Looking for the best digital writing pad for your laptop? This article will have you writing in no time.
Technology has become synonymous with every aspect of our lives, including the writing pads we use to jot down notes, sketches, or even doodles. Gone are the days of spiral notebooks and legal pads, replaced by digital writing pads that can transfer your information to a laptop or cloud service, lasting forever.
While the old tech may be tried and true, upgrading is never a bad thing and if you’re ready to trade your pencil in for a stylus, have we got the buying guide for you.
As we take a closer look at the 10 Best Digital Writing Pads for Laptops, we know that letting go of old faithful may be tough for some people but just think of the stacks of paper you’ll be saving and the number of trees!
Anyhow, before we jump right in, let’s take a gander at our choices and then how you can be sure to pick the right digital writing pad.
Alright, class is in session!
10+ Best Digital Writing Pads for Laptops & PCS 2023
- Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook — The best digital writing pad overall (Editor’s Choice)
- HUION Inspiroy H950P— The best budget-friendly digital writing pad
- Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse Smart Writing Set — The best value digital writing pad
- Galaxy Tab S8+ — The best Android digital writing pad
- Royole RoWrite 2 — The best digital writing pad for notetaking
- B00X Nova3 Color— The best digital writing pad for writers
- Apple iPad Air — The best multipurpose digital writing pad
- ReMarkable Paper Digital Writing Pad — The best digital writing pad with memory
- XP-Pen Star05 V2 — The best versatile digital writing pad
- Wacom One Drawing Tablet— The best entry-level digital writing pad
- Drawing Tablet UGEE M708 V2 – The best light weight digital writing pad
What is the best Digital Writing Pad for laptops?
The Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook is our pick for the best Digital Writing Pad for Laptops. However, in this article, we have got you a guide to the ten best digital writing pads of the year. These are listed with their own pros, cons, and special features.
We have selected the top 6 and ranked them by best overall performance, Budget-Friendly, Value, Entry-Level, Multipurpose, and Versatile. Check out the comparison table below.
How to Choose the Best Digital Writing Pad
When you finally decide to make the switch from Mr. Notebook and his #2 pencil buddy, knowing exactly what you should be looking for can be tough for a newbie. Thankfully, we like to go shopping and did a lot already so we can share what we look for to make sure you choose the right digital writing pad.
Size
While the overall purpose of a digital writing pad is the same, like many other choices when it comes to technology, there are plenty of options when it comes to size. If your primary focus is to use the pad for writing, then you may want to look at pads that are between 7 and 10 inches, while someone who may primarily use a pad for artwork might want something a little bigger.
Storage
While some digital writing pads offer internal storage so you can save all of your notes, if you happen to choose one that doesn’t, you have to make sure that it syncs with a storage option such as Google Drive or iCloud.
The last thing anyone wants is to spend an entire afternoon taking notes at the big meeting, only to have no way of saving them for later reference.
Stylus
No matter how good your digital writing pad is, without a good stylus, you might as well throw it out the window (Don’t do this!). Seriously though, much like a physical notebook, a stylus is how you’ll jot ideas down or take notes in class.
The point of a good stylus is that it replicates the natural feel that comes with handwriting as best as it can. While they can come in many different materials, finding the right one will feel like an extension of your hand.
Battery
Battery life is among the most important things to consider before you buy a digital writing pad. There are some pads that require frequent charging and others with long battery life. Having a long battery life enables you to work without any interruptions, so you must know the battery life and not only the hours of work.
Type
There are different types of digital writing pads with a variety of features, so you must choose one depending on your needs and requirements.
Some of them have LCD screens with ink technologies and rely on sensors, but there are also traditional writing pads with pens and a stylus. These have a sensor capturing method which suits most of the requirements, but may not suit your needs.
Price
When it comes to pricing, it all depends on the features you’re looking for. For written text that can be converted to digital text in physical books, it costs users below $50. For more direct digital writing, your entry-level digital notepads usually cost around $100 (this is without a screen).
