Best Graphics Tablets For Beginners

August 01,2023

12+ Best Drawing Tablets for Beginners in 2022 (September)

For the artists, here are the list of best drawing tablets for beginners

The tools we use when drawing generally take a predetermined route – paper and pencil, mouse and computer, and then a drawing tablet. While many artists who have drawing experience might jump right into a drawing tablet, those just starting may not know how to pick the right piece of gear.

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While the adage “bigger is better” may apply to a lot of things, that’s not necessarily true when it comes to a drawing tablet. While a larger size will give you more surface area to draw on and more connectivity options, they do have a drawback if you’re looking for a drawing tablet that can be portable as well.

Pressure sensitivity

When you draw on a graphics tablet, the tablet captures the motion of your pen as well as the pressure that you’re putting on it. This pressure is measured in sensitivity levels that means that depending on the amount of pressure you apply, you could end up with a thin or thick line as a result.

A tablet with 2,048 levels will capture more information than a tablet with only 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. More pressure sensitivity will allow you more variety in the thickness of your lines.

Controls and Keys

A feature that you’ll find on many graphics tablets is functional keys, sometimes referred to as HotKeys that you can use to program to fill a need you may have. Not every table has these in the same place. Some may have these keys on the stylus and others may have them around the drawing area.

Like any shortcut, these keys can save your time and effort. Having easy access to your favorite setting without searching around can let you focus on what you need to.

Check out our blogs to read more about best large screen tablets and best laptops for working from home.

12+ Best Drawing tablets for Beginners in 2022

1. Wacom Intuos Pro PTH660 (Editor’s Choice) The best drawing tablet for beginners overall Active Area: 8.7 x 5.8 inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: N/A | Wireless Capability: Built-in Bluetooth | Weight: 1.5lbs Tablets have become as synonymous in our lives as cell phones and like many cell phones available today, many manufacturers offer different options to fit as many artists’ needs as possible. This is the case with the Intuos Pro from Wacom. Available in three different variations of screen size, the tablet features great levels of pressure sensitivity at 8,192 levels, plus gestures that you can customize to fit your exact needs. This unique combination of pressure sensitivity and customization helps the Intuos Pro stand out. With a beautiful design that streamlines your drawing experience, the Intuos Pro is great for any artist. Pros Cons ➕ Great value ➖ Pen doesn’t grip well ➕ Large active area ➖ Accessing new nibs can be difficult Learn More sponsored message

Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 3,800 Reviews Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Bluetooth Graphics Drawing Tablet, 8 Customizable ExpressKeys, 8192 Pressure... Precision Graphics Tablet: Our professional Wacom Intuos utilizes trusted Pro Pen technology to allow for hours of image editing, illustration or design work

Ultra-Responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2: The included ergonomic 8192 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is easy to control, giving you the familiar feel that you are used to with exceptional sensitivity

Compact Bluetooth Design: The compact design along with touch gestures and programmable buttons give you a broad range of ways to personalize the way you work and create

Productivity Boosters: Speed up and stay in creative flow with multi-touch gestures and get easy shortcuts with customizable 8 Express Keys Touch Ring and pen side switches

Creative Software: Register your Intuos Pro and receive 3-months of Shapr3D, and 3-months/250GB of MASV file transfer; offer available for customers located in the Americas

2. Wacom Intuos CTL4100 The best budget drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 6.0″ x 3.7″ / 8.5″ x 5.3″ | Pressure Sensitivity: 4096 levels | Resolution: 2540 LPI | Wireless Capability: Yes – Only on Bluetooth Models | Weight: 0.51lbs Another great option from Wacom’s Intuos line of drawing tablets, the Intuos CTL4100 is an excellent choice for any artist looking for a great entry-level tablet that’s also budget-friendly. With all of the essentials that anyone looking for a great budget-friendly tablet, the CTL4100 gives you a great way to start getting more artistic and creative with your work. With its battery-free design, simply plug the tablet into your PC or laptop and you’re ready to go. While the pressure sensitivity is lower than many higher-end tablets at 4,096 levels, you can still create a wide variation of line thickness with ease. The pad’s multi-touch gesture support is customizable, making it even more user-friendly. At such an affordable price, the Intuos CTL4100 is a great option for beginners. Pros Cons ➕ Affordable ➖ Surface can be scratched ➕ Pressure-sensitive pen ➖ Can take some time getting used to Learn More sponsored message

Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 26,651 Reviews Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet, includes Training & Software; 4 Customizable ExpressKeys... Certified Works with Chromebook: Wacom is the only drawing tablet that is certified to work with Chromebook for students, teachers and creators, Intuos is simple to use and set-up for any project

Customize Your Creative Process: The 4 ExpressKeys on the tablet are customizable to fit your style so you can program your favorite keyboard shortcuts and unlock your process and creativity

Natural Pen Experience: The included ergonomic EMR 4096 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is light, responsive and easy to control; it feels like you are writing on paper

Creative Software: Register your Intuos on your Mac/PC to receive Bluescape (3-Months), Skylum Luminar Neo (3-Months), Skillshare (3-Months), Clip Studio Paint Pro (2-years), Boris FX Optics (12...

Education Software: Register your Intuos on your Mac/PC to receive Kami App (6-Months), and 3 months of Collaboard, Explain Everything, Pear Deck, & Limnu as well as Foxit PDF Editor for Education.

3. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 The best value drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 1.3lbs Everyone wants great value from any piece of gear that they buy and with the Deco O1 V2 from XP-PEN, you’re getting exactly that. In terms of features and pressure sensitivity, few tablets can beat with the Deco 01 V2 is offering. The active area gives any artist more than enough room to bring any of their ideas to life and even lights up at night so you can keep drawing when the lights go out. Designed for both right and left-handed artists, eight express keys on the left-hand side of the tablet help you maximize your workflow and provide you with the best ergonomic and convenient platform to draw on. Pros Cons ➕ Excellent value ➖ Sensitive mouse pad ➕ USB-C plug and play ➖ The software is not well integrated Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 12,601 Reviews XPPen Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet 10x6.25 Inch Graphics Tablet Digital Drawing Tablet for Chromebook... Drawing Tablet-❤Sufficient Working Space❤-The Deco 01 V2’s expansive tablet is big and brilliant, yet still designed to break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area. 10 x...

Drawing Pad-❤Tilt Supported❤Deco 01 V2 supports up to 60 degrees of tilt brush effect and delivers smoother and more natural lines and strokes, while also giving you the ability to add shading to...

Digital Drawing Tablet-❤Android Supported❤The Deco 01 V2 can be used with Windows 10/8/7, MAC OS X 10.10 and above and Android 6.0 and above and Chrome OS 88.0.4324.109 or above.

Drawing Pad-❤Customized Shortcuts❤Designed for both right and left-hand users, 8 fully customizable express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform.The driver allows the...

Graphics Tablet-❤High Tech IC❤We’ve adopted the newest High Tech IC, to make lines flow smoother and perform better. The Deco lights up on the ends of the drawing area, so you can create, even...

4. GAOMON M10K2018 The best portable drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 10 x 6.25-inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 1.4lbs Portability has become a buzzword for the newest tech products as being mobile has become a way of life in our world. Whether it’s a phone, laptop, or even tablet, if you can be portable, then you’re behind the curve. Thankfully, the M10K2018 from GAOMON is a great portable option that is affordable without sacrificing power. Don’t believe us? Take a look at its stunning 10 x 6.25-inch drawing area and a 5080 LPI resolution. Yeah, we thought that might capture your attention.

With the full support of operating systems including Windows and Mac OS, GAOMON’s tablet provides any artist with ten shortcuts that you can set any way you want, making your work process even easier. The tablet even comes with software collaborations that provide more than enough tools for you to use including Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, and more. The tablet from GAOMON is a great feature-packed option for any artist. Pros Cons ➕ Great portability ➖ Contains bloatware ➕ Convenient pen holder ➖ Software could be better Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 7,359 Reviews GAOMON M10K2018 10 x 6.25 inch Graphic Drawing Tablet with 8192 Levels Battery-Free Stylus and 10... [Battery -free Stylus]---The pen adopts the most advanced passive technology at present, no need to charge or replace the battery, so it's always ready whenever you want to create art,avoiding trouble...

[8192 Levels Pen Pressure]---The pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, helps you to draw thicker or thinner lines depending on how hard you push on the pen. It makes lines smoother and...

[High Performance]--Working Area:10 x 6.25 inches (255*159mm);Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels; Pen Touch Resolution:5080 LPI; Report Rate:233PPS; Sensing Height:10mm

[1 Touch Ring+1 Round Key+10 Hot-keys]---The touch ring could be programmed for canvas zooming, brush adjusting and page scrolling ( zoom in/out and roll ). The round key designed to shift function...

[ OS Compatibility]--Compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 or above ; Mac OS 10.12 or above ; Android 6.0 or above. Drawing software compatibility: M10K PRO can works well with free programs like...

