TOP 10 best graphic tablets with a screen for drawing: rating 2020-2021 and which model to choose with a stylus + customer reviews

Graphic tablets are gadgets that are gradually leaving the category of purely professional ones. They are very interesting for amateurs who use the device to draw, digitize images and edit various pictures. Our expert rating of drawing tablets will help you choose the best model.

Expert's choice:

Mini rating

Why buy a drawing tablet

Drawing tablet
In simple words, a drawing tablet is a device designed for working with images. It comes with a pen, which professionals call a “stylus.”

Due to the fact that the tablet can be placed on a horizontal surface and you can create pictures using a stylus, the whole process can be compared to drawing on a regular sheet of paper. But since the gadget is connected to a computer, the image is transferred to the PC in real time.

Important! Photographers, designers, architects and artists cannot do without a tablet. Many modern specialists successfully use these gadgets in their work.

The best drawing tablets

So we found out what drawing tablets are and what types exist on the market

• Graphics tablets, on which you draw with a stylus
• Pressure-sensitive pen displays that are connected to a monitor
• Tablet computers that can be adapted for drawing using an application

For now, let's look at all the options to find the best drawing tablet based on your specific budget needs—and the best value.

Best interactive display: WACOM Cintiq 22

This best drawing tablet which has a great balance of huge drawing space, great drawing experience, highly sensitive stylus, perfect balance of size and cost makes it the best drawing tablet in the market in its class.

Read: How to choose a good laptop?

It comes bundled with the Pen Pro 2, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and its well-designed screen has an anti-glare surface that provides a satisfying level of resistance when drawing. There are cheaper alternatives available from other manufacturers, but this tablet provides Wacom levels of quality at the best price/performance/quality ratio

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 476×268 mm
• Screen diagonal: 21.5
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192

Best Budget Interactive Display: XP—PEN Artist 15.6

This interactive display covers all the bases you could want from a pen display: a reasonably sized drawing area, a comfortable pen with plenty of sensitivity levels, and a good screen.

Read: Why does the computer get hot and what to do?

You don't get nearly enough of the attention to detail or advanced addition system that Wacom provides, and the offset between the stylus tip and the on-screen cursor takes some getting used to, but it remains a good pen display that can transform your digital creativity at a noticeably lower cost.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 344×194 mm
• Screen diagonal: 15.6
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Express Keys

Best Value Interactive Display From: WACOM One

Wacom's newest and most affordable interactive tablet unveiled at CES 2021, the confusingly named Wacom One (not to be confused with any previous Wacom Ones) is an excellent portable 13-inch tablet at an extremely competitive price, no doubt designed to seduce users of cheaper brands such as XP-Pen.

Its Full HD display offers 72 percent NTSC color reproduction and anti-glare film. The tablet has small legs for tilting. The Wacom One is the perfect tablet to throw in your bag for everyday use.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 294×166 mm
• Screen diagonal: 13.3
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Lines per inch (lpi): 2540
• Format: A4
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 4096

Best Graphics Tablet for Artists: WACOM Intuos Pro Larg

When you're creating an illustration, you want to have enough space for the sketch and a pen that feels as close to the paper equivalent as possible. You'll find both of these benefits in the WACOM Intuos Pro (Large) graphics tablet. You'll get one of the purest graphical drawing experiences you can get from a digital device.

The pen offers over 8,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and a drawing area that—while not the largest available—gives you a lot of freedom to operate. All of this is supported by Wacom's extensive system of alternative pens and texture sheets to give your drawing surface a distinct look.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 311×216 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A4
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Pen tilt sensitivity
• Express Keys

Best graphics tablet for beginners: WACOM Intuos Pro Small

It may have the "Pro" designation in its name, but it is extremely competitively priced. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is the perfect choice for ambitious beginners looking to develop their skills. It's light enough to take everywhere, yet durable enough to have all the commands and features of its medium and large siblings. Pro Pen 2's unmatched pressure sensitivity gives it true creative depth, and its small footprint makes Intuos Pro Small easy to take anywhere.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 160×100 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A6
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Pen tilt sensitivity
• Express Keys

Best Cheap Graphics Tablet for Beginners: HUION H430P

If you're not sure, a drawing tablet is something you'll use regularly enough to justify the cost of purchasing one and will provide you with all the basics without requiring a big investment. Yes, the drawing area is small, but the pen is sensitive enough to give you a true sense of the creative benefits that drawing tablets can bring.

It will take you a while before you outgrow this tablet, but it is a very affordable way to start drawing on the computer. Huion is a great choice because it also has some good features. It is compatible with Android. You can simply connect the cable to your phone and start drawing. It is also compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 122×76 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Express Keys

Ultra-thin graphics tablet for drawing: XP-PEN Deco 03

XP-Pen's Deco tablets combine style with functionality and are an exception. This ultra-sleek matte black model not only looks good, but is also comfortable to use thanks to its well-made handle and ample drawing area. It's also well thought out in terms of workflow, with customizable Express keys.

