The Best Drawing Tablets in 2024: Unleash Your Creative Potential!
ZDNET Consulted Digital Artists and Graphic Designers for their Top Recommendations on the Best Drawing Tablets.
Top drawing tablets of 2024 Recommended by experts
🖌️ If you’re an artist, you already know that there are endless ways to create art. And even if your medium is drawing, there are different ways to do that as well, including using drawing tablets as a tool for your creations. Drawing tablets make illustration easy and creativity endless, with every pen display and brush stroke at your disposal for customization that matches your artistic vision. 💥
Contrary to typical tablets, some drawing tablets don’t have actual screens. Rather, they are essentially a virtual piece of paper that sends pressure from the pad to the computer or laptop that powers it. However, some of your typical tablet screens can also act as a great canvas for fine detailing.
No matter what material artists draw on, they have to be willing to adapt to that surface. But the best drawing tablets make it incredibly easy to get used to them. My top pick is the [iPad Pro (6th generation)](https://www.enble.com/ipad-better-computer-pc-digital-trends.html), but I also included drawing and graphics tablets from Wacom, Huion, and more.
🏆 The Best Drawing Tablets of 2024
[iPad Pro (6th generation)](https://www.enble.com/best-ipad-models-drawing-2024.html) ### Best drawing tablet overall
Pros – Easy user interface – Apple Pencil 2 compatibility – Premium screen experience
Cons – Expensive
More Details: The iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful tablet and is the best drawing tablet on the market. It features an M2 chip for better performance and battery life, as well as a bright and crisp Liquid Retina display. The Apple Pencil 2 compatibility brings a professional feel to your drawings and allows you to easily switch between tools and create different effects.
According to digital illustrator Juliet Dreamhunter, the iPad Pro is a must-have for digital illustration. She praises its ease of use and the unmatched drawing experience it offers compared to using a mouse or a Wacom tablet without a screen. The compatibility with popular apps like Procreate make it a go-to choice for professional artists.
[Wacom Intuos Pro](https://www.enble.com/miss-chance-get-samsung-tablet-99-digital-trends.html) ### Best drawing tablet for pros
Pros – Low price for a high-quality product – Industry-leading amount of pressure sensitivity levels – Different sizes to choose from
Cons – Need external screen – Need to replace the nibs on the stylus often
More Details: Wacom is known for its industry-leading drawing tablets, and the Intuos Pro is no exception. With virtually no lag and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, it provides an excellent drawing experience. The tablet’s lightweight design and customizable features make it a favorite among professional artists.
Digital artist Neil Chase highly recommends the Wacom Intuos Pro for its precision and performance. He has used it to create intricate illustrations with lifelike details, thanks to its impressive pressure sensitivity levels.
[Huion Kamvas Pro 12](https://www.enble.com/walmart-expands-dallas-drone-deliveries-millions-texans.html) ### Best budget drawing tablet
Pros – More affordable drawing tablet – ±60 pen tilt support – Customizable express keys
Cons – Still needs to be connected to a computer to use it
More Details: If you’re on a budget, the Huion Kamvas Pro 12 is an excellent choice. It offers a 12-inch pen display with customizable express keys and ±60 pen tilt support. It may not have all the advanced features of more expensive tablets, but it provides great value for its price.
Freelance concept artist Chuan Shin swears by Huion tablets, as they offer great value and don’t have issues with driver updates. The Huion Kamvas Pro 12 allows him to create stunning artwork without breaking the bank.
[Wacom Cintiq Pro 24](https://www.enble.com/7-favorite-laptop-deals-best-buys-3day-sale-digital-trends.html) ### Best drawing tablet splurge
Pros – Reliable software – Excellent resolution and color displays – Precise pen-to-screen interaction
Cons – Super expensive
More Details: For those who are willing to invest in a top-of-the-line drawing tablet, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is a perfect choice. With its 4K display, industry-leading color accuracy, and precise pen-to-screen interaction, it delivers an exceptional drawing experience.
Director and storyboard artist Jim Mortensen can’t speak highly enough of Wacom tablets. He has been using them for years and appreciates their reliability and driver software. Upgrading from a Wacom 21UX to the Cintiq Pro 24 was a game-changer for him.
[Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle](https://www.enble.com/walmart-expands-dallas-drone-deliveries-millions-texans.html) ### Best drawing tablet for accessories
Pros – Add accessories you will use – Drawing glove – Comfortable to use
Cons – No display
More Details: The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle offers more than just a drawing tablet. It comes with various accessories like a drawing glove, multiple pens, and customizable express keys. The tablet itself is comfortable to use and provides a great drawing experience.
Graphic designer Nick Saporito appreciates the programmable controller that comes with the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle, allowing for custom key bindings to enhance workflow. The added accessories, such as the drawing glove, make this tablet a practical choice for artists.
🤔 Questions & Answers
Q: What is the best drawing tablet overall? A: In my opinion, the iPad Pro (6th generation) takes the crown as the best drawing tablet overall. Its ease of use, Apple Pencil 2 compatibility, and exceptional screen experience make it a dream for digital artists.
Q: Which drawing tablet is the best for professionals? A: The Wacom Intuos Pro is the go-to choice for professional artists. With its industry-leading pressure sensitivity levels and customizable features, it offers a superior drawing experience.
Q: Are there any budget-friendly drawing tablets worth considering? A: Absolutely! The Huion Kamvas Pro 12 is a great budget-friendly option. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive tablets, but it provides excellent value for its price.
Q: Can you recommend a high-end drawing tablet for those willing to splurge? A: If the price is not a concern, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is the perfect splurge-worthy drawing tablet. Its reliable software, excellent resolution, and precise pen-to-screen interaction make it a top choice for serious artists.
Q: Are there any drawing tablets that come with accessories? A: Yes, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle not only offers a great drawing tablet but also includes accessories like a drawing glove, multiple pens, and customizable express keys.
🌟 The Impact and Future Developments
Drawing tablets have revolutionized the way artists create. With advancements in technology, these tablets continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Features like improved pressure sensitivity, higher resolution displays, and innovative accessories have enhanced the artistic process.
In the coming years, we can expect even more advancements in drawing tablets. Manufacturers will focus on improving the user experience, reducing latency, and introducing new features that further bridge the gap between traditional and digital art forms. Augmented reality and virtual reality integration may also become more prevalent in drawing tablets, offering artists immersive and interactive creative experiences.
With the increasing popularity of digital art, the demand for drawing tablets will continue to grow. As more artists embrace the convenience and versatility of these devices, we can anticipate a wider range of options at various price points, making drawing tablets accessible to artists of all levels.
📚 Reference List
- The best stylus pens
- iPad Pro (6th generation)
- Best iPad models for drawing in 2024
- Wacom Intuos Pro
- Huion Kamvas Pro 12
- Wacom Cintiq Pro 24
- Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle
🎨 So, whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, finding the right drawing tablet can unlock endless possibilities for your creativity. Choose the one that suits your needs and unleash your artistic potential! Don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media and spread the joy of art! 🌈
