10 Best Tablets for Graphic Design In 2024

As technology advances, designers are presented with new and exciting tools. While a digital drawing experience may not replicate the tactile feel of a physical medium, it’s important to adapt and explore these possibilities. Drawing tablets, for instance, offer a large drawing surface and a pen that’s directly connected, providing a convenient and efficient way to meet your design needs.

Different iPad models support various generations of the Apple Pencil, impacting drawing performance. For example, the iPad Mini supports the second generation Apple Pencil for enhanced drawing performance, whereas the iPad Air works with the first generation Apple Pencil.

In this article, you will gain a brief insight into📝

• Understanding different graphic design tablets: Confused about which tablet to choose? I’ve included teeny tiny details about how to choose one for your graphic design needs.
• List of the best tablets available in the market: I have made a list of every type of tablet that is apt for design needs.
• Tips for using a graphic design tablet and some alternatives: Here, I’ve also included a small guide for some tips for better alternatives for tablets and how to use it effectively.

You can install various design software on the tablet to help you with graphic arts and other technical editing. This has revolutionized both the arts and the tech industry. Now, there is a difference between regular-use tablets and drawing tablets. Professional drawing tablets promise to give you an experience of a professional setting.

Graphic design tablets offer a variety of features, so before searching for the best tablet, let’s examine its characteristics.

How To Choose The Best Graphic Design Tablets In 2024?

Now, you must be wondering what kind of pen tablet is good for you. There are thousands of tablets on the market, and each of them has a distinguishing factor. It will be pretty interesting to note that every designer has their own specific needs. A smaller form factor can enhance usability for designers who need a portable device. Here is a list of a few factors that can be taken into consideration to decide which one is the best according to your usage.

 

Find The Best Screen Size

The pen tablet also has a screen size that allows designers to draw and create graphics. It is important to understand that the screen of a pen tablet forms only a fraction of the actual paper or the computer. You can still zoom the screen to draw creatively.

An artist suggests focusing on the screen size you are choosing because it gives you the space to work uninterruptedly. People who are not designers and use tablets for other purposes, such as drawing and graphic teaching, do not require a large screen size. Find the best overall screen size.

Finish Of The Graphic Tablet

The tablet screen is available in various materials, giving the artists a choice. The finish of the tablet you choose should also contrast with the room lighting you prefer.

The first option available for you is the glossy screen. Its lustrous and shiny look will allow you to work with a range of colors. It will undoubtedly provide you with an appropriate feel and vibe when working on a project. The only downside is that if you work in a bright light, the screen will reflect you, preventing you from seeing it.

The second option is to choose a matte screen. They work great in any kind of light and seem to have no blockers, although they are not very smooth to work with.

Color Display And Accuracy

From the illustrator’s point of view, it is essential to focus heavily on the colors of the tablet screen. Graphic illustration is completely dependent on color contrast and precision. You should look at the best screen display you find. Three different types of color spaces are used frequently.

In digital images, sRGB provides standard colors. Print design tends to use more green and blue color space, which Adobe RGB achieves. The film industry uses DCI-P3 for much wider color choices for high-end purposes. However, an artist should prioritize approximately 95% to sRGB and 70% to DCI-P3.

Smoothness Of A Stylus Pen

The tablet stylus pen is the most used accessory for a graphic artist. It is essential to invest in a smooth pen that works for a longer period of time. Pens come in various styles and sizes. There are two different kinds of pens available in the industry.

There is the battery-operated pen and the electromagnetic resonance pen. Both are good, and it is up to you to choose the perfect one for your work. It would be great if you selected a pen that gives you the feeling of a pen and paper. They are much easier to use and flexible as well.

Brand

In these modern times, you will find multiple types of drawing tablets in hundreds of brands making the same kind of tablet for a lesser price. The priority should be the reliability of the brands. Because even if you spend a little more, the tablet should work for the long haul.

If you’re looking for the best tablet launched and the current brands available in the market, this article will give you an overview so you can pick the best one for you.

