Everything has gone digital in this day and age. From the use of smartphones. computers, home appliances, and even the art we consume. With that said, if you’re wanting to start a profession or are just simply interested in digital art, a drawing tablet is one of the best gadgets to help you hone your skills. But with so many choices available in the market, it is quite easy to get lost and feel confused about which one is best suited for you. Fortunately, I’m here to help you out so you know which features and specifications to consider and look out for. So if you truly want to get your money’s worth and get the best drawing tablet you can get your hands on, just keep reading our guide on how to buy a drawing tablet this 2021 here.
If you’re new to digital art, attempting to learn everything there is to know about drawing tablets can sometimes be a difficult endeavor. There are several models to pick from on the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages as well as gimmicks and features exclusive to its brand.
It’s understandable that a beginner might be a little overwhelmed with so much information to take in. But at the same time, shopping for a drawing tablet can also be a lot of fun. Choosing your first drawing tablet can bring out a certain excitement for artists. It’s like starting a new adventure and you have so much to explore ahead of you.
On the other hand, if you’re still undecided about whether or not a graphics tablet is worth the money, then let me just go right to the point. It is well worth every penny. A drawing tablet includes capabilities that will allow you to improve your creativity and productivity in ways that you won’t be able to do with your traditional mediums of art.
Such an example is seen whenever you make mistakes. On a drawing tablet, a mistake can easily be undone with a simple press of a button and you won’t have to start all over again or waste more paint or paper covering it up. However, the same can’t be said when you’re painting on a canvas.
If you’ve spent your entire life creating art on paper, drawing on a screen may feel strange at first. But once you’ve grown used to the sensation, you’ll discover that digital art is a lot more fun and a great way to boost your creativity.
Knowing The Different Types Of Drawing Tablets
A large number of artists in the business refer to graphic tablets as “pen” or “drawing” tablets. A lot of manufacturers tend to interchange these terms as well, so it’s easy to get confused sometimes. While both of these devices are basically the same tools that allow you to express yourself in ways other than painting and sketching, there is a tiny yet major difference between them.
To help clear things out, below are brief explanations discussing the two.
Pen Tablets
To begin with, pen tablets do not have built-in screens. They’re just responsive pads with digital pens that have “express keys” to aid you in your drawing sessions. You’ll need to hook this into your computer or any external monitor in order to look at the art you’re creating in real-time.
Personally, I find using a pen tablet for the first time to be quite challenging and a little weird. You’ll have to become used to concentrating on two tasks at once. To ensure that what you’re drawing on the pad is accurate then constantly have to look back and forth between two monitors. Because of this, not a lot of digital artists would prefer this over a drawing tablet that has a built-in screen.
That said, there are also a decent lot of pen tablets in the market that are amazing and well worth the try. A good example of this is the Pen Tablet Medium from a new company called Xencelabs. This particular pen tablet was designed by former Wacom employees that used all their knowledge about digital art to create a premium device that can rival Wacom’s high-end drawing tablets without the high price point.
With that in mind, pen tablets are also usually a lot cheaper compared to their counterparts with built-in displays. So if you’re on a very tight budget, you can definitely consider getting this sort of model if you don’t mind the lack of a screen. Also, once you get the hang of focusing on two things at once, drawing on pen tablets will be a breeze for you.
Drawing tablets, on the other hand, have touch screens that may be utilized as extensions of your computer’s display. They typically perform the same functions as a pen tablet. But with the added benefit of a display so you don’t have to switch your gaze from your hand to your computer monitor to make sure your artworks are done to your liking.
Compared to pen tablets, though, they have higher costs so they’re generally more expensive too.
So Which One Should You Get?
At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you which of these drawing tablets would suit you better. Personally, I would suggest getting a drawing tablet with a built-in display as it is much easier to work with. But if your budget is limited or you simply prefer a non-display pen tablet, then the choice is yours.
Do keep in mind that both tablets lack storage and must be connected to another device such as a computer. However, a drawing tablet allows you to produce and show your work on the same surface, unlike a pen tablet.
Furthermore, regular tablets, like the Apple iPad or Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab, are also devices that can double as drawing tablets. They normally come with more functions than just digital art capabilities and can be used for other tasks for work and/or school. But they’re also a lot more costly since they are basically portable computers.
Finding the best drawing tablet for yourself can be a little frustrating if you don’t know where to start. Having endless options available in the market isn’t always the most helpful and can only confuse you further. To help make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of things you should keep an eye out for and consider once you’re shopping for a drawing tablet.
