Drawing tablets are the latest innovation for graphic designers who seek efficiency and creativity in their field. They allow you to draw and edit on your tablet, which can be a major time saver.
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With tablets like these, you can sketch out your idea quickly and then edit it on a larger screen when necessary – saving time otherwise wasted by constant back-and-forths from notebook to desktop.
Drawing tablets can bring your creativity to a whole new level. They allow you to draw and instantly have your art on your laptop or tablet, as well as edit existing work. With this level of convenience, it’s hard not to choose one of these wonders! Every tablet has its own display size, pen(s), connections, and more that make them unique.
However, it is hard to choose between all of the options on the market – choosing the right tablet for drawing can be tough.
With so many options available on the market, it may seem difficult at first when trying to decide which one is best suited for your needs (and budget!) but don’t worry; we’ve compiled information about some of our favorite models below!
Drawing is an art form. For those who enjoy the creative process and want to add their own flair to it, drawing tablets are essential items. They can be used for a range of applications, from general drawing to 3D modeling.
The following article will introduce you to some of the best drawing tablets on the market today and offer insight into which one would be best for your preferred application(s).
Tablets for Drawing – Our Top 3 Picks
Premium Pick
Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Full-Laminated Screen
Full-laminated anti-glare glass – with full-laminated technology, it reduces parallax to the lowest
Tilt function battery-free stylus – kamvas pro 16 drawing tablet monitor comes with 8192 levels
1 touch bar and 6 press keys – functions of the touch bar: page up and down, adjust the size
Throughout the next section, we’ll go over my top picks for the best drawing tablets with their features, pros, cons, and everything in between. The best drawing tablets are designed to help unleash your inner artist and provide a way for you to show off all of your creative skills. I’ve reviewed the top 5 and included some pros and cons for each so that you can find the perfect one that fits your needs!
Full-Laminated Anti-Glare Display with IPS, 1920 x 1080 Pixel Resolution
Pressure Sensitivity
8,192
Pen
Stylus PW507, Battery-Free, Tilt Recognition
Compatible OS
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later
Parallax
Lowest
Weight
2.6 lbs
Top 3 Features
DisplayPenSize
The tablet comes with a full-laminated display with a high resolution of 1920 x 1080. Also, the display boasts an anti-glare IPS panel, very comfortable to look at.
The PW507 is a battery-free pen, a huge convenience for any artist. It also comes with 8,192 pressure levels and tilt recognition, making it one of the most comfortable pens you can use, especially with its unique design and grip.
The KAMVAS Pro 16 is 15.6” in size, which is considered the optimum size for all usages. It’s small and slim enough to be portable, but not too small that it’s hard to use. The tablet combines portability and practicality in the best way possible.
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The Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 is the best drawing tablet that you can find today. It has everything you might be looking for, from an excellent display with high resolution to minimal parallax and a battery-free pen. It’s a tablet you can’t go wrong with.
A unique feature of the KAMVAS Pro 16 is that it comes with six programmable press keys that you can use as shortcuts for anything you want. It also comes with a touch bar that is very convenient when it comes to things like adjusting a brush size.
The tablet has minimal to no parallax, meaning that the distance between the pen’s tip and the display itself is insignificant. When the parallax is noticeable, it can cause errors or decrease accuracy when you’re drawing; that’s another reason this tablet is my top choice.
Unfortunately, though, this is not a standalone device. You’ll have to connect it to a computer or a laptop. Also, it has to stay connected to a power outlet, which significantly decreases the tablet’s portability.
For connectivity, you can connect your tablet to your laptop through HDMI or USB-C, the most common ports in today’s laptops.
Anti-Glare Display with IPS Technology, 1080 x 1920 Pixel Resolution
Pressure Sensitivity
8,192
Pen
Stylus PW507, Battery-Free, Tilt Recognition
Compatible OS
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later
Parallax
Low
Weight
7.9 lbs
Top 3 Features
DisplayPenSize
The tablet’s anti-glare display is comfortable on the eye and dramatically helps with the drawing process. Thanks to the IPS panel, the tablet has the wide viewing angles and vibrant colors necessary for any artist.
