A drawing tablet is a great way to practice and perfect your skill on an entirely new platform, whether you’re a professional artist or an amateur dabbling in the craft for fun. Using the best drawing tablet now feels a lot like drawing on paper thanks to advances in technology.
Check out one of these the best drawing tablet options for creating amazing digital art if you’ve been thinking about switching from traditional drawing tools to a drawing tablet—or if you already have one but want to upgrade. The best drawing tablet allows you to input data onto a computer screen using a pen or stylus.
The tactile response of a pen in your hand can greatly benefit just about any creative task on a computer that requires pinpoint precision, but the best drawing tablet can be especially useful for presenters, artists, graphic designers, and Photoshop geeks.
While some the best drawing tablets are designed to be stand-alone devices that don’t require a computer connection, others are designed to be computer accessories that allow you to take notes more accurately by hand, draw in an illustrator programme, or work in a design programme. Our experts tested dozens of the best drawing tablets and have compiled a list of our favorites below.
Best Drawing Tablets
We compiled this list of the best drawing tablets based on customer reviews from sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and others. We also looked for drawing tablets that came in a variety of sizes and included features like hot keys and wireless connectivity to meet the needs of different people.
We also selected models for beginners who want to try out the best drawing tablet before investing in a more expensive model designed for professionals in digital media production. But don’t worry—we’ve also included some options for you if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line drawing tablet.
The Wacom One is a great choice for professional artists and newbies alike, as it allows you to edit videos, drawings, and annotate documents as needed. The included creative software is compatible with Windows, Mac, and some Android devices, and the 13.3-inch screen provides plenty of room for letting your imagination run wild.
This tablet is also compatible with leading digital pen brands if you want to try something other than the included ergonomic One pen. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021. This drawing tablet was created to mimic the feel of working with paper, with natural-feeling surface friction and minimal reflection for a genuine paper feel.
Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet
The Wacom Intuos Pro is marketed as the professional standard. This model comes in three sizes (S, M, and L), all of which have Bluetooth built-in. The small tablet has six built-in hot keys (Wacom calls them ExpressKeys), while the medium and large tablets each have eight. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021.
The Pro Pen 2 has an impressive 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. In addition, the Intuos Pro is available in two other models: the Intuos Pro Paper Edition in medium and large sizes. These models also include the Pro Pen 2 in addition to Wacom’s Finetip pen (which has 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels) and a built-in paper clip, allowing artists to move from paper to digital with ease. The Paper Edition drawing tablets allow you to sketch directly on the tablet or on paper while also allowing you to digitally edit your work.
Artist12 Pro Graphics Drawing Tablet
This drawing tablet has an 11.6-inch display and, depending on your computer, you won’t need an adapter to connect it because it comes with a 3-in-1 USB cable. The Artist12 Pro also includes a built-in dial and hot keys for a more customizable user experience. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021.
Furthermore, the pen has up to 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels to recognise when you want to draw thick and thin lines, as well as add shading. Because there is almost no parallax, you can see where the cursor is at all times and draw with precision.
Deco Mini7 Graphics Tablet
The Deco Mini7 includes a USB-C adapter, allowing you to work on a variety of digital platforms, including Chromebooks and even your smartphone. This drawing tablet also has eight hot keys, which is impressive for a smaller model, and weighs just over half a pound. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021.
The included pen has a 60-degree tilt to help you create your masterpiece with a mix of soft and sharp lines as needed. If you’ve been thinking about getting into digital art, the Deco Mini7 is a good place to start. It won’t break the bank and will give you a feel for drawing in a digital medium.
Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
Because of its ease of use and features like a built-in anti-glare film on the screen and two size options, the Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet is a fan favourite among budding artists and more experienced creators alike (15.6-inches.) As you work, the HD display provides clarity and detail, and the Pro Pen 2 has virtually no lag, ensuring that your strokes appear on screen exactly as you intended. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021.
The pen also has customizable hot keys (though the tablet itself does not), as well as 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition for precision. Apart from being a little pricey, the Cintiq’s only flaw is that it can’t be used without being connected to a computer.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil make taking notes, creating artwork, and just about anything else a breeze thanks to the Pencil’s intuitive design, which includes tilt and pressure sensitivity for insanely precise lines and shading (which you’ll have to purchase separately).
While the iPad Pro is primarily a computer/tablet, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include it on this list because the Pro’s drawing capabilities are impressive. The second-generation Pencil is magnetically attached to the Pro, so you’ll never have to worry about it rolling away, and you can quickly switch tools by double tapping the side of the stylus.
Surface Pro 7
There’s almost nothing the Surface Pro 7 can’t do, whether it’s as a computer or as a drawing tablet. This is one of the best drawing tablet for you in 2021. The sophisticated design and the fact that this tablet is essentially an extension of a full desktop will appeal to illustrators.
If you’re a professional who primarily uses the Adobe creative suite, the Surface Pro 7 will make working on the go more convenient than ever. You’ll have to pay extra for the Surface Slim Pen, just like the iPad Pro, because this tablet doesn’t come with one.
Intuos Drawing Tablet
Wacom offers three models of its Intuos drawing tablet: the Intuos S, Intuos S with Bluetooth connectivity, and Intuos M with Bluetooth connectivity. Each tablet has four hot keys for optimal customization, and all three models allow you to download up to three software packages.
Each model also comes with a pen with 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels and two customizable hot keys built into the side for quick and easy access. To suit your unique drawing style, the accompanying pen has interchangeable flexible and felt tips stored inside the body of the pen. This is a favourite among artists of all levels because of the thoughtful details, such as the pen tray. Plus, with prices starting at around $80, it’s a budget-friendly option!
Conclusion
It’s difficult not to be enamoured with the Xencelabs wireless best drawing tablet. It has all of the pressure levels (8,192) and tilt sensitivity that a professional drawing tablet should have while remaining reasonably priced. Yes, it lacks a screen, necessitating the use of an external display, but it does come with two pens instead of one.
