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The 5 Best 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablets for Memos and Doodles in 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 3, 20268 min read5 products ranked
The 5 Best 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablets for Memos and Doodles in 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

The short answer

The black TIQUS 2-pack is the 8.5 inch LCD writing tablet to buy if you want two lockable screens for very little money. The NEWYES board is the best choice for a kitchen or office wall, with a lock, a lanyard and a magnetic backing noted, and the Mafiti is a plain single memo board. A kids' two-pack rounds out the group.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

  1. Two 8.5 inch screens with a memory lock button, in a plain black finish.

    93Outstanding
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  2. A lockable 8.5 inch memo board with a lanyard and a magnetic backing noted on the listing.

    91Excellent
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  3. The same lockable TIQUS pair, in a softer light blue finish.

    87Excellent
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  4. A portable plain black memo board for the office or home.

    85Excellent
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  5. A pink and blue pair of 8.5 inch boards with colorful lines, made for young children.

    82Very Good
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In the 8.5 inch size, nearly every tablet uses the same kind of pressure-sensitive LCD layer, so the screen is rarely what separates one from another. What differs is everything around it: whether there is a lock to stop accidental erasing, whether you get one board or two, and whether the thing can hang on a wall. Those details decide whether the pad is useful or ends up in a drawer.

So we ranked on those practical differences. We reviewed five 8.5 inch tablets from their listings and spec lists, comparing lock features, extras and price. Where a listing is vague, for example about a magnetic back, we flag it and tell you to confirm before ordering, rather than treat it as fact.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

01

Memory lock or erase lock

An LCD tablet clears the entire screen when you press erase. A memory lock stops that button from working until you release it, so a shopping list or a phone number stays up. Look for the words lock, memory lock or lock function on the listing, and press it once to confirm it is engaged.

02

Single board or multi-pack

At this price a 2-pack halves the cost of each screen and gives you a spare. It makes sense if two people or two rooms will use them. A single board makes sense when you want one specific feature such as a lanyard or a magnet. Check the title for the words 2 pack.

03

Hanging, magnets and lanyards

A memo board is only useful if you see it. A lanyard hangs it on a hook, and a magnetic backing holds it to a refrigerator or metal cabinet. Marketing text sometimes mentions magnets loosely, so look at the photos and the questions section to confirm.

04

Stylus and what you write with

The pressure layer reacts best to a rounded stylus point. A bundled stylus is a minor convenience, but a fingernail works for quick marks. Keep sharp objects away from the screen, because a scratch is permanent.

05

Battery and lifespan

Most 8.5 inch tablets use a small cell that is used only when erasing, so it lasts a long time. Some are sealed, and then the whole tablet is disposable once the cell dies. Check whether the listing says the battery is replaceable.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

1

Best Overall

TIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Black

Our verdict: Two 8.5 inch screens with a memory lock button, in a plain black finish.

This is a pair of 8.5 inch LCD writing tablets from TIQUS, each with a memory lock button and environment-friendly materials noted on the listing. The black finish keeps the look plain and professional, and the price falls under $25 for the set.

It wins on sheer practicality. A second board is useful in a household, one for the kitchen and one for the desk, or one at home and one at the office, and the lock button is the feature that matters most on a memo board. Pressing it stops the erase button from clearing a note you want to keep up. Compared with single boards in the same price group, the pair halves the cost per screen.

Buy it if you want two matching memo boards or a spare for a gift. Remember that the lock only protects against accidental erase and does not save anything.

Screen
8.5 inch LCD, 2-pack
Lock
Memory lock button
Finish
Plain black
Price bucket
Under $25

What we like

  • +Two screens for one low price
  • +Memory lock stops accidental erase
  • +Plain black suits an office
  • +Low cost per board

Watch out for

  • −No mounting or lanyard listed
  • −Lock does not save notes

Buy it if: Households and offices wanting two matching memo boards.

Skip it if: You want a board that hangs on a wall.

2

Best Wall Memo Board

NEWYES 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet with Lock and Lanyard

Our verdict: A lockable 8.5 inch memo board with a lanyard and a magnetic backing noted on the listing.

