Best Drawing Tablets in 2024

Finding Your Perfect Digital Canvas

Choosing the right drawing tablet can make a significant difference in your digital art journey. With countless options available in 2024, finding the one that suits your needs and budget can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we've tested and compared the latest drawing tablets across various categories to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Drawing Tablet Types

Before diving into our recommendations, let's clarify the three main types of drawing tablets available:

1. Graphics Tablets (Pen Tablets)

These tablets connect to your computer and require you to look at your monitor while drawing on a separate surface.

• Pros: Most affordable option, durable, portable, no screen glare
• Cons: Steeper learning curve due to hand-eye coordination, less intuitive for beginners
• Best for: Budget-conscious artists, beginners exploring digital art, professionals who prefer the disconnected experience

2. Pen Displays (Screen Tablets)

These tablets have a built-in screen that connects to your computer, allowing you to draw directly on the display.

• Pros: More intuitive drawing experience, direct hand-eye coordination, better precision
• Cons: Higher price point, less portable, potential screen glare, requires computer connection
• Best for: Intermediate to professional artists seeking more natural drawing experience, illustrators, and designers

3. Standalone Tablet Computers

These are full computing devices with built-in drawing capabilities, requiring no additional computer.

• Pros: Ultimate portability, no additional hardware needed, versatile functionality
• Cons: Highest price point, limited software compared to desktop solutions, potential processing limitations
• Best for: Professional artists who need portability, digital nomads, artists who prefer an all-in-one solution

Key Features to Consider

When evaluating drawing tablets, these are the crucial specifications that impact your drawing experience:

"The best tablet isn't necessarily the most expensive one—it's the one that fits your specific workflow and creative needs."

Best Graphics Tablets (Pen Tablets)

Best Overall: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium

The Wacom Intuos Pro continues to set the industry standard with its exceptional build quality and performance.

• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Resolution: 5,080 LPI
• Active Area: 8.7 × 5.8 inches (Medium size)
• Connectivity: USB-C and Bluetooth
• Pros: Premium build quality, customizable express keys, multi-touch support, wireless capability
• Cons: Higher price point, textured surface may wear pen nibs faster
• Price Range: $350-$400

Best Budget: XP-Pen Deco 01 V2

An impressive entry-level tablet that delivers excellent performance at an affordable price point.

• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Resolution: 5,080 LPI
• Active Area: 10 × 6.25 inches
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Pros: Large drawing area for the price, smooth surface, 8 customizable shortcut keys
• Cons: No wireless connectivity, pen requires battery (but lasts months)
• Price Range: $60-$80

Best for Beginners: Huion Inspiroy H640P

A compact, portable option that's perfect for those just starting their digital art journey.

• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Resolution: 5,080 LPI
• Active Area: 6.3 × 3.9 inches
• Connectivity: Micro USB
• Pros: Ultra-portable, battery-free pen, 6 customizable buttons, accessible price
• Cons: Smaller active area, fewer shortcut options
• Price Range: $40-$50

Best Pen Displays (Screen Tablets)

Best Overall: Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

The gold standard for professional digital artists, offering unparalleled color accuracy and drawing experience.

• Display: 15.6" 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)
• Color Performance: 98% Adobe RGB
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Connections: USB-C, HDMI
• Pros: Exceptional color accuracy, etched glass surface for natural drawing feel, Pro Pen 2 technology, multi-touch support
• Cons: Premium price, requires additional accessories for optimal setup
• Price Range: $1,500-$1,700

Best Mid-Range: XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro

A compelling alternative that delivers professional features at a more accessible price point.

• Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 × 1080)
• Color Performance: 120% sRGB
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Connections: USB-C, HDMI
• Pros: Fully laminated display, 8 shortcut keys + dial, tilt support, excellent value
• Cons: Slightly less refined pen feel than premium options, lower resolution than 4K alternatives
• Price Range: $400-$450

Best Budget: Huion Kamvas 13

An affordable entry point into screen tablets without compromising essential features.

• Display: 13.3" Full HD (1920 × 1080)
• Color Performance: 120% sRGB
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
• Connections: USB-C (3-in-1 cable included)
• Pros: Fully laminated anti-glare screen, compact and portable, battery-free pen
• Cons: No express keys (external keypad available separately), limited stand adjustment
• Price Range: $240-$280

Best Standalone Tablet Computers

Best Overall: iPad Pro 12.9" (M2)

The ultimate portable digital art studio, combining powerful hardware with the exceptional Apple Pencil experience.

• Display: 12.9" Liquid Retina XDR (2732 × 2048)
• Processor: Apple M2 chip
• Storage Options: 128GB to 2TB
• Pros: Powerful performance, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, exceptional Apple Pencil response (sold separately), extensive app ecosystem
• Cons: High price point, Apple Pencil purchased separately, not a full desktop OS
• Price Range: $1,100-$2,400 (depending on configuration) + $129 for Apple Pencil

Best Windows Option: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

A versatile 2-in-1 device offering full Windows capabilities alongside excellent pen performance.

• Display: 13" PixelSense (2880 × 1920)
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7
• Storage Options: 128GB to 1TB
• Pros: Full Windows OS, versatile form factor, 120Hz refresh rate, excellent Surface Slim Pen support
• Cons: Pen and keyboard sold separately, battery life could be better for heavy creative work
• Price Range: $1,000-$2,600 (depending on configuration) + $130 for Surface Slim Pen 2

Best Android Option: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+

A powerful Android tablet with excellent S Pen integration and vibrant display.

• Display: 12.4" Super AMOLED (2800 × 1752)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Storage Options: 128GB to 512GB (expandable)
• Pros: S Pen included, brilliant AMOLED display, expandable storage, solid battery life
• Cons: Android app ecosystem less optimized for professional art than iOS, fewer professional-grade art apps
• Price Range: $800-$1,000 (S Pen included)

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

For those on a tight budget but still wanting to explore digital art, consider these options:

Wacom One By Wacom (Small)

The most affordable entry into the Wacom ecosystem at around $40-$50.

XP-Pen StarG640

A compact 6x4 inch tablet perfect for beginners, priced around $30-$40.

Previous Generation Devices

Looking at previous models can save significantly – a 2022 iPad Air with Apple Pencil offers excellent performance for much less than the latest Pro model.

Making Your Decision

When choosing your drawing tablet, consider these factors:

1. Your Budget: Set a realistic budget before shopping to narrow your options.
2. Your Experience Level: Beginners might want to start with a more affordable option before investing in premium equipment.
3. Primary Use Case: Different tablets excel at different tasks – illustration, design, 3D modeling, etc.
4. Software Compatibility: Ensure your chosen tablet works well with your preferred software.
5. Portability Needs: Consider whether you'll be working primarily at a desk or need to create on the go.

Conclusion

The best drawing tablet is ultimately the one that fits your specific needs, workflow, and budget. While premium options like the Wacom Cintiq Pro and iPad Pro offer exceptional experiences, many artists create professional-quality work on more affordable devices.

We recommend visiting a store to test the feel of different tablets if possible, as the tactile experience is highly personal. Remember that any tablet requires a period of adjustment – give yourself time to adapt to your new tool, regardless of which one you choose.

In our next review, we'll explore the best digital art software options to pair with your new tablet. Stay tuned!