Deco by XP-Pen features a multi-function dial in the top corner that allows you to customize everything just the way you want. Flaws? Many buyers worry that the Deco 03 is a little too thin for 8mm, to the point that some carelessness could damage it, and consider this a disadvantage. If that doesn't bother you, this is a great buy at a good price.

Characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 254×143 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Express Keys

Graphic tablet WACOM Intuos S Bluetooth CTL-4100WLK-N

This drawing tablet comes in 2 colors: black and pistachio. The black version is slightly more expensive than the pistachio version. The handle of this drawing tablet is pressure sensitive.

Has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. In addition, it has 2 shortcut buttons. There are 4 express keys on the tablet. All these keys are customizable. This tablet is very thin with a thickness of only 8.8mm. It is also compatible with Android phones.

Main characteristics:

• Work area size (LxW) 152×95 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 2540
• Format: A6
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 4096
• Express Keys

Best drawing tablet WACOM Mobile Studio Pro 13 512Gb (DTH-W1321H)

If you have a budget that has enough money for everything you want from a regular tablet and a drawing tablet. With a wide selection of Intel Core processors and SSDs, WACOM gives you a complete Windows PC.

But it benefits from the same technology Wacom offers in its Cintiq line of pen interactive displays, making Mobile Studio a pleasure to draw with. And if you want, you can even link it to a more powerful PC or Mac in your studio using the optional Wacom Link.

Characteristics:

• Screen diagonal: 13.3
• Screen resolution: 2560×1440
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Feather
• Number of pressure levels: 8192
• Pen tilt sensitivity
• Express Keys

Best Laptop for Drawing: Microsoft Surface Book 2

The sheer versatility of Windows computing capabilities provides true versatility for the designer anywhere. You can use it like a regular laptop and then rotate the screen to turn it into a flat touchscreen tablet.

For drawing, you'll need to purchase the optional pen, which offers a respectable 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 doesn't have the deep drawing capabilities of Wacom Mobile Studio, but you get a device that fits many of your other needs, no matter where you are or what you do.

Characteristics:

• Processor range: Intel Core i7
• RAM capacity: 16 GB
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
• Video memory capacity: 6 GB

Best iOS tablet for drawing Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)

The latest in a series of high-end tablets, it offers a significant increase in performance over its predecessor, as well as a reduced bezel (screen-to-edge distance) and the removal of the home button. This luxurious Retina True Tone LCD screen with Xbox One S-level graphics technology makes it the perfect surface for drawing on your projects - a process made easier than ever thanks to a redesigned model.

The tablet has new shortcuts that improve workflow, such as double-tapping to switch modes. New internal processors also mean iPad Pro runs faster than ever before, and even versions with less memory offer fast read/write speeds for smooth file transfers.

Characteristics:

• Tablet 12.9″, 2732×2048, TFT IPS
• Built-in memory 128 GB, without memory card slot
• iOS, 6 GB RAM, Apple A12Z Bionic processor
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Dimensions 214.9×280.6×5.9 mm, weight 641 g
• Rear camera 12 MP
• Front camera 7 megapixels
• Operating time 10 hours
• Accelerometer, gyroscope

How graphics tablets (GPUs) work

GPUs are devices capable of working with two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. They have sensitive displays that recognize how hard you press the screen with a stylus. Due to this, the line changes its thickness. Depending on the model, the speed of pen movement recognition is determined.

Working with the gadget is structured as follows:

• connecting the tablet to the computer via a USB cable or Bluetooth connection;
• turning on both devices;
• creating a drawing on a tablet and then displaying it on a PC monitor.

Types and technical characteristics of drawing tablets

Types of drawing tablets
Tablets are presented in numerous models, which forces potential buyers to search long and painfully for a suitable option. But in fact they are all divided into 3 groups:

• GP for drawing;
• interactive pens;
• tablet computers.

Each has its own characteristics.

For amateur drawing on a graphics tablet, models from the first category are suitable. They are small devices with a flat surface without any color fill (the screen is usually black). The image is drawn on the gadget and immediately displayed on the computer monitor.

Important! Such GPs are the most common and affordable. Their significant disadvantage is the disconnect between what the hands do and what the eyes see. Not everyone gets used to it.

Interactive pen models visually look like the previous ones. But they have a sensitive screen and are more convenient to use, since they do not create a feeling of disconnection.

Tablet computers are the most expensive option and can be used in two ways:

• as the main tool for creating images - after downloading a special program, you can draw with your finger or stylus;
• like a standard graphics tablet with different applications.

