If you’re a digital artist, you know the importance of having a high quality drawing tablet at your disposal. There are a bunch of models out there on the market, and if you’re just getting started in the digital art world, it can get very confusing. To help you out, we’ve put together the list of the four best drawing tablets out there right now.
Let’s jump right in and see the contenders, as well as what makes each of them a great choice for you.
Contents
Quick Summary
- If you’re looking for a tablet with a small, portable display, check out the XP-Pen Artist12. The 12-inch screen is really nice, and the smaller size makes it easy to handle.
- If you’re on a budget, try out the Wacom Intuos SM. Not only is it affordable, but it offers excellent performance as well.
- If you’re looking for the best midrange tablet, we suggest the Huion KAMVAS Pro 13. It has great features and a nice screen for your drawing needs.
- If you want the best drawing tablet money can buy, the Wacom Cintiq 22HD is the best out there. This drawing display tablet has all of the high-end features, and feels amazing as you work.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re an artist looking to make the transition to the digital space, these tablets will all give you great results. They each feel amazing when drawing on them, and will help you improve your abilities on multiple fronts.
These tablets are also great for art students. Buying a drawing tablet can be expensive, but most of the picks here are rather affordable. This makes them especially perfect for art students in high school or college.
The following models work for professional artists as well. It does not matter if you are a freelancer who works at home or an artist at an agency, every tablet in this guide allows you to create beautiful pieces.
Best Tablet for Drawing: What to Consider in 2022
Size
Depending on the size of your workspace, you will need to buy a drawing tablet that fits your area. If you have plenty of room, go with a large tablet. If you have a small desk that doesn’t have a lot of extra space, you may opt for a much smaller option.
Screen
Do you want a screen? If you would like to draw right on the display, there are now tons of options out there. However, if you prefer the non-screen variety, there are many such options as well. This choice comes down to what you’re most comfortable with.
Compatibility
It is also important to know if you want a Windows or Mac. Not all tablets are compatible with both, so make sure the one you buy is compatible with your specific operating system.
Pressure Levels
The last aspect to take into consideration is the number of pressure levels on the pen and tablet. That measures how smooth your strokes flow as it correlates to width and opacity settings. While not as important for beginners, it is extremely important for more seasoned artists.
Best Tablet for Drawing: Our Picks for 2022
1. XP-Pen Artist12
XP-Pen doesn’t have the name recognition of Wacom or Huion, but they make some amazing drawing tablets. The Artist12 is a 12-inch, Full HD 1080p resolution model that comes with an impressive 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. That provides specs that are comparable to other high-end options at a fraction of the price. This is a great smaller display option as well.
What We Like:
- Great pressure sensitivity
- Small and portable
What We Don’t Like:
- Large outer bezel
Specs:
- Size: 11.6”
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Pressure Levels: 8,192
2. Wacom Intuos SM
Just because you’re on a very tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t get a nice drawing tablet. The Wacom Intuos SM is a fantastic affordable drawing tablet at an affordable price. However, this model does not come with a display. If you prefer to look at your computer screen while drawing on the tablet, this is the one for you. It’s a bit small, but for the price, you simply can’t get a better performing tablet.
What We Like:
- Extremely portable
- Smooth and great feel
What We Don’t Like:
- Small drawing area
Specs:
- Size: 6” x 3.7”
- Resolution: N/A
- Pressure Levels: 4,096
3. Huion KAMVAS Pro 13
Huion has surfaced as a true competitor to Wacom in the drawing tablet scene, and their KAMVAS line shows why. The Pro 13 has everything you need for your digital art and works for those at every level. The 13-inch screen and 1080p resolution look great, and the 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity give this display a premium feel.
What We Like:
- Good looking screen
- Nice pressure sensitivity
What We Don’t Like:
- Gets warm over long periods of use
Specs:
- Size: 13.3”
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Pressure Levels: 8,192
4. Wacom Cintiq 22HD
The Wacom Cintiq line are some of the best drawing tablets around, as shown by the 22HD. While the model’s pressure levels are lower than the others on this list, the overall smoothness has no match. Drawing on this display also feels different in the best kind of way. If you’re looking for a premium solution, look no further than the Cintiq 22HD.
What We Like:
- Huge screen size
- Premium look and feel
What We Don’t Like:
- Extremely expensive
Specs:
- Size: 22”
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Pressure Levels: 2,048
Useful Tips and Resources
In order to help with palm rejection and smudging on your screens it is a good idea to pick up an artist glove. This will allow your fingers to hold onto the stylus out of the glove, but give the base of your palm a cover to prevent interference.
If you do get a smudge on your screen, make sure to get some quality cleaning wipes for the display. That will allow you to remove all dirt, debris, and smudges without hurting the screen.
Final Words
If you’re a budding artist or an established professional looking for an upgrade, these four options are all great. No matter which you choose to fit your situation, you’ll get a high-quality tool aimed to make you the best artist you can be. Don’t let your tools be the reason you don’t reach your potential. Get a good upgrade to make your life easier.
Do you prefer a drawing tablet with or without a screen? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!
Eddie Cool
When I was a beginner at digital art, I used photoshop with my XPPen Star 03 drawing tablet for digital painting and photo editing. I liked it very much!