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These are highly-curated recommendations for people who are just beginning to get into drawing tablets.
All these tablets deliver the basic experiences and a reasonable price
Some of these tablets are missing so-called "pro" features.
Below you'll find my beginner-friendly recommendations for:
pen tablets (no screen)
pen displays (have a screen)
and standalone tablets.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read Beginner's guide to drawing tablets.
If you want to see the full set recommendations go here: Drawing tablet recommendations
My recommendation for beginners is to start with a pen tablet (medium size) and get used to that first. Pen displays have pros and cons - don't assume they are better.
Much more here: pen tablets vs pen displays
These are tablets WITHOUT a screen that need to be connected to a computer (some support wireless) to work.
If I had to pick one item on this list, I would recommend the One by Wacom CTL-672 for true. It's reliable and has a good drawing experience. The Huion Frego is a new tablet (released in 2024) that is also a terrific beginner choice.
These are tablets WITH A SCREEN that need to be connected to a computer. No pen displays are wireless. I don't enjoy drawing an 13" pen display. Instead, I prefer 16" and above. But 13" is a good way to get introduced to pen displays. More info: Small pen display recommendations
These are tablets that don't need to be connect to a computer.
More info: 7P notes: Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S
Apple iPad - Any Apple iPad that works with the Apple Pencil 2 (My notes)
NOTE: You will have the buy the Apple Pencil 2 separately. It does NOT come with the iPad.
Wacom Intuos Medium (CTL-6100) [no tilt, no wireless] [$200, links]
Huion Inspiroy HS611 [$80, my notes]
Little bit of an older Huion tablet with older tech. But it does work fine.
Huion Inspiroy 2 M (H951P) [$70, links]
These are recommendations for pen tablets (screenless tablets): tablets that do not have screens and have to be connected to a computer.
Looking for something else?
For a pen display (tablet with a screen), go here: pen display recommendations. For a standalone tablet, go here: Standalone drawing tablet recommendations.
Notes:
I suggest that you also consult the buying guide
Pen displays are NOT inherently better than pen tablets. More here: pen tablets vs pen displays
For beginners: Recommended drawing tablets for beginners
About Wacom pen tablets - Many Wacom tablets are in this list. To better understand the difference in Wacom pen tablets see: 7P notes: Comparison of Wacom pen tablets
Size considerations - For the vast majority of people I recommend MEDIUM sized pen tablets. More here: Choosing the right tablet size
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2 (MD160QH) ★★★ [$600, , ]
Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 [$2500, ]
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (DTH-167) [$1500, , ]
XP-Pen Artist Pro 19 GEN2 (MD180UH) [$900, ]
Huion Kamvas Pro 19 (GT1902) ★★★ [$1100, , ]
Wacom Cintiq 16 (DTK-1660) [$650, ]
Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus 4K (GT1562) [$900, , ]
LOTS OF AG SPARKLE
XP-Pen Artist 16 GEN2 (CD160FH) [$400, , ]
EXCESSIVE DIAGONAL WOBBLE
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 [$3000, , ]
BE AWARE: Fan noise
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH) ★★★★ [$470, , ]
Huion Kamvas Pro 27 (GT2701) ★★★★ [$2000, ]
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 [$3500, , ]
BE AWARE: Fan noise
(GT2401) [$1300, ]
BE AWARE: Antiglare sparkle
[$900, ]
BE AWARE: Antiglare sparkle
These are recommendations for pen displays: tablets that have have screens and have to be connected to a computer.
Looking for something else? For a pen tablet (screenless tablet), go here: . For a standalone tablet, go here: .
Notes:
I suggest that you also consult .
Make sure you know about before you buy a pen display.
Pen displays are NOT inherently better than pen tablets. More here:
For beginners:
(12" to 14")
(16" to 19")
(22" to 27"
Huion Kamvas 22 (GS2201) [$450, ]
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202) [$550, , ]
Wacom Cintiq 22 (DTK-2260) [$1200, , ]
LARGE (LPH2412U-A) [$1800, , ]
If you're primarily interested in drawing or notetaking I think pen-enabled mobile computers are your best options.
The two real options in this space are:
Apple iPads + the Apple Pencil
Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices
Formally, these are not drawing tablets, but they can work just like one. And often I think they are your best choice for a standalone tablet. These include products such as Apple iPad Pros and Samsung Galaxy S series tablets.
Operating system: a mobile OS (iOS, ChromeOS)
Scenario: General purpose
Pen tech: varies. Apple Pencil, AES, EMR
Apple iPads can play the role of a drawing tablet very well. Do keep in mind, the Apple Pencil does not come with an iPad so you will have to purchase the pencil separately
There have been many models of the iPad released over the years. And many models of the Apple Pencil. What I recommend is getting any iPad that is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation or the Apple Pencil Pro.
