A drawing tablet is a tablet computer that allows users to hand-draw images on the device, create graphics and produce animations. The best drawing tablets are very useful for various professions since they offer a more natural and precise feel compared to using a mouse when drawing in a standard computer.
Regardless of how you are going to use the drawing tablet, it’s important that you choose something that’s powerful enough to handle the daily demands of your tasks. When you do your search of the best drawing tablets online, you’ll surely find hundreds of different kinds of tablets in the market and deciding which of these tablets you should go for can be a huge challenge.
We understand how overwhelming it is to look for good drawing tablets given the many options available, so we prepared this buying guide along with reviews of the top drawing tablets in the market at the moment.
First of all, there are many different types of drawing tablets out there and it’s important that you know what each of these tablets can do so you can decide which one to choose. Although all drawing tablets can help you draw and create graphics and animations, they have different features and approaches so you need to consider this when buying a drawing tablet.
Graphics Tablets
The graphics tablet is just like any traditional drawing tablet, with a flat surface and a stylus that you’ll use as a pen for drawing. You’ll see on the monitor the images you draw. Since this type of tablet doesn’t come with a lot of features, it’s the most affordable in the market.
The biggest drawback of getting this device is that it gives a “sense of disconnect” between the display screen and the drawing surface. But with regular use, you should be able to eventually get used to it.
Tablets
A regular Android or iOS tablet computer can also be used as a drawing tablet. Examples are the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab that are equipped with features that allow you to use the tablet for drawing.
What’s great is that you no longer need to use another computer to use these tablets. You simply have to download the art app and you can start drawing using a stylus or your fingertips! These devices can also be used as graphics tablets using certain apps, such as the Astropad.
Pen Displays
The pen displays are a type of drawing tablet that features a pressure-sensitive drawing surface. This allows you to draw on the tablet monitor using a stylus. Unlike the graphics tablet, it won’t offer a sense of disconnect, which is why it’s more user-friendly.
Furthermore, this device is very portable so you can conveniently carry it with you wherever you go. But this device is a bit on the expensive side. You’ll also get plenty of cables to connect the computer and display.
Things to Look for When Shopping for the Best Drawing Tablet
Active Area
The active area is an important factor to consider since this is where you’re going to use your stylus pen to draw on the tablet. There’s also the plastic edge or bezel that comes in between the casing and the screen.
Depending on your choice of interface, you don’t really need to choose a drawing tablet that has an extremely large area where you can work your stylus on. But it must be spacious enough for you to comfortably draw and not run out of space when you want to express your ideas.
When buying the best drawing tablets, you’ll find that most of these tablets will label the active area clearly. However, it may be necessary to double-check so you can be certain that you’re getting the right size.
Look for “active area” when reading the specs of the drawing tablet you’re buying and then refer to the specifications. Basically, you need something that has enough space to support your tasks and projects.
Pressure Sensitivity
People buy a drawing tablet for a specific skill set. But this will also depend on how sensitive the drawing tablet is. Depending on your drawing style and manner of illustrating, you may need to choose a tablet with an ultra-sensitive and highly responsive drawing surface.
The pressure sensitivity is an important factor to take into consideration when getting a drawing tablet. Usually, the pressure level starts at 300 and can go all the way to 3,000. The higher the pressure level, the better the tablet will be able to respond. Most tablets have a pressure sensitivity of 1,024 and this is usually the optimal level when it comes to design and illustration.
Resolution
If you need a tablet that can produce images with very high resolution and sharp graphics, then go for a tablet that has a higher LPI. LPI means Lines per Inch and you should think of this as comparing High Definition to 4K. You’ll get a clearer picture as you take a look at it and the tablet that has a higher LPI can offer this to you.
When giving the tablet as a gift to someone else, consider how in-depth the drawings will be. If you want to give something that’s powerful enough for drawing or sketching, then go for a tablet with a high LPI.
Extra Features
If you don’t mind spending more, the extra features may be another factor for you to consider. These include multi-touch capabilities, hot keys, and more. While these features can help to improve user experience, they are not really necessary when looking for the best drawing tablet for beginners. As a beginner, it’s best to opt for a basic drawing tablet with features that are easy enough for you to understand and use.
Hotkeys
Eventually, if you want to upgrade your basic drawing tablet, you may want to have shortcut keys or hotkeys built into it. These keys can greatly help to make your tasks easier and faster. They can help streamline your tasks since you no longer need to spend a lot of time having to search for the apps to use as you work on your projects.
On-Screen vs. Flat Models
The drawing tablets are available in two basic designs – the flat models or on-screen models. These two devices differ on the cost but there are also other significant differences between them. Yet the choice will all come down to your own personal preferences.
