The 11 Best Graphics Tablet for Artists
For artists today, a graphics tablet is an indispensable tool. It allows you to digitally draw, paint, and edit images with the natural feeling of putting pen to paper but with the flexibility and power of working digitally. With so many graphics tablets on the market, how do you determine which is best? This comprehensive guide examines the key factors to consider and reviews the best graphics tablet for artists.
- Graphics tablets provide a natural drawing feel, pressure sensitivity, and expressive capabilities, enhancing creative workflows for artists.
- Key factors for selection include drawing surface area, pen pressure levels, and the quality of the stylus for optimal performance.
- Portability, efficiency features, and compatible software bundles significantly influence the choice of graphics tablets for various artistic needs.
Why Use a Graphics Tablet?
Before we dive into the options, let's look at why a graphics tablet should be an integral part of any digital artist's toolkit:
- Natural drawing/painting feel – Graphics tablets allow you to hold and use a stylus like a real pencil or paintbrush, providing excellent control and nuanced input for digital artwork. This makes the creative process feel seamless.
- Pressure sensitivity – Most graphics tablets detect the amount of pressure you apply with the stylus. This means you can create beautiful variations in line weight and opacity, just as with real artistic media.
- Expressive capabilities – Besides pressure, tablets can sense the tilt and orientation of the stylus, allowing you to add expression and texture through the angle and rotation of the stroke. Real traditional media can't do this!
- Artistic capabilities – From drawing to painting, comics to concept art, graphics tablets excel at many disciplines. Their capabilities rival or surpass what's possible with mouse input.
- Efficiency – Tablets save you time on repetitive tasks through shortcut buttons and powerful software integration. You can also instantly undo mistakes and easily edit previous work.
- Portability – Lightweight tablets and wireless styluses mean you can be creative wherever inspiration strikes. Many are highly compact for travel.
Critical Considerations for Choosing a Graphics Tablet
Now that you know their benefits, how do you pick the right graphics tablet from the options? Here are the critical criteria to consider:
Drawing Surface Area
The total active area you have to draw on is a top consideration. Are you doing intricate illustrations or large artistic compositions? Make sure to get a surface area large enough for your needs. Areas range from just 4×3 inches on small tablets to nearly the size of a full sheet of paper (8.5×11 inches) on larger models.
Pen Pressure Levels
This determines the sensitivity range and nuance you can achieve simply by varying the pressure of the stylus. Entry-level tablets often have 1024 or 2048 pressure levels, while high-end models boast 8192 or more. More is generally better here for refined control.
Pen Technology
The stylus is your paintbrush, so its capabilities make a big difference. Key factors are pressure sensitivity, tilt support, ergonomics, shortcut buttons, and whether it needs to be charged. Battery-free pens provide a more natural feel. Look for a stylus well-suited to your needs.
Controls and Shortcuts
Good graphics tablets provide customisable express keys, touch rings, scroll wheels, and other shortcuts to boost efficiency. Positioning these controls is also vital – you want them conveniently accessible without looking.
Software Bundle
Many tablets ship with creative software included. Software like Corel Painter Essentials and Autodesk Sketchbook provide excellent tools if you're new to digital art. For pros, check if the software you already own is compatible.
Connectivity
Graphics tablets connect to your computer via USB, USB-C or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Wireless capability means less cable clutter and offers complete freedom of movement. Just check that your tablet's wireless connectivity matches your computer.
Drawing Texture
Drawing on slick glass can feel unnatural and slippery. Many tablets feature textured surfaces that recreate the subtle friction of paper. Try out different textures to see what feels best for your purposes.
Price Range
Tablets span a wide range, from around $50 for essential starter tablets to over $2,500 for cutting-edge professional models. Consider how serious your artistic pursuits are and choose a price point accordingly. Expect to pay $200-$600 for a capable mid-range tablet.