5. XP-PEN StarG640 The best-designed drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 6 x 4-inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 0.7lbs While its overall design may leave some to believe that the Star G640 from XP-Pen is a barebones tablet, those who feel that way should take a second look. The overall build quality is excellent without making it feel cumbersome to carry during your day-to-day. Unlike other options on our list, the Star G640 does not come with any shortcut buttons, giving you unhindered access to the drawing area measuring 6 x 4 inches which are plenty of room to show off your creativity. Included with the tablet is a battery-free pen featuring 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity so you can draw precise thick or thin lines with ease. Compatible with all of the major art software as well as Windows and Mac, the Star G640 is a great tablet for beginners Pros Cons ➕ Easy to use ➖ SOme users complain of lag ➕ Great durability ➖ Operation can be difficult at times Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 18,391 Reviews Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphics Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with 8192 Levels... 【Battery-Free Pen】StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant...

【Ideal for Online Education】XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with...

【Compact and Portable】The G640 art tablet is only 2mm thick, it’s as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go.

【Active Area: 6 x 4 inches】Fully utilizing our 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative output.

【Multipurpose Use】Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word,...

6. Huion Inspiroy H640P The best compact drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 6.3 x 3.9 Inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 0.61lbs Although portability is always a nice feature to have, even the largest tablet can be portable. Having a compact design and portability is the best of both worlds and you can get that with the H640P from Huion. While the overall active drawing area of 6.3 x 3.9 inches is small, consider that the tablet is designed to be an ideal replacement for your mouse when you’re drawing and the size becomes less of an issue. Touting a resolution of 5080 LPI and a response rate of 233 reports per second, you won’t experience any lag with the tablet can its high-quality design makes it a great option for both right and left-handed artists. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android, the H640P is supported by an electronic digitizer to take whatever you draw on it and display it on whatever connected device you choose. Pros Cons ➕ Great pressure sensitivity ➖ Connectivity could be better ➕ PAcked with extra nibs ➖ Cord could be longer Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 9,296 Reviews HUION Drawing Tablet Inspiroy H640P Small Graphics Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pressure... Support Linux/Mac/Windows/Android: Not only compatible with Linux(Ubuntu), Mac and Windows, Huion H640P also supports Android 6.0 or later via an included OTG adapter to turn your phones or tablets...

Ideal for Online Education: With stylus and H640P, teachers and students can easily handwritten edit,diagram,do math,annotate on virtual whitebord in Zoom, Team and Xsplit while streaming or...

Accurate Pen Performance: Digital pen PW100 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 5080LPI pen resolution and virtually no lag, providing you ultimate precision and control. It is also...

6 Customized Press Keys: Set up the 6 programmable express keys to any shortcut combination you prefer in Huion driver and optimize your work flow. It also works for both left and right handed users.

Compact and Portable: H640P art tablet is designed with slim and compact sized with an active area of 6.3x3.9inch offering perfect creative space for limited desktop areas.It is easy to carry out and...

7. Huion H610 Pro V2 The best lightweight drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 10 x 6.25 Inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 1.35lbs The problem with many drawing tablets is that they can be quite heavy. Now, we’re not saying they weigh 50lbs but even the smallest difference in weight can make a difference which is why we like the H610 Pro V2 from Huion which has a great lightweight design but doesn’t skimp on features. WIth eight express keys on its side, you can set these however you see fit to help your workflow while the tablet itself sports a 5080 LPI resolution and is even battery-free saving even more weight. Included with the tablet is s rechargeable pen that is said to last more than 800 hours between charges of two hours. Compatible with Windows and Mac, the H610 Pro V2 supports the majority of applications that artists use. Pros Cons ➕ Large drawing area ➖ No wireless connection ➕ Provides left-handed support ➖ Stylus is somewhat crude Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 6,967 Reviews HUION H610 Pro V2 Graphic Drawing Tablet Android Supported Pen Tablet Tilt Function Battery-Free... Android Supported - HUION H610 Pro V2 is compatible with Mac (OS 10.12 and above), Windows 7 and above, Android devices (OS 6.0 and above). You can easily connect your phone to the tablet with the OTG...

Innovative Tilt Control System - Provide you better pressure detection and accurate cursor positioning with different angles, restore the true feeling of painting.

8192 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity - Outfitted with Huion's latest battery-free stylus PW100 of 10mm reading heights; 5080LPI in resolution and 233RPS in reading rates, which offers more accurate and...

Customizable Shortcut Keys - 8 Customized Press Keys + 16 Customized Soft Keys, all customizable and easy to set up; With the two pen buttons, you can set it to the function like eraser as you...

Online Teaching and Working - Meet all your needs for every subject with online tutoring softwars: Power Point, Wrod, OneNote, PDF... Let's work more efficiently. Use Huion for for online conference...

8. Wacom One Student Drawing Tablet The best cheap drawing tablet for beginners Active Area: 6.0 x 3.7 Inch | Pressure Sensitivity: 2048 levels | Resolution: 2540 LPI | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 1.55lbs Even though there are budget-friendly options out there, sometimes everyone needs to save a little bit more money and that’s why the One Student Drawing Tablet from Wacom is a great choice for students or those artists who are a little more budget-conscious. This doesn’t mean that you’re getting a piece of junk. Far from it. The Wacom On comes with the excellent build quality and impressive ergonomics. While the active area is small when compared to other options on our list at 6 x 3.7 inches, the tablet does offer 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and a resolution of 2540 LPI. Compatible with both Windows and Mac, the tablet comes with a battery-free pen and three spare nibs for a variety of drawing thicknesses. If you’re a student learning to draw digitally, this is a great first tablet. Pros Cons ➕ Great pricing ➖ Pen quality could be better ➕ EAsy to use design ➖ micro-USB cord is a little short Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 6,271 Reviews One by Wacom Small Graphics Drawing Tablet 8.3 x 5.7 Inches, Portable Versatile for Students and... Certified Works with Chromebook: The only drawing tablet that is certified to work with Chromebook for students, teachers and creators, One by Wacom is simple to use and set-up for any project

Advanced Electro-Magnetic Pen Technology: Bring Your project and presentations to life with precision with pen technology matching your movement with precision for control and accuracy

Natural Pen Experience: The included ergonomic 2048 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is responsive and easy to control, giving you the familiar pen-on-paper feel for drawing and creating

Register your tablet to receive Education Software: Kami App (6-Months), and 3-months of Explain Everything, Pear Deck, & Limnu as well as Foxit PDF Editor for Education.

Creative Software: Register your One by Wacom and receive a 3-month trial of Bluescape.

Active Area: 16.6 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches | Pressure Sensitivity: 8, 192levels | Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels | Wireless Capability: N/A | Weight: 4.19 pounds

The best drawing tablet with utmost comfort

The Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 allows users to experience pen-to-display interaction that feels like drawing on paper with a pen. With its precise and controlled response, it perfectly responds to the tilt of your hand and accurately responds to every movement you make, and features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity with tilt recognition.

It is not necessary to charge the pen as it features Electro-Magnetic Resonance technology which draws power from your Wacom Cintiq. It provides utmost comfort with a rubber grip and accessible side buttons.

The pen comes with side buttons that allow you to make shortcuts for easy access to the software. It also helps you cut out the reflection with anti-glare film and is durable and scratch-resistant materials, making it perfect for regular use.

It comes with a full HD display that allows you to see your work in crystal clear detail and includes six months of Clip Studio Paint EX to help you improve your projects.

Pros Cons ➕ Full HD display ➖ Bulky design ➕ Pen is battery-free ➖ Expensive ➕ Pressure point is optimal

Latest Price on Amazon:

3,281 Reviews Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet with Full HD 15.4-Inch Display Screen, 8192 Pressure Sensitive Pro... New Class of Creative Pen Display: Optimized feature set for creative starters provides HD clarity and ergonomic design that allows you to take your creative ideas and illustrations to the next level

Super Responsive: Wacom Pro Pen 2 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response and virtually lag-free tracking. Two customizable switches allow for easy access to shortcuts

Industry-leading Color Displays: Our Cintiq displays have LCD display with HD resolution and showcase uniform brightness, high resolution and true to life color quality

Control at Your Fingertips: The relaxed parralax gives you full control and combined with the super responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2, makes creating feel as natural as drawing on paper

Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life

Best Drawing Tablets with a Screen for Beginners

1. Apple iPad Pro (Editor’s Choice) The best drawing tablet with a screen for beginners overall Processor: Apple M1 Chip | RAM: 8 GB / 16 GB RAM | Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | Display: 11 Inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 2388 x 1668 Resolution | GPU: Apple GPU (4-Core Graphics) | Operating System: iPad OS 14.6 | Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 1.03 Pound What can be said about the iPad Pro from Apple that hasn’t been said before? It’s the most powerful tablet that you can buy right now and that’s not an understatement. Powered by its incredible M1 chip, the iPad Pro provides an artist with a gorgeous display that is not only nice to look at but also a dream to work on. Sure, you can use another pen with the iPad Pro but to truly experience all that it can do, you owe it to yourself to get the Apple Pencil which is sold separately of course. All this powerful tech doesn’t come cheap though as the iPad Pro is one expensive piece of tech. The only thing that holds the iPad Pro back, other than its price, is the iPad OS. While Apple continuously makes updates to their software, for now, the only versions of popular programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom are mobile versions which can be lacking. However, the iPad does give you access to an already great drawing software: Procreate. Pros Cons ➕ Gorgeous display ➖ Expensive ➕ Desktop-level CPU ➖ iPadOS is not multitasking friendly Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 5,537 Reviews 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray Apple M1 chip for next-level performance

Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color

TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage

12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR

Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi

2. Wacom DTC133W0A One The best value drawing tablet with screen for beginners Screen Size: 13.3-inch | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Active Area: 11.6 x 6.5 in | Pressure Sensitivity: 4096 levels | Battery Life: N/A | Weight: 2.2 lbs Unlike the Wacom One tablet we featured earlier, this version of the Wacom One comes with a screen that beginning artists can draw on without the need for an external display or computer. With a gorgeous 13.3-inch screen, everything you draw looks incredible and offers a precise response to your touch. With FullHD resolution, you’re sure to see every little detail. Included with the tablet is a battery-free pen that supports tilt recognition that only adds to the tablet’s level of precision. One of the great things about tablets from Wacom is that the manufacturer thinks about almost everything, even adding a kickstand to the back for an easy incline. But wait, we’re not done. The tablet also includes free access to popular programs including Photoshop, Fresco, and Lightroom. Pros Cons ➕ Great price point ➖ No multi-touch support ➕ Easy to learn and use ➖ ONly a one year warranty Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 2,744 Reviews Wacom One HD Creative Pen Display, Drawing Tablet With Screen, 13.3" Graphics Monitor; includes... Wacom One Creative Pen Display: High definition creative pen display designed for creative hobbyists, visual thinkers, and anyone needing a second screen or bigger digital canvas for work or play

Natural Pen Experience: The included ergonomic 4096 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is responsive and easy to control, giving you the familiar pen-on-paper feel that you are used to with precision

Digital Freedom: See your imagination come to life in full color on a 13.3" HD screen. You can draw, edit photos and videos, or take notes just like you would with a pen and paper

Includes Creative Software: Register your device to get Bamboo Paper Pro, Magma Studio, Bluescape, Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, Affinity Designer, & Skillshare for 3 months. Get Clip Studio...

Register your device to get education software: Kami App (12-Mos), Foxit PDF Editor for Education (12-Mos), and 3-mos of Explain Everything, Pear Deck, & Limnu.

3. Apple iPad The best budget drawing tablet with a screen for beginners Processor: Apple A12 Bionic | RAM: 3 GB RAM | Storage: 64GB / 128GB | Display: 10.2 Inch Retina IPS LCD with 2160 x 1620 Resolution | GPU: Apple GPU (4-Core Graphics) | Operating System: iPad OS 14.6 | Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 1.03 lbs While we wouldn’t exactly call the iPad from Apple cheap, compared to its big brother, the iPad Pro, it is most certainly a great budget-friendly option. Now with full support for the Apple Pencil, the iPad is a perfect option for any artist and with the iPad’s pressure-sensitive screen, the lines you draw will reflect the pressure you use, While the Pencil is a great tool, unfortunately, it’s not battery-free so you will need to plug it in every once in a while but with all the apps and tools on Apple’s App Store, we’re confident you’ll find something to do in the downtime. Packed with the A12 Bionic chip, which may not be the newest kid on the block, it’s still quite powerful and better than many of the other options out there. Like the iPad Pro though, the OS doesn’t fully support some programs, such as those from the Adobe Suite but that’s a minor gripe. Pros Cons ➕ Powerful performance ➖ Design is a bit dated ➕ High-quality camera ➖ SPeakers can sound tinny Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone

A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine

8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage

Up to 256GB storage

Stereo speakers

The best Android drawing tablet with a screen for beginners

If you look around at all of the different tablet options out there, you will see that the majority of them run some variation of the Android OS, and at the top of that pile is the Galaxy Tab S7 from Samsung and with its combination of quality, performance, and experience, it’s not hard to see why.

The best aspect about the Tab S7 isn’t the build and design, which are both excellent, it’s the S-Pen that comes included with the tablet. The S-Pen is a great stylus with pressure sensitivity and can even control presentations or capture photos. With a dedicated space on the back of the tablet, the pen stays in place magnetically. While it’s a standalone tablet, its versatility makes it stand out. You can attach a keyboard to turn it into a laptop or use it as a pen-display tablet and connect it to your computer. It’s truly an all-in-one option.

Pros Cons ➕ Great battery life ➖ Optional keyboard is a bit cramped ➕ S-Pen included ➖ Android OS may be a turn-off for some.

Learn More

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale 14,095 Reviews SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 11-inch Android Tablet 128GB Wi-Fi Bluetooth S Pen Fast Charging USB-C Port,... PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard¹ with expanded trackpad. (Keyboard sold separately)

ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing with larger edge-to-edge displays, TFT LCD screen, and AKG quad speakers with Dolby Atmos Surround sound.

REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms Pen latency, the redesigned S Pen can control presentations and take notes effortlessly.

CHANGE THE WAY YOU GAME: Bring console gaming anywhere thanks to available Wi-Fi connection, an immersive screen, and Bluetooth-enabled controller.

CHARGE FAST. POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge, and back to 100% with the fast-charging USB-C port.

The best drawing tablet with 2k resolution

With a stunning 2k resolution, XP-PEN Artist24 Pro is the drawing tablet for a 23.8-inch display. Having a USB-C to USB-C connection, the tablet will allow you to connect with MacBook Pro, iMac, etc. Providing the 90% Adobe RGB color gamut, the tablet is best for brilliant graphics.

The tablet has an ability to explore and create great works with the help of this large screen area. Featuring easy-to-control red dial wheels, the tablet can easily improve your workflow. The tablet also has 20 customizable shortcut keys. In addition to these, the tablet has features that support both right hand and left hand users.

Pros Cons ➕ 2k resolution ➖weighs more ➕ Great display ➖ lacks touchscreen

Learn More

Latest Price on Amazon:

7,745 Reviews XPPen Artist24 Pro Drawing Pen Display 2K Resolution Graphics Tablet 23.8 Inch Screen Supports a... Drawing Tablet-❤Enough Room for Creation❤Featuring stunning 2K resolution (2560 x 1440) and a large 23.8-inch display, the Artist 24 Pro delivers remarkably realistic and vivid colors and allows...

Drawing Tablet with Screen-❤Ideal Connections❤ Artist 24 Pro supports a USB-C to USB-C connection, allowing you to connect your iMac, Mac Book Pro or Windows computer without using an adapter.

Graphics Tablets-❤High Color Gamut❤ XPPen Artist Display 24 Pro support 90% Adobe RGB color gamut, fuel your creativity with brilliant color and blazing graphics as you draw, design and create on...

Drawing Monitor-❤Improve your Workflow❤ The XPPen Artist 24 Pro features two easy-to-control red dial wheels and 20 customizable shortcut keys on both sides of the product. Friendly for both left...

Drawing Display-❤Versatility and Compatibility❤ The XPPen Artist 24 Pro supports Windows 10/8/7 and Mac OS X 10.10 (and higher). The product is also compatible with popular digital art software....

Frequently Asked Questions Which is the best budget-friendly drawing tablet suitable for beginners? Wacom Intuos CTL4100 is the best budget-friendly tablet for beginners. Which tablet is considered the best compact beginner’s tablet? Huion Inspiroy H640P is the best compact tablet for beginners. Which are the best beginner tablets with screens? Apple iPad Pro, Apple iPad, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 are the best choice for beginner tablets with screens.

12+ Best Drawing tablets for Beginners in 2022

Choosing the right drawing tablet when you’re just starting your path to great artistry shouldn’t be decided lightly. There are so many options out there and with our picks of the 12+ best drawing tablet for beginners, we hope that our choices line up with your needs so you can take your drawing career to new heights.

The Best Drawing Tablet For Beginners in 2022

Do you want to take your art to the next level? Getting started with digital art can be easier than you think.

Maybe you’ve been drawing your whole life and need a change. Or perhaps you’re hoping to stay professionally relevant in our increasingly digital world. Whatever the case, a drawing tablet is the next logical step after traditional drawing.

Here, I’m going to help you find the best drawing tablet for beginners.

Quick Summary: Our choice of top drawing tablet for beginners: The Wacom Intuos Pro

Pros: Multi-touch capabilities

Adjustable active area

Bluetooth connection capabilities

Comes with Wacom Pen 2

8192 levels of pressure sensitivity Cons: Not as cheap as the standard Wacom Intuos

Paper like texture can wear out nibs faster.

An excellent beginners tablet, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a well rounded drawing pad. It’s extra features will allow you to continue to grow as a digital artist without having to buy a new graphics tablet in a couple of years.

Read more customer reviews >>

What To Consider Before Buying Your First Tablet

A tablet for drawing will give you a new set of challenges artistically and enable you to write, paint, share, and upload your digital art easily. If you’ve been stuck in a rut with your art for a while, the right device could reignite your inspiration.

A drawing tablet opens the door for matte painting, video editing, graphic design and photo manipulation. It enables you to store all of your creations in a single place, meaning no more bent or ruined artworks.

And if you’re interested in game design or hope to become a concept artist of any kind, getting one is essentially unavoidable.

How Does A Drawing Tablet Work?

A drawing tablet is a flat surface which, using a stylus, allows an artist to draw by hand and have it captured in digital form.

The drawing tablet captures the input from the stylus when you touch it to the drawing surface and send its to your computer and drawing software.