The on-screen tablet has similar LPI as that of the flat models. But you may have to get used to drawing on your tablet while looking at your laptop at the same time. The decision will all depend on what you find is more comfortable for you.
Wireless vs. Wired
Most drawing tablets are wireless but there are also wired models. This will mainly depend upon your personal choice. If you’re going for a wired tablet, you’ll have to be careful not to end up pulling the wire as you work. This can be inconvenient but what’s great about the wired version is that it gives you a steady and direct connection to your workspace or monitor.
If you want a more convenient way to work on your tablet, the wireless tablet is a great choice too. It allows you to move freely around without having to adjust any wire. But it’s important that you are mindful of the distance between your tablet and workspace in order to establish a steady connection.
Stylus
The stylus is important for obvious reasons. This is the tool that you’ll use to draw images on your tablet so it should be something that you can rely on. The stylus is either EMR or battery-operated. EMR or electromagnetic resonance means that it relies mainly on the low levels of energy that come from the circuit of the pen.
On the other hand, a battery-operated stylus tends to be thicker since it has batteries in it, which is what powers the stylus to function.
Scrollers
Having a scroller on your tablet can greatly improve your user experience. This feature allows you to easily maneuver from one area to another and point faster and easier as well. Also called the “scroll wheel”, most of the tablets today already come with this built-in feature. This is a necessary feature if you plan on studying a graphics design course.
Support
When buying any type of device, including a drawing tablet, you should go for a device that has a strong support system. Whether it’s country-specific support or a customer service line that’s easy to reach, all these can help to greatly improve your user experience.
This is especially true if you’re a beginner. If you’re going to choose a less popular tablet with no customer support, you could run the risk of not being able to get any help in case you encounter issues with the device. This can be frustrating and a total waste of money.
Drawing Tablets vs. Graphics Tablets
If you’re looking for the best drawing tablet for beginners, the two main types of tablet that you’ll come across with are the graphics tablet and drawing tablet. It can be difficult to decide between the two especially since this is your first time buying. Although these two devices perform virtually the same tasks in the world of digital artwork, they are actually different from each other.
In fact, the terms drawing tablet and graphics tablets are used interchangeably. But the biggest difference between the two is in the display. The drawing tablets have a display that’s similar to computer monitors and will reveal anything that you will draw on it.
On the other hand, graphics tablets are equipped with an active area where you will draw the graphics or images. They are connected to a monitor, which is where you can view whatever it is that you’re drawing on the active area.
Best Drawing Tablets Sold on Amazon
Now that you know a lot of things about the drawing tablets, including their main features and accessories, it should be easy for you to decide on the kind of drawing tablet to buy. To make your search easier for you, we’ve narrowed down the list of the best drawing tablets in the market.
1 – Monoprice Graphics Drawing Tablet
When looking for the best drawing tablet with screen, the Monoprice Graphics Drawing tablet is a great model to try. Featuring a 10×6.25-inch screen size and an LPI of 4,000, this tablet allows you to carry out your tasks with ease.
The Monoprice brand may not be that popular, but it’s a brand that’s worth giving a try. Some tech professionals are impressed with the brand’s ability to produce high-quality tech products. One of these is this Graphic Drawing Tablet, which is highly recommended for professionals who are visually inclined.
As for the features, this tablet has a report rate of 200 RPS, 4,000 LPI, and 2,048 levels of pen pressure. Thus, you can enjoy great accuracy when using this drawing tablet. It connects to a computer through a USB and is highly compatible with any operating system. In fact, it can also work with Linux.
Pros:
Excellent accuracy and performance
Features 4,000 LPI drawing resolution and 200 RPS report rate
Includes Express Keys and Hot Cells that can quickly launch applications
Comes with driver and software utilities that can be used in different operating systems
Cons:
The device feels flimsy
Buttons are somewhat cheap
2 – Lenovo Yoga Book – (True Full High Definition Windows Tablet)
If you’re always on the go, the best portable drawing tablet that we would recommend is the Lenovo Yoga Book. With a length of 10 inches, it can fit well in any handbag. Plus, it has a thickness of only 0.4 inches and a weight of less than 2 pounds, making it one of the lightest drawing tablets out there. As a matter of fact, Lenovo boasts that this device is the lightest and thinnest 2 in 1 tablet in the market.
Aside from its portability, you’ll love the functionality of this drawing tablet. It can be set to four different modes, depending on how you want to use it. Aside from drawing, the tablet can also be used for watching movies on Netflix, surfing the net, sending emails etc.