Size
When it comes to the size of a drawing tablet, it’s crucial to remember that both smaller and larger models have their own advantages and disadvantages. For starters, a larger drawing tablet often comes at a higher price, and you may not always get the best value for your money if you don’t require such a large device.
A larger drawing tablet, on the other hand, typically signifies a greater active area. In case you’re unaware, the surface on which you may draw is known as the active area. The larger your active area, the less zooming and panning you’ll need to do on various portions of your project. A smaller tablet, on the other hand, can provide a higher screen resolution for less money.
Many artists in the business believe that these more compact versions are sufficient for their drawing needs. So if you are just getting started with digital art, it’s best to invest in a small drawing tablet first to avoid wasting a lot of money in case you get bored of it too quickly.
Finally, think about the type of work you want to do. The sort of art you want to create will almost certainly be influenced by the size of your drawing tablet. As a result, I strongly advise you to choose a model with a large enough active area to fulfill your specific requirements.
Resolution
Before selecting a drawing tablet, the resolution is by far the most important factor to consider. Basically, the higher the resolution of your drawing tablet, the more you’ll be able to dive into the finer points of your digital work. If you have the funds, I strongly advise you to purchase the best resolution drawing tablet you can buy. But if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll have to make a few concessions here and there.
You must also consider if you are creating digital art as a pastime or as a job. For a small webtoon or even a simple logo design, fine detail may not be necessary, and you can usually get away with a lower-resolution drawing tablet. However, if you’re making photorealistic drawings or your profession requires precise details, you’ll need to invest in a drawing tablet with a much higher resolution to achieve the best results. Consider this as an investment in both yourself and your career.
Pressure Sensitivity & Tracking Speed
Pressure sensitivity is a feature found on many of today’s drawing tablets that allows you to vary the depth of your stroke based on how hard you press the pen on the active area. This will also offer you the most authentic experience similar to drawing on actual paper or canvas. But keep in mind each model may have a wide range of sensitivity and deliver a variety of sensations.
The amount of quality you can achieve with your digital work is heavily influenced by pressure sensitivity. Pressure sensitivity may not be an issue if you only need to create little drawings or you only do digital art for enjoyment. On the other hand, this is something to consider if you’re a professional or take your digital drawings seriously.
Meanwhile, the tracking speed is measured by PPS (points per second). This reduces the time it takes for a stroke on the active surface to be recognized by the linked computer. The majority of modern drawing tablets have extremely quick and immediate tracking rates.
Older versions of drawing tablets, on the other hand, still suffer from delays or lags. It’s advised to avoid these devices and instead go for the latest models or ones that offer excellent responsiveness.
Most drawing tablets allow you to customize the buttons or express keys to do certain tasks based on your preferences. Personally, I think this function will be quite useful to any digital artist. It saves you a lot of time, especially if you have to go back and forth on details on your designs frequently.
Depending on the drawing tablet you use, the amount of customizable buttons accessible and what each button can accomplish varies. So, if you know you’ll need a hotkey for a specific sketch, be sure the tablet you’re considering has this functionality. Most of the time, you’ll be able to program them for virtually almost anything.
Conclusion
Now that we have finally reached the conclusion of our guide on how to buy a drawing tablet, hopefully, I was able to narrow down your options for you and you can now decide on which drawing tablet to start your digital art journey with. Whichever you choose, I hope it’s one that you will surely enjoy using and will last you for the years to come.
Have you already bought your own drawing tablet? Was our guide on how to buy a drawing tablet this 2021 helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet is a fairly new model in the drawing tablet industry that took everyone by surprise. While there are already countless graphics tablets that forego built-in displays, what sets this particular tablet apart is that the company is made up of former Wacom employees who poured all of their design and industry knowledge into this Pen Tablet tool.
The promise was that Xencelabs’ tablets would equal Wacom’s high-end devices in terms of build quality, but at a price that would make them affordable to every digital artist, both professionals and amateurs alike.
However, competition is tight and there are plenty of drawing tablets in the market without displays that will cost you less than the Xencelabs’ asking price. So this begs the question: is it worth the investment?
Right away, I could say that the Xencelabs Pen Tablet is one of the best drawing tablets on the market right now in terms of features, build quality, and performance. But then again, what can you expect from a solid team of former Wacom employees designing this tablet, right?
Its 10.33 x 5.8-inch active area is perfect for a drawing tablet and should satisfy most digital artists. It also provides a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is pretty much the standard with today’s displays. This pen tablet also includes two lag-free pens with 8,192 pressure levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection to ensure that your sketches are accurate and presented in real-time on your computer screen.