The Stylus PW507 pen comes with 8,192 pressure levels and tilt recognition so that the drawing process almost feels like using pen and paper. Not to mention, it’s battery-free. So, that’s one less device you’d need to worry about recharging.
The 19.5” display is an artist’s dream. Such a massive display guarantees the best drawing experience possible. However, keep in mind that a 19.5” tablet won’t be portable or easy to carry around. So, if you plan to travel a lot, this is not the tablet for you.
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Larger screens are a lot more convenient to use, and that’s why most artists prefer them. They allow you to see lots of meticulous details on the screen without zooming in and out. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Huion KAMVAS 20 should be your next drawing tablet.
The drawing tablet comes with an adjustable stand from 20 to 80 degrees, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect position that fits your setup. Also, the tablet boasts wide viewing angles, thanks to its IPS display.
Even though there’s a small bit of parallax, it’s nothing noticeable, and it won’t significantly impact your drawing experience. Also, to further ensure a seamless experience, the tablet comes with a response time of 25ms, meaning you’ll face no latency whatsoever.
Similar to the KAVMAS Pro 16, this is not a standalone tablet. So, you’ll have to keep it connected to a laptop or a computer at all times. This shouldn’t be an issue anyway, considering its large size; it’s not a portable tablet to start with.
The KAMVAS 20 offers an impressive variety of ports, including HDMI, USB, DP, and VGA ports. You have multiple methods of connecting your tablet to your laptop or an external monitor.
You’ve always wanted to be an artist. Channel your creative energy and unleash your inner Picasso with this drawing tablet! Meet the best-selling, most highly rated tablet that has rave reviews.
Even though the tablet’s display resolution is only 1280 x 800, it offers a beautiful crisp display owing to the IPS panel. Just beware that such a resolution could be a setback for most people.
Sadly, the pen isn’t the strongest suit of this tablet. It only offers 1,024 pressure levels, quite limited compared to other products. Also, the Stylus pen uses AAAA batteries, meaning it can easily run out of juice. You’d have to worry about charging the tablet and carrying around batteries for the pen.
The 10.1” PicassoTab is both a blessing and a curse regarding the size. While the tablet is very portable and easy to carry around, it’s not convenient for artists because it can be a little restricting.
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As an Android tablet, the Simbans PicassoTab offers other functionalities that no other tablet on this list does. You’ll be able to use your drawing tablet as an everyday device, in addition to its drawing capabilities. I’d say it’s the best multipurpose drawing tablet on the market.
The tablet comes with some preinstalled drawing applications like Autodesk, making it perfect for beginners who aren’t aware of where to start.
As an Android tablet, it also comes with Google Play Store. Hence, you can download any application you’d like, and you’ll be able to use your tablet for drawing, as well as day-to-day tasks.
The tablet comes with a MediaTek MTK8163 processor and 2GB of RAM that guarantees a seamless drawing experience with no lag or stutters for an excellent performance. It also comes with 32GB of storage so that you can save your artwork easily.
The PicassoTab is the most portable tablet on the list, especially with its 5 hours of average battery life being an Android tablet. It’s the best drawing tablet if you like working on-the-go or while traveling.
The tablet comes with multiple connectivity options: micro-HDMI, USB-C, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth.
Scratch-Resistant Anti-Glare Display, 1920 x 1080 Pixel Resolution
Pressure Sensitivity
8,192
Pen
Wacom Pro Pen 2, Battery-Free, Tilt Recognition
Compatible OS
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later
Parallax
Low
Weight
3.3 lbs
Top 3 Features
DisplayPenSize
The tablet offers a scratch-resistant and anti-glare display that is both durable and easy on your eyes. Also, it has a high display resolution of 1920 x 1080. So, you’re guaranteed a high-quality display.
The Wacom Pro Pen 2 comes with two programmable side buttons for whatever shortcut you’d like. Besides, it’s battery-free and features tilt recognition for the most realistic and comfortable drawing experience. Lastly, the pen offers 8,192 pressure levels.
With a 21.5” screen, the Wacom Cintiq is a dream come true to all artists and designers. Such a massive display allows you to unearth your boundless creativity. Despite the tablet’s large size, it’s still lightweight at just 3.3 lbs, so it doesn’t lose much portability.
