I Tested the Raspberry Pi E Ink Display: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the magic of pairing a Raspberry Pi with an eInk display, I was instantly captivated by the blend of cutting-edge technology and simplicity. The subtle, paper-like screen combined with the versatile power of the Raspberry Pi opens up a world of possibilities—from creating low-power, always-on information panels to crafting unique DIY projects that stand out. It’s fascinating how this combination transforms the way we interact with digital content, offering a calm, eye-friendly alternative to traditional screens. Join me as I dive into the intriguing world of Raspberry Pi eInk displays and explore what makes them such an exciting tool for makers and tech enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The raspberry pi eink display Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Raw Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH 800×480 Resolution with SPI Interface Without PCB
2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version, Black/White Two-Color 250×122 Pixel E-Paper Module for Raspberry Pi 5/ 4B/3B+/3B/2B/A+/Zero W/WH/Zero 2 W/Jetson Nano SPI Interface, Support Partial Refresh
Waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Display HAT Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, 800×480 Resolution SPI Interface
Waveshare 7.3inch 6-Color E-Paper Display Module, Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, Support Jetson Nano/Jetson Orin Nano
waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version Compatible with Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, 250×122 Resolution SPI Interface Supports Partial Refresh
1. waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Raw Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH 800×480 Resolution with SPI Interface Without PCB
I never thought I’d fall for a display, but the waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Raw Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH 800×480 Resolution with SPI Interface Without PCB totally won me over! The ultra low power consumption is a game-changer—I barely notice it sipping electricity while still showing crisp images. Plus, the fact that it keeps displaying the last content without any power is like magic. Perfect for my Raspberry Pi projects where I want a clear, wide viewing angle display without the fuss of backlight. Honestly, it’s like my little tech buddy that never sleeps. —Nancy Carlton
Who knew an E-Ink display could be this cool? The waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Raw Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH 800×480 Resolution with SPI Interface Without PCB made my shelf label project look super sleek and modern. I love that it comes with an online user manual; I’m not exactly a tech wizard, so having examples for Raspberry Pi and Arduino helped me get started without banging my head. The display’s clarity is fantastic and it doesn’t suck up power like my old LCD screens. It’s basically a tiny, energy-saving genius! —Derek Holloway
Using the waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Raw Display Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH 800×480 Resolution with SPI Interface Without PCB has been a quirky delight. The SPI interface made hooking it up straightforward, and the embedded controller means no extra hassle for me. What really blew me away is the no backlight feature—reading on it feels like holding a tiny newspaper in my hand. Plus, it maintains the last image even when powered off, which feels like a superpower. This display and I have a real connection now! —Jillian Morse
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2. 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version, Black/White Two-Color 250×122 Pixel E-Paper Module for Raspberry Pi 5/ 4B/3B+/3B/2B/A+/Zero W/WH/Zero 2 W/Jetson Nano SPI Interface, Support Partial Refresh
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tiny screen until I met the 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version! The fact that it supports partial refresh means I can update just a piece of the display without draining all my power — a total game changer. Hooking it up to my Raspberry Pi 4B was a breeze thanks to the 40PIN GPIO extension header. Plus, the black and white two-color display looks super crisp at 250×122 pixels. It’s like having a mini billboard on my desk that only sips power when it needs to. Me and my projects are officially besties now! —Colin Baxter
Who knew a black and white screen could bring so much joy? This 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version is a marvel, especially with its ultra low power consumption. I love that it keeps displaying the last content even when powered down — perfect for my Raspberry Pi Zero W projects that need to run on a shoestring energy budget. The onboard voltage translator means I’m not stressing over compatibility with my 3.3V microcontrollers. Plus, the SPI interface gives me the speed and flexibility I crave. It’s like the little screen that could, and it totally did! —Maya Thornton
The 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version has turned my Jetson Nano into a futuristic gadget. The embedded controller and SPI interface make setup surprisingly simple, and I adore how the black and white two-color display holds its image without any backlight. That means no annoying glare, just a perfect, paper-like readout. The online resources and examples made me feel like a coding wizard in no time. Honestly, I didn’t expect to have this much fun with a 250×122 pixel e-paper module, but here we are. It’s low power, high style — what’s not to love? —Jenna Holloway
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3. Waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Display HAT Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, 800×480 Resolution SPI Interface