Overall, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet is a near-perfect size for most digital artists, provides a fantastic drawing experience, and is priced just low enough to undercut rival Wacom tablets. Not to mention the integrated Quick Keys remote when you opt for the bundle provides customization choices to deliver a seamless drawing experience. You may set up your hotkeys in this manner to boost your productivity.
However, do keep in mind that because this is a graphics tablet, you’ll need to connect it to another display to view what you’re drawing. This model has no built-in display and this was probably the only way Xencelabs has been able to keep its costs down. Aside from that, though, this drawing tablet is a joy to use.
Features & Specifications
Brand: Xencelabs
Dimensions: 13.62 x 8.74 x 2.68 inches
Item Weight: 3.12 pounds
Drawing Area: 6.93 X 3.89 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio
Pen Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Express Keys: Yes
Connections: USB-C to USB-A
Stylus: Battery-free
What’s In The Box
Xencelabs digital drawing products
Xencelabs Pen Tablet
3 Button Pen
Thin Pen
Pen Case
Dongle
USB Cable (ACWTU06-201A)
6 Standard Nibs
4 Felt Nibs
Adapter – USB-A to USB-C
Glove Medium (ACG-12M)
Carrying Case
Nib Extracting Ring
Quick Start Guide
Warranty Booklet
Check Out The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Preview Below.
What We Love About The Xencelabs Pen Tablet
Design & Build Quality
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet comes in two distinct packages: the standard kit with the tablet and two pens and a bundle that has the same things but with the addition of the Quick Keys remote. Regardless of which setup you pick, everything in the package just screams high quality. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 10.33 x 5.8-inch active surface, and a few very cool small design cues, the tablet is quite ergonomic and enjoyable to use.
The total size of the pen tablet is slightly under 13 inches, so it’s neither too big nor too little. It’s also only 8mm thick, giving it a very sleek and thin design. An ergonomic curved is seen on the front edge that gives the impression that your comfort has been considered. This is especially beneficial and highly appreciated given the number of hours you might spend on sketching and creating your artworks.
Apart from that, four corner LEDs, which may be customized in eight different colors, outline the active area. Personally, I think this is a pretty useful function and you can use various colors for different programs if you wish. Three little buttons, also configurable, reside at the top of the tablet. They appear to be ideal for changing applications and accessing tablet or pen settings.
Quick Key Remote
Because Xencelabs seems to be all about refining the details and points of a single product, those fast key shortcuts you usually see in other drawing tablets have been moved from the tablet to this extremely nice, separate nine-button remote with an OLED display and an actual wheel dial. Bear in mind that this is not included in the standard kit. So if you want to get your hands on this, I suggest getting the bundle.
The remote has the same high-quality construction as the tablet and can be customized with up to 40 shortcuts to your preference. The nicest part about it is that it, like the tablet itself, can also be customized by color. A little work spent in the settings yields a simple dial sequence arrangement that’s ideal for scrolling, zooming, rotating, and adjusting brush sizes. Just simply designate a color for each task.
It’s also easy to recall which button is set to what in each setup thanks to the OLED display. Don’t worry if all of this sounds like a lot of work! It isn’t at all. This, as well as the initial setup and driver installation, is quite simple and stress-free when compared to other drawing tablets in the market. It’s quite clear that Xencelabs has your overall experience in mind and considered it from start to finish.
Stylus Pens
The inclusion of not one, but two distinct pens with this Pen Tablet is a fantastic decision by Xencelabs that further distinguishes them from their primary competitors. The thicker, traditional-style pen has three buttons, while the thinner variant has only two. Furthermore, both include EMR erasers on the other end that may be customized separately.
It’s a lovely touch to be able to tune both pens to various settings according to your preference. For example, one can be used for shading or light pencil work, while the other is used for inking or painting. It saves a lot of time not having to go into the settings and adjust everything every time you want something different.
Both pens also include pressure sensitivity levels of 8,192 as well as tilt functionality of 60 degrees. Overall, the pens provide an excellent sketching experience. When sketching at speed, there is no latency, all lines are flawless, and no markings are missed. In addition, the case includes ten additional nibs, four of which are felt tips, as well as a nib extraction ring.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Xencelabs didn’t disappoint at all and their attention to detail didn’t end with just the build and design of this model. They also gave functionality and performance a lot of care and consideration.
The setup is quite straightforward. It recognizes all connected devices instantly and loads them into an interface that allows you to personalize the tablet, pens, and Quick Keys remote to your preference.
You can also opt to use the tablet either plugged in or wirelessly through the accompanying dongle, depending on how you set things up. Personally, I find it inconvenient to have to plug in a dongle to use the tablet wirelessly when your computer may already have Bluetooth built-in, but Xencelabs claims that doing so helps them to reduce latency and assure a steady connection.
