Top 5 Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists: Expert Recommendations and Reviews

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 6 June 2023 11 min read

As a digital artist, having the right tools can make all the difference in your creative process. One of the most important tools is a drawing tablet, which can help you create your digital masterpieces with ease and precision. In this blog, we'll explore the best drawing tablets for digital artists, covering everything from key features to consider, different types of tablets, and popular brands in the market. Whether you're a beginner, a professional, or simply looking for a budget-friendly option, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and find the perfect drawing tablet for your artistic needs!

Overview of the Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists

In this section, we'll give you an overview of what to look for when choosing the best drawing tablets for digital artists. We'll discuss key features, different types of tablets, and popular brands to help you make an informed decision.

Key Features to Look for in a Drawing Tablet

When searching for the best drawing tablets for digital artists, it's important to consider the following features:

Pressure Sensitivity: This determines how responsive the tablet is to your stylus's pressure. Higher levels of sensitivity allow for more control and variations in line thickness and opacity.
Resolution: Measured in lines per inch (LPI), resolution refers to the tablet's ability to detect fine details. A higher resolution means better accuracy and a smoother drawing experience.
Size: Consider your workspace and the size of your projects. A larger tablet surface area can make drawing more comfortable, but it may also take up more space on your desk.
Stylus Type: Some tablets come with a battery-powered stylus, while others use a rechargeable or battery-free pen. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose based on your preferences and needs.
Shortcut Buttons: Many tablets have customizable buttons that you can assign to specific functions, helping you work more efficiently.

Different Types of Drawing Tablets

Drawing tablets come in three main types:

Graphics Tablets: These are the most basic and affordable option, consisting of a flat surface and a stylus. They do not have a built-in display, so you'll need to connect them to your computer.
Pen Displays: These tablets come with a built-in screen, allowing you to draw directly on the display. They are more expensive than graphics tablets, but they offer a more natural and immersive drawing experience.
Tablet PCs: These are full-fledged computers with a touchscreen interface, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro or the iPad Pro. They offer the most versatility, as you can use them for both drawing and other computing tasks, but they can be pricey.

Popular Brands in the Market

There are several well-known brands that produce high-quality drawing tablets for digital artists. Some of the most popular include:

Wacom: A leading brand in the industry, Wacom offers a wide range of tablets suitable for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between.
Huion: Known for their affordable yet feature-rich tablets, Huion is a popular choice for those on a budget or just starting out in digital art.
XP-Pen: Another budget-friendly option, XP-Pen offers a variety of tablets with impressive features at competitive prices.
Apple: Though not specifically designed for digital artists, the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil is a popular choice for those who appreciate the versatility of a tablet PC.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to our top picks for the best drawing tablets for digital artists, categorized by skill level and budget.

Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists: Top Picks for Beginners

Starting your journey as a digital artist can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right drawing tablet. But don't worry, we've got your back! In this section, we'll introduce our top three picks for the best drawing tablets for digital artists who are just beginning their creative adventure. Each of these tablets offers an excellent balance of features, ease of use, and affordability, making them perfect for getting started in the world of digital art.

Tablet 1: Wacom Intuos, Features, and Price

The Wacom Intuos is a popular choice among beginners, and for good reason. This graphics tablet is known for its reliability and user-friendly design, making it an excellent starting point for those new to digital art. Some of its standout features include:

Pressure Sensitivity: With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Intuos allows for precise control and smooth, natural strokes.
Size Options: The Intuos comes in two sizes — small and medium — so you can choose the one that best suits your workspace and preferences.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: Four customizable ExpressKeys help streamline your workflow by providing quick access to frequently used functions.

The Wacom Intuos is priced around $80 for the small version and $200 for the medium version, making it an affordable option for beginners looking to invest in their first drawing tablet.

Tablet 2: Huion H610 Pro V2, Features, and Price

Another excellent option for beginners is the Huion H610 Pro V2. This graphics tablet offers an impressive array of features at a competitive price point. Here are some of its noteworthy features:

Pressure Sensitivity: With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, this tablet provides even greater control and precision than the Wacom Intuos.
Large Active Area: The H610 Pro V2 boasts a spacious 10 x 6.25-inch drawing area, giving you plenty of room to express your creativity.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: Eight ExpressKeys and 16 soft keys can be customized to your liking, making your creative process more efficient.

The Huion H610 Pro V2 is priced around $60, making it an excellent value for beginners who want a feature-rich tablet without breaking the bank.

