Technology is vastly improving, and we need to go along with it. Today, almost everything can be digitally done: from drawing and creating graphic works to posters and ads. Luckily, you can now conceptualize and digitize your sketches through a drawing tablet. Not to mention that it can positively make your work more appealing and save you time while allowing the improvement in your digital skills. 

Going to this particular medium will save you storage as you no longer need physical space to store your creations. When editing, you are no longer limited and bound to start from scratch as you can easily make changes to your creation with ease and comfort. 

With the help of a drawing tablet, erasing lines, cutting edges, and duplications can now be accomplished with a simple swipe gesture.

Best Drawing Tablets Comparison & Rating

Drawing Tablets

Features

Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet with HD Screen, Graphic Monitor, 8192 Pressure-Levels (DTK2260K0A) 2019 Version, Medium
  • scratch-resistant surface
  • low activation force and a tilt recognition pen
  • water-repellent packets
New Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (4th Generation)
  • face ID recognition system
  • five-studio microphone and four-speaker audio
  • all-screen liquid retina display
XP-Pen Artist15.6 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphics Digital Monitor with Battery-Free Passive Stylus (8192 Levels Pressure)
  • customized press keys
  • better detection of pressure
  • convenient USB type-C port
NEW Microsoft Surface Book 3 - 13.5" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i7 - 32GB Memory - 1TB SSD (Latest Model) - Platinum
  • high-end graphics
  • quad-core and 10th Gen Intel Core Processor
  • 15.5-hour battery life
Huion H610 Pro V2 Graphic Drawing Tablet Android Supported Pen Tablet Tilt Function Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pen Pressure with 8 Express Keys
  • innovative tilt control system
  • eight customized press keys
  • compatible with phones and other devices

1. Wacom Cintiq 22

Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet with HD Screen, Graphic Monitor, 8192 Pressure-Levels (DTK2260K0A) 2019 Version, Medium
Specifications:
95% Overall

Brand

Wacom

Dimensions

16.2 x 10.4 x 0.7 inches

Weight

3.3 pounds

Operating System

Windows

94%
durability
94%
display
97%
value for money
94%
performance
Pros:
  • Has a scratch-resistant surface that prevents the user from distracting reflections while in use.
  • Comes with a pen that has a low activation force and a tilt recognition to provide precision and a natural feel towards your creation.
  • The pen is capable of charging off-screen while you draw your piece.
  • The drawing tablet has water-repellent packets that keep your compositions safe.
Cons:
  • Better connected to another monitor to gain a better view of your creation. However, this only sets a minor difference.
  • A bit expensive. Nonetheless, you get your money’s worth due to its numerous impressive features.
Final Take:

This drawing tablet is perfect for you as you will no longer be distracted from reflections as it is equipped with an anti-scratch and anti-glare technology. It also comes with a pen that can provide you with the most natural drawing experience due to its tilt recognition and low activation force. This is an excellent tool for professionals and beginners as well.

2. Apple iPad Pro 12.9

New Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (4th Generation)
Specifications:
93% Overall

Brand

Apple

Dimensions

11.54 x 8.9 x 1.97 inches

Weight

3.14 pounds

Operating System

IOS

92%
durability
96%
display
91%
value for money
93%
performance
Pros:
  • Offers a face ID recognition system for security to protect your files.
  • A five-studio microphone and four-speaker audio are included.
  • An all-screen liquid retina display that makes the screen more vibrant and true-toned.
  • Besides providing you precision, you can also use the tablet for social media, a mode for communication, and for taking high-quality photos.
Cons:
  • Its compatibility is only limited to other Apple products.
  • The battery life of the tablet is relatively short.
Final Take:

Apple products are known for providing high-quality products and a class-leading performance against its rivals. This tablet is very straightforward and can be used for many tasks. It is also lightweight, slick, and you can equip it with various accessories such as a typing and trackpad to maximize all its unique features.

3. XP-Pen Artist 15.6

XP-Pen Artist15.6 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphics Digital Monitor with Battery-Free Passive Stylus (8192 Levels Pressure)
Specifications:
91% Overall

Brand

XP-Pen

Dimensions

17.52x11.22x0.43 Inch

Weight

3.3 pounds

Operating System

Android

89%
durability
93%
display
91%
value for money
90%
performance
Pros:
  • Allows to create, draw, sketch, and edit directly from your tablet screen.
  • Comes with a convenient USB type-C port to accommodate outsource monitors.
  • Has customized press keys available to provide easy set-up of shortcut keys.
  • Offers better detection of pressure applied and the positioning of the cursor accurately with different angles.
Cons:
  • Doesn't have a stand.
  • Artist15.6 drawing pen display must only be used with a computer.
Final Take:

This tablet features all the tools you will need, from a comfortable pen display with sensitivity levels to a tremendously efficient screen. It is also equipped with the latest F900 High Tech IC, which will make your lines flow better and smoother. Plus, it has a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support!