The NEWYES is pitched at kitchens and offices as a memo notice board. Its lock function blocks erasing, a lanyard comes in the box, and the listing mentions a magnetic back. This review covers the pink version.

It ranks second because the extras fit the way people really use a pad like this. A lanyard lets you hang it on a hook or a cupboard handle, and a magnetic back, if it works as described, puts the board on a refrigerator door as a shopping list or chore chart. It trails the TIQUS pair on value, since you pay for one screen where the other gives you two, but it is the better wall or fridge board.

Buy it if you want a reminder board that stays in sight. Confirm the magnetic backing on the live listing before you rely on it, since the claim is not firm.

Screen
8.5 inch LCD
Lock
Lock function
Included
Lanyard
Mounting
Magnetic backing noted

What we like

  • +Lock prevents accidental erasing
  • +Lanyard lets you hang it up
  • +Made for kitchen and office memos
  • +Daily planner style use

Watch out for

  • −Magnetic back needs confirming
  • −Single screen, not a pack

Buy it if: Families wanting a fridge or wall reminder board.

Skip it if: You want two boards for the price of one.

3

Best Colorway Pair

TIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Light Blue

Our verdict: The same lockable TIQUS pair, in a softer light blue finish.

This TIQUS set is the light blue version of the 2-pack, with two 8.5 inch screens, a memory lock button and the same environment-friendly materials note. The price is under $25 for both boards.

It ranks third because it matches the black pair on every feature, and the only difference is the colorway. A light blue case suits a kitchen, a home study or a shared family space, where black can look severe. It sits behind the black version only by a small margin, because the plain look reads as more office-appropriate for adults.

Buy it if the color matters and you want the same pair at the same low price. Pick black if the boards will mostly live in a workplace.

Screen
8.5 inch LCD, 2-pack
Lock
Memory lock button
Finish
Light blue
Price bucket
Under $25

What we like

  • +Two screens for a low price
  • +Memory lock protects notes
  • +Softer color suits homes
  • +Environment-friendly materials noted

Watch out for

  • −No lanyard or wall mount listed
  • −Same limits as the black pair

Buy it if: Home users who prefer a lighter, friendlier color.

Skip it if: You want a stricter, office-style look.

4

Best Plain Single Board

Mafiti 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet, Black

Our verdict: A portable plain black memo board for the office or home.

The Mafiti is a single 8.5 inch LCD writing tablet, marketed as a portable doodle board and office memo whiteboard, in a plain black finish. It costs under $25.

It ranks fourth because its listing mentions fewer extras than the two above. There is no lock function or lanyard in the information we have, which means a stray press on the erase button clears the screen. What you get is a basic, low-cost board in a neutral color that does not draw attention in a meeting.

Buy it for a quick scratchpad on a desk. If you want notes to stay put, spend a little more on a lock model.

Screen
8.5 inch LCD
Design
Portable, plain black
Use
Office and home memo
Price bucket
Under $25

What we like

  • +Plain, neutral black look
  • +Portable and light for a bag
  • +Very low price per board
  • +Fine for a basic scratchpad

Watch out for

  • −No lock function listed
  • −No lanyard or hanging feature

Buy it if: People wanting a cheap, plain desk scratchpad.

Skip it if: You need protection against accidental erase.

5

Best for Young Kids

8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack for Kids, Pink and Blue

Our verdict: A pink and blue pair of 8.5 inch boards with colorful lines, made for young children.

This is a pair of 8.5 inch LCD tablets in pink and blue, with colorful line effects, marketed for children aged 3 to 6 and for road trips and travel. It costs under $25 for the set.

It ranks last because it is aimed at a different buyer. The colorful lines make it fun for a child, and the pair means two kids can doodle without a fight, but it is not a serious memo board for adults. The listing mentions no lock function in the details we have, so wiping a note by accident is easy.

Buy it for a car ride, a waiting room or a quiet-time kit for children. Skip it if you want a board for adult notes and reminders.

Screen
8.5 inch LCD, 2-pack
Colors
Pink and blue
Lines
Colorful strokes
Age focus
Kids 3 to 6

What we like

  • +Two boards stop sharing fights
  • +Colorful lines engage kids
  • +Good for travel and trips
  • +Very low price per screen

Watch out for

  • −Aimed at young children
  • −No lock listed

Buy it if: Parents of young kids on trips or in waiting rooms.

