For the artist in the digital age, drawing tablets seamlessly merge the physical creative world with the digital one.
A great tablet can help you translate your ideas seamlessly into stunning animations, character designs, and illustrations.
Are you shopping for a drawing tablet? This is the place to start. Choosing the best drawing tablet can feel overwhelming, especially with all the brands and options available today.
That’s why I have broken this guide into three categories: screenless tablets, pen displays, and stand-alone devices.
Within each category, I’ve covered the best options availble in 2025, ensuring you find the perfect tool to enhance your creative journey. Let’s jump right in!
What are the different Types of Digital Drawing Tablets?
Digital drawing tablets come in different types, each designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of artists.
The three main types include pen tablets, drawing displays, and standalone drawing tablets.
1. Pen Tablets
A pen tablet is regarded as the most accessible, user-friendly, and budget-friendly type of digital drawing tablet.
Pen tablets are screenless devices that connect to a computer, allowing users to draw with a stylus while looking at the monitor.
They are lightweight, portable, and usually come with customizable shortcut keys that can speed up your workflow.
The downside is that they may require some practice to overcome the gap between hand movements and the visual output shown on the screen.
2. Drawing Displays
Display tablets, also known as pen displays, combine the functionality of a traditional tablet with a built-in screen that displays what you are drawing in real-time.
Artists draw directly on the display surface and that creates a more intuitive and immersive experience.
While display tablets come with a higher price tag than pen tablets, the investment is often justified by the superior drawing experience and enhanced precision they provide.
3. Standalone Drawing Tablets
These devices combine the functionality of a tablet and a computer. Standalone tablets such as iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab can run drawing applications independently. That makes them portable and very convenient for artists who want to work on the go.
With the inclusion of powerful styluses like the Apple Pencil and S Pen, artists can enjoy pressure sensitivity and tilt support for a natural drawing feel.
These tablets come with a variety of creative apps, ranging from drawing software like Ibis paint X to versatile tools for note-taking and productivity.
The combination of portability, ease of use, and advanced features makes standalone tablets a popular choice.
However, there are downsides as well. One notable drawback of standalone tablets is that they operate independently from a PC or Mac, which typically contains a user’s entire library of work-related materials.
Features to look for before buying the best drawing tablet
Before diving into the world of drawing tablets, it’s essential to understand the key features that can make or break your digital art experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, here are some crucial factors to consider before making your purchase:
Tablet Size
Consider the physical size of the tablet and the active drawing area available.
Larger tablets provide more space for expansive strokes and intricate details, while smaller ones offer portability and convenience.
Screen Resolution and Color Accuracy
A higher resolution and wider color accuracy ensure that your drawings appear crisp and precise on the screen.
Look for tablets with high-resolution and accurate color to capture every detail of your artwork.
Pressure Sensitivity
This feature determines how accurately the tablet can detect the pressure the stylus applies. Higher pressure sensitivity allows precise control over line thickness and opacity, mimicking traditional drawing techniques.
Tilt Sensitivity
The tilt Sensitivity lets you adjust the angle of the stylus for strokes that mimic the way you would hold a pencil or brush in traditional art.
Pens with tilt sensitivity offer a more natural drawing experience.
Pen Types
Battery-free styluses from wacom, huion and xppen are powered through electromagnetic resonance (EMR), meaning they don’t require recharging or battery replacements. They’re typically lighter, more comfortable, and convenient for extended use.
On the other hand, Rechargeable styluses like apple pencil contain an internal battery and need periodic charging.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Ensure the drawing tablet is compatible with your computer’s operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and software applications (such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Clip Studio Paint).
Additionally, check for connectivity options like USB, Bluetooth, or wireless capabilities.
Additional Features
Look for extra features like customizable shortcut buttons, digital eraser, and multi-touch gestures.
These can enhance your workflow and streamline your creative process.
Price and Budget
Set a budget that aligns with your needs and skill level. While high-end professional tablets offer advanced features and performance, budget-friendly options are also available that provide excellent value for money.
By carefully considering these features, you can select the best drawing tablet that suits your artistic style, workflow, and budget.
Top 12 Best Graphic Drawing Tablets of 2025
Hone your drawing skills with my handpicked selection of the 12 best drawing tablets.