This versatile tablet can be adjusted to a 360-degree hinge and set in Browse, Create, Watch, or Type Mode. Despite it being lightweight, this tablet is guaranteed to perform extremely well. It has a 4GB LP DDR3 RAM, 64-GB drive, and 13-hour battery life.
The screen is capable of delivering picture-perfect visuals, thanks to its HD resolution of 1920×1200. What’s great about this device is that it comes with a Real Pen stylus that has a 2048 pressure sensitivity level.
Pros:
Highly portable
Powerful performance
13-hour battery life
Full HD crystal clear touchscreen
Cons:
Comes with only one micro USB and micro HDMI port
Limited connectivity
3 – Huion H420 USB Graphics Drawing Tablet Board Kit
When it comes to the best cheap drawing tablet, the Huion H420 Graphics Drawing tablet is on top of our list. This drawing kit is very affordable, yet it performs extremely well. With an active area of 4×2.23 inches and a 4,000 LPI, you can certainly work well on this tablet and it will perform your tasks with ease.
It comes with a pen that has a 2,048 level of pressure sensitivity, which allows for precise control over your drawing. The tablet also comes with three express keys allowing you to close or save your existing work.
The best thing about the Huion H420 Graphics Drawing tablet is that it is compatible with various graphics applications, such as Corel Painter, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, Adobe Fireworks, Adobe Illustrator, and more. It can also be used in various operating systems, such as Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, and Mac OS.
Pros:
Great value
Pen offers precise control
Comes with three express keys
Compatible with numerous graphics applications
Comes with a USB cable, carrying case, cleaning kit, and antifouling glove
4 – Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet
If you need a drawing tablet that offers the same feel and functionality as when you draw in a real paper, the Wacom Intuos Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet is the best digital drawing tablet that we can recommend.
This tablet allows you to create, capture, and upload paper artwork to a digital version in a vector or raster file. It’s very easy to use, thanks to its Pro Pen 2 technology. Aside from the fine-tip pen, you’ll also get a removable paper clip with this drawing tablet.
The Pro Pen that this tablet comes with delivers accurate performance. In fact, it is four times more accurate than the earlier model of the tablet with a lag-free tracking feature and tilt recognition. Furthermore, this tablet includes eight express keys that you can program according to your needs.
Pros:
Compact and slim design
Price is good considering the great features it comes with
Spacious active area
Cons:
The battery can’t seem to hold a charge
Driver issues
5 – XP-PEN Artist16 Pro 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Tablet
The XP-Pen Artist16 is another product we would highly recommend when it comes to the best budget drawing tablet. Despite its affordable price, this product features a wide viewing angle and comes with several creative features that help to improve the user experience.
It features a 1080 full HD display resulting in vivid colors and definition. The extra-wide viewing angle is the perfect canvas for making your design a reality. It has a pressure sensitivity level of 2,078 which makes the drawing, editing, painting, and designing easier and more convenient.
You’ll get two rechargeable pens when you purchase the Artist16. Plus, it also comes with an HDMI adapter, anti-fouling glove, and eight express keys that allow you to fully focus on your work. Furthermore, the tablet’s adjustable display stand gives you the flexibility and freedom that you need in order to get your work done with ease.
Pros:
Excellent pen and drawing surface
Good sound build quality
Very affordable
When it comes to good cheap drawing tablets, you can never go wrong with the Huion Inspiroy G10T Pen. This narrow tablet is designed with office work in mind and fits perfectly well in your work desk. For graphic artists who need a space-saving drawing tablet for their workplace, this device is highly recommended.
This Huion Wireless Graphic Drawing tablet can be connected to your Mac or PC and can be used on graphic design software like Maya and Illustrator. You’ll need Windows 7, 10 or a Mac 10.10 in order to use the tablet with the software mentioned.
With a wireless connection distance of 6 meters, you will be able to work on this tablet anywhere in your office. Plus, its 2500mAh battery can last up to 40 hours. You’ll also love the sleek design of this tablet, which separates the touch and drawing area, allowing you to work without having to worry about your palm touching the device’s screen accidentally.
Pros:
The 15.6-inch active area is large enough for working
40 hours battery life
Supports 4k displays
Cons:
May have issues connecting to the Internet
The quick access button doesn’t work properly sometimes
If you want to use a versatile tablet for drawing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is definitely one of the best drawing tablets to check out. Although it’s marketed for surfing the net, accessing social media, and sending emails, this tablet can also work as a drawing tablet.
It’s equipped with an S Pen that offers true to life sensitivity and pressure that can rival some of the best models of drawing pens in the world. The pen doesn’t need to be re-charged for use and can work perfectly well for different drawing styles.
