Top 10 Drawing Tablets for Beginners

If you’re curious about the digital art field, you’ll want to start by looking at some of the best graphic tablets available on the market. Today’s drawing tablets focus on providing clear images, easy-to-use pens for drawing and great connectivity with your other devices. Here are 10 great drawing tablets we recommend for beginners.

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1: XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphic Monitor with PN06 Battery-Free Pen Multi-Function Pen Holder and Glove 8192 Pressure Sensitivity

XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphic Monitor with PN06 Battery-Free Pen Multi-Function Pen Holder and Glove 8192 Pressure Sensitivity Buy on Amazon

The Artist12 pen tablet from XP-PEN comes with a 11.6-inch display area, an anti-reflective coating and a battery-free pen with a pencil-like feel. It’s great for drawing, photography, animation, 3D sculpting and more.

Pros:

  • Features a touch bar that can zoom in and out, scroll and more.
  • Supports Windows 10/8/7, MAC OS 10.10 and higher.
  • Compatible with all the major graphic applications, including Photoshop and Illustrator.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone product; must be used with a computer.
  • Unless you have a small hand, the anti-fouling glove is a little too snug.

Final thoughts: With easy setup and an impressively large screen, this tablet is an attractive choice – especially considering the price.


2: Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet with Bonus Software, 7.9″ X 6.3″, Black (CTL4100)

Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet with Bonus Software, 7.9 Buy on Amazon

The Wacom Intuos drawing tablet is designed for beginners, so all the basics come with it including a battery-free pen, downloadable software and online tutorials.

Pros:

  • Tablet connects via USB cable to a Mac or PC.
  • Compact size is designed for smaller desktops.
  • Clip Studio Paint Pro and trials of Corel Painter Essentials and Corel AfterShow Pro 3 are included.

Cons:

  • A separate connector needs to be purchased to connect the tablet to Android devices.
  • Registration (needed to download the software trials) can be challenging.

Final thoughts: Crafting a drawing tablet specifically for beginners can be a challenge, but this model proves thoughtful design and helpful tutorials make a big difference.


3: Wacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with Screen, 13.3 Inch Graphics Display for Art and Animation Beginners (DTC133W0A)

Wacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with Screen, 13.3 Inch Graphics Display for Art and Animation Beginners (DTC133W0A) Buy on Amazon

This drawing tablet with screen is designed for use at home, work and play. Sketch, edit photos, sign documents digitally – this set comes with the software to get you started.

Pros:

  • Includes the Wacom One pen, but is also compatible with other popular pens.
  • Full-color display screen is a generous 13.3 inches in size.
  • Compatible with Macs and PCs.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone tablet; must be connected to a computer or smart device.
  • Connections to computers are wired, not WiFi. Some users have remarked on the nest of cables required.

Final thoughts: There’s a lot to love here, including the large screen and software inclusions. Just be patient with the cables.


4: Simbans PicassoTab 10 Inch Drawing Tablet and Stylus Pen | 2GB, 32GB, Android 9 Pie, IPS Screen | Best Gift for Beginner Graphic Artist Boy, Girl | HDMI, USB, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi

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This budget-friendly Android tablet from Simbans comes with pre-installed drawing apps, a tablet case, universal power adaptor and screen protector.

Pros:

  • Connects via WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS.
  • Supports pressure sensitivity and palm rejection with the active pen (included).
  • Loaded with a camera and Android 9 Pie so the tablet can also run games and networking apps like Skype.

Cons:

  • Users report the plastic tip of the pen is slippery to draw with.
  • Storage space is limited (32GB) but an SD card can be added to help.

Final thoughts: Pre-loaded software and some added goodies make the setup easier for this budget-friendly tablet, which delivers quality performance for beginning users.


5: XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 10×6.25 Inch Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet Drawing Pen Tablet with Battery-Free Passive Stylus and 8 Shortcut Keys (8192 Levels Pressure)

XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 10x6.25 Inch Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet Drawing Pen Tablet with Battery-Free Passive Stylus and 8 Shortcut Keys (8192 Levels Pressure) Buy on Amazon

The first thing you’ll notice about the XP-Pen Deco tablet is how thin it is – only 8 millimeters. That makes it one of the most lightweight and convenient tablets on the market.

Pros:

  • The tablet has eight shortcut buttons placed in convenient locations.
  • Compatible with Windows and Macs.
  • Includes a battery-free, passive pen that was recently redesigned to make it easier to hold.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone tablet; must be connected to a computer to work.
  • Pen doesn’t have an eraser; you have to flip a switch to turn it into an eraser.

Final thoughts: If you need a tablet to take on the go for a very reasonable price, you won’t find a more reliable one than the Deco tablet from XP-Pen.


