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Arek Dvornechcuck
Branding Expert
Having a drawing tablet will make your life as a designer so much easier and more enjoyable.
As a graphic designer, the question I get asked the most is...
What's the best tablet for graphic design?
Many creatives, whether illustrators, artists, or graphic designers in general, turn towards using tablets more these days to be able to complete their projects wherever and whenever.
Searching for the best tablet for your graphic design needs is certainly not easy because there are so many options available on the market.
I‘ve checked out various brands, from specialized ones to more versatile options, to very affordable ones.
For complete information and details, come along with me as we move to my list of the 9 best tablets for graphic design in 2024.
Check out my recent review of Huion Camvas Pro 13 (2.5k) on YouTube.
I also review the best drawing pen tablet for designers here:
Not every designer needs a graphics tablet, it's certainly an option, not a requirement.
However, many artists, illustrators, and graphic designers in general started to turn towards using tablets to be able to complete their projects faster and easier.
Tablets offer a more natural way for designers to draw and retouch than just using a mouse or a touchpad.
Think about the type of work you will be required to do as a graphic designer in order to determine what qualities you should look for in a tablet.
If you don't do complex illustrations or photo retouching work, you won't necessarily need an expensive tablet with a screen.
What is the difference between a graphic tablet and a drawing tablet?
A graphic tablet is one that you'll need to attach to a screen in order to see your work whole a drawing tablet has an in-built screen so that you can just draw straight on the display.
A tablet with a screen is not always needed, but having one will definitely make your job much more enjoyable.
Every designer has a different budget and different needs, therefore some tablets are going to suit you better than others.
Before we dive right into my list, it is important to also have a list of the things to consider when it comes to choosing the best one for you and your graphic design needs.
While every tablet may have comparable benefits, not all tablets are created equal—so which tablet is best for drawing & art?
Additionally, some of them are more precise and with a larger drawing area, while others are small and basic in specs.
So the first choice you need to make is to decide whether you want a simple graphics tablet (without a screen) a pen display (with the screen) or a tablet computer (iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab).
Once you've made this decision, the next step would be to focus on the key features and functionalities you're looking for.
various things you need to keep in mind as a graphic designer when buying your first tablet, but the key ones are:
Now, let's shortly discuss these things one by one.
A smart move is to think about the screen size prior to purchasing your tablet.
Some of fore mentioned tablets come in multiple sizes, while others don't.
So make sure you choose the size that best fits your needs, because the last thing you'd want to happen is to end up with disappointment.
Everyone has a different drawing or illustration style, so depending on yours, you may want to choose a tablet with an ultra-sensitive and responsive surface.
Pressure levels on tables start at about 300 levels of pressure and go up to around 3000.
The optimal pressure level to look for on a tablet is around the 1,000 range.
Picking a tablet with a high LPI would be better for you if you work in a sector where you need to produce very high-resolution images or sharp graphics.
Think about LPI the same way people think of the resolution of 4K seen on TVs and computer monitors.
It's becoming more and more popular to see tablets that come with HotKeys built right into them (also known as shortcut keys).
These extra keys that are usually on the side are designed to help you save time and streamline your work process.
Instead of manually switching between tabs and apps, or simply selecting brushes in Photoshop hotkeys will help you save a lot of time.
Stylus (pen) comes in two forms: battery-operated (AES) and electromagnetic resonance (EMR), but they're both designed to mimic the feel of pen on paper.
EMR styluses can quickly discern between pen and touch inputs, and this makes for a very smooth pen experience.
AES styluses have significant performance advantages over EMR, though they require some getting used to and compensation.
Moving around the screen on your tablet using a stylus can be inefficient especially if you work on large artwork using a small tablet.
Thankfully, many tablets have a scroller built into it, so that you can zoom in and out, and move around your artwork quickly.
Tablets come in two forms of connection: regular corded one, and wireless Bluetooth connection.
While a wired tablet won't present any connectivity issues and will be cheaper, always having to connect the cables might be frustrating.
Wireless tablets, on the other hand, will give you the freedom of movement that a corded one definitely won't.
However, I have reviewed them all, so whether you are a beginner or a pro—I hope you'll find something interesting on my list below that might also help you in hunting the best for you.
The Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet is a top choice for graphic designers seeking innovative and comfortable workflow.
The best tablet for its exceptional precision and control.
This tablet features a sleek design and super-efficient performance.
First things first, Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet is built with a sleek, minimalist design, but with a durable build.
It also features its 5080 LPI resolution, which provides a high-definition and color-accurate display.
It has pressure levels of 8192, It is lag-free and it mimics the use of a real pencil or brush.
This tablet is also built with 8 customizable express keys.
