moleskin Notes app to organize, edit, and share your notes. The notebook is available in dot grid, lined, or blank templates.

One downside of the Moleskine Pen+ is that it doesn’t come with an eraser; if you make a mistake, you’ll have to start over on a new page.

Additionally, you will need ink refills for the refillable ballpoint pen, but you can use any type of ballpoint pen refill.

The Moleskine Pen+ is a great digital notebook for those who want the convenience of digital storage but still want to write with pen and paper.

You can think of it as an e ink slate or e notebook to take notes.

4) Wacom Bamboo Slate Smartpad 

Meet the electronic notepad that lets you capture your ideas naturally.

There’s no need for a stylus or digital tablet when you’ve got a pen and paper. With Bamboo Folio, you can turn your written notes into digital files that are easy to share.

Just touch a button, and your work is saved. Whether you’re a creative hobbyist or a professional who needs a bigger digital canvas (that looks like a computer screen), the Wacom Bamboo Folio is the perfect tool for turning your ideas into digital reality.

So go ahead and let your creativity flow. Wacom Bamboo Folio drawing tablet will be there to capture it all.

5) Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Notebook

The Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Notebook is an electronic writing pad that uses Boogie Board’s patented Liquid Crystal technology.

This technology offers a natural writing experience with a pen and a bright and durable screen. The Blackboard smart tablet is available in dot, grid, and blank templates and features quick clear-erase technology.

However, one downside of the boogie board is that the background is dark.

The Boogie Board Blackboard e-notebook is a remarkable paper tablet option for those looking for smart notebooks that provide an actual paper-like writing experience with a pen when taking notes.

Are you an avid sticky note user at work? Product reviewers have noted the boogie board writing tablet is the perfect alternative!

6) Repaper xLite Tablet

Although some people find it more efficient to write their notes on a digital device, others still prefer good old-fashioned 8.5 x 11 real paper and pen over tech to take notes.

Some may call this more of a writing slate.

Repaper xLite Tablet is the solution!

Grab your favorite pen, slide Repaper Ring, attach a sheet of paper to your writing pad, and you’re good to go!

7) Sony DPT-CP1/B Digital Paper Tablet

The Sony digital paper tablet is thin, lightweight, and only 8.5 oz.

The low-glare, high-contrast display is easy on the eyes for long-term comfort while reading.

A paper-like texture offers precise writing for annotating documents with a pen.

Digital Writing Pads – FAQ

What are the best digital writing pads?

The best digital writing pads are the ones that best suit your needs. Consider factors such as app connectivity, battery life, budget and price when choosing an electronic notebook. Our pick is the iPad Pro.

What is the best digital note-taking device?

The best digital notebooks include the IPad Pro, Rocketbook Smart Notebook, Moleskine Writing Set, and more electronic notebooks from the list.

Which company writing pad is the best?

Some of the best digital devoces come from companies including Apple, Boogie Board, Moleskine, and Wacom. When purchasing a digital notepad online, be sure to check the shipping options and estimated delivery times to ensure you receive your device when you need it.

Which digital notepad is best?

If you’re looking for a digital writing pad with a natural writing experience, the Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Notebook is a great option. If you want the convenience of digital storage with the feel of writing on paper with pen, the Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set app is a great choice. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich writing pad, the iPad Pro is the best option.

Which is the best digital writing pad for business?

The best digital notepad for business is the iPad Pro. It has a large 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, built-in Wi-Fi, and LTE connectivity. Add the Apple Pencil for a natural and precise pen writing experience.

Which is the best digital notebook in 2022?

The overall best notebook of 2022 is the iPad Pro with Good Notes. However, Rocketbook is the best value. Some digital notepads come equipped with a canvas display that provides a paper-like feel when writing, making them a popular choice for artists and designers looking for a digital alternative to traditional sketchbooks.

Are digital notes secure?

Digital notes are as secure as the platform they’re used on. For example, the iPad Pro mobile device uses Apple’s iCloud service to store data, which is encrypted and secure.

Users should always use notebooks on secure and trusted platforms to protect their data.

Which is the best digital paper tablet for good notes?

The best digital notebook for Goodnotes is the iPad Pro. It has a large 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, built-in Wi-Fi, and LTE connectivity, and comes with the Apple Pencil for a natural and precise writing experience. Digital notepads can be a game-changer for taking class notes, as they allow for easy organization, searching, and editing of notes, making studying and reviewing a breeze.

Is the Pilot Frixion pen worth the hype?

The Frixion pen is a popular pen for notebooks because it doesn’t require batteries, is comfortable to hold, and has a Fine tip for note taking.

FriXion ink “erases” due to Pilot’s exclusive thermo-sensitive ink technology. If you need to make corrections in your digital writing pad notebook, simply “Frixion-It” by rubbing with the FriXion eraser tip as if using a regular pencil eraser. When rubbing, the pen ink heats up to over 140°F and becomes invisible.

Comparing Dropbox and Evernote: Which Digital Tool is Best for You?

Dropbox and Evernote are two popular digital tools that offer unique features for organizing and storing information. Dropbox is primarily a file hosting service that allows users to store and share files with others.

It is especially useful for teams working on collaborative projects as it allows for real-time editing and commenting.

On the other hand, Evernote is a note-taking app that allows users to capture and organize notes, images, and other content. It is particularly useful for individuals looking to keep their thoughts and ideas organized across multiple devices.

Both tools offer powerful ways to stay organized and productive, but their strengths lie in different areas. Ultimately, the choice between Dropbox and Evernote will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

My Final Thoughts on Digital Notepads 

Digital notepads are a great way to write notes, record notes, save paper, save space, and have your files with you at all times.

When choosing a digital paper tablet, it’s important to consider buying choices, including budget and price, storage capacity, type of electronic notebook, e ink, size and weight, connectivity, app and cloud services and battery life. 

With evolving technology, digital devices show promising innovations that will benefit entrepreneurs, writers, artists, teachers, students, and office workers into the future.

Digital Notepad Reviews – My Conclusion

In conclusion, digital notepads have emerged as game-changing tool for professionals and students alike. The benefits they offer are numerous and undeniable.

From their portability and space-saving capabilities to their ease of editing and sharing, they provide a level of convenience that traditional paper notepads cannot match.

Moreover, with features such as multimedia content and real-time collaboration, digital devices are revolutionizing the way we take notes and work together.

Digital notepads are especially beneficial in today’s increasingly remote and digital world. With more people working and studying from home than ever before, these provide a way to stay organized and on top of tasks, even when you’re not in the same physical space as your colleagues or classmates.

While there may still be some who prefer the tactile experience of writing on paper, the advantages of digital notepads are hard to ignore. They are powerful tools that can help you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of smart notepads. So why not give them a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?