Best Drawing Tablets 2024:

Drawing
Written By Nick Chancey

Top Picks for Digital Artists and Designers

Welcome to 2024 where creators are thriving and looking for new ways to push the boundaries.

Are you looking for the best drawing tablet to unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity?

Whether you are a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional, there is a drawing tablet that suits your needs and budget. Drawing tablets are devices that allow you to draw, sketch, paint, or edit images directly on a screen with a pen or stylus. They can be used for various purposes, such as illustration, animation, graphic design, photo editing, and more.

In this blog post, we will review some of the best drawing tablets available in 2024, based on their features, performance, quality, and price. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right drawing tablet for you and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get into it.

Passive Drawing Tablet vs Stand-alone Drawing Tablet

One of the first things to consider when deciding on a drawing tablet is whether you want the tablet to connect to your existing computer or be more portable and remote. If you want to draw on a surface with a stylus and see the result on a connected computer screen, you are looking for a passive drawing tablet. Among the passive devices, some have a built-in display screen and some do not.

Advantages of a passive drawing tablet:

  • Typically less expensive

  • Lighter

  • More compatible with different software and operating systems

Disadvantages of a passive drawing tablet:

  • Requires more desk space

  • May have lower resolution

  • Takes some adjustment for hand-eye coordination

A stand-alone drawing tablet is a device that has a built-in screen and computer, so you can draw directly on it without the need for a separate device. 

Advantages of a stand-alone drawing tablet:

  • More portable

  • Has a higher resolution

  • Has a more natural and immersive drawing experience. 

Disadvantages of a stand-alone drawing tablet:

  • More expensive

  • Heavier

  • Limited in terms of software and operating system options

How to choose the right drawing tablet for you:

When purchasing a drawing tablet, there are several other factors to consider to ensure that you get the best one for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Drawing Area: The size of the drawing area is an important consideration. If you plan to work on large projects, you will need a larger drawing area. However, if you plan to use the tablet for sketching or taking notes, a smaller drawing area may be sufficient.

2. Pressure Sensitivity: Pressure sensitivity is another important factor to consider. This feature allows you to vary the thickness and opacity of your lines based on the amount of pressure you apply to the stylus. The higher the pressure sensitivity, the more control you will have over your drawings.

3. Battery Life: Battery life is an important consideration if you plan to use your tablet on the go. Look for a tablet with a long battery life so that you can work for extended periods without needing to recharge.

4. Hotkeys or Express Keys: Hotkeys or express keys are customizable buttons that allow you to quickly access frequently used functions. These keys can save you time and make your workflow more efficient.

5. Weight and Bulk: The weight and bulk of the tablet are important considerations if you plan to use it on the go. A lighter and more compact tablet will be easier to carry around.

6. Software: Finally, consider the software that comes with the tablet. Some tablets come with software that is specifically designed for digital art, while others may require you to purchase software separately. Make sure that the tablet you choose is compatible with the software you plan to use.

Here are the drawing tablets that we will cover:

Wacom Cintiq 22: The best drawing tablet overall

Wacom is well known for its tablet devices. The Wacom Cintiq 22 is our top pick for the best drawing tablet overall. It offers a large and immersive 21.5-inch full HD display that delivers vibrant colors and crisp details. The display also has an anti-glare coating and a reduced parallax effect, which means that the cursor follows the pen tip accurately and naturally. The pen pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels allows you to create precise and realistic strokes, while the tilt recognition and ergonomic design of the pen provide a comfortable and natural drawing experience. 

The Wacom Cintiq 22 also comes with a sturdy and adjustable stand that lets you adjust the angle of the display to suit your preference. The Wacom Cintiq 22 is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and works with most popular drawing and editing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more. The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality and reliable drawing tablet that can handle any creative project.

  • Pros:

    • Large and immersive display

    • Vibrant colors and crisp details

    • Anti-glare coating and reduced parallax

    • Precise and realistic pen pressure and tilt

    • Sturdy and adjustable stand

    • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

    • Supports most drawing and editing software

  • Cons:

    •  Expensive

    •  Heavy and bulky

    •  No touch functionality

    •  No shortcut keys or dial wheels

      • (can be solved by buying the express key remote)

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K: The best 4K drawing tablet

If you are looking for a drawing tablet that can offer you a sharp and smooth drawing experience, then the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K is the one for you. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K features a stunning 23.8-inch 4K display that boasts a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a color gamut of 120% sRGB. This means that you can enjoy a crystal-clear and vivid picture quality that can show every detail and nuance of your artwork. The display also has a matte surface that reduces glare and reflections, and a 178-degree viewing angle that ensures consistent colors from different perspectives. The pen pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels and the tilt support of 60 degrees allow you to create smooth and natural strokes, while the battery-free and ergonomic design of the pen eliminates the need for charging and reduces hand fatigue. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K also comes with 20 customizable shortcut keys and 2 touch bars that give you quick and easy access to your favorite functions and settings.