Overall, the performance and the drawing experience you get from the Pen Tablet are excellent. Every built-in feature worked as described, and the tablet and pens had an accurate pressure response that is exceptionally sensitive on the low end of the curve.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have discussed the things we liked and disliked about the Xencelabs Pen Tablet, here is a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this particular drawing tablet.
Pros
Accessories are included in the package.
Terrific build quality.
Excellent drawing experience.
Great alternative to Wacom’s more expensive models.
Cons
Does not have a built-in display.
Quick Keys remote is sold separately.
Pricing is still higher compared to most non-display drawing tablets.
Our Final Verdict
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet is a strong statement that, despite being new to the game, the company is here to make its mark in this industry, producing a good tablet and accessories package that is discreet yet extremely nice, at a reasonable price. Overall, this is a terrific choice to explore whether you’re an expert or just getting started with digital art.
Have you already bought your own drawing tablet? Did you pick the Xencelabs Pen Tablet? Was our review helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is one of the newest models in the company’s effort to lower the costs of its well-known lineup of drawing tablets. The Cintiq 22 features a 1920 x 1080 full HD pen display with vibrant color that you can easily plug into your computer and draw on with the included Wacom Pro Pen 2. While lacking some of the more high-end features found in Wacom’s Cintiq Pro range, the Cintiq 22 appears to be aimed more at digital art aspirants, students, and casual users. With that in mind, let’s dive into our review to see what makes this drawing tablet unique and worthwhile.
If you’re not new to the digital art world, you’re probably already aware that Wacom has long been at the forefront of this industry when it comes to providing some of the best digital drawing tools. That’s why it comes as no surprise that the Cintiq 22 immediately became a fan favorite among the digital art crowd. In fact, this drawing tablet is quite popular among both professionals and beginners.
You won’t need an external monitor to view the artwork you’re sketching thanks to its stunning 22-inch 1080p display. Although the Full HD resolution lacks the high pixel counts of more recent models from Wacom’s Cintiq Pro line, the 1080p display should be enough to satisfy most users unless it is absolutely necessary for you to have a higher resolution on your artworks.
Furthermore, the anti-glare surface ensures that you can use this drawing tablet for hours on end and draw to your heart’s content without hurting your eyes. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that drawing on this tablet will be a very satisfactory experience.
Apart from its display, the provided Wacom Pen 2 is also one of the best styluses you can get on the market. With 8,192 pressure levels of pressure sensitivity and perfect tilt detection, it’s almost as if you’re sketching on real paper or canvas when you’re using it. Personally, once you get a taste of this experience, it’s hard to go back or settle with anything lesser.
Features & Specificiations
Brand: Wacom
Dimensions: 16.2 x 10.4 x 0.7 inches
Item Weight: 3.3 pounds
Operating System: Windows
Compatibility: Windows 7 & later, Mac OS 10.13 & later
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Drawing Area: 18.7 x 10.5 inches
Color Gamut: 72% NTSC (CIE1931) typical
Pen Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Express Keys: No
Connections: HDMI, USB 2.0
Stylus: Battery-free
Stand: Foldable Legs (Optional Adjustable Stand)
What’s In The Box
Wacom Cintiq 22 Pen display
Wacom Pro Pen 2
Adjustable Stand
Detachable Pen holder (with 3 replacement nibs)
A nib removal tool
HDMI to HDMI cable (2M)
USB2.0 (2M)
Power cable (1.8M)
AC adaptor (60W)
Quick Start Guide
Check Out The Product Preview Below of The Wacom Cintiq 22
When it comes to drawing tablets, the first thing you usually look for and consider is the screen resolution as this will have a significant impact on how your drawings will look like. The Cintiq 22 shares the same full HD 1080p display as its smaller sibling, the Cintiq 16.
This instantly implies that these two displays have a significant trade-off. The Cintiq 22 has a wider drawing area, allowing for more comfortable, expressive arm movement when sketching without having to continually zoom in on certain areas you’re working on. At the same time, this also means that the screen image quality will likely be less crisp compared to the Cintiq 16.
While the image quality on the Cintiq 22 isn’t as crisp in comparison to other Cintiq models, this shouldn’t sway you from the fact that the drawing experience on this tablet is truly remarkable. Unless it’s an absolute requirement for you to create your artworks on higher resolution displays, then the 1080p display shouldn’t bother you at all.
Not to mention, compared to the Cintiq 16, the bigger size of the surface truly shines when you’re sketching for an extended period of time since it allows you to create more lengthy pen strokes and more comfortable arm movements as you draw.
