As a graphic designer, there are many times when the project you’re working on may require you to flex your artistic muscles and pulling out sheets of paper and pencils is unlikely to satisfy the clients’ needs and unless you get it right the first time, is not going to make editing easy.
These days, many artists, illustrators, and graphic designers have started to turn towards using tablets to complete their art projects. A good tablet offers an artist a light, handy, responsive, and electronic option to get projects done, even when they aren’t at the office.
Check out our post below to see the best tablets for graphic design, drawing & art in 2021.
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While tablets have been around on the marketplace for more than a decade, for professional graphic designers, many of the tablets that would be considered professional grade won’t be available at your local electronics store.
With all of the tablet choices available, today we’re going to narrow it down and take a look at the best graphics tablet for graphic designers. If you’re ready, we’d like to get started by letting you know what you should be on the lookout for when you start shopping so you can make sure that you’re choosing the tablet that’s right for you.
How to choose the right tablet for graphic design
Before purchasing a drawing tablet for your drawing, art, illustrating or graphic design needs, you must consider the tablets:
- active area
- features
- hotkeys
- stylus
- model type
- pressure sensitivity
- resolution
- scrollers
- wireless or corded
Active Area
The active area can sometimes be referred to as your tablet’s work area. Simply put, it is the area where you stylus reacts and draws on the tablet. Many graphics tablets will come with a plastic edge or bezel which will come between the screen and the casing. Now, you don’t necessarily need a really large area in which to do your work depending on the interface that you are using, but it should be big enough so that it fits your personal style without the problems caused by running out of room.
The active area on most tablets you can purchase is clearly indicated, but it’s a good idea to double-check the size of the screen before you buy the tablet. In fact, check the specifications for the tablet and the words ‘active area’ because the last thing you want to have happen is to end up with disappointment when you realize that it doesn’t have enough room to handle the work you are doing.
Additional Features
With a graphics tablet, anytime you see the term additional features, they aren’t necessarily must-have items, but they can be something you may want to consider when you might be on the fence and struggling to choose between two similar tablets. There are some additional features that can be useful such as HotKeys or even a multi-touch capability. If anything, these additional features are designed to help make operating the tablet easier and overall, a more enjoyable experience.
HotKeys
Also known as a shortcut key, it’s becoming more and more common, with the evolution of tablets, to see ones that come with HotKeys built right into the tablet. These keys are designed to help you save time and streamline your work process so you can focus more on getting things done instead of searching for the apps you use the most. Many tablets will allow you to customize as well as program the keys for your favorite shortcuts, while others will pull the shortcuts you use the most into the hotkeys automatically.
Stylus
For a lot of people, a stylus is a little plastic stick that comes with their child’s Nintendo 3DS or that if you’ve seen one stylus, you’ve seen them not. This isn’t the case if you’re a graphic designer or illustrator. For professionals, the best stylus comes in two forms: battery-operated and electromagnetic resonance (EMR). Although there are differences between them, they are designed specifically to mimic the feel of drawing with a regular pen or pencil.
EMR styluses use low energy levels that are generated by the pen’s circuits which reacts with the active area on the tablet. They tend to be thinner that battery-operated styluses and have a thicker point. On the other hand, a battery-operated stylus is designed with a finer point and made to be used for pen-to-tablet drawing.
On-screen Monitor or Flat Models
When you’re looking to buy a tablet to use for your projects, you’re going to run into one of two basic tablet designs. Flat and on-screen monitor models. Now, obviously there can be a price difference between the two of them, but which one is better for you generally comes down to personal preference. The LPI (lines per inch) for an on-screen table will generally be the same the LPI for a flat model tablet.
For some though, using a flat model can take some getting used to. Drawing on a tablet while looking at your monitor or laptop screen can be discombobulating at first, while those who prefer drawing on an on-screen tablet are comfortable drawing right on the screen as they do not have any other option.
Pressure Sensitivity
A drawing tablet typically isn’t something that someone would buy unless they need it for a specific purpose such as drawing, illustrating, or graphic design work. The one that is ultimately chosen has many things considered, but one of the most important is the table sensitivity. Everyone has a different drawing or illustration style. Depending on yours, you may want to choose a tablet with an ultra-sensitive and responsive surface.
Another major factor is the pressure sensitivity, although this is a hardware issue for the tablet. Pressure levels on tables start at about 300 levels of pressure and go up to around 3000. In this case, the higher the number, the more responsive the tablet will be for you. For illustrations and design work, the optimal pressure level to look for on a tablet is in the 1024 range.
