Best tablets for note-taking 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The art of handwriting may be vanishing in an increasingly digital world in which we rely on laptops, smartphones, and tablets daily. This doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the feel of pen and paper. Tablets designed for or including note-taking features can bring back some of the feel of handwriting. If you prefer to write rather than type, they are your best option for creative tasks as well as productivity.Note-taking tablets provide more than just compatibility with a stylus. They can give you the option to annotate documents, create diagrams, autosave your work, sync it across platforms and devices, and collaborate with others, making them valuable tools for study and work.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.What is the best note-taking tablet you can buy right now?After hands-on testing, the is our pick for the overall best note-taking tablet. It is lightweight and compatible with the , making it ideal for all of your writing needs.We've tested tablets across all the major brands, ranging from Apple to Amazon, to find options that suit students, professionals, and everyday users. Some of these models can replace a laptop, while others are ideal for jotting notes on the go. We evaluated all of these tablets on performance, battery life, display, and writing experience. Also: The best smart notebooks you can buyThe best note-taking tablets of 2026 Note-taking tablet FAQs Recent updatesJanuary 2026: In our January update, we added the seventh-generation iPad Air, the Boox Note Air5 C, and the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus as top picks to replace outdated models. November 2025: In ZDNET's November update, we updated our FAQ section and reviewed our top picks, adding additional information and news. We also added the reMarkable Paper Pro Move as an alternative.October 2025: In our October 2025 update, we made editorial and style changes. We also provided more information on our top picks and alternatives. September 2025: In our September 2025 update, we made minor editorial changes, verified product availability and prices, and added new information post-Apple event and ahead of Amazon Prime Day.Other note-taking tablets to consider For more, check out our favorite tablets, the best small tablets, and our top picks for reading tablets in 2026.