These are the most popular brands and models of graphics tablets available in the US. The pressure-sensitive graphics tablets featured here are well-suited to both professional and home users who will be using the tablet for photo editing and digital art, or as a mouse replacement for everyday computing. We have deliberately excluded high-end digitizers for technical design and CAD work. Unless otherwise noted, these products are available for both Macintosh and Windows.
Wacom Intuos4 Medium - PTK-640
Mac Compatible Pro Drawing Tablets These precision graphics pads and drawing tablets for Mac feature up to 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, programmable buttons and USB or Bluetooth wireless tablet freedom for Professional graphic designers, architechture and CAD, 3D modeling, and/or Illlustration. Right now, the very best drawing tablet you can buy is the Wacom Cintiq 22HD touch pen display, however it also has serious competition in the form of Apple’s latest iPad Pro 12.9, released in November 2018 and boasting some serious processing power.
What We Like
LCD display shows program shortcuts. Best email accounts for mac.
Two USB ports, perfect for left or right-handed users.
What We Don't Like
Non-continuous drawing area.
Unstable device drivers.
The Intuos4 pen provides 2,048 levels of pen tip and eraser pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, is battery-free and cordless, and features a programmable DuoSwitch and soft grip. It also comes with a cordless, programmable 5-button optical scroll mouse. The tablet features a 4-way touch ring, 8 ExpressKeys, and comes with a pen stand. With Intuos4, you also have the option of purchasing additional programmable accessories. (Footprint ~15x10')
Wacom Bamboo Create - CTH670
What We Like
Includes free creative software.
Lightweight; easy to transport.
Making customizations is simple.
What We Don't Like
Might register pen movements too easily.
Built-in apps are buggy.
Best Drawing Pads For Computer
Bamboo Create is the choice for those who want all the creative freedom they can get. Bamboo Create provides multi-touch input along with pressure-sensitive pen input. Bamboo Create has a wide-format active area, a textured feel to the tablet surface, and a touch-sensitive surface supporting a variety of gestures for clicking, dragging, zooming, scrolling, and so on. There is also an optional wireless accessory kit for those who do not wish to be tethered by a cable. For creative work like painting, drawing, and touching up photos, the larger size of the Bamboo Create tablet is ideal. It comes with a bundle of creative software including Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, Corel Painter Essentials, and Nik Color Efex. (Footprint: 13.9' x 8.2')
Wacom Intuos4 Large - PTK-840
What We Like
Large drawing area.
High pressure sensitivity levels.
Useful scroll wheel.
What We Don't Like
Several hundred dollars.
Non-durable nibs.
Non-ergonomic express keys.
The larger size of the Intuos4 Large tablet will let you achieve the wider, sweeping strokes some artists prefer. It comes at a cost in desk space, though — this tablet has a footprint of about 19 by 13 inches. Except for the larger size, it is identical to the Intuos4 Medium with the same software bundle and optional accessories.
For the price, Bamboo is an excellent entry-point to the Wacom product line. The Bamboo Connect model is slightly cheaper if you want only pen input, but for a bit more, this model provides both pen and touch input. Bamboo Capture comes with Photoshop Elements 8 in addition to Autodesk Sketchbook Express and is intended for creative uses such as photo editing, digital scrapbooking, painting, and drawing. It does not offer an eraser on the pen, but the tablet does have four ExpressKeys which can be assigned to various functions. It is also compatible with the optional Wireless Accessory Kit, which makes it convenient to reposition the tablet. (Footprint: 10.9' x 6.9')
Wacom Intuos4 Wireless - PTK450WL
What We Like
Works up to 30 feet from the computer.
Pen stand holds nibs.
The Intuos4 Wireless is a professional pen tablet with integrated Bluetooth wireless technology. The Intuos4 Wireless is nearly identical in size and features to the Intuos4 Medium tablet, but with the ability to be used without any cord connecting it to your computer. The Bluetooth connection provides up to 33 feet of wireless range. The Intuos4 Wireless is slightly thicker than the regular Intuos4 Medium, but the footprint dimensions are about the same, making it a convenient size for carrying in a laptop bag. The tablet's active area is slightly smaller than the Intuos4 Medium (8 x 5 inches versus 8.8 x 5.5 inches). In addition to the pen stand, an optional clip-on pen holder is provided for attaching the pen to the tablet. Unlike the wired version, the wireless Intuos4 does not come with a mouse.
Monoprice Graphics Tablet
What We Like
Relatively cheap.
Best mac lipglass color for dark skin. Long-lasting pen battery.
Reversible to accommodate right/left-handed users.