Resolution
If you work in a field where you need to make very high-resolution images that also have very sharp graphics, picking a tablet with a high LPI would be best suited for you. Think of LPI the same way that people think of 4K resolution found on televisions and computer monitors. with 4K resolution, the image on the screen is as bright and sharp as it can be, a higher LPI can provide the same effect on a tablet.
Scrollers
Moving around the screen on your tablet using the stylus to get around or even your finger could cause mistakes to be made on your project, meaning you’d have to spend more time fixing errors and not meeting your deadline. Thankfully, many tablets have a scroller built into the tablet already. This will help you move around the project quickly without unforeseen errors occurring.
Wireless or Wired
Like the tablet you choose, whether you decide to use a tablet that is wireless or wired is a personal choice. While a wired tablet keeps you at your desk and doesn’t give you the freedom of movement that a wireless tablet may, it will give you a direct connection to your workspace or monitor.
Wireless tablets have become a default choice for a lot of graphic designers. The freedom that it gives you to move around without accidentally pulling on the cord and possibly damaging the tablet is beneficial. However, with a wireless tablet, you’re reliant on having a good connection to your monitor or workspace, which may not be as secure.
Top 10 Best Drawing Tablets for Graphic Designers in 2021
Although everyone will have different requirements, these are the top drawing tablets for designers in 2021.
- Wacom Cintiq 22 – $1299
- XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display – $299
- Wacom One – $399
- Wacom Intuos Pro (large) – $499
- Huion Kamvas 20 – $369
- Wacom Intuos Pro (small) – $249
- Huion H430P – $24
- Wacom Cintiq 16 – $643
- XP-Pen Deco 03 – $81
- Simbans Picasso Tab – $229
- Gaomon PD 11161 – $239
Prices are approximate only.
Top 4 Graphics Tablets Compared (Flat)
Here are the best tablets without a screen or monitor:
- Wacom Intuos Pro (large) – $499
- Wacom Intuos Pro (small) – $249
- Huion H430P – $24
- XP-Pen Deco 03 – $81
Top 6 Graphics Tablets Compared (with Screen)
For those that prefer to work directly on to a screen or monitor, these are your top choices:
- Wacom Cintiq 22 – $1299
- XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display – $299
- Wacom One (2020) – $399
- Huion Kamvas 20 – $369
- Wacom Cintiq 16 – $643
- Simbans Picasso Tab – $229
- Gaomon PD 11161 – $239
More information on each tablet is provided below.
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Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2021 Compared
Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet with HD Screen & Graphic Monitor
The Best Overall Graphics Tablet
Active drawing area: 19.5 x 11.5in | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: HDMI, USB 2.0
If you’re looking for the best tablet you can buy and have money to burn, the Cintiq 22 from Wacom is the best option for 2020. With its highly sensitive stylus and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the well-engineered screen has an anti-glare surface that allows it to provide you with an amount of drag while you draw that you will find satisfying. The combination of the drawing area and user experience easily puts this at the top of our list.
Learn More – $1299
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A more affordable pen Display with Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology, 8, 192 pressure levels, low activation force and tilt recognition. Its amazing precision and reduced Parallax provide the most natural...
- Cintiq’s 21.5” 1920x1080 HD Display provides you with clarity to see every detail of your work. The scratch-resistant Anti-Glare surface prevents distracting reflections as you create.
- See your creations in vibrant color on the cinq's HD display (16.7 million colors, 72% NTSC/Cue 1931 typical). Work as long as you'd like with the battery free pen that charges off the screen while...
- Connect to your computer with the convenient HDMI and USB cables and get into the perfect position with the included adjustable stand that lets you adjust how you want to work.
- Water-repellent front valuables pocket to keep your stuff safe
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphics Digital Monitor
A Large screen tablet at a great price
Active drawing area: 13.54 x 7.62in | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB-C | OS: Windows or macOS
If you’re looking for a pen display that covers all the basics, you can’t go wrong choosing the XP-Pen Artist. With a decent-sized drawing area, along with a comfortable pen that comes with a good amount of sensitivity levels plus a good screen, it’s an excellent option. While it may not have the bells and whistles that some of the bigger competitors have, between then price and the pen and drawing surface, you can’t go wrong.
Learn More – $299
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [Warm Reminder: Artist15.6 drawing pen display must be used with a computer] Functions allow users to sketch, paint, design and edit directly from the tablet screen. Your work function will flow...
- The latest Passive Pen design! Our Passive stylus technology provides 8192 levels of instant pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative...