1. Wacom Intuos Pro
When it comes to creative pen tablets, the Wacom Intuos Pro is the standard for professional digital artists as well as aspiring pros.
The Intuos Pro comes in three sizes—I recommend the Medium and Large version, which features an ample 8.7 x 5.8-inch and huge 12.1 x 8.4 inches active area, respectively.
The tablet includes 8 customizable ExpressKeys and 1 touch ring for faster access to essential tools, and its Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless usage, making it highly flexible.
Its multi-touch functionality lets you easily scroll, zoom, and navigate your art via the tablet. You can also turn touch-based gestures off if they mess with your flow.
Unsheathe the Wacom Pro Pen 2 from its stable stand; then select one of several interchangeable pen tips to give the pen the feel of a traditional artist’s tool.
The battery-free Pro Pen 2 has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, with tilt response and virtually no lag, providing unparalleled control over brush strokes and shading.
Although quite a number of other devices claim the same tech specs, not all of them can perfectly fulfill the promise. Wacom pens are generally considered more accurate than other manufacturers.
If you buy this tablet, you’re paying for a top-notch quality tablet. You’re paying for a more sensitive pen, better build quality, support, and excellent drawing experience.
2. XPPen Deco Pro Gen 2
For artists looking for a budget-friendly tablet with powerful features, the XP-Pen Deco Pro (Gen 2) is a fantastic option for 2025.
Its generous drawing area, solid build quality, and high-level performance make it ideal for beginners or artists on the go who want precision and ease without a high price tag.
Like a T-shirt, it comes in three sizes: Medium, Large, and extra large, with an active canvas area of 9″x6″, 11″x7″, 15″x9″, respectively. Even the smallest version has a big drawing area, allowing you to fully express your creativity.
The matte surface has a very slight texture to it that offers some resistance while you draw. The lower edge of the tablet is actually slightly curved, more ergonomic and provides a more comfortable drawing experience.
It also includes a wireless, programmable ACK05 shortcut Remote (10 individual buttons and one dial) and two X3 Pro styluses – one is slimmer.
The stylus is comfortable and has an eraser on the end. The big advantage of this stylus is inside, with its 16k levels of pressure, 3g initial activation force, and 60° tilt support.
That lower 3g initial activation force is key to this. While it’s not as good as Wacom’s 1g IAF on the Pro Pen 2, this gets very close.
Artists will appreciate how naturally and smoothly it replicates traditional drawing techniques, with precise line variation and shading.
Another feature that not many budget-friendly graphics tablets have is Bluetooth wireless connection, which can last up to 10 hours of battery life.
The XPPen Deco Pro (Gen 2) is the finest competitor to the Wacom Intuos Pro I’ve used, the differences are really quite minor and the Deco Pro is half the price. Highly recommended!
3. Huion Inspiroy 2
The Inspiroy 2 graphic tablet from Huion is a powerful yet affordable tool for creative professionals and hobby artists.
The three different sizes available are Small, Medium and Large that fits the needs of any digital artist. Sizes of active drawing area are 6.3″×3.9″, 8.7″×5.4″ and 10.5″×6.56″ respectively.
The battery-free pen PW110 adopts Huion PenTech 3.0 technology, which ensures better stability, lower 3g IAF, and a excellent drawing experience.
In addition to two shortcut buttons on the stylus, the tablet has as many as eight keys and one scroll wheel conveniently grouped on the left tablet side.
It has a thin & elegant design, available in 3 colors: Black, Pink and Green. The metallic-like strip where the scroll wheel & the hot keys are looks particularly beautiful.
As an affordable tablet, though, and there are things lacked: bluetooth connection, touch mode, eraser on the other end of the pen, etc.
4. Wacom Movink 13
The Wacom Movink 13 is Slim, lightweight and durable, designed for portability, which can extend the functionality of your existing laptop.
It has a 13-inch, high-resolution touchscreen display that is ideal for drawing. Even though the resolution is only 1080p, the screen is OLED which delivers very vibrant, accurate colors and excellent contrast.
The Movink 13 has a laminated display. Wacom calls this optical bonding, which achieves the smallest parallax. Additionally, the etched glass surface reduces reflections, giving a natural paper-like feel while drawing.