Drawing tablets come in two varieties: drawing pads and graphics tablets. With a drawing pad, the input from the stylus on the drawing surface generates an image on a separate computer screen. A graphics tablet includes a screen. The whole screen becomes a drawing surface, and the artist interacts directly with the display. This gives a more natural drawing experience.

The pen, or stylus that comes with a drawing tablet includes a pressure sensitive tip that can determine line width and transparency adding to the drawing experience.

Common Features Of Drawing Tablets Explained

Are you completely new to the world of digital art?

To find the right tablet for your needs, it is important to understand the different features.

Below you will find a quick definition of the standard features on a digital drawing pad.

Pen / Stylus: A stylus pen is a pen shaped device that is used when drawing on your tablet. A digital pen for drawing often includes function keys, nibs, and erasers.

A stylus pen is a pen shaped device that is used when drawing on your tablet. A digital pen for drawing often includes function keys, nibs, and erasers. Pen Pressure Levels: Pen pressure is how sensitive a pen is to the pressure applied to the active area. The different levels of pressure sensitivity allows you to draw subtle variations in lightness or darkness.

Pen pressure is how sensitive a pen is to the pressure applied to the active area. The different levels of pressure sensitivity allows you to draw subtle variations in lightness or darkness. Pen Response Time: Pen response time, also known as latency, is the time it takes between moving your drawing pen on the screen, and when the stroke is updated to the tip position on the screen.

Pen response time, also known as latency, is the time it takes between moving your drawing pen on the screen, and when the stroke is updated to the tip position on the screen. Active Area: The active drawing area is the area on the tablet that you can draw on.

The active drawing area is the area on the tablet that you can draw on. Parallax: When drawing on a graphics tablet, the stroke doesn’t always appear directly under the pen as viewed by the user. Parallax is the distance between your pen tip and where the stroke appears on your tablet’s screen.

When drawing on a graphics tablet, the stroke doesn’t always appear directly under the pen as viewed by the user. Parallax is the distance between your pen tip and where the stroke appears on your tablet’s screen. Express Keys: Express keys, also called Hotkeys, are built in buttons that allow you to set up short cuts for common key commands. Often these are customizable, however, sometimes they are not. Be sure to check.

Express keys, also called Hotkeys, are built in buttons that allow you to set up short cuts for common key commands. Often these are customizable, however, sometimes they are not. Be sure to check. Resolution: Tablet resolution, measured in LPI (Lines Per Inch), tells you how many digital lines fit into one inch of the tablet’s physical screen. The higher the LPI, the greater detail and sharpness of your image.

Tablet resolution, measured in LPI (Lines Per Inch), tells you how many digital lines fit into one inch of the tablet’s physical screen. The higher the LPI, the greater detail and sharpness of your image. Nibs & Erasers: Nibs are the part of a digital pen that touch the surface of your art tablet. You have the main type of nib, which tells the tablet you are drawing a mark, and an eraser nib, which informs your tablet to erase whatever you are touching.

Nibs are the part of a digital pen that touch the surface of your art tablet. You have the main type of nib, which tells the tablet you are drawing a mark, and an eraser nib, which informs your tablet to erase whatever you are touching. Drawing Surface Texture: The drawing experience of how the pen moves over the surface of a tablet is important to many artists. Some graphics tablets feel silky smooth when drawing, others feel more like the texture of paper. It all comes down to personal choice.

The Advantages And Benefits Of A Tablet

Infinite Erasing

When you’re drawing with ink, you obviously can’t erase. While sketching with pencil, erasing too much can permanently smudge or damage the paper.

Working with a graphics tablet, however, means banishing a mistake is as easy as using the “undo” feature. Alternatively, you can paint over or erase mistakes.

As someone who has destroyed many sheets of expensive drawing paper by erasing too much, I consider this feature a welcome change.

Many Tools in One

A single tablet stylus can function as an entire set of brushes, markers, charcoals, pastels, and as an eraser. This universal tool can be used to cover your screen with ink, “oil” paints or “acrylic” paints, or to mix them into something unique.

If you enjoy creating mixed media art but not keeping track of a ton of supplies, this eliminates that hassle for you.

Image Source: Wacom

Access to New, Exciting Features

Programs like Photoshop allow you to extend your artwork with other tools that aren’t related to drawing or painting.

These tools wouldn’t be possible with traditional forms of art but can be accessed easily on your graphics tablet. Warping is a good example of this.

Efficiency

With traditional drawing, filling in an area requires carefully shading or crossing lines, both of which are time-consuming. With a tablet, on the other hand, this task can be as simple as using the Paint Bucket Tool. You can use copy/paste to reuse an image instead of having to tediously sketch it out by hand.

You also get the advantage of a single surface to make all your creations on, instead of needing to constantly restock paper and other art supplies.

When I paint, it seems like half of the experience is getting the canvas ready, hunting down my brushes, and laying down newspaper.

Traditional art requires a lot of general set-up tasks. A tablet can cut out all of that extra preparation, letting you focus on what matters most; creating your art.

Drawing Tablet Attributes to Think About

Choosing the best tablet for your needs can be the difference between sticking with digital art for life or quitting right away because it doesn’t go smoothly.

When selecting a good beginners drawing tablet, here’s what you should look at:

Size

Bigger Tablets: For some styles of art, such as life drawing, clean and continuous lines are an important part of the process. If the style you work in calls for this, it means you should use your arm to draw instead of your wrist. A larger tablet makes this much easier as there’s more screen space to work with.

For some styles of art, such as life drawing, clean and continuous lines are an important part of the process. If the style you work in calls for this, it means you should use your arm to draw instead of your wrist. A larger tablet makes this much easier as there’s more screen space to work with. Smaller Tablets: A smaller tablet is, of course, easier to carry around and makes a better choice if your main concern is portability. A small surface area could be all you need if you like to focus on intricate details instead of drawing with large, sweeping motions. Another benefit to choosing a small tablet is that they are more affordable. If you’re specifically seeking an inexpensive tablet, keep that in mind.

A smaller tablet is, of course, easier to carry around and makes a better choice if your main concern is portability. A small surface area could be all you need if you like to focus on intricate details instead of drawing with large, sweeping motions. Another benefit to choosing a small tablet is that they are more affordable. If you’re specifically seeking an inexpensive tablet, keep that in mind. Medium Tablets: In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a medium tablet. They are still light enough to transport easily but offer you enough drawing space. I find that different environments affect my creativity and like to switch it up often, so portability is always one of the first things I look for. They also aren’t as much of an investment as bigger graphics tablets, typically. And if you choose an affordable medium option as your entry level drawing tablet now, you can always get a bigger one later.

Pen Pressure Sensitivity

With most drawing tablets, the different levels of pressure you apply to the drawing stylus control the line thickness, transparency and sometimes the color of the marks you make. The higher the pressure sensitivity, the more responsive and natural the stylus will feel when drawing.

The best drawing tablets will offer stylus’s with pressure sensitivity from 2048 levels to over 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.

If you are a beginner, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity will be more than enough. This amount of pressure sensitivity will provide an excellent drawing experience.

However, if you want more control when drawing with a pen display tablet, investing in a battery-free stylus with 8192 levels is a good choice, particularly if you plan to draw digitally as a profession.

Connectivity

All good drawing tablets for beginners should come with convenient connectivity options. This means easily connecting to your laptop and desktop computers. And if you’re using a drawing tablet with a screen and like photography, maybe your camera too.

The majority of modern computers will connect with HDMI or a USB cable, while cameras will use USB cable or HD.

Price Range

You will notice a wide range of options when it comes to price, from inexpensive tablets to advanced devices that cost thousands.

Although money is always a factor when making a purchase, it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor for your first digital drawing tablet.

As someone who used to always buy the cheapest drawing tablets just for the sake of saving money, I’ve learned the hard way that build quality matters more than trying to save a few bucks.

Whether it’s Wacom or Huion, or other brands, finding something affordable, comfortable, and long-lasting is the ideal. You’ll find a variety of prices on this list and a graphics tablet for every budget.

Getting Used to a Drawing Tablet

When you’re just figuring out how to use a drawing tablet, it will take time to learn its pressure points and pressure sensitivity.

Think about learning to draw with a pencil as a kid, it took a while to gain precision. It will also require some time and practice to get used to a graphics tablet and that’s perfectly normal.

Do All Drawing Tablets Need A Computer?

Not all drawing tablets need a computer. There are portable graphics tablets, also known as tablet PCs, that allow people to draw on their surface without needing a computer.

The most well-known example is the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro combined with the Apple Pencil allows artists to draw digitally without the need of a computer. If you are a hobbyist looking to draw casually, as well as use the iPad’s other function, then the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil is the best fit.

Related: What Is The Best Android Tablet For Drawing?

If you want a portable graphics tablet that can run professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, then you will need something with a little more processing power such as a Wacom MobileStudio Pro. Be warned, it comes with a hefty price tag.

Our Top 5 Picks Of The Best Art Tablets for Beginners

If you are wondering what are the best drawing tablets out there, below I list my top 5 tablets for beginners.

First, I will cover three drawing tablets (without displays), followed by two graphics tablets with screens.

