Buying guide for best drawing tablet
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Whether you’re a digital artist, graphic designer or illustrator, it’s crucial to work with confidence. A drawing tablet is a peripheral that connects to your computer, allowing you to work with powerful software and store your creations on your computer’s storage drive.
The primary distinction between drawing tablets and standard tablets is that drawing tablets are stationary peripherals that must be connected to a computer to function — though a few portable options are available.
How do you know which drawing tablet is right for you? The BestReviews Testing Lab evaluated multiple drawing tablets to answer this question. Our testing process involved unboxing the drawing tablet, setting it up and testing its functionality with compatible software. We assessed overall performance, including sensitivity, button customizability and color vibrancy. By the end, the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro was the clear winner, thanks to its excellent responsiveness, high-quality screen and myriad customization options.
Expert TIp
Stylus nibs can wear out over time, so keep some extra on hand.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Which drawing tablet is best?
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro
Best of the Best
Product specificationsBattery life: NA | Screen size: 13.3” | Resolution: Full HD 1080p | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro earned the top spot on our list of best drawing tablets for several reasons. Its high-quality screen with full-HD resolution makes drawing easy. The scroll wheel and buttons are a cinch to customize, and the pen sits comfortably in the hand for extended periods.
This tablet’s responsiveness and performance wowed us during testing. The ability to see what you’re drawing as you draw makes it a superior device over screenless tablets, as there’s no hand-eye learning curve. The pressure curve in the XP-Pen app allows you to adjust pressure sensitivity, and the tablet supports 60-degree tilt functionality, which can be toggled on or off.
After you download the software and set up the power cords, this drawing tablet is ready to go. The colors are accurate and vibrant, and the build quality is excellent. It would be nice if the resolution were 4K instead of full HD, but other than that, it’s a superb tablet. We gave it a rating of 10 out of 10 for its excellent performance, responsiveness and customizability.
Wacom Intuos
Best Bang for the Buck
Product specificationsBattery life: 15 hr | Screen size: 6” | Resolution: 2540 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels | Stylus type: Passive
Those who want an affordable and compact drawing tablet will love the Wacom Intuos. It was a hit in our testing lab thanks to its customizability, ease of use and performance. Setting it up was a breeze and took just 10 minutes: We simply connected the cables, downloaded the necessary software and restarted the computer.
The stylus pen’s pressure sensitivity and performance in drawing and editing applications impressed us. Transitions between pressure levels were seamless, and customizing buttons optimized our workflow. We were pleased with the stock options and didn’t find the need to tweak settings further.
Occasionally, there is some noticeable input lag, but we think the Wacom Intuos is a worthy drawing tablet for the price. Its portability and customizability give it an edge over other tablets at comparable prices, so we rate this tablet a solid 8 out of 10.
HUION Inspiroy H640P
Budget-friendly
Product specificationsBattery life: NA | Screen size: 6.3” | Resolution: 5,080 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
We scored the HUION Inspiroy H640P highly across various metrics, making it a top choice for digital artists. It’s small and portable, the pen is comfortable and the tablet texture feels nice and smooth.
The tablet was easy to set up, and although we had to switch the pressure curve, it was easy to tweak the settings based on comfort and preference. The build quality is excellent; it feels sturdy, and the compact size makes it portable and easy to travel with. Transitions are nice and clean, and we detected no sensitivity issues. We found productivity and efficiency significantly increased when the buttons were programmed to the functions we wanted to use.
Ease of use, customization, connectivity and build quality make this tablet worth considering for anyone who wants an affordable tablet that gets the job done. Though there was no lagging while actively drawing with it, sometimes we noticed a bit of lag when we picked the pen up to begin a new stroke. But considering the benefits, it’s still a good option that earned a score of 8 out of 10.
XP-Pen Drawing Tablet StarG640
Good for Beginners
Product specificationsBattery life: NA | Screen size: 6” | Resolution: 5,080 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
If you’re unsure whether to get a standard tablet or a drawing tablet but want something with great features for digital creators, we highly recommend the XP-Pen StarG640. Installing the driver is a piece of cake, and we were pleased with its effortless preparation. The surface has a nice paper-like texture, and although it’s not quite the same as paper, it’s easy to draw on.
It offers several sensitivity settings that are easy to tweak, especially right out of the box. We noted that the default settings made it difficult to create strokes with a light touch, but it was easy to adjust them to our needs. It performs excellently with software such as Photoshop, and since there aren’t any buttons, there’s no need to worry about whether they’re compatible with different platforms.