Skip it if: You need a board for adult notes.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

Lock and erase control

We looked for a memory lock or lock function, since a lock is the only thing that stops a stray press wiping a note.

Value per screen

We divided price bucket across the number of boards in the box, because a 2-pack changes the economics at this price.

Hanging and mounting

Lanyards, magnetic backs and stands were weighed for memo-board use, with unconfirmed claims flagged for checking.

Look and finish

We compared plain black, pastel and kid-oriented styling against where each board is likely to be used.

Listing clarity

We rewarded listings that state their features plainly and marked down those that lean on marketing language.

Every Primea Score uses the same weights: Performance 30% · Build & Materials 20% · Everyday Usability 20% · Value 20% · Owner Satisfaction 10%. Full scoring rules

Buyer's guide

How to Pick the Right One for You

By How You Will Use It

Match the board to the place it will live.

Where it goesOur pick
Two desks or two roomsTIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Black
Refrigerator or kitchen wallNEWYES 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet with Lock and Lanyard
Plain desk scratchpadMafiti 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet, Black
Back seat or waiting room8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack for Kids, Pink and Blue

By Budget

SpendOur pick
Under $25 (best value, two boards)TIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Black
Under $25 (single board)Mafiti 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet, Black
Under $25 (pastel pair)TIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Light Blue
A little more for a wall boardNEWYES 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet with Lock and Lanyard

Locking Board vs Plain Board

Locking board

A lock button keeps a note on screen until you release it. Better for lists, passwords for the day or reminders. Picks: both TIQUS pairs, NEWYES.

Plain board

No lock, so one stray press clears the page. Fine for doodles and quick sums. Picks: Mafiti, the kids' pair.

Default to a locking board for anything you want to remain readable.

By Finish and Style

StyleOur pick
Professional blackTIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Black
Soft, friendly blueTIQUS 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack, Light Blue
Pink with lanyardNEWYES 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet with Lock and Lanyard
Bright kid colors8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet 2-Pack for Kids, Pink and Blue

For a Family Kitchen Reminder Board Specifically

Look for

A lock to protect the list, a lanyard or a magnet to keep it in sight, and an easy-wipe finish that tolerates kitchen hands.

In this ranking

The NEWYES has the lock, lanyard and noted magnetic backing. A TIQUS pair works too if you hang or prop the boards another way.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You want a board that hangs and locks, since the NEWYES adds the hanging features that the plain boards lack.

Save if

A pair of scratchpads is all you need; the TIQUS 2-pack is the cheapest way to get two lockable screens.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save what I write on an 8.5 inch tablet?+

No, none of these boards store anything. The screen clears when you press erase, and the lock only prevents that button from working. Take a photo with your phone if a note needs to be kept.

What is the most common mistake when buying a cheap tablet?+

Skipping the lock. Without one, a bag zipper or a child's finger can wipe the screen. If you want a note to last on a fridge or desk, choose a model with a memory lock.

Is a 2-pack worth it over a single tablet?+

Yes, if two people or two rooms will use the boards, since a 2-pack halves the cost per screen. A single board is better when you want a specific extra such as a lanyard.

How do I set one up on a refrigerator?+

Check the listing and your own board for a magnetic backing, then try it on the door before relying on it. If the magnet is weak, hang it by the lanyard from a hook or stick a thin adhesive magnet strip to the back.

How do I look after the screen?+

Use the stylus or a fingertip, never a pen or a key, since a scratch cannot be erased. Wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth and keep it out of hot cars, because heat can darken the liquid crystal.

Are these safe for young children?+

They are marketed for kids, but check the age guidance and keep small parts such as the stylus or battery cover away from very young children. Supervise toddlers and never let them chew on the board.

Final take

The black TIQUS 2-pack is the best 8.5 inch LCD writing tablet for most buyers, because it gives you two locked screens for under $25. The NEWYES is the right pick for a kitchen or office wall, thanks to the lock and lanyard, and the Mafiti suits a plain desk scratchpad. Choose a model with a lock if you want a note to still be there tomorrow.

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