When it comes to digital writing pads with a screen, these tend to be a little more pricey with options starting around $400 and upwards. That said, these ones are typically tablets. This means that they come with several other functions like email, applications, WiFi, and even Bluetooth.
For those with a budget, we’d strongly recommend opting for a tablet for its convenience and versatile utility.
10+ Best Digital Writing Pads for PC & Laptops
1. Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook (Editor’s Choice)
The best overall digital writing pad for laptops
When it comes to notebooks that appeal to writers, there are none more appealing than the Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook. A uniquely designed notebook that combines digital and analog functionality. Many writers enjoy the feeling of putting pen to paper and this notebook only nurtures that relationship but with a digital save option.
The Rocketbook Frixion pens use actual ink which can be wiped off the digital notebook with a microfiber cloth and isn’t necessary unless you’re a novice when it comes to digital writing pads. Once you’re done taking notes, simply scan the document, save it to the cloud, wipe away the ink and begin again. With 42 template pages, the amount of notes you can take is almost limitless.
Pros | Cons |
➕ Reusable templates | ➖ No onboard storage |
➕ Syncs with Google Drive, Slack, Evernote, iCloud | ➖ Ink has to dry first |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- No more wasting paper - this environmentally friendly 42 page notebook has 7 different page styles for planning, listing, goal setting, note-taking, sketching, and sharing big ideas
- Blast your handwritten notes to popular cloud services like Google drive, Dropbox, Evernote, box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud, email and more using the free Rocketbook application for iOS and Android
- Allow 15 seconds for ink from any Pilot Frixion pen, marker, or highlighter to dry in order for it to bond to our specialized pages - just wipe clean with a damp cloth to start over
- 42 pages include task list, weekly planner, monthly calendar, OKR goal template, idea list, dot-grid, and lined pages
- Includes 1 Rocketbook Fusion Executive Size (6" x 8.8") Notebook, 1 Pilot Frixion Pen, and 1 Microfiber Cloth
2. HUION Inspiroy H950P
The best budget-friendly digital writing pad
This writing pad laptop is compatible with almost every digital art software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Manga Studio, Clip Studio, Zbrush, Krita, Gimp, and more. Huion’s Inspiroy H950P also supports Android/tablet connection as well as MacOS 10.11 or later, Windows 7 or later, and Linux (Ubuntu).
As a perfect replacement for the traditional mouse and paper, Inspiron H950P allows you to work, sketch, paint or edit photos, sign documents digitally, create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes. Inspiron H950P equips 1100mAh lithium-ion battery providing up to 20 hours of work time and charges within three hours. As this bundle includes the H610PRO V2 Drawing Tablet and HUION Inspiroy Dial Q620M Wireless Graphic Drawing Tablet, the H950P is a great budget-friendly option.
Pros | Cons |
➕Compact-sized design | ➖ Cursor does not support Samsung presets |
➕Battery-free stylus |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Drawing On-the-go: Huion H950P graphic tablet is not only support OS Android /tablet connection, but also macOS 10.11 or later, Windows 7 or later and Linux(Ubuntu). Play the OSU! Game or start your...
- H950P: Compact design with drawing area 8.7” x 5.4”, 8mm slim thickness and 497g light weight which will be easy to carry around. Compatible with most digital art software: Adobe Photoshop,...
- Perfect replacement for traditional mouse and paper! The Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M is the winner of Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award 2019. It's amazing precision and reduced Parallax provide no...
- Q620M: 2.4 GHz Wireless Connection: Support both wireless or wired modes, equipped with 1100mAh lithium-ion battery it only need 1.2-3 hours quick charging and will provide up to 20 hours continuous...
- This is a bundle which include 2 products: H610PRO V2 Drawing Tablet and HUION Inspiroy Dial Q620M Wireless Graphic Drawing Tablet
3. Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse Smart Writing Set
The best value digital writing pad
Known for their high-quality, stylish notebooks, Moleskine produces versatile notebooks that maintain a tactile experience that every user is looking for. WIth the Pen+ Ellipse Smart Writing Set, they created a whole new ballgame.
