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 don't recommend pen computers.
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)
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)
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
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.