The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and supports most popular drawing and editing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a drawing tablet that can offer them a sharp and smooth drawing experience.

Pros:

  • Crystal-clear and vivid picture quality

  • Display has matte surface that reduces glare and reflections

  • Battery-free and ergonomic pen

  • 20 customizable shortcut keys and 2 touch bars

  • USB dongle for wireless connection

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

  • Supports most drawing and editing software

  • less expensive than a Wacom

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky

  • Built-in stand may not be adequate for some

    • can be solved with purchase of a sturdy mount or monitor arm

XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro: The best extra-large drawing tablet

If you are looking for a drawing tablet that can offer you a spacious and stunning drawing area, then the XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro is the one for you. The XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro features a massive 23.8-inch QHD display that boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a color gamut of 90% Adobe RGB. This means that you can enjoy a clear and vivid picture quality that can capture every detail and nuance of your artwork. The display also has a matte surface that reduces glare and reflections, and a 178-degree viewing angle that ensures consistent colors from different perspectives. The pen pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels and the tilt support of 60 degrees enable you to create smooth and natural strokes, while the battery-free and ergonomic design of the pen eliminates the need for charging and reduces hand fatigue. The XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro also comes with 20 customizable shortcut keys and 2 red dial wheels that give you quick and easy access to your favorite functions and settings.

The XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and supports most popular drawing and editing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more. The XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a drawing tablet that can offer them a spacious and stunning drawing area.

Pros:

  • Affordable price

  • Massive drawing area with display

  • clear and vivid picture quality

  • battery-free and ergonomic pen

  • 20 customizable shortcut keys

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

  • Supports most drawing and editing software

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky

  • No touch screen

  • Not a fully laminated screen

  • Not a 4k display

  • Difficult installation and callibration process

Wacom Intuos Pro Large: The best for professionals

The Wacom Intuos Pro Large is our pick for the best drawing tablet for professionals. It offers a large and smooth drawing surface of 12.1 x 8.4 inches that gives you plenty of room to express your creativity and work on complex projects. The pen pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels and the tilt recognition of 60 degrees allow you to create fine and accurate strokes, while the battery-free and ergonomic design of the pen provides a comfortable and natural drawing experience. The Wacom Intuos Pro Large graphics tablet also comes with 8 customizable express keys and a touch ring that let you access your favorite functions and settings with ease.

The Wacom Intuos Pro Large is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and works with most popular drawing and editing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more. The Wacom Intuos Pro Large also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, which means that you can work without any cables or wires. The Wacom Intuos Pro Large is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a drawing tablet that can offer them a powerful and versatile performance.

Pros:

  • Large and smooth drawing surface

  • Easy to create natural-looking strokes

  • Battery-free and ergonomic pen

  • Long battery life

  • 8 customizable express keys and a touch ring

  • Bluetooth wireless

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

  • Supports most drawing and editing software

Cons:

  • pen sensitivity can take some getting use to

  • replaceable nibs have short life

    • (can be solved with tablet surface covers)

  • touch ring can be easily triggered by accident

Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium): The best ergonomic drawing tablet

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) is our pick for the best ergonomic drawing tablet. It offers a medium-sized and sleek drawing surface of 9 x 5.6 inches that delivers a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The pen pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels and the tilt support of 60 degrees enable you to create realistic and expressive strokes, while the battery-free and ergonomic design of the pen ensures a comfortable and natural drawing experience. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) also comes with 2 pens: a standard pen and a thin pen. The standard pen has a rubber grip and 3 buttons, while the thin pen has a metal body and 2 buttons. You can choose the pen that suits your preference and style. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) also comes with a remote that has 8 customizable buttons and a touch wheel that let you access your favorite functions and settings with ease.

The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and supports most popular drawing and editing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) also supports wireless connectivity via a USB dongle, which means that you can work without any cables or wires. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) is a great choice for anyone who wants a drawing tablet that can offer them a comfortable and customizable drawing experience.

Pros:

  • Smooth, combfortable, and responsive drawing experience

  • Includes 2 different style pens

    • battery-free

  • Includes QuickKeys remote (with 8 customizable buttons) and a touch wheel

  • USB dongle for wireless connection

  • long battery life

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS

  • Supports most drawing and editing software

Cons:

  • No stand included for tilting

  • no space for USB on the carrying bag

Nick Chancey
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