Kobo Elipsa 2E vs reMarkable 2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

reMarkable 2 & Kobo Elipsa 2E share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the reMarkable 2 rather than the Kobo Elipsa 2E.

Why Do I Recommend The reMarkable 2?

  • The reMarkable 2 features a 4.7 mm aluminum chassis for a slimmer and more paper-like writing profile that sits flatter on desks and fits easily into document folders, whereas the Kobo Elipsa 2E has a 7.5 mm plastic-based body.
  • reMarkable 2 has a textured CANVAS display surface for higher friction stylus input that closely replicates pencil-on-paper resistance during long note-taking sessions, while the Kobo Elipsa 2E uses a smooth E Ink Carta 1200 glass layer.
  • It comes with a passive Marker system with 4,096 pressure levels for battery-free writing that eliminates charging interruptions during extended meetings, whereas the Kobo Elipsa 2E uses a rechargeable Kobo Stylus 2.
  • The reMarkable 2 supports a distraction-free reMarkable OS interface for focused writing without store notifications or audiobook controls, while the Kobo Elipsa 2E includes Kobo Store access and media integration features.
  • reMarkable 2 includes native desktop integration apps for Windows and macOS for direct drag-and-drop document transfer without relying on bookstore syncing, whereas the Kobo Elipsa 2E centers synchronization around the Kobo account ecosystem.
  • It has an ultra-minimal home interface for faster notebook access with fewer layered menus during professional workflows, while the Kobo Elipsa 2E includes library navigation.
  • The reMarkable 2 features automatic cloud-based handwriting conversion for converting full notebooks into typed text files ready for export, while the Kobo Elipsa 2E focuses on inline annotation tools within ebooks.
  • reMarkable 2 includes magnetic stylus attachment along the device edge for secure pen storage during transport, whereas the Kobo Elipsa 2E uses a stylus design that charges separately via USB-C.

Maybe the Kobo Elipsa 2E can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the reMarkable 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeaturereMarkable 2Kobo Elipsa 2E
Display TypeMONO E Ink CANVASE Ink Carta 1200
Stylus TypeMarker/Marker PlusKobo Stylus 2
Stylus PowerPassiveRechargeable battery
PDF Annotation ToolsBasicAdvanced options
Supported FormatsPDF, converted EPUBEPUB, PDF, MOBI, CBR, CBZ
Body Thickness4.7 mm7.5 mm
Operating SystemreMarkable OSKobo Linux OS
Sync EcosystemreMarkable CloudKobo Account Sync
PriceCheck reMarkable 2 PriceCheck Kobo Elipsa 2E Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Size: Both devices feature a 10.3-inch screen, providing a large canvas suitable for reading full-page documents and writing detailed notes. This size closely matches a traditional paper notebook, making long writing sessions comfortable.
  • Screen Resolution: Each device uses a 1872 × 1404 pixel resolution display. This ensures crisp text rendering and clear handwriting visibility for extended reading and writing.
  • E Ink Technology: Both tablets use E Ink displays, which reduce glare and eye strain compared to traditional LCD or OLED screens. This makes them well suited for long reading or writing sessions.
  • Touchscreen Input: Each model supports capacitive touch input. This allows intuitive navigation through menus, documents, and notebooks without relying solely on physical buttons.
  • Stylus Support: Both devices are designed for stylus-based interaction. This enables precise handwriting, sketching, and document markup similar to writing on paper.
  • Handwriting Recognition: Both tablets support handwriting-to-text conversion. This allows users to convert written notes into digital text for sharing, editing, or exporting.
  • PDF Annotation: Each device allows direct annotation on PDF documents. This makes them practical tools for reviewing contracts, academic papers, or work documents.
  • Notebook Creation: Both offer built-in digital notebook functionality. Users can create multiple notebooks, organize notes, and structure content efficiently.
  • Cloud Sync: Each tablet supports cloud synchronization. This enables users to access notes and documents across multiple devices.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both devices include dual-band Wi-Fi support. This ensures stable wireless syncing and document transfers.
  • USB-C Charging: Both models use USB-C ports for charging and data transfer. This provides compatibility with modern cables and charging adapters.
  • Internal Storage: Each device includes built-in internal storage. This allows users to store documents and notes locally without external media.
  • Rechargeable Battery: Both tablets contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. This supports extended usage without constant charging.
  • Lightweight Design: Each device maintains a relatively lightweight form factor. This improves portability for students, professionals, and travelers.
  • Linux-Based OS: Both operate on Linux-based systems tailored for E Ink functionality. This helps optimize performance and battery efficiency.
  • Companion Mobile App: Each model integrates with a mobile or desktop companion app. This allows document transfer, cloud access, and syncing across devices.
  • 10+ Week Standby Mode: Both devices are optimized for low power consumption in standby mode. This ensures extended battery preservation when not actively in use.