- 15.6” 1920x1080 IPS 16:9 Display with 178° degree of visual angle delivers life-like colors, greater contrast, sharper, and vivid images..The Artist 15.6 driver can support 4k displays. Now you can...
- Features USB Type-C input design, easy to plug in and out. Features come with a 11mm thin design, 3 in 1 cable, and a new brightness adjustment button. 6 fully customizable express keys create a...
- We’ve adopted the newest F900 High Tech IC, to make lines flow smoother and perform better. Compatible with Windows system 10/8/7(32/64bit), Mac OS X version 10.10 or later, and compatible with...
Wacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with 13.3″ Screen Graphics Display for Art and Animation Beginners
A great affordable tablet from one of the biggest names in tablets
Active drawing area: 11.6 x 6.5in | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels | Connections: USB-C, HDMI | OS: Windows, macOS or Android (some devices)
Launched at CES 2020, the Wacom One tablet is a great portable drawing tablet and a very reasonable price from a company known for its high-end tablets. The FullHD display provides 72% NTSC color as well as being coated in an anti-glare treated film. When your out and about, the tablet even has little pop pout legs that can raise the tablet slightly for easier use. A great grab and go tablet, it should find a home in any bag.
Learn More – $399
Latest Price on Amazon:
- See your imagination come to life in full color on a 13.3” display with a natural surface friction that makes for intuitive drawing on screen. When working from home use the Wacom One as an extended...
- Feels like a real pen – No need for batteries, the pen feels and looks right. Plus, this one pen uses software to act as multiple pens and brushes in a full range of colors, with superb accuracy
- Digital freedom – Sketch or paint directly on screen, draw diagrams, annotate documents, enhance photos and videos, plus you can delete, edit and share your creations with ease
- Includes creative software: Purchase and register your Wacom One and receive Bamboo Paper Pro, Clip Studio Paint Pro (3-month license), Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom (2-month license), and Adobe Fresco...
- Software offerings only available for customers located in the Americas
Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC (large)
The Best Graphics Tablet for Artists and Illustrators
Active drawing area: 16.8 inch x 11.2 inch | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB, Bluetooth | OS: Windows or macOS
Seeing multiple Wacom tablets on any best-of list should come as no surprise considering the quality that their products come with and the Intuos Pro is no exception. Offering one of the purest experiences that you can have drawing, the tablet provides a large drawing area so you can draw to your heart’s content. With the backing of the Wacom community of products, you can use alternative pens and texture sheets to give the surface its distinct feel.
Learn More – $499
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Wacom’s trusted professional Pro Pen 2 technology in a precision graphics tablet, optimized for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
- Slim tablet design in our largest size (16.8” x 11.2”) with an active area of (12.1” x 8.4”) is ideal for working with multiple monitors or art that requires large arm movements
- The Pro Pen 2 features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt-response and virtually lag-free tracking for ultimate precision and control – and because it’s battery free it never needs...
- Speed your workflow with the multi-touch surface, programmable express keys, radial menus and pen side-switches; Customize your experience with pro pen slim or pro pen 3D (sold separately)
- System requirements: USB port, Windows 7 or later (64bit), Mac OS 10.12 or later, Bluetooth Classic for included wireless connection to PC or Mac
Huion Kamvas 20 Graphics Drawing Monitor Tablet
A close second for best overall tablet
Active drawing area: 19.5in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB, HDMI| OS: Windows or macOS
The competition for the best table on our list is a close one thanks to the Kamvas 20 from Huion. With a 19.5-inch screen that displays high-quality HD graphics, the tablet comes with the pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels. Featuring an adjustable stand and battery-less pen, these little features can make the world of difference providing you with comfort when using the Kamvas GT-191 for hours on end.
Learn More – $369
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus - Comes with 8192 levels of pen pressure with ±60 pen tilt support, allowing you to have advanced pen performance; Battery-free pen PW507, no longer need to worry...
- 120% sRGB Color Gamut - Kamvas 20 pen tablet provide you with richer colors and smoother transition between colors. Present 16.7 million colors vividly, which can greatly reduce the color difference.
- 178°Wide Viewing Angle - ensures clear and beautiful image to be displayed without color disparity. 20-80 Degree adjustable stand with classic slider design is simple and convenient to operate,...
- Anti-glare Glass - With Anti-glare Technology, it effectively reduces the glare damage to human eyes and shorten the distance between the pen nib and the cursor; Making you feel like drawing on paper...
