Digital artists can benefit hugely from a drawing tablet, offering a wide range of compatible applications and performance in one relatively small package. Despite being digital, drawing tablets often replicate the feeling of pen on paper, giving artists a lifelike experience that uploads effortlessly onto a PC or laptop.

With varying screen sizes, workable areas, color gamut, and customizable settings, there's a lot to consider when finding out what the best drawing tablet is for you. In some cases, you may find that a dedicated drawing tablet doesn't offer enough, introducing tablets like the 2022 Apple iPad Air and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8.

Here are the best drawing tablets for digital artists available today.

Premium pick

1. Wacom Cintiq 22

9.40 / 10
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The Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet offers a full HD experience on a 1808p screen. The large area makes it easy and comfortable to draw on, ideal for professionals and novices. The color gamut sits at 72 percent; this could have been higher for such a top-of-the-range drawing tablet, but you won't get that unless you upgrade to a Cintiq Pro model.

When drawing, the Wacom Cintiq 22's anti-glare surface makes it pleasurable to draw on. There's also a small yet noticeable texture to the screen, offering more tangibility when drawing on a tablet. Included, you'll get the Pro Pen 2 which offers 8,192 pressure levels. This results in accurate strokes and when combined with the tilt sensitivity, it's easy to see why this tablet is a great choice.

To add the cherry on top, the Wacom Cintiq 22 comes equipped with a tilt display; this allows you to adjust the display to your preferred angle. Regardless of where you're artistic inspiration comes from, this tablet is up there with the best, and certainly deserves consideration if you're a digital artist.

Key Features
  • Adjustable stand
  • 1920x1080 display
  • Battery-free pen
Specifications
  • Brand: Wacom
  • Active Area: 650 x 400 x 55 mm
  • Multi-Touch Support: Yes
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 8,192
  • Connection: USB, HDMI
  • Color Gamut: 72% Adobe RGB
  • Tilt Support: Yes
  • Resolution : 5080 lpi
  • Pen : Pro Pen 2
  • Compatibility : Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Great drawing experience
  • Built-in stand
  • Large working area
Cons
  • Expensive
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Wacom Cintiq 22
Editors choice

2. 2022 Apple iPad Air

9.40 / 10
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The 2022 Apple iPad Air is one of the best tablets for creators. It boasts a 10.9-inch LCD panel, 500 nits of brightness, anti-reflective coating, and a substantial 2360x1640 resolution. While it doesn't stretch to the capacity and performance of the iPad Pro, it isn't far behind at all and comes with a much more appealing price tag.

Depending on how much digital art you're interested in producing, you can choose the 2022 Apple iPad Air from 64GB to 256GB of storage. There's also the option of extending this further with an iCloud+ subscription. What's more, the 2022 model is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, whereas the base iPad only supports the first-generation.

For artists that aren't necessarily Apple fans, the 2022 Apple iPad Air may change your mind with the M1 processor. This allows more complex creative apps to offer their services to the App Store, taking advantage of the M1 chip. It also makes web browsing far more seamless than previous iterations.

Key Features
  • Apple M1 chip
  • Liquid Retina display
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Stereo landscape speakers
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Storage: 64GB
  • CPU: Apple M1
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Operating System: iPadOS
  • Battery: 7600mAh
  • Ports: 1x 3.5mm jack, 1x USB Type-C 2.0
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP, 12MP
  • Display type: 10.9-inch, 2360x1640
  • Size: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.2 inches
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Pros
  • Outstanding performance
  • Light and portable
  • Large area for drawing
Cons
  • Subpar battery life
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2022 Apple iPad Air
Best value

3. XENX X1-640

8.40 / 10
Read Reviews

Despite being lightweight and smaller than many other drawing tablets, the XENX X1-640 is perfect for beginners. It boasts five shortcut buttons, and a battery-free pen, and weighs just four ounces, making it ideal for taking with you on the go.