Top 11 Graphics Tablets for Artists
Based on the critical criteria outlined above, these stand out as some of the best graphics tablets available for artists today:
1 – Wacom Intuos Pro Creative Pen Tablet
- Precision Graphics Tablet: Our professional Wacom Intuos utilizes trusted Pro Pen technology to allow for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
- Ultra-Responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2: The included ergonomic 8192 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is easy to control, giving you the familiar feel that you are used to with exceptional sensitivity
- Compact Bluetooth Design: The compact design along with touch gestures and programmable buttons give you a broad range of ways to personalize the way you work and create
The best overall choice for serious artists
- The large active area up to 13.9″ x 8.7″
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Advanced Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology
- Abundant express keys and controls
- Optional wireless connectivity
- Textured surface options
- Included creative software suite
The Wacom Intuos Pro represents the gold standard among graphics tablets for outstanding pen performance, a natural drawing feel, and powerful software integration. The high-pressure sensitivity enables remarkable control. Plus, a wide range of size options allows you to choose the ideal active area for your creative work.
2 – XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing Monitor
- ★Artist 15.6 Pro features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys and Red Dial which can improve work efficiency★8 shortcut keys put more customization options at your fingertips. The innovative Red Dial interface breaks through the traditional pen display design for optimal efficiency
- ★Artist 15.6 Pro provides better working environment. ★The 15.6 inch full-laminated IPS Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC（120% sRGB ) with 178 degrees of visual angle .Comes with a replaceable anti-glare optical film
- ★With Artist 15.6 Pro, you will enjoy a more naturally familiar drawing experience than ever before. ★The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro supports 60 degrees of tilt function. Battery-free Stylus : 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Suitable for both right and left hand users
An extra-large pen display drawing tablet
- 15.6″ HD tilting display
- Battery-free pen with 8192 pressure levels
- 16 express keys and red dial wheel
- 1920×1080 FHD resolution
- 120% sRGB color gamut coverage
- VESA stand compatible
This XP-Pen tablet combines a generously sized 15.6-inch display with impressive pen capabilities for a highly immersive drawing experience. The 1920×1080 HD screen provides vivid colours and clarity for artwork. Fold the screen flat or tilt it to your preferred angle. Built-in shortcuts boost efficiency.
3 – Huion Inspiroy H1060P Graphics Drawing Tablet
A top-budget tablet pick
- 10 x 6.25-inch active area
- 8192 pressure levels
- Battery-free pen
- Six customisable express keys
- Pen tilt recognition
- LCD writing tablet display
- Portable, lightweight design
For artists seeking great pen functionality on a budget, the Huion Inspiroy H1060P delivers. It provides a responsive drawing surface with ample room to create. The pressure-sensitive battery-free pen enables you to inject expression easily. While the controls are minimalist, they remain thoughtfully designed and user-friendly—an excellent value tablet.
4 – Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
A wallet-friendly smaller Wacom choice
- 6 x 3.7-inch active space
- 4096 levels of pressure
- Includes Wacom Pen 4K
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity
- Eight customisable express keys
- Lightweight, slim design
- Bundled creative software
The entry-level Wacom Intuos offers beginner artists an affordable introduction to working with a responsive pressure-sensitive pen and valuable creative software. While the drawing area is modestly sized, this tablet's intuitive controls and overall build quality make it worthy of consideration for hobbyists.
5 – Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Drawing Tablet
- [Outstanding Visuals] You can enjoy immersive viewing in great clarity and fine detail with the help of 15.6-inch full-laminated screen and anti-glare glass of the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 drawing tablet with screen. For a good feel while drawing, the graphics drawing monitor contains smooth but slight texture.
- [Brilliant Color] See your creations in vibrant and true-to-life colors on this pen display with 120% sRGB (92% AdobeRGB) color gamut volume(16.7 million 8-bit). 1000:1 contrast ratio shows shadow details clearer and sharper.
- [Optimized Workflow] Kamvas pro 16 drawing monitors comprise with 6 customized express keys and a touch bar which is helpful to get access to favorite shortcuts of keywords or mouse to achieve different operations like zooming in and out, adjusting brush size, saving time and keystrokes.
An advanced pen display drawing tablet
- 15.6″ fully laminated HD screen
- 120% sRGB color gamut coverage
- PW517 battery-free pen
- ±60° tilt support & 8192 pressure levels
- 16 customisable express keys -VESA mount compatible
- Built-in stand for 19-degree inclination
Offering one of the best-in-class pen experiences thanks to innovations like its PW517 stylus, the Kamvas Pro 16 will delight creators with its responsive and nuanced drawing performance. The 15.6-inch HD display renders your artwork with excellent clarity and colour reproduction—convenient express keys round out a top-tier pen tablet that feels like the future.