While from the outside, the Pen+ Ellipse looks like a standard Moleskine notebook, the pages are embedded with a nearly invisible grid pattern of dots while the camera recognizes each pen stroke, the page number you’re on, even which Moleskine notebook you’re using. The great thing about the Pen+ Ellipse set is that even if you fill a notebook while you’re not connected, once you sync the pen to the app, everything you’ve done shows up
Pros | Cons |
➕ Comfortable to use | ➖ Expensive |
➕ Sending notes and sketches digitally is easy | ➖ Battery life could be better |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- INCLUDES: Pen+ digital smart pen, Paper Tablet with ncoded paper in dotted layout to work with pen+, pen+ smart pen USB recharging cable, 1 pen tip ink refill, & user manual Designed with Code...
- FROM PAGE TO SCREEN: Companion app seamlessly transfers what's written on the notebook page to your device, digitizing your analog notes & allowing you to notate, share, search, edit, & organize your...
- MULTIMEDIA: Record audio to sync with your notes; flesh out your ideas & ensure that nothing gets lost in translation Explain, clarify, detail With the app you can have the picture & a thousand words...
- MOLESKINE VERSATILITY: In addition to the iconic notebook, the Moleskine family of products includes both digital & analog writing & lifestyle technology, including smart notebooks & apps, bags,...
- MOLESKINE QUALITY: We're dedicated to culture, travel, memory, imagination, & personal identity—both physical & digital We bring this commitment to our notebooks, bags, apps & smart pens & notebooks
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The best Android digital writing pad
With a wide range of tablets on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is the best-selling digital writing pad. The 12.4-inch sAMOLED big screen provides vivid, high-resolution images.
Samsung S Pen packed with Tab S8+ feels more like an actual pen and is more responsive. With an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, the S8+ provides you with the battery you need all day and supports universal fast charging.
Additionally, the S8+ offers an enhanced camera for 4K recording and Dex multitasking for enhanced productivity. With WiFi 6E, S8+ is the rounder you need for all your tasks, from working and streaming to gaming.
Pros |
Cons |
➕12.4-inch sAMOLED display | ➖Difficult to feel the weight on portrait orientation |
➕Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | ➖Could spot micro shutter |
➕USB C charging port | |
➕High responsive S pen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- FASTEST WI-FI: Work and play with the blazing fast speed of Wi-Fi 6E* -- 3x faster than the previous generation of Wi-Fi
- LARGE DISPLAY, INCREDIBLE VISUALS: Get more enjoyment out of every moment with a big 12.4 inch sAMOLED screen and high resolution that dazzles with unbelievable brilliance, crispness, and color
- ULTRA WIDE CAMERA: Record super clear video in 4K and great photos with an ultra-wide front camera with auto framing; With Galaxy S8+, your photography skills will shine regardless of your experience...
- S PEN: Inspire your imagination with our fastest S Pen yet, an S Pen that is more responsive than ever, feels even more like a real pen, and it’s included with tablet purchase
- DeX MULTITASKING: Do more on the go with enhanced productivity capabilities, like Samsung DeX and Microsoft 365 integration, that give you a PC experience, wherever you happen to be
5. Royole RoWrite 2
The best digital writing pad for notetaking
For anyone who is a fan of the original RoWrite, the Royole RoWrite 2 improves on just about every aspect and successfully delivers one of the best digital writing pads for laptops we’ve seen today. With a slimmed-down design, the RoWrite 2 trades the original gray canvas cover for a beautiful leather cover that comes in a wide variety of colors.
Internally, the RoWrite 2 has simplified the mechanisms to make it easier to load paper. Instead of locking specific pads of papers into a frame, you can now slide any small, A5-sized notebook into the rear cover and the sensor panel stitched into the back will take care of the rest. If you’re looking for a digital notepad for your next class, the RoWrite 2 is an excellent option.