Speaking of the drawing area, the Cintiq 22’s active surface is actually rather good. The anti-glare glass is coated to give it a subtle texture, giving you a drawing experience that makes you feel like you’re sketching on actual paper when you glide the stylus across it.
Color Gamut
For some of you, the Cintiq 22’s color gamut might be something of concern. Compared to other Wacom drawing tablets, specifically the models under the Cintiq Pro line, the Cintiq 22’s stated color gamut is 72 percent NTSC, putting it in the same category of the more budget-friendly drawing tablets you might find in the market.
The color spectrum of Cintiq Pro monitors is 94 percent NTSC. While that technical difference may appear to be a deal-breaker, keep in mind that the Cintiq 22 can display 96 percent of the color gamut permitted by the sRGB color profile, which many professional designers and artists use by default.
So this shouldn’t really be too big of an issue if you’re just doing digital art as a hobby or you’re not really aiming for higher percentages on your drawing tablet’s color gamut.
Wacom Pro Pen 2
The addition of the Wacom Pro Pen 2 stylus, which we’ve seen on other Wacom drawing tablets, is one of my favorite features of the Cintiq 22. With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and excellent tilt sensitivity, it’s a pleasant and responsive pen to use.
It also doesn’t need to be charged since it uses Wacom’s electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology to pull power from the Cintiq 22, eliminating the need for a battery. The stylus can be stored in a tight fabric loop on the drawing tablet’s side when not in use.
Upon closer inspection, the Pro Pen 2 seems and feels like a big pen in your hand. It includes two physical controls that are next to one other so you can easily access and press them. The one closest to the pen tip is a right-click button, while the one behind it opens a circular onscreen menu with eight menu options split like pie slices.
Our Least Favorite Things
Expensive
While the Cintiq 22 is definitely a lot more affordable compared to other Wacom drawing tablets under the Cintiq Pro line, it’s still pretty hard to deny that this model still borders on the more high-end range of digital art tools. So if you’re on a budget, I highly suggest looking for a cheaper alternative that can provide you with better value. However, I do think that the Cintiq 22 is still a pretty solid option for those who can afford it. Wacom tablets are always worth the investment and this is no exception to that rule.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have discussed the things we liked and disliked about the Wacom Cintiq 22, here is a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this particular drawing tablet.
Pros
Large drawing surface.
Industry-standard drawing experience.
Overall, a very high quality product.
The Wacom Pro Pen has excellent quality with terrific tilt sensitivity.
Cons
Lacks built-in Express Keys.
Expensive.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, I have to say that the Wacom 22 does not disappoint at all. This is pretty much expected of any Wacom drawing tablets at this point. If you want to start your digital art career or hobby on one of the best drawing tablets in the market, then this is a good place to start.
It’s not as expensive as the other Wacom models within the Cintiq Pro lineup but it definitely covers all the basics and more for any budding digital artist. This is perfect for you if you don’t necessarily need a higher resolution such as a 4k display for your artworks or the extra fancy features professionals require in their line of work.
Moreover, because Wacom is the industry standard, familiarizing yourself with how a Wacom tablet feels and performs is a wise move and a great investment if you’re serious about pursuing a career in digital art. However, do keep in mind that while the Cintiq 22 is relatively more affordable compared to its Pro counterparts, it is still quite pricey with a price tag that goes over a thousand bucks.
Have you already bought your own drawing tablet? Did you get the Wacom Cintiq 22? Was our review of this particular drawing tablet helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
In this day and age, everything has gone digital. That also includes the art we consume. With that said, a drawing tablet is one of the best devices that can help you develop your trade if you’re looking to start a career or a hobby in digital art. The best drawing tablets will allow you to create your works of art on a screen and make your drawing experience as smooth as possible, regardless of whether you make art for business, pleasure, or both. It also doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, a pro, or somewhere in between. Our list for today has you covered when it comes to finding the best drawing tablets of 2021. So, if you’re interested in learning more, simply scroll down to continue reading.
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Understanding Drawing Tablets
If you’re a newbie when it comes to digital art, trying to learn everything you need to know about drawing tablets can be quite a daunting task. There are so many different models to choose from in the market, each having its own pros and cons and gimmicks. Not to mention, you also have to take into consideration a number of specifications that will suit your requirements and criteria.
Understandably, it can be very confusing for a beginner. However, it can also be a lot of fun. Picking out your very first drawing tablet is like getting a shiny, new toy to play with but for artists. But if this isn’t your first time purchasing drawing tablets, then the experience might be a little less overwhelming and you already know what to look for.