6 – Apple iPad Pro & Apple Pencil
A versatile portable pen tablet solution
- 11″ & 12.9″ size options
- Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, wide colour
- Apple Pencil with tilt & pressure, magnetic attachment
- Powerful Apple A-series processors
- Extensive app ecosystem for creativity
- Face ID and USB-C connectivity
While more of a tablet than a dedicated graphics tablet, the Apple iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil make for a competent mobile pen interface. The Pencil delivers immense creative flexibility, while the bright Liquid Retina displays offer stunning image quality. Thanks to its app support and portable form factor, it is ideal for working on the go.
7 – Microsoft Surface Pro 8 & Surface Pen
A premium 2-in-1 pen tablet
- 13″ high-res touch display
- Surface Pen with 4096 pressure levels
- Intel Core processor options
- Long 13+ hour battery life
- Runs full Windows 11 OS
- Kickstand and detachable keyboard
- USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
Combining tablet portability with total Windows environment productivity, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a versatile, high-performance pen tablet. The Surface Pen enables nuanced digital inking capabilities. Under the hood, Intel Core processors drive robust performance – making this an ideal solution for creative pros seeking power and mobility.
8 – XP-Pen Artist 22R Pro Drawing Monitor
- Redefine the professional criterion: Artist 22R Pro graphics tablet with display is the first graphics monitor in the graphics tablet industry that supports Type-C to Type-C connection. Due to this basis, the 22R Pro graphics tablet can be connected directly from Type-C to HDMI/USB adapter to your Imac/Mac Book Pro and other Type-C supported Windows computers without assistance.
- Battery-less P2A pen ensures higher performance: the PA2 battery-free pen with 8192 pressure levels supports 60° tilt angle. With a natural tilt of the pen, you can create shadows or sketches. Let yourself be surprised by their effect.
- Let your ideas shine with the wide colour field: Features 21.5 inch HD display and 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧90%, sRGB≧120%) wide colour field, allows finer and more detailed lines and brilliant colours. Let your ideas shine.
A large pen display with vivid colour
- 21.5-inch FHD tilt display
- 16.7M color gamut coverage (sRGB 121%)
- Battery-free pen with 60 degrees tilt support
- Dial wheel and express keys
- 178° wide viewing angle
- 75% screen production ratio
- Height adjustable stand
The expansive 21.5-inch screen paired with XP-Pen's latest pen technology results in significant, bold, creative capabilities. Your work comes alive thanks to the vivid colour reproduction and generously sized display area. The adjustable stand lets you dial the perfect viewing angle as you draw.
9 – Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle
- Xencelabs Professional Drawing Tablet Medium: This 12″ graphic tablet was co-designed with the input of industry-leading artists. The active area (10.3”x 5.75”) has a true 16:9 aspect ratio to match industry standard displays. It is widely used in various industries including Education, Graphic Design, Game Design and Simulation; 2D & 3D animation, Industrial Design, and more.
- Ergonomic and Ambidextrous Design: The minimal design of a Xencelabs graphic tablet that prioritizes comfort and functionality with features for faster workflows, and a great drawing experience. The soft drop to let your wrist rest upon when longtime working. Our wireless drawing tablet is equally suitable for right-handed and left-handed.
- Two Battery-Free Digital Pens: The professional drawing tablet comes with two pens of different diameters, both with erasers and programmable. Both pens come with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, no lag, and zero parallax. The premium rubber material makes them so comfortable to touch.
A high-end tablet with unique Quick Keys
- 10.3”x5.75” active area
- Battery-free pen with 8192 levels
- Includes Quick Keys dial controller
- OLED displays on keys for labelling
- Granite-like textured surface
- Slim, premium aluminium design
- Bundled with Corel Painter Essentials 7
What makes the Xencelabs tablet unique are its Quick Keys – eight customisable shortcut keys with small OLED screens that label the keys according to your set functions. Combined with advanced pen performance, these thoughtful shortcuts enhance your workflow.
10 – Gaomon PD1560 15.6″ Pen Display Monitor
- 【FOR ONLINE EDUCATION & MEETING】You can use PD1560 pen display for online education and remote meeting. It works with most online meeting programs, like Zoom, and so on. 【FOR DIGITAL ART & CREATION】– It's not only for amatuer but also for professionalists for digital drawing, sketching, graphics design, 3D art work, animation, etc. 【FOR ANNOTATING AND SIGNATURE】–It is also broadly used in annotating and signing file in excel, word, pdf, ppt, etc.
