The best drawing tablets: fully tested for all kinds of digital artists and budgets
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08 Jul 2025 07:20:24 am.
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Artists use drawing tablets to create all kinds of digital art and illustration. They can also be useful for graphic design and even photo editing. There are more options than ever, but also considerable variety in terms of features, power, accuracy and build.
But what types of drawing tablet are there? Apen tabletor graphics tablet is a flat, trackpad-like device with no display that serves as an input for a computer. You need to use your monitor or laptop display to see what you're doing.Pen displayswork in a similar way but have a display so you can see what you're doing on the device itself. Finally, there arepen computers. These are general tablets like iPads that allow you to draw directly onto a screen and run art apps (and other software) natively.
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To help you choose the best option for you, we've extensively tested and reviewed a wide range of drawing tablets of all three types. We've also curated views from contributing artists to the website. We've compared design, performance, build, software and price to pick the best drawing tablets for different kinds of user.
also:Replacement battery for Wacom intuos 4 PTK-540WL ACK-40203
The best drawing tablets in full
Best drawing tablet overall
01. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle
The best drawing tablet and accessories overall.
Specifications
Active drawing area:
261.6 x 147.2mm / 10.3 x 5.8in
Screen resolution :
NA
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Connections:
USB-C to USB-A
OS:
Windows, macOS, Linux
Reasons to buy
+Wireless
+Great build quality
+
Fantastic drawing experience
Reasons to avoid
-
Nothing of note
30-second review:The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is a drawing tablet that strikes an optimal balance between power, design, portability and price, and in our opinion that makes it the best drawing tablet you can buy right now. Relative newcomers to the market, Xencelabs boast among their roster a number ofWacomalumni, who have brought their tablet design nous to this newer brand.
Design:One of the most important aspects of a drawing tablet is the texture of its drawing surface, and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium gets it bang on the money. As our reviewer noted in their five-star review of the tablet, the level of 'bite' against the stylus feels exactly right, and it makes the tablet immensely satisfying to draw on. Having used the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium myself I agree with our reviewer, this one just feels good to use.
This drawing tablet's design removes the Quick Keys from the device itself and puts them into a Bluetooth remote unit that comes packaged, the upshot is the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium devotes all of its space to a drawing area. Some may find this new approach awkward, in which case the more traditional Wacom Intuos Pro at No.2 on my list is a better choice.
Features:The pressure and 60-degree tilt sensitivity of this tablet and stylus are also practically pitch-perfect, and having two pens bundled in is also great, as you can set them up for different uses (for example one for line art and one for digital painting, or one for 3D and the other for 2D) to enable quick swapping and a smooth workflow.
Stylus pen pressure is 8,192, which is now standard and a solid performance, though the XPPEN tablets on my list blow this away with 16K levels of pressure, which is fast becoming a new standard. The Quick Key remote features eight programmable buttons and an OLED display for ease of use. The calibration and setup interface of the Xencelabs' app is my favourite outside of Wacom, and this tablet works with all the leading digital art and design software, includingPhotoshop,ZBrushandCorelPainter.
Price:The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium costs $249.99 / £249.90 with two stylus and pen case, but my recommendation would be the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle for $329.99 / £289.90, this includes the Quick Key remote which is essential. This is great value, for example the comparable Wacom Intuous Pro (medium) is $379.95 / £329.99.
also:Replacement battery for Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 DTH-W1310
Best large drawing tablet
02. Wacom Intuos Pro (large)
The best large pen tablet
Specifications
Active drawing area:
307 x 213mm / 12.1 x 8.4in
Screen resolution:
NA
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Connections:
USB, Bluetooth
OS:
Windows or macOS
Reasons to buy
+Good value for money
+
Large active area
Reasons to avoid
-Pen stand doesn't grip well
-
Difficult to access new pen nibs
30-second review:Wacom is the longstanding leader in drawing tablets, known for reliability, quality and compatibility with every app you can think of. The Intuos Pro range comprises its best pen tablets, coming in three sizes: small, medium and large, with the latter being ideal if you want the most room to work with.
UPDATE: We'll talk here about the 2017 version of the tablet, but Wacom has also launched a redesignedWacom Intuos Pro rangefor 2025. The new models shift the dials and buttons from the side to the top of the tablet. We've not yet reviewed them, but we think the new configuration could be more comfortable for left-handed artists in particular. On the other hand, the earlier versions are now seeing more discounts.