Learning to draw on a graphics tablet

There is nothing complicated about learning to draw on a tablet, but many people, when they pick up such a device for the first time, are noticeably lost.

It is important to understand that this is a normal reaction and will pass over time, and the number of functions and tabs, which at first seems too redundant, will soon seem meager on the contrary!

When drawing on a graphics tablet, the main thing is not to give up after the first failures and remember that after your hand and head get used to it, this process will be as natural and simple as creating illustrations on a regular canvas live.

For easy understanding, below are initial drawing lessons divided into three lessons.

First lesson

The first place to start is the basics of drawing on a tablet. Try drawing regular lines, twisted lines and circles. Moreover, it is recommended to do this every day for 10-15 minutes to get used to it and overcome initial shyness.

Even if the lines and circles are crooked and irregular, there is nothing to worry about. Remember that this is why you are studying, so that in the future all your figures will be straight and beautiful!

You can also try to draw geometric shapes without worrying about their quality.

During all this, change brushes, pen hardness, colors, paints, various settings, etc. At this stage, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the extensive set of tools that you now have.

Second lesson

The second lesson for how to draw with a graphics tablet is to try to draw or redraw something. There is no need to pay attention to details and try to make a perfect drawing without mistakes. Here it is very important to draw at least something solid using a graphics tablet. At the same time, use as many tools and settings as possible to get used to them and remember the options you like.

Third lesson

The third final exercise is very simple - time to create a really complex and beautiful drawing, using the knowledge and skills gained in previous lessons!

First draw something without using colors and when the result is satisfactory, be sure to color the work. At this stage, you can paint with light, draw shadows, and process small details when scaling.

Popular graphics tablet manufacturers

When choosing the best tablet for drawing, do not ignore such criteria as the manufacturer’s demand in the market and its reliability. Experts say that there are actually few worthy brands.

Experts consider the following companies to be the best and most affordable:

1. HUION . The brand, which is not the most well-known to Russian consumers, is rapidly gaining popularity. Its products are distinguished by their quality and unusual design. Users also praise the excellent ergonomics. Moreover, most of the devices are inexpensive, which allowed the company to gain a foothold in its niche.
2. WACOM . This is the undoubted leader among manufacturers. Each of his tablets combines a unique design, powerful hardware and innovative features. In addition, the devices are lightweight and very easy to use.
3. XP-PEN. Another worthy representative of the segment. Both amateurs and professionals will find theirs among the devices of this brand. Each model meets strict quality standards and has certificates of conformity. The quality of products remains unattainable for other companies.

Criteria for choosing a good graphics tablet

Selection criteria
When looking for a professional or amateur graphics tablet, it is important to consider that they are divided into 2 categories based on screen type:

• touch, designed for drawing on a PC;
• directly displaying what is drawn.

Having decided on this parameter, proceed to study other important characteristics:

1. Screen size. The most common format is A3-A6. But still, here you need to focus on your own preferences and operating characteristics. For example, devices with a small working surface are compact and easy to transport. A large screen is suitable for professional work, as it makes it possible to transfer a lot of the smallest elements of a picture onto it.
2. Stylus type . Manufacturers offer wired and wireless options. The first ones are accurate, but a little limiting for the artist. The latter are more convenient, but often cause a delay.
3. specifications . This criterion is expressed in the number of lines per inch. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. You also need to consider the accuracy of the device and pressure levels.
4. Additional options . Amateurs don't need them. But professionals should pay attention to the number of options that simplify working with the device.
5. Equipment. It is impossible to work with the tablet without a USB cable and a stylus, so they are included in the kit. Manufacturers also include replacement pen nibs in the kit.

The best graphics tablets

1

Wacom Intuos Pro L - an innovative, professional tablet

Rating:5.0

• Work area size: 311×216 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A4
• Number of pressure levels: 8192

Average price: 42800 rub.

An expensive and large graphics tablet from Wacom has a work area comparable to A4 paper. It differs from the previous model in the rating in its ultra-thin body and stylish design. The extensive functionality of the device is complemented by a high-precision stylus with 8192 sensitivity levels. The innovative Wacom Pro Pen 2 delivers a stunning experience and helps make this tablet the perfect tool for hobbyists and professionals alike. You can diversify the drawing process with the help of additional tips, which are purchased separately.

Model features:

• large drawing area;
• high pen sensitivity;
• adaptive support for additional keys;
• ultra-thin body;
• high-quality assembly;
• support for natural inclination.

