The best digital notebooks of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

A digital notebook brings the feel of paper, without all the mess. It works for setting goals and jotting down ideas, and is great for sketching doodles as well. And with a digital backup for note-taking from important meetings and classes, it's easier than ever to stay on top of homework and projects.My top pick is the Boox Note Air5 C. It nails that balance with a paper-like writing feel, transcription tools, and portability. The Kindle Scribe also impressed me with its included pen and long battery life. Microsoft Suite compatibility is another great feature. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.What is the best digital notebook right now? To help you decide which smart notebooks are worth the investment, we tested and researched the best ones on the market. We considered the device's overall feel, storage capabilities and options, special features, and price. Based on our hands-on experience, our pick for the best smart notebook overall is the thanks to its notetaking and productivity features and smooth color display. We also included notebooks from brands like Kindle, Rocketbook, and other brands that ZDNET staff use and recommend. Also: Best Windows tablet in 2026In our July update, we added the ReMarkable Paper Pure and the Boox Palma Pro 2 as top picks. The best smart notebooks of 2026 FAQs on digital notebooks Latest updatesIn our July update, we added the reMarkable Paper Pure and the Boox Palma Pro 2 as top picks, replacing outdated products. We also update our alternative product picks. In our January update, we made our top pick the Boox Note Air5 C, replacing the older model. Other smart notebooks we've tested For more on getting the most out of your notetaking, check out these tips and tricks for taking notes on a tablet.