Design:This drawing tablet is large, solid to the touch and flat - it measures just 8mm thick. It's made from a black anodised aluminum and fiberglass composite resin which gives it a sturdy feel but also flexible enough to give when you push into it. The Wacom Intuos Pro (Large) measures 16.8 x 11.2 x 0.3 inches, ensuring there's a nice sweep or arc to your arm and hand as you draw.
Unlike the Xencelabs Pen Tablet at No.1 this Wacom features its trademark stack of Quick Keys down the side, eight buttons and a dial for total control. It's worth noting the Wacom is suitable for both left- and right-handed users. This is a more traditional approach and may appeal more than the Xencelabs remote solution.
Features:The Wacom stylus remains one of the best around, and with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity gets you as close as you can get to using an actual pen. All this is supported by Wacom’s broad ecosystem of alternative pens and Texture Sheets to give your drawing surface a distinctive feel. This drawing tablet is also multitouch for using gesture controls and stylus together - cheaper drawing tablets often lack this.
The Quick Keys are fully customisable, as is the stylus. This is also Bluetooth enabled (the cheaper Wacom Intuos range isn't) and comes with everything you need in the box. It's worth noting that unlike the Xencelabs this only comes with one stylus, Wacom's traditional 'fat' design. If you prefer the slimmerApple Pencilstyle of pen, then you can by one separately, and Wacom is one of the best supported brands for alternative stylus.
Finally, something worth mentioning is Wacom's excellent calibration software and compatibility with near enough every digital art and 3D app. It's very easy to setup and customise. Overall, in our review we found the Wacom Intuos Pro Large to be very responsive and to work well with all leading digital art apps.
Price:The Wacom Intuous Pro Large costs $499.95 / £449.99 and for a short time comes with a choice of app for free, either Shapr3D, Capture One or MASV. For a limited time US readers can also add a Wacom Intuos Wireless Tablet and save 50%. Wacom's are more expensive than other tablet brands on my list, but they made to last, compatible with every app and industry-proven.
also:Replacement battery for Wacom Bamboo 1UF553450Z-WCM ACK-40403 B056P036-100
Best budget drawing tablet
03. Huion Inspiroy Frego M
A neatly designed wireless tablet for less
Specifications
Active drawing area:
254 x 158.6mm / 10 x 6.25in (PC mode), 10 x 6.25 inches (Android mode)
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Screen resolution :
n/a
Connections:
USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0
OS:
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, Linux
Reasons to buy
+Easy to set up
+Simple yet stylish design
+
Portable size
Reasons to avoid
-
Lack of pen storage
30-second review:The Huion Inspiroy Frego M is an well-priced and elegant drawing tablet that's a solid starter option for new artists and beginners to digital art, as well as anyone who needs an affordable mobile tablet. In our review we recognised this as a good entry-level tablet that isn't too expensive but features good specs where needed.
Design:Pro artists would need more, especially when it comes to Quick Keys (the Frego M doesn't have any), but for anyone new to digital art seeking a solid drawing tablet the Huion Inspiroy Frego M is recommended. Our reviewer has been using drawing tablets for decades, and loved this new Huion.
This comes in two sizes, the Frego M measures 304 x 220 x 8 mm and the Frego S comes in at 220 x 165.7 x 8 mm. Interestingly it features two work modes, one for mobileAndroidconnection and the other for PC desktop - the active work area dimensions vary with the M and S models: Frego M: 10 x 6.25 inches (PC mode), 10 x 6.25 inches (Android mode), Frego S 6.3 x 3.9 inches (PC mode), 6.3 x 3.9 inches (Android mode).
Overall the Frego M is our pick, and we love how slim, lightweight and neatly designed this drawing tablet is; for a budget tablet it feels like a premium device. There are some nice design notes too, such as the canvas loop to store the stylus and the subtle curve to rest your wrist.
Features:Despite the budget price this Frego M tablet uses the brand's excellent PenTech 3.0+ stylus that has 8,192 levels of pressure stylus, with 60-degree tilt; for this price, it's surprisingly excellent. The Frego M can connect to your main device via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless use, so you don't need to worry about wires (and boasts over 24 hours of use).