Pros | Cons |
➕ Can use any A5 notebook | ➖ Writing-to-text could be better |
➕ Simple and small design | ➖ Long charging time |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- This is A Smart Writing Notebook, Not A Digital Tablet, Without LCD Screen,too.and it needs to be used with notepads of Real Paper and Ink pen refills which are included in the product. compatible...
- Using this electronic notebook, you can simultaneously capture notes, ideas and drawings digitally
- Organize, search and share work on the RoWrite App
- Edit and share work as PDF, MP4 & JPEG via the RoWrite App
- Stylish design with synthetic leather and premium aluminum
6. B00xX Nova3 Color
The best digital writing pad for writers
When you start shopping for a digital writing pad, you’ll notice that the majority of them are only displayed in grayscale. Well, times they are changing and that change start with the Boox Nova 3.
Packing more than 4,000 shades of color, the Nova 3 uses the Android 10 OS, which means that you can access all the apps found on the Google Play Store but the hits don’t stop there. With its 7.8-inch screen, great battery life, and good performance, the Nova 3 Color is a great versatile writing pad that can be used anywhere and even includes a speaker so you can listen to audiobooks or your favorite podcasts.
Pros | Cons |
➕ Wide-ranging file support | ➖ Brightness could be better |
➕ Good battery life | ➖ Low-resolution colors |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ★[Not Tempered Glass] Please be noted that this screen protector is TPU Soft Film, Not Tempered Glass.
- ★[Scratch Resistant] Protector can effectively protect your phone from unwanted scuffs and scratches by knife, keys and some other hard substances.
- ★[Easy installation] 4H Hardness with 100% Bubble-Free Adhesives for easy installation and no residue when removed.
- ★[Ultra Clear] Extreme clarity preserves the original screen brightness and definition, ensuring an unrivaled viewing experience.
- ★[High Sensitivity ] TrueTouch Sensitivity for an invisible and perfect protection on touch screen.
7. Apple iPad Air
The best multipurpose digital writing pad
If you’re an avid reader of JUSTCreative, then you know our affinity for great products and the iPad Air from Apple certainly fits that moniker. With its 10.9-inch screen, a beautiful retina display, plus a 12 MP camera, the iPad Air is the Swiss army knife of digital writing pads for laptops.
With the incredibly powerful M1 chip, iPad Air meets almost all your drawing needs. iPad Air’s 8-core GPU provides faster graphics for smooth drawing both in 3D and 2D. You can combine the iPad Air with the second-generation apple pencil (sold separately) for maximum efficiency.
Pros |
Cons |
➕Faster CPU & GPU performance | ➖Shorter battery life |
➕Supports second-gen apple pencil | ➖Expensive |
➕Limitless apps for creativity |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an antireflective coating
- Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB of storage
8. ReMarkable Paper Digital Writing Pad
The best digital writing pad with memory
Already an established brand, ReMarkable is an e-reader and digital notepad that easily compared to the Kindle from Amazon. While many new writing pads and tablets will use LCD screens because of their reliability and cheaper cost, writing pads like the ReMarkable Paper Digital Writing Pad has managed to carve out a nice niche within the market.
Originally funded by Kickstarter, the ReMarkable writing pad laptop is great for any note-taking or sketching that you may need to do during a meeting or just on your own. The ReMarkable pen looks and feels just like a real pen except for its ‘special high-friction grip’ that will keep it securely in your hand. The overall experience of writing on the ReMarkable tablet is better than any other digital pad available including the iPad Pro from Apple or the Galaxy Note 8 from Samsung.
Pros | Cons |
➕ Thin and light design | ➖ Not cheap |
➕ Good battery life | ➖ Can suffer from lag |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The reMarkable paper tablet - a digital device for writing, reading & sketching that feels like paper.
- No other tablet in the world gives you an experience so close to paper as reMarkable.