When it comes to connectivity, it is equipped with USB-C to USB-A cable or wireless...
Allowing it to connect effortlessly with various operating systems and design software.
Lastly, the Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet comes with a lightweight pen that has over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity...
Which means it registers every stroke and line you make, from subtle shades to bold lines.
Buy Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet on Amazon
Wacom Cintiq 16's trusted quality and excellent pen performance make it a reliable choice for graphic designers.
A top-notch tablet for its trusted drawing performance in a portable package
This tablet is highly recommended due to its interactive pen monitor that lets artists draw and perform actions on screen.
The Cintiq 16 boasts a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, making your designs look vibrant and allowing you to see colors as they should be.
It is made with 4 customizable express keys, so your favorite shortcuts are always within your reach.
Plus it has an adjustable and sturdy stand to offer you the perfect angle for your work.
This Wacom tablet also features its Pro Pen 2 stylus with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which means whether you're sketching, coloring, or retouching, this pen knows exactly what you're trying to do.
Lastly, Cintiq 16 offers smooth connectivity options and it's compatible with popular design software...
Whether you are a Photoshop guru or an Illustrator newbie, this tablet has your back.
The 15.6" XP-Pen Artist Pro is recognized due to its suitability for both digital artists and graphic designers.
Best affordable large-scale tablet
This tablet is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, offering a seamless drawing experience.
The XP-Pen Artist Pro has a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 pixels fully laminated display that makes everything look clear.
Speaking of clarity, it also offers 88% NTSC color accuracy, which means the colors you see are what they really are.
Plus, it also features 60 degrees of tilt function, providing a seamless drawing experience for illustrators.
This tablet has a slim 11mm profile and comes with a battery-free stylus...
It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, making the pen feel incredibly natural, almost like drawing on paper.
While it's not wireless, it offers various features built especially for creative work...
Such as customizable shortcuts, a smart screen-brightness button, and a 120% sRGB color gamut for enhanced color accuracy.
Lastly, with all the high-end features it offers, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is surprisingly affordable.
Buy XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro on Amazon
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a highly recommended choice for those serious about digital art and design
The best tablet with maximum creative flexibility on a big display.
This tablet offers vivid colors, high-definition clarity, and ergonomic design.
With a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 HD, it is the third-largest model of all Wacom drawing boards.
It comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, just like its previous versions.
This pen has 8,192 pressure levels, low activation force, and tilt recognition, which all give you amazing precision for the most natural drawing experience.
With this tablet, you will get a wide full-HD screen that provides you with clarity to see every detail of your work.
The display is very vibrant (16.7 million colors) and is a highly recommended option for any drawing work.
An interesting feature is the battery-free pen that charges off the screen while you're working.
The pen works really well, and apart from the graphics job, it can be used for other purposes.
This is a perfect tablet for graphic designers who love to draw, or students seeking a premium on-screen experience.
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a great choice if you need a large tablet that can handle long hours of working without heating up or throttling.
The 12.9" Apple iPad Pro's combination of performance, display quality, and versatility makes it an ultimate choice for graphic designers.
A top-choice tablet with its stunning visuals in a thin 2-in-1 form factor
This tablet offers exceptional performance, innovative features, and drawing capabilities.
The Apple iPad Pro 2022 showcases its 12.9" Liquid Retina XDR display that uses mini-LED backlighting to deliver stunning visuals with excellent contrast...
Plus a high 2732 x 2048 resolution, a brightness of up to 1600 nits, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, making it ideal for detailed graphics work.
It supports HDR content and video with a wide P3 color gamut, showing colors that are extremely vivid and accurate.
This tablet comes with a 2nd Gen Apple pencil that has extremely low 20ms latency, making drawing feel natural with no lag.
The pencil also features its pressure and tilt sensing capability that gives you excellent control over line weight and shading.
This Apple iPad Pro also boasts its palm rejection allows you to rest your hand on the screen comfortably while drawing without accidental touches.
Additionally, it is equipped with the M2 chip which makes it extremely fast, and efficient, and its 16GB RAM ensures excellent multitasking abilities.
Last, but not least, It is an incredibly thin and portable tablet at just 0.25 inches thick and 1.5 pounds, making it great for use on the go.
Buy Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) on Amazon
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium's striking balance between price and drawing areas makes it a preferred choice among professionals.
Best tablet for pro illustration without a screen
This tablet combines an expansive workspace, best-in-class pen capabilities, and customization options.
Intuos Pro Medium boasts its generous 12.1 x 8.4-inch active drawing surface, giving you ample room for large arm movements and broader strokes.
It is equipped with 8 express keys to your specific shortcuts and workflows for efficiency.
The Touch Ring gives you an additional way to zoom, scroll, adjust brush size, and more.
