Arek Dvornechcuck
Branding Expert
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
The most popular Wacom drawing tablet among creatives. Comes with 8,000+ points of pressure sensitivity for ultimate control.
The most popular drawing tablet among creatives. Great durability and excellent control with 8,000+ sensitivity points!
The best beginner drawing tablet for students. Still great quality and durability (Wacom brand) but for affordable price.
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
Are tablets for beginners really worth it?—This is a common question among beginners interested in drawing and graphic design.
Well, using a drawing tablet will be a great choice if you want to learn and master different drawing styles and techniques.
The right choice of drawing tablets for beginners is necessary if you want to become an expert in the future.
Fortunately, there are different tablet manufacturers that make and design specific drawing tablets to cater to the needs of beginner artists.
Which drawing tablet is best for beginners?
So if you’re going to ask me, “what is the best drawing tablet for beginners?”
I will confidently suggest the Wacom PTH660 since it is the best overall drawing tablet.
If you’re a fan of using Wacom, you can also check out my other article where I feature the best Wacom tablets for graphic designers.
However, I understand that, as creatives, we have different preferences and standards when buying a tablet.
That’s why in this article, I will be highlighting the most popular beginner drawing tablet available today.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for the most affordable tablet for drawing or a high-end one—I’ve included something for you.
Just check out this list of the 10 best drawing tablets for beginners, and I hope you will get an idea of which one best suits you.
Do you want to add your product to the list?—Find my address on the contact page and send your product for review.
PS. If you’re looking for the best drawing tablets for beginners with screens, items 7 to 10 are perfect for you.
As a starting artist, it is important to know the things to consider when buying a beginner's tablet for drawing.
That’s why in this article, I also included a buying guide for drawing tablets for beginners.
And for you to further understand why these factors need to be checked first, here’s a more detailed explanation:
If it is your first time purchasing a drawing tablet, it is not advisable for you to spend too much on it.
Fortunately, there are different brands that are offering a great beginner tablet at an affordable price, like the HUION H610 Pro V2.
However, for starter creatives that really want to invest in a tablet that can make them experience drawing like a pro, the Wacom PTH660 is ideal for you.
At the end of the day, it is important to consider your budget first before buying a drawing tablet, so you won’t regret it in the long run.
The most important thing about a drawing tablet is how sensitive it is to the pressure you put on it.
Having more pressure sensitivity means that you can better control the weight of the lines you write.
A drawing tablet with at least 2,048 levels is considered high in pressure sensitivity.
Since you’re still in the process of learning and finding your best drawing style, it is much better to look for a drawing tablet that suits your needs as a beginner.
The screen size and its resolution are other essential thing to consider when buying a tablet for drawing.
Of course, it is better to have a wider screen so that you have a lot of space to draw on.
And with regards to the drawing tablet with a screen, it is best to have a tablet with a high resolution.
In that way, you'll have the best view of your creative work, and you’ll be able to see your drawing in the most accurate way.
One of the most important aspects of a drawing tablet is the stylus since it is the one you will use to draw.
It should be light and easy to hold, as well as quick and responsive—note that the faster the response time, the less lag you'll see as you draw.
Additionally, there are drawing tablets with pens that don’t have batteries, meaning you can use them no matter how long you want.
These kinds of drawing tablets are ideal for beginning creatives who don’t want to be bothered because their pens run out of power.
Consider how you'll use the drawing tablet while selecting the ideal one for your needs.
Are you seeking a device that is small and portable? Or do you want to work from your desk and prefer a larger screen?
As a beginner, you'll need to balance the benefits and drawbacks of a large or tiny screen.
Larger tablets are heavier and more unwieldy, but they provide a greater area for creation.
However, a smaller tablet may easily fit into any suitcase, allowing you to work from anywhere.
When it comes to the size of the tablet that you will purchase, it is really a matter of personal preference.
When buying drawing tablets for beginners, you should figure out how to connect the tablet to your PC.