The Huion Inspiroy Frego M works with the most common digital art apps, including Photoshop, Krita and Blender. It can also be connected to iPhones and Android smartphones for use with mobile art apps - Huion offers HiPaint and ibisPaint as free downloads. One drawback our reviewer found was it could lag in olderMacBook Prolaptops (M1 models).
Price:The Huion Inspiroy Frego M costs $99.99 / £104.99 (but you can regularly fund deals for around $80) and comes packaged with a stylus, USB-C cables, USB adapters and spare nibs. Extras like a stand are sold separately.
The best pen display overall
04. Xencelabs Pen Display 16
The best pen display for a balance of specs and price
Specifications
Active drawing area:
342.9 x 196.7mm / 13.5 x 7.75in
Resolution:
3840 x 2160 (4K)
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8192 levels
Connections:
1 x USB C. Supports HDMI and DisplayPort using Hub
OS:
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Reasons to buy
+Beautiful display
+Excellent stylus
+
Good design choices
Reasons to avoid
-
Lacks touch controls so Quick Keys Remote is required
30-second review:The Pen Display 16 consolidates Xencelabs' growing reputation for producing high-quality drawing tablets at very competitive prices. It's well build and packs in features like an OLED display and good colour coverage at a reasonable price for a pen display of this size. Just note that the Quick Keys Remote, which is sold as part of a bundle, is really an essential to get the most from the device.
Design:We have been impressed with the build quality of Xencelabs' pen tablets, and its foray into pen displays has keeps that up. We found this to be very light for a 16-inch Pen Display, but it felt reassuringly solid and durable, and it remained cool in use. The fat bezel around the edge of the screen is a good design decision since it means you can rest your wrists and prevents the stylus from falling off the tablet when selecting from menus in the top left or right corners of an app's menu. It's also nice that the bundle includes a case and a stand, which aren't always included by other brands.
Features:The 4K OLED screen really shines, and it covers up to 98% ofAdobeRGB, 98% P3-DCS and 99% sRGB. We found that the anti-glare coating worked with direct light overhead. It isn't a touchscreen, though, so doesn't support gesture controls. This means that the Quick Keys Remote included is a pretty essential add-on (it's included in the bundle package but not in the Essentials package).
The Remote can be connected via cable or wirelessly via a Bluetooth dongle, and it has its own OLED display to show key functions. Both the keys and the labelling are cutomisable, and we found them to be convenient and easy to use.
The two styluses included are the same ones that come with Xencelab's other drawing tablets, so we've tested them a lot by know and we've found them to be consistently accurate. Each can be customised and set up for specific software or jobs, and there's a case for them included.
Price:We think the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is very competitive when it comes to price. At $1,249 / £1,199, the Bundle deal, which includes the Quick Key Remote and Mobile Stand, is worth the extra cost over the Essentials option ($999 / £969).
There is also the outstandingXencelabs Pen Display 24that repackages the same tech and design ideas into a much larger display. This costs $1,899 / £1,850, which is around $600 / £600 less than the similarly specced Wacom Cintiq Pro 24. The advantage of the Xencelabs is it's not only more affordable but comes witheverythingyou could need in the box.
In both cases, the tablet sits comfortably between Wacom's Cintiq Pro 16 ($1,599 / £1399.99) and the budget XPPen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) ($599.99 / £529.99). Considering that the latter isn't OLED and lacks true 4K resolution, Xencelabs offering gets our vote as the best value Pen Display overall. The new Wacom Movink 13 is a little cheaper at $749.95 / £729.98, and it has a touchscreen, but it's smaller and has inferior colour coverage.
The best large pen display
05. Wacom Cintiq 22
Our best runner up pen display is a reliable Wacom tablet for pros
Specifications
Active drawing area:
495.3 x 292mm / 19.5 x 11.5 inches
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Connections:
HDMI, USB 2.0
OS:
Windows
Reasons to buy
+Keen price point
+Very good drawing experience
+
Built-in adjustable stand
Reasons to avoid
-Costs more than its direct rivals
-Relatively low screen resolution
-
No built-in shortcut keys
30-second review:Despite increased competition, the Wacom name is still to be reckoned with, and as far as I'm concerned the Wacom Cintiq 22 is the drawing tablet to consider if you're looking for large high-quality pen display that will last you for years. Wacom makes a number of good pen displays, but for value, features and size I think this is the best option for users who aren't prepared to pay for the Cintiq Pro (see our guide to thebest Wacom tablets).