It boasts an incredible Pro Pen 3 with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 60-degree tilt, making it the best stylus you’ll find anywhere. Great initial activation, great pressure curve, very responsive.
Overall, The Wacom Movink 13 OLED display tablet is an amazing drawing tool for artists, photographers, and designers,whether they work from or frequently travel.
5. XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro V2
For those just starting their digital art journey, the XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro V2 offers an affordable entry point into drawing tablets without sacrificing quality.
Its 15.6-inch full HD screen delivers clear and sharp details, with 96% Adobe RGB color accuracy for reliable color representation.
The laminated screen and matte screen film offer a paper-like texture and reduce reflections, enhancing the drawing experience.
The included X3 smart chip stylus features 16K levels of pressure sensitivity, 3g IAF, and tilt support, allowing for precise, natural drawing and shading.
The tablet connects easily via Single USB-C cable, which makes your workspace more organized.
In addition, Its 8 ExpressKeys and one unique red roller wheel allow for personalized workflow enhancements.
6. Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3)
Another great mid-range option is the Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3). It’s a solid choice for both beginners and pros on a budget.
With its 15.8-inch 2.5K QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution display and 90% Adebe RGB color coverage, this tablet provides outstanding color fidelity and sharpness.
The display is fully laminated, which minimizes parallax. It also has an etched glass surface and so shouldn’t be prone to scratches.
The sensitive and responsive PenTech4.0 stylus deliver a fantastic drawing experience via 16,384 levels of pressure, 2g IAF, and tilt support..
This tablet also includes 6 buttons and two dials, designed to streamline workflows and provide quick access to frequently used functions.
7. wacom cintiq pro 22
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 is ideal for professional artists, animators, and designers who want the most natural drawing experience possible.
The huge, 21.5-inch drawing screen is a joy to use, giving you plenty of room to make broad, sweeping pen strokes.
The 4K UHD display is crystal clear and colors look bold, ture to life, and bright due to a wide color gamut of 98% Adobe RGB. Plus, The 120 Hz refresh is very awesome, super fast and a joy to use.
The glass surface is also well-designed, with an anti-glare, matte finish, providing a natural, paper-like feel. The screen is fully laminated that reduces parallax to minal, enhancing drawing accuracy.
The included Pro Pen 3 Stylus, with an astounding 8192 pressure levels and tilt sensitivity, allowing for ultimate creative control and instant reproduction of your movements.
The tablet also includes 8 customisable shortcut keys along the back edge for streamlined workflow.
With a brilliant display, excellent pressure sensitivity, and impeccable hardware, nothing comes close to beating the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22.
Now if that’s too big you could always get the smaller 17-inch Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 model which also save you some money.
8. XPPen Artist 22 Pro (Gen 2)
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 22 (Gen 2) is a fantastic choice.
This bad boy offers a same big 21.6-inch display with 2.5K QHD resolution, provides great clarity and detail, while the 99% Adobe RGB color coverage ensures vibrant and accurate colors.
Its screen is full lamination and comes with anti-glare coating reduces reflections, providing a comfortable and realistic pen-on-paper feel.
The advanced X3 Pro stylus with 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, 3g IAF, and 60° tilt support delivers an ultra-responsive, natural drawing experience.
Its adjustable stand ensures a comfortable working angle, and included ACK05 Wireless ExpressKey Remote allow for efficient workflow management.
The XP-Pen Artist Pro 22 is just a lot of fun to use, and it’s equally suitable for artists just starting out as it is for seasoned experts trying to improve.
9. Huion Kamvas Pro 19
The Huion Kamvas Pro 19 is a fantastic drawing display that provides you with all of the things you need to start digitally drawing.
With an 18.4” large screen, 93% AdobeRGB gamut, and a 4K UHD resolution, it provides incredible clarity and accurate color to your projects.
The laminated screen and pen calibration aid in making it feel like you’re drawing on the pixels. Its matte etched glass surface provides a wonderful tactile feel.
It includes 2 styluses that utilizes advanced pen technology 4.0 with high 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, providing precise and natural pen input for a lifelike drawing experience.
Another practical accessory is the wireless hortcut keyboard. You can freely assign more than a dozen buttons and a rotary wheel with a centre button.