2

Wacom Intuos Pro M

Rating:4.9

• Work area size: 224×148 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A5
• Number of pressure levels: 8192

Average price: RUB 29,910

The Wacom Intuos Pro M graphics tablet allows you to create the most natural and colorful drawings using the highly sensitive Wacom Pro Pen 2. The device is the ideal tool for unleashing your creative potential. Thanks to Paper Edition technology, you can transfer paper sketches to digital format without losing quality. Designers and hobbyists who already use Wacom products will appreciate the advanced stylus, which feels like a natural extension of the hand and helps you work with even the smallest image elements. A distinctive feature of the tablet is the Touch Ring, which saves setup time and increases productivity.

Model features:

• high pressure sensitivity;
• accurate pen tilt detection;
• ergonomics;
• Compatible with Mac and PC.

3

HUION HS611 – The best tablet for a beginner

Rating:4.8

• working area size (LxW) 258.40x161.50 mm
• lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• format: A4
• feather
• number of pressure levels: 8192

Average price: RUB 11,490

A relatively inexpensive graphics tablet from the Chinese company Huion is made with professional use in mind and has a large working area of ​​258.4 x 161.5 mm - A4 paper format. The case features convenient Express Key hotkeys and non-slip wrist rests. The device has a high resolution of 5080 lpi and supports 8192 pressure levels. These parameters allow the HUION HS611 to be used even by professional designers. Due to its small size, the device can be carried in a bag of 15-17 inch laptop.

Model features:

• thin body;
• stylish design;
• nice price;
• suitable for left-handed and right-handed people;
• fixed pen tilt;
• high performance.

4

HUION H640P – High-quality and inexpensive tablet

Rating:4.7

• Work area size: 160×100 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A6
• Number of pressure levels: 8192

Average price: 5990 rub.

Another inexpensive and reliable graphics tablet from Huion is perfect for realizing creative ideas. The working space of 160×100 mm and compact dimensions allow you to create masterpieces in any convenient place. The 8mm thin body makes the tablet easy to carry. Due to electromagnetic resonance technology, the device operates without additional power. The ultra-sensitive pen with 8192 levels of pressure is smooth and easy to control during the drawing process. Thanks to improved path detection technology, lines are entered accurately and without delay.

Model features:

• thin body;
• high-quality assembly;
• accurately responds to pen tilt;
• 16 gram digital pen;
• support for Android mobile devices.

5

Wacom Intuos S – Good tablet for beginners

Rating:4.6

• Work area size: 152×95 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 2540
• Format: A6
• Number of pressure levels: 4096

Average price: 6400 rub.

A good graphics tablet in the mid-price segment will be an excellent option for beginners. The thin body of the device is designed for both right-handers and left-handers. The technological pen of the Wacom Intuos S tablet has 4096 pressure levels, which ensures easy and precise control of the drawing process. The ultra-thin design lets you use your tablet anywhere, while its electromagnetic resonance technology saves energy and improves productivity. The thickness is comparable to modern mobile devices - only 8.8 mm. The tablet supports Bluetooth connection and multi-touch.

Model features:

• compactness;
• ease;
• affordable price;
• extensive functionality;
• 3 free apps for creative tasks;
• 4 ExpressKeys hotkeys.

6

XP-PEN Star G960

Rating:4.5

• Work area size: 212×135 mm
• Lines per inch (lpi): 5080
• Format: A5
• Number of pressure levels: 8192

Average price: 3990 rub.

The best inexpensive model from the Japanese company XP-PEN allows you to express yourself as much as possible with the help of a drawing. The tablet screen has a large working area of ​​21x13 mm, and 4 hot keys will help you adapt the functionality of the device to your personal preferences for the most convenient and productive work. Unlike previous models, the XP-PEN Star G960 supports rotation up to 270 degrees. This feature allows you to draw in any convenient position. The high-precision stylus delivers a natural feel while working with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. With this pen, fine lines are created smoothly and naturally. For web conferencing or distance learning, synchronous digital drawing is available in Microsoft Office applications.

Model features:

• low price;
• wide functionality;
• Ease of use;
• 10 replaceable pen nibs included;
• compatibility with a large number of graphic editors.

The best drawing programs

Drawing programs
There are a large number of programs on the Internet for creating drawings on the GPU. They are divided into:

• free;
• paid.

The first ones are ideal for beginners. And even professionals often use them, choosing the best offers on the market:

1. Krita . An interesting option with which you can create an analogue of a painting on canvas. The software allows you to draw with brushstrokes, make comics, and edit photographs.
2. SmoothDraw . A good program for beginners in design. You can draw with different tools: brushes, sprayers, pencils and more. The interface is simple and extremely clear.
3. Gimp . In terms of content, this is an analogue of Photoshop. But the program is designed more simply, preserving the functionality of its prototype.
4. Artweaver . A full-fledged graphic editor that does not have a Russian version. It is multifunctional and takes up little space on the device.
5. PixBuilder Studio. The best option for beginners. The program has a large number of filters and functions.