The Best Digital Notebooks You Can Buy in 2025
When you picture a tablet, you probably picture an iPad or maybe a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and you almost certainly picture a device with a glossy LCD or LED screen that acts like a larger, more powerful version of your smartphone. But there’s another category of devices that aren’t designed for browsing social media or watching media, but for getting work done: digital notepads.
These devices are a cross between a pen-and-paper notebook and a laptop, featuring anti-glare screens and smart pens that you can use to take notes, draw, and mark up documents. Some are specifically designed for writing, while others are closer to full-fledged tablets that can run work, office, and even entertainment apps. If you’re looking for a device that will help you organize your life while eliminating some of the factors that can make devices distracting and addictive, a digital notebook could be the answer. The downside is that these devices are aimed at a niche (albeit growing) market and can be more expensive than traditional tablets, so choosing the right one for your needs is key. I’ve spent the last year reviewing the latest offerings from the biggest players in the space, and here are my picks for the best digital notebooks for every type of user.