We would all like to have completely brand new equipment. However used tablets maybe a way to save a little extra money.`
I have bought and worked with MANY used drawing tablets - 26 used tablets as of April 2024. You can see the list of all my tablets here: my tablets
pen tablets - Pen tablets are generally very reliable devices and are fine to buy used I own many used pen tablets, some over 25+ years old that still work.
pen displays - I have purchased one used pen display.
pen computers - I have no experience with used pen computers. And in general I do not recommend pen computers. See: The case against pen computers
Because the used tablets might be older models, you should prepare for issues that might arise due to their age. More here: Using older drawing tablets
In particular you may need to use older drivers. This comes with its own set of complications. More here: Using older tablet drivers
Wacom products have always been the most reliable and higher quality devices. So even going back years, their models work well. Because Wacom professional pen tablets are the very highest quality, those make great choices for buying used. More here: drawing tablet brands
There are some factors you MUST take into account when buying them used. I've summarized those issues in this video below. In the description of the video, please make sure to note the errata.
Even though this video is about used pen tablets, I think it may be useful even if you are looking to purchase a used pen display.
Likewise even though this video is about professional tablets, the topics raised also apply to consumer level tablets.
As of Wacom Driver 6.4.0 released in October 2022, Wacom has dropped support for Intuos 5 tablets and older Intuos tablets - except for the Wacom Intuos 4 XL which is still supported. (https://cdn.wacom.com/u/productsupport/drivers/win/professional/releasenotes/Windows_6.4.0.html)
If you have an older tablet and need a driver check out OpenTabletDriver
For creative work in Windows see Using OpenTabletDriver on Windows for drawing
If you have the opportunity to examine the tablet before you decide to buy, here are some things: Inspecting a tablet.
You can find many tablets on eBay and I've had a good experience with the 25+ tablets I've bought from there
All but 1 worked out-of-the-box
Reading the item description...
I made sure the surface didn't have any visible signs of wear
That the tablet came with a pen
That the tablet came with the cables it needed - this is very important if the tablet used proprietary cables
Some manufacturers directly sell new and used/refurbished tablets on eBay
A used tablet's surface might be almost pristine or it might be heavily used and exhibit a lot of surface wear.
Ideally you get one that is not heavily worn.
Small scratches or OK if they can not be felt through the pen.
Larger scratches will interfere with your pen. You might be able mitigate that by using some surface protection. More here: Surface protectors
More here:
Keep in mind you may get a nice price on a tablet, but it may not come with a pen. So verify whether a pen is included or not before you purchase.
If you need to buy a pen or you break your pen, keep in mind that
You have to make sure you find the exact model number of pen that is compatible with your tablet. A random pen from the same brand may not be compatible.
Replacement pens can be very expensive even if they are a decade old. For example, older Wacom Pro Pens can be very expensive (>=$100).
Replacement pens can be incredibly hard to find on the used market.
In the used market, sellers do not sell the pen by itself. So you may even have to purchase ANOTHER tablet with a pen. I've personally had to do this myself.
Often, depending on the tablet and how you draw, the pen nib wears down as you use a pen.
Verify whether your purchase includes spare nibs or not.
Compatible nibs may be difficult to find.
Compatible nibs may be difficult.