This tablet comes with Wacom's patented Pro Pen 2 technology, which provides incredible accuracy and control with 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and virtually no lag.
The pen supports tilt detection up to 60 degrees for advanced shading techniques and it has a comfortable, ergonomic design, perfect for long drawing sessions.
Overall, this tablet's combination of its 5080 LPI resolution and advanced Wacom pen technology results in the precise, accurate drawing ability needed for professional illustration work.
XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) is highly regarded for digital artists, graphic designers, and illustrators.
Best budget drawing tablet with reliable tilt support
This tablet highlights its impressive display quality, ergonomic design, and seamless user experience.
The XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) boasts its 15.6" full HD display that provides ample workspace for drawing and designing.
Plus, its 1920x1080 resolution enables clear details and minimizes distracting reflections
Its IPS panel displays vivid colors, with 120% sRGB coverage for excellent color reproduction.
The panel is laminated for a smooth, parallax-free experience.
This tablet is equipped with 8 fully customizable Express Keys, which makes it easy to optimize shortcuts for faster workflow.
The stand allows you to adjust the viewing angle up to 80 degrees.
XP-Pen's battery-free pen provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 6- degrees of tilt support for natural, nuanced drawing.
Best of all, for its size, features, and performance, the Artists 16 (2nd Gen) is very competitively priced compared to premium pen displays.
This makes it easy to get an expansive 15.6” screen with strong graphics performance at a reasonable price point.
Buy XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) on Amazon
Microsoft Surface Pro X is the tablet to choose when seeking both laptop power and tablet flexibility.
Best slim on-the-go digital sketchbook
This tablet's strengths include the perfect blend of 2-in-1 versatility and powerful performance, making it an ultimate companion for creative works.
The Microsoft Surface Pro X's 13" PixelSense touchscreen display has an ultra-high 2880 x1920 resolution, providing incredible detail for graphic design work.
Its 3:2 aspect ratio gives you more vertical workspace, which is useful for illustrating and designing.
As a 2-in-1, the Surface Pro X transforms seamlessly between a tablet and a laptop, making it easy to draw on the go.
It is incredibly thin at just 7.3mm and weighs only 1.7 lbs, making it one of the most portable Surface devices ever.
The included Surface Slim Pen provides a natural pencil-like feel with tilt support and low latency.
It also features its palm rejection that allows you to rest your hand on the screen while drawing.
Microsoft's pen technology delivers accuracy critical for detailed design work, plus it magnetically attaches and wirelessly charges for easy access.
Lastly, running full Windows 11 Pro provides access to powerful creative apps like Photoshop and Illustrator natively.
Buy Microsoft Surface Pro X on Amazon
The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is a go-to choice for both professional artists and designers who seek a quality creative companion on a budget.
The Best expansive high-res drawing space on a budget
This tablet showcases a blend of high-resolution display, responsive pen technology, and ergonomic design.
Huion Kamvas Pro 24 features its 23.8-inch QHD 2560x1440 resolution display providing an expansive digital workspace with sharp details perfect for creative work.
It has an IPS panel that displays 16.7 million colors with a wide 125% sRGB color gamut for vivid, accurate color reproduction.
This tablet comes with a battery-free pen that provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and ±60° tilt support for excellent control and natural drawing.
The pen supports 360-degree rotation recognition for advanced flexibility, making it slide smoothly on the screen surface.
Better still, Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is equipped with 20 customizable press keys, making it easy to optimize shortcuts for a more seamless workflow.
The adjustable stand allows for an ergonomic viewing angle and the screen has 178° viewing angle and is coated to minimize glare.
It is also PC and Mac compatible for flexible use.
Best of all, for a tablet with a large QHD screen size, features, and pen responsiveness, the Kamvas Pro 24 is very competitively priced.
It delivers premium design tablet performance and workspace at an accessible price point for creatives.
Buy Huion Kamvas Pro 24 on Amazon
Having the right tools is a must for any artist, and when it comes to tablets, this is a device you will probably want to use daily.
With all of the tablet choices available out there, it might be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs.
What is the best tablet for graphic design in 2024?
In my list, you will find something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or a professional graphic designer.
But if you want the best overall tablet that is perfect for graphic design then you can check out Wacom Cintiq 22.
On the other hand, if you want the most compact tablet that is suitable for your needs then the 12.9" Apple iPad Pro 2022 is definitely for you.
Furthermore, for students who are searching for a high-quality tablet at an affordable price, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is a must-have.
Now that I've shared my expert suggestions and their information with you, which tablet do you think is the best for graphic design?—Leave a comment below.
Do you want to add your product to the list?—Find my address on the contact page and send your product for review.