- Here to replace your notebooks, printouts and documents. A groundbreaking device that changes how people work.
- Super low latency, 226 DPI CANVAS display. You've never experienced anything like the CANVAS display.
- In the box: reMarkable, Marker, 8 extra Marker tips and charging cable. Original reMarkable Folio (sleeve) NOT included.
9. XP-Pen Star05 V2
The best versatile digital writing pad
The sleek off-black XPPen Star05 V2 is a ready-to-use device. The sturdy Star05 V2 feels natural, comfortable in hands, and easy to connect. Speaking of connectivity, you can connect the Star05 V2 using a USB receiver or USB cable. The tablet takes around 2.5 hours in wired connectivity for a full charge and lasts about 14 hours. The battery-free stylus features 8192 pressure levels and works without interruptions.
The six touch-sensitive buttons: Brush+, Brush-, Switch, Pen-walker, Grab and Redo make the tablet fantastic and improves productivity. XP-Pen Star05 V2 is compatible with Windows 7 and higher and Mac OS 10.10 and higher and supports almost every digital drawing software, including Photoshop, Paint tool Sai, Clip Studio Paint, etc.
Pros |
Cons |
➕Touch sensitive buttons | ➖Touch-sensitive side buttons |
➕Fast charging | ➖Pressure sensitivity could be too much for some |
➕Compatible with most OS and software |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [Wireless Technology] - The Star05 V2 Drawing tablet features both wired and wireless USB capability: Simply plug the included USB receiver into your computer to draw wirelessly using the ISM 2.4G and...
- [XPPen Advantage] - The Star05 V2 Pen Tablet built-in lithium battery charges quickly and conveniently during wired use—2.5 hours provides a full charge that lasts up to 14 hours, our battery-free...
- [Touched Shortcut Keys ] - Six touch-sensitive shortcut keys allow quick access to most commonly used functions. The Star05 V2's 8x5in working area provides ample room to draw and paint comfortably.
- [Compatability & Application] - The XPPen Star05 V2 digital wireless tablety is compatible with Windows 7 and above and Mac 10.10 or above operating systems and compatible with Photoshop, Paint tool...
- XPPen Office Desk Pad Protector Desk Blotters Writing Mat for Office and Home (23.62"X11.81", Mint (Green+Pink)
10. Wacom One Drawing Tablet
The best entry-level digital writing pad
Wacom One Drawing Tablet can make your imagination come to life with its 13.3-inch display that allows you to enjoy the experience of both drawing and writing on paper. While many tablets can do this as well, most of them are lower-tier and not worth the affordable price that they ask.
You can sketch or paint directly on the screen and the Wacom One pen uses software to act as multiple pens and brushes to provide you with complete digital freedom. The overall working area is large compared to other options on our list.
It has diverse compatibility, so you can link up your Wacom One to your Mac, PC, or Chromebook, and certain Android tablets and smartphones. If you’re looking for a digital notepad for all creative uses, Wacom One Drawing Tablet is an excellent option.
Pros |
Cons |
➕It works as an external display for your computer. | ➖It does not have a touch function. |
➕Diverse compatibility | ➖It must be connected with compatible Windows and Mac computers. |
➕The pen does not require a battery |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Wacom One Creative Pen Display: High definition creative pen display designed for creative hobbyists, visual thinkers, and anyone needing a second screen or bigger digital canvas for work or play
- Natural Pen Experience: The included ergonomic 4096 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is responsive and easy to control, giving you the familiar pen-on-paper feel that you are used to with precision
- Digital Freedom: See your imagination come to life in full color on a 13.3" HD screen. You can draw, edit photos and videos, or take notes just like you would with a pen and paper
- Includes Creative Software: Register your device to get Bamboo Paper Pro, Magma Studio, Bluescape, Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, Affinity Designer, & Skillshare for 3 months. Get Clip Studio...