What We Don't Like
USB cable might be too short for most people.
Driver issues with newer versions of Windows.
How to download gta for android phone. I've recently learned that Monoprice now has their own line of inexpensive graphics tablets for Windows and Mac. The tablets come in four sizes - 4x3, 5.5x4, 8x6, and 10x6. The tablet features a number of programmable macro keys around the sides of the tablet, 1023 pressure sensitivity levels, 2540 LPI resolution, and 100 RPS report rate for speed. You also get an extra pen, batteries for both pens, and replacement nibs for the pens. We have not used the Monoprice tablets ourselves, but they have a high satisfaction rating on Amazon and we have had good experience with other Monoprice products.
DigiPro Graphics Tablets - WP8060
What We Like
Great for beginners or non-professionals.
Less expensive than most.
What We Don't Like
Very low pressure sensitivity.
Bad choice for experienced tablet users.
The DigiPro drawing tablets are is an inexpensive, yet capable, pressure-sensitive pen tablet option for budget-conscious users. They are not flashy or feature packed, but do the job they're supposed to do. The DigiPro tablets will also work on older systems, including Windows 98Se and higher, Mac OS 9, and Mac OS X. If you're curious about using a graphics tablet, but don't want to spend a lot of money, the DigiPro drawing tablets are a solid choice. Many of the DigiPro tablets can be purchased for less than $50.
Wacom Cintiq 12WX Interactive Pen Display
What We Like
Scratch-resistant glass surface.
Lightweight tablet.
Long cord.
What We Don't Like
High price tag.
Lower pressure sensitivity than cheaper tablets.
For those that can't afford the larger Cintiq pen display above, Wacom offers a 12-inch model with 1280 by 800 pixels of resolution. The smaller size of this Cintiq model allows it to be used in your lap, flat on the desk, or in two different inclined positions. When used horizontally, a pivot point on the back allows you to rotate the display for the most comfortable drawing position. It also features a 2-button Grip Pen, 8 ExpressKeys and 2 Touch Strips, 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, and a 12.1' TFT wide-screen LCD with DVI or VGA video input. For Windows and Macintosh.
Cartoonists and comic creators are moving away from traditional pen and paper. Today, artists can use graphic tablets which allow them to achieve the same results on their computers.
If you’re just starting out on your digital art journey, you’ll need to buy a graphic tablet and download an appropriate editing app. It doesn’t matter whether you’re learning to draw manga comics or you dream of becoming the next Joseph Barbera, having the correct tools is half the battle.
But which tablets and apps are right for you? We’re going to introduce you to some of the best graphic tablets across several categories, then recommend graphics programs for you to download.
The Best Graphic Design Tablets
In recent years, there’s been an explosion in the number of graphic tablets on the market. Top-end models—such as the Wacom Cintiq 22HD—now retail for more than $1,500. If you’re already an established artist, it’s money well spent.
Wacom Cintiq 22HD 21-Inch Pen Display Tablet, Black (DTK2200)Wacom Cintiq 22HD 21-Inch Pen Display Tablet, Black (DTK2200) Buy Now On Amazon $1,399.95
But if you’re a beginner who’s looking for your first big break, spending so much money on your first device would be foolish. Instead, set your sights a bit lower.
Here are some devices for you to consider, each of which is aimed at a different subset of users and has a different price point.
Best Computer Drawing Pad Wacom Intuos Pro
Wacom Intuos Pro digital graphic drawing tablet for Mac or PC, Large, (PTH860) NEW MODELWacom Intuos Pro digital graphic drawing tablet for Mac or PC, Large, (PTH860) NEW MODEL Buy Now On Amazon $384.00
“For the wannabe professional.”
If you’re confident in your abilities and happy to spend the money on a quality tablet, you can’t go far wrong with the Wacom Intuos Pro. At under $500, it’s considerably cheaper than the market-leading Cintiq, but it still packs a powerful punch.
The tablet comes in three different sizes, but you shouldn’t consider purchasing anything other than the 16.8″ x 11.2″ (42.6cm x 28.4cm) large edition. For $100 more, you can upgrade to the Paper version. It lets you export your pen-on-paper doodles directly to your computer.
Quick Specs
2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
Pen tilt recognition
5080 LPI
200 points per second
Support for multi-touch gestures
Eight customizable express keys
Wacom Grip Pen included
What Are People Saying?
CNET: “It’s an essential buy for creatives who do a lot of digital freehand sketching.” Fstoppers: “The Intuos Pro is an absolute joy to use […] It’ll pay for itself in the time you save.”