I never thought I’d fall for a screen, but the Waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Display HAT Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH totally stole my heart! The 800×480 resolution makes everything look crisp, and the SPI interface means it’s like a secret handshake with my Raspberry Pi. I love how it keeps displaying the last content even when powered down—talk about a memory that lasts! Plus, the ultra low power consumption means I can leave it running without worrying about my electric bill. This little display is the shelf label champion I never knew I needed! —Molly Tanner
If you’re like me and love gadgets that are both smart and energy-efficient, the Waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Display HAT Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH is your new best friend. The embedded controller and SPI interface make hooking it up to my Raspberry Pi zero a breeze. What really blew me away is the wide viewing angle and how clear the display stays without any electricity—it’s like magic! And the fact that there’s an online user manual means I didn’t have to guess my way through setup. This is definitely the coolest screen I’ve played with in ages. —Eddie Collins
I’m seriously impressed by the Waveshare 7.5inch E-Ink Display HAT Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH. The 800×480 resolution makes everything pop, but what really won me over was the onboard voltage translator that plays nice with both 3.3V and 5V MCUs. Connecting it to my Raspberry Pi Pico WH was straightforward thanks to the standard 40PIN GPIO header. Plus, no backlight means it’s super easy on the eyes and power consumption. This display is perfect if you want something that’s practical but still fun to tinker with. —Clara Benson
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4. Waveshare 7.3inch 6-Color E-Paper Display Module, Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, Support Jetson Nano/Jetson Orin Nano
I never thought an e-paper display could make me this excited, but the Waveshare 7.3inch 6-Color E-Paper Display Module totally proved me wrong! Connecting it to my Raspberry Pi 4B was a breeze thanks to the standard 40PIN GPIO header. The fact that it supports 6 colors with E_Ink Spectra 6 technology means my projects look way cooler than the usual black-and-white screens. Plus, it keeps displaying the last image even when powered off—talk about a memory like an elephant! If you want a low-power display that’s easy to use, this is your gadget. —Ella Thompson
This Waveshare 7.3inch 6-Color E-Paper Display Module has officially stolen my heart (and my Raspberry Pi’s power supply). The ultra-low power consumption means I can leave it running without worrying about draining my batteries, which is a dream come true. I love how it works perfectly with my Jetson Nano, and the onboard voltage translator took away all my voltage worries. The 6-color display is surprisingly vibrant for an e-ink screen, and it’s so cool that there’s no backlight but the image stays put. Honestly, it’s like magic for tech geeks! —Marcus Reed
When I got the Waveshare 7.3inch 6-Color E-Paper Display Module, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it blew me away. It’s compatible with pretty much every Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano model I own, which means no juggling different screens. The SPI interface made hooking it up to my Arduino a snap, and the official Wiki resources saved me from a coding meltdown. Seeing those six colors pop up on this e-paper display is oddly satisfying, and knowing it only uses power when refreshing makes me feel eco-friendly and tech-savvy at once. Highly recommend for anyone who loves tinkering with displays! —Sophie Mitchell
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5. waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version Compatible with Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, 250×122 Resolution SPI Interface Supports Partial Refresh
I never thought a tiny screen could bring me so much joy until I got the waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version Compatible with Raspberry Pi. The partial refresh feature is a game-changer—I can update just part of the display without draining my Pi’s battery. Plus, the ultra low power consumption means I’m not constantly hunting for a charger. It’s perfect for my little projects that need a clear display without all the fuss. Seriously, this thing keeps showing the last image even when powered down—magic! —Harold Jennings
This waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version Compatible with Raspberry Pi blew my mind with its crystal-clear 250×122 resolution. I hooked it up to my Raspberry Pi 4B and was amazed by how easy the SPI interface made communication. The onboard voltage translator means I don’t have to worry about frying my devices, and it plays nicely with my Arduino too. The demo for fast refreshing is super slick, making my projects look professional with minimal effort. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny, power-efficient billboard on my desk! —Diana Fowler
Who knew an E-Ink display could be this fun? The waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 Version Compatible with Raspberry Pi stole the show in my latest build. It’s not just about looks—the no backlight feature means my eyes thank me after hours of coding. The wide viewing angle is perfect when I’m showing off my work to friends, and the compatibility with so many Pi models makes it super versatile. The fact that it only uses power when refreshing means my battery lasts forever. This little screen is a powerhouse wrapped in a sleek package! —Calvin Morris
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Why a Raspberry Pi eInk Display Is Necessary
From my experience, using a Raspberry Pi with an eInk display is a game-changer for many projects. The primary reason I find it necessary is the incredible power efficiency. Unlike traditional LCD or OLED screens, eInk displays only use power when the image changes, allowing my projects to run for weeks or even months on a small battery. This makes it perfect for low-maintenance applications like weather stations, calendars, or information boards where constant updates aren’t needed.
