If you’re just starting with digital art, choosing the right drawing tablet can be overwhelming. There are various options available, ranging from budget-friendly pen tablets to premium display tablets with high-end features. The best beginner-friendly tablets should be easy to use, offer a smooth drawing experience, and provide value for money. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best drawing tablets for beginners, helping you pick the perfect one for your needs.
1. Wacom One – Best Overall for Beginners
The Wacom One is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a high-quality display tablet at an affordable price. It offers a 13.3-inch screen, a battery-free stylus, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen feels natural and smooth, making it an excellent option for new digital artists.
Pros:
✔ Excellent pen performance
✔ Affordable for a display tablet
✔ Great for beginners and casual artists
Cons:
✖ No shortcut buttons on the tablet
✖ Needs a computer to function
2. Huion Kamvas 13 – Budget-Friendly Option
For those looking for a budget-friendly display tablet, the Huion Kamvas 13 is a solid pick. It features a 13.3-inch full HD screen, battery-free stylus, and fully laminated display, providing a smoother drawing experience with minimal parallax.
Pros:
✔ Affordable with high-end features
✔ Pen feels natural and responsive
✔ Lightweight and portable
Cons:
✖ Requires an external device to function
✖ Driver setup can be tricky
3. XP-Pen Artist 12 – Great for Digital Artists
The XP-Pen Artist 12 is another great option for beginners looking for an affordable yet feature-packed drawing tablet. With a 11.6-inch full HD display, 8192 pressure levels, and customizable shortcut keys, it offers a solid digital drawing experience.
Pros:
✔ Customizable buttons for workflow improvement
✔ Good screen resolution for precise drawing
✔ Pen tilt support
Cons:
✖ Slight parallax issues
✖ Not ideal for large canvas artworks
4. iPad (9th/10th Gen) – Versatile for Drawing & More
If you want a multi-purpose tablet that supports drawing, note-taking, and media consumption, the iPad (9th or 10th Gen) with Apple Pencil support is a fantastic choice. With iPadOS and Procreate, it becomes an ideal portable drawing tool.
Pros:
✔ Great display quality
✔ Works with Apple Pencil (1st Gen)
✔ Versatile beyond just drawing
Cons:
✖ Apple Pencil sold separately
✖ Limited storage in base models
5. Gaomon PD1161 – Compact and Affordable
The Gaomon PD1161 is an entry-level display tablet perfect for beginners who want an affordable yet efficient device. It comes with a 11.6-inch screen, 8192 pressure levels, and programmable shortcut buttons.
Pros:
✔ Lightweight and portable
✔ Budget-friendly for beginners
✔ Great pen accuracy
Cons:
✖ Display could be brighter
✖ Requires a computer connection
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Best for Android Users
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a fantastic option. It comes with an S Pen included, a 10.4-inch display, and is highly portable. This makes it a great alternative to Wacom and iPad-based options.
Pros:
✔ No need for a computer
✔ S Pen included
✔ Great for casual drawing and note-taking
Cons:
✖ Lacks Pro features like high refresh rate
✖ Limited pressure sensitivity compared to pro tablets
7. Huion Inspiroy H640P – Best Pen Tablet for Starters
The Huion Inspiroy H640P is an excellent pen tablet for those who don’t need a display but want a high-quality drawing experience at an affordable price. With six customizable buttons and a compact size, it’s ideal for beginners.
Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly and easy to use
✔ Works with Windows, Mac, and Android
✔ Battery-free stylus
Cons:
✖ No built-in display
✖ Small drawing area
Also Read: Best Android Tablets for Gaming
8. XP-Pen Deco Pro – Best for Precision Drawing
The XP-Pen Deco Pro is a professional-grade pen tablet that is still beginner-friendly. With a sleek design, programmable shortcut buttons, and a high-precision pen, it’s great for those serious about digital art.
Pros:
✔ Excellent build quality
✔ Wide compatibility
✔ Affordable for its features
Cons:
✖ Learning curve for absolute beginners
✖ No built-in display
9. Microsoft Surface Go 3 – A Portable Drawing Companion
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a Windows-based 2-in-1 device that supports the Surface Pen, making it an excellent option for beginners who need a portable drawing tablet with Windows compatibility.
Pros:
✔ Full Windows OS
✔ Portable and lightweight
✔ Works well with digital art software
Cons:
✖ Surface Pen sold separately
✖ Not as powerful as premium Surface models
Conclusion
Choosing the best drawing tablet as a beginner depends on your needs and budget. If you want a display tablet, the Wacom One or Huion Kamvas 13 are excellent choices. For those who prefer portability and versatility, the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite are great options. If you’re looking for an affordable pen tablet, the Huion Inspiroy H640P and XP-Pen Deco Pro are worth considering. No matter which one you pick, all these tablets offer a great starting point for digital artists.
FAQs
1. Which is the best drawing tablet for absolute beginners?
The Wacom One is a great choice due to its ease of use, quality screen, and overall reliability.
2. Do I need a computer to use a drawing tablet?
It depends. Display and pen tablets like Wacom One and Huion Kamvas 13 require a computer, while tablets like iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite work independently.
3. What is the best budget-friendly drawing tablet?
The Huion Kamvas 13 and XP-Pen Artist 12 are excellent affordable options with display features.
4. Can I use an iPad for professional digital art?
Yes! The iPad (9th/10th Gen) with Apple Pencil and apps like Procreate can be used for professional-level art.
5. What’s the difference between a pen tablet and a display tablet?
A pen tablet (like Huion Inspiroy H640P) requires a monitor to view your drawings, while a display tablet (like Wacom One) has a built-in screen for a more intuitive experience.