- Register your device to get education software: Kami App (12-Mos), Foxit PDF Editor for Education (12-Mos), and 3-mos of Explain Everything, Pear Deck, & Limnu.
11. Drawing Tablet UGEE M708 V2
The best light weight digital writing pad
Drawing Tablet UGEE M708 V2 is one of the traditional digital writing pads which has a screen size of 10 x 6.25-inches. It is a slim, sleek, and lightweight panel with a compact design and delicate craftsmanship. It also offers a no-delay drawing experience.
It is versatile and comes with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing you to control the thickness of lines with detailed descriptions to be more accurate. UGEE M708 V2 comes with a tilt brush supporting up to 60 degrees to provide smoother, soft lines and strokes. This also enables you to add shadows to your creative projects.
The UGEE drawing tablet contains 8 customizable shortcut keys allowing you to move, undo, eraser, hand, zone in, zone out, brush+, brush-, which saves you time while drawing. It is user-friendly and supports left-handed user operation.
It also has good compatibility with most systems, androids, and even Mac OS. It is also compatible with applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Autodesk MAYA, and more.
Pros |
Cons |
➕Customizable shortcut keys | ➖ Must be tethered always while working |
➕ Levels of pressure sensitivity | ➖ Writing area is less compared to others |
➕ Great stylus that feels realistic to write | ➖ Stylus requires a battery |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Mac/Windows/Android Supported: The graphics drawing tablet supports connections with Android 6.0 or later Phones and Tablets. It is compatible with most major software including: ibis Paint X,...
- Compatible with PC Multiple Systems: This graphics tablet is compatible with Windows 7/8/10 Chrome and Mac OS 10.10 or above after download latest driver from UGEE official website, but not for the...
- Papery Drawing Experience: 8192 levels pressure sensitivity, the harder you press, the thicker and darker lines would be,the lines transition from thin to thick will be fluid and precisely under your...
- Large Working Area: 10 x 6.25-inch working area allows to release your inspiration on enough space and slim, sleek, super lightweight panel with compact design and delicate craftsmanship, offers a no...
- Innovative Tilt Control System: M708 V2 supports up to 60 degrees of tilt brush effect and delivers smoother and more natural lines and strokes, while also giving you the ability to add shading to...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital writing pad?
A digital writing pad is a book, computer device, or tablet that allows users to write and draw using a stylus, rendering the data digitally. The person does this similarly to how people use pen and paper. However, it can be shared, stored, and utilized a lot easier this way. In some cases, the pad can be a book that saves the data digitally.
What is the best digital writing pad overall?
The Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook is our pick for the best digital notepad overall. This writing pad helps users write digitally similar to how one would use a book, and is affordable to use. We’d strongly recommend the Apple iPad Air for those with a larger budget.
What is the best digital writing pad for affordability?
When it comes to affordability, the Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook is the best digital writing pad to opt for. If you’re looking for an option that connects directly with your device then you should consider the HUION Inspiroy H950P instead.
What is the most multi-functional writing pad?
The Apple iPad Air and The Galaxy Tab S2 are the best multifunctional writing pads. While these two are technically tablets, they have the most features for a device that doubles as a writing pad.
Which digital writing pad looks most authentic?
When it comes to looking authentic we have 2 recommendations. The Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook and the ReMarkable Paper Digital Writing Pad are the best choices.
What is the best digital writing pad for beginners?
The Wacom Bamboo writing pad is the best electronic notepad for users looking to work directly on devices. That said, even the Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook is a great option.
What is the importance of digital writing pads?
Digital writing pads enable multi-modal writings which in turn gives you more depth in reading, understanding, detailing, and designing. It is also simple to access different learning and improve efficiency.
10+ Best Digital Writing Pads for PC & Laptops
Although it may be innocuous-looking, a digital writing pad can have many more uses than just jotting down notes or scribbling the random thoughts to run through your head. Our list of the best digital writing pad for laptops can make you forget all about your old pen and notebook and help you clear all that clutter.
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