On the other hand, if you’re still on the fence about whether a drawing tablet is worth the investment, let me just cut to the chase. It is very much worth the investment. For example, a drawing tablet has certain features that will allow you to enhance your creativity as well as productivity that you can’t get when you’re using traditional paper.
You might feel unfamiliar at first drawing on a screen if you’ve been used to sketching on paper all your life. But digital art is neither difficult nor simple. It’ll feel strange at first, and you’ll be moving at a snail’s pace for a time. However, after you’ve gotten used to the feeling, you’ll find digital art to be a lot more enjoyable and a terrific method to really increase your creativity.
Difference Between Drawing Tablets & Graphic Tablets
Pen tablets are commonly referred to as “graphic” or “drawing” tablets by a lot of artists in the industry. These terms are interchangeable and while both devices are portable instruments that allow you to express yourself in more ways than just painting and sketching, there is a slight and significant distinction between them.
First of all, there are no displays on graphic tablets. They’re just responsive pads with digital pens that may be used as a mouse with additional buttons to help you with your drawings. In order to view your work, you’ll need to plug it into your computer and look at the art you’re creating on your computer’s monitor in real-time.
Personally, it can be quite tricky, and also feel strange to use a graphic tablet for the first time. You’ll have to get used to focusing on two things at the same time. Your hand’s movements on the graphic tablet’s surface and at your computer’s monitor to make sure that what you’re sketching is on point.
Drawing tablets, on the other hand, include touch displays that may be used as extensions of your computer’s display. They generally have the same function as a graphic tablet but with the inclusion of an actual display so you won’t need to keep looking back and forth from your hand to your computer monitor.
Both lack storage, thus they must be connected to another piece of hardware, but a drawing tablet allows you to create and display your work on the same surface. There is also another breed of drawing tablets which are the regular tablets like the Apple iPad or Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab. They offer other features outside of digital art capabilities and are also usually a lot more expensive.
Our Top Recommendations
1. Xencelabs Drawing Tablet
Overview
Taking our top spot is the Xencelabs Drawing Tablet. It is an ultra-thin drawing tablet that was designed with the help of fellow digital artists. Right off the bat, I can say this is definitely one of the best drawing tablets you can get right now in terms of functionality, performance, and pricing.
Its 10.33 x 5.8-inch surface area is the ideal size for a drawing tablet and features a 16:9 aspect ratio that matches industry-standard monitors today. This particular drawing tablet also comes in with two lag-free pens to make sure that your sketches will be displayed on your computer screen in real-time. On top of that, there are also 8,192 pressure levels as well as tilt recognition on the pens.
All in all, the Xencelabs Drawing Tablet has a nearly perfect size for most digital artists, delivers a terrific drawing experience, and the price is just enough to undercut comparable tablets from Wacom’s more expensive models. Not to mention, the included Quick Keys accessory gives a seamless experience while providing customization options. This way, you can set up your hotkeys to increase your productivity.
However, keep in mind that because this is a graphics tablet, you’ll need to connect it to a separate monitor to view what you’re sketching. In fact, this is the only way Xencelabs has been able to keep costs low. But aside from that, this drawing tablet is wonderful to use.
Wacom has long been at the forefront of the digital art industry. So it comes as no surprise that Wacom tablets are going to be featured here. Particularly, the Wacom Cintiq 22. In fact, this drawing tablet is a popular digital drawing tool among both pros and beginners. Thanks to its gorgeous 22-inch, 1080p display, you won’t have to use an external monitor to view what you’re sketching and your drawing sessions on this tablet will surely be satisfying.
The Full HD resolution may not have the flashy pixel counts of more recent models from Wacom and other manufacturers, but for most users, this should be more than enough unless it’s a crucial requirement to have a higher resolution on your artworks. Plus, the anti-glare surface is also sure to keep you drawing for hours and hours without straining your eyes.
With 8,192 pressure levels of pressure sensitivity and precise tilt recognition, the Wacom Pen 2 is one of the best styluses you’ll get your hands on the market. Drawing with it feels pretty much like sketching on actual paper or canvas.
Furthermore, because Wacom is the industry standard, getting familiar with how a Wacom tablet feels and works is a wise decision as well as a terrific investment on your part if you’re hoping to enter into the digital art profession. Keep in mind, though, that the Cintiq 22 is quite expensive. But the same thing can be said to most Wacom tablets. So if you’re on a budget, this might not be the best choice for you.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is one of the company’s newest tablets in the popular Kamvas lineup with a 1080p display equipped with 120% sRGB wide gamut and 16.7 million colors to make the artworks you’re creating much more vibrant and vivid. The display also adopts the newest full lamination technology as well as an anti-glare glass.