The vary quite a bit in price, below are three models I personally own. You will find many others that work also.
Apple iPad Air (4th gen and later) ($600)
Apple iPad Pro 11 inch (4th gen and later) ($800+)
Apple iPad pro 12.9 inch 6th gen ($1100+)
For a list of applications for iPads: Apps for iPad
As an alternative to the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series of tablets is compelling. One great advantage of the Galaxy Tab S series is that they come with the Samsung S pen. So that keeps the cost down.
There are many models available over the years, so it is likely you can find something that works for your budget. Below are three that I have personal experience with. But many others might suit your needs.
For applications that run on Android see this list: Apps for Android
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series ($800 to $1200) higher performance options
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE ($450 to $520) excellent mid-budget option
There are two versions:
6GB RAM + 126GB storage ($450)
8GB RAM with 256GB of storage ($520)
Both will work, but I always recommend getting more RAM for drawing apps.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 version or 2024 version) ($240) is a good a low-cost option for beginners.
There is a 2020 version. Avoid it.
My notes on Samsung Galaxy Tab S Series
My notes on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
I do not recommend this series of tablets. More here: Samsung Galaxy Tab A
Huion and XP-pen have also released android tablets in this category.
Huion Kamvas Slate 10 NOT RECOMMENDED
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad - I don't have any experience with it.
These are recommendations for standalone tablets: tablets that have have screens and can be used without a computer. A standalone drawing tablet is ideal if you need to draw away from home or away from your desk.
Looking for something else? For a pen tablet (screenless tablet), go here: pen tablet recommendations. For a pen display (tablet with a screen), go here: pen display recommendations.
Pen-enabled mobile computer recommendations ★★★
I recommend this type if mobility is your highest priority and you don't need to use a desktop OS and desktop apps.
Pen-enabled laptop recommendations
I recommend this type if you need the full power of a desktop OS and desktop versions of applications.
I do not recommend this type. Too expensive to buy. Too expensive to repair. Limited or no upgradeability.
For more details suggest that you also consult the buying guide.
For beginners: Recommended drawing tablets for beginners
I don't use these devices myself. Here are some popular ones.
Onyx Boox Note Air3
Remarkable 2
Amazon Kindle Scribe
If you are new to drawing tablets, I suggest you read the beginner's guide.
Below, here are tablets I would personally recommend separated by device type. These recommendations are centered around using the tablets for drawing.
Pen tablets (No screen + require a computer)
Pen displays (Have a screen + require a computer)
Standalone drawing tablets (Have a screen + do not require a computer)
If you are beginner, then consider these specific models which are great introduction to drawing tablets. Recommended drawing tablets for beginners.
Brad Colbow: Best Drawing Tablet By Price 2022/06/20
These aren't really drawing tablets. They're laptops that you can use for drawing also. The drawing experience with these devices is not as good as a dedicated drawing tablet but they may be enough for what you need.
Operating system: currently all run Windows
Scenario: General purpose
Pen tech: varies. MPP, EMR
These kinds of devices are really for general purpose use. So if what you want is a full operating system where you can use things like Microsoft Office, or the full version of Photoshop, etcetera. Then these suitable choices for a standalone tablet.
This is a 2-in-1 laptop that folds over. The drawing experience is good - not super great but good.
Pen information:
Tech: Wacom EMR
Comes with this pen: Samsung S Pen (my notes on this pen)
Pen compatibility: These devices also works with the the Wacom CP-913 pen. And many people choose to use the Wacom CP-913 instead of the S Pen.
Recent models:
Samsung Galaxy Book5 360
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
This is a slate-type laptop. This drawing experience is OK. It's better suited in my opinion for notetaking or whiteboarding rather than drawing.
Pen information
Tech: MPP (similar to AES)
Comes with pen: NO. You have to buy The Surface Slim Pen 2 separately.
My notes on using the Microsoft Surface Pro
Surface Pro 8 (starting at $900)
Surface Pro 9 (starting at $900)
XP-Pen Artist Pro 14 GEN2 (MD140FH) [$420, links]
XP-Pen Artist 12 GEN2 (CD120FH) [$220, links]
XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2 (CD130FH) [$300, links]
Wacom One 12 GEN2 (DTC-121) [$400, links]
BAD PRESSURE HANDLING
Wacom One 13 touch GEN2 (DTH-134) [$600, links]
BAD PRESSURE HANDLING
As of June 2024, there are three 22" pen displays to consider buying. All three are acceptable choices depending on your budget.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227)
If you want the same Wacom drawing quality but are willing to use an older device consider the Wacom Cintiq 22 (DTK-2260). My notes on this tablet
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH)
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202) - my notes on this tablet
Note: I personally own all three of these tablets
#1 Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227)
#2 XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH)
#3 Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)
The Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227) is the clear winner on almost every level. However it is expensive.
