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Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners in 2023

Artists in the past relied on traditional methods to create masterpieces. However, nowadays artists can create art straight onto their computer. Therefore, you no longer need a wide variety of paints, pencils, materials and tools to create a work of art. To make things even easier you can use a drawing tablet to precisely add strokes to your work as you would on a canvas or piece of paper.

However, with so many drawing tablets to choose from it can be difficult to find the right one. That is why we created this guide to the best drawing tablets for beginners. We have compared the top 10 models varying in features and price. As a result, you will be able to find a tablet that ticks all the boxes for your experience and budget.

What is the Best Tablet for Drawing?

What is the Best Tablet for Drawing

1. Wacom Intuos Pro (For Mac and PCs)

The Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet is definitely every artist’s must-have. This outstanding tablet comes in three sizes — small, medium and large. Plus, it is also available in its regular style and the paper edition. Regardless of its size and style, in general, the tablet is slim and extremely classy.

The great news is that this tablet supports the latest pen technology. In other words, it has over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity. That means the user will be able to create outstanding images and adjust their tone and lighting too. All it takes is to change the pressure exerted on the tablet by the drawing pen.

What’s more, this tablet is also tilt-responsive. So, users can draw both vivid and intricately detailed images and make them look realistic as well. Moreover, the tablet has absolutely no virtual-lag. That means what the user draws on the tablet will appear on the screen immediately.

Further, the tablet also supports multi-touch gestures. That allows users to work with all five fingers to draw, pinch, swipe and tap as much as they want. To make maneuvering the tablet easier, it also has customizable express keys and radial menus.

It’s no wonder the Wacom drawing tablet captured its market in no time.

In order to function, all the tablet requires is a USB port or a Bluetooth connection and a Windows or Mac OS. However, please note that it only supports Windows 7 and above and Mac 10.10 and above. Take a look at our Bluetooth adapter page if you need one.

2. XP-Pen Artist 15.6” Drawing Tablet – Best Drawing Tablet with Screen

XP-Pen is a brand name that is often heard in the graphics tablets, pens and stylus industry. Among their amazing products is the XP-Pen Artist 15.6” drawing tablet. This tablet allows users to draw, sketch, edit and do many other Photoshop-related things on the tablet screen. The images will then immediately appear on the computer display.

The XP-Pen Artist drawing tablet is based on the F900 High Tech IC. This technology ensures that the drawing lines are executed smoothly and without interference. It also has over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity. So, users can adjust the tone and lighting of the image as they’re drawing it.

Furthermore, the display is made using quality glass that is dust-resistant and robust. It also has a 178° visual angle, which means users can enjoy high clarity, contrast, and vividity. Plus, it supports a 4K display, guaranteeing HD, high-precision images.

The tablet supports only type-C USB cables and is compatible with drivers such as Windows and Mac. However, please note that it only supports Windows 7, 8 and 10 and Mac 10.8 and above. In addition, it is compatible with several types of graphics software such as Photoshop, Painter, Illustrator and Clip Studio.

Finally, this tablet is only 11mm thick, which makes it light and easy to carry around. The best part is that it doesn’t require charging. Moreover, it has 6 express keys on the side that the user can customize as per their wish. And, the toggle button allows users to switch from pen to eraser in just one click.

3. Huion Giano WH1409

The Huion Giano WH1409 graphics tablet is ideal for both right and left-handed people. This 13.8 x 8.6” tablet gives users enough space to explore their creativity without any interference. Moreover, it has 12 express keys that the user can customize, making the drawing process more efficient and ergonomic.

In addition to the above-mentioned features, the tablet also has 4 LED indicators which show whether it is on working mode or not. It also comes with the PE150 graphic pen, a pen-holder and 8 wear-resistant pen nibs in case of heavy workload.

Furthermore, the tablet supports wireless connectivity and the signals reach as far as 10 meters. What that means is that users can work without the mess caused by long cables and wires.

Moreover, the tablet has over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity. That makes sure users can adjust the color, strokes and the tone of the images as they are drawing. In other words, it works just like a pencil on paper.

The best part about the Huion Giano WH1409 graphic tablet is that it has an LPI of 5080. That is more than enough to draw realistic sketches that don’t look overly graphical. Plus, it has a PPS of 233, which means images drawn on the tablet will be rendered to the computer screen almost immediately.

