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Head-to-head · Best E-Ink Tablets

BOOX Note Max 13.3 vs Kobo Elipsa 2E

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

BOOX Note Max 13.3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about professionals who need large-format document work — read the strengths below before deciding.

BOOX Note Max 13.3
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best E-Ink Tablets
BOOX Note Max 13.3
3 sourcesall derived$629.99as of Sep 28

The Onyx Boox Note Max delivers a distraction-free workspace for professionals and students who work extensively with documents. PCMag Middle East called it "one of the best large-format e-ink devices" for its crisp display and Android flexibility. The 13.3-inch screen offers excellent readability and multitasking capabilities, though the lack of a front light and premium price may deter some users. It's built for extended use on a desk rather than portability, with a sturdy design and long battery life. This device is ideal for those ready to ditch paper but doesn't suit casual readers or those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Strengths
  • — Large, crisp 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with 300 PPI resolution
  • — Smooth, responsive writing experience with stylus support
  • — Versatile Android 13 operating system with full app compatibility
Watch-outs
  • — No front light, per Kit Betts-Masters, requiring external lighting for use in dark environments
  • — Expensive for an e-ink device at $649.99
$629.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Kobo Elipsa 2E
Ranked #5 in Best E-Ink Tablets
Kobo Elipsa 2E
8 sources$399.99as of Sep 28

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a 2023 e-reader/digital notebook featuring a large 10.3-inch glare-free display with adjustable front light, making it suitable for reading in various lighting conditions. It includes a stylus with customizable buttons and USB-C charging, offering a pen-like note-taking experience. According to PCMag's Will Greenwald, the device is easier to set up than a Kindle as it doesn't require an Amazon account. However, its price point of around $400 USD is comparable to the Kindle Scribe, and reviewers noted the stylus requires separate charging with an exposed port, which may be inconvenient.

Strengths
  • — 10.3-inch glare-free touchscreen with adjustable front light
  • — Stylus with customizable buttons and USB-C charging
  • — Supports 15 conventional e-reader formats plus proprietary Coobo formats
Watch-outs
  • — Expensive, priced around $400 USD
  • — Stylus requires separate USB-C charging with exposed port
$399.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BOOX Note Max 13.3

The BOOX Note Max 13.3 provides a large 13.3-inch display with Android 13 support that the Kindle Scribe doesn't match, but it's more expensive at $649.99 and lacks a front light unlike the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Compared to the Supernote Manta, it offers a more robust operating system and app compatibility but is less portable.

Kobo Elipsa 2E

The Kobo Elipsa 2E provides a glare-free 10.3-inch screen and customizable stylus, which the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft lacks, but it's priced similarly at around $400 and requires separate USB-C charging for the stylus unlike the Supernote Manta's more intuitive design. Compared to the reMarkable Paper Pro, it offers a more traditional e-reader experience without color display.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBOOX Note Max 13.3Kobo Elipsa 2E
Display Size13.3-inch E Ink Carta 130010.3 inches
Battery3,700mAh2,400mAh
Storage128GB32 GB
Weight615 gramsOver 13 ounces
Processor2.8GHz octa-core2 GHz CPU
RAM6GB2Gb of RAM
Resolution3200 x 24001404 x 1872
StylusBOOX stylus touch (4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity)Customizable buttons, USB-C charging
Dimensions11.3"L x 9.6"W x 0.18"Th—
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