The 15 Apps I Added to My E-Ink Android Tablet to Get More Out of It
E-ink Android tablets represent a unique intersection of digital flexibility and analog focus. Devices like the Onyx Boox series, Kindle Scribe, or the reMarkable 2 offer a distraction-free environment that is easy on the eyes. However, out of the box, these devices often lack the optimized software to transform them into true productivity powerhouses. The native app stores can be sparse, and many standard Android applications are not designed for black-and-white displays. We have spent extensive time curating the perfect ecosystem for these devices. The goal is not to replicate a standard tablet, but to enhance the specific strengths of e-ink: extended battery life, reduced eye strain, and deep focus.
This guide details the 15 essential applications we have installed on our e-ink Android tablets to maximize their utility. We have categorized them by function, ensuring that whether you are reading, writing, or managing tasks, your device is perfectly optimized. We will cover everything from superior PDF management and distraction-free writing environments to utility apps that breathe new life into the hardware.
The Ultimate Reading and Annotation Powerhouse
The primary use case for an e-ink tablet is reading. However, standard PDF readers often struggle with the refresh rates of e-ink, causing ghosting and lag. To truly master reading and annotation, we need apps built with e-ink in mind.
#1 Moon+ Reader Pro
While many users stick to the default bookstore apps, Moon+ Reader Pro stands as the undisputed king of e-book readers for Android. It is the first app we install on any e-ink device. Its primary strength lies in its granular control over visual presentation. We can customize font type, size, line spacing, and margins to a degree that makes reading incredibly comfortable on a 300 PPI e-ink screen.
Furthermore, the app supports a vast array of formats, including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and more. The critical feature for e-ink users is the ability to configure animationless page turns. By setting page turn animations to “None” or a simple slide, we eliminate the distracting full-screen refresh, allowing for a seamless reading experience that mimics physical paper. The integration with online dictionaries and the “Sentence Mode” for reflowing PDF text make it an indispensable tool for deep reading and language learning.
#2 KOReader
For the technical user and the academic, KOReader is an open-source marvel that we consider essential for PDF management. Standard PDF viewers are often terrible on e-ink because they try to display the page exactly as it is, requiring constant zooming and panning. KOReader solves this with its advanced reflow engine. We can take a dense, two-column academic paper and have the text reflow into a single column, perfectly sized for the device’s width.
This capability transforms a 10-inch e-ink tablet into a scholarly reading machine. KOReader also handles CBR/CBZ comic files exceptionally well, offering dithering algorithms that make black-and-white comics look crisp. It also includes a robust dictionary lookup system and note-taking capabilities that export directly to text files, making it superior to many paid alternatives for technical reading.
#3 Librera PRO
Librera PRO is the agile alternative to the heavier PDF readers. We use this when we need speed and simplicity. It is incredibly lightweight and respects the minimalist nature of e-ink devices. One of the standout features is the Auto-Scroll function. We can set a specific scrolling speed and read hands-free, which is perfect for when we are multitasking or taking notes on a separate physical notebook.
Librera also features a “Fast Scrolling” mode that allows us to skim through a document rapidly by dragging a thumb on the side of the screen—a feature that is surprisingly missing from many competitors. Its ability to remember the reading position across hundreds of files makes it a reliable companion for casual reading.
#4 ReadEra Premium
When dealing with a massive library of mixed formats, ReadEra Premium offers the cleanest library management experience. We have found that on e-ink devices, scanning for books can be a battery-intensive process. ReadEra is optimized to handle large libraries without background battery drain. It automatically detects documents and sorts them by type, author, or series.
We appreciate the “Day/Night” modes which adjust the brightness and contrast settings for optimal reading in different lighting conditions. It also has a unique feature for printing documents to PDF, which is useful for “cleaning up” a messy document by removing margins and annotations to create a streamlined version for final review.
Distraction-Free Writing and Note-Taking
The tactile feel of writing on e-ink is superior to glass screens. To leverage this, we need software that accepts input quickly and organizes thoughts effectively.
#5 Jottr
Standard note-taking apps are often cluttered with menus and cloud-syncing options that slow down the experience. Jottr is designed for speed. It opens to a blank page instantly. We use this for brainstorming and rapid capture. The interface is strictly utilitarian: a canvas for your thoughts.
The app allows for changing pen colors and thicknesses, which render distinctly on e-ink displays. While it lacks the complex layering of more advanced apps, its simplicity is its superpower. It minimizes input lag, which is crucial for handwriting on e-ink. When inspiration strikes, Jottr ensures you can start writing immediately, without waiting for splash screens or sync operations.
#6 Writer Plus
For longer-form writing, such as drafting articles or journaling, we turn to Writer Plus. This is a minimalist text editor that supports Markdown syntax. On an e-ink tablet, writing in plain text is often preferable because it loads instantly and never suffers from formatting corruption.
Writer Plus supports folders, syntax highlighting, and word count—essential metrics for any serious writer. The distraction-free interface occupies the full screen, allowing us to focus entirely on the words. Because it saves locally by default, we do not worry about internet connectivity or battery drain from constant cloud backups. It is the perfect digital typewriter for the e-ink ecosystem.
#7 Squid
Squid (formerly Papyrus) is the premier vector-based note-taking app that we recommend for those who prefer a natural writing feel. Unlike bitmap-based apps, Squid stores strokes as vectors, meaning that when we zoom in or out, the ink remains razor-sharp. This is vital on e-ink, where jagged edges are more noticeable.
Squid excels at importing PDFs and allowing us to write on top of them. We often use this for filling out forms or marking up sheet music. The pressure sensitivity support (if the device hardware supports it) allows for dynamic strokes. Squid also features a “Presentation Mode” which can mirror the notes to an external display, turning your e-ink tablet into a professional tool for meetings.
#8 Nebo
Nebo is a powerhouse for users who want to convert handwritten notes into typed text. While e-ink is great for handwriting, sometimes you need digital text for sharing or editing. Nebo’s IDY (Ink-to-Text) engine is arguably the best on the market.
We use Nebo for meeting minutes. We write freely in our natural script, and with a simple double-tap, the app converts it to formatted text. It handles bullet points and diagrams intelligently. The app is optimized for e-ink in the sense that it minimizes “ink lag,” making the writing process feel responsive. It bridges the gap between the analog satisfaction of handwriting and the utility of digital text.
Organization and Task Management
An e-ink tablet serves best as a “second brain” or a daily planner. The limitations of the screen actually help in organizing tasks because they force a focus on text and essential data.
#9 Joplin
We believe in data sovereignty, and Joplin is the tool that champions this philosophy. It is an open-source note-taking app that supports Markdown and encryption. What sets Joplin apart for e-ink users is its monochromatic rendering.
Joplin allows us to organize notes into notebooks and tag them extensively. We use this for storing reference material that we need to access quickly. Because Joplin can sync via WebDAV or Dropbox (or stay entirely local), it provides a robust cloud-free option for users who want to keep their data on their own servers. The ability to clip web pages (using a browser extension) and read them later on an e-ink screen is a workflow we highly recommend.
#10 Obsidian
For knowledge management, Obsidian has changed the way we think about notes. It is a local-first, Markdown-based application that builds a “second brain” using bidirectional linking. On an e-ink tablet, Obsidian works beautifully as a static reader and editor.
We use Obsidian to create complex webs of knowledge. The dark mode is optimized for e-ink, appearing as white text on a black background (or grey, depending on the refresh mode). The ability to install community plugins means we can extend the functionality to include kanban boards or databases. However, we caution that heavy graph visualization can be taxing on e-ink refresh rates; we use it primarily for linear writing and reviewing linked notes.
#11 Simple Calendar
Standard calendar apps are often visually heavy, relying on color-coding and complex animations. Simple Calendar is an open-source app that strips away the bloat. We configure this to be our daily driver for scheduling.
It offers customizable widgets that sit on the home screen, displaying upcoming events in plain text. This is perfect for e-ink as it updates without causing high latency. It does not require internet permissions, ensuring that our schedule remains private and the battery lasts for days. The ability to set recurring events and reminders that trigger the native e-ink alarm system makes it a reliable planner.
Utilities and System Optimization
To truly “get more out of” the hardware, we need apps that manage system resources and extend the device’s capabilities beyond its original scope.
#12 Niumi Launcher (or Olauncher)
The default Android launcher on e-ink devices is often cluttered with colorful icons that look washed out on a grayscale screen. We replace this immediately with a minimalist launcher like Niumi or Olauncher.
These launchers are designed specifically for focus and efficiency. They typically display a list of text-based app names or simple line icons. This reduces visual noise and cognitive load. When we turn on the device, we see a clean list of our essential tools, not a grid of colorful distractions. They also support gesture controls, allowing us to swipe to open specific apps, which speeds up navigation significantly on a device where animation is an enemy.
#13 Wallpaper Changer
E-ink devices can sometimes suffer from screen burn-in or ghosting if the same image is displayed for too long. While modern e-ink screens are durable, we prefer to take precautions. Wallpaper Changer is a lightweight utility that rotates the background image on a timer.
We set this to change the wallpaper every 6 hours. We use high-contrast, simple patterns or solid greys. This ensures that no single pixel state is held indefinitely, effectively “exercising” the screen and preserving its longevity. It is a small utility that provides significant long-term value for a device we intend to use for years.
#14 Termux
For the power user, Termux brings the Linux command line to the Android tablet. This unlocks a level of control that transforms the e-ink tablet into a portable server or coding station. We have used Termux to run Python scripts, manage files via vim, and even host a local web server.
On e-ink, scrolling through code or logs in Termux is surprisingly pleasant once the keyboard is configured correctly. It allows us to perform system-level maintenance, clear caches manually, and automate tasks that the OS usually restricts. It is the ultimate tool for those who want to bend the device to their will, turning a simple reader into a developer’s tool.
#15 AnkiDroid Flashcards
Finally, for active learning, we utilize AnkiDroid. Anki uses spaced repetition (SRS) to help memorize facts, languages, or concepts. The interface is text-heavy and lacks complex graphics, making it perfect for e-ink displays.
We sync our decks and study on the e-ink tablet. Because there is no color, we rely on the text and the “Ease” buttons (Again, Hard, Good, Easy) to navigate. The lack of distractions makes for highly efficient study sessions. The battery consumption is incredibly low, allowing us to do hundreds of reviews in a single day without needing a charger. It turns the e-ink tablet into a dedicated learning tool that rivals physical flashcards in convenience and surpasses them in intelligence.
Conclusion
By carefully selecting applications that respect the limitations and leverage the unique strengths of e-ink technology, we can transform a standard Android e-ink tablet into a highly specialized machine. These 15 applications cover the entire spectrum of productivity: from the deep focus of Writer Plus and Joplin, to the academic power of KOReader, and the system optimization provided by Termux and Simple Calendar.
We do not use these apps to replicate the experience of a standard tablet; we use them to create an experience that is superior for specific tasks. The result is a device that does not distract, but rather amplifies our ability to read, write, think, and learn. For anyone looking to maximize their investment in e-ink technology, we consider this curated list to be the definitive starting point.
At Magisk Modules, we are dedicated to exploring the full potential of Android devices, whether they are high-speed flagship phones or specialized e-ink tablets. We believe that the right software configuration is the key to unlocking true productivity. For more advanced system tweaks and customizations, we invite you to visit our Magisk Module Repository where we provide tools to further enhance your Android experience.