The 21 best drawing tablet brands
Wacom, Huion and Xp-pen lead our ranking of 21 drawing tablet brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Drawing Tablet brands, ranked
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1
Wacom
Wacom makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital art, design, and photo editing, widely used by professionals.
Website: wacom.com |Brands like Wacom
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Huion
Huion makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital drawing, animation, and note-taking at a range of sizes.
Website: huion.com |Brands like Huion
Popularity 9.4/10
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3
Xp-pen
XP-PEN makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital illustration, design, and writing.
Website: storexppen.com |Brands like Xp-pen
Popularity 8.9/10
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4
Veikk
VEIKK makes pen tablets and pen displays aimed at digital drawing, animation, and graphic design.
Website: veikk.com |Brands like Veikk
Popularity 4.3/10
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5
GAOMON
GAOMON makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital art and design work.
Website: gaomon.net |Brands like GAOMON
Popularity 4.0/10
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6
Ugee
Ugee makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital drawing and graphic design.
Website: ugee.net |Brands like Ugee
Popularity 2.9/10
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7
Monoprice
Monoprice is an affordable brand that offers high-quality cables used in PCs and home theatre systems. They also provide other electronic accessories and products like Subwoofers and Electric guitars. The company is primarily known for being very affordable without compromising on quality. One can find various solutions for multiple purposes, including audio and office solutions. Their products are very versatile and come with many functions to improve productivity.
Website: monoprice.com |Brands like Monoprice
Popularity 1.8/10
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8
Boogie Board
Boogie Board makes LCD writing and sketching tablets for kids and adults, which are not computer pen tablets.
Website: myboogieboard.com |Brands like Boogie Board
Popularity 1.7/10
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9
Iskn
ISKN makes e-paper pen tablets and digital note-taking slates for writing and sketching.
Website: iskn.co |Brands like Iskn
Popularity 1.6/10
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10
Artisul
Artisul makes pen tablets and pen displays for digital drawing and graphic work.
Website: artisul.com |Brands like Artisul
Popularity 1.1/10
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11
Genius
Genius makes pen tablets, including budget models for drawing and handwriting input, alongside mice and other peripherals.
Website: genius.com |Brands like Genius
Popularity 1.1/10
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12
Hanvon
Hanvon makes handwriting input tablets and e-paper writing devices, along with other digital pen products.
Website: hanvontouch.com |Brands like Hanvon
Popularity 1.1/10
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13
Trust
Trust makes budget graphics tablets for drawing, note-taking, and photo editing, alongside other computer accessories.
Website: trust.com |Brands like Trust
Popularity 0.9/10
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14
ELECOM
ELECOM makes pen tablets for drawing and handwriting, along with a wide range of computer peripherals in Japan.
Website: elecom.co.jp |Brands like ELECOM
Popularity 0.8/10
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15
Adesso
Adesso makes computer input devices, including graphics tablets for drawing and handwriting input.
Website: adesso.com |Brands like Adesso
Popularity 0.7/10
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16
Aiptek
Aiptek is a longtime maker of budget graphics and pen tablets for drawing and digital note-taking.
Website: aiptek.eu |Brands like Aiptek
Popularity 0.7/10
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17
Simbans
Simbans makes the PicassoTablet, a budget pen tablet for digital drawing and note-taking.
Website: simbans.com |Brands like Simbans
Popularity 0.6/10
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18
Manhattan
Manhattan is a German beauty brand making high-quality, fun makeup products to help people enhance their natural features. They have a diverse catalog of products to help people create new looks and showcase their personalities. The company has been in...
Website: manhattan.de |Brands like Manhattan
Popularity 0.4/10
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19
Agptek
Agptek, a prominent laptop battery provider in the United States, has a large selection of notebook batteries. They provide more fantastic, brand-new, and reasonably priced replacement laptop batteries for Acer computers. They keep their inventory in both the United States...
Website: agptek.com |Brands like Agptek
Popularity 0.4/10
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20
A4TECH
A4TECH was founded in 1987. It is a technology company that manufactures cutting-edge products for consumers. They have a lot of patents and got the rights over their original and exclusive products. They are very keen on making quality goods...
Website: a4tech.com |Brands like A4TECH
Popularity 0.4/10
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21
PENPOWER
PenPower is a Chinese brand that was founded by Dr. Tsay in 1991. It is a manufacturer of innovative devices for the purpose of handwriting recognition. It involves the use of a smart interface, which also serves as a suitable...
Website: penpowerinc.com |Brands like PENPOWER
Popularity 0.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wacom | wacom.com | /wacomindia | wacomindia | – | – |
| Huion | huion.com | /huion | huiontablet | @HuionTab | Huion Tablet |
| Xp-pen | storexppen.com | – | @xppenusa | – | |
| Veikk | veikk.com | /veikk2017 | veikktablet2018 | @VEIKK_USA | Drawing Tablet VEIKK |
| GAOMON | gaomon.net | /Gaomonpentablet | – | @Gaomonpentablet | GAOMON |
| Ugee | ugee.net | /Ugee-Graphics-Tablet-1726496774307450 | – | @ugee_tablets | – |
| Monoprice | monoprice.com | /Monopricecom | monoprice | @monoprice | – |
| Boogie Board | myboogieboard.com | /myboogieboard | myboogieboard | @boogieboard | Boogie Board |
| Iskn | iskn.co | /iskn.co | iskn | – | – |
| Artisul | artisul.com | /artisulglobal | artisulofficial | @ArtisulGlobal | – |
Drawing Tablet Buying Guide
If you're an artist, illustrator, or graphic designer, a drawing tablet is an essential tool. While it's true that traditional drawing and painting techniques still have their place, a drawing tablet offers a whole new level of flexibility and creative opportunity. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which drawing tablet to choose? In this article, we'll walk you through the factors you need to consider when selecting a drawing tablet, from size and stylus type to connectivity and price.
