While sketchbooks are a classic choice for drawing, tablets give you a whole new set of creative tools. They let you undo mistakes instantly, play with different brush styles and save your artwork somewhere safer than the bottom of a bag. So whether you’re a professional illustrator or just love to doodle, making digital art has never been easier.
There’s plenty of options to help you get creative, but which is best for you – a graphics tablet or drawing tablet? We'll break down everything you need to know and give you our top picks.
What’s the difference between a drawing tablet and graphics tablet?
Both terms tend to be used interchangeably, but there’s a key difference.
A graphics tablet is a screenless pad and your drawings appear on your monitor.
A drawing tablet has a built-in screen, so you see your work right under your pen.
What do I need in a drawing tablet?
Here’s some points worth thinking about before you buy.
Display – Tablets with a screen usually feel more natural to draw on. However, screenless pads tend to be more affordable.
Pressure sensitivity – Higher sensitivity lets you create more accurate lines and control shading opacity. The numbers (2,048, 4,096, 8,192 and 16,384) refer to the number of pressure levels a tablet can detect, from a very light touch to a firm press. Although the difference between 8,192 and 16,384 levels isn’t hugely noticeable.
Screen size – Displays 15 inches and above give you lots of space to make detailed artwork. But if you plan to travel with your tablet, you’re better off with a tablet between 6 to 10 inches.
Lamination – A laminated screen has less space between the glass and the display. This helps your pen strokes appear directly beneath the pen tip, making drawing feel more natural.
Compatibility – Whether you’ve got Windows, macOS, Chromebook or Android devices, check the tablet works with your operating system first.
Best digital drawing tablets at a glance
| Category | Tablet | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best graphics tablet | Wacom One | Basic sketching, photo editing and note-taking |
| Best standalone drawing tablet | Apple iPad Pro | Detailed illustrations and animations |
| Best portable drawing tablet | Apple iPad Air | Rough concept art and sketching on the go |
| Best professional drawing tablet | XP‑Pen Artist 24 Pro Gen 2 | Frame-by-frame animations and professional work |
| Best drawing tablet for beginners | XP‑Pen Artist 12 | Building basic digital art skills |
| Best budget drawing tablet | XP‑Pen Deco Series | Detailed line work and sketching |
Best graphics tablet
The Wacom One CTC6110WLW1B is a solid choice for a graphics tablet. You’ll get precise lines thanks to its 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. And the pen is battery-free, so you won’t have to abandon any masterpieces halfway through.
The two programmable buttons let you make custom shortcuts to your most-used controls – whether that’s switching brush effects or the handy “undo” tool. The Wacom One is super lightweight, so it’s easy to slip into a bag and take with you.
Check out our range of graphics tablets.
Best standalone drawing tablet
If you're looking for the best drawing tablet with a screen, the iPad Pro is the standout choice. It has a sharp OLED display, so all your artwork looks amazing – even the first sketches. And its lamination means your pen feels fully connected to what you’re drawing.
But before you start sketching, you’ll need the Apple Pencil - which is sold separately. And it’s definitely worth a buy. The Apple Pencil has great tilt sensitivity which lets you shade like you would with a lead pencil. But no sharpening required!
Best portable drawing tablet
The Apple iPad Air is ideal for artists on the move. At just 464g, it’s lightweight enough to carry around, and you’ll still get plenty of detail on the 11-inch screen. It doesn’t need to be plugged into a monitor, so you can doodle anywhere. But keep an eye on the battery during long drawing sessions. Unlike a graphics tablet, it isn't powered by a computer.
Best professional drawing tablet
The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is the pro choice. It has a huge 23.8-inch screen with a 4K display to show every intricate detail. And you’ll be sure to find your perfect shade with 1.07 billion colours to play with.
If you only plan to dabble in digital arts, its higher price might be harder to justify. But if you’ve got the space and time to dedicate to it, the Artist 24 Pro is a brilliant choice.
Best drawing tablet for beginners
If you’re just beginning your digital art journey, the XP-Pen Artist 12 is a great tablet to start you off. Its Anti-glare coating makes it easier to see in brighter rooms or under a lamp, while also reducing eyestrain.
Your drawings appear on the screen, so it’s very intuitive for beginners. That said, the Artist 12 is more of a display than a standalone device, so you’ll still need to connect it to a laptop or desktop computer to use it.
Best budget-friendly drawing tablet
The XP-Pen Deco Series is a strong choice if you’re on a budget. Its 8K pressure sensitivity gives you total control over your pen strokes. You can assign shortcuts to 8 customisable buttons for super speedy navigation. You’ll need to get used to drawing on the pad while watching your monitor, but that becomes more natural with time.
Need more advice or ideas?
From creating on your commute to producing professional artwork, there’s a drawing tablet that suits your setup. Check out our tablet buying guide if you’re still deciding which one is right for you.
FAQs
How do you use a drawing tablet?
It depends on the type. A graphics tablet plugs into your computer and lets you draw while looking at your screen. Whereas a display with a screen lets you draw directly on the display itself. Standalone tablets like an iPad let you start creating straight away with a drawing app.
Are Samsung tablets good for drawing?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S is great for drawing. Most Galaxy Tab S models come with the S Pen which makes them an ideal choice for sketching and note-taking. They're a strong alternative to an iPad if you prefer Android.
Can I use an iPad as a drawing tablet for a PC?
Yes, you can. Apps like Astropad let you use your iPad as a pen display for a PC, and Sidecar works similarly for Mac users.
Do drawing tablets work with Chromebooks?
Some do. Many drawing tablets support ChromeOS, but just make sure to check compatibility before you buy.
