For most people who want handwritten notes plus everyday apps, the 11-inch iPad Air with M4 and an Apple Pencil is our starting pick. Choose the Galaxy Tab S11 for a compact Android option with its pen included, or the Galaxy Tab S12+ for more room beside a PDF. The iPad A16 is the simpler iPad choice, while reMarkable Paper Pro suits a focused notebook-and-document workflow.
These recommendations compare current manufacturer specifications, pen compatibility and official app documentation. We have not measured handwriting latency or battery life ourselves. The useful comparison is the complete setup: tablet, compatible stylus, apps, export options and any recurring fees.
Best tablets for taking notes: quick comparison
| Tablet and configuration | Recommended pen setup | Best fit | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-inch iPad Air M4, Wi-Fi, 128GB | Apple Pencil Pro, bought separately | Handwriting, diagrams and a broad app workflow | Pen adds to the total cost |
| iPad A16, Wi-Fi, 128GB | Apple Pencil USB-C, bought separately | Everyday class or meeting notes | This pen lacks pressure sensitivity and wireless charging |
| Galaxy Tab S11, Wi-Fi, 128GB, SM-X730NZAAXAR | Included S Pen | Compact Android note-taking | Less room for side-by-side documents than the S12+ |
| Galaxy Tab S12+, Wi-Fi, 256GB, SM-X840NZAAXAR | Included S Pen | A larger screen for reading and annotation | Its 12.6-inch size is less convenient for one-handed use |
| reMarkable Paper Pro, 64GB | Choose the Marker bundle; Marker Plus is an alternative | Focused handwriting and document review | Dedicated paper-tablet workflow; some connected features require Connect |
1. iPad Air M4: best all-round starting point
The 11-inch iPad Air M4 has a fully laminated display and supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C. Our suggested setup is the Wi-Fi model with 128GB storage and Pencil Pro. Apple’s buying page lets you compare storage, connectivity and accessory costs.
Pencil Pro’s magnetic pairing and charging make it convenient to keep the pen with the tablet. It also supports pressure sensitivity, squeeze and double-tap controls. For ordinary handwriting, the USB-C Pencil is a compatible simpler alternative; choose Pro if its charging arrangement and drawing features justify the extra cost to you. See Apple’s Pencil comparison.
- Pros: laminated screen, a choice of compatible Apple pens, and a useful middle size for notes and other apps.
- Cons: neither Pencil is included; app subscriptions and cloud-storage needs can add to the cost. The M4 chip alone is not a reason to replace an iPad that already handles your notes well.
2. iPad A16: best simpler iPad setup
The iPad A16 starts at 128GB storage and supports Apple Pencil USB-C and the first-generation Apple Pencil. We favor the USB-C Pencil for a straightforward handwritten-notes setup. Do not buy Pencil Pro or the second-generation Pencil for this model: Apple’s compatibility list does not include them.
The USB-C Pencil pairs and charges by cable. Its magnetic attachment is for storage, not wireless charging, and it lacks pressure sensitivity. That is a reasonable tradeoff for notes with consistent pen strokes; artists who need pressure-controlled marks should compare the compatible first-generation Pencil and its required USB-C adapter, or an Air/Pencil Pro setup.
- Pros: a current iPad with a 128GB entry configuration and an uncomplicated notes-focused pen option.
- Cons: the pen is a separate purchase, and the recommended USB-C Pencil needs cable charging. Compare the complete iPad-and-pen total against Air offers before choosing.
3. Galaxy Tab S11: best compact Android choice
The 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11, 128GB Wi-Fi is the smaller Samsung choice here. The S11 product page lists an included S Pen and a display with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. It remains worth comparing if you want Android apps without moving to a larger tablet.
Samsung Notes is a practical starting app for handwritten pages and PDF annotation. The included pen keeps the hardware comparison simple. If you already use another notes service, verify its Android feature set and the way it syncs to your computer; the same app name does not necessarily mean the same features on every platform.
- Pros: included S Pen; a smaller footprint than the S12+; Samsung Notes document tools.
- Cons: the smaller display gives side-by-side reading and writing less space. Samsung’s support promise runs from the model’s global launch, not from the day you buy it.
