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The best smart notebooks that let you digitize your to-dos
Sometimes you just have to write everything down in a notebook. Notebooks hold all your important to-do lists, class notes, calendar, and random reminders.
If you're still old-school and like the feeling of putting pen to paper but still appreciate technology, a smart notebook is the perfect hybrid option. With them, you can record notes for cloud storage so you have access to your information even if you leave home without your notebook.
We've rounded up the top digital notebooks available today.
Also: The 4 best smart pens
- Transfers notes from book to app
- Different page styles allow for different uses
- Compatible with popular cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, Evernote, and more
- No hardcover option
Features: 9 color options | 42 pages | 7 different page styles
The Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook is our top pick thanks to its decent price range, ratings, and plenty of page styles and templates so there is something for everyone. The notebook's synthetic paper allows you to write the included Pilot FriXion pen, then wipe the page clean with a damp cloth to reuse it again and again. In addition, you can save your pages to the Rocketbook app's cloud by tapping your pen on the icon at the bottom of the page to make them easy to find later.
- Real-time sync creates digital notes as you write them
- Sleek and stylish Moleskin notebook
- Thick and resistant 100 g/m paper
- Pages can stick together
Features: Dot grid pages| 176 pages | Elastic closure
If you appreciate the look and feel of Moleskine notebooks, then the company's Pen+ Smart Writing set could be the right smart notebook for you. The notebook features the signature dotted Moleskine page in a "paper tablet" format, so the pages are tucked in between a sturdy tablet-like design. Ncoded technology is embedded within each page, which enables the accompanying smart pen to recognize where it is within the notebook and to transfer all your freehand notes from page to screen in real-time.
You can upload or share your notes digitally through the Moleskine Notes app and share them to Google Drive or Evernote. In addition, you can use the pen to record audio that lines up with what you've written, creating a multimedia note-taking experience.
- Compact and inexpensive
- Plenty of color options to choose from
- No icons on the bottom of the pages for quick filing of notes
Features: 13 color options | 48 pages | Dot grid pages
For those looking for a much more budget-friendly smart notebook, Rocketbook's Mini notebook is a great alternative to its larger-sized notebooks and is tiny enough to carry in your pocket or purse. Like the Rocketbook Fusion notebook, this model comes with a Pilot Frixion Pen and a microfiber cloth to reuse the pages, although it comes with 48 dotted pages to fill up first. This mini version is also compatible with many popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote, and others.
- Free one-year subscription to Connect app
- Left-handed mode
- Easily markup documents
- Most expensive option
- Have to buy the marker separately
Features: 8GB internal storage | Stores about 100,000 pages | 1872 x 1404 resolution
Those diligent note-takers looking to really splurge on a smart reusable notebook should consider the reMarkable 2. This notebook is more of a large-screen tablet with a low-latency E-Ink writing experience that makes you feel like you're writing on paper rather than on a tablet screen. In addition, with reMarkable's cloud app called Connect, you get access to standout features like screen share, handwriting conversion, unlimited cloud storage, and more.
- Certified Chromebook
- Great for drawing and sketching
- Durable quality
- You need a computer in front of you for it to work
- Short micro-USB cable
Features: 15.5 ounces | Medium or small sizes | Compatible with Mac, Chromebook, and Windows
This tablet and smart pen combo let you easily draw shapes, write formulas and equations, or sketch and draw. It connects via USB to your Mac or PC, and you can detail artwork on your computer screen or annotate something. This reusable smart notebook is specifically designed for students and teachers and even comes with a free three-month trial of EdTech software like the Kami App, Clip Studio Paint Pro, ExplainEverything, Pear Deck, and others. Also, it's included Wacom 2K Pen has 2048 pressure levels to give you that pen-to-paper feeling.
What is the best smart notebook?
The best smart notebook is the Rocketbook Fusion Smart Notebook. We made this pick based on its quality for the price, average rating, and standout features it offers, such as seven different page styles.
Smart Notebook | Price | Pages/Storage |
Rocketbook Fusion | $20 | 42 pages |
Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set | $100 | 176 pages |
Rocketbook Mini | $13 | 48 pages |
reMarkable 2 | $279 | Stores about 100,000 pages |
One by Wacom | $50 | N/A |
Which smart notebook is right for you?
While any of these smart notebooks are great options, it ultimately comes down to what size notebook you want, what kind of notes you will take, and what price you're willing to spend.
Choose this smart notebook... | If you want... |
Rocketbook Fusion | The best overall option. |
Moleskine Pen+ Smart Writing Set | A stylish smart notebook from a classic brand. |
Rocketbook Mini | A budget-friendly smart notebook that is compact. |
reMarkable 2 | A smart notebook packed with plenty of features that's worth the splurge. |
One by Wacom | A smart notebook perfect for artistic students. |
How did we choose these smart notebooks?
We chose these smart notebooks after extensive research into the product category. We compared factors like pricing, reviews (both good and bad), different features that make each smart notebook stand out, and the number of pages/storage each notebook has.
What are smart notebooks?
Smart notebooks digitize your handwritten notes so you can make them a PDF, share them with friends or colleagues, or always keep your ideas with you and properly organized. Smart notebooks usually work hand-in-hand with a smart pen, and most are sold together to work in tandem.
Are there alternative smart notebooks to consider?
We chose the best smart notebooks based on pricing, styling preferences, and purposes. If you want a few more choices, here are alternatives: