Desify sells rPen. XNote is a good product and we say so below. Facts about XNote come from xnote.ai and its Amazon US listing, checked 15 October 2026.
rPen and XNote are the two smart pens that go beyond digitizing handwriting. Both write in real ink on special paper, both put the page on your phone as you write, and both can turn what you wrote into tasks, calendar events and emails. The differences are in price, paper, audio, and where each one fits in your day.
Side by side
| rPen | XNote Write | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $175 (rPen Pro $199), delivery, customs and duties included | $199 plus sales tax, free US shipping |
| Paper | rPen Smart Notebook with a printed pattern; 2 refill Inner Diaries in the box | XNote paper, or pages printed from the app on a laser printer |
| Live sync | Yes, over Bluetooth | Yes, over Bluetooth |
| Offline memory | About 1,000 pages | About 1,000 pages |
| Battery | 14+ hours writing, up to 90 days standby | 17 hours |
| Notes to action | Tap printed icons: Google Calendar, Microsoft To Do, Gmail, Outlook | Tasks and events; integrations include Todoist, Google Calendar, Outlook, Gmail, Slack and Zapier |
| Audio | The ReNote app records the room while you write | No microphone in the pen; XNote Voice is a separate device |
| Sketch to image | Yes | Not advertised |
| Plans | AI App Pro free for the first year | Free plan with unlimited handwriting to text; paid plans add audio minutes and workflows |
| Returns and warranty | Defective pens replaced | 30-day returns, 12-month warranty |
| Ships from | India, by DHL Express; delivered in 3 business days, with tracking | United States |
Where XNote is stronger
XNote ships from inside the US and offers 30-day returns, which matters if you like to try before you commit. Its printable pages mean you can keep writing even if you run out of notebooks. And it connects to more tools out of the box, including Slack and Zapier, which suits people who live in automation.
Where rPen is stronger
rPen costs less once tax and duties are counted, and the price you see is the price you pay. The ReNote app records the room while you write, so a meeting or lecture and your notes stay together without a second gadget. Sketch to image is a genuinely fun extra for designers and parents. And rPen Pro, with its grey linen and wood notebook, looks like a considered gift rather than a gadget.
Why people pick rPen over XNote
- Lower price, with nothing added at checkout. rPen is $175 delivered, with customs and duties included. XNote Write is $199 plus sales tax.
- The room and the notes in one place. The ReNote AI app records the room while you write, so you do not need a second device. XNote's pen has no microphone; XNote Voice is sold separately.
- Sketch to image. Draw on paper and the app turns the sketch into an image. XNote does not advertise this.
- A gift-ready version. rPen Pro ($199 delivered) comes with a grey linen and wood notebook.
- Full AI features from day one. AI App Pro is free for the first year. XNote's free plan is generous but caps AI chat and audio minutes.
Who should buy which
- Heavy automation users who push notes into Slack or Zapier: XNote.
- People in meetings and lectures who want the audio with the notes: rPen.
- Gift buyers: rPen Pro.
- Anyone who wants the easiest returns: XNote.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want AI actions: rPen.
Questions people ask
Do rPen and XNote work on normal paper?
No. Both read a pattern printed on their own pages. XNote also lets you print compatible pages yourself.
Can I use either without a subscription?
XNote has a free plan. rPen includes AI App Pro free for the first year.
Will I pay customs on rPen in the US?
No. Delivery, customs and duties are included in the price, so nothing is due on arrival.
