Way back in 2018, which these days can be considered ancient history, we shared with you what we considered to be the best Graphics Tablets for Graphic Design. While our picks certainly great, technology is a lot like cars where the newest tech becomes dated quickly.
We decided to do an update and show you our new list of the Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2020 so if you were still on the fence back in 2018, our new list will help give you the information you need to upgrade.
If this is your first foray into the world of graphics tablets, seeing the different available options might get confusing. Let’s start with the different options that are out there.
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Different Types of Tablets Available
When you start shopping around for a new graphics tablet, you will typically find one of three different options. Each option takes on a different approach to providing you a way to draw electronically just as well as you could on paper:
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Graphics Tablets
A graphics tablet is designed to be as basic as possible, featuring a flat surface that you use a stylus to draw on with the results appearing on your monitor. These are typically the most affordable option and even though there can be a bit of disconnect between drawing on the surface and seeing it on the screen, most get used to this right away.
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Pen Displays
A pen display is a flat-screen monitor equipped with a pressure-sensitive surface that you draw on with a stylus. These options are more portable and do cost more. There are a lot of cables that come with these displays when you connect them to your computers and the surface itself doesn’t have the same ‘feel” as graphic tablets do.
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Tablet Computers
Tablet computers are most known by devices such as the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab not only allow for artists to use a stylus to draw on the surface of the tablet, but also allow the tablet to be used as a traditional laptop adding to its versatility.
Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2020
- Wacom Cintiq 22 – $1299
- XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display – $299
- Wacom One (2020) – $399
- Wacom Intuos Pro (large) – $499
- Huion Kamvas GT-191 – $299
- Wacom Intuos Pro (small) – $249
- Huion H430P – $24
- Wacom Cintiq 16 – $643
- XP-Pen Deco 03 – $81
- Simbans Picasso Tab – $229
Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2020 Compared
Wacom Cintiq 22
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:
- This Certified Refurbished product is refurbished to factory specifications, it shows limited or no wear
- Includes all original accessories plus a 1 Year Warranty
- Wacom Cintiq 22HD Touch Pen Display
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Cintiq 22hd Interactive Pen Display | Grip Pen | Pen Stand | Display Stand | Five Replacement Pen Nibs | DVI-I to VGA cable adapter | DVI-I to DVI-D cable adapter | AC Power...
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display
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 major graphics...
Wacom One (2020)
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. It feels like you’re drawing or writing on paper.
- 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 & register your Wacom One and receive Bamboo Paper (notebook app), Clip Studio Paint Pro 3-month license (graphics software for drawing/painting), Adobe Premiere...
- Diverse compatibility – link up your Wacom One to your Mac or PC, as well as certain Android tablets and smartphones, and even use digital pens from top brands if you want a different option.
Wacom Intuos Pro (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:
- New pen technology supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response and virtually lag free tracking; Wacom Intuits Pro is our finest creative pen tablet to date, redefining the professional...
- System requirements: USB port, Windows 7 or later (64bit), Mac OS 10.10 or later, Bluetooth classic for wireless connection to PC or Mac, Bluetooth LE for wireless connection to mobile devices (in...
- Large size is a super slim tablet design with a more compact footprint (16.8 inch x 11.2 inch ) and larger active area than previous models (12.1 inch x 8.4 inch )
- Speed your workflow with multi touch gestures, customizable Express Keys, radial menus and pen side switches
- Download the latest drivers on Wacom website for optimal experience
Huion Kamvas GT-191
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 GT-191 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 – $299
Latest Price on Amazon:
- IPS screen: GT-191 is an interactive display with 19.5 inch IPS LCD widescreen in perfect 16:9 ratio and 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution. Adjustable stand included. NOTE: This drawing monitor MUST be...
- Amazing Color: 72% NTSC color gamut plus 1000:1 contrast ratio which allows the display to present 16.7 million colors vividly.
- Better Display Effect: 233 PPS report rate and 5081 LPI resolution give faster recognition and better display effect during your work.
- Two New Pens: Two digital pens that come with the GT-191 have 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a comfortable ergonomic design. It is light-weight and can provide long battery life.
- Latest Pen Stand: The pen stand has a built-in nib extractor and 8 spare nibs inside. Compatibility: Works on Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Mac OS X10.12.0 or above, and is compatible with all major programs...
Wacom Intuos Pro (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...
- 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
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:
- [How to Upgrade H430P to Connect with Android Phone/Tablet]: Buy Additional OTG Connector USB-C/Micro USB and Contact Huion customer service to get the FREE upgrade firmware. After updated, H430P is...
- Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, signature in Microsoft Excel, Word, One Note. Nice for kids, students and amateur in digital art.
- Battery-free Pen : No need to charge or battery, allowing continuous use in game play and drawing. 2 buttons on the pen can be customizable.
- 4096 Levels Pen Pressure: 2 times increased in pen pressure offer more accurate and responsive performance. Send a free size glove as a gift.
- Compact Design: 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. Program Support: Corel Painter, CorelDraw,...
Wacom Cintiq 16
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 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 Cintiq’s HD display (16.7 million colors Bit, 72 percentage NTSC/Cie1931 typical) ); Work as long as you'd like with the battery free pen that charges off...
- 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\n Note: Bonus gift is an electronic software, please refer below for the details
XP-Pen Deco 03
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
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:
![[3 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.
- 3 FREE BONUS ITEMS inside the box: a high-quality tablet case, universal power adaptor and pre-installed screen protector; a total value of $40 inside the box along with 10-inch tablet and an active...
- 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...
Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2020
When we started to build our new list of the Best Graphic Design Tablets in 2020, 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.
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