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The Wacom Cintiq 22 is an excellent choice for professional designers or artists who will be using the tablet daily. Its massive display takes the drawing process to a whole new level. Not to mention, the tablet can handle hours and hours of usage without heating up or throttling.
You could also order an adjustable stand with the tablet to ensure your comfort at all times, especially with such a large size.
Even though there’s some parallax, it’s not too distracting. With the tablet’s large display, you won’t even notice the parallax unless you’re looking for it. Besides, its response time is just 22ms, so you’ll not be facing any latency while drawing.
Like most drawing tablets, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is not a standalone product; you’ll have to keep it connected to your laptop or computer at all times.
The tablet comes with a three-in-one cord that includes power connection and USB and HDMI ports.
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, some Android devices
Parallax
Low
Weight
2.2 lbs
Top 3 Features
DisplayPenSize
The tablet comes with an anti-glare film on the screen that also helps reduce parallax. Besides, the display resolution is quite high for a tablet this size with 1920 x 1080 pixels, so you’re guaranteed a seamless experience.
The tablet’s Wacom One is one of a kind. Being battery-free, it’s a very convenient pen to use daily. The pen truly mimics the feel of drawing on a piece of paper with the right amount of friction. It also comes with 4,096 pressure levels for a seamless drawing experience.
The Wacom One’s unique size of 13.3” is a massive advantage. Such size is perfect for beginners since it’s not too big that it’s hard to use nor too small that you can’t see clearly.
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The Wacom One has everything a beginner needs in a drawing tablet, starting from its medium-sized screen all the way to the Wacom One pen. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and has a beautiful display, making it the perfect drawing tablet for beginners.
The tablet comes with natural-surface friction so that you’ll feel like you’re drawing with pen and paper rather than on a slippery glass surface.
The tablet’s parallax is minimal, if there at all, meaning your drawing will be accurate. On top of that, it has a response time of 26ms for a seamless drawing experience.
Moreover, the tablet gives its users limited free access to some designing software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Bamboo Paper Pro, and Clip Studio Paint Pro. Such access is optimal for beginners because they’ll be able to experiment with different apps and techniques until they develop their taste.
The Wacom One must be connected to a laptop or a computer at all times to operate. Fortunately, though, the tablet offers multiple connectivity options. In addition to the necessary HDMI and USB ports, the tablet can be connected to certain Android devices using a third-party adaptor.
Edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
Pressure Sensitivity
Unknown Sensitivity
Pen
Apple Pencil Support
Compatible OS
iPad OS
Parallax
Unknown
Weight
1.41 lbs
Top 3 Features
SoftwarePenSize
Drawing apps are the iPad’s special feature, being able to choose from Autodesk Sketchbook, Adobe Photoshop Sketch or Adobe Fresco, you’re spoilt for choice.
The Apple Pencil is said to compete with current stylus’ on the market, reviews seem to be positive overall – it just takes some getting used to.
The 12.9″ display is more than adequate for drawing sketches but may require connecting to desktop equivalents to complete if working in a professional environment.
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Now you may be asking yourself how has a non professional drawing tablet like the iPad pro managed to end up on a list of tablets for drawing? While it may not be a dedicated drawing tablet it does come with the Apple Pencil which boasts pixel-perfect precision. Frustratingly, the iPad Pro does not share the pen pressure levels – but they do reveal that it competes with current stylus pens.
Tilt sensitivity is supported with the iPad Pro Apple Pencil, but that’s it – no rotation. A workaround is to rotate the graphics tablet, with a screen size of 12.9″ is easy enough to do but not really how an artist draws.
Replaceable Tips are an option on the Apple Pencil but you can only get one style of tip, so nothing to replicate the feel of a brush or more natural drawing tool. Some artists have gone to lengths to change the style of the tip, inspiring creativity which could lead to more commercial solutions being released in future.
Any artist will tell you they prefer to be in touch with the canvas, which is hard to do with the iPad’s glossy surface. The eraser, which needs a double-tap to activate, takes a bit of getting used to also. One tip, if you want to use a screen protector, don’t go for a glass one, use the Paperlike screen protector.