The best tablets include Bluetooth connectivity, which eliminates the need for tangled cords.
You'll also have greater freedom of movement because you won't have to sit directly next to your laptop to work.
However, many tablets still require a USB cable to connect to your laptop, and some require up to three separate wires, which can make your desk look cluttered.
If you like a more structured workstation, check for a Bluetooth-enabled tablet or get one with a 3-in-1 cable to reduce the number of cords on your desk.
Now that I’m done giving you the important things to consider when buying a drawing tablet for beginners, let’s proceed with my list.
As the first tablet on my list, I included the Wacom PTH660, which is the best overall drawing tablet available today.
The best overall Wacom drawing tablet.
If you’re a startup artist and want to invest in a tablet that will help you become an expert, then this drawing tablet from Wacom is for you.
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Wacom is known as one of the most popular brands of tablets for beginners because they have a lot to offer, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
It is also one of the best drawing tablets with a pen that has accurate and advanced performance and a realistic pen-on-paper feel.
What’s more attractive about this drawing tablet is that it includes pre-installed creative software such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro.
Additionally, the Wacom PTH660 comes in both small, medium, and large sizes, so you can choose a size that best fits your hand movement and style.
With the inbuilt Bluetooth feature, you can use this drawing tablet to create and improve your digital artwork on your computer without being limited by wires.
So, if you’re wondering which Wacom is best for beginners, the Wacom PTH660 is the answer.
Active Area: 8.7” x 5.8”
Pressure Sensitivity: 8,192 levels
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
Buy Wacom PTH660 Intuos Pro on Amazon
The H610 Pro V2 is the best HUION drawing tablet for starters.
The best budget drawing tablet for beginners.
Although high-end tablets are a great choice, it is not necessary to spend money that is out of your budget.
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If you’re on a budget, the H610 Pro V2 is the best choice for you since it is one of the most affordable drawing tablets.
It is compatible with Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Android, so you can easily connect your phone to the tablet with the OTG connector.
The innovative tilt control system can provide you with better pressure detection and accurate cursor positioning at different angles.
The H610 Pro V2’s features offer a more accurate and natural drawing experience, which makes it even perfect for beginners.
So if you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablets for beginners, then the H610 Pro V2 is a must-have.
Active Area: 10” x 6.25”
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Resolution: 5080 LPI
Weight: 1.35 pounds
Connectivity: Mini USB
Buy HUION H610 Pro V2 on Amazon
The One by Wacom is the perfect beginner drawing tablet for students or aspiring artists.
The best beginner drawing tablet for students.
You’re still in the process of learning how to become a drawing expert, so it is best to have a drawing tablet that is designed for people like you.
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The One by Wacom adds an easy-to-use digital pen to your computer, allowing you to learn to sketch and edit images easily.
It can help your art project come out the way you’ve always wanted, by perfectly matching the movement of your pen.
Since everything is made online nowadays, the One by Wacom will allow you to collaborate, share work, and interact with others more effectively.
It is perfect to use for art-related subjects since you will have a tablet and pen that you can widely use for creating your work.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-set-up drawing tablet for students, the One by Wacom is a great choice to consider.
Active Area: 6.0 x 3.7 inches
Pressure Sensitivity: 2048 levels
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Weight: 0.57 Pounds
Connectivity: USB
If portability is one of your requirements for buying a tablet, look no further because I also feature the best portable drawing tablet.
The best portable display drawing tablet.
The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is one of the perfect drawing tablets for beginner creatives on the go.
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The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2’s super slim and compact design will allow you to learn and work seamlessly without being bothered.
This graphics drawing tablet features eight round, customizable express keys that fit easily at your fingertips.
The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 pen works just like a real pen, and the best thing is that there is no battery, so there’s no charging needed.
Lastly, this drawing tablet supports up to 60 degrees of tilt brush effect and delivers smoother, more natural lines and strokes.
