Waveshare 2.9 inch e-Paper / e-Ink Display Module (296x128, SPI)

2.9" 296x128 black/white e-ink module with SPI interface; ultra-low power, retains image without power, sunlight-readable.

₹2,100 + 18% GST

SKU: BOTBIT-DSP-11 · Best for: Electronic shelf labels and retail price tags

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Overview

About Waveshare 2.9 inch e-Paper / e-Ink Display Module (296x128, SPI).

The Waveshare 2.9 inch e-Paper (e-Ink) Display Module is a 296x128 black-and-white electronic paper screen with an SPI interface. Unlike a backlit LCD, it uses reflective e-ink that is crisp and readable in direct sunlight and, crucially, retains its image with zero power once refreshed, making it ideal for battery and low-power devices.

E-paper draws current only during a refresh; between updates it holds the last image indefinitely without drawing power. That makes this Waveshare module a favourite for smart shelf labels, name badges, sensor displays, meeting-room signs and any project that shows information that changes infrequently.

As a genuine Waveshare product it comes with well-maintained wiki documentation, wiring guides and example code for Arduino, Raspberry Pi and ESP32. At around Rs 2100 it costs more than an equivalent-size LCD, but the ultra-low power draw, paper-like readability and image retention justify it for the right application.

Key features

Why it stands out.

2.9 inch e-paper (e-ink) panel with 296x128 pixel resolution

Black and white (two-level) display with paper-like, high-contrast, sunlight-readable text

Retains the displayed image with no power after refresh (bistable e-ink)

Ultra-low power consumption, ideal for battery-powered and long-life devices

SPI interface with Waveshare example code for Raspberry Pi, Arduino and ESP32

Wide viewing angle with no backlight glare, comfortable for reading like paper

Specifications

Selection facts.

Display size	2.9 inch diagonal
Resolution	296 x 128 pixels
Display type	E-paper / e-ink (bistable, reflective)
Colors	Black / White (monochrome)
Interface	SPI
Operating voltage	3.3V / 5V
Power retention	Holds image with zero power when idle
Brand	Waveshare
Viewing	Wide angle, sunlight-readable, no backlight

Applications

Where it is used.

Electronic shelf labels and retail price tags
Low-power sensor displays showing temperature, humidity or status
Digital name badges, desk signs and meeting-room displays
Battery-powered IoT nodes needing a persistent, glanceable readout
Weather stations and dashboards updated a few times per hour
E-book style or notice-board style information panels

Buying guide

How to choose.

Choose this e-paper module when ultra-low power, sunlight readability and image retention matter more than refresh speed or color. It is perfect for displays that change occasionally and must survive on a small battery. If you need frequent updates, animation, video or color, an LCD/TFT like the ILI9341 (BOTBIT-DSP-09) is the better and cheaper choice.

It pairs well with low-power microcontrollers such as ESP32 (with deep sleep), Arduino and the Raspberry Pi. Because it is a genuine Waveshare module, follow the official Waveshare wiki for wiring and the matching demo code for your platform; e-paper needs specific refresh routines and should not be refreshed continuously.

Remember that e-ink refreshes take a moment and full refreshes may briefly flash to clear ghosting. Plan your project to update the screen only when data changes to maximise battery life and panel longevity.

FAQ

Common questions.

Does the display keep its image when powered off?

Yes. E-paper is bistable, so once you refresh an image it stays visible with no power at all. Power is only consumed during a refresh, which is why e-ink is ideal for battery and low-power projects.

Which boards can drive it?

It uses SPI and works with Raspberry Pi, Arduino (UNO/Nano/Mega) and ESP32/ESP8266. Waveshare provides example code and a detailed wiki for each platform, including the correct pin connections.

Is it color or just black and white?

This particular 2.9 inch module is monochrome black-and-white. It shows sharp high-contrast text and graphics but not color; for color you would need a different e-paper variant or a TFT display.

How fast can it refresh?

E-paper refreshes are much slower than an LCD and a full refresh briefly flashes to clear ghosting. It is meant for content that updates occasionally (seconds to minutes apart), not for animation or video.

Is it readable in sunlight?

Yes. Being reflective with no backlight, e-paper is highly readable in bright light and direct sunlight, with a wide viewing angle and no glare, much like printed paper.

What is in the box?

You receive the Waveshare 2.9 inch e-paper module. Depending on the version it may include a connection cable/adapter; refer to the Waveshare wiki for the exact contents and wiring for your board.