Its thin build makes it excellent for drawing on the go — though it would have been even better for travel if it came with a pen stand. Given that this tablet is buttonless, those who like to have their most frequently used shortcuts (such as Undo and Save) on their tablet may be disappointed. But overall, it stands tall against some more expensive options in terms of performance, responsiveness and connectivity. However, because customization is limited, we awarded it 7 out of 10.
Veikk A30 V2 Drawing Tablet
Customer Favorite
Product specificationsBattery life: NA | Screen size: 10” | Resolution: 5,080 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
This drawing tablet scored highly in various metrics and is an excellent choice for those who want a range of customizable options. The testing team was mainly impressed by its unique gesture pad, which allows you to adjust the brush size, zoom in and out, and rotate an image, among other tasks, by simply swiping it with your finger.
Its four touch buttons improve workflow, and the tablet, which is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, works with various software applications, including Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint. Changing buttons on the pen and drawing pad is effortless through the software, and you can toggle back and forth between left-hand and right-hand modes. The 10-inch drawing area makes it suitable for larger digital drawings.
While we really enjoyed using it, the Veikk A30 V2 has a couple of minor issues. We wished that the touch keys provided haptic feedback to let us know when we pressed a button so we wouldn’t press it more than once, and the battery-free pen lacks an ergonomic grip (however, you can purchase one separately to make it more comfortable). But overall, we think the Veikk A30 V2, which scored an 8 out of 10, is an excellent drawing tablet for those who want something budget-friendly and pleasant to use.
Ugee Graphics Drawing Tablet
Best for Large Drawings
Product specificationsBattery life: 10 hr | Screen size: 10” | Resolution: 5,080 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
With 10 hours of battery life, a 10-inch display and 8,192 sensitivity levels, the Ugee Graphics Drawing Tablet is an excellent midtier tablet. It features a passive stylus, and its durable build gives it superior longevity over flimsier portable models.
We found it easy to change buttons and configurations in the software. The pressure sensitivity is highly responsive, and lines and strokes are consistently smooth, with input lag occurring only between strokes. We tested this tablet on a computer running Windows 11 and didn’t experience any noticeable issues.
The screen quality is excellent, and although it doesn’t feel quite like paper, it isn’t too scratchy or squeaky. It’s a fine drawing tablet for casual users and one of the best bargain picks we scrutinized in our testing lab, so we awarded it 8 out of 10.
Simbans PicassoTab XL
Easy to Use
Product specificationsBattery life: 5 to 8 hr | Screen size: 11.6” | Resolution: HD 768p | Pressure sensitivity: 1,024 levels | Stylus type: Active
Offering the same capabilities as the average Android tablet, the Simbans PicassoTab XL is a versatile device with a large HD display that you can watch movies, play games and read books on when you’re not using it to draw. You can set it up with a Google account, and the drawing software comes pre-installed, so it’s ready to go as soon as you are.
We found the color accuracy comparable to other top drawing tablets. The 11.6-inch display provides ample room. And because it runs the Android operating system, it’s compatible with many third-party apps. The battery lasts 5.5 hours at full brightness and 7.5 hours at half brightness using the sketchbook, and the 64-gigabyte memory drive offers plenty of storage space for drawings.
While it’s essentially a fine all-around tablet with a drawing function, we had a few issues with it. We didn’t like that the screen had no paper-like texture, making it slippery and more of a challenge to draw on. And we were disappointed by its low pressure levels (only 1,024 compared to 4,096 or 8,192 like most of its competitors) as well as its very basic pen that had no ergonomic grip. Because it falls short compared to other dedicated drawing tablets, we gave it a score of 6 out of 10.
One by Wacom
Most Portable
Product specificationsBattery life: 15 hr | Screen size: 8.3” | Resolution: 2,540 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 2,048 levels | Stylus type: Passive
The One by Wacom is an excellent portable drawing tablet with plenty of neat features. During testing, we were impressed with its smooth function and design, which makes it great for traveling.
The plug-and-play setup appeals to users who aren’t very tech-savvy, and the pen settings can easily be adjusted to suit different preferences. The pen is lightweight with adequate sensitivity, and the tablet is comfortable enough to hold with one hand as you draw. What’s more, it offers 2,048 sensitivity levels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s more than the Simbans Picasso TabXL.
