The 5 Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners in 2024

When starting digital art, there is a question that will always come across any artist’s mind: Which tablet should I get? Although it might seem like a simple question, with the number of brand reviews, influencers, and new tablets, the choice can be overwhelming.

Choosing the right digital art tablet requires a balance of personal preference, functionality, compatibility, and comfort, it’s a decision that should be based on thorough research and, if possible, hands-on testing. However, we all know that drawing tablets are expensive and we can’t always test each of them to see how they feel and how they perform.

That’s why in this guide we’ll learn all about drawing tablets, from their characteristics to their performance and overall feel, we also aim to be your eyes and hands, providing you with first-hand testing experience and giving you as much information as we can about the best drawing tablets for beginners in the market.

Let’s get started!

Why Use a Drawing Tablet?

The transition from traditional art to digital is not for everybody, however having the experience of drawing in a digital device be it a tablet, a laptop or an iPad is always fun and can open the doors to new opportunities.

Younger generations already have the advantage of technology on their hands, some even have owned a tablet or iPad since they were kids, however, not all tablets have the one characteristics that make it possible to create art on them: Pressure sensitivity.

Tablet computers with pressure sensitivity are not as rare as they were a few years ago, however, they tend to be very expensive or have some flaws that will hinder your artistic journey. Graphics tablets and Pen Displays on the other side, have always held up the standard of professional work, are more affordable, and are used thoroughly in the art industry by many professionals and freelance artists.

The issue when choosing between a tablet computer and a drawing tablet lies usually in the user’s preference, budget, and plans for the future. If you want to start creating ASAP, have a trusted companion for school, work, entertainment, etc and if you have the money for it, a tablet computer is the answer. In contrast, drawing tablets focus lies on streamlining the working process, enhancing the drawing experience, and providing color and trace accuracy.  

Key Features to Look for in a Drawing Tablet

Type of Tablet

There are three types of tablets that you’ll find when looking for a drawing tablet: Tablet Computers, Pen Displays, and Pen Tablets.Tablet Computers

Tablet Computers are devices that can work on their own, don’t need to be plugged into a PC or laptop, and have a separate OS, like Apple (iPad) and Android Tablets.

These tablets are relatively new in the “drawing tablet” category, and due to their multiple features are the most expensive ones, and since they’re not made specifically for drawing, the styluses are not fully optimized to work as a professional drawing tablet stylus would. They are also quite limited in size and might present some OS compatibility issues with your preferred software, like the lack of optimization of the Adobe Suite for mobile or the fact that some apps are only available in one OS, like Procreate.

Pen Displays

A Pen Display is basically a screen you can draw on with extreme accuracy. Also, pressure-sensitive, these devices are fully optimized for digital drawing and painting. They have very high-resolution displays that are carefully calibrated to portray colors the most accurately possible, which is a great advantage for professional work. These are not as expensive as Tablet Computers but will always need to be connected to a PC or Laptop, which increases the overall cost.

Pen Tablets

Pen tablets are the traditional drawing tablets that lie flat on your desk. These devices don’t have a screen but a pressure-sensitive surface that interacts with the stylus and translates your traces to pixels. Pen tablets need to be connected to a PC or Laptop to work, and although some can work wirelessly, they fully depend on a separate PC to work. These tablets are also designed exclusively for digital drawing and are the most affordable of all. The learning curve is slightly steep since you won’t be able to see what you’re drawing directly, but you get used to it quickly with some practice.

Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is the factor that measures how well your device registers the pressure you put onto your stylus while drawing. The professional standard for pressure sensitivity is 8192 levels, and one excellent way to identify outdated models is that they offer 4096 levels or less. These tablets are still good for drawing, however, they don’t offer the same level of control and precision you might need in the future.

Tablet computers use a different type of stylus that allows only 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity due to the tablet’s inner components and doesn’t offer the same level of precision and line control as Pen Tablets and Pen Displays.

Size and Portability

Drawing tablets come in different sizes, but we can sort them into three main groups: 

Large Tablets:

Here we find mostly Pen Displays and Pen Computers that are larger than 16 inches. Due to their size, these tablets are fully stationary, and nearly impossible to transport if you travel constantly. 

Large tablets are a delight to work on, especially if you use a lot of references, work with large canvases, or do detailed work. They offer an extra level of comfort and arm support, however, they need special stands and mounts to be supported, and of course, a large desk or enough space on your working setup.

Medium Tablets:

Here we find tablets that go from 13 to 16 inches, usually also Tablet Computers and Pen Displays. These tablets are what most would call “the sweet spot” between drawing comfort and portability. While being too big for a “normal tablet” size, they also offer a good level of comfort when drawing and are what we’d call “portable”, however, they’re not great for carrying around and won’t fit on most bags for school.