- Online Teaching and Working - KAMVAS 20 drawing pen display is compatible with Windows 7 or later and Mac OS 10.12 or later; The new generation of portable adjustable stand coming with the package;...
Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC (Small)
A high-quality tablet at a low-quality price
Active drawing area: 6.2 x 3.8in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB, Bluetooth | OS: Windows or macOS
While out of the Intuos Pro line from Wacom this tablet is the smallest of the three options, in no way does its size indicate that it’s still not very capable, especially for novice designers looking to develop their skills. Easily through into your bag and taken wherever you go, it still comes with all of the functionality and commands that its big brothers do. The pressure responsiveness of the Pro Pen 2 plus the incredible price make it a very attractive option.
Learn More – $249
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Wacom trusted Professional Pro pen 2 technology in a precision graphics tablet, optimized for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
- Slim tablet design with the most compact footprint in the Intuos Pro line (10.6 inch x 6.7 inch) and an active area of (6.3 inch x 3.9 inch) for anyone with a serious creative passion but lacking in...
- Pro pen 2 features 8, 192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response and virtually lag free tracking for ultimate precision and control; Latex free silicone rubber grip
- Speed your workflow with the multi touch surface, programmable express keys, radial menus and pen side switches; Customize your experience with pro pen slim or pro pen 3D (sold separately)
- System requirements: USB port, Windows 7 or later (64bit), Mac OS 10.12 or later, Bluetooth classic for included wireless connection to PC or Mac
Huion H430P Graphic Tablets Drawing Tablet with Glove
The best budget-friendly graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 4.8 x 3in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels | Connections: USB | OS: Windows or macOS
Drawing tablets aren’t for everyone and if you’re not 100% sure if you’re going to use one regularly, spending hundreds of dollars doesn’t make sense. That’s why the H430P from Huion is a great option. While the drawing area isn’t very big, the pen has enough sensitivity to provide you with enough of an experience to show you the creative benefits a drawing tablet can offer. You’ll outgrow the tablet, but it’s a great, affordable place to start.
Learn More – $24
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Drawing On-the-go : Huion H430P graphic tablet is not only support OS Android /tablet connection, but also macOS 10.11 or later and Windows 7 or later. Capture and express your ideas anywhere.NOTE:...
- Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more.. Create mind-maps, draw...
- Battery-Free Pen for Energy Saving: New pen stylus technology supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt-response and virtually lag-free tracking. Enjoy your drawing and create more on...
- Compact Size: 4 express keys can be customized per your request to improve work flow. 4.8 x 3 inches in working area, 135g in weight and 6.3mm in height. So convenient to carry and you can play it any...
- What You Get: Pen Tablet X 1; Battery-free Pen X 1; Micro USB Cable X 1; Pen Nibs x 8; OTG Adapter (Micro USB) X 1; OTG Adapter (USB-C) X 1; Quick Start Guide X 1; Free lifetime technical support and...
Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet with Screen
An updated version of an already great tablet
Active drawing area: 16.6 x 11.2in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: Micro USB, Bluetooth | OS: Windows or macOS
While some of its competitors come in at a cheaper price, the Cintiq 16 is still a great bargain when compared to some higher-end options on the market. Packaged with the Pro Pen 2 stylus, its pressure sensitivity of 8,192 levels beats those is similarly priced options. With a gorgeous display that reaffirms the quality that Wacom puts into their products. At an affordable price point, the Cintiq 16 is a welcome addition to a line of tablets and proves you don’t need to spend an exorbitant amount of money for a quality product.
Learn More – $643
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A more affordable pen Display with Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology, 8,192 pressure levels and tilt recognition; It's amazing precision and reduced Parallax provide the most natural drawing experience
- Cintiq’s 15.6 inch 1920x1080 HD displays provide you with the clarity to see every detail of your work; The scratch resistant, anti-glare surface prevents distracting reflections as you create
- See your creations in vibrant color on the Cintiq’s HD display (16.7 million color bits, 72% NTSC/Cie1931 typical); Work as long as you'd like with the battery free pen that charges off the screen...
- Connect to your computer with the convenient 3 in 1 (HDMI) connection cable and get into the perfect position with foldable legs that let you adjust how you want to work; Brightness 250 CD/m2
- Warning: Manufacturer's warranty is only valid when purchased from an authorized reseller or amazon.com
XP-Pen Deco 03 Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet
The best slim design graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 10 x 5.62in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB-C, wireless (with USB dongle) | OS: Windows or macOS
Tablets from XP-Pen are great at combining beautiful style with functionality. The Deco 03 is another great example of that with its matt black, an ultra-sleek design that feels great to use thanks in part to the large drawing area and high-quality pen. Designed to ease into your workflow, the tablet is equipped with a multi-functional dial and express keys that you can set up however you want. With the thickness of the tablet only 8mm, you might have concerns about damaging the surface but for the price, that may be worth the risk.