Best Drawing Tablet For Beginner: Wacom Cintiq 22

The Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet with full HD is a little bit expensive but has all the features required for digital artists and graphic designers. Wacom is best known for the tablets it has launched so far. This one seems to have all the major features. The drawing tablet comes with a large drawing screen.

 

The best part about this art tablet is that it can be used for things other than its sleek design. If you are a freelancer or like to work while traveling, this portable drawing tablet will give you many flexibility features. It is available in two size variants: small (15.6 inches) and medium (21.5 inches).  It comes with a touch strip that is available for multi-touch workspaces.

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The Wacom Cintiq 22’s stylus pen is battery-free and can be charged off the screen while you are designing or working. The stylus is just like it was on previous versions, Wacom Pro Pen 2.

Designers who are just starting their careers must look at this tablet, as it offers the flexibility to work smoothly and ergonomically.  With the HD display, it becomes easier for the designers to work with precision.

Specifications: 

Resolution – 1920 X 1080 HD

Pen pressure levels – 8192 levels

Connections – HDMI and USB 2.0

Color gamut – 72% NTSC

Operating system – Windows

Sizes Available – 15.6 inches, 21.5 inches

Best Drawing Tablet For Graphic Design: Apple iPad Pro

Apple iPad Pro is not certainly the ideal choice for a drawing tablet for digital arts, but this tablet is the best choice for people looking for an all-rounder gadget. The iPad requires you to install design software available on the Play Store. It does not come with a stylus pen and needs to be bought separately.

 

The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with drawing on an iPad. It has the latest M2 chip, which was upgraded in September. The iPad comes with an oleophobic coating, which means it is oil-resistant and will not leave oily fingerprint stains on the screen.

Apple has created a brand for itself that guarantees its usage for a longer lifetime. This iPad is a multifunctional tool that comes with 2TB of storage, so you can store all your projects and data without any worry. It will readily give you at least 10 hours of battery life.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how I usually work:

1. Rough design phase: Don’t worry about making the lines/brushstrokes pretty at this point. Just a quick and dirty sketch. Try things until it’s a strong design where the shapes/colors/values flow. It will be refined later.

2.… pic.twitter.com/LJ7ROf7apO

— Drew Hill Studio (@drewhillstudio) January 25, 2024

The Apple iPad Pro 6th generation can be considered an excellent drawing tablet because of its exceptional Liquid Retina Display. It is also lighter and more portable than any other tablet. Design software like Procreate and Adobe can seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem.

Specifications:

Resolution – 2732 X 2048 HD

Connections – Ultrafast Wifi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, Bluetooth

Color gamut – P3 Wide Color

Operating system – iPad OS 16

Sizes Available – 11 inches and 12.9 inches

Best Pen Display: Xencelabs Pen Tablet

Xencelabs Pen Tablet was created to compete with the Wacom brand, and it is undoubtedly successfully reaching that level. The gadget’s color accuracy will give it an award for the best pen display. It lets the artist work on projects with a feature of thick and thin stylus adaptability. It comes with two battery-free stylus and a pen case.

 

It is a very sturdy tablet made with black magnesium alloy. It is also equipped with a stand, which is helpful for keeping the tablet vertical. The stand can be adjusted from 16 to 72 degrees. The pen tablet comes with Quick Keys, which can be used to set up shortcuts while editing or creating a project.

The tablet’s ergonomic and lightweight design with curved edges makes it easy and comfortable to use. Compared to the expensive pen display tablets in the industry, this gives designers and students an affordable option. This pen tablet can be called the best pen display in the market because of its modern design and build quality that will which will give you the best of both worlds.

Specifications:

Pen pressure levels – 8192 pressure

Connections – USB C to USB A

Color gamut – 99% Adobe RGB, 93% DCI-P3

Operating system – Windows, Mac OS, Linux

Active drawing area – 10.3 X 5.8 Inches

Best Mid-Range Graphic Design Tablet: XP Pen Artist Pro 16

XP Pen Artist Pro has redeemed the world of graphic design tablets by bringing the most affordable tablet for designers. If you are just starting out designing, then this is one of the best options available. It has most of the features required to create a project on this display.