If the Cintiq Pro 22 is out of your price range I would pick the Artist 22 Plus over the Kamvas 22 Plus. but to it having a better pen than the Huion and simpler cabling.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227)
3840x2160
120Hz
IPS
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH)
1920x1080
60Hz
IPS
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)
1920x1080
60Hz
IPS
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227)
Wacom Pro Pen 3
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH)
XP-Pen X3 Pro
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)
Huion PW517
The Pro Pen 3 is clearly the superior pen.
The X3 Pro pen is a big improvement from previous generations of XP-Pen pens. The X3 Pro pen is also better than the Huion PW517 pen.
The PW517 - The IAF is good at around 3gf but the max pressure is highly variable. Instead consider getting the PW550 pen which is also compatible with tablets that use the PW517 pen. my notes on PW550.
Cintiq Pro 22 - very hard to notice pixels
The Artist 22 Plus - pixelation obvious
Kamvas 22 Plus - pixelation obvious
Cintiq Pro 22 - SOME NOISE - has a fan that is constantly on. It's not loud but it is audible and could be an irritation for some people.
The Artist 22 Plus - SILENT
Kamvas 22 Plus - SILENT
Cintiq Pro 22 - EXCELLENT
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus - EXCELLENT
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus - EXCELLENT
Cintiq Pro 22 - VERY GOOD
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus - VERY GOOD
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus - I didn't measure yet
Cintiq Pro 22 - EXCELLENT
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus - EXCELLENT
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus - OK-ISH
Cintiq Pro 22 - TYPICAL for a pen display. When using 120Hz visual effect of lag only slightly improves (maybe 10%).
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus - TYPICAL for a pen display
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus - TYPICAL for a pen display
The Kamvas 22 Plus uses a proprietary 3-in-1 cable. And now matter how you try to conenct it, this 3-in-1 cable must be used.
13" pen displays very popular, often representing great choices for beginners. In this document I compare some popular options in the market in 2023.
Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - (user manual | product page | model year 2020)
XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2 (CD130FH) - (user manual | product page | model year 2022)
Wacom One 2019 GEN1 (DTC-133)
These are very, very similar tablets. There is NO CLEAR winner - each has positives and negatives.
Huion Kamvas 13
slightly less pointer lag (GOOD)
slightly more more anti-glare sparkle
XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2
a tiny bit more pointer lag
less anti-glare sparkle
Driver versions used
Huion: 15.6.2.80
XP-Pen: 3.4.0
Operating system of test machine
Huion: Windows 11
XP-Pen: Windows 10
Specs
The tables of specs come from the Huion and XP-Pen websites. For some specs, I did some testing to come up with the numbers.
Variances
Please remember that how tablets work can vary even with tablets that have the same model number. I cannot guarantee everyone will experience what I encountered.
Pen labeling
I used gaffer tape to identify the pens. Green = XP-PEN, Red=Huion.
X-Pen Artist 13 GEN2 - X3 ELITE
Huion Kamvas 13 - PW517
Wacom One 2019 GEN1 - CP-913
Accuracy in both tablets is very good for a pen display
In my testing
Both have similar center accuracy. I agree with their listed specs of ±0.5mm
Both have similar corner accuracy. I measured at ± 2mm
Both tablets have excellent diagonal wobble (i.e. very low amounts of diagonal wobble) with both slow and fast strokes.
XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2 (CD130FH) wobble
Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331) wobble:
Compare it to the most expensive pen tablet wacom makes the Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860):
Both the Huion and XP pen are on par with
Both tablets exhibit some anti-glare sparkle. Ideally tablets should exhibit no sparkle.
iPad -> no observable sparkle
Wacom Cintiq Pro -> very low sparkle
Wacom One -> low sparkle
XP-Pen Artist 13 (2nd gen) -> On the low end of moderate sparkle
Huion Kamvas 13 -> moderate sparkle
For both tablets you'll notice the sparkle if your eyes are close, at a normal drawing distance I don't notice it.
The XP-Pen tablet is clearly the winner over the Huion tablet for AG sparkle.
Both tablets handle these cases well
drawing lots of dots
drawing many small quick tiny low pressure lines - hatching
keeping pressure constant
moving between high and low pressure smoothly
Tapering - typical for every pen display I've seen.
Overall drawing experience is very good for both tablets.
Remember: Pressure is detected by the pen, not the tablet.
The lower bound on the pressure range is called the Initial Activation Force.
To test this I hung each pen from a string and dragged the tip of the pen across the surface. The goal is that the minimal weight for the pen will draw a continuous line. Here's how they ranked:
XP-Pen Artist 13 2nd Gen -> made no marks whatsoever
Huion Kamvas 13 -> half the time made a mark. if pen moves slowly mark is captured usually but if there the pen is moving a little faster the mark is not registered.