Small Tablets: 

We call small all the Pen Tablets, Pen Displays, and Pen Computers that are smaller than 13 inches. These tablets are perfectly portable be it on your bag, hand, or suitcase. They are very affordable (Pen Tablets and Pen Displays) due to the size, but on the downside, the comfort level is not the same as medium and large tablets; some even need special stands to offer full arm support and avoid wrist strain for those long drawing sessions. Plus, if you’re not going for a tablet computer, you’ll also have to consider that you’ll have to carry around your laptop along with your drawing tablet.

Display Quality and Resolution

Another important consideration for drawing tablets with screens is the quality of the display and the resolution. High-resolution displays mean sharper images, no pixelation and reduced eye strain. We recommend going for devices with at least 1920×1080 (FHD) resolution.

Another consideration regarding the display is the brightness, which is especially important if you’re going to work outside or near a window. Some tablets perform amazingly at night and with dim lights, however not all of us can or like to work at night. Go for tablets with more than 200 nits, and if your budget allows it, 300 nits which will work great in dark and well lit environments.

Color Accuracy

Color Accuracy refers to how well your tablet portrays the colors. There are different color spaces that are used through all digital devices, from TVs to Cameras, Phones, and Tablets. The standard is sRGB, which covers a good portion of the visible spectrum, however in order to have uniform colors through all the devices, a better color space is needed. The ideal for drawing tablets is 100% Adobe RGB, however, only a few models reach close to 99%. Some tablets will offer 120% of the sRGB color space and that can be misleading because that only covers 80% of the Adobe RGB color space, so make sure to double-check the color accuracy of the tablet.

OS and Software Compatibility

Before buying your first drawing tablet, especially if you’re planning on getting a Tablet Computer please make sure to double-check if your preferred software or the software you’re planning on using is available on the app store. For example, let’s say you’re planning on getting an Android tablet or an iPad and you want to use Photoshop. While there is a version of Photoshop for mobile devices and iPadOS, it is very limited and has a lot of bugs. Same goes for Android tablets that only have the even more limited Photoshop Express.

For Pen Tablets and Pen Displays, make sure you buy one that is compatible with the OS of your PC. While most drawing tablets are compatible with Windows and Mac, other OS like Linux, ChromeOS and Android might not be supported, so make sure to check the specifications before buying.

Price

And lastly, the price. While being a beginner doesn’t mean you have to go for the cheapest model, buying a high-value affordable tablet is always a better choice. You don’t have to own the latest, largest drawing tablet for your art to improve, however, investing a couple hundred more can make a big difference in the quality of your device and the use you might give it in the future.

If you’re in school and need a portable device for your art and for note-taking and studying, a tablet computer is the best option. If you want to go for a drawing tablet with a screen, getting a good tablet that will keep its value for several years is better than getting the cheapest option possible and having it break or lose driver’s support in the next couple of years. If you want to go for a Pen tablet, then going for a newer, wireless model will be about the same as going for a traditional wired tablet so look for features that will be useful to you and your work. Like shortcut keys, dials, and colors that appeal to your taste and aesthetic.

Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners in 2024

1. Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners Overall — iPad Air 5th Gen
2. Best Drawing Tablet With A Screen for Beginners — Huion Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K)
3. Best Pen Tablet for Beginners — XP-PEN Deco 03
4. Best Touch Drawing Tablet for Beginners —- XP-Pen Artist 16 Touch.
5. Best Budget Drawing Tablet for Beginners — Simbans PicassoTab XL.
6. Best Android Drawing Tablet for Beginners — Samsung Galaxy S9 FE

#1. Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners Overall  — iPad Air 5th gen.

Selection Criteria

• Type of Tablet: Tablet.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity: Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with 2,048 levels.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Size and Portability: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Display Quality and Resolution: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 2360 x 1640 Pixels.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Software and OS Compatibility: iPadOS.
  • Our Score – 7/10
• Price: $499.99.
  • Our Score – 9/10

About the iPad Air 5th Gen

The iPad Air is one of the most affordable, versatile, and powerful drawing tablets in the market. This tablet has not only one of the most color-accurate displays but also the perfect portable size and great performance with the M1 Chip. Since the iPad Air works with the Apple Pencil 2, artists will have improved precision, more battery life, and one additional shortcut with the double tap feature.

Since this is a tablet computer, you won’t need to use a PC or laptop with it, yet you’ll still have access to some of the most popular drawing apps like Procreate, Ibis Paint, and Clip Studio Paint. 

Additionally, you’ll be able to use this iPad for note-taking, entertainment, daily tasks, video editing, etc.

On the downside, the RAM might be limiting in the long run, plus the OS is not fully compatible with the full version of Photoshop and other Windows-only apps and software.

Pros

• High-resolution display
• Apple Pencil compatibility
• Extensive app ecosystem

Cons

• Higher cost
• Limited port selection
• iOS-based restrictions

2. Best Drawing Tablet With A Screen for Beginners — Huion Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K).

Selection Criteria 

• Type of Tablet: Pen Display.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity: PenTech 3.0 – PW517 with 8192 levels.
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Size and Portability: 17.01 x 10 x 4.02 inches.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Display Quality and Resolution: 15.8 inch, 2.5K QHD (2560×1440).
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Software and OS Compatibility: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, Android(USB3.1 DP1.2 or later).
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Price: $599.00.
  • Our Score – 7/10

About the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K).

