In the digital age, Drawing Pen tablets are essential tools for art, graphic design, and illustration！

If you like drawing digitally, it worths to buy a tablet. A pen is always easier to control than a mouse. You can make a better piece of art in less time.

However, Cost can be a heavy influence of any graphics tablet purchase. It’s a set of questions I see pop up pretty regularly: “I have a tight budget but I want to get into digital art; what cheap drawing tablet options are there?”

Whether you’re new to the world of vaping or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade, understanding the cost of drawing tablets can be puzzling – there are so many types, brands and models available on the market.

But fear not! In this article, I will explore the factors influencing cost, compare popular brands, and unveil money-saving tips for budget-conscious artists like you.

The 3 main Types of Drawing Tablets

Before answering the question, it is important to understand the different types of drawing tablets available in the market.

1.Graphics Pads Without Screen

Non-display tablets, otherwise known as pen tablets or graphics pads, are the oldest variant.

These traditional drawing tablets resemble a trackpad or mousepad. In fact, they’re pressure sensitive pads with no display that connect to the computer through a USB cable or wireless.

You need a Separate monitor to see what are you drawing, it usually has some buttons on the side and a big workspace for you to use your stylus on.

2. Drawing Tablets With Screen

Display tablets are popularized by Wacom’s Cintiq range released in 2005. These devices are also available in a wide variety of sizes, display resolutions, and budgets.

Pen Display Tablets have a built-in screen but no computer. Once you connect to a computer, you will view the software open on the tablet screen. You can then draw and view on the tablets view.

Since they are usually large and need to be connected to a computer to work, Portability is pretty much zero. But they provide a more intuitive and natural drawing experience than traditional drawing tablets.

3. Standalone Drawing Tablets

Standalone Drawing Tablets have a screen and a computer. You do not have to connect them to a computer to use. The software being used is installed directly on the tablets computer and will run on the tablet’s screen.

They come as multipurpose options made by brands such as Apple, Samsung or Microsoft, or dedicated drawing Pen computer tablets made by Wacom, Huion, XPPen, and other art brands.

These powerful multitaskers not only work as traditional tablets used for streaming and everyday tasks, but offer enough pressure sensitivity and capabilities to perform as drawing tablets.

If you don’t have a computer already and need mobility, a standalone drawing device like the Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab may be the option for you.

How much are drawing tablets?

Drawing tablet prices vary widely: Depending on the type, brand, and features, Drawing tablets can range from as low as $30 to over $2000, offering options for every budget and preference.

Drawing tablets without screen are the most affordable: Typically priced between $30 to $300, non-screen tablets are perfect for those looking for a simple, affordable option.

Most people can find a reliable drawing tablet with essential features for less than $100. Unless you need wireless support, a roomier drawing area, or other specialized features, you probably don’t have to spend more.

Screenless drawing tablets tend to have a steeper learning curve BUT they are the cheapest among the 3 type. This makes them an ideal option for the cash-strapped beginner.

The Popular Examples are the Wacom Intuos, Huion Inspiroy and the XPen Deco tablets.

Drawing tablets with Screen: Pen Display tablets offer the gentler learning curve than screenless drawing tablets, but they do cost a bit more. There are a few affordable options though.

Some small, affordable pen displays can retail from $150 to $600, whereas premium and large-sized (22-inch+) pen displays can cost from $1,000 to over $2,000.

If your wallet allows and you’re already a pro at this drawing business, you have drawing tablets with a screen! Another thing to remember is that most still require a computer to connect to.

The Well-known Examples are the Wacom Cintiq, Huion Kamvas and the XPen Artist tablets.

Standalon Drawing Tablets: If you’re looking for portability or prefer drawing on-the-go, Standalon Drawing Tablets are a good option.

A computer and drawing tablet are rolled into one making them very convenient for more nomadic artists who take their work on the go with them.

These standalone tablets cost significantly more than a display tablet because you’re paying for the extra processing power and storage and convenience of being able to use them as a computer, a phone etc on the fly.

These tablets are around 10-inch or slightly larger. But prepare to pay over $400 for a drawing tablet of this kind, whereas top-tier flagship tablets can easily cost over $1,000.

The Standalon Drawing Tablet I highly recommend is the Apple iPad Pro or Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or Tab S10 series, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 or Pro 11 line, Huion KAMVAS Studio 16, XPPen Magic Drawing Pad, etc.

Note that Some of these tablet computers may already include their own pen stylus, but others like the apple iPad or surface pro require you to buy it separately.

Factors That Determine Drawing Tablet Prices

Regarding the price of drawing tablets, five factors can influence how much you will pay. They are brands, types, build quality, design and features.