Best Cheap Drawing Tablet Huion H610PRO
Huion H610PRO V2 10 x 6.25 inch Graphics Drawing Tablet with 8192 Battery-Free Stylus Tilt Function, 8 Shortcut Keys, Compatible with Mac, PC or Android MobileHuion H610PRO V2 10 x 6.25 inch Graphics Drawing Tablet with 8192 Battery-Free Stylus Tilt Function, 8 Shortcut Keys, Compatible with Mac, PC or Android Mobile Buy Now On Amazon $75.99
“The best entry-level model for hobbyists.”
If digital cartoon design is a hobby rather than a career, you should consider the Huion H610PRO. You can pick one up for less than $100, but consistently scores highly among users. It boasts an average of four stars from more than 1,200 reviews on Amazon.
Measuring 10″ x 6.25″ (25.4cm x 15.875cm), it’s significantly smaller than the Wacom Intuos Pro. As such, it’s unsuitable for professionals or people who like to work on large projects across several monitorsHow to Be More Productive with Dual MonitorsHow to Be More Productive with Dual MonitorsYou need space for several documents, to get an overview and swiftly shift between tasks. What's true for your desk also applies to your virtual workspace. We show you how it matters.Read More. However, for beginners, its “bang for your buck” is unrivaled.
Quick Specs
2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
Eight customizable express keys
16 mappable hotkeys
200 report rate
Weighs 635 grams
Left-handed driver for southpaws
Compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Autodesk Sketchbook, Manga Studio, Clip Studio, and Zbrush
Battery-free P80 Huion stylus included
What Are People Saying?
Fstoppers: “If you don’t own a tablet yet, don’t have the budget for a Wacom, or you’re looking for a smaller and cheaper digital art board to travel with, do not look further, this is most likely the solution for you.” Tablets for Artists: “If you’re looking for a professional-quality drawing tablet that’s great value, the Huion 610 Pro is worthy of consideration.”
Best Digital Art Tablet Ugee 1910B
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“Simulates a traditional pen-and-paper experience.”
Unlike the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Huion H610PRO, the Ugee 1910B shows your artwork in real-time on its screen. Accordingly, many users will find that the tablet provides a more natural usage experience; it feels like you’re working on a piece of paper rather than a computer.
It costs around $400. That’s not much cheaper than the Intuos, but significantly less expensive than the similarly-equipped Cintiq. Much of your purchase decision will boil down to whether you would enjoy using the 19-inch 5080 LPI screen.
Quick Specs
1440×900 screen resolution
800:1 contrast ratio
16.7 million display colors
2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
Multi-angle adjustable stand
P50S Graphic Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Tablets for Artists: “The Ugee is a fine choice for artists on a budget, for students, or beginners wanting to try a tablet monitor without a big investment.” Art’s Art Reviews: “The Ugee 1910B is a tablet display that may serve as a good alternative to the more expensive displays such as Wacom’s Cintiq line.”
Best Value Drawing Tablet Wacom CTL-471 ONE
Wacom CTL471 One Pen Small Tablet for PC / MACWacom CTL471 One Pen Small Tablet for PC / MAC Buy Now On Amazon
“The cheapest graphic tablet worth buying.”
The Wacom CTL-471 ONE is in direct competition with the Huion H610PRO. If you have used Wacom tablets before, or you trust the Wacom brand name more than Huion, the CTL-471 ONE represents a sensible purchase. It costs less than $50.
Wacom primarily aims the product at people who’ve never owned a graphic tablet before. In addition to painting, drawing, and sketching capabilities, it’s also ideal for editing photos and using on-the-go. Ultimately, with high ratings on Amazon, you know you’re going to get a quality product.
Quick Specs
1024 pressure levels of sensitivity
2540 LPI
Weighs 240 grams
152 x 95 mm active area
No multi-touch support
Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Art’s Art Reviews: “If you are a beginner looking for your first tablet, the Wacom CTL471 will serve you well. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the area of drawing space that this tablet provides.” Sweet Monia: “It can be an excellent choice for first graphics tablets owners, it can also be a great option for those looking for a second tablet to carry on-the-go.”
Best Alternative Digital Art Tablet XP-Pen Artist 16
XP-PEN Artist16 Pro 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing MonitorXP-PEN Artist16 Pro 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Monitor Buy Now On Amazon $299.99
“A slightly cheaper alternative to the Ugee 1910B.”
The XP-Pen Artist 16 is more expensive than the Ugee 1910B. Apart from the price, there is little difference between them. Both let you design directly on the monitor’s surface.