As a result, you can add shading to your creation and enjoy more natural writing and drawing experiences with XP-Pen Deco 01 V2.
Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inch
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Weight: 1000 Grams
Connectivity: USB
Buy XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 on Amazon
No one wants to carry a heavy and bulky tablet, that’s why we included the Wacom CTL4100 in the list.
The most lightweight drawing tablet for beginners.
This drawing tablet is perfect for those who are looking for a tablet that you can take with you anywhere you go.
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The Wacom CTL4100 is a beginner’s drawing tablet that is ideal for small desktop spaces and can be configured for both left-handed and right-handed use.
It is a graphic drawing tablet with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity that can give you control and precision when drawing, painting, and photo-editing.
With this drawing tablet from Wacom, you can bring your wildest ideas to life with a lightweight digital pen and downloadable software.
It also has four customizable ExpressKeys that include shortcuts like undo or copy/paste at your fingertips when used with your Mac or PC.
The Wacom CTL4100 also has an ergonomic design for ease of use and comfort, as well as a realistic pen-on-paper feel.
Active Area: 6.0” x 3.7”
Pressure Sensitivity: 4,096 levels
Resolution: 2540 LPI
Weight: 8.11 Ounces
Connectivity: USB
Buy Wacom Intuos CTL4100 on Amazon
The XENCELABS Tablet also ranks among the best tablets for beginners as it’s the best drawing tablet for artists, especially illustrators.
The best display drawing tablet for illustration.
If you’re a newbie in illustration and you want to have an excellent drawing tablet for your needs, then this tablet from XENCELABS is for you.
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Did you know that this drawing tablet was co-designed with the input of industry-leading creatives?
Yes, that’s right, so if you want to become an expert in doing illustrations, the XENCELABS Tablet is a great tool to use for you.
Take note that it is not limited to illustrators; in fact, it can also be used by beginning graphic and fashion designers.
Additionally, this drawing tablet has a physical dial with colored LED lighting that can give you control over brush size, zoom, or other functions as needed.
The XENCELABS Tablet also has application shortcut keys, so if you’re looking for the best drawing tablet that supports Adobe software, look no further.
You can use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other creative applications as well.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best tablet for drawing with a pen, the XENCELABS Tablet fits the profile.
Active Area: 10.33”x5.8”
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Resolution: 5080
Weight: 4.75 pounds
Connectivity: USB
Buy XENCELABS Drawing Tablet on Amazon
If you’re a beginner and willing to invest in a great tablet, then the Apple iPad Pro is for you since it is the most high-end drawing tablet.
The best value beginner drawing tablet with screen.
Despite the fact that it is quite expensive for a beginner, you will be guaranteed to get the experience of drawing like a pro.
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The Apple iPad Pro is easy to use and will allow you to do everything in powerful yet simple ways on the large multi-touch display.
Even if you’re still a beginner, you will be able to experience what professional artists feel when they are creating their drawings.
This Apple iPad Pro is perfect for beginning creatives that are looking for a device that is worth their money.
It is great for running applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe software, as well as graphics-related apps.
Furthermore, this high-end drawing tablet is made of thin, light, and durable materials, ensuring that you can use it for a long time.
So if you’re a beginner but looking for a drawing tablet for professionals, then the Apple iPad Pro is perfect for you.
Memory: Up to 2 TB
Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
Connectivity: USB-C connector
Buy Apple Ipad Pro 2021 on Amazon
If you’re looking for the best drawing tablet with a screen that you can use for making animations, the GAOMON PD1560 is a perfect choice for you.
The best drawing tablet for animation.
This drawing tablet is designed for animators to have the best view of the creations that they are currently working on.
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Since GAOMON PD1560 is one of the best drawing tablets with a screen, you will be able to create and view the progress of the work that you are doing.
It has a 1080 HD screen that is capable of providing you with the most realistic details and colors.