UPDATE: You might want to wait if you're considering this tablet. Wacom has announced that it will release anew Wacom Cintiq 24to replace the Cintiq 22 later in 2025. We haven't yet tested it, but the new model will have 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and, as the name suggests, an extra two inches in display size. it's also nearly half as thick, which could make it more portable despite the larger screen size.
Design:In our review, we noted the Wacom Cintiq 22 has a list of design touches that compete at the highest level, including a 22-inch display that provides plenty of creative space to play with. It has Full HD resolution, which maybe a drop behind Xencelabs' 4K, but it's good for pro artists and hobbyists alike and features 96% sRGB. You can get sharper screens on other Wacom tablets too, but they cost more, and this model is all about bringing Wacom quality with an affordable price tag. And let's not forget that plenty of pen displays that come in cheaper but lack this resolution.
An advantage of Wacom tablets is that these are pretty much the industry standard and best of all these pen displays last years - and what you really need these days is a tablet that is reliable. This drops to the runner-up pen display slot on my list because the Xencelabs offers a larger screen, new design innovations and more accessories for a good price, but if you need an industry-standard pen display that's slightly smaller and costs a little less, this Wacom is for you.
Features:What really makes the Wacom Cintiq 22 such a pleasure to use is the Wacom Pro Pen 2, with a whole 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity as well as tilt sensitivity. Wacom has been in this game a long time, and it's hard to imagine an artist with any complaints about the Pro Pen 2. It just works really,reallywell. While XPPen in particular now offers 16k levels, the design, weight and build of the Wacom stylus stillfeelsgood.
This pen display features a built-in adjustable stand and an anti-glare scratch resistance display. It doesn't feature any Quick Keys on the tablet, and the Quick Key remote for custom shortcuts isn't included (unlike Xencelabs), so you'll need to pay an extra $100 / £100. This pen display lacks gesture control too. So you can see how Wacom is bringing the price down by reducing features. Though Wacom does include a six month subscription to Clip Studio Pain.
Price:The Wacom Cintiq 22 costs £1,229.99 / $1,299.95, and US reader can get an exclusive offer to add a Wacom Intuos Medium to their basket for half the price ($199.95to $99.95).
Most portable pen display
06. Wacom Movink 13
A super thin and light pen display with an OLED screen
Specifications
Active drawing area:
294 x 165mm / 11.6 x 6.5in
Screen resolution:
FHD (1920 x 1080)
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Connections:
USB-C
OS:
Mac, Windows, Android, ChromeOS
Reasons to buy
+Slim, lightweight design
+Very accurate
+
Vibrant OLED screen
Reasons to avoid
-Only FHD resolution
-Some artists will want a larger screen
-
Stand sold separately
30-second review: The Movink 13 is Wacom's thinnest and lightest pen display to date, and the first with an OLED display. The portability makes it a great option for working on the move since it takes up little space.
Design: It's hard to overstate just how thin and light the Movink 13 is. We've tested a lot of pen displays and we were really taken aback. It weighs just 420 grams and is just four millimetres thick, widening to 6.5mm to create a soft sloped with a slightly wider bezel below the display at the slimmer side.
Our initial concern was that this might make it feel fragile, but the tablet actually feels very solid and well built, even when we tested to see if it would bend. That said, you're still going to want some kind of protective case if you're taking the tablet around with you, both to protect the tablet and to prevent loss of the stylus, and that will cost extra.
Features: Adding even more portability, there's no power cable: it takes power from your laptop by USB-C. There are physical buttons as well as on-screen touch buttons for accessing keyboard shortcuts, which we found to be steamlined approach that does away with the need for a desktop setup.
As for the stylus, I love the slimmed-down Wacom Pro Pen 3 that comes included (there's a cutomisation kit if you prefer the older fat design). Small things make a difference, like the slightly longer nylon nib, which let me see more of the display where it touches. I found brush strokes to be accurate and responsive in my tests.
The nicest thing about the Movink is that it's just so easy to set up and use. You just plug in and draw. In my full review, I compared it to drawing on an A4 pad. It feels quite liberating if you're used to being stuck at a desk. It could also be compared to using an iPad to draw (see below), but I found the drawing experience to be much better.