#1. Wacom Intuos Pro Medium

The Intuos Pro is 9.9 by 15 inches in size with a usable drawing space of 5.5 by 8.8 inches. If you are interested in using your tablet for detailed Photoshop tasks or drawing illustrations, this size should work well.

One main advantage for beginners is that the Intuos Pro has a textured surface with resistance. This has a more familiar feel and eases the transition from paper to digital.

Pros

Multi-touch Capabilities : It’s battery-free pen, express keys and touch capabilities means that the surface drawing space functions similar to a laptop trackpad. This allows you to rotate and scroll images, zoom with pinch and swipe, and more. These features are great because they mean less pausing to reach for your mouse while drawing.

: It’s battery-free pen, express keys and touch capabilities means that the surface drawing space functions similar to a laptop trackpad. This allows you to rotate and scroll images, zoom with pinch and swipe, and more. These features are great because they mean less pausing to reach for your mouse while drawing. Battery-Free Pen and Pen Stand : The Pro Pen 2 has a rubberized barrel and is comfortable to use, meaning you can get lost in your work without any hand fatigue. It comes with an eraser at the top and a switch that you can set to perform click, double-click, and right-click functions. There’s a pen stand included, which is good if you tend to lose track of art supplies. The stand also has a storage compartment in the stand for (included) replacement nibs.

: The Pro Pen 2 has a rubberized barrel and is comfortable to use, meaning you can get lost in your work without any hand fatigue. It comes with an eraser at the top and a switch that you can set to perform click, double-click, and right-click functions. There’s a pen stand included, which is good if you tend to lose track of art supplies. The stand also has a storage compartment in the stand for (included) replacement nibs. Wireless Capability : Another benefit to the Intuos Pro as an entry-level tablet is its ability to function without cords. You can use the built-in Bluetooth instead of plugging it in.

: Another benefit to the Intuos Pro as an entry-level tablet is its ability to function without cords. You can use the built-in Bluetooth instead of plugging it in. Adjustable Area Size: You can configure the active drawing area to your preference. Backlit indicators around the edges will show you where the new borders are.

Cons

Multi-touch Misreads : I mentioned the multi-touch capability as a pro above, but this can also be a con when the surface interprets an accidental tap as an intentional gesture. If that bothers you, there is an option to turn Multi-touch off. Alternatively, consider getting a digital artist glove to stop those accidental touches.

: I mentioned the multi-touch capability as a pro above, but this can also be a con when the surface interprets an accidental tap as an intentional gesture. If that bothers you, there is an option to turn Multi-touch off. Alternatively, consider getting a digital artist glove to stop those accidental touches. Nibs Wear Out Faster: The textured surface that makes this tablet more similar to a paper-like feel also makes the nibs wear out quicker than they would with a glossy screen. If you tend to be heavy handed when you draw, this could be an issue

Overall, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a feature-rich tablet with a learning curve for newbies. This is something you would probably benefit more from if you’ve tried a graphics tablet before and are pretty certain you’ll stick with it.

#2. Wacom Intuos

If you’ve been looking for the best drawing tablet under $100, the Wacom Intuos is designed especially for aspiring digital artists. This drawing pad enables you to edit, paint, and draw with the pen and has customizable shortcuts.

Pros

Free Downloadable Software : The Intuos comes with a bunch of fantastic software. Upon registration, you can choose two of the following: Corel Painter Essentials (great for digital painting), Corel AfterShot (for photo editing), or a Clip Studio Paint Pro 2 year license (for the comic/manga artist). If those don’t work for you check out some more free drawing software.

: The Intuos comes with a bunch of fantastic software. Upon registration, you can choose two of the following: Corel Painter Essentials (great for digital painting), Corel AfterShot (for photo editing), or a Clip Studio Paint Pro 2 year license (for the comic/manga artist). If those don’t work for you check out some more free drawing software. Easy-to-Map Buttons: The buttons on the battery-free pen and express keys on the tablet are easy to customize, even when you’re completely new to tablets. Set them to hold pressure, pan, zoom in and out, redo, and undo to make your drawing experience more streamlined and intuitive.

The buttons on the battery-free pen and express keys on the tablet are easy to customize, even when you’re completely new to tablets. Set them to hold pressure, pan, zoom in and out, redo, and undo to make your drawing experience more streamlined and intuitive. Line Variety: The battery-free pen has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is fantastic for creating line width variations. If you’re used to using a pencil, this could feel like a step up from traditional art since you have a variety of options with a single tool. You can also adjust the opacity or create unique brush strokes with the stylus.

The battery-free pen has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is fantastic for creating line width variations. If you’re used to using a pencil, this could feel like a step up from traditional art since you have a variety of options with a single tool. You can also adjust the opacity or create unique brush strokes with the stylus. Surface Friction: The Intuos has just enough friction to prevent slipping without making the nib stick. You will probably appreciate this if you’re partial to the natural pen-to-paper drawing feeling.

Cons

Size : If you’re used to sketching on large drawing pads, you might find that this frame feels too small. However, with the new release of the Intuos range, you now can choose different sizes. Pick the one that suits your way of drawing.

: If you’re used to sketching on large drawing pads, you might find that this frame feels too small. However, with the new release of the Intuos range, you now can choose different sizes. Pick the one that suits your way of drawing. The Feel of the Pen: Compared with a real pen, the included stylus may feel a little too light. It’s also bulkier near the tip and slim near the back, which you might find unnatural to hold. It also occasionally draws out full pressure dots while you draw.

The Intuos is similar to the Wacom Intuos Pro but without the multi-touch capability and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. As a beginner, you likely wouldn’t notice these features missing and the trade off of paying less than $100 could be worth it to you.

But if you want to get a product you can become an advanced digital artist with, another tablet on this list could suit you better.

#3. Huion 1060 Plus

In terms of price, the Huion 1060 Plus is on par with the Intuos Draw covered above and comes with a few more features. The tablet works with programs such as Paint Tool Sai, and Krita. To make your creation process more efficient, you can use the included customizable shortcut buttons.

Pros

Pen Quality : The included stylus is rechargeable, comes with two buttons, and weighs about as much as a fine tip Sharpie. This will help you adjust to digital drawing since pens that are too heavy or too light can be awkward to get used to. You only need to charge the pen for a few hours and it will work for days.

: The included stylus is rechargeable, comes with two buttons, and weighs about as much as a fine tip Sharpie. This will help you adjust to digital drawing since pens that are too heavy or too light can be awkward to get used to. You only need to charge the pen for a few hours and it will work for days. Large Drawing Surface : The active drawing area on the 1060 is 10 by 6.25 inches, a good middle ground to start with for a beginner.

: The active drawing area on the 1060 is 10 by 6.25 inches, a good middle ground to start with for a beginner. Extras: Though it has a medium active drawing area the Huion 1060 is very light and portable. It comes with a carrying case to protect it from scrapes and scratches and a glove to reduce friction for your hand.

Cons

No Wireless Capability : If you prefer working wirelessly, you may want to choose another tablet. This one doesn’t have Bluetooth compatibility.

: If you prefer working wirelessly, you may want to choose another tablet. This one doesn’t have Bluetooth compatibility. Pen Button Issues : While the pen itself is sturdy and balanced, its buttons are a bit loose and feel kind of cheap.

: While the pen itself is sturdy and balanced, its buttons are a bit loose and feel kind of cheap. No Touch Functions: The tablet doesn’t register anything except the stylus tip, which you might find inconvenient if you like using gestures while you work. But this could be a pro if you would rather not deal with accidentally activating features with your palm while drawing.

Some people have also used the Huion 1060 Plus for whiteboard sessions and live demonstrations along with ordinary, everyday doodling. If you want a tool you can use for work as well as pleasure, this is a good feature.

#4. XP-Pen Artist 16

If you would rather be able to paint and draw directly on the screen, a display tablet like the XP Pen Artist 16 could be a good place to start.

This XP-Pen tablet enables you to draw in a more familiar way instead of having to worry about drawing without looking down at your hand. You will pay more for that function in most cases, though.

Pros

Medium-sized Screen : I mentioned earlier that a medium screen is a good middle ground for those new to graphics tablets. The XP-Pen 16 has a 15.6 inch display. Since I’m used to painting on canvases around that size, I would find this range comfortable.

: I mentioned earlier that a medium screen is a good middle ground for those new to graphics tablets. The XP-Pen 16 has a 15.6 inch display. Since I’m used to painting on canvases around that size, I would find this range comfortable. 178° Viewing Angle : This drawing tablet has an extra-wide viewing angle. This means that even when you tilt the screen, the colors look as they should and contrast isn’t compromised. This is a must since color is the most important aspect in many drawings.

: This drawing tablet has an extra-wide viewing angle. This means that even when you tilt the screen, the colors look as they should and contrast isn’t compromised. This is a must since color is the most important aspect in many drawings. Compatibility : When you’re new to using a pen tablet, it’s important to have the freedom to experiment before finding the program you like best. The Artist 16 supports Mac OS and Windows. It’s compatible with a variety of creative software including Paint Tool Sai, Manga Studio, Corel Painter, and Photoshop.