 

The pen tablet’s display is so precise that the bottom of the screen has a curved edge suitable for resting your wrist while designing. Although there are no quick keys on the tablet, it comes with a remote with ten programmable keys that can be connected via Bluetooth. The pressure levels of the pen sensitivity are much higher than those of the Wacom or Xencelabs brands, giving it positive leverage to go for it.

It has a hidden folding stand at the back for vertical use. The only downside is that you might feel it to have a dull screen because of the anti-glare screen. It gives a harsh, paper feel while drawing. But, if you are a beginner, this will be the perfect start for your career.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 2500 X 1600

Pen pressure levels – 16000 pressure

Connections – USB C

Color gamut – 99% sRGB

Operating system – Windows, Mac OS, Linux

Active drawing area – 13.5 X 8.5 Inches

Best Windows Drawing Pad Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

People who prefer Windows should check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Windows has an exclusive range of prices, and it is interesting to see that the Windows tablet has a variety of features.

 

This graphic tablet is expensive but is best for users who prefer Windows for their design purposes. It comes with an inbuilt storage of 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. It comes with a sturdy aluminum structure with an inbuilt stand for vertical usage.

The tablet also features a set of Slim Pen 2, a rechargeable pen with a 77-degree tilt feature. The inbuilt stand allows you to tilt your screen up to 170 degrees. After attaching a mini-keyboard, you can undoubtedly convert this tablet into a mini-laptop.

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Its glossy screen material is not appropriate for design purposes, but its Dolby Vision IQ gives it amazing picture quality. Windows’ flexibility will make it easy to install all your design applications and software.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 2880 X 1920

Pen pressure levels – 4094 pressure

Color gamut – 106.1% sRGB, 75.1% DCI-P3, 83% Adobe RGB

Operating system – Intel Evo i5 Windows

Size – 13.3 Inches

Best Value Tablet For Graphic Designer Students: One By Wacom

This Wacom tablet is a little different from the other graphic tablets on the list. It is not exactly the best tablet for drawing with a screen area, but it consists of a high-quality drawing pad with which you can draw and edit photos. It also allows you to write on the screen. It comes with a very sensitive battery-free pen.

 

This tablet is a good option for graphic design students and teachers because it is affordable and provides sufficient space to draw. One By Wacom is a product that requires compatibility to be connected to laptop screens. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. It is a reliable brand and product that will give you the feel of pen and paper.

If you are searching for a comfortable drawing experience for children then this drawing tablet for kids will give them a natural drawing experience.

Specifications:

Active drawing area – 8.3 X 5.7 inches

Pen pressure levels – 2048 pressure

Best Budget-Friendly Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is all set to provide you with one of the best large-screen displays. It is excellent for graphic arts, entertainment purposes, drawing, and sketching. The AMOLED display technology gives the user a luxurious experience because of its colors, deep contrasts, and picturesque quality.

 

The most interesting thing is that Samsung has developed a dust-free and water-proof technology with an IP68 rating. Unlike most tablets, this one has four speakers built in each corner. The aluminum build gives the tablet a sturdy structure.

It comes with a rechargeable S pen that can be connected via Bluetooth. Although it does not come with a stand, you can buy an external stand that fits your needs. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 512GB storage allow you to perform high-quality task functions with ease and precision.

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The only reason it can be stated as a budget-friendly Android tablet is because of the ample features you will be getting in this one product.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 2960 X 1848

Pen pressure levels – 4096 pressure

Color gamut – 117.7% sRGB, 83.4% DCI-P3

Operating system – Android 13

Size – 14 Inches

Best Graphic Design Pen Computer: Wacom Mobile Studio Pro

Here is another Wacom product on this list, offering one of the best graphic tablets in the premium section. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro is perfectly curated for professionals who require all the features available in this tablet. Although it is less portable and heavy in weight, it has everything to be considered a laptop.

