The Best Drawing Tablets

Drawing tablets have changed the way we make art by mixing old-style drawings with new technology. The drawing tablets fill the gap between traditional drawing practices and the modern demands of artists. With features like pressure sensitivity, screen size, and stylus accuracy, these tablets not only enhance creativity but also improve workflow efficiency. As of 2024, the global market for drawing tablets is estimated to be worth over $650 million, with a projected growth to exceed $900 million by 2028. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of digital art tools in industries such as animation, design, and education.

In this article, we will look at all the options suitable for you and some of the best drawing tablets of 2024, listing their best features and what makes them stand out.

The Apple iPad Pro is no short of a formidable tool for artists; whether you’re a graphic designer or illustrator, the Apple iPad is your reliable friend. With its 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and a marvelous resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, the Apple iPad Pro is getting extremely popular among drawing tablet users. Its promotion, true tone, and P3 wide color offer an excellent canvas for digital art. Combined with the Apple Pencil 2, which magnetically gets attached to the side of the iPad and charges itself, the Apple iPad ensures a smooth and convenient user experience. The pressure sensitivity and tilt support provided by the Apple Pencil 2 are truly magical, as they give users the comfort of traditional practice.

Pros:

• Vigorous and high-resolution display
• Portable and versatile
• Outstanding ecosystem with powerful apps
• Responsive and reliable Apple Pencil

Cons:

• High-priced
• Limited to iOS apps

Pricing:

• Apple iPad Pro: $1,099 to $2,199
• Apple Pencil 2: $142.88

For more information please visit the official website.

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is one of the prime drawing tablets of the digital age. It offers a 4K resolution display (3840 x 2160 pixels) that presents extraordinary clarity and stunning color accuracy, casing almost 99% of the Adobe RGB color space.

The levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response, and virtually unstoppable tracking are made easy by the tablet’s Pro Pen 2. Well known for its highly responsive stylus, it provides a great canvas for detailed artwork, making it perfect for professionals. The UX design features customizable Express keys and a touch ring for amplified productivity.

Pros:

• ample customizable options
• Vigorous build quality
• Extraordinary display
• Thoroughly responsive pen

Cons:

• Expensive
• Needs a computer to run

Pricing:

• $1900 to $2,199.95

For more information please visit the official website.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that doesn’t compromise on quality, XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is your calling. It features a display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, delivering sharp and stunning images. The tablet introduces a PA2 stylus with high-pressure sensitivity and supports tilt functionality, making every stroke beautiful and natural. The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 also offers eight customizable short keys and a red dial for habitually used functions, increasing workflow orderliness. The parallax is reduced by the fully laminated screen, giving the user a more precise and intuitive drawing experience.

Pros:

• Customizable keys and dials
• Highly responsive pen with pressure sensitivity
• High-resolution display
• Stunning color accuracy

Cons:

• Voluminous design
• Needs a computer to operate

Pricing:

• $372.20 to $528.57

For more information please visit the official website.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with Surface Pen provides the convenience of a tablet with the power of a laptop. Its 13-inch PixelSense display supports high resolution with vibrant colors, which is incredibly essential for digital art. The Surface Pro pen provides good pressure sensitivity and tilt support. This tablet is a great choice for people looking for a multifunctional device for creative and professional purposes.

Pros:

• Versatile multifunctional device
• High-resolution display
• Lightweight and easily portable

Cons:

• Expensive
• The pen is sold separately.

Pricing:

• Microsoft Surface Pro 9- $749.99- $1320.25
• Surface Pen- $99

For more information please visit the official website.

The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is one of the best, most cost-effective options for a drawing tablet out there. With its Express Keys and display’s 120% sRGB color gamut, the Huion Kamvas Pro stands out among the other tablets. The high-resolution laminated screen reduces parallax and glare. This tablet is said to be the best for photo editing and digital art.

Pros:

• Affordable
• High-resolution laminated screen
• Portable

Cons:

• Needs a computer to operate
• Smaller display compared to expensive models

Pricing:

• $250 to $329.00

For more information please visit the official website.

More Related articles:

• What is a Graphics Tablet?
• Best Drawing Apps and Digital Art Apps for Every Skill Level

While choosing between all the drawing tablets out there can seem like a hefty task, the user needs to consider their needs while choosing. If you’re a professional and have a good budget, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 and the Apple iPad Pro would be the best options. For those who are looking for a cost-effective option, go for the Huion Kamvas Pro 16. It has everything you need at the best price. Regardless of your choice, investing in a drawing tablet as an artist will increase your productivity and digital art experience.

What is the best drawing tablet for newcomers?

If you’re a newcomer looking for a budget-friendly tablet, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 and XP-Pen Artist Pro 2 will be excellent choices.

How to choose a drawing tablet?

Well, that depends on what you’re opting for. But despite that, here are some factors to consider when buying your ideal drawing tablet: display, pressure-sensitivity, size, affinity with the software, and whether you want a standalone device.

Do drawing tablets require a computer to operate?

Yes, most drawing tablets, like the Wacom Cintiq Pro and Huion Kamvas, require a computer to operate. Nevertheless, there are options for standalone devices like the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro as well.

Can a drawing tablet be used for other tasks than drawing?

Yes, definitely. A drawing is a multifunctional device that can be used for graphic design, photo editing, and even animation. Standalone devices like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro can also be used for general computer use.

Is drawing tablet easy?

Using a drawing tablet can be easy with practice, especially if you’re already familiar with digital tools and have some drawing skills.