As a digital artist myself, I know how important it is to have the right drawing tablet. The tablet is the main tool that enables me to create digital art, so choosing the best one for my needs is crucial. In this article, I will compare the top drawing tablets on the market today and help you determine which is the best option for your artistic goals and budget.
Key Factors To Consider
When evaluating drawing tablets, there are a few key factors I always consider:
Size of the Drawing Surface
This determines how much room you have to draw on the tablet. Bigger is often better for more freedom and flexibility, but portability is also a consideration.
- Small tablets range from 6 x 4 inches up to 10 x 6 inches. Good for travel and tight spaces.
- Medium tablets are 10 x 7 inches to 13 x 9 inches. A happy medium for most.
- Large tablets from 15 x 10 inches and up. Maximum workspace but less portable.
Pressure Sensitivity
This measures how responsive the tablet is to the pressure of your stylus. More pressure levels mean more control and nuance in your strokes.
- Entry-level tablets have 1024 pressure levels. Works for basic digital art.
- Mid-range tablets offer 2048 levels. Good precision for most users.
- High-end tablets boast 4096 to 8192+ levels. Ideal for professionals.
Stylus & Drawing Experience
The quality of the stylus and overall drawing feel can make or break a tablet. Look for a stylus with good palm rejection so you can rest your hand on the tablet as you draw. Responsiveness and minimal lag are also important.
Extra Features
Consider convenient extras like programmable express keys, touch controls, and wireless connectivity. Some tablets even double as digital displays.
Top Drawing Tablet Recommendations
Here are my top picks for digital artists across all skill levels and budgets:
Best Overall: Wacom Intuos Pro
The Wacom Intuos Pro is my personal favorite and the gold standard for drawing tablets. With eight size options up to 16.8 x 11.2 inches, excellent pressure sensitivity up to 8192 levels, and a comfortable, battery-free pen, it’s hard to beat for performance. The customizable express keys are handy for shortcuts too. While pricey, it’s built to last years.
Best for Beginners: Huion Inspiroy H1060P
New artists should check out the Huion Inspiroy H1060P. It provides a generous 11 x 6.5 inch drawing surface and 8192 pressure levels at a fraction of the cost of pricier tablets. The pen is decent and the bundled software is beginner-friendly. Easy connectivity makes it a plug-and-play option.
Best Display Tablet: XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro
For a pen display tablet, I recommend the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro. Its vivid 11.6-inch HD display lets you draw directly on the screen for a natural, connected feel. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, it rivals more expensive display tablets. The fully-laminated screen has excellent color accuracy too.
Best Wireless Tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro Wireless
If you want to cut the cables, the Wacom Intuos Pro Wireless is the best wire-free drawing tablet. It delivers the same amazing performance as the regular Intuos Pro, now with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. The battery lasts up to 15 hours between charges. Just be prepared to pay extra for wireless convenience.
Best Budget Tablet: Huion H420X
On a tight budget? The small but mighty Huion H420X provides strong value without breaking the bank. For under $40 you get a usable drawing surface with battery-free pen and 2048 levels of pressure. While not loaded with features, it gets the job done for casual users.
Key Takeaways
The best drawing tablet for you depends on your experience level, budget, and desired features. Hardcore professionals may want a large Wacom Intuos Pro or Cintiq. Beginners can start affordably with a Huion Inspriroy or XP-Pen Deco. There are quality options at every price point.
Make sure to consider size, pressure sensitivity, stylus quality, extra features, and connectivity when choosing your tablet. This will ensure you select the right drawing tablet to unleash your digital creativity. With the phenomenal tablets now available, there’s never been a better time to try digital art.