Furthermore, GAOMON PD1560’s 8192 pen pressure levels offer a more accurate and precise movement of the pen-slider, making your drawing line smooth and natural.
There are 10 express keys that may be adjusted based on your own creative preferences, making the work more effective and saving you valuable time.
This drawing tablet also comes with an adjustable stand, so you can find a perfect and comfortable position by dragging the switch to adjust the angle of the pen display.
Lastly, the GAOMON PD1560 is compatible with the most popular drawing programs, like Krita, Gimp, Blender, etc.
Active Area: 13.43'' x 7.62''
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Weight: 1.58 Kg
Connectivity: USB, HDMI
If you are looking for the best Android drawing tablets for beginners, then this Samsung Tab S7 is a great choice.
The best Android drawing tablet with a screen.
It is an ideal choice for startup creatives that need a drawing tablet with a screen.
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This drawing tablet includes a unique feature called DeX mode, which allows you to transform your tablet into a PC experience.
The Samsung Tab S7 also boasts a high-resolution display, so you can be sure that you are able to see the most realistic details of your drawings.
Additionally, it has a great feature where you can easily sync up and share content with compatible Samsung devices.
This drawing tablet is built to be easy to use and durable, so you can be sure that you are spending your money wisely.
By using the Samsung Tab S7, you will be able to explore different styles of drawing as well as improve your own.
Display: 11 inches
Audio: Quad + AKG + Dolby Atmos
Resolution: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) TFT
Weight: 1.1 lb
Internal memory: 6/8GB(RAM) + 128/256/512GB
Buy SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 on Amazon
Since I'm including something for Android users, I’ll also include the Apple iPad for beginners.
The best Apple drawing tablet with screen.
Most creatives prefer to use Apple devices because of their great responsiveness rate and great display.
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Since Apple is well known for manufacturing products that provide a one-of-a-kind experience, it will be a great choice for beginners.
The Apple Ipad is another tablet that is best for beginners that are looking for a drawing tablet with a screen.
It is much more affordable compared to the Apple iPad Pro, but it can basically provide almost the same quality and performance.
As a beginner, it is a given that you will most likely be focused and need a lot of time to finish your creative work.
That’s why the Apple iPad is perfect for you if you are looking for a drawing tablet that has extremely long battery life.
This drawing tablet also includes an Apple pen, so you can create your artwork, drawings, and designs in the most efficient and accurate way.
Retina display: 10.2 inches
Chip: A13
Memory: 156GB
Camera: 8MP
Connectivity: 4G
If you are an upcoming artist interested in a standalone drawing tablet, then the Simbans PicassoTab is for you.
The best standalone drawing tablet for beginners.
It is pre-equipped with an active stylus for excellent palm rejection, preventing potential miss-presses.
The Autodesk Sketchbook feature on the PicassoTab produces perfect sketches, ranking it among the best drawing tablets for beginners.
You can also take advantage of advanced connectivity, made possible through features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Additionally, you can connect the PicassoTab to an external computer, thanks to a micro-HDMI port.
This feature allows you to upgrade to the full suite of Adobe software and utilize this tablet as a peripheral.
Regarding operation and navigability, the Simbans PicassoTab comes with a user-friendly interface for ease of use.
Active Area: 10.24” x 6.81” x 0.39”
Resolution: IPS HD
Weight: 3.16 pounds
Connectivity: USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi
Buy Simbans PicassoTab on Amazon
If you’re looking for the best-designed drawing tablet for beginners, look no further than the XP-PEN StarG640.
The best designed drawing tablet for beginners.
The entire build is of high quality and less bulky, making it less cumbersome to carry.
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The XP-PEN StarG640 costs less than most tablets for beginners, making it a low-risk investment.
The lack of shortcut buttons gives you exclusive access to the entire 6” X 4” drawing area, an ample space to showcase your creativity.
Even better, the StarG640 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems as well as all major art software.
It also comes with a battery-free pen with over 8,190 pressure sensitivity levels, allowing you to draw with precision.
