One question we get asked a lot is whether the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy tablet will replace traditional drawing tablets. It might happen soon, but it really depends on your needs and habits.
To keep things simple, we’ll just call them all graphics tablets or drawing tablets and categorize them into two types: those that need a computer connection and those that are portable and can be used on their own.
We'll show you the best 3 drawing tablets in each category.
Computer-Connected Drawing Tablets with Stylus
A traditional drawing tablet, also known as a drawing pad, is a touchpad that comes with a stylus with high pen pressure sensitivity. You need to connect it to a computer or monitor to see your drawings, so it’s more of an accessory to your PC.
These tablets aim to provide a natural drawing experience, similar to drawing on paper, and usually have a large drawing area. They are durable and easy to use. With technological advances, some drawing tablets now come with screens, so you can draw and see your work on the same device, even if they still need to be connected to a computer.
Professional artists often prefer these over multi-purpose tablets.
Top 3 Computer-Connected Drawing Tablets
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
Wacom has been a leader in the drawing tablet industry, holding over 80% of the market share since 2008. Their latest model, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27, is one of the best out there. It boasts Wacom's most advanced pen performance with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, an eraser, and virtually lag-free tracking. Its 26.9-inch LCD display offers 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) with excellent color accuracy.
XP-PEN Artist24 Pro
XP-PEN is known for its mid-range drawing tablets. The XP-PEN Artist24 Pro features a large 23.8-inch working area with 2K QHD resolution. It must be used with a computer, and its stylus also provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. However, it only supports Windows and Mac, not Linux OS or Chromebooks.
Huion Kamvas Pro 24
Huion offers more affordable drawing tablets. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 comes with a rechargeable stylus that also provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It has a 23.8-inch screen with a 2.5K QHD resolution, which is higher than the XP-PEN but at a more affordable price.
Standalone Portable Drawing Tablets with Stylus
The second type of drawing tablet is the portable drawing tablet with a stylus. Millennials grew up using tablets like the iPad or Samsung tablets for everything from checking emails to watching movies.
Recently, manufacturers have added drawing features to these tablets. With a stylus, these drawing tablets are fully functional on the go, allowing you to draw while seeing the output on the screen. You can also enjoy all the other features they offer.
Standalone drawing tablets are very portable – you can take them anywhere and use them without needing a computer. They also offer a wide range of entertainment options with iOS and Android systems. Their drawing capabilities are often weaker than traditional drawing tablets, making them better suited for beginners rather than professionals.
Top 3 Portable Drawing Tablets
Simbans PicassoTab
Simbans is a newer brand in the drawing tablet space, producing affordable options like the PicassoTab, which is great for students or beginners. The PicassoTab runs on Android and has a 1280x800 pixel resolution with a quad-core processor. It supports multi-touch and multi-port output. The tablet set includes a Simbans pen, a high-quality tablet case, drawing gloves, a universal power adapter, and a pre-installed screen protector.
Apple iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro offers two size options – 11 inches or 12.9 inches. It combines impressive power with a large, beautiful display. With the iPad Pro, you get a premium experience at a higher price compared to other options.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Samsung is known for its screen quality, and the Galaxy Tab S9 is a 2-in-1 tablet that lets you draw, sketch, work like on a computer, and enjoy various entertainment options. The S Pen can be magnetically attached to the tablet for easy storage and charging.