Tablet 3: XP-Pen Deco 01 V2, Features, and Price

Last but not least, the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is another fantastic option for budding digital artists. This sleek and stylish graphics tablet offers a great combination of performance and affordability. Some of its key features include:

Pressure Sensitivity: Like the Huion H610 Pro V2, the Deco 01 V2 offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise control and smooth strokes.
Large Active Area: The 10 x 6.25-inch active area provides ample space for your creative endeavors.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: Eight customizable ExpressKeys help you work more efficiently by providing quick access to your favorite functions.

The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is priced around $70, making it another budget-friendly option for those just starting out in the world of digital art.

Now that we've covered our top picks for beginners, let's move on to the best drawing tablets for digital artists who are ready to take their skills to the next level—professionals!

Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists: Top Picks for Professionals

As your skills in digital art grow and you begin to look for more advanced tools, you'll find that there are numerous high-quality drawing tablets available specifically for professional artists. In this section, we'll explore our top three picks for the best drawing tablets for digital artists who are ready to level up their game. These tablets offer innovative features, superb performance, and precision that will help you bring your most intricate visions to life.

Tablet 1: Wacom Cintiq 16, Features, and Price

When it comes to professional drawing tablets, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is hard to beat. With its built-in display and top-notch performance, this tablet is designed to cater to the needs of experienced digital artists. Here are some reasons why the Cintiq 16 stands out:

Display: The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vibrant colors and an incredible level of detail, allowing you to see your artwork in all its glory.
Pressure Sensitivity: With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, you can create intricate strokes and achieve the perfect level of control.
Pen and Tilt Support: The Pro Pen 2 that comes with the Cintiq 16 supports tilt recognition, allowing you to achieve natural, expressive lines, just like using traditional media.

At around $650, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is an investment, but its impressive feature set and performance make it well worth the price for professional digital artists.

Tablet 2: Huion Kamvas Pro 16, Features, and Price

Another excellent option for professionals is the Huion Kamvas Pro 16. Similar to the Wacom Cintiq 16, this tablet features a built-in display and provides outstanding performance at a slightly lower price point. Some of its key features include:

Display: The 15.6-inch Full HD display delivers stunning color accuracy and crisp visuals, making it easy to bring your artwork to life.
Pressure Sensitivity: Like the Cintiq 16, the Kamvas Pro 16 offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity for smooth, precise strokes.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: Six ExpressKeys and a touch bar allow you to configure shortcuts for faster, more efficient workflows.

With a price tag of around $400, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is a fantastic choice for professional digital artists who want a high-quality drawing tablet without spending a fortune.

Tablet 3: Apple iPad Pro with Apple Pencil, Features, and Price

While not a traditional drawing tablet, the Apple iPad Pro combined with the Apple Pencil has become a popular choice among professional digital artists, thanks to its versatility and powerful features. Here's what you can expect from this unique combination:

Display: The iPad Pro's Retina display boasts stunning color accuracy, sharpness, and responsiveness, making it a pleasure to create on.
Pressure Sensitivity: The Apple Pencil offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, providing a natural drawing experience.
Portability: The iPad Pro's slim design and powerful performance make it an ideal drawing tablet for artists on the go.

The Apple iPad Pro starts at around $800, while the Apple Pencil costs an additional $130. Although it's pricier than some other options, the iPad Pro's versatility and performance make it a favorite among professional digital artists.

Now that we've discussed the best drawing tablets for digital artists who are professionals, let's explore some budget-friendly options that still pack a punch!

Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists: Top Budget-Friendly Options

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't find a fantastic drawing tablet to start your digital art journey or upgrade your existing tools. In this section, we'll look at some of the best drawing tablets for digital artists who want high-quality features without breaking the bank. Let's dive into our top three budget-friendly picks!

Tablet 1: Wacom Intuos S, Features, and Price

The Wacom Intuos S is a popular choice among beginner and intermediate digital artists who want a reliable, cost-effective drawing tablet. Here's why this tablet is a great option for those on a budget:

Compact Design: The Intuos S is small and light, making it easy to carry around and use in various environments.
Pressure Sensitivity: With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, you'll be able to create smooth strokes and achieve detailed results.
Customizable ExpressKeys: Four customizable buttons allow you to set up shortcuts for your most frequently used actions, streamlining your workflow.

At approximately $80, the Wacom Intuos S offers a solid set of features at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice for digital artists on a budget.