Learn More – $81
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A Beloved Multi-function Red Dial Design! Utilize our multi-function dial by rotating its front and side. Easy to control with no friction. Latest Multi-function Pen Holder. It can keep your pen, pen...
- The Deco 03 features both wired and wireless USB capability: Simply plug the included USB receiver into your computer to draw wirelessly, or connect the Deco 03 to your computer with the included USB...
- 10 x 5.62 inch working area: so you get more space to create or get work done. Report Rate Max: 266 RPS, to make lines flow smoother and perform better, working faster and efficiently
- Our stylus technology provides 8192 levels of instant pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative output. No charging required
- 6 fully customizable express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform. Features Type-C input design, easy to plug in and out. The Deco 03’s thickness is only 8mm! Designed for...
Simbans Picasso Tab 10″ Drawing Tablet and Stylus Pen
The Best Drawing Tablet for Android
Active drawing area: 10 in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 1,024 levels | Connections: USB-C, wireless (with USB dongle) | OS: Android
If you prefer the Android operating system and are just starting, the Picasso Tab from Simbans could be the perfect choice for you. With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, you can draw and save just about anything. With the 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity that may be less than may professionals look for, it is still a great option for casual users.
Learn More – $229
Latest Price on Amazon:
![[4 Bonus Items] Simbans PicassoTab 10 Inch Drawing Tablet and Stylus Pen, 2GB, 32GB, Android 9 Pie,...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bK0gyxo3L._SL160_.jpg)
- DRAW or TAKE NOTES: The most affordable tablet that comes with a pen and a pre-installed Autodesk Sketchbook app for those who want to draw pictures or take notes in the classroom.
- 4 FREE BONUS ITEMS inside the box: a high-quality tablet case, Drawing Glove, universal power adaptor and pre-installed screen protector; a total value of $50 inside the box along with 10-inch tablet...
- CLEAR SCREEN, LARGE DISK and a SUPERIOR CPU: The High power MediaTek Quad-core processor boosts the multitasking abilities of the tablet. The IPS HD screen resolution makes crystal clear pictures and...
- CONNECTIVITY: Connect your tablet to your home WIFI network and you can take this tablet wherever you are; your entertainment always goes with you. Link your tablet to the TV via the micro HDMI port...
- CERTIFIED QUALITY and WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: Certification by Google, FCC and CE standards provides you the peace of mind for safety as well as quality. Comes with 1-year warranty, along with best...
Gaomon PD 11161 Drawing Pen Display
The best value for the money
Active drawing area: 256.32 x 144.18 mm | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: HDMI, USB 2.0
Graphics tablets can be expensive. However, Gaomon’s PD 11161 provides a great tablet but at an affordable price. With a Full HD, 11.6-inch monitor that’s as crisp as it is vivid, all of your work can look spectacular. A battery-free digital pen, the AP50 comes with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity giving you the ability to draw more realistic strokes. Eight programmable buttons let you customize the tablet to fit your needs. All in all, the value that you get from the PD 11161 is worth the price.
Learn More
Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2021
When we started to build our new list of the Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2021, we wanted to put a spotlight on some of the options that have come about since last time. We hope that the selections we’ve listed here have provided you with some great options if you’re in the market for something new.
Choosing the best tablet for your needs
Choosing the best graphics tablet for your project should provide you with a way to not only get your work done but give you an overall enjoyable experience. While each tablet may have some of the same features, not every table is the same. Even small differences can be a big deal. Making sure to know what’s important to you before you start to go shopping will keep you from buying one you’re not happy with.
Best Graphics Tablets 2021 Summary:
- Wacom Cintiq 22 – $1299
- XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display – $299
- Wacom One – $399
- Wacom Intuos Pro (large) – $499
- Huion Kamvas 20 – $369
- Wacom Intuos Pro (small) – $249
- Huion H430P – $24
- Wacom Cintiq 16 – $643
- XP-Pen Deco 03 – $81
- Simbans Picasso Tab – $229
- Gaomon PD 11161 – $239
Prices are approximate and may vary.
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What do you consider the best tablet for graphic design?
The post 10 Best Tablets for Graphic Design, Drawing & Art 2021 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.