The One by Wacom is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a portable drawing tablet with a low learning curve. Beginners will find it easy to set up, and once the necessary software has been installed, it’s also easy to get started. We give this drawing tablet a score of 8 out of 10.
XP-PEN Deco 01
Most Ergonomic
Product specificationsBattery life: NA | Screen size: 10” | Resolution: 5,080 lpi | Pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Stylus type: Passive
The XP-PEN Deco 01 is acclaimed primarily for its highly responsive performance and ergonomic build. Setting it up takes roughly 10 minutes, and it works well with Clip Studio Paint, SAI and Photoshop.
Adjusting the sensitivity to suit your preferences or needs is easy, especially for those who don’t want to press down too hard. The tilt function works well, and lines are stable and easily follow whatever the input is. Express keys can be customized at any time, and we noted that they didn’t experience any latency.
This drawing tablet has an additional screen protector that, although tedious to put on, creates a more paper-like drawing experience. The tablet’s elite performance makes it an excellent choice for artists of all experience levels, and its compatibility with various drawing applications earns it an 8-out-of-10 score.
How we tested
We tested nine drawing tablets, submitting each to real-world applications. This included unboxing each tablet, downloading software, installing it and testing performance, design and functionality. The merit of a high-quality drawing tablet lies in its responsiveness, comfort and customization.
Expert Tip
A good tablet will work with any operating system. Always double-check to make sure that the tablet you’re getting supports the computer you’re using just to be safe.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
The three types of drawing tablets
Screenless tablets
Screenless tablets require a connection to a monitor. They’re great for beginners and those on a budget, as they’re usually cheaper than those with an integrated display.
Display tablets
These tablets have integrated screens that allow you to draw directly on them, creating a more intuitive drawing experience. Although pen displays often have improved functionality and performance over graphic tablets, they also cost more.
Standalone drawing tablets
Standalone drawing tablets have touch screens that can run full versions of drawing software applications on their own. They are excellent for travel since they don’t require a connection to a monitor or computer.
Key drawing tablet features
Customization and shortcut keys
Sometimes referred to as shortcut or express keys, these are most commonly physical buttons on the frame around the screen. We’ve seen a variety of shortcut button configurations on drawing tablets. These helpful keys improve workflow and efficiency and can be customized through software based on the user’s drawing style and preferences.
For example, Adobe Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint software offer customizable functions such as transform, brush, enter, undo, redo, eyedropper and save. If this type of customizability appeals to you, look for a tablet with software applications that allow it.
Our top picks: Customization and shortcut keys
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet with Screen: Each button has a preset, but you can change each one manually. The best functions include switching from pen to eraser, saving the file and zooming in and out.
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: The app allows you to customize the buttons, and the stock options are adequate. You can also change them outright.
- HUION Inspiroy H640P: Buttons are easily customizable for functions you often use. This tablet has fewer buttons than other choices, but it gets the job done.
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet StarG640: Pen buttons and pressure settings in the driver software are customizable.
- Veikk A30 V2: This tablet has four touch keys that can be customized to meet just about any need, plus two buttons on the pen.
Colors
The best tablets can display at least 16.7 million colors; the most expensive tablets boast 1.07 billion colors.
Lower-quality tablets offer a lower maximum number of colors, but at least 16.7 million are needed for creating precise graphics. If you’re not creating documents or drawings that require that level of precision, you can save a bit with fewer colors.
Connectivity options
Modern drawing tablets provide a variety of connection options. The most common method is to connect to a computer via a USB cable, but some also offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity.
Look for a tablet that’s compatible with your computer’s operating system. Most are compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but it’s best to double-check before purchasing a tablet.
Stylus sensitivity and features
The stylus, or pen, is a key component of any drawing tablet. Some pens are wired to the tablet; others are wireless. You’ll always know where a wired stylus is, but a wireless pen gives you far more flexibility in movement.
Power: Some tablets power a wired stylus. Some styluses run on battery power. Though the battery-powered pen may have a few more features, a battery-free stylus is lighter and easier to use.
Sensitivity: Varying amounts of pressure may be applied to a stylus. The sensitivity of a drawing tablet impacts how well it “senses” slight pressure variations. This feature, also called pen pressure, determines how light, bold, thick or thin lines are when drawn on the tablet screen. If you want more control over your work, look for a highly sensitive drawing tablet. Customization options (i.e., buttons, tilt control) offer even more precision. To provide a realistic interpretation of the artist’s work, a drawing tablet must also be able to differentiate between light and heavy pressure from fingers or a pen. Most drawing tablets can distinguish 1,024 levels of pressure. Some can determine up to 2,048 different levels. Not all tablets recognize finger touches; some require the use of a pen.