Price: The Movink aims pretty much at the middle of the market. It's a lot cheaper than Wacom's Cintiq Pro devices but it's more expensive than comparable pen displays of this size from other brands, and if you want a stand or case, they come separately, adding to the cost.
We think the OLED display and super slim build make it worth that extra cost for those who want a very mobile device, but if you'll mainly be working at a desk, you might prefer to get more screen for your buck with something like the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 further up on our list.
Best pen computer overall
07. iPad Pro M4 (11-inch)
The best pen computer for digital art and more
Specifications
Active drawing area:
11in (also 13in)
Screen resolution:
2752 x 2064
Pen pressure sensitivity:
Not specified (requires optional Apple Pencil)
Connections:
USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
OS:
iPadOS
Reasons to buy
+Stunningly slim and light design
+Beautiful OLED display
+
Much improved Magic Keyboard
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive
-Overpowered
-
iPadOS still limited
30-second review:If having the best drawing tablet simply isn't enough for you, and you need to have the best tablet all round, that can run apps natively, there's really only one choice: the iPad Pro (M4). It's a solid workhorse and an elegant table for art, design and everyday work.
Design:The iPad Pro (M4) has a new thinner design, and the build quality is fantastic. It comes in two sizes: 11in and 13in. We'll discuss the specs of the former here, but the larger tablet provides the same features and performance. The thinner, lighter design makes this an ideal mobile art tablet (I opt for the 11-inch over the 13-inch as I use my iPad Pro on the sofa and while travelling.)
It has a fingerprint-resistant, fully laminated display with great specs - 2752 x 2064 resolution, 1,000 nits brightness (up to 1,600 nits HDR), it's multi-touch and it's the first iPad with OLED tech for enhanced contrast. On the downside, it's glossy and reflective despite an antireflective coating, which for some artists can be an issue. You can pay extra to have nano-textured glass for improved anti-glare, but this is only available in models with 1TB or 2TB storage, upping the cost - $500 / £500 for extra storage and $100 / £100 for the improved screen. If you're using iPad Pro (M4) for art and design, this is needed.
Features:The iPad Pro (M4) isincrediblypowerful, and so priced accordingly, that if you are only looking for a drawing tablet and won't need its many other features, it probably isn't worth it, and a dedicated tool like those above will offer greater value for money. Or you can drop down a price band and look at the iPad Air 11-inch (M2), which starts at $599 / £599, but this doesn't have the nano-texture option.
Not only is the iPad Pro (M4) powered by Apple's blazing fast M4 chip for stunning performance, it has an Ultra Retina XDR display with amazing brightness as well as adaptive refresh between 10-120Hz and True Tone for adjust colour intensity. Put the two together and you have a near-unbeatable all-in-one system for creating digital art as well as showing it off to best effect. (When not creating you can now play Triple-A games like Assassin's Creed Mirage on this tablet, see my op ed onApple's new games-focused plansfor more detail.)
Special mention goes to the newApple Pencil Pro(sold separately) which is one of the best stylus around at the moment, and features tilt, pressure sensitivity and palm rejection (as expected) but also squeezing it brings up tool menus, 'Barrel roll' enables you to turn the stylus in your hand to change the shape of the brush, and double-tap enables you to hot swap between functions.
This is why I've named this my favourite pen computer, in line with the more expensive Wacom MobileStudio Pro. Not everyone needs a pen computer, and Apple has cornered the market for these kinds of drawing tablets. It's worth noting the amazingProcreateonly works on iPads and animation appProcreate Dreamsonly runs on iPad Pro, which is another reason iPad Pro (M4) is my pick for best pen computer overall. Also, coming this year isZBrush for iPad, which will make this tablet even more versatile.
Price:The cost of an iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) varies with the build you choose, but the starting price for a modest 256GB build is $999 / £999. The preferred build for digital art would be the 1TB WiFi model for $1,599 / £1,599, with the added $100 / £100 upgrade for nano-textured glass. You'll need to add Apple Pencil Pro for an extra $129 / £129, which will take the cost closer to $1,800 / $1,800. If you opt for the 13-inch model you can add around $300 / £300 to that tally.