 

Professionals who require clarity and precision in their projects will get an NVIDIA Quadro P1000 graphics card. It is well-equipped with 2D, 3D, video, and CAD applications for working without any disturbance. The Intel i7-8559U processor is sufficient to say that it can handle high-level projects with ease. The 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage will give you freedom to work without any limitations.

The tablet comes with a stylish Wacom Pro Pen 2 stylus that is lag-free and provides continuity while digital drawing and painting. You can customize the tablet’s keys according to your preference and maintain the workflow of your multiple projects in one go.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 2560 X 1440

Pen pressure levels – 8192 pressure

Color gamut – 85% Adobe RGB

Size – 16 Inches

Best Tablet For Graphic Design: Huion Kamwas Pro 24

Huion is a brand that has launched a series of tablets with various features. The Huion Kamwas Pro 24 shares many similarities with the Huion Kamwas 24 Plus but is still a better choice. In comparison to the variety of high-end models, this one is less expensive and has almost all the features to offer.

 

The Kamwas Pro’s matt display will give you precision for most natural drawings because of its higher resolution and the approximately 16.7 million colors available. The Pro 24 is the best tablet for increasing or decreasing the zoom-in and zoom-out frequency. It also comes with a laminated screen to make you less worried about damage.

It comes with Quantum Dot Technology, which gives you vivid colors with an HDR mechanism. The tablet also comes with a stand that you can attach for vertical use at a 20-degree angle. You will also get a set of quick keys that you can program according to your most used needs. It looks like a key dial.

The tablet set includes a stylus, which feels like drawing on paper. You can create precise strokes with it. This pro is the best drawing tablet for working either as a beginner or a professional graphic artist.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 3840 X 2160

Pen pressure levels – 8192 pressure

Color gamut – 120% sRGB

Operating system – Android, Mac OS, Linux, or Windows 7

Size – 23.8 Inches

Connections – USB/HDMI/DP

Best Drawing Tablet With Screen: Wacom Cintiq 16

Honestly, we have been saving the best one for the last. If you’re looking for a drawing tablet that has almost all the features, then this is it. As we now know, Wacom is quite famous in the tablet manufacturing business, and they have developed one of the best drawing tablets for animation. It has all the features a designer would desire. It comes with an anti-scratch screen, giving you a better life for the tablet’s screen display.

 

Cintiq 16 is also known for its glare-resistant property, so you can work from anywhere. The 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage will certainly not be a problem for all your project needs. Talking about the structure of the tablet, it has two little stands on the rear side for you to adjust your tablet according to your tilt needs.

This tablet combo includes a stylus pen. The Wacom Pen Pro 2 has a realistic pen-like structure that gives you the feel of a traditional pen. The pen also has two customizable keys for shortcuts. Knowing that Wacom launches one of the most reliable tablets, which are high quality.

Specifications:

Screen resolution – 1920 X 1080

Pen pressure levels – 8192 pressure

Color gamut – 72% NTSC

Operating system – Mac OS or Windows

Size – 15.6 Inches

Connections – 3 in 1 HDMI

Tips for Using a Graphic Design Tablet

Using a graphic design tablet can be a game-changer for digital artists, but it requires some practice to get the most out of it.

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Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Get Familiar with the Stylus: The stylus is the primary input device for your graphic design tablet. Take some time to get used to its feel, weight, and balance. Practice drawing simple shapes and lines to get a feel for how it responds to your movements. This will help you achieve a more natural and responsive drawing experience.
2. Adjust the Pressure Sensitivity: Most graphic design tablets come with adjustable pressure sensitivity. Experiment with different settings to find the one that works best for you. If you’re used to working with traditional media, you may prefer a more sensitive setting that mimics the feel of pen and paper.
3. Use the Right Software: Not all design software is created equal when it comes to working with a graphic design tablet. Look for software that is optimized for tablet use, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. These programs are designed to take full advantage of the pressure sensitivity and other features of your tablet.
4. Take Advantage of Gestures: Many graphic design tablets come with gesture recognition capabilities. Learn the different gestures and use them to streamline your workflow. For example, you can use gestures to zoom in and out, rotate the canvas, or switch between tools quickly.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: As with any new tool, practice is key to getting the most out of your graphic design tablet. Start with simple exercises and gradually move on to more complex projects. The more you use your tablet, the more comfortable and proficient you will become.