: When you’re new to using a pen tablet, it’s important to have the freedom to experiment before finding the program you like best. The Artist 16 supports Mac OS and Windows. It’s compatible with a variety of creative software including Paint Tool Sai, Manga Studio, Corel Painter, and Photoshop. Extras: This XP-Pen tablet comes with an extra rechargeable battery-free stylus and spare nibs, a cleaning cloth, HDMI cable, and a glove. You may already be familiar with anti-fouling gloves if you use graphite in your art. But they’re also useful for digital tablets as they help reduce friction.

Cons

Needs Calibration : In order to get the monitor to display colors accurately, it may need calibrating.

: In order to get the monitor to display colors accurately, it may need calibrating. Runs Hot : If you think you’ll favor high brightness settings with your tablet, keep in mind that it may run hot.

: If you think you’ll favor high brightness settings with your tablet, keep in mind that it may run hot. Glossy Screen: The XP-Pen Artist 16 screen doesn’t offer any pen resistance. This is not necessarily a con because some artists find a slippery screen easier to draw on. But the glossy screen does mean more glare and reflection when you use it in brightly lit areas.

Other noteworthy features on the XP-Pen 16 are its 2048 pressure sensitivity levels and adjustable stand.

While some higher-end graphics tablets feature higher pen pressure sensitivity than this, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity makes this XP-Pen one of the best drawing tablets if you’re a beginner or intermediate user.

#5. Huion GT-185HD

Another drawing tablet that shows a screen is the Huion GT-185HD. If you like to draw with sweeping, flowing motions, it’s a good size. The screen measures 18.5 inches (diagonally) and has solid, smooth edges for comfortably resting your arm as you work.

Pros

Long-lasting Stylus Charge : Having to charge your art tool can take some getting used to. But the GT-185HD stylus holds a charge for weeks, so you only need to think about it every once in a while.

: Having to charge your art tool can take some getting used to. But the GT-185HD stylus holds a charge for weeks, so you only need to think about it every once in a while. Easy Driver Installation : If you aren’t the tech-savviest artist out there, you will probably appreciate that installing the drivers is easy. You just need to download Huion’s latest, install before you connect, then reboot.

: If you aren’t the tech-savviest artist out there, you will probably appreciate that installing the drivers is easy. You just need to download Huion’s latest, install before you connect, then reboot. Adjustable Stand: This tablet comes with a stand that lets you set the screen anywhere from 15° to 85° this is handy because you can experiment with different angles until you find what feels most natural for you.

This tablet comes with a stand that lets you set the screen anywhere from 15° to 85° this is handy because you can experiment with different angles until you find what feels most natural for you. Included Accessories: The 185HD has an anti-fouling glove included, a screen protector, and a cleaning cloth.

Cons

Pen Noise : When you’re drawing on the screen, you might get annoyed by the squeaky sound the stylus makes sliding across the screen. Earphones can help, but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t irritate your roommate.

: When you’re drawing on the screen, you might get annoyed by the squeaky sound the stylus makes sliding across the screen. Earphones can help, but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t irritate your roommate. Stylus Holder Doesn’t Charge : The 185HD has a stylus holder in back, but the holder doesn’t charge the pen. You have to plug in a separate power cable for charging which isn’t as convenient as a holder that also charges.

: The 185HD has a stylus holder in back, but the holder doesn’t charge the pen. You have to plug in a separate power cable for charging which isn’t as convenient as a holder that also charges. Detection Issues: When you draw close to the edges, you might notice that the cursor gets unresponsive or jumpy.

The GT-185HD is compatible with programs like Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio, Corel Painter, Illustrator, and more. It has express keys that will let you undo, change brush size, and zoom. Using these will take some time to learn but will speed up your creative process after you get adjusted.

If we had to choose one…

If I had to pick the best drawing tablet for a beginner to digital art, I’d go with the Wacom Intuos Pro.

Although it’s not as cheap as the Intuos, the multi-touch capabilities will let you advance with a single device instead of having to buy a new one when you’re no longer a beginner. The adjustable active area will let you experiment to find your preference.

Price-wise, it’s in the middle of the road, so you don’t have to make a huge investment before you know for sure whether you like drawing with a tablet. And the fact that it’s not the cheapest means you get extra features to play around with later on.

Best Graphics Tablets For Beginners

Drawing tablet photo by @med.samisaif

Best Graphics Tablets For Beginners

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The digital art world is full of drawing tablets of different shapes, sizes, and brands. But the best choice for a beginner is the Intuos Pro medium non-display tablet.

It comes with a battery-free pen that never needs to be charged. It can connect to the tablet via bluetooth so your marks will always be accurate & crystal clear. And the medium sized drawing area offers plenty of space for a beginner.

But this is just my recommendation based on personal experience. If you’re adamant about a different tablet or a cheaper option then this guide will help.

I’ll cover the best drawing tablets for beginners just getting into digital art. There’s always a learning curve moving from traditional to digital so you’ll want to make sure that any drawing tablet you get is something you’ll love.

What Makes A Great Tablet?

If you’re new to digital tablets then you’ll probably be confused about all the features. But it’s not too hard to understand & the more you research the more you learn.

There are two main types of tablets: displays and non-displays.

The display tablets show a screen on the device and you draw directly onto the screen.

Non-display tablets are more “traditional” drawing tablets where you draw on a black area while staring at your monitor. The strokes are recorded on the tablet and they translate into whatever software you’re using(Photoshop, Krita, PaintTool SAI).

Most beginners should start with non-display tablets because they’re cheaper. Granted it is much easier to draw on a display tablet, but there’s always a learning curve so it’s better to start cheap.

What makes a “great” tablet is somewhat subjective. But there are some common traits you want to look for:

Solid design

Easy setup/calibration

No jitters while drawing

Great drivers & software

The obvious place to start is Wacom because their tables are used by industry professionals everywhere. But you can do amazing work on tablets made by other companies like XP-Pen, Huion, Ugee, or Parblo(among others).

The goal is to find which features you need in a price range that works for your budget.

Do you want a larger tablet(longer than 1ft) or are you okay with a smaller tablet? Do you specifically want a display tablet? Or are you willing to spend a bit more for higher quality?

Also remember that smaller tablets are easier to carry around in a laptop bag if you ever want to draw/paint digitally from your laptop. Some smaller tablets can be powered from USB while others require a wall outlet.

All of these features are important to consider when going through this list.

Finding What You Need

If you’re a complete beginner with little-to-no digital experience then any one of these drawing tablets can work.

But what you need can depend on your desk space, how often you practice, and how long you want the tablet to last. If you’re OK buying a new tablet in 1-2 years then you can get by with a cheaper option for now.

But if you want a tablet that’ll last you 5-6 years, maybe even a decade, then going with a higher-end brand like Wacom is the best solution.

I’ve tried to curate this list with all different artists in mind. I know some readers are newer artists still practicing their fundamentals trying to move into digital. Other readers are skilled artists with years of traditional art experience who want to do more digital work.

And many readers may be inbetween just looking to dive into digital drawing/painting. The two biggest things you should consider are price and usability.

If you want a display tablet then you’ll need a larger budget. However if you just want a portable tablet then you have a lot more options to pick from.

Either way dig through this list and see what you think. If any tablets catch your eye be sure to bookmark them for later.

Top Pick: Wacom Intuos Pro

I have no doubt the Wacom Intuos Pro is the best drawing tablet for beginners. It’s surprisingly affordable considering all the features you get with it.

Wacom’s tablet hardware is some of the best in the world so you’d be starting with a powerhouse. The Intuos brand is Wacom’s middle-ground tech so it’s not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive.

Physical specs:

Width : 13.2″(just over 1 foot)

: 13.2″(just over 1 foot) Length : 8.5″

: 8.5″ Thickness : 0.3″

: 0.3″ Weight: 1.5lbs

Along the left side of the tablet you’ll find eight express keys, also called hotkeys or quick keys. They are fully programmable so you can change their actions to whatever you want.

And the center wheel also works like a radial button which can be programmed to adjust brush settings, document zoom, or other similar features. This tablet has more features than you’ll know what to do with so it can take time to adjust.

But it feels great when in use and the design is phenomenal. It only measures about 1ft long and about 9″ high so it should fit on any desk. It’s also super thin measuring about 8mm on the edge.

Because the stylus comes battery-free it can feel incredibly light in your hand. It may take some time to adjust but once you learn how to work on the tablet it’ll become like second nature. And the drawing surface can even read the pen’s distance while moving to function like a mouse.

Wacom’s pens are generally considered 3x-4x more accurate than other manufacturers because they put effort into the pens, their tablet’s surface sensitivity, and the driver software.

And the Intuos Pro works well as a travel tablet if you’re OK to work near a wall outlet.

Overall the experience, design, and ease of use for this tablet more than make it the best pick for beginners.

Bottom Line: If you can afford the Intuos Pro it’s the best way to go. A beginner can get real mileage out of this tablet for many years with a quality design, a battery-free pen, and a track record of great experiences from Wacom products.

Huion Giano WH1409

If you’re looking to go completely wireless then consider the Huion Giano WH1409. It comes with a built-in 8GB microSD card for storing your work locally or transporting work between computers.

The design looks similar to the Intuos Pro except this tablet is larger, a bit heavier, and comes with more express keys.

