Best E-ink Displays for Low-Power Always-On Dashboards in 2025
We review the top-performing E-ink displays for dashboards, highlighting their features, pros and cons to assist buyers in making informed decisions.
E-ink displays have become a popular choice for creating low-power, always-on dashboards. These displays are known for their minimal energy consumption and easy readability, making them ideal for both personal and business applications. Our buying guide showcases the best E-ink displays available today, covering a range of categories to cater to varied needs and preferences.
This guide is for tech enthusiasts, business owners, and hobbyists looking for energy-efficient, always-on displays for real-time data visualization.
What's In This Guide
Our Top Picks
Waveshare 7.5" E-Paper Display HAT
This 7.5-inch E-ink display offers excellent visibility and energy efficiency, perfect for continuous data display with a great balance of screen size and update speed.
Pros
- High resolution
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Compatible with various systems
Cons
- Higher cost
This category is perfect for users who need a reliable and versatile E-ink display for continuous data visibility. It offers a balanced combination of energy efficiency, screen size, and update speed, catering to both personal use and small business needs. The displays in this category provide clear readability and seamless integration with various data sources, making them ideal for individuals who value both functionality and ease of use.
Offering a balance of readability, energy efficiency, and size, this display integrates well with multiple data sources. It stands out with its full HD resolution, providing crisp images and excellent readability, making it the top choice for any dashboard application.
Waveshare 1.54" Tri-color E-Ink Display
Compact and cost-effective, this display is a great alternative with minor concessions on size and resolution but retains solid performance for its price.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Good energy efficiency
- Easy setup
Cons
- Limited size
- Lower resolution
Suitable for those who want nearly the same excellence as the 'Best Overall' pick but at a slightly lower cost or with minor trade-offs. These displays are especially beneficial for users who can compromise on minor features like update speed or screen brightness in exchange for a better price. They still deliver great performance for everyday dashboard applications.
While slightly smaller and with a reduced resolution, this display offers similar energy efficiency and versatility at a lower price, making it ideal for those who prioritize cost over high-end features.
Waveshare 2.13" e-Paper Display HAT
An affordable option for hobbyists or students, this display provides basic display functionality suitable for simple projects or learning purposes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Low power consumption
- Simple interface
Cons
- Very small size
- Low resolution
Ideal for cost-conscious users who need an E-ink display for low-frequency updates or simple applications. These models offer basic functionality without additional features that would drive up the cost, and are suitable for hobbyists or students who want an affordable solution for personal projects or learning purposes.
Simplistic yet efficient, this display is beneficial for basic applications where high resolution is not critical, offering affordability and ease of use for educational and personal projects.
Waveshare 2.9" E-Paper Display Module
Built for outdoor use, this solar-powered E-ink display ensures visibility under direct sunlight with its glare-resistant and weatherproof design.
Pros
- Solar-powered
- Weatherproof
- Clear visibility in direct sunlight
Cons
- Higher installation cost
Designed for users who need to install their dashboards in environments with high ambient light, such as outdoor cafes or public information boards. These E-ink displays come with specialized glare-resistant and weatherproof features, ensuring visibility and durability regardless of environmental conditions, setting them apart by their robustness and readability in direct sunlight.
This solar-powered display is perfect for outdoor environments, boasting a robust build that withstands harsh weather while its glare-resistant design guarantees clear viewing in any condition.
Visionect Joan 13 Inch E-ink Display
This interactive E-ink display supports touch input, offering advanced functionality for dynamic data visualization in tech-centric environments.
Pros
- Touch input
- Large display area
- Supports advanced integrations
Cons
- Complex setup
- Moderate power consumption
Perfect for tech enthusiasts or businesses that require interactive dashboards for dynamic and real-time data visualization. These displays support touch input and integrate with advanced software solutions, making them ideal for environments where data interaction is crucial, like tech hubs or interactive information kiosks, distinguishing themselves through their advanced functionality and responsiveness.
With its touch capability and strong integration potential, this display stands out for interactive data needs, offering touch-sensitive operations for a responsive user experience ideal for innovative environments.
Product Comparison
| Product | Our Rating | Pros | Cons |
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| Waveshare 7.5" E-Paper Display HAT
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| Waveshare 1.54" Tri-color E-Ink Display
View on Amazon
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| Waveshare 2.13" e-Paper Display HAT
View on Amazon
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| Waveshare 2.9" E-Paper Display Module
View on Amazon
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| Visionect Joan 13 Inch E-ink Display
View on Amazon
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How We Picked
Our selection process involved reviewing the latest E-ink displays from top manufacturers and assessing them for performance, energy efficiency, and usability for dashboard applications.
Performance
Evaluated based on screen refresh rates, resolution, and clarity.
Energy Efficiency
Chosen displays with minimal energy usage for sustainability.
Cost-effectiveness
Considered price relative to features and performance.
User Feedback
Analyzed customer reviews and ratings to gather real-world performance insights.
Buying Guide
Key Features to Consider
Screen Size and Resolution
Consider the display size and resolution; larger screens with higher resolution offer better readability but may consume more power.
Power Consumption
Choose displays with low power consumption, especially for always-on dashboards, to ensure energy efficiency.
Update Speed
Displays with faster update speeds are ideal for real-time applications, where data needs to be current.
Integration and Compatibility
Check if the display is compatible with existing systems and software applications to ensure seamless integration.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Are E-ink displays durable for outdoor use?
Yes, especially models designed for outdoor use with weatherproof and glare-resistant features.
Can E-ink displays show color?
While most E-ink displays are black and white, there are models that support color, but they might have a higher power consumption.
What is the typical lifespan of an E-ink display?
E-ink displays generally have a lifespan of 5-10 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
Is it possible to use E-ink displays for interactive applications?
Yes, some advanced models support touch input, making them suitable for interactive applications.