The optimal drawing tablet enhances the functionality of your computer significantly. Utilizing a mouse for drawing is nearly unfeasible. For many years, professionals have relied on graphics tablets to convert their traditional artwork into digital formats. Therefore, it may be the right moment for you to consider making a similar transition.
We have curated a diverse selection of drawing tablets suitable for your creative endeavors. Ranging from entry-level options to advanced tablet computers, our collection caters to a variety of needs. Each tablet boasts top-tier features, competitive pricing, and a vibrant, high-resolution display.
Best Tablet For Drawing Reviews
1. Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet
The device features a spacious drawing surface, a highly sensitive stylus, and is competitively priced. These attributes position the Cintiq 22 as one of the premier drawing tablets available today. Included in the package is the Pen Pro 2, which offers an impressive 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The tablet’s screen is designed with an anti-glare finish, ensuring a smooth drawing experience with minimal drag. While there are less expensive alternatives from other brands, the Cintiq 22 stands out due to its exceptional price-to-quality ratio and superior drawing experience.
Additionally, the built-in stand allows users to adjust the tablet’s display to any preferred angle for drawing. In contrast to the Cintiq 16, which features fixed-angle legs, the newer model presents a more thoughtfully designed structure.
2. HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet
KAMVAS Pro 16 is a pen display that stands out due to its premium and stylish design, making it an ideal digital drawing tablet. Its pressure sensitivity is highly accurate, allowing the tablet to replicate lines precisely as they are drawn.
With a screen size of 15.6 inches, this tablet is categorized as a mid-sized option, with available sizes ranging from 12 to 22 inches.
The display of this Huion drawing tablet is equipped with a matte textured surface, providing a comfortable drawing experience. This feature also enables the tablet to serve effectively for photo editing tasks.
Boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, users can expect vibrant and clear images, which is characteristic of high-quality displays. Regardless of the viewing angle chosen (from -89° to +89°), the device maintains consistent visual quality across a wide 178° viewing range, ensuring that colors remain true to life.
The tablet’s compact design, with a thickness of 11.5mm and a weight of approximately 1.35 kg, contributes to its elegance and portability. The overall aesthetic is sleek and entirely black, while the matte screen is complemented by a glossy rim that enhances the tablet’s dynamic appearance.
3. XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Tablet
The XP-Pen Artist 11.6 encompasses the essential features anticipated from a drawing tablet compatible with both PC and Mac systems. It boasts an adequate screen size, a user-friendly pen with multiple sensitivity levels, and a satisfactory display. However, this model lacks the comprehensive design and additional features typically found in Wacom tablets.
Moreover, users may need to adjust to the discrepancy between the stylus tip and the cursor on the screen. Nevertheless, this pen display effectively enables users to realize their creative concepts at a competitive price point.
The XP-PEN Artist12 is an affordable and reliable drawing tablet with a screen that’s perfect for beginners or hobbyists stepping into digital art. Its ease of use, responsive stylus, and customizable features make it a strong contender in the budget drawing tablet market, though those seeking a larger canvas might need to look at larger models.
4. Wacom One HD Drawing Tablet
Wacom One stands out due to its compact 13-inch size and reasonable pricing. It is clear that this product was designed to attract customers away from budget-friendly brands such as XP-Pen.
The tablet boasts a Full HD display that offers 72% NTSC color coverage and is equipped with an anti-glare film. Additionally, it includes small legs that allow users to position it in a standing orientation, making it convenient for quick sketches while on the move.
Overall, it is regarded as one of the top drawing tablets from Wacom for daily portability, all while remaining budget-friendly.
5. Microsoft New Surface Pro 7 Tablet
Numerous seasoned graphic designers and vector artists, primarily utilizing Adobe Illustrator, favor the Surface Pro 7. This device stands out as the optimal drawing tablet with a screen for creative directors and designers who prioritize compactness and drawing functionality over high-end laptop specifications.
Moreover, this tablet is frequently selected by artists whose digital drawing techniques closely resemble traditional painting and drawing methods. These artists are typically drawn to the iPad and applications such as Procreate.
The primary factor influencing this preference is not merely the enhanced hardware but rather Adobe’s launch of a Windows-compatible version of its latest painting application, Fresco. Currently, this application is exclusively supported on Surface tablets and Wacom MobileStudio Pro.
What to Look for in a Drawing Tablet?
Tablet type. The cost of drawing tablets tends to be relatively high, primarily due to their enhanced user-friendliness. Artists can effortlessly create artwork using a stylus directly on the screen. In contrast, graphic tablets that require a connection to a computer generally offer superior speed, as they harness greater processing power. Such tablets are usually more dependable and do not necessitate recharging.
Pressure sensitivity. This characteristic reflects the extent to which an artist can manipulate the width of their lines based on the pressure exerted on the stylus. A standard tablet typically provides 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, which adequately meets the requirements of digital artists.
Budget. The entry-level price for a digital art tablet starts at $30, while the upper end can soar to $1,000. The price largely hinges on the display quality. One should anticipate a significant investment for high resolution and satisfactory pressure sensitivity. Conversely, tablets without a display tend to be more affordable.