Best pen computer for desktop software
08. Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16
The best pen computer a desktop performance
Specifications
Active drawing area:
346 x 194mm / 13.6 x 7.6in
Resolution:
3840 x 2160 (UHD)
Pen pressure sensitivity:
8,192 levels
Connections:
Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi, x3 USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3, SD card
OS:
Windows
Reasons to buy
+Powerful internals and excellent drawing experience
+Etched glass screen
+
Pro Pen 2 is great
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive
-Quite heavy
-
Adjustable stand is extra
30-second review:The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is a powerhouse large pen computer that can run full versions of desktop art and design software, unlike iPad Pro that runs paired-down apps. This means you can run task-heavy software likeZBrush,HoudiniandUnreal Engine 5.
Design:Wacom makes two skews of its only pen computer, the smaller 13.3-inch model and the 15.6-inch model, chosen here. I've picked the more expensive, larger build as this offers a true alternative to iPad Pro - if you're a digital artist who works in 3D and VFX this larger screen is needed.
This tablet features a wider bezel than on iPad Pro, but it does have more connections - a USB-C, two Thunderbolt3, an audio port and an SD card reader slot - ensuring this Wacom can be hooked up to a larger monitor if needed. Unlike iPad Pro this Wacom is designed for artists, so you get the brand's regular stack of customisable Quick Keys and a dial for selecting brushes, files and more.
Features:The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is a Windows PC in a tablet with a display, Quick Keys and stylus aimed at digital artists. It features an on-board 512GB SSD for speedy loading and saving, good but not not leading edge 5MP and 8MP cameras but these do support the equipped Intel RealSense technology for scanning objects in 3D space.
The real advantage of the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is its Windows OS, with full touch support and the specs - inside is an Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA Quadro P1000 with 4GB GDDR5. The display is a Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution and features an etched, anti-glare finish ideal for digital art. This comes at a cost, this tablet weighs around 2kg and doesn't come with a built-in stand, you can buy one separately. This isn't a light and portable tablet like iPad Pro.
I own an eight-year-old Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 and it's still going strong, this kind reliability is why artists flock to Wacom, and being a Windows tablet you've got good support. The only niggle in this time is the battery life has dimmed, and even new Wacom MobileStudio Pro tablets lack the long battery life of an iPad (I find a full charge will last around three hours of use).
Price:The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 costs $3,499.95 / £3,199.99. The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 costs £2,399.99 and is not available in the US; aside from the size difference this model has an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 instead of the Nvidia GPU.
FAQs
Drawing tablets are electronic devices intended to allow artists to draw, sketch and paint digitally using a stylus in order to replicate the motion used on paper or canvas. There are different types. The most basic drawing tablets are pen tablets: flat, plastic panels that serve as input devices with pressure sensors to measure the input of a pen stylus and transfer this data to a computer.
These do not have a display so you have to look at what you're doing on your laptop or PC display. But pen displays are another type of drawing tablet that do have their own display so you can see what you're doing, although you still need to connect them to a computer.
The use of pressure sensitive styluses allows the creation of thick to thin lines depending how hard you press for a realistic drawing experience. Many general tablets, or pen computers, like iPads can also be used as drawing tablets while also serving for other uses. However, a key difference is that dedicated drawing tablets usually have an etched surface for a tactile paper-like feel, while iPad screens are glossy and hard.
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Broadly speaking, there are three main types of drawing tablet. Each takes a different approach to the central challenge of helping you create digital art and draw on your Windows PC or Mac, as if you were drawing on paper.
</article></section>Pen tablets
Pen tablets, also known as graphics tablets, connect to a device but don't feature in-built screens, meaning you'll need to use your monitor or laptop screen to see what you're drawing. These are often the most cost-effective options and many artists like using these as it means they can have a large monitor at eye level. My favourite is the Xenceabs Pen Tablet (both Medium and Small).
Good forAffordable and large sizes, reliable and accurate, offer a tactile drawing experience, can be used with large monitors, a replacement for mice and trackpads.
Reasons to avoidYou find the 'looking up' setup awkward, prefer the direct response of drawing on a screen, want to replicate a traditional 'easel' workspace, you still need a computer.
Pen displays
These are drawing tablets that feature an integrated screen but must still be connected to a laptop or PC to function. These are the favoured form factor of most professionals and mid-weight creatives, offering a detailed and ergonomic drawing experience. These can be large and come with built-in stands; smaller pen displays can also be used as traditional drawing tablets by turning off the screen - the best of both worlds.
Good forA natural way to draw, offer excellent precision and accuracy, uses a stand for a traditional 'easel' setup.