The XENX X1-640 offers support for Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, and Android 6.0 or later devices. And, with a USB-C connector, you can just plug and play. This means you can use it as a drawing tablet, for writing notes or annotations during class, or just as a digital whiteboard.

There's no user guide included, but if you're familiar with how other drawing tablets work, it won't take long to get the hang of the XENX X1-640.

Key Features
  • Two programmable pen buttons
  • Five programmable tablet buttons
  • Battery-free pen
  • Ultra-thin design
Specifications
  • Brand: XENX
  • Active Area: 6 x 3.74 inches
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 8192
  • Connection: USB-C
  • Resolution : 2540 LPI
  • Pen : Battery-free stylus
  • Compatibility : Mac OS 10.12 or later, Android 6.0 or later, Windows
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Windows, macOS, and Android compatible
  • No batteries required
Cons
  • No user guide included
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XENX X1-640

The XP-PEN Artist24 Pro is, despite its name, ideal for novices or semi-professional artists who need a drawing tablet at a mid-range price. Compared to its competitors, this tablet is actually incredibly affordable, boasting a 2K QHD display with an outstanding 90 percent Adobe RGB color reproduction. You're getting a lot of detail and great performance at an acceptable price.

The display itself is covered in anti-glare material and offers a textured overlay to make it feel like a true drawing experience. Using the XP-PEN Artist24 Pro's stylus is really easy, offering accurate and responsive strokes to any drawing or painting. On the back of the tablet, you'll find a tablet stand that you can adjust from 16 to 90 degrees.

To make the XP-PEN Artist24 Pro even more versatile, there are 20 shortcut keys you can assign. So, if you're an up-and-coming digital artist or you need a high-performance space to express yourself, this drawing tablet is a worthy consideration, especially when competitor products are out of reach.

Key Features
  • 20 customizable shortcut keys
  • USB hub included
  • Display rotation
Specifications
  • Brand: XP-PEN
  • Active Area: 526.85 x 296.35mm
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 8192
  • Additional Inputs: 1x USB-C, 2x USB Hub, 1x HDMI, 1x DC
  • Color Gamut: 90% Adobe RGB
  • Tilt Support: Yes
  • Resolution : 5080 LPI
  • Pen : Battery-free stylus
  • Compatibility : Windows, Chrome OS, Mac, Linux
Pros
  • Large display
  • Great accuracy
  • Good performance
Cons
  • No touch screen
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XP-PEN Artist24 Pro

The Wacom Intuos Pro takes a little bit of setting up once it's out of the box, but when it's ready, it's something digital artists are really going to enjoy. From the get-go, you can customize this drawing tablet with your own on-screen controls, touch settings, express keys, and so on. So, whether you're an artistic novice or a professional, you can personalize your options to suit your style.

Included with the Wacom Intuos Pro is the Wacom Pro Pen 2. It's very responsive, if not a little too sensitive without some tweaks to the default settings. It's compatible with major applications like Photoshop, Maya, and Mari, so you won't have any trouble using this tablet with your favorite software. You can really tell the difference between a high-end and a cheap drawing tablet, and that's displayed perfectly in how the Wacom Intuos Pro feels, looks, and responds.

The Wacom Intuos Pro offers 8,192 levels of pressure, tilt, and portability; ideal for freelancers or artists that like sketching out their ideas on the go. And, despite being packed full of advanced features you'd expect to see in high-end drawing tablets, this tablet is affordable, even at its largest size.

Key Features
  • Programmable express keys
  • Side switches on pen
  • Available in small, medium, and large
Specifications
  • Brand: Wacom
  • Active Area: 224 x 148 mm
  • Multi-Touch Support: Yes
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 8192
  • Connection: USB, Bluetooth
  • Tilt Support: Yes
  • Resolution : 5080 LPI
  • Pen : Wacom Pro Pen 2
  • Compatibility : Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Large area for drawing
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Side buttons are difficult to locate using touch alone
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Wacom Intuos Pro

The XP-Pen Deco 01 is perfect for digital artists who are just starting their journey. This drawing tablet will take your hand and guide you through your experience, from novice to professional since it's durable, reliable, and robust. It's also incredibly easy to use and offers eight customizable express keys for you to personalize as you continue your creative work.