Physical specs:

Width : 20.5″

: 20.5″ Length : 11″

: 11″ Thickness : 2″

: 2″ Weight: 5lbs

The display on this thing is gorgeous. Slick but not too slick so you can really catch some texture while drawing. If you’ve never used a tablet before then you probably won’t care about the surface.

But the Giano is great for anyone’s preferences because there’s so much space in the drawing area(over 13″ wide). The Huion battery pen that comes with this tablet requires charging so it does feel heavier than the Wacom.

Depending on your stance this can either be good or bad. I personally don’t mind battery styluses so long as they’re somewhat light and can hold a charge. And this one can go for quite a few weeks(or possibly even months) of daily use without dying.

Perhaps the biggest selling point here is the wireless functionality. The Giano comes with a wireless USB receiver which can be plugged into your computer to paint wirelessly. It comes with a built-in battery so this tablet can run for a few hours before needing to charge.

With the built-in microSD card you can even save data to the tablet like it’s a USB thumb drive. This way you can bring your digital artwork to any computer and pick up right where you left off.

Along the left side you’ll find twelve individual hot keys which is more than any other tablet here. I can’t imagine any beginner needing that many shortcuts, but it certainly doesn’t hurt!

The biggest selling point with the Giano is the wireless feature and the extra 8GB storage. As an actual tablet it’s certainly nice. But I think the response rate is a bit better on the Intuos.

Bottom Line: Huion’s Giano is the largest portable table for beginners. It can go fully wireless for hours and it can store your work on a built-in MicroSD card. But if you plan to work mostly from home then these features won’t make this tablet any better than a Wacom.

Turcom 8″ x 5″ Pro

Small, cheap, and easy to setup. This best describes the Turcom 8″x5″ Pro tablet which is a nice starting point for complete beginners.

It is a very low-end tablet but it operates well. There should be no lag while drawing or any jumps/spacing issues with the pen. This is usually the calling card of a bad tablet but the Turcom 8×5 doesn’t have any of it.

Physical specs:

Width : 14.5″(just over 1ft long)

: 14.5″(just over 1ft long) Length : 12″

: 12″ Thickness : 2.5″

: 2.5″ Weight: 2lbs

Since this is a small tablet it’s also pretty light. It can work well as a portable drawing tablet although it doesn’t have any sort of carrying case for the stylus.

You’ll notice the tablet actually measures much larger than 8″(actually over a foot). The Turcom’s 8×5 measurement describes the active drawing area on the tablet. This certainly isn’t huge but it’s not too small either. Perfect for a beginner.

The stylus pen is easy to use and well designed. It comes with two buttons on the side that can work like mouse clicks, or let you switch between pen & eraser mode.

One thing I don’t like is the need for AAA batteries in the stylus. This definitely gives the tablet a cheap feeling when you need to use replaceable batteries for drawing. But it does work fine and the output quality is fantastic.

Calibration should be a breeze and the Turcom unit ships with installation software. Once installed you can change the calibration settings to make sure your marks are read accurately.

My final point: lower-end Turcoms are cheap for a reason. If you’ll be drawing/painting every day then do not expect this tablet to last for more than a couple years.

It really is good and does its job well. But it’s more like a disposable camera that you use when you’re green, then eventually upgrade to a better model as you gain experience.

Bottom Line: Great tablet for the price and it’ll deliver a fantastic experience for beginners. But this is cheap for a reason so don’t expect to keep this thing in working order for more than 2-3 years.

XP-PEN Star03

A cheap yet durable tablet that can last you quite a while is XP-Pen Star03. This is one of their signature designs modeled after Wacom’s Intuos with eight express keys and a plain black drawing area.

The stylus for this tablet is battery free and it’s powered by just a USB cable. It’s one of the lightest units you’ll find so it’s worth considering if you want a cheap durable travel tablet.

Physical specs:

Width : 15.3″

: 15.3″ Length : 10″

: 10″ Thickness : 2″

: 2″ Weight: 2.5lbs

The active drawing area measures 10″ wide by 6″ tall which is plenty of room for a beginner. That’s almost a foot of drawing space with eight express keys to the side.

Whenever you make a mark it can be detected instantly with surprising precision. Most of XP-Pen’s tablets have incredible drivers that play nice with all Windows and Mac computers. This translates to a smooth drawing experience regardless of what OS you use.

Everything runs through one USB cable so you’ll avoid having too many cables sticking out. This also simplifies drawing on your laptop with just a single cable. On your bed, on the couch, or in the nearby café.

The stylus pen is super light and comes with 8 replacement nibs(or tips) if any get too dull. Plus you’ll get a handy pen clip holder to keep it stashed away on your desk when not in use.

Star03 is one of the more affordable tablets that doesn’t come with any noticeable downsides. It really is fantastic and it delivers exactly what you expect.

Bottom Line: The Star03 tablet is a wonderful choice for newer artists on a tight budget. The battery-free pen is light and easy to learn, and the 8 hot keys can help you nail down a professional tablet workflow.

Huion H610 Pro

Every tablet from Huion comes with great specs and lots of extra goodies. And the Huion H610 Pro is one hell of a tablet for beginners who want a full digital drawing starter pack.

Along with the tablet and the stylus pen you also get a free anti-fouling artist glove and a carrying bag to store your tablet when not in use. This keeps it free of dust, dirt, and potential scratches.

Physical specs:

Width : 16.4″

: 16.4″ Length : 10″

: 10″ Thickness : 1.5″

: 1.5″ Weight: 3lbs

While the tablet measures over a foot long the drawing surface is a bit smaller. Yet the overall drawing surface still feels large measuring 10″ wide by 6.25″ tall.

While moving the pen across the surface you’ll feel a small textured effect like course paper.

Many artists prefer the textured canvas over a smooth and slick feeling. The texture keeps your pen fixed to the surface so you’re not sliding around quickly or uncontrollably. But the texture isn’t so thick that you’ll feel restricted.

The custom Huion pen does come with a battery so it will need to be charged. But one charge should last up to a few weeks even with daily use.

And it has two side buttons that can be programmed to switch between draw/erase mode, or to perform other actions when in design software like Photoshop.

The H610 can be fully powered by a single USB cable which also transmits the marks you make back to the computer. It works like an all-in-one cable so you can take this anywhere and keep the cables light. However you still might need to bring the pen’s charger just in case.

Huion was even gracious enough to include a free artist glove with this tablet. While drawing you can wear the glove to prevent smears, sweat, grease, or anything else from leaving residue on the drawing surface. It makes cleanup a breeze and reduces long term wear & tear.

Bottom Line: Awesome tablet for the money with a quality drawing surface. It comes with 8 express keys, a free artist glove, and a carrying tote for storage. Certainly a viable option for any beginner.

Parblo Coast10

If you wanna do professional-quality digital art on a display tablet then the Parblo Coast10 is the best tablet to start with. You can read our exhaustive review on this tablet to see it’s one of the best options for portability, display quality, and simplicity for beginners.

The Coast10 measures about 1 foot wide with a default display resolution of 1280×800. It uses a battery-free pen and gets power through a single USB cable making it a nice choice for drawing at home or on the go.

Physical specs:

Width : 11.4″

: 11.4″ Length : 8.3″

: 8.3″ Thickness : 0.75″

: 0.75″ Weight: 3lbs

What always surprised me the most about the Coast10 is the display. It’s fairly small(only 8.5 inches wide) but it has such luminance and accuracy of all colors. The LCD display truly makes this the best display tablet for beginners.

But other features also make this a great buy for anyone who’s never used a tablet before. The Coast10 is super light and small enough to carry in a laptop bag. It’s powered by one USB cord and uses a battery-free stylus pen.

The pen is also a well designed piece of equipment being thin, light, and taking the place of a mouse on your tablet. When you tap onto the drawing surface it works as a left-click, and there’s a button on the stylus to mimic the right click of your mouse.

So just one USB cable is enough to dive in and start drawing/painting. The display works with a 16:10 resolution which can look weird if it doesn’t match your monitor. But this is the same default you’ll find in MacBooks so this tablet is great for Apple fans(of course it supports Windows too).

One thing I don’t like is how hot the tablet can run when it’s been in use for a while. If you go all day it can start to feel a bit hot under your hand by the evening. Over time running at these temps can wear down the internals, so you might have to take breaks throughout the day.

I’ve never had any problems with overheating or any issues with stylus taps not being registered. If you can get the drivers installed & calibrate the display you should quickly fall in love with this tablet.

Oh and Parblo includes two awesome freebies: a four-port USB hub along with their signature artist glove. The USB hub is “meh” but the glove will reduce stains & smudges on your beautiful LCD display.

Bottom Line: This is one of Parblo’s best display tablets. The price makes it a reasonable choice for beginners. The colorful LCD along with the extra goodies means you’re investing in a great product along with your artistic skills.

Artisul D10

Another trustworthy display tablet is the Artisul D10 designed very much like the Coast10. Except the Artisul tablet is a tad smaller, much lighter, and supports HDMI input for video.

This does come with a battery-free pen specialized for Artisul tablets. It also includes 10 replacement nibs and a storage container for the stylus. I’d say this is right up there for best display tablet for beginners just based on the size, display quality, and features.