Common Features

FeaturereMarkable 2Kobo Elipsa 2E
Display Size10.3-inch10.3-inch
Screen Resolution1872 × 1404 px1872 × 1404 px
E Ink TechnologyYesYes
Touchscreen InputYesYes
Stylus SupportYesYes
Handwriting RecognitionYesYes
PDF AnnotationYesYes
Notebook CreationYesYes
Cloud SyncYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Internal StorageYesYes
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Lightweight DesignYesYes
Linux-Based OSYesYes
Companion Mobile AppYesYes
10+ Week Standby ModeYesYes
Price Check reMarkable 2 Price
Check Kobo Elipsa 2E Price

FAQ

Is reMarkable 2 better than Kobo Elipsa 2E for pure note-taking?
reMarkable 2 is designed primarily as a distraction-free digital notebook with a textured writing surface and minimal interface elements. Kobo Elipsa 2E supports note-taking as well, but it also integrates a full eReader ecosystem, which may introduce additional interface layers compared to reMarkable 2.

Does Kobo Elipsa 2E have a front light while reMarkable 2 does not?
Kobo Elipsa 2E includes an adjustable ComfortLight with brightness and color temperature control for reading in low-light conditions. reMarkable 2 does not include a built-in front light and relies entirely on ambient lighting.

Which device has more internal storage?
Kobo Elipsa 2E includes 32 GB of internal storage. reMarkable 2 includes 8 GB of internal storage.

Do both devices support PDF annotation?
Both reMarkable 2 and Kobo Elipsa 2E allow users to write directly on PDF files. This makes each device suitable for reviewing documents, academic materials, and contracts.

Can both devices convert handwriting to typed text?
Yes, both devices support handwriting-to-text conversion. Users can convert handwritten notes into digital text for exporting or editing.

Is a stylus included with both devices?
Kobo Elipsa 2E includes the Kobo Stylus 2 in the box. reMarkable 2 requires purchasing the Marker or Marker Plus separately.

Do both tablets use E Ink displays?
Yes, both models use 10.3-inch E Ink displays. This technology reduces glare and provides a paper-like viewing experience.

Which device supports audiobooks?
Kobo Elipsa 2E supports audiobooks through Bluetooth connectivity. reMarkable 2 does not support audio playback or Bluetooth audio features.

Do both devices support Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes, both devices support Wi-Fi connectivity for syncing documents and downloading content. They operate on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

Are both devices compatible with cloud syncing?
Yes, both devices offer cloud synchronization services. reMarkable uses its own cloud ecosystem, while Kobo Elipsa 2E syncs through a Kobo account.

Is Bluetooth available on both models?
Kobo Elipsa 2E includes Bluetooth functionality. reMarkable 2 does not include Bluetooth connectivity.

Do both tablets support EPUB files?
Kobo Elipsa 2E natively supports EPUB files along with multiple additional formats. reMarkable 2 supports EPUB files through conversion.

Are both devices charged via USB-C?
Yes, both reMarkable 2 and Kobo Elipsa 2E use USB-C ports for charging and data transfer.

Which device is thinner?
reMarkable 2 measures approximately 4.7 mm in thickness. Kobo Elipsa 2E measures approximately 7.5 mm in thickness.

Are both devices suitable for long reading sessions?
Yes, both devices use E Ink displays that reduce eye strain during extended reading. Kobo Elipsa 2E additionally includes front lighting for reading in dark environments, while reMarkable 2 depends on external lighting conditions.