Overall, Huion Kamvas Pro 19 gives you plenty of space and precision to bring your characters to life. It’s large, in charge, and ready to help you create the next masterpiece.
10. XPPen Artist 24 Pro (Gen 2)
The XPPen Artist 24 Pro (Gen 2) is a top-of-the-line pen display designed for professional animators and digital artists who need an expansive, high-resolution workspace.
Its 23.8-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display offers crystal-clear visuals with exceptional color accuracy, covering 99% of Adobe RGB for vibrant and true-to-life colors.
The screen is fully laminated and its surface has a frosted matte finish to create the feel of drawing on paper.
The gadget comes with two X3 Pro pens, which is a splash of generosity rarely seen in packages of other brands.
The actual drawing experience is pretty darn good and I’d say the stylus pens can rank up there with Wacom’s. The X3 Pro pen gives you incredible control over the tilt and degree of pressure.
Not only do you get the two pens but you also get a ACK05 Wireless ExpressKey Remote, an adjustable stand, 10 replacement nibs, a stylus case, a drawing glove along with a cleaning cloth.
It feels nice to open up your box and have all these goodies just waiting for you. Really nice touch.
Looking for the ultimate smoothness in your creative process? There is another XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) version features lower 2.5K QHD resolution but has a stunning 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring every stroke and action feels seamless and precise.
11. Apple iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro (2024) stands out as a premier choice for artists seeking a portable, powerful and versatile drawing tablet. It’s ideal for illustrators, comic artists, and anyone who likes to sketch ideas wherever inspiration strikes.
Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, it features an Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display with ProMotion technology, delivering vibrant colors and smooth, responsive visuals.
Paired with the Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Pro offers an exceptional drawing experience. The stylus provides precise control and a natural feel, making it ideal for detailed artwork.
The Internal M4 chip has no equal in terms of processing speed and power, handling complex tasks and large files with ease. And you can choose from various internal storage options up to 2 TB.
Add in the fact that you can run a ton of great, exclusive art apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and even full-fledged Photoshop, illustrator, and you’ve got a seriously powerful drawing tool.
The iPad Pro comes with a long-lasting battery life – more than 10 hours. If you draw casually, you may be able to use the tablet without having to charge it for a long time.
One downside, however, is that it isn’t cheap and you do not get the Apple Pencil pro in the box when you buy the iPad Pro. You have to purchase it separately, which may make matters worse.
12. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a powerhouse Android tablet that’s perfect for artists who prefer a versatile device that can handle both art and everyday tasks.
Equipped with a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and vibrant color accuracy, it provides a stunning visual experience, allowing artists to work with brilliant colors and sharp detail.
It includes a highly responsive S Pen stylus that uses Wacom pen tech, supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, ideal for creating detailed drawings, shading, and dynamic brushwork.
With its Android OS, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra allows artists to use popular art drawing apps like Infinite Painter, Ibis Paint X, Sketchbook, and Clip Studio Paint, offering a seamless workflow.
Its powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset ensures smooth performance even with complex, layered projects, while the lightweight, slim design makes it a highly portable option for artists on the go.
Additionally, the long 10-hours battery life ensures extended use, so artists can create without interruptions.
Due to its expensive price, The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra could be overkill for a regular consumer. However, at the same time, the tablet is a dream come true for both aspiring and professional artists.
If you don’t need such a large screen and want better portability, you can choose a smaller 12.4-inch SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus.
Concluion
Getting a drawing tablet is a big leap so you want to consider all your options. Especially because there is no single “best” product for everyone.
From budget-friendly screenless options to high-end, professional pen displays and stand-alone devices, there’s a tablet out there that fits your style, skill level, and budget.
But if you want a surefire trusted tablet that will last for years then I’d highly recommend a Wacom tablet – Intuos Pro, Movink 13 or Cintiq Pro 22.
All 3 wacom tablets are incredibly powerful drawing tablets with top-tier drawing performance, and a warranty backed by a trusted brand used by professional animators & artists across the world.
If Wacom doesn’t suit your needs or can’t fit within your budget then any of the other models listed here should work just fine.
For alternatives I’m really fond of Huion and XPPen since they both deliver a similar quality that falls within the same ballpark as Wacom.
