As graphic design and digital art continue to gain popularity, an array of drawing tablets floods the market, ranging from established brands like Wacom and Apple to emerging players like Microsoft. The plethora of options is beneficial, but it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re uncertain about the essential features. In this guide, we’ve conducted thorough research and comparisons to help you navigate the top drawing tablets with screens available today.
Key Specifications for Drawing Tablets with Screen
Before settling on a drawing tablet with a screen, it’s crucial to consider specific specifications to ensure optimal value for your investment.
Finding the Right Screen Size
Choosing the appropriate screen size is pivotal. Smaller screens offer portability but may limit drawing space due to app menus and buttons. Larger screens provide more comfortable drawing but sacrifice portability. The ideal graphic tablet screen typically falls between 10″ and 15″. Options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 or Apple’s iPad Pro fit this range, while the Huion Kamvas 22 caters to those seeking a larger screen with decent portability.
Selecting the Best Stylus for Your Tablet
The stylus is a crucial component of your drawing tablet, influencing the quality of your final work. Stylus designs vary, with Wacom and Huion offering wider, more ergonomic options, while Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft provide narrower, pencil-like designs. Choosing the right stylus depends on personal preference and the desired drawing experience.
The Importance of Shortcut Buttons
Shortcut buttons on a drawing tablet streamline the creative process by allowing quick changes, saving valuable time. Tablets may feature side-mounted shortcut buttons or provide them as additional accessories. Preferences vary, with some tablets, like Samsung and Apple products, opting for on-screen shortcut buttons, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
Considering Multitouch Support
Multitouch support, allowing actions like scroll, pan, zoom, and rotate, is a noteworthy feature. Tablets such as Microsoft Surface Pro, Apple iPad Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 offer multitouch capabilities, enhancing versatility. Conversely, tablets like the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 may not feature multitouch support. The choice depends on your preferred workflow and interaction style.
Top Drawing Tablets with Screens
Explore our curated list of the finest drawing tablets with screens.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24
At the pinnacle of our recommendations is the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24, an unrivaled choice for professional digital artists seeking the industry’s best. Boasting a colossal 24″ 4K display, this tablet offers a spacious drawing area, coupled with 99% AdobeRGB color coverage for impeccable color resolution. The factory calibration ensures accurate colors without adjustments. The package includes the remarkable Wacom Pro Pen 2, renowned for its ergonomic design, wider tip, and comfortable grip. The ExpressKey remote, featuring 17 buttons and a touch ring, adds versatility. While the tablet requires connection to a PC, its two foldable legs provide a comfortable drawing angle.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
For those inclined towards Android-powered drawing tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 stands out. Equipped with a balanced-pressure S Pen supporting tilt recognition, this tablet delivers consistent strokes and is ideal for tasks like drawing comics, tracing, and sketching. The S Pen is included, eliminating the need for a separate purchase. However, the tablet lacks robust drawing apps for 3D modeling or sculpting.
Huion Kamvas Pro 22 HD
Opt for the Huion Kamvas Pro 22 if you seek a budget-friendly yet feature-packed 22″ tablet. With a professional and minimalistic design, this tablet offers a 100% SRGB color gamut, anti-glare glass, and a textured display for enhanced stylus control. Featuring 10 shortcut buttons, a touch bar on each side, and a versatile stand, it caters to both left-handed and right-handed users. The PW500 digital pen boasts 8192 pressure sensitivity levels, tilt recognition, and ergonomic design without the need for charging.
Microsoft Surface Studio 2
For those willing to invest in a high-end drawing tablet, the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 impresses with unparalleled features. In a 2-in-1 design, it combines a drawing tablet with a desktop, featuring a digitizer-enabled display and a built-in Windows computer. The tablet includes the Microsoft Surface Pen with 4096 pressure sensitivity levels and tilt sensing support. The 28″ 4K display, configurable to a 3:2 aspect ratio, provides ample drawing space. Note that this sophisticated device comes with a substantial price tag, making it suitable for advanced users rather than beginners.
Wacom Cintiq 16
While the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is an exceptional choice among drawing tablets with screens, its price tag might be prohibitive for some users. Enter the Wacom Cintiq 16, a perfect alternative tailored for both novice and seasoned digital art enthusiasts seeking a more budget-friendly option. Compact and equipped with a 15.6″ full HD screen boasting 72% NTSC color coverage, this tablet ensures accurate colors through factory calibration. The anti-glare film reduces reflection, and the textured surface enhances stylus control for a comfortable drawing experience. Despite its competitive price, the Cintiq 16 includes the high-quality Wacom Pro Pen 2, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. The built-in foldable stand provides a comfortable 19-degree drawing angle, and the tablet supports the Wacom Expresskey remote for customizable shortcuts. While not standalone, the Cintiq 16 offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to enhance their digital art skills.
Apple iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro, coupled with the remarkable Apple Pencil, has gained prominence as a favored digital drawing tool. Offering balanced performance, precise pressure sensitivity, and tilt recognition, the Apple Pencil ensures a natural drawing experience akin to using a real pencil. With portability in mind, the iPad Pro comes in 12.9″ or 11″ variants, fitting easily into backpacks for on-the-go creativity. Powered by the robust M1 chip, this tablet handles heavy projects with ease, supported by a long-lasting battery life of around 10 hours. However, the limitation lies in the iPadOS, which supports a limited selection of drawing apps. Despite this drawback, the iPad Pro provides a seamless integration into workflows, making it an ideal choice for artists desiring Apple’s quality in a drawing tablet.
XP Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
For those venturing into the digital art world, the XP Pen Artist 15.6 Pro emerges as the go-to drawing tablet, offering an impressive array of features without compromising on quality. Boasting a full HD laminated display with an 88% NTSC color space, this tablet produces sharp and vibrant colors at an unprecedented price point. The stylus delivers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and ±60° tilt sensitivity, ensuring consistent and precise strokes. Eight customizable shortcut buttons, along with a unique center-right roller, provide versatility in performing complex tasks. The tablet includes a stand, adding extra value to the package. While offering a single adjustable angle, the XP Pen Artist 15.6 Pro stands out as the best drawing tablet with a screen for users seeking exceptional value for money and a solid foundation for digital art exploration.
Conclusion
As the realm of digital art evolves, transitioning from traditional tools to stylus and drawing tablets becomes paramount. Establishing a strong foundation requires high-quality tools, and the aforementioned drawing tablets with screens cater to various budgets and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or introducing a child to digital art, these tablets offer an array of features to foster creativity and artistic growth. For further insights, explore our article on the best airbrushes for graphic designers. Elevate your digital art journey with a tool that aligns with your budget and aspirations.