These days, pen and paper are out—it’s far easier to reach for a drawing tablet. It provides a closer look at your drawing with stunning clarity and vibrant colors that jump off the screen. A drawing tablet mimics the experience of using paper; it accurately translates to the computer screen the strokes you make using a pen-like stylus. It’s a popular tool for creative professionals, including artists, illustrators, animators, digital photo editors, architects and engineers.
Regardless of your experience, the best drawing tablets, like our top pick the Wacom Intuos Pro Large, make it easy for anyone to take their artistic vision to the next level. The most popular mainstream tablets available—including the Apple iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio—can serve as powerful and feature-packed drawing tablets in their own right when they’re used with a specialty drawing, painting or creativity app. Any of these devices can help you bring your creative visions and artistic creations to life. Here are the our top recommendations for the best drawing tablets you can get right now.
- Best Drawing Tablet Overall: Wacom Intuos Pro Large
- Best Large Drawing Tablet: XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro
- Best Ergonomic Drawing Tablet: Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium)
- Best 4K Drawing Tablet: Huion Kamas Pro 24 4K
- Best Drawing Tablet For Beginners: Huion Inspiroy H1060P
- Best Drawing Tablet For Apple Users: Apple 11-Inch iPad Pro
- Best 2-In-1 Drawing Tablet: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted tech team brings decades of experience in the technology sector, using our expertise and testing to provide comprehensive, well-rounded reviews that you can trust. This story in particular was written by contributors Jason R. Rich and Lena Borrelli who specialize in all things tech-related. Jason Rich has accumulated hours of in-depth product research and has conducted firsthand testing, including for the writing of this story.
Lena has spent several years within the tech space, first working for a web marketing company and now as a freelance writer for her company, LilyMarie Creative. Her work has most recently been published on sites like ZDNET, TIME, ADT and Home Advisor.
Our study compares models based on critical features like design, weight, connectivity, and compatibility. As professionals, we constantly use computer mice throughout the day, so we relied upon our own experience to cultivate this list. Additionally, we looked at what the users themselves have to say, consulting countless customer reviews to obtain a greater picture of overall performance and longevity.
How We Chose The Best Drawing Tablets
We start by doing extensive research, follow it up with hands-on testing and then consult with product experts and industry leaders to help us compile the roundup of products featured within an article.
Our goal is to recommend the very best products in each category, in this case by carefully evaluating each drawing tablet’s drawing or work surface, display resolution (if applicable), stylus pressure sensitivity, connectivity, overall product quality, its value and its price. We also paid attention to what special features are offered by each product that set it apart from the competition.
What To Consider When Buying A Drawing Tablet
First, consider whether you want a drawing tablet with or without a screen; or whether you want a standalone tablet to use for drawing. Next, think carefully about which applications you plan to use with the tablet and how you expect it to enhance your workflow, creativity and productivity.
With a wide range of drawing tablet options, everyone can find something that meets their needs and … [+]
Once you have a general idea about what you need and how you plan to use the drawing tablet, consider the specific features, functions and connectivity offered to decide which drawing tablet best meets your needs. Let’s look at some of the most sought-after features to consider.
Drawing/Work Surface
This refers to the area or surface you can actually draw, write, paint, or annotate on using a stylus. If the drawing tablet has a screen, this refers to the actual screen size (not the area surrounding the screen). If the drawing tablet doesn’t have a screen, the active area is the surface, which works with the stylus. Some tablets have buttons or controls surrounding the work surface.
Pressure Sensitivity
Especially for artists and illustrators, the pressure sensitivity of the stylus determines how authentic the writing, drawing or painting experience is when working with the tablet. How much pressure you use when interacting with the stylus on the tablet’s active area accurately simulates the force applied when using a pencil, pen or paintbrush, for example, on paper or a canvas. If you’re a professional artist, illustrator or graphic designer, for example, look for the highest level of pressure sensitivity possible.
Connectivity
Some graphics tablets connect to a computer wirelessly (either via Bluetooth or an RF USB dongle), while others rely on a cable connection. For higher-end applications, a wired connection will typically eliminate any latency (signal delay) between the tablet and your computer.
For most people, however, which option you choose is a matter of personal preference. If you want to hold the tablet on your lap while interacting with the computer, a wireless connection is more convenient than a wired connection. If the tablet is going to sit near your keyboard on a desk—and especially if it has a high-resolution display—a wired connection makes more sense. Sometimes, the connectivity option also determines whether the tablet needs its own power source.
Special Features
Programmable function keys and dials, a selection of styluses, tracking speed and the physical size of the tablet (compared to the active area) are additional considerations.
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