The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is an excellent tablet with a screen. It offers an improved resolution than the usual FHD, is compatible with most OS and drawing software, and it now has an improved Pen for better stability, accuracy, and comfort.

This tablet includes an adjustable stand and the screen has multiple viewing angles. It’s also specially calibrated to cover up to 94% of the Adobe RGB color space, making it one of the most accurate displays on the market.

It’s fairly affordable compared to other tablets and features eight shortcut keys that’ll help you streamline your process. 

On the downside, the screen is not touch, which can be a tough change for iPad and Android tablet users, and it’s not compatible with ChromeOS.

Pros

• Affordable price
• High resolution (2.5K)
• Large drawing area

Cons

• Requires external computer
• No touch gestures

3. Best Pen Tablet for Beginners — XP-PEN Deco 03

Selection Criteria

• Type of Tablet: Pen Tablet.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity: Pen Stylus with 8192 level.
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Size and Portability: 13.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Software and OS Compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS, Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Price: $99.99.
  • Our Score – 10/10

About the XP-PEN Deco 03.

The XP Pen Deco 03 is the perfect option

for those looking for a more traditional, affordable, and portable tablet. It’s highly compatible with most operating systems, offers the same level of pressure sensitivity as high-end professional tablets, and has a dial on the corner to speed up your process. Very easy to set up and use for beginners, durable and super affordable.

Pros

• Wireless capability
• Large active area
• Customizable express keys

Cons

• No integrated display
• Steeper learning curve

4. Best Touch Drawing Tablet for Beginners — XP Pen Artist 16 Touch.

Selection Criteria

• Type of Tablet: Pen Display.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity:  XPPen X3 Elite Plus with 8192 Levels.
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Size and Portability: 17.45 x 10.09 x 0.35 inches.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Display Quality and Resolution: 15.6 Inch, 3849 x 2160 Pixels high resolution with a wide color gamut of 133% sRGB(99% AdobeRGB).
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Software and OS Compatibility:  Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac OS X10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux.
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Price: $699.99.
  • Our Score – 9/10

About the XP Pen Artist 16 Touch.

One of the best drawing tablets that were released in the past couple of years is the XP Pen Artist 16 Pro TP, the first multi-touch Pen Display with 4K (3840 x 2160 px) resolution and 98% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space. 

Although the starting price point is higher than other tablets, this Pen Display is nearly a professional device in a portable size. Additionally is also highly compatible with multiple OS, including Chrome OS and Linux.

Pros

• Touch-enabled
• 4K display
• Affordable price

Cons

• Limited color gamut
• Requires external computer

5. Best Budget Drawing Tablet for Beginners — Simbans PicassoTab XL.

Selection Criteria

• Type of Tablet: Tablet Computer 
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity: Stylus Pen with 1024 Levels.
  • Our Score – 7/10
• Size and Portability: 11.02 x 7.09 x 0.39 inches.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Display Quality and Resolution: 11.6 Inches.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Software and OS Compatibility: Android 11.
  • Our Score – 7/10
• Price: $259.95.
  • Our Score – 9/10

About the Simbans PicassoTab XL.

One brand that is not heard about much is Simbans, however if you’re looking for a drawing tablet for beginners, that is Android-based, and that has a pressure sensitive pencil without breaking the bank, the PicassoTabXL is the best you’ll find.

This tablet is portable, has a multi-touch surface and handles creative apps like Ibis Paint, Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop Express. The perfect gift for children, teens, beginners and artists on a budget.

On the downside, the palm rejection is not as good as on other more advanced and expensive models.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Android OS
• Bundled software

Cons

• Lower resolution
• Average build quality
• Limited app support

6. Best Android Drawing Tablet for Beginners — Samsung Galaxy S9 FE

Selection Criteria

• Type of Tablet: Tablet Computer.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Pressure Sensitivity: S Pen with 4096 Levels.
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Size and Portability: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 inches.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Display Quality and Resolution: 10.9-inch, WUXGA+ (2304×1440) LCD Display.
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Software and OS Compatibility: Android 13
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Price: $399.99.
  • Our Score – 8/10

About the Samsung Galaxy S9 FE

And as the best Android Tablet for beginner we have the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 FE. This tablet has a great display, super long battery life, comes with the S Pen included, which was developed with Wacom technology, align it extra comfortable and accurate for drawing.

This tablet is also very portable and easy to use. And with Samsung Dex mode you can easily turn it into a small workstation or.connect it to your other Samsung devices.

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface.
• Affordable Price.
• Good Display Quality.

Cons

• Limited Features.
• Smaller size.