You can use the XP-PEN StarG640 tablet for other purposes like painting, making it an appealing choice for not only beginners but artists in general.
Active Area: 6 x 4 inches
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Weight: 170 Grams
Connectivity: USB
I’m featuring the GAOMON S620 for beginners who want an affordable and compact device that occupies less space.
The best compact drawing tablet for beginners.
The tablet has four hotkeys, allowing you to input keyboard shortcuts for ease of operation.
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GAOMON S620’s drawing surface is a bit rough to create friction, which allows for precision when drawing lines.
It also comes with a battery-free pen for convenience, allowing you to use it anytime without running out of charge.
Additionally, GAOMON S620 has passive electromagnetic resonance technology and a sensory height of 10 millimeters.
These features give you greater freedom when sketching and boost productivity, making it one of the best drawing tablets for beginners.
Did you know that the GAOMON S620 is compatible with other Android devices, including phones and tablets?
This is possible depending on the charging ports, as you have to choose between USB-C, USB-A, or Micro USB.
Active Area: 6.5 X 4 inches
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Weight: 4.64 Ounces
Connectivity: USB
If you’re a beginner with an eye for comfort, the Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 is your best option.
The most comfortable drawing tablet for beginners.
The comfort results from the pen-to-display interaction that has a similar sensation to writing on paper.
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It also includes 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, allowing it to react precisely to every hand movement.
Additionally, the rubber grips and side buttons on the Cintiq 16 provide the utmost comfort.
With the Electro-Magnetic Resonance technology, you’ll not have to charge the pen as its power comes from the device itself.
Even better, the combination of the Pro Pen 2 and the relaxed parallax on the Cintiq 16 brings out a feel as natural as drawing on paper.
The creative pen display feature also gives newbies a unique, high-quality design, allowing you to take your experience to the next level.
So, if you are concerned about what drawing tablets beginners should get, the Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 is a perfect choice.
Active Area: 16.6 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches
Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
Weight: 4.19 pounds
Connectivity: HDMI
Buy Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 on Amazon
The Huion H420 is one of the best tablets to use for steady drawing and signing.
The best signing and drawing tablet for beginners.
The device has a small active area, meaning it incorporates signatures and allows you to transfer them to a computer for use with digital documents.
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The fact that it’s so affordable also makes it the perfect choice for beginners testing the waters of whether the Huion H420 is suitable for drawing.
The device is small in size and can fit in your pocket, allowing you to carry it around easily.
Additionally, it has a simplistic design with a few fragile parts that withstand minor falls without damage.
The 4000LPI pen resolution on the Huion H420 also makes the device stand out, as it is delicate but highly efficient.
This high resolution accurately captures your pen nib’s movement, resulting in a better line presentation.
So, if you’re wondering which best budget tablets beginners should go for, the Huion H420 is a perfect choice.
Active Area: 4 x 2.23 inches
Pressure Sensitivity: 2048 Levels
Weight: 0.29 Pounds
Connectivity: USB
Since I also started as a beginner creative, I understand that it is not easy to decide on which device is best to fit your needs.
That’s why in this article, I highlighted my top picks for the best beginner drawing tablets for your reference.
What is the best drawing tablet for beginners?
If you need a tablet that you can take anywhere you go, you can choose between the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 and the Wacom CTL4100 since they are the most lightweight and portable tablets.
XENCELABS Tablet and GAOMON PD1560, on the other hand, are ideal for you if you are doing illustrations, graphic and fashion design, animation, etc.
However, are you looking for the best drawing tablets with screens?
Then you can choose between the Apple Ipad Pro 2021, GAOMON PD1560, Samsung Tab S7, and Apple Ipad 2021
I also included other drawing tablets for beginners, so rest assured that you can find one that will suit your preferences and demands.
Now that I’m done enumerating my favorites, which devices do you think are the best drawing tablets for beginners?—Feel free to leave a comment.