If you're a creative person that's looking for an affordable way to get started with a drawing tablet, the XP-Pen Deco 01 is a really good investment. The battery-free stylus makes it convenient to use all day long, and its nibs last for a very long time, taking the unnecessary stress and expense out of replacing them. The 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels are perfect for all skillsets, and the tablet is compatible with major applications.

The only real downfall to this budget-friendly tablet is the stylus holder; it tends to wobble and doesn't feel as secure as some high-end competitors. Overall, however, the XP-Pen Deco 01 is great if you don't want to burn a hole in your wallet yet still want the convenience and reliability of a high-quality drawing tablet.

Key Features
  • 60 degrees of tilt brush effect
  • Battery-free stylus
  • 8 customizable express keys
Specifications
  • Brand: XP PEN
  • Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 8192
  • Connection: USB
  • Resolution : 5080 LPI
  • Pen : Passive Pen
  • Compatibility : Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Sensitive and responsive
  • Reliable
Cons
  • Below average pen holder
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XP-Pen Deco 01

While the price tag may seem expensive compared to some non-drawing screen tablets, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is definitely at the more affordable end for display tablets. It's perfect for students and digital artists who want more advanced controls.

The Wacom Cintiq 16 features a 1920x1080 display, a 72 percent color gamut, and the Pro Pen 2. It boasts 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is part of Wacom's more affordable drawing tablet ranges. The 15.6-inch LCD display features an anti-glare surface, making it great for working in all different conditions, even when traveling.

The included cable offers a USB-A, HDMI, and power lead connection, meaning it's ideal if you want to connect the Wacom Cintiq 16 to a laptop or other screen. If you're ready to upgrade from an Intuos, this drawing tablet is the logical next stage.

Key Features
  • Anti-glare surface
  • 72% NTSC
  • Battery-free pen
  • 3-in-1 HDMI connection cable included
Specifications
  • Brand: TP-Link
  • Resolution: 2304x1296
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Tapo app
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: Internal
  • Power Source: Power cord
  • Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant
Pros
  • Great for pros
  • Silent use
  • Includes Pro Pen 2
Cons
  • Not 4K
  • Not touchscreen
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TP-Link Tapo 2K Indoor Security Camera

The Huion H420 is a fantastic drawing tablet for beginners. It's extremely affordable, easy to use, and is compatible with lots of major creative applications. On top of this, it's lightweight and portable; boasting plug and play functionality, you can take this tablet with you wherever you go without installing anything. All you need to get drawing is the tablet, pen, and USB cable.

The Huion H420's included pen offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. It only requires an AAA battery and lasts for a decent amount of time. Even for professionals, this would be considered acceptable. Moving away from the pen, the tablet includes express keys to make it easy to perform tasks like undo, save, and so on.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that certainly won't break the bank, the Huion H420 is ideal. It's great for novices, professionals on a budget, or even kids who want to have a go at experimenting and displaying their creativity, digitally.

Key Features
  • Plug and play
  • Pen scrolling
  • Compatible with major apps like Photoshop, CorelDraw, Comic Studio, etc.
Specifications
  • Brand: Huion
  • Active Area: 4 x 2.23 inches
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 2048
  • Connection: USB
  • Resolution : 4000 LPI
  • Pen : Battery Pen
  • Compatibility : Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Portable
  • Great for novices
Cons
  • Small drawing area
Buy This Product
Huion H420

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is hard not to be wowed by. It's stylish, refined, and offers more durability than its predecessors despite being slimmer. The thin bezels allow for an 11 percent larger display; alongside a 120Hz refresh rate, it makes it ideal for digital artists who want a powerful drawing tablet and laptop in one package.