Size
The first consideration when choosing a drawing tablet is size. Tablets come in a range of sizes, from small devices that fit in your hand to large tabletop models. The size you choose will depend largely on your personal preferences and the way you work. Small tablets (around 6 inches) are great for on-the-go work or for those with limited desk space. Larger tablets (10-12 inches) offer more room to work and can often provide a more natural drawing experience.
Another factor to consider is screen size. While some tablets come with smaller screens that do not display the images you are drawing on them, other more high-end models possess advanced screens that can mimic the feel of drawing on a real piece of paper or canvas. For example, some of the more expensive models such as the Wacom Cintiq or the Microsoft Surface Studio can have screens up to 27 inches, which give a true analog feel to the artist's experience.
Stylus Type
The type of stylus that comes with your drawing tablet is another essential factor to consider. There are two primary types of stylus: passive and active. Passive stylus pens are typically used on low-end tablets or mobile phones and don't have any advanced features, such as pressure sensitivity or tilt sensors. Active stylus pens are usually found on high-end drawing tablets, often provide a much more natural drawing experience. They may have features like pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, or tilt-sensitivity, which allow you to produce different strokes and textures.
When choosing a drawing tablet, it's also important to note which stylus type the device uses. Some models may come with the option to switch between active and passive styluses, while others are restricted only to one type. Some popular styluses in the market include Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, and the Wacom Pro Pen 2.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Another important factor is the connectivity and compatibility of the drawing tablet. If you have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you may want to choose a tablet with support for Apple's iOS and macOS devices. In contrast, if you're a Windows user, focus on finding a tablet that is compatible with Windows operating systems. Additionally, you'll want to consider the types of connections available on your tablet, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These will determine how easy it is to transfer your digital files back and forth between your tablet and your computer or other devices.
One thing to note about compatibility is that many high-end drawing tablets, like the Wacom Cintiq, come with their own driver software that needs to be installed on your computer. Incompatible drivers may cause problems for some programs, particularly more professional-grade software, so do read up and ensure that your tablet will work well with your existing setup.
Price
Lastly, price is, of course, an important factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. As with any electronic device, more expensive models usually offer additional features and a higher-quality experience. However, higher price does not always mean a better product, and you can find budget models that often provide great functionality, particularly for beginners or hobbyists. So, decide on a budget before you start shopping and try to find the model that best fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Choosing a drawing tablet can be intimidating at first, but keeping these basic factors in mind will help you make the right choice. Assess your needs, consider the size and stylus type you prefer, check for compatibility, and finally, set a budget. Ultimately, the right drawing tablet for you is the one that best suits your requirements and allows you to create your best work. So, remember to prioritize your own creative process and individual style when making your decision, and happy drawing!
Pressure Sensitivity
One of the most important features of a drawing tablet is pressure sensitivity. This measures how much pressure you apply to the stylus when drawing or writing on the tablet. Higher pressure sensitivity means that the tablet responds better to heavier strokes, giving you more control over the thickness of your lines and the texture of your brush strokes.
Most professional-grade drawing tablets come with pressure sensitivity ranging from 2048 levels up to 8192 levels, meaning you can apply more pressure and produce more subtle variations in your drawings. Basic and budget devices usually come with lower sensitivity levels around 512, which may be insufficient for detailed work.
Resolution
Another important consideration is the resolution of the tablet. Resolution refers to the number of points, or pixels, per inch on the tablet's display. A higher resolution means that your drawings appear sharper, clearer, and more detailed.
If you are doing high-end professional work, a resolution of at least 1080p or higher is recommended. However, for more casual use, a tablet with lower resolution may still be perfectly suitable.
Buttons and ExpressKeys
Many drawing tablets come with buttons and express keys, which allow you to quickly access tools and functions like undo, copy, paste, or brush size. With some tablets, these buttons can be programmed to perform tasks specific to your workflow, saving you time and effort.
Express Keys can also be customized and assigned to your preferred functions. They provide quick and easy-to-reach buttons that allow you to switch to different brushes or tools, change settings, or zoom in and out, without having to switch between the tablet and your keyboard or mouse.
Battery Life
Another important consideration when selecting a drawing tablet is battery life. Some smaller tablets run entirely on battery power, while larger models may require an external power source. You'll want to consider the amount of time you'll be drawing on the tablet and whether or not you'll have access to a power source while working.
Some drawing tablets come with a rechargeable battery that can last up to several hours of continuous use, while others require AA or AAA batteries. Be sure to consider the battery life and power source of any tablets you're considering, as a dead battery in the middle of an important project can be incredibly frustrating.
Brand and Model
Once you have determined your needs and budget, the last step is to choose a brand and model of drawing tablet. Some popular brands include Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen. Each brand has its own unique features, designs, and prices, so do your research and find one that best suits your requirements.
Wacom has a reputation for being the industry standard, with high-quality models like the Wacom Cintiq and the Intuos. Huion and XP-Pen offer affordable and mid-range options that work well for people on a budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drawing tablet is an important investment in your art career or hobby. Ultimately, the deciding factors are your personal preferences and workflow, but by considering factors such as size, sensitivity, compatibility, and price, you can find the best-drawing tablet for your needs. Research, ask for recommendations, compare brands and models, and try out different tablets to get a feel for them. With the right tablet, you'll be able to take your art to a whole new level and bring your creative ideas to life in exciting new ways.