1. Brand and Position

Premium brands like Wacom, and Xencelabs tend to be pricier, while budget brands like Huion and XPPen offer more affordable options.

Most are probably aware of Wacom, and their prices. They dominated the tablet and display market for a long time, and have positioned themselves as a premium brand.

But there are others closing the gap at an impressive rate, producing quality products at a way more accessible price point.

The two budget brands I recommend are XPPen and Huion. There’s also Ugee, Parblo, Artisul, Gaomon and Veikk which are less well-known.

2. Types

In the world of graphic tablets you have three kinds: the ones with a display, the ones without and standalone type.

Needless to say, they are in different price brackets. The drawing tablet that is good for you depends on the type of work you want to use it for.

Budget drawing tablets would be pen tablets without screens, such as Wacom Intuos or XPPen Deco much cheaper options.

Graphic Display tablets like Wacom Cintiq are much more expensive and would probably be better suited for professionals rather than hobbyists.

Just about any modern standalone tablet like ipad is more expensive than a drawing tablet, and that’s before you add the cost of a pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil (about $100), which sells for more than a non-screen drawing tablet.

But if you already have one, and you’re primarily looking to sketch or paint digitally, They are a great option.

3. Features and Tech Specs

Drawing tablets offering advanced features and specifications come with a higher price tag.

Features such as tablet size, levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, screen quality, multi-touch, digital eraser, wireless connectivity, and customizable buttons contribute to the overall cost.

Size: The size of the drawing tablet affects its price. The larger your tablet is, the more expensive it will be.

Drawing tablets come in various sizes, from small to large. Depending on your type of creative work, you may opt for a bigger device to really capture the tiny details.

A larger tablet gives you more space to draw and the flexibility to work on larger projects without movement constraints.

Tablets with smaller active areas, on the other hand, are good for students and enthusiasts who are starting to develop their skills. They’re convenient for small offices or if you want something more portable too.

Pen Pressure Levels: Pressure sensitivity is one of the most important features of a drawing tablet. It allows you to adjust the thickness of a line based on how hard you press down the stylus onto the tablet.

Pressure sensitivity is measured in levels, ranging from 4,096 up to 8,192 or even 16K. The higher the level, the more movements the tablet can detect and differentiate.

Tilt recognition: Tilt sensitivity allows the pen to detect the angle at which it is held, which can be useful for creating different brush strokes and effects.

Tilt sensitivity can be very useful for for certain kinds of artwork. If you are just taking notes it may not be useful at all.

Wireless connectivity: USB cable connectivity is more stable and reliable, ensuring low-latency communication between the tablet and computer.

Conversely, some graphic drawing tablets take the wireless route, utilizing connectivity options like Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wifi proprietary wireless technology.

Their major benefit is greater flexibility, as wireless tablets eliminate the need for physical cables and can connect to computer or mobile devices.

Screen Quality: Screen quality is crucial for accurate visuals and vibrant colors.

A higher screen resolution enhances the details and improves your overall drawing experience. While A wider color gamut will provide more accurate and vibrant colors.

Shortcut keys: Shortcut keys or express keys are programmable buttons that you can customize with frequently used tools or commands of your preference.

They can make your drawing process more efficient and help speed up your workflow by giving quick access to specific functions.

Multi-Touch Capability: Multi-Touch technology allows you to zoom, pan, and rotate on the tablet surface with fingers.

Digital Eraser: You may notice that some pens has an eraser on the other end, and when you flip the pen over, it does eraser things.

4. Build Quality and Materials

As everyone knows, the material’s quality determines the product’s value. Vapes made with high-quality materials and superior construction techniques generally command higher prices.

Premium materials such as Aluminum Alloy, ABS plastic, or glass can increase the manufacturing cost.

5. Design

Sleek, innovative designs often come at a premium. The complexity of design adds to its cost as well.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting started or simply looking for an upgrade, understanding the price range can help you make a savvy choice.

Expensive drawing tablets typically offer higher levels of precision, sensitivity, and build quality compared to cheaper alternatives. They may also include additional features like tilt recognition and customizable buttons.

However, budget tablets can still provide adequate performance for basic drawing tasks, making them suitable for beginners.

‘How much are drawing tablets’ is not the vital factor and in probably comes second to whether the product is right for you.

The best advice I can give is to shop around to check for prices in your range and read reviews which are real rather than the super short “Great product” with no reason why they liked it sort.

Once you feel like you have enough information to make a properly informed decision, you can buy with confidence.

Also Read: Good Cheap Graphics Tablets for Beginners Under $100