4. Galaxy Tab S12+: best large-screen Android pick
Choose the Galaxy Tab S12+ 256GB Wi-Fi, SM-X840NZAAXAR when a larger page matters more than compact size. It has a 12.6-inch screen and includes an S Pen. Samsung’s US launch announcement confirms a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
The larger workspace is the reason to consider it for reviewing lecture slides, marking up documents or keeping reference material beside notes. That is a screen-size recommendation, not evidence that its handwriting is more accurate than the S11’s. Check the combined weight and dimensions of the tablet and any keyboard cover before treating it as an everyday carry.
- Pros: larger writing and reading area, included pen, and 256GB in the selected configuration.
- Cons: it is a substantial device for simple handwritten lists. Promotional app trials can turn into paid services, so evaluate the included Samsung Notes workflow before adding extras.
5. reMarkable Paper Pro: best for a dedicated digital notebook
The reMarkable Paper Pro pairs an 11.8-inch color E Ink display with an adjustable reading light and 64GB internal storage. Select the compatible Marker bundle; the older reMarkable 2 Marker does not work with Paper Pro. Its custom reMarkable OS is designed around writing and document work; do not assume it will run your preferred iPad or Android app.
It imports PDF and EPUB files and exports PDF, PNG and SVG. That makes it a useful shortlist candidate for reading a document and returning annotated pages, but exported files are not a promise of editable notebooks in another app. Review the import and export workflow with the file types you actually use.
A Connect subscription is not required for basic use, handwriting conversion or supported cloud integrations. Without it, only files used and synced online within the last 50 days continue to be kept in the cloud and updated in the companion apps; local notes remain on the tablet. Connect adds benefits such as unlimited cloud storage and handwriting search. Check the current plan before relying on those features.
- Pros: a focused paper-tablet workflow, color annotations and a reading light.
- Cons: different app and export expectations from a general-purpose tablet; ongoing Connect costs if you need its additional features. Confirm that the selected bundle includes the compatible pen.
The details that matter more than the processor
App costs and getting your notes out
Apple Notes can export a note as a PDF, but Apple flags an important limit: when the note contains a multipage PDF or scan, the exported note includes only the attachment’s first page. Check the export instructions and keep the original document when complete multipage output matters.
Samsung Notes can import PDFs for annotations and export notes as PDF files, with other formats also available. Adding text or drawings to a PDF does not make the original PDF text editable. Test a typical document, including its page orientation, before moving a whole archive.
Goodnotes offers a limited free tier, paid subscription plans and an Apple-only one-time purchase option where available. Its current plan comparison reserves Goodnotes Cloud syncing between Apple and non-Apple platforms for Pro. Compare the required platform, sync and export features rather than assuming one purchase covers every device and every service.
Writing feel and latency
A 120Hz display specification is not a measurement of end-to-end pen delay. reMarkable lists 12ms latency in its Paper Pro specifications, but that manufacturer figure is not an independent comparison with the other tablets. Try handwriting, erasing, page turns and PDF zooming in the app you will use. Treat paper-tablet screen behavior and tablet display refresh rates as different things to evaluate.
Software support
Samsung says the S11 series is eligible for up to seven generations of Android upgrades and seven years of security updates from global launch; it also announces up to seven generations and seven years for the S12 series. Apple’s current iPadOS compatibility list includes both the M4 Air and A16 iPad. Current compatibility is not a promise of a specific number of future Apple updates. Check support again when buying older or refurbished models.
Frequently asked questions
Which tablet should most students start with?
Start by checking the apps and file formats your course requires. The iPad Air/Pencil combination is a flexible starting point; the S11 gives Android users a compact setup with an included pen. A large S12+ or a focused reMarkable makes sense only if its particular workflow helps your study routine.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee to take notes?
A paid notes subscription is not automatically necessary. Begin with the built-in notes tools on iPad or Galaxy Tab, or the functions reMarkable provides without Connect. Paid features such as particular cross-platform sync services, handwriting search or expanded cloud storage should be chosen separately.
Can any stylus work with any tablet?
No. Match the exact tablet generation and pen model. The M4 Air supports Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil, while the A16 iPad supports USB-C Pencil and the first-generation Pencil. For Samsung and reMarkable, use the compatible pen specified for that model or bundle.