Alternative Options for Graphic Design

While graphic design tablets are an excellent choice for digital artists, they may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some alternative options to consider:

1. Drawing Tablets with Screens: If you prefer to work directly on the screen, consider a drawing tablet with a built-in display. These tablets offer a more immersive experience and can be more intuitive to use. Brands like Wacom and Huion offer high-quality options that provide a responsive drawing experience.
2. Wacom Tablets: Wacom is a well-known brand in the graphic design industry, and their tablets are popular among digital artists. They offer a range of options, from entry-level to professional-grade. Wacom tablets are known for their durability, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with various design software.
3. iPad and Apple Pencil: The iPad and Apple Pencil are a great combination for digital artists who prefer a more portable option. The Apple Pencil offers a responsive drawing experience, and the iPad’s touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate. Apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco are optimized for the iPad, making it a solid choice for digital art and graphic design.
4. Android Tablets: Android tablets are another option for digital artists who prefer a more affordable alternative to the iPad. Look for tablets with stylus support and a responsive touchscreen interface. The Samsung Galaxy Tab series, for example, offers excellent performance and features for digital art.
5. Traditional Media: If you’re not comfortable working digitally, consider traditional media like paper, pencils, and paint. While it may not offer the same level of flexibility as digital art, traditional media can be a great way to express yourself creatively. Many artists find that working with traditional media helps them develop their skills and techniques, which can then be applied to digital art.

In terms of internal storage, most graphic design tablets come with a range of options, from 64GB to 1TB or more. Consider how much storage you need based on the size and complexity of your projects.

When it comes to operating systems, most graphic design tablets are compatible with both Windows and macOS. However, some tablets may be optimized for one or the other, so be sure to check compatibility before making a purchase.

Battery life is also an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your graphic design tablet on the go. Look for tablets with long battery life and consider purchasing a portable power bank to keep your tablet charged on the go.

Ultimately, the best graphic design tablet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and read reviews from other digital artists before making a purchase.

Personal Opinion✨

From my perspective, I think a tablet isn’t necessary for graphic design. But for digital illustrating, you would need one lol. So make sure you choose a tablet that has all the good features and helps you draw easily. If you’re serious about university and working in the industry, you’d want to get a desktop. None of us do our design work on tablets of any kind except for sketching, note-taking, emails, and such. Tablets make a world of difference when it comes to digital art, so the investment would be well worth it I think.

Conclusion

Now that we have a brief description of 10 of the best tablets for graphic designers according to design, budget, quality, and efficacy, you can decide which one is the best graphic tablet to fulfill your needs and type of drawings. These gadgets have been proven to be reliable and long-lasting. Professional graphic designers in 2024 are well adapted to learning the new technology and solemnly shift towards the non-manual methodology of creating a project. This article will help you get a clear idea about the features of the various tablets. It also depends on the kind of work you perform on these tablets to decide your priorities. These tablets are evolving big time and have made our daily project work much easier. I hope it helps your shopping experience.

FAQs

1. What is the main use of a graphic tablet?

Graphic tablets came into existence when people realized the difficulty of working while traveling. They were manufactured to replace the traditional pen and paper. But now, they have also replaced heavy laptops. Graphic tablets are mainly used to create drawings, edit pictures, perform video projects, and create some graphic art. You can also use it for your graphic design and Photoshop purposes. With the help of these tablets, you can also manage your data and work efficiently on different kinds of projects.

2. Can Graphic design be done on a tablet?

Graphic design requires precision work and a constant need to stay in to work on your project. The work has been made easier with the help of a tablet. You can draw directly on a drawing tablet. Current technology has successfully evolved to let us perform difficult tasks on the go. Using a drawing tablet has become the new choice for graphic designers. The tablets, which are specifically made for artists, will let you perform all the major tasks. There are artists who use drawing gloves to prevent sweating while drawing. It all depends on the kind of tablet you choose for yourself.