Finally, regarding the tablet’s compatibility with software, it supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 and Mac 10.11 and above.

4. XP-Pen Deco 01

XP is a legendary brand in the graphics tablet industry. One of their most outstanding products is the XP-Pen Deco 01. This tablet has a 10 x 6.25-inch working area which is more than enough space for the user to explore their creative talents. Plus, it is only 8mm thick, making it easy to carry around and work with.

Moreover, it is convenient for both right and left-handers. It has 8 express keys that the user can customize as per their wish. If they want, they can even make their shortcuts to different software. The tablet also has a one-click toggle button that allows the user to switch from pen to eraser. All of that will contribute to greater efficiency when working with this tablet.

The XP-Pen Deco 01 detects over 8000 levels of pressure-sensitivity. That allows users to adjust the lighting, strokes and the tone of the images as they are being drawn. Moreover, the tablet’s latest High-Tech IC ensures that the drawing lines are smooth.

The device supports a type-C USB port and comes with a battery-free stylus and a pen stand. In addition, it is compatible with several operating systems such as Windows 7, 8 and 10 and Mac OS 10.10 and above. The tablet also supports several popular designing software like Photoshop, SAI, Painter and Illustrator.

One of the coolest features of this graphics tablet is that its screen lights up near the ends of the drawing area. That means users can draw the moment they are inspired, even if it is at 2 am. They won’t have to get up and turn the lights on!

5. Huion Inspiroy Q11K

The Huion Inspiroy Q11K has an 11 x 7-inch working area, which is fairly big for graphics tablets. That gives the user enough space to try out a variety of designs and artworks. What’s more, the tablet also provides a paper-like finish.

More good news is that the tablet has over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity. That allows users to add tone, contrast, and to adjust the stroke levels of their drawings. Not to forget, it also makes sure the images are extremely precise.

Furthermore, it has a PPS of 233, so it’s safe to say images will appear on the computer screen almost immediately. Even connectivity is cable-free so users can enjoy a tidier workspace as they draw. Plus, the tablet supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.

The Huion Inspiroy Q11K has 8 express keys that the user can customize as per their wish. Its design also allows users to draw comfortably, unlike many other devices that require uncomfortable hand positions. Therefore, working long hours may not be as tedious with this tablet. Even the battery life is a good 40 hours so there is no need to worry about the tablet shutting down in the middle of a drawing.

Finally, the tablet also comes with a graphic pen that has electromagnetic resonance technology. What’s more, it comes with replaceable nibs in case the pen is used excessively.

6. Huion New 1060– Best Budget Drawing Tablet

The Huion 1060 drawing tablet is the ultimate choice for anyone who wants to master their drawing skills. Unlike any other budget tablet, this one provides users with almost the same features as the more expensive ones.

For instance, it has 8192 levels of pressure-sensitivity. That means users can adjust the strokes, tone, and contrast of the images as they draw. What’s more, it has an LPI of 5080, which is more than enough to draw realistic sketches. Also, it has a PPS of 233. So, it’s safe to say that images will appear on the computer screen almost at the same time when the user draws them.

Further, the device has a working area of 10 x 6.25 inches. Plus, the tablet comes with a built-in 8GB SD card. Therefore, users can draw and save their drawings at any time and in any place. There is also no need to worry about forgetting the pen because the tablet has a pen-holder at its right-side.

Finally, regarding the operating systems, the Huion New 1060 is compatible with Windows version 7 and above and Mac OS versions 10.11 and above. It is also compatible with the commonly used Photoshop software. Some examples are Corel Painter, Illustrator, SketchBook Pro, and Manga Studio.

7. UGEE M708 Graphics Tablet

Since 1998, UGEE have been honing their skill in designing and manufacturing graphic tablets. One of their most outstanding (and affordable) products is the UGEE M708 graphic tablet.

This tablet has 8192 levels of pressure-sensitivity. That means users can draw on the tablet just as they would on a piece of paper. They can change the strokes, the tone of the lines and the line’s darkness as per their wish. All they have to do is adjust the amount of pressure they exert on the screen.