This tablet has a 103 percent sRGB spectrum and a peak brightness of 467 nits. That means your drawings and paintings are going to look fantastic on the Microsoft Surface Pro 8's display. However, artists will need to invest in a compatible stylus pen like the Surface Slim Pen 2 which is an extra expense on top of what's already quite a big investment.

However, if you're prepared to indulge in the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, you won't be disappointed. It boasts a generous battery life of over 8 hours, a front and rear-facing camera, and a bloat-free version of Windows 11.

Key Features
  • Built-in kickstand
  • 13-inch touchscreen with 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM
  • Compatible with Surface Slim Pen 2
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G7 3.00 GHz
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Battery: Up to 16 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13-inch, 2880x1920
  • Camera: 10MP (Rear), 5MP (Front), 1080p
  • Speakers: 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • Colors: Platinum
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X
  • Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches
  • Weight: 1.96lbs
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Model: ‎8PV-00001
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great display
  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
Cons
  • Expensive
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Microsoft Surface Pro 8

If you're looking for an entry-level drawing tablet that's affordable and lightweight, the XENX P3-1060 is a great choice. The tracking is smooth, and there's no steep learning curve for beginners to overcome.

What makes the XENX P3-1060 really stand out is its paper-like overlay. It really feels like you're drawing or writing on paper, which is a bonus as some drawing tablets feel too far removed from their origins.

Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android, it's easy to use the XENX P3-1060 on most platforms. It comes with an adapter for Android, so you can literally just plug and play. There are also 10 shortcut keys, so you can easily program them to become a more personalized experience, depending on who is using the tablet.

Key Features
  • Boost mode
  • Battery-free pen
  • 10 x 6.22 inch active area
  • Programmable buttons
Pros
  • Left and right-handed support
  • Paper-like overlay
  • Compatible with Android, macOS and Windows
Cons
  • No iOS support
  • Not officially compatible with Chromebooks
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1994-2001 Acura Integra

11. Wacom One

9.00 / 10

Compared to an older style iPad, the Wacom One's drawing experience feels pretty much on-par. But, if you're a Windows user and aren't interested in macOS products, the Wacom One is a great investment, seamlessly connecting with Windows-based devices.

This dependable device offers a 1920x1080 screen resolution and 72 percent of NTSC color gamut coverage. That's not brilliant, and the screen isn't very bright, but if you want an affordable screen display, it's a great upgrade.

The 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity aren't as good as the also affordable Wacom Cintiq 16, but the Wacom One is undeniably easy to use and comes with a lead that is split between power, HDMI, and USB connections.

Key Features
  • Battery-free pen
  • Includes free software
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook
Specifications
  • Brand: Wacom
  • Active Area: 11.6 x 6.5 inches
  • Multi-Touch Support: Yes
  • Pressure Sensitivity Levels: 4,096
  • Connection: HDMI, USB
Pros
  • Good value for money
  • Has a premium feel (despite being made of plastic)
  • Best for Windows users
Cons
  • No buttons
  • Legs aren't adjustable

FAQ

Q: Is A Drawing Tablet Worth It?

Drawing tablets allow you to create digital art with ease. There are many drawing tablets that are suitable for beginners, and even those that support you through your creative journey as your skills increase.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Graphics Tablet And A Drawing Tablet?

Drawing tablets allow you to see what you're working on via the included screen. Graphics tablets, on the other hand, require you to connect the tablet to a computer to see what you are drawing or painting.

Essentially, drawing tablets can be seen as a standalone solution if you want to draw and see the results on the same device.

Q: Can I Use A Regular Tablet As A Drawing Tablet?

Some regular tablets like the 2022 Apple iPad Air and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 are definitely more than capable of handling the required applications that digital artists require from a drawing tablet.

If you're on a budget, or you need an all-in-one solution, a tablet can definitely suffice as a drawing tablet as long as it has a good enough processor, enough RAM, and is compatible with creative applications like Photoshop.