Wacom One -> about same as the Huion Kamvas 13
Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860) -> draws a continuous line
Huion Giano (G930L) -> draws a continuous line
Between the two, Huion is the clear winner with its lower IAF.
Both Huion and XP-pen models tested exhibit the typical pointer lag present with all pen displays. The lag is comparable to the Wacom One pen display (DTC-133).
Manufacturers don't publish lag numbers. So, this is subjective:
The Huion has about the same amount of lag as the Wacom One
The XP-Pen model has a bit more more lag than the Huion model
Both tables can be successfully used for creative applications. But Huion is the winner here over the XP-Pen model.
Thanks to their laminated displays both have very good parallax. They match that of Wacom One.
Below is a parallax photo for several pen tablet models. The XP-Pen parallax similar to the picture of the Wacom One and Huion model in the photo.
Both tablets come with a 3-in-1 cable.
The end that goes into the tablet is USB-C.
The other 3 ends are:
HDMI - connect to computer
USB-A for data - connect to computer
USB-A for power - this cable is colored red.
if your computer can provide enough power you can plug the cable into the computer
Or you can connect to a USB power adapter. Neither tablet comes with a USB power adapter.
For both tablets, I was able to use a single USB-C cable to connect them to the computer. More here: Connecting a pen display with one USB-C cable
Large pen tablets have an active area diagonal size of about 15".
Even if a tablet has "large" in its name, it doesn't mean it us truly a large tablet. A perfect example is the Huion Inspiroy 2 Large which is more of a medium sized tablet. Same with the XP-Pen Deco L/LW.
Using a large tablet is very different from using a medium size tablet. There are many things you have to adjust to. More here: Using large pen tablets
Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860) -
XP-Pen Deco Pro XLW (MT1592B) -
Huion Giano (G930L) -
In terms of drawing performance the best of the three is the Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860).
Second is the XP-Pen Deco Pro XLW GEN2 (MT1592B). The things to note about this tablet is the excellent design and vastly improved pressure handling coming from its X3 Pro pen.
Third, the Huion Giano overall is very good. It's a very close third to the XP Pen Deco Pro XLW GEN2 because the PW517 pen does not handle pressure (smaller pressure range for example) as well as the X3 Pro pen.
None of these tablets have an exact 16:9 (1.78) aspect ratio.
The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is the clear winner, but the XP-Pen X3 Pro is good. The Huion PW517 is just OK.
In my experience I see that the PW517 units vary quite a bit in their maximum pressure. The average of my tests is about 200gf.
Tablet age - don't let the fact that the Intuos Pro Large was released in 2017 dissuade you. It's still better than the most recent tablets put out by the competition
Pen replacement cost - Keep in mind the Pro Pen 2 is very expensive ay $80. It's a significant cost if you need to replace it. The PW517 is $50 and the X3 Pro is $40.
Nib wear - the Intuos Pro comes with a surface that (at least initially) has a lot of texture and can wear down nibs fast.
Wireless - All three support Bluetooth wireless connectivity
Touch - only the Intuos Pro supports touch.
Auxiliary inputs
Intuos Pro Large - 8 total buttons
Deco Pro XLW GEN2 - no buttons
Giano G930L - 6 buttons
Remotes
Intuos Pro Large - no remote
Deco Pro XLW GEN2 - comes with remote
Giano G930L - no remote
Intuos Pro Large - Low (good)
Deco Pro XLW GEN2 - some wobble at slow speeds OK
Giano G930L - Low (good)
The are true drawing tablets in that they are the most popular digital pen technologuy (EMR) and are intended to provide the classic drawing tablet experience in a standalone form factor.
Operating system: currently all run Windows
Scenario: Intended for artists
Pen tech: EMR
As a policy, I do NOT recommend pen computers. The reasons are many and documented here: .
I recognize that some people LOVE the experience of using a pen computer. But cannot in good conscience recommend them.
Huion Kamvas Studio 16 ($1700)
Huion Kamvas Studio 24 ($2400)
Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 ($2500)
Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 ($3500)
Intuos Pro Large -
Deco Pro XLW GEN2 -
Huion G930L -
So, you should ensure you with your monitor before you start drawing.
Model number
PTH-860
MT1592B
GT930L
Release year
2017
2023
2022
Pen
Pro Pen 2
(KP-504E)
X3 Pro
PW517
Retail Price
$500
$200
$200
Common On-Sale Price
$400
$170
$170
Used on eBay
$150 to $250
Intuos Pro Large
12.1" x 8.4" 311mm x 216mm
14.7"
1.44
Deco Pro XLW GEN2
15" x 9" 381mm x 228.6mm
17.6"
5:3 (1.67)
Giano G930L
13.6 x 8.5 345.4mm x 215.9mm
16"
16:10 (1.60)
Wacom Pro Pen 2
<1gf
~800gf
Huion PW517
3gf
~200gf
X3 Pro
2gf
~400gf