4. Microsoft Surface Book 3

NEW Microsoft Surface Book 3 - 13.5" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i7 - 32GB Memory - 1TB SSD (Latest Model) - Platinum
Specifications:
90% Overall

Brand

Microsoft

Dimensions

12.3 x 0.91 x 9.14 inches

Weight

6.27 pounds

Operating System

Windows 10

89%
durability
90%
display
89%
value for money
90%
performance
Pros:
  • Sketch, draw and write with accuracy with high-end graphics at the best angle for you using the tablet.
  • Powered with quad-core and 10th Gen Intel Core Processor for faster and more powerful performance.
  • Has a 15.5-hour battery life and has an improved standby mode that extends your battery life when not in use.
  • Comes with a USB-A and USB-C port along with a memory card slot.
Cons:
  • The product can be a bit heavy if you plan to bring the keyboard along.
  • Expensive but offers an exceptional display giving you a fair deal.
Final Take:

Surface Book 3 is a robust laptop, tablet, and portable studio that is all in one device! It is perfect for 3D software and rendering. Also, using other graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom will be a breeze. Just detach it from its keyboard and you'll have an on-the-go graphic tablet.

5. Huion H610 Pro V2

Huion H610 Pro V2 Graphic Drawing Tablet Android Supported Pen Tablet Tilt Function Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pen Pressure with 8 Express Keys
Specifications:
89% Overall

Brand

Huion

Dimensions

13.89 x 9.64 x 0.55 inches

Weight

1.35 pounds

Operating System

Android

89%
durability
90%
display
87%
value for money
89%
performance
Pros:
  • Offers innovative tilt control system that better detects applied pressure and the cursor’s accurate positioning with different angles.
  • Eight customized press keys are available to provide easy set-up of shortcut keys.
  • The included pen has two shortcut buttons that allow you to shift from pen to eraser with ease swiftly.
  • Can be easily connected to your phone or another available device to meet all your needs, whether it’s work-related or just a hobby.
Cons:
  • Must be connected to another device for viewing. This gives you a better view of what you are creating through the drawing tablet.
  • Since this is not a stand-alone device, the driver needs to be installed with the device you’re going to connect the tablet with. Nonetheless, this will ensure that it will work more efficiently and accurately.
Final Take:

This tablet allows you to draw and write easier. Besides offering you great sensitivity, it also brings forth smooth transitions no matter what settings you use in Photoshop. Lastly, the battery-free stylus is of outstanding value and a real plus.

Best Drawing Tablets - Buyer's Guide

pressure sensitivity

Drawing tables have different levels of pressure. With that, the more the pressure applied, the thicker the line would be. The advantage of a drawing tablet that has a high-pressure sensitivity is that it provides a more refined work, especially to high-resolution drawings.

size

You need to consider factors in terms of size, such as the physical size, storage capacity, and active area. The tablet’s actual size must suit your needs and wants, must be portable, and easily stored for safekeeping. The storage capacity also plays a vital role in determining if the device is for you. The storage capacity must be sufficient enough to hold heavy files without interrupting the device’s performance. Lastly, the size of the active area must satisfy your desired surface area for your creations. This means the more significant the active area, the more space you will have to draw without zooming.

resolution

Most larger tablets have greater resolutions than smaller ones as they can accommodate more lines per inch on the tablet’s display. On the contrary, as long as you have at least a 1000 LPI resolution, then you are good to go.

responsiveness

You must have a quick research before purchasing a drawing tablet, especially when it does not come cheap. You must be able to know what specs will fit the software you are going to use. If your device has low specs, then its responsiveness is undoubtedly slow and counterproductive. If you are drawing or doing graphic works for a living, it would be best to acquire the latest models with the highest computer specs and most added features to get your money’s value.

Best Drawing Tablets - FAQs

What are the types of stylus?

The three types of styluses are the following: battery-powered, rechargeable, and EMR stylus pen. The kind of stylus doesn’t have a bearing on your drawing. You just have to make sure that it is comfortable and easy to grip.

What is the difference between display and non-display tablets?

Display tablets are often easier to work with, especially for beginners. Conversely, it gives you the feeling that you are drawing with a pencil but on a tablet screen. Non-display tablets, on the other hand, need to be hooked up with a computer or another monitor for them to function.

How do you find the right tablet for you?

Finding the right tablet requires research and homework. You need to consider factors that may affect your decision, such as the software it uses, brand, size, budget, and what type of work you will use it for. Nonetheless, it is encouraged that you refer to online reviews and ask experts in this particular field.

What is the difference between a rechargeable stylus and a battery-powered stylus?

Rechargeable styluses are those pens that can be recharged either by a cord or just in contact with the tablet. In contrast, a battery-powered stylus has batteries inside them to operate. They are usually thicker in size since they need to accommodate a battery.

Author

Santi Bongco is an editor at SolidSmack which is the leading site for 3D CAD, robots, cool product designs, and other technologies. For the past seven years, he taught robotics and developed innovative 3D printer ideas with his students. He also helped in developing some innovative digital ideas and products for various digital marketing businesses and big companies in Asia. Now, aside from exploring buffet restos in California, he enjoys leading groups of our in-house experts in trying some of your favorite products and electronic brands to write insightful reviews for you. PS: He loves reviewing appliances and taking them home to personally ‘try’ them.