Even the working space is 10 x 6 inches big. That gives the user enough space to illustrate their imagination to its full potential. Moreover, the UGEE M708 tablet has a paper-like finish and guarantees zero lag in displaying the drawings on a computer screen.

In addition, it is easy to set up and is convenient for both right and left-handers. It also comes with a graphic pen and replaceable nibs, in case of extra workload. Therefore, it is safe to say that this tablet is suitable for professionals and amateurs likewise.

The M708 comes with 8 express keys that provide shortcuts to options such as zoom, undo and eraser. All of those features make it an extremely ergonomic tablet and a wise investment.

Finally, the operating systems this tablet supports are Windows 7 and above and Mac 10.8 and above. It is also compatible with professional creative software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Flash.

8. Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablet

Wacom’s Intuos drawing tablet is ideal for aspiring artists who can’t afford high-end graphics tablets. However, that doesn’t mean this tablet has any less to offer.

For instance, it has over 4000 levels of pressure-sensitivity, which is just enough to create realistic images. Users can also adjust the stroke level, the tones and the contrast of the images just as they would on pen and paper.

What’s more, this tablet is convenient for both left and right-handers. It is easy to set up and work on. Plus, it has 4 express keys that the user can customize as per their wish. Usually, users make these express keys shortcuts to the software they use frequently.

Moreover, this tablet is slim and smaller than most other tablets. That makes it easier to carry around and work from anywhere. Also, it doesn’t use up too much space which gives the user a clean desktop to work on.

In order to connect the device to a computer, all it takes is a USB cable. The tablet supports both Mac and Windows. However, please note that it only supports Mac OS versions 10.11 and above and Windows versions 7 and above.

Despite its smaller size, this tablet still provides sufficient workspace for the user to explore their creative talents.

9. Huion H420 USB Graphics Drawing Tablet Boar

Huion is an outstanding brand that is known for their graphics tablets, LED tracing boards, etc. Among their excellent products is the Huion H420 which is the perfect graphics tablet for amateur designers to start their designing career with. It is also an excellent signing pad. Some users use this tablet to play Osu, which is a rhythm game that was developed by Dean Herbert.

This tablet has a relatively smaller drawing space than other, more expensive tablets. However, its size is one of its perks because it doesn’t use up too much space.

Further, the tablet has 2048 levels of pressure-sensitivity. That means users can try a variety of strokes and tones as they draw on the tablet’s screen.

It also has three express keys, which can be very time-saving for users. These express keys provide shortcuts to close pages, save pages, etc.

Finally, the tablet has a USB interface and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. To be precise, it supports Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8 and 10 and Mac OS 10.80 and above. The Huion H420 tablet also comes with a stylus that has a comfortable grip.

It is best recommended by users for official use such as signing. However, it is also a great way to kick-start an artistic career since it is affordable.

10. Monoprice 10 x 6.25-inch Graphics Drawing Tablet

The Monoprice graphics drawing tablet is an affordable tablet that has some great features. First and foremost is its size. This tablet is only 10 x 6.25 inches, which makes it light and easy to carry around.

Furthermore, the tablet has 2048 levels of pressure-sensitivity. Truthfully, that isn’t enough to create realistic images. But, it’s still good enough for an amateur to practice their graphical drawing skills.

Moreover, the tablet has an LPI of 4000, which means the spaces between the pixels on the graphics screen won’t be too far. So, it’s safe to say that the drawings won’t look overly childish. Plus, the Monoprice graphics tablet has an RPS of 200. That allows images drawn on the tablet screen to appear on a computer screen almost immediately.

This Monoprice graphics tablet comes with a few express keys on its side. Those keys can be customized to launch applications, open web pages, send emails, etc. That will definitely make the user’s tasks more efficient and easier.

Finally, let’s discuss the tablet’s connectivity. It has a USB interface and comes with drivers for Windows and Mac. This tablet is compatible with XP and above versions of Windows and Mac OS 10.8 and above. It is also compatible with Linux, however, the driver for Linux must be installed by the user.

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Richard Bolden

David has been interested in computers for over 25 years. From playing games on his parents computer as a kid in the early 90s, to building his first PC in 2003 (and many more since then). He has a passion for everything related to computing and this site is dedicated to helping others find the info they need.