Drawing tablets have been a blessing to artists as they allow them to take their creativity and graphic designs to the next level. They provide you with a way of drawing your creations on your laptop or computer tablet which can be edited at any time. However, when it comes down to choosing the right tablet for drawing, there are so many options that it can be difficult. Different sizes, pen types, connections and much more make this decision no easy feat.
It’s important though that you know what you’re looking for before making this purchase: do you want an easel or handheld device? The size also matters – will this be used at home or by professionals with large computers? Finally, there’s connectivity: some models connect through cables while others use WiFi- how often will this need to happen (or even just have access)?
Before committing to a drawing tablet, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration in order to find the perfect tablet for your needs.
Size
Drawing tablets come in various sizes that can be as small as 10” and as large as 20”, making choosing the right size a little tricky.
If you prefer drawing on-the-go and want something you can carry around easily, you should go for a small tablet, typically around 10”-15”.
In addition to being portable, small-sized tablets can fit in small offices or rooms, making them perfect for beginners or students.
On the other hand, larger tablets around 16”-20” take your drawing experience to a whole new level. They allow you to see much more of the picture on the screen without having to zoom in and out constantly.
Pen
The pen can easily make or break the tablet. Each tablet has its unique pen or a dedicated selection of compatible pens.
Generally, I strongly recommend going for a battery-free pen. They are much more convenient because you wouldn’t have to worry about recharging them or carrying batteries at all times.
Besides, some pens come with programmable side buttons, and some don’t come with buttons at all. You should have a general idea of what you prefer and whether those buttons will help or restrict you.
Display
Besides the tablet’s size, the display is also an essential factor. Always try going for a high-resolution tablet, around 1920 x 1080 or higher.
Working with a drawing tablet means you need every detail possible to be clear and crisp; that’s why the tablet’s resolution is critical.
Also, make sure that the panel is anti-glare with wide viewing angles for the best experience possible.
Parallax
The parallax is the distance between the tip of the pen and the displayed picture. Think of it like looking into a mirror, how much distance is between you and your image.
A larger parallax means you’ll lose a lot of accuracy and precision when drawing. Not to mention, it won’t give you a genuine feel of drawing.
Drawing tablets allow graphic design artists’ creative skills to flourish by giving them an opportunity to draw on their tablet screen with a stylus like they would with pen and paper. They also allow users to touch up or edit existing designs, as well as input new ones into programs such as Photoshop or Sketchbook Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have written a totally separate guide on learning and understanding how drawing tablets work, feel free to have a read.
What is the Difference Between a Graphics Tablet and a Drawing Tablet?
The main difference is that drawing tablets have a display that you can draw on. On the other hand, graphics tablets don’t have a display. All you do is draw on their surface, and they project on your computer or laptop.
Does a Graphic Designer Need a Drawing Tablet?
Not necessarily. A lot of graphic designers are completely fine with using just a mouse and a keyboard. However, a drawing tablet would make the design process easier, especially if you’re used to drawing on pen and paper.
Why are Drawing Tablets so Hard?
There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to using drawing tablets. Drawing on a glass surface is different from drawing on a piece of paper, and mimicking that feeling could be quite difficult. That’s why drawing on a tablet could be a little hard at first, but you’ll get used to it.
How Long Do Drawing Tablets Last?
That depends on many factors, starting with the quality of the tablet itself to how much you use it in a day. On average, a drawing tablet should last around five years.
Conclusion
By this point in the article, you should have a solid understanding of what kind of tablet you prefer, or you already must’ve settled on one. However, here’s a quick memory refresh of my top three picks.
The Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 is my top pick for multiple reasons. The tablet is perfect, whether you’re a beginner or an expert with its high-resolution display and battery-free pen. Not to mention, its 15.6” display is ideal for any setup.
The Huion KAMVAS 20 is deservingly my runner-up with its massive 19.5” screen. On top of that, it has a beautiful high-resolution display that’ll never fail to please your eyes.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a versatile tablet that can be used as a regular day-to-day tablet besides drawing, that Simbans PicassoTab is the one for you.
