We all have different reasons for buying tablets. The tablet that performs excellently for a musician may not perform well for an artist because they use it for different things.
As an artist, pressure sensitivity, accuracy, and size are essential are features that determine which tablets work for an artist. We cannot overstate the effect these things have on the quality of your artwork.
We have picked out some of the best pen-display tablets for our list. Not only are these tablets cheap and high-performing, but they are also mobile and contain a dizzying number of features for your artistic need.
Note: the tablets recommended are the best drawing tablets with a screen because there are also some graphics tablets without a screen. Pen display tablets need to be connected to a laptop or desktop.
Best Drawing Tablet 2023
1. Wacom Cintiq 22HD touch
Wacom touch has that stylish look that draws artists towards it and is widely regarded as the most popular tablet on the market. Its stylus is sensitive enough to record subtle expressions, and the screen is generously sized.
While it may take some time to get used to the stand, you can switch configurations easily.
Specs
- 1920 x 1080p resolution
- DVI and USB 2.0 ports
- 2048 pen press sensitivity
- Windows or macOS
- 5 x 11.5-inch workspace
- 19 pounds in weight
Pros
- Extra sensitive
- Drawing movement is excellent
- Stylish design
- ExpressKeys can be configured
2. Huion KAMVAS Pro 12
KAMVAS is an excellent Wacom alternative. It comes with a full HD LCD panel, high definition and brightness visual experience, and smooth mirror design. Its pressure sensitivity is crazy, and its ridiculous colour and transparency give you brilliant value for money experience.
Specs
- 1920 x 1080p Resolution
- 8192 sensitivity
- 98 pounds in weight
- 25ms response time
- HDMI and USB 3.0 ports
- 6-inch LCD
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cheap
- High OS compatibility
- Impressive HD display and sensitivity
3. Parblo Coast10 10.1-inch Digital Pen Tablet
The key to using a tablet for artistic work is the ability to alter the viewing angle at which you work. Coast10 features an ergonomic design that allows you to use it in different positions; workspace, lap or desktop. It comes with a battery-free pen, windows OS, bright screen, and is compatible with many drawing programs.
Specs
- 1-inch workplace
- Windows or macOS
- 170-degrees two-way orientation
- Battery-free pen
- 1280 x 800 resolution
- 16ms response time
- 2048 sensitivity
Pros
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design for ease of use
- Compatible with most drawing applications
Cons
- Sensitivity could be better
- No wireless
4. XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display
XP-Pen covers all the bases you need for a reasonable drawing tablet. Its pen has a high level of sensitivity, and the screen is enough for your work. You may not get the advanced features or attention to details of Wacom, but its lower price makes up for that.
The XP-Pen’s stylus tip could use some work, the on-screen cursor is weird, and it does not include a stand.
Specs
- 8192 sensitivity
- USB-C port
- Windows or macOS
- 1920 x 1080p resolution
- 54 x 7.62-inch workspace
Pros
- Affordable
- Impressive design
- Made of quality materials
- The drawing surface is excellent
Cons
- Not a lot of extra features
- The stylus tip is spotty
- No stand
5. Wacom Intuos Pro
Wacom is one giant in the drawing tablet business, and Intuos Pro is one of their best works. It is large and offers the best and purest drawing experience on this list. Wacom’s broad and a vast number of alternative pens and texture sheets give you a distinct surface feel.
Specs
- Windows or macOS
- USB and Bluetooth
- 8192 sensitivity
- 1 x 8.4-inch workspace
Pros
- Sensitivity is through the roof
- Best texture feels
- Drawing is fluid
- Ridiculous numbers of alternative pens and surface
- Affordable
- Comes with a wireless connection option
Cons
- The workspace could be larger
- Has one of the highest prices for Wacom products
6. Huion H430P
H430P is one of the cheapest pen display tablets available anywhere in the world. If you are unwilling to commit significant amounts of money to a drawing tablet, H430P is your best choice. It has a small workspace, but the stylus has an impressive sensitivity all the same.
It may be a beginner tablet, but you won’t get many starter-offers of this quality for such a price.
Specs
- 4096 sensitivity
- Windows and macOS
- USB port
- 8 x 3-inch workspace
Pros
- Cheapest
- Best starter tablet
- Comes with shortcut keys
- Sensitivity is impressive for its price
Cons
- It is only suitable for beginner work
- Small workspace
7. Wacom Cintiq 16
Wacom is claiming that Cintiq 16 is a refreshed entry-level tablet, but we are hard-pressed to believe that given its price. It still brings you excellent quality for its budget. It comes with a Pro Pen 2 stylus that averages an 8192-sensitivity score.
Cintiq 16 has a gorgeous display and spots a brilliant body design.
Specs
- Windows or macOS
- Micro-USB and Bluetooth
- 8192 sensitivity
- 6 x 11.2-inch workspace
Pros
- Large workspace
- Stylus is brilliant
- Impressive display quality
- Smooth texture feels
Cons
- Not the most attractive price
- Has no touch support
- Colour gamut is low
8. XP-Pen Deco 03
Deco 03 blends design, cost, and functionality is a dazzling display of quality. It sports a sleek look, a gorgeous pen, a beautiful drawing area, and a well-designed workspace.
Specs
- 10 x 5.62-inch workspace
- Windows or macOS
- USB-C and wireless
- 8192 sensitivity
Pros
- Cheap
- Sleek and slim design
- ExpressKeys and multi-function dial are customizable
- Offers excellent control
- Large workspace
- Comfortable pen
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Fragile
- Not the largest offer
9. Huion H640P
H640P is the most compact pen display on the market. It is highly mobile, functional and offers impressive sensitivity.
Specs
- Windows and macOS
- 8192 sensitivity
- 3 x 3.9-inch workspace
- USB port
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Cheap
- Excellent drawing experience
- Pen is battery-free
Cons
- Small workspace
- Not a lot of features
10. Microsoft Surface Book 2
Microsoft may make some unique computers, but pen display is not their robust suit. Book 2 is a versatile design with a touchscreen and ridiculous wireless options.
Specs
- Windows 10 Pro
- 4096 sensitivity
- 25 x 7.5-inch workspace
- USB 3.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C
Pros
- Impressive connection options
- Doubles as a laptop
- Powerful
- Aspect ratio is brilliant
Cons
- Surface Pen incurs an extra cost
- expensive