Reasons to avoidNot all displays are 4K, not all pen displays have touch controls, more expensive than traditional drawing tablets, can feel less tactile, you still nee a computer.
Pen computers
These are tablets made by generalist tech brands such as Apple, Microsoft and Samsung. These don't need to be plugged into a computer, but lack some of the drawing-first features associated with pen tablets and displays, whether that's screen size and texture or stylus sensitivity. New to this type of drawing tablet is XPPen with its Magic Drawing Pad, this mixes dedicated drawing tablet tech with its mobile CPU to run apps likeArtRage Viatefrom the device.
Good forAn excellent mobile art tablet, compliments a desktop setup, no need for a laptop or PC, iPad, Samsung and XPPen offer excellent stylus, touch and gesture controls, bespoke apps like Procreate, can have other uses.
Reasons to avoidThese are expensive, smaller than pen displays and drawing tablets, drawing on gloss screens can be 'slippery', not all are specifically designed for digital art.
Dedicated drawing tablets (pen tablets and pen displays) are intended for both professional and enthusiast artists and designers. They can be used for creating digital and illustration as well as for graphic design and even photo editing. More general pen computers are aimed at general consumers, but some devices, like the iPad Pro, are also widely used by professional artists.
Drawing tablets are the ideal way to use digital art software, such asAdobe Photoshop,Rebelle 7orCorel Painter. There are art apps available for iPad and Android too, for example the iPad-exclusiveProcreate Dreamshas been designed to use Apple Pencil. Some of the best 3D modelling and VFX software can also be used with drawing tablet too, includingZBrush for iPad.
But even dedicaged drawing tablets aren't just for artists and designers. Not everyone loves using a mouse or touchpad, and drawing tablets can provide an alternative input device for a computer, particularly smaller devices like the Wacom One S,Xencelabs Pen Tablet SmallorHuion Inspiroy H430P.
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Yes, there's a growing market of drawing tablets for children, and you can check out our dedicateddrawing tablets for kidsguide if this is something you're looking for. These have been designed to be easy to use and indestructible.
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More drawing tablet brands are now enabling drawing tablets to be connected to smartphones, Android devices and use Linux. These are often smaller than standard drawing tablets and can fit neatly into a bag, as well as using USB-C to USB-C cables. My three best drawing tablets for smartphones and mobiles would be:
Ugee M808A small 10 x 6.25 inch drawing tablet with shortcut keys.
Parblo Intangbo X7This one has a unique device switcher.
Wacom One SThe new budget option offers superior build quality.
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If you've been around computers for a long time, this is what you probably think of instinctively at the mention of adrawing tablet: a plain surface that you draw on with a stylus, with your work displayed on a separate computer monitor, also known as apen tabletorgraphics tablet. These remain the most affordable drawing tablet category. Their main disadvantage is the sense of ‘disconnect’ between the drawing surface and the screen, although most people get used to this quickly.
Pen displaysconsists of a flat-screen monitor with a pressure-sensitive surface that you draw on with a stylus. They don't have the sense of disconnect that you might get with graphics tablets, and they're more portable; however they cost more. Furthermore, you get a lot of cables between the display and computer (see thebest computers for graphic design), and many of the display surfaces don’t offer the ‘bite’ that graphics tablets do.
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Android, Windows and iOS devices like the Surface Pro and iPad Pro take on the other drawing tablets in two ways. You don't need another computer: just download an art app and start drawing with your fingertip or a stylus. Also, when you want to use the Creative Cloud suite on your main computer, these can function as graphics tablets with apps like Astropad.
As for how good they are for drawing, well, it depends on what you need. The iPad has incredible software likeProcreateand the very capableApple Pencil 2offers some pretty impressive features and specs, but it's very expensive. The Surface Pro range is better suited for sketching and doodling, but at a push could handle some more detailed art if you're willing to work for it.
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Beginners who want to start experimenting with digital drawing and painting might want to begin with a pen computer like an iPad if they need a device for other uses too. The advantage is that you can use one device for different type of work, avoiding having to buy a dedicated device only for drawing.
That said, the tactile feel of dedicated drawing tablets can make for a nicer drawing experience, and there are very good value pen tablets and pen displays available. I would consider starting with a pen tablet like the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle at the top of our guide – or the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is you want to be able to see your work directly on the tablet.
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Tags: The best drawing tablets
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