Palm recognition: A key benefit of drawing tablets is that most of them include terrific palm recognition, so the cursor and focus are never accidentally misinterpreted.. Drawing tablets are designed to detect and respond to input from a stylus pen, while tablets with touchscreens can recognize hand and fingerprint input.
Multitouch: If you want touch capability, be sure the tablet you choose includes this feature, typically called multitouch. It’s a function that allows you to combine stylus pen input and gesture controls, adding versatility to the way you use your tablet with your computer.
Our top picks: Stylus sensitivity and features
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet with Screen: It features 8,192 sensitivity levels and a customizable button.
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: It has 4,096 sensitivity levels and three buttons for more customization.
- HUION Inspiroy H640P: With 8,192 sensitivity levels and a customizable button, you’ll get plenty of control over your work.
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet StarG640: It has 8,192 sensitivity levels and a customizable button on the stylus.
- Veikk A30 V2: Though the pen wasn’t comfortable to hold due to its straight shape, it does feature two customizable buttons that come in handy.
Choosing the right tablet size
Drawing tablets come in many sizes. Smaller tablets are designed for portability, meaning it’s easy for artists to take them anywhere. They also suit young, budding artists who don't need a huge screen. Larger tablets are intended for use on a table or desk surface. A large, stationary tablet can be a nice option if you have a studio where you do a lot of work.
The drawing area is a crucial consideration. Although some tablets might appear large, the important part is the drawing area, which impacts how big your creations can be. A larger drawing area is best for graphic editors who need lots of space. If you don’t need a large drawing area, however, you could opt for a smaller tablet to save money.
Also consider your working space: Larger tablets naturally take up more room on a table or desk and can clutter your work area.
Build quality and durability
Durable tablets are made with high-quality materials and a sturdy exterior. Compact, portable models tend to be less durable because they’re designed to be lightweight. In terms of longevity, it’s usually better to opt for a tablet with a higher build quality.
Battery life is an important consideration for standalone drawing tablets that work without connecting to a computer. Quality standalone models get at least four hours of operation per battery charge. (Note that standard tablets tend to get longer battery life than drawing tablets.)
Our top picks: Build quality and durability
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet with Screen: In terms of build quality and durability, this is one of the most impressive drawing tablet choices.
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: It’s not as durable as other choices, but as a stationary tablet, you won’t have to worry much about physical damage.
- HUION Inspiroy H640P: This tablet has a high-quality build and a smooth drawing surface.
- XP-Pen Drawing Tablet StarG640: The intentionally thin design makes it slightly flimsy, but its lightweight build makes it great for traveling.
- Veikk A30 V2: Thoughtfully designed for artists, the tablet offers a large screen and innovative gesture pad that lets you zoom in on your subject and move the canvas around without having to switch to your mouse and keyboard.
Expert Tip
If you’ll be using your drawing tablet for extended periods of time, make sure you have proper wrist support. Consider getting a wrist pad or similar to avoid risks like Carpal Tunnel syndrome.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
FAQ
Q. What are the top drawing tablet brands?
A. Wacom is the best-known drawing tablet manufacturer, offering dozens of models. Other brands worth considering include Huion, Turcom, Boogie Board and Ugee.
Q. Can some regular tablets be used as drawing tablets?
A. The short answer is yes. Although they don't offer the features most artists prefer, some Android tablets are compatible with styluses to create a drawing tablet experience. For example, the Apple iPad Pro works like a drawing tablet when paired with the Apple Pencil. However, a true drawing tablet is the best option for the serious artist who wants to create exceptional graphic designs.
Q. What is meant by “absolute positioning” on a drawing tablet?
A. “Absolute positioning” refers to the point of contact on the drawing tablet relative to the location on the computer screen. When the stylus touches the upper-right corner of a tablet with absolute positioning, the cursor on the computer monitor appears in the same spot. Traditional input devices, such as standard computers or tablets, do not have this feature. A computer mouse uses relative positioning. The mouse could be located at the edge of the mouse pad while the cursor appears anywhere on the computer screen.
Q. Can I purchase extra pens for my drawing tablet?
A. Most manufacturers offer extra pens for purchase. You should also be able to buy extra nibs. The nib is the rubbery point that touches the drawing surface. Over time, it can wear down or break. You can replace the nib yourself with the right tools.