- 【10 EXPRESS KEYS & 8192 PEN PRESSURE SENSITIVITY】– 10 shortcut keys are customizable . 8192 leves's pen pressure gives you better control of lines. About 2 hours to 2.5 hours for full charge of pen lasts 350hours work. 【PEN HOLDER & 8 NIBS】– nibs are inside pen holder. 【HIGH QUALITY IPS FULL HD SCREEN】– Report Rate: 233PPS Viewing Angle: 178°Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080（16:9） 【PRE-APPLIED SCREEN FILM】- to protect the surface screen ,also providing paper-like drawing experience
- 【ADJUSTABLE STAND】– You can find a perfect and comfortable position by dragging the switch to adjust the angle of pen display . 【3-in-1 CABLE】– To reduce the cable clutter.f there is no hdmi port on your computer, you need extra hdmi adapter. We don't recommend usb to hdmi adapter.
A large pen display on a budget
- 15.6-inch FHD 1920×1080 resolution
- Battery-free pen with 8192 levels
- Ten customisable express keys
- 60° tilt support and 266 RPS report rate
- 75% screen ratio with 16.7M colours
- VESA mount compatible
- Integrated cable management
The Gaomon PD1560 provides digital artists with a big 15.6-inch canvas to draw on while keeping the price surprisingly affordable. Responsiveness and accuracy are acceptable despite the low cost. The generous array of express keys offers ample shortcuts for speeding up graphics work.
11 – Huion HS610 Drawing Tablet
- OS Android 6.0 SupportedNot Only compatible with Windows or Mac OS, it also supports Android devices; You can easily connect your phone to the tablet with the OTG connector; ONLY mobile phone and tablet powered by Android 6.0 or above are supported, while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment.
- Touch RingThe newly-design Touch Ring helps you zoom in or out for your canvas, adjust your brush and page scrolling; Use the 12 Press Keys to customize the function as you like.
- Tilt FunctionHS610 supports ±60 degrees brush tilt; Provide you better pressure detection and accurate cursor positioning with different angles, restore the true feeling of painting.
A highly portable pen tablet
- 10 x 6.25-inch compact active space
- Battery-free stylus with 8192 levels
- Integrated pen holder for easy access
- Six customisable press keys
- Pen tilt recognition ±60 degrees
- Lightweight design at 12 oz.
- USB-C connectivity
The New 1HS610 from Huion fits the bill nicely for travel-friendly portability and strong pen capabilities. Despite its compact size, the drawing area remains very usable. The easy-press keys provide helpful shortcuts on the go. The integrated pen holder guarantees you'll always place the stylus correctly.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Graphics Tablet
Our options highlight the range of excellent graphics tablets available to suit different needs and budgets. Focus on the drawing surface size, pressure levels, pen capabilities, express controls, and software bundle that best fits your style and requirements. And pay attention to ergonomic factors like the drawing texture.
Investing in the right graphics tablet pays dividends through more fluid, enjoyable, and robust digital artwork. It may enhance your creative skills over time. You'll never look back once you incorporate a pen tablet into your workflow! With so many compelling choices on the market, finding the right fit is simply identifying the best match for your artistic goals and then honing your digital skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphics Tablets
What are the main advantages of using a graphics tablet?
Graphics tablets provide a natural drawing/painting feel, pressure sensitivity, expressive capabilities, diverse artistic uses, efficiency through shortcuts, and excellent portability – advantages over just a mouse.
Should I get a pen display or a non-display tablet?
Pen displays allow you to draw while viewing the screen, providing a more direct experience. Non-display tablets take some acclimation but offer larger active areas for less cost. Either can be highly effective.
How much pressure sensitivity do I need in a stylus?
Many budget tablets now offer 8000+ levels, which provide ample gradations, but serious artists may benefit from going higher-end with a stylus boasting immense sensitivities exceeding 60,000 levels.
Is wireless connectivity on a tablet worth it?
Wireless freedom can improve the drawing experience and creative flexibility. But wireless lag can be an issue for some. Both wired and wireless models have pros and cons to weigh up.
What software should I use with a pen tablet?
Popular choices like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Corel Painter have excellent pen tablet support. Some tablets also come bundled with great starter creative software. Look for pressure sensitivity in your apps.
Last update on 2025-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