The Kamvas Pro 16 also includes a battery-free pen, the PW507, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and the newest 60° tilt feature, ensuring precision and a graceful transition between lines. The industry-leading 266PPS report rate ensures smooth, lag-free sketching.
Furthermore, the Kamvas Pro 16 drawing tablet also comes with 6 express keys that can be modified as well as a touch bar that can be programmed for canvas zooming, brush altering, and page scrolling to meet your creative needs.
Overall, this mid-range device is quite excellent and a solid choice if you really want to get your hands on a sturdy and reliable drawing tablet. Not to mention, despite the fact that it has a lot of plastic components in its design, the overall build quality is great and it does not feel cheap in your hands at all.
If you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet you can start your digital art journey with, then the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is a pretty good option for you. It has everything you might want in a pen display: a large drawing surface, a comfortable pen with a good amount of pressure sensitivity levels, and a really nice screen to sketch on.
This particular drawing tablet won’t be as sophisticated or advanced as other high-end models from brands like Wacom but this is still a really great drawing tablet that can totally enhance your digital creativity without breaking the bank.
Overall, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro drawing tablet is one of the best budget-friendly drawing tablets on the market right now, and it’s a great pick for beginners or casual artists who just want a drawing tablet they can play around with for their personal enjoyment.
If you feel like the Cintiq 22 that was featured earlier was way out of budget, a cheaper alternative to that is the Wacom Cintiq 16. This is a drawing tablet with its own touchscreen display that offers the same accuracy as Wacom’s other non-screen tablets but paired with a vivid visual to provide rapid feedback on all your artworks.
The display spans 15.6 inches diagonally and provides a 1920 x 1o80 Full HD resolution, which is pretty much standard nowadays. The top glass of the display has a glare-reducing coating that makes it easy on the eyes so you can draw for several hours. The Cintiq 16 also has a Gamut accuracy of 72 percent, which means it can display up to 16.7 million unique colors.
The actual sense of sketching on a Wacom tablet is the other half of the Wacom equation. Wacom is famed for its precision and usefulness, and the firm has done its best to replicate those qualities on a tablet with a screen. Apart from that, you’re also getting the functionality and accuracy that Wacom is well-known for in its drawing tablets.
Another thing worth considering when purchasing the Cintiq 16 is the inclusion of the Pro Pen 2, which provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, up to 60 degrees of tilt recognition, and an exceptionally low latency level that makes drawing on the Cintiq 16 seamless and smooth.
The Gaomon PD1560 has a 15.6-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution that is large, bright, and vivid. It can even compete with some of Wacom’s drawing tablets in certain ways. But what sets the Gaomon PD1560 apart from the competition, aside from an incredibly lower price point, is that it has 10 configurable express keys, all lined up in a column on the left edge of the device, which none of the Wacom tablets on this list have.
The brightness of the IPS display and the additional function keys on the PD1560 are both excellent, but the device’s awkwardly large form factor means it will take up a lot of room on your desk. So keep that in mind before you go out and buy it.
Features & Specifications
Brand: Gaomon
Dimensions: 20.87 x 12.44 x 4.25 inches
Item Weight: 3.48 pounds
Drawing Area: 13.43 x 7.62 inches
Pen Pressure Sensitivity:
Express Keys: Yes
Connections: HDMI USB
Stylus: Rechargeable
Pros
Large and bright display.
A great and cheaper alternative for Wacom drawing tablets.
The iPad Pro from Apple is definitely not your regular drawing tablet, but because a lot of digital artists in the industry use this for their creative projects as well, I figured it earned a spot on our list today. Pair this with the Apple Pencil 2 along with the generous amount of drawing apps the iPadOS offers and you’re basically good to go.
But what really sets the iPad Pro apart from a regular drawing tablet is the added value it provides simply by being an iPad. You can do so much more with it in terms of productivity like your daily tasks for work or school outside of digital art.
Furthermore, thanks to Apple’s vast ecosystem that allows you to easily share your drawings and graphics with your iPhone or Mac, makes the iPad such a convenient drawing tablet. Not to mention, the iPad Pro also works on its own. Meaning, you won’t have to plug this into your computer monitor for it to work.
With so many choices available for you to pick from, finding the right drawing tablet for yourself can be stressful if you don’t know where to start. To help you out, I’ve listed below some things to consider and keep in mind when you’re shopping for a drawing tablet.
Size
When it comes to a drawing tablet’s size, it’s important to know that regardless of whether you’re getting a smaller or bigger model, there will always be advantages and disadvantages with both sizes. For a start, a bigger-sized drawing tablet typically also equals a much higher expense, and you don’t always get the most bang for your money this way if you really don’t need that big of a device.