The tablet’s biggest selling point is the quality of its screen; the 1080p 15.6″ FHD IPS display looks stunning. Size-wise, it measures 15.9″ x 8.6″ (40.5cm x 25.5 cm), making it slightly smaller than the Ugee.
Quick Specs
16.7 million display colors
1,000:1 contrast ratio
1920×1080 resolution
2048 pressure sensitivity levels
5080 LPI
200 reports per second
Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Parkablogs: “Drawing performance is good. The pressure sensitivity works very well. The display is responsive, and lines appear instantly as they are drawn. There’s no lag.” Surface Pro Artist: “The Artist 16’s FHD (1920×1080) display and 2048 pressure levels should be sufficient to satisfy most entry- and mid-level users.”
Best Drawing Tablet With Screen Microsoft Surface Pro
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“A great all-rounder with excellent graphical and productivity capabilities.”
Graphic tablets can be split into two categories: those that have a screen (like the Ugee 1910B) and those that don’t (like the Wacom models).
In the “best drawing tablet with a screen” category, we’ve gone for the Microsoft Surface Pro. It’s not necessarily the first device people think about when considering graphics tablets, but its productivity tools make it a great choice for people who want to do more than merely draw with their purchase.
The only downside? The price. You need to be ready to shell out the better part of $1,000.
Quick Specs
12.3″ screen
2736×1824 resolution
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
8.0MP autofocus camera with 1080p HD video
A USB 3.0 port
A microSD card reader
The pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
1.6W Stereo speakers
Wi-Fi and mobile data connectivity
What Are People Saying?
TechRadar: “Microsoft upped the pressure sensitivity of its pen to 4,096 levels of detectable pressure, meaning creators have more control over the width and intensity of their lines in illustrations or designs than before.” Digital Arts Online: “The Microsoft Surface Pro is a welcome hybrid device which may no doubt feel like a step up for many people looking to be more creative.”
The Best Graphics Editing Programs
The graphics editing program is the software the cartoonist uses with a graphic tablet in order to draw on the computer. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on software that specializes in producing 2D raster art.
Photoshop and Corel Painter
“The professional options.”
Drawing Pads For Computers
Photoshop and Corel Painter are two of the most powerful tools used by professionals in the comic industry. They come with a wide array of brushes, effects, and amazing free plug-ins that provide digital cartoonists with all the versatility they need to produce beautiful art.
Additional features include support for layered editing and masks, professional text editing for typographers, and more.
Photoshop Elements
“The perfect balance of price and functionality.”
Adobe Elements is different from Adobe Photoshop and is targeted at hobbyist cartoonists and the occasional user. It’s sold at a fraction of what Photoshop sells at, and may be given as a freebie when purchasing certain graphic tablets.
It doesn’t include many of the advanced features that Photoshop has, including advanced selection and editing tools, advanced text editing, and support for CMYK coloring.
GIMP
“A free option for beginners.”
R 3.0.3 mac download. GIMP is a free and open-source alternative to Photoshop. It runs on all major operating systems and is designed to work smoothly with Wacom tablets.
The app provides most of the same core functionality as Photoshop offers (for 2D image editing) and is a true lifesaver for anyone who needs basic features while saving money.
Krita
GIMP isn’t the only free app that can rival Photoshop. You can also try Krita. It’s a GIMP alternative that you really should try. Like GIMP, Krita is open-source.
Importantly for owners of drawing tablets, it’s heavily geared towards painting and drawing. With a color wheel, sliders, and a solid array of selection tools, you can make a masterpiece in minutes.
Graphic designs can also enjoy some benefits. There’s a text tool and plenty of functions to work with lines and shapes.
Krita does offer photography and animation tools, but they’re not as feature-rich as the painting and graphic options.
Do You Know How to Draw Digital Art?
We’ve introduced you to the best graphic tablets for anyone who wants to break into digital cartoon design.
But you won’t get far if you can’t draw. Luckily, there are YouTube videos that teach you how to drawLearn to Draw at Your Own Pace With Awesome YouTube VideosLearn to Draw at Your Own Pace With Awesome YouTube VideosAre you interested in learning how to draw? You can learn at your own pace when you have moments to spare thanks to awesome YouTube videos.Read More and websites that teach you how to draw10 Sites That Will Teach You How to Draw Well10 Sites That Will Teach You How to Draw WellWe all want to draw well. But, drawing skills can only come through daily practice. Go to these ten websites and their fantastic tutorials to begin your journey.Read More.
Explore more about: Adobe Photoshop, Comics, Digital Art, GIMP.
Sketchbook pro by autodesk is now free and easily one of the best apps for any tablet based artist.