Tablet 2: XP-Pen Deco 01 V2, Features, and Price

The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is another excellent option for budget-conscious digital artists. This tablet boasts an impressive array of features at a wallet-friendly price point. Here's what you can expect:

Large Drawing Area: The Deco 01 V2 offers a spacious 10 x 6.25-inch drawing area, giving you plenty of room to create your masterpieces.
Pressure Sensitivity: Like the Wacom Intuos S, this tablet provides 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise control.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: With eight customizable ExpressKeys, you can set up your preferred shortcuts for a more efficient creative process.

At around $60, the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 delivers excellent value for money, making it a top choice among the best drawing tablets for digital artists on a budget.

Tablet 3: Huion H610 Pro V2, Features, and Price

Last but not least, the Huion H610 Pro V2 is a fantastic budget-friendly drawing tablet that offers a range of useful features for digital artists. Here's why this tablet is worth considering:

Large Drawing Area: The H610 Pro V2 boasts a generous 10 x 6.25-inch working area, providing ample space for your artistic endeavors.
Pressure Sensitivity: With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, this tablet offers a level of control comparable to more expensive options.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: The H610 Pro V2 includes 16 soft keys and eight hard keys, allowing you to configure your ideal workflow with ease.

For around $50, the Huion H610 Pro V2 is a steal, proving that the best drawing tablets for digital artists don't always have to come with a hefty price tag.

Now that we've explored some budget-friendly options, let's compare the best drawing tablets for digital artists and see how they stack up against each other!

Comparing the Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists

Now that we've covered some of the best options available for digital artists, it's time to compare and contrast these drawing tablets. This will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you find the perfect tablet to suit your needs and preferences. In this section, we'll look at a comparison chart, discuss factors to consider when choosing your drawing tablet, and offer expert recommendations tailored to different needs.

Comparison Chart: Features and Prices

It's essential to have a clear understanding of how these tablets stack up against one another. A comparison chart is a great way to visualize the differences and similarities between the best drawing tablets for digital artists. Consider the following factors when comparing tablets:

Price: How much are you willing to spend on your drawing tablet? This will help you narrow down your choices and focus on options that fit within your budget.
Size: The size of the drawing area is crucial for your comfort and creative freedom. Think about how much space you need to work on your projects comfortably.
Pressure Sensitivity: Higher pressure sensitivity allows for more precise control and variation in your strokes. Consider how important this feature is for your artwork.
Shortcut buttons: Customizable buttons can speed up your workflow by providing quick access to frequently used functions. Determine if this feature is essential for you.

By comparing these features and prices, you'll be able to find the best drawing tablets for digital artists that cater to your specific needs and preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tablet

With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which tablet is best for you. To make the process easier, consider the following factors:

Experience Level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or professional artist? Different tablets cater to different skill levels, so it's essential to choose one that supports your current abilities and allows for growth.
Art Style: What type of digital art do you create? Some tablets are better suited for certain styles, like illustration, animation, or photo editing. Consider the tablet's features and how they can enhance your artistic process.
Portability: Do you need a tablet that's easy to carry around and use on the go? If so, a compact and lightweight tablet may be the best fit for you.
Compatibility: Ensure the tablet you choose is compatible with your computer and any software you plan to use. This will save you time and prevent potential headaches down the line.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to find the best drawing tablet for digital artists that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.

Expert Recommendations for Different Needs

Now that we've covered the factors to consider when choosing a tablet, let's take a look at some expert recommendations tailored to different needs:

For beginners: The Wacom Intuos S is an excellent choice for those just starting in the world of digital art. Its compact design, pressure sensitivity, and customizable ExpressKeys provide a solid foundation for developing your skills.
For professionals: The Wacom Cintiq 22HD or the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro offer advanced features and functionality, making them ideal for experienced digital artists who demand the best tools for their craft.
For budget-conscious artists: The Huion H610 Pro V2 offers an impressive array of features at a wallet-friendly price, proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to find a high-quality drawing tablet.

By following these expert recommendations, you'll be well on your way to finding the best drawing tablets for digital artists that meet your specific needs and allow you to create beautiful, engaging artwork with ease.

If you're interested in exploring the world of digital art and want to make the most of your new drawing tablet, check out the workshop 'Procreate Basics: Making Digital Art' by Sameera Maruvada. This workshop will provide you with the essential skills and techniques needed to create stunning digital art using the Procreate app, helping you unlock your full artistic potential.