Physical specs:

Width : 12″

: 12″ Length : 8.2″

: 8.2″ Thickness : 0.5″

: 0.5″ Weight: 1.5lbs

Looking just at design I do think the Parblo Coast10 is a nicer looking tablet. But the Artisul functions just as well using a bright LCD with an anti-glare glass design. The HD resolution also defaults to 1280×800 and the battery free pen feels very similar to the Coast10 design.

One big difference is the orientation of the hot keys. For the Artisul D10 all hot keys are aligned towards the opposite side of where the cables stick out. Thankfully you can rotate this tablet to either side so it works for lefties and righties.

The tablet is fully powered via USB so you don’t need to rely on a wall outlet for power. But you do need an HDMI port or an adapter to convert HDMI to whatever you need(VGA or DVI).

This can be annoying since other tablets can work with just one cable. But most display tablets require extra inputs so this is just par for the course.

The stylus feels great and comes with buttons on the side to mimic mouse activity. Unfortunately it does not have an eraser at the top, a staple of other tablet brands like Wacom.

But for all the minor faults the D10 is still an incredible display tablet. The price is reasonable and the hardware is great quality. If you get a D10 you can expect it to last for quite a few years.

Bottom Line: Very nice display tablet made by Artisul, a popular rising brand known for great products. The tablet’s screen is bright and easy to work on with little texture. The extra wires can get annoying but they’re not a deal breaker. Great choice for beginners who want an affordable display tablet.

Ugee G3 9″ x 6″

One of the best non-display tablets for beginners has to be the Ugee G3. The price alone is phenomenal but the design is sleek and the tablet is quick to read every movement you make.

If you want all the sordid details you should read our G3 review covering the setup, components, and the pros/cons of using this tablet as a beginner. It may not be packed with features but it does a damn good job of just letting you draw.

Physical specs:

Width : 16.6″

: 16.6″ Length : 10″

: 10″ Thickness : 2″

: 2″ Weight: 2.5lbs

Measuring almost 1.5 feet this tablet is big. And the drawing area(9×6) is also surprisingly large.

Inside the box you get a G3 tablet, a Ugee P50S stylus and the install discs. I’m not a huge fan of the battery in the stylus because there are many battery-free alternatives.

However this particular stylus works very well and for the price it’s difficult to complain. Just be sure to keep AAA batteries handy.

Also the stylus comes with two side buttons to replicate the left/right clicks on a mouse. This can basically take the place of your regular mouse when drawing on the go.

Carrying the G3 as a mobile tablet can be troublesome due to its size. Even though the drawing space is fairly small the tablet is pretty wide. Yes it can fit in a carrying bag. But it might not fit snug on a tiny desk with a laptop.

On the other hand it does operate through a single USB cord. So if you have the space then this drawing tablet can be a steal.

It does not come with any express keys but if you’ve never used a tablet before then you won’t miss them.

What really pushes the G3 for beginners is the quality drawing surface. It can recognize pen taps everywhere on the pad, even towards the edges where sensitivity is known to drop. I don’t know how long this tablet would last with daily use but it feels strong enough to kick around for 5+ years even with normal wear.

Bottom Line: The G3 is an incredible budget tablet for beginners who want to start with the basics. The stylus does have a battery which is a pain, and the tablet is fairly large measuring about 1.5 feet wide. But if you can look past those things you’ll be pleased with the G3’s design and ease of use.

Ugee M708

If you like the G3 and want a tablet with a larger drawing area & some hotkeys then the Ugee M708 is sure to delight.

The active area measures 10″ wide by 6″ tall so it’s reasonably sized for a beginner. And it’s powered by one USB cable which makes setup a whole lot easier. Oh and did I mention hot keys? Cause this has eight of ‘em.

Physical specs:

Width : 15.5″

: 15.5″ Length : 9″

: 9″ Thickness : 2″

: 2″ Weight: 3lbs

Somehow Ugee managed to make the M708 smaller than the G3, yet it has a larger drawing surface. They’re both within a similar range so budget should not be an issue.

This tablet uses the same battery-powered stylus as the G3 so they’re both comparable models. You don’t get much with one over the other beyond hot keys and a larger drawing space.

One common issue reported with the M708 isn’t with the tablet, but with the driver. If you’re using Windows 10 this tablet may not be worth the hassle. Ugee hasn’t released a fix(to my knowledge) and it doesn’t seem to affect everyone, but W10 users can have trouble keeping the driver running without crashing.

Calibration works fine on all systems and you shouldn’t have trouble with pressure sensitivity or jittery marks. Even the surface area feels very smooth much like a Wacom Intuos Pro. I like the surface style and it’s great for beginners who need to adjust to the world of drawing tablets.

Overall the M708 is very much like the G3. Same manufacturer, similar specs, except this one is built a tad smaller and includes express keys. Up to you if either one is worth grabbing.

Bottom Line: Ugee’s M708 replicates the Intuos drawing surface with the G3’s design style. You get hot keys which are great, but the battery-fixed stylus can be annoying to change. Still a nice tablet for the price.

Wacom Cintiq 13HD

If you’re confident in your art practice then why not splurge on a high-end tablet? The Wacom Cintiq 13HD is the best display tablet for beginners with a simple design, a built-in stand, and a very simple setup process.

All the specs are incredible with a 1080p display, four express keys, and a battery-free Wacom pen designed to last for years of consistent use.

Physical specs:

Width : 15″

: 15″ Length : 10″

: 10″ Thickness : 0.5″

: 0.5″ Weight: 2.5lbs

I only suggest this tablet for beginners who take art seriously and know they’ll be in it for the long haul. This is pricey but worth every penny if you know you’ll put in the hours to practice.

Wacom’s displays are phenomenal and they’re able to charge premium rates because their hardware is the best in the business. The Cintiq 13HD screen feels much like the size of A4 printer paper.

The active display area measures about 12″ wide by 7″ tall and it’s used in landscape orientation like a widescreen monitor. Since this is a display tablet it can also work like a second monitor for your setup.

Every part of the drawing surface is sensitive to pen touch so you can draw anywhere, even the corners, with accuracy. And Wacom’s drivers support all major OS’ including Windows XP-Win10 and up through all recent versions of Mac OS X.

It comes with a three-in-one cable containing a USB cord, an HDMI cord, and a power cord all rolled into one. This is far superior to using two or three different cables and it makes wire management so much easier.

You can draw for hours and never feel any sort of real warmth under your hand. This tablet is built to last and the hardware proves it.

As a beginner you probably want to start cheap. But if you’re willing to splurge then the Cintiq HD13 can easily last a decade or more with a quality drawing experience and unrivaled accuracy.

Bottom Line: The Cintiq 13HD is not cheap but it’s worth every penny. It’s perfect for artists who will put in the hours to improve and want their first tablet to be something that’ll last.

Most Affordable Drawing Tablet For Beginners

Price is usually a factor when shopping for new art equipment. If you want the best graphics tablet for the money then the XP-Pen Star03 is your best option.

It is by far one of the cheapest non-display tablets but it comes with a lot of great features. You get a battery-free stylus pen that includes two programmable buttons to act like a mouse. Plus the tablet itself has eight express keys.

The actual working area is also surprisingly large measuring 10″ wide by 6″ tall. This is a bit smaller than the size of printer paper. But it should be more than enough space for a beginner to dive into the world of digital art.

All the XP-Pen drivers for Windows & Mac are fairly easy to install so you can get this working on any system. Not to mention the drawing input can handle any software like Photoshop, Painter, Krita, Gimp, or whatever else you wanna use.

XP-Pen’s tablets have been phenomenal in my experience. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail is surprising, and that’s why the Star03 is such a great deal.

You can also look into other Star models like the Star04 which we previously reviewed. But I specifically recommend the Star03 because of its size, style, and price which all even out to the best deal for a new artist.

Best Display Tablet For Beginners

Some artists may want to jump right into the world of display tablets. Generally beginners should start with a smaller model, but even the smallest displays ask for a good chunk of change.

The best display tablet for a beginner is the Artisul D10 combining a number of factors like design, build, price, and portability. Since the D10 relies solely on USB it can work anywhere from the coffee shop to your living room couch.

Artisul only uses battery-free pens so you’ll get a lightweight stylus with eight replacement nibs. And the drawing experience is phenomenal with a bright screen and six express key buttons.

I do think the screen is a tad small for a display. But it’s perfect for a beginner who just needs to learn the ropes and get familiar with digital tablets.

If you’re OK with the higher price tag check out the Artisul D13 which has a larger screen than the D10 but includes many of the same features.

However when first moving digital there’s a lot to learn. The workflow can be tiresome and frustrating when you first start, even for experienced artists. This is why a smaller screen like on the D10 can work better.

One downside is that neither Artisul model comes with a stand. But this is also a good thing for beginners who just need to learn how to draw flat on a tablet.

Either way Artisul is a trusted brand with two incredible display models. I recommend the D10 for beginners who really prefer to start with a display, but you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Making A Decision

You have so many tablets out there to pick from but don’t let this slow down your decision. It’s good to make a list of features that you want, including a budget, to help nail down your best options.

This list covers all the best models you can get that work well for beginners. You should find plenty of great options here that can work within your budget and still deliver a great drawing experience.

And if you’re still not sure what to get you can take another look over this guide. I’ve tried to make this post easy to skim and clear enough for any new artist venturing into the world of digital tablets.