6: Huion Inspiroy H640P Graphics Drawing Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus and 8192 Pressure Sensitivity

Huion Inspiroy H640P Graphics Drawing Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus and 8192 Pressure Sensitivity Buy on Amazon

If you’re brand-new to the world of digital art, this tablet from Huion is a price-friendly introduction and includes all the basic features you need.

Pros:

  • Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Chromebook and Android devices.
  • The tablet has a textured surface with a paper-like feel to help guide the pen.
  • The battery-free pen is easy to use.

Cons:

  • Not compatible with iPhone or iPad.
  • Make sure your phone can accommodate OTG (“on the go”) function before you buy.

Final thoughts: A cheap price doesn’t mean a cheap tablet. This model from Huion proves good things can come in smaller and less-expensive packages.


7: GAOMON M10K2018 10 x 6.25 inches Graphic Drawing Tablet

GAOMON M10K2018 10 x 6.25 inches Graphic Drawing Tablet 8192 Levels of Pressure Digital Pen Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Buy on Amazon

This tablet from GAOMON allows users to sketch, draw, edit photos and more. It’s compatible with all the major applications including Photoshop and Illustrator.

Pros:

  • The battery-free pen has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for thicker or thinner lines depending on how hard the pen is pressed.
  • It has 10 shortcut keys for quick access to frequently used functions.
  • It easily adapts for left-handed users.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone tablet; needs a laptop or desktop computer.
  • Not compatible with Chrome OS.

Final thoughts: A great working space and impressive pen – along with regular driver updates – make this a tablet you can grow with.

8: GAOMON PD1161 11.6 Inches Tilt Support Drawing Pen Display with 8192 Levels Pressure Sensitive Battery Free Pen AP50 and 8 Shortcut Keys

GAOMON PD1161 11.6 Inches Tilt Support Drawing Pen Display with 8192 Levels Pressure Sensitive Battery Free Pen AP50 and 8 Shortcut Keys Buy on Amazon

When you’re ready to graduate to the next level of drawing tablets, this model from GAOMON offers a professional, 11.6 inch screen and tilt support.

Pros:

  • The battery-free pen has 8,192 levels of pressure for accurate drawing.
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac and most common graphic applications.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone tablet; needs a laptop or desktop computer.
  • Not compatible with Chrome OS.

Final thoughts: A bigger screen with tilt support is usually high on the wish lists for digital illustrators who are looking for their next tablet. This model features both.


9: XP-PEN Artist12 Pro 11.6 Inch Drawing Monitor Pen Display Full-Laminated Graphics Drawing Tablet with Tilt Function Battery-Free Stylus and 8 Shortcut Keys(8192 Levels Pen Pressure and 72% NTSC)

XP-PEN Artist12 Pro 11.6 Inch Drawing Monitor Pen Display Full-Laminated Graphics Drawing Tablet with Tilt Function Battery-Free Stylus and 8 Shortcut Keys(8192 Levels Pen Pressure and 72% NTSC) Buy on Amazon

This tablet from XP-Pen is a fully-laminated model that combines the glass and screen so your cursor appears exactly where you want it.

Pros:

  • The screen has a paper-like texture offering a more authentic drawing experience.
  • A 3-in-1 cable design means no adapter is needed; it connects quickly to your computer.
  • The included stand helps limit shaking and sliding while reducing eye and hand fatigue.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone tablet; must be connected to a computer.
  • Not compatible with Chromebooks.

Final thoughts: This tablet from XP-Pen does a great job anticipating the needs of its user. It’s easy to set up and a joy to use.


10: 2020 HUION Kamvas 13 Android Support Graphics Drawing Tablet Monitor with Full Laminated Screen Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pressure Sensitivity Tilt 8 Express Keys Adjustable Stand-13.3inch, Black

2020 HUION Kamvas 13 Android Support Graphics Drawing Tablet Monitor with Full Laminated Screen Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pressure Sensitivity Tilt 8 Express Keys Adjustable Stand-13.3inch, Black Buy on Amazon

This new model from Huion has a laminated screen for precise cursor positioning and a replaceable anti-glare film to offer clearer pictures under the brightest lights.

Pros:

  • The display offers 1920×1080 high definition with 16.7 million colors.
  • An adjustable stand (included) can be moved between 20 and 60 degrees.
  • It’s only 10 millimeters thick so it’s easy to slip into a backpack for travel.

Cons:

  • Not a standalone product; needs to be paired with a computer.
  • A computer needs to have HDMI and USB ports available for connection with the tablet.

Final thoughts: It’s nice to watch as display technology and clarity improves year by year. This new model from Huion has put the user first when improving its display.