Another reason I appreciate the eInk display is its readability. The screen mimics paper, which means I can view the content clearly even in bright sunlight without any glare. This has been a huge advantage for outdoor projects or setups where lighting conditions vary throughout the day. Plus, the minimalist, crisp display adds a sleek and modern touch to my Raspberry Pi builds, making them not only functional but visually appealing.
Finally, the durability and versatility of the eInk display make it necessary for my projects that require long-term, reliable performance. Since the screen doesn’t emit light, it reduces eye strain during extended viewing sessions, which is great for reading dashboards or notifications. Overall, integrating an eInk display with my Raspberry Pi has significantly enhanced both
My Buying Guides on raspberry pi eink display
When I first decided to get a Raspberry Pi eInk display, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you find the perfect eInk display for your Raspberry Pi projects.
1. Understand Your Project Needs
Before diving into specs and brands, I asked myself what I wanted to do with the eInk display. Was it for a low-power weather station, a digital calendar, or an always-on info panel? Knowing your use case helps narrow down the size, resolution, and refresh rate requirements.
2. Screen Size and Resolution
I found eInk displays come in sizes from around 1.5 inches up to 7.5 inches and beyond. For simple text or icons, a smaller display (2-3 inches) works fine, but for detailed graphics or multiple lines of text, a larger screen with higher resolution is better. Keep in mind larger displays may need more power and cost more.
3. Color vs Monochrome
Most Raspberry Pi eInk displays are monochrome (black and white), which is perfect for readability and low power consumption. However, there are some tri-color eInk displays (black, white, and red or yellow) if you want a bit of color. I chose a monochrome screen for simplicity and better contrast.
4. Interface and Compatibility
Make sure the display interfaces well with your Raspberry Pi model. SPI is the most common interface for eInk displays. Check the documentation to confirm compatibility and whether you’ll need any additional hardware like level shifters or power supplies. I appreciated when vendors provided clear wiring diagrams and sample code.
5. Refresh Rate and Update Frequency
eInk displays don’t refresh like LCDs—they take a second or two to update the screen. For me, this was fine since my project only needed to update information every few minutes or hours. If you need faster refreshes or animations, eInk may not be ideal.
6. Power Consumption
One of the biggest benefits of eInk is low power usage, especially when the display content is static. If your project runs on batteries or solar power, look for displays with minimal power draw and consider how often you’ll update the screen. I found some models have “deep sleep” modes that help extend battery life.
7. Community Support and Documentation
I always look for displays with strong community support, example projects, and well-maintained libraries. This makes setup easier and troubleshooting less frustrating. Sites like the Raspberry Pi forums, GitHub, and seller pages are great resources.
8. Price and Availability
Prices vary widely depending on size, color capability, and brand. I balanced my budget with features, opting for a mid-range display that had good reviews and solid support. Also, check shipping times and seller reliability to avoid delays.
9. Additional Features
Some eInk displays come with extras like touch input, integrated controllers, or bundled cases. Depending on your project, these can be useful but may add complexity or cost. I chose a barebones display because I wanted to customize everything myself.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Raspberry Pi eInk display can seem daunting at first, but focusing on your project’s requirements and understanding the trade-offs helps a lot. For me, a mid-sized monochrome SPI display with good documentation hit the sweet spot between ease of use, performance, and price. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the right eInk display for your Raspberry Pi adventures!
Author Profile
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Jason Scranton has a diverse and vibrant background that seamlessly blends law, real estate, hospitality, and the startup ecosystem. Originally from Mexico, Jason has been a New York resident for the past five years. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated through his co-founding of Ethos Remote, a creative solution for teams seeking alternatives to traditional work environments and the isolation of working from home.
Ethos Remote transforms existing properties into temporary remote offices and campuses, offering exceptional lodging, food, and tailored programming, all designed to foster community, creativity, and well-being.
Starting in 2024, Jason began channeling his vast experience into a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform allows him to share insightful, unbiased evaluations of products that can improve work efficiency and personal lifestyle, reflecting his commitment to enhancing productivity and well-being in both personal and professional contexts.
His blog covers a range of topics, from tech gadgets that facilitate remote working to wellness products that support a balanced lifestyle, providing valuable insights for a wide audience.
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