At the same time, a larger drawing tablet also usually means a larger active area. The active area of a drawing tablet is the surface where you can draw. The bigger your active area is, the more it will lessen the need for zooming and panning on certain parts you’re working on.
On the other hand, a smaller tablet can offer a better screen resolution for less money. A lot of artists in the industry also find that these more compact models are more than enough to satisfy your drawing needs. Especially if you’re only going to be drawing as a hobby or if you’ve just started with digital art.
Another thing worth noting is the available space you have on your desk. If you have a bigger desk with lots of space, then you’ll most likely have no problems fitting a large drawing tablet there. But if space is limited in your workspace, then it’s better to look for smaller drawing tablets so you won’t have to adjust anything.
Lastly, consider the sort of art you intend to create. The size of your drawing tablet will surely impact the types of art you’re planning to make. So I highly suggest selecting a model that has a sufficient active area that will meet your particular needs.
Screen Resolution
The resolution of a drawing tablet is by far the most crucial thing to consider before purchasing one. Essentially, the better the resolution of your drawing tablet, the better you can get into the nitty-gritty details of your digital art as well.
If you have the money for it, I highly recommend getting the highest resolution drawing tablet you can afford. However, if your budget is limited, you’ll need to expect to make a few compromises here and there.
You also have to take into account whether you’re doing digital art as a hobby or as a professional. Fine detail may not be required for a simple webtoon or even a basic logo design, and you can probably get away with buying a cheaper drawing tablet with a lower resolution.
But if you’re doing photorealistic drawings or if your job demands fine details, then you’ll have to consider getting a drawing tablet with a much higher resolution so you can provide the best output. This will be an investment for you and your career as well.
Pressure Sensitivity
Many of today’s drawings tablets offer pressure sensitivity, which allows you to adjust the depth of your stroke based on how hard you push the pen onto the active area. This will also give you the most realistic experience of working on actual paper or canvas with your regular pens and brushes.
In terms of sensitivity, each model can differ greatly and provide different experiences. Not to mention, some drawing tablets (usually the very affordable ones) are completely lack pressure sensitivity features.
Pressure sensitivity plays a huge role in the level of quality you can attain with your digital art. If you simply need to draw small sketches or you just do digital art for fun, pressure sensitivity may not be an issue at all. However, if you’re a professional or you take your digital drawings seriously, pressure sensitivity is highly recommended.
Tracking Speed
The higher the number of the PPS (pointers per second), the greater the tracking speed. This also means less delay between making a stroke on the active surface and the connected computer responding to it. Most drawing tablets nowadays offer really fast and instant tracking speeds. But there are older generations of drawing tablets that still suffer from delays or lags. It’s best to steer clear of these models and find one that provides excellent responsiveness.
Stylus Type
The styluses that come with drawing tablets are either battery-powered, rechargeable, or electromagnetic resonance (EMR).
Battery-powered styluses are often thicker in design so they can support the battery inside. People with smaller hands might find this type of stylus a little chunky or even uncomfortable to hold. If you choose this option, make sure you have extra batteries available in case the pen dies unexpectedly.
Meanwhile, rechargeable styluses, just like their name suggests, require charging. If their power dies, you’re going to have to charge them so you can continue drawing again. This kind of stylus is also a lot thinner compared to their battery-powered counterparts and is comfier to hold.
Last but definitely not least, EMR styluses are the most advanced option out of the three stylus types. They use a novel electromagnetic frequency to wirelessly transmit electricity from the tablet to the pen, eliminating the need to charge it.
If you’re having a hard time deciding which one to get, just get the type of stylus that fits your hand the best. This way, you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable even after drawing for hours on end.
Keys
Most drawing tablets allow you to configure your drawing tablet’s and stylus’ buttons to do certain tasks according to your preference. Personally, I find this particular feature really important and quite handy. It will save you a lot of time, especially if you frequently have to go back and forth on certain details on your drawings.
The number of customizable buttons available and what you can do with every button varies depending on your chosen drawing tablet. So, if you know you’ll need a hotkey for a certain drawing or art, it’s best to check if the tablet you’re going to buy offers this feature. You’ll be able to program them for almost anything most of the time.
Conclusion
All in all, your drawing tablet options in the market are practically endless and you’re sure to find one that not only meets your needs but is also fit for your allocated budget. Hopefully, our list of the Best Drawing Tablets 2021 here was able to help you out in picking the right one to jumpstart your path to digital art.
Have you already bought your own drawing tablet? Did your pick make it into our list? Was our list of the Best Drawing Tablets 2021 helpful? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, insights, or questions to ask. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