The Galaxy Tab S3 is a great all-around device, which makes it really worth the money. Featuring an AMOLED display that offers deep contrast and vivid colors, this powerful tablet is also equipped with powerful Quad speakers that can be attached to the tablet so it can work as a laptop and used for word processing as well.
Pros:
Versatile, all-around tablet device
AMOLED display offers deep contrast and vivid colors
Comes with powerful quad speakers
As one of the best drawing tablets in the market, the Microsoft Surface Pro is not only limited for drawing and graphic designing. It’s also an all-around tablet that you can use for pretty much everything – from surfing the web, sending an email, watching movies etc.
In fact, the Surface Pro is one of Microsoft’s best products so far. Although the older generations of the Surface tablets didn’t do well in the market, this one is different.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is also among the best drawing tablet for beginners since it comes with features designed for amateur graphic designers. Its display and color representation are pretty solid. Plus, you get to add notes on the screen and print directly through a compatible operating system.
When it comes to accessories, the Surface Pro doesn’t disappoint. Its accompanying pen works very efficiently and the Surface Dial is efficient and precise. The screen itself provides accurate tracking. Furthermore, the device is pretty light and has an impressive battery life that’s said to be so much better than the previous models.
Pros:
Equipped with the Intel Core i5 processor
Easy to use
Fast and responsive
128GB SSD storage capacity
Windows 10 Pro OS
When it comes to the best drawing tablets, a lot of graphic artists recommend the GAOMON PD1560 and that’s for a good reason. It comes with high-performance specs, yet it doesn’t have an expensive price tag. In fact, this is the best budget drawing tablet that a lot of professionals would recommend.
The screen of GAOMON PD1560 features a full high-definition resolution of 1920×1080 and results in bright, vivid, and accurate colors. Furthermore, the glass itself gives users a smooth drawing experience and the pen has a pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels.
Thus, you can enjoy precise sketching with this device. In addition, it comes with a screen-flip functionality that can work well for left-handed users. At the edge of the tablet’s display, there are menu controls and 10 shortcut keys that you can customize according to your needs.
Furthermore, this tablet has an adjustable stand at the back, providing maximum comfort as you work on your designs. Finally, this device is compatible with the latest operating systems of Windows and Mac.
Pros:
Great value for your money
Impressive shortcut keys
Easy to set up
Lightweight and portable
Pressure sensitivity level is more than 8,000
Cons:
Pen requires charging
Doesn’t have an eraser option on the pen
The Ugee M708 is a pocket-friendly tablet designed for graphic artists but costs less than its competitors. Yet, this device is extremely powerful, having an LPI resolution of 5,080 and a drawing area of 10×6 inches.
The tablet also features an impressive report rate of 230 reports per second and comes with 8 user-defined key shortcuts, which you can customize depending on your needs and requirements.
What’s great about this drawing tablet is that it offers a similar feel as that of drawing in a paper. It’s also compatible with various operating systems, for both Windows and Mac.
The brand collaborates with different companies, which is why it can be used with Photoshop CC, Lightroom, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Autodesk Maya, Pixologic, and more. All in all, the Ugee M708 is a great tablet for beginners who are looking for an affordable but reliable drawing tablet for graphic designing.
Pros:
Large drawing area
Equipped with 8 additional pen nibs with a holder
High 5,080 LPI resolution
If you don’t like the pencil that comes with your iPad or Android tablet, you can get the Adonit Jot Pro instead. This stylish pen works well on both tablets and is equipped with a fine point tip that has a plastic circle, which registers on the screen of the tablet as you draw.
When it comes to drawing tablet accessories, the Pro Pen 3D is usually the most popular of them all. This button supports the pan and zooms in 3D, which is great for 3D artists. It offers unrestricted navigation right at their fingertips.
If you want to enjoy a more traditional feel when using your tablet, then consider getting the Inking Pen. This pen allows you to place a paper on the tablet and draw into it. The tablet will then capture the images you have drawn on the paper. However, this accessory is only compatible with specific models, such as the Intuos tablets and it could potentially damage the screen of the other tablets.
With a rating score of 4.4 out of 5 stars, the GAOMON PD1560 Pen Display is no doubt one of the best drawing tablets in the market, which is why this is the device that we would recommend out of this list.
We love that the pen pressure level of this device offers a more precise and accurate movement. This allows for a smoother and more natural drawing experience. Furthermore, it comes with 10 express keys that you can customize according to your needs and requirements, which also helps to improve the overall user experience.
But the best thing about this device is that it’s very affordable. Thus, it’s recommended for new users who are looking for an affordable but extremely reliable drawing tablet.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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