A Starving Artist’s Guide to Art Tablets
A complete guide to digital drawing on a budget.
Several years ago artists and creative professionals needed to spend a good bit of money if they wanted to use a digital stylus to draw directly on their computer screen. Wacom’s Cintiq series of pen displays were incredibly expensive and Apple initially allowed only their pricey iPad Pro to make use of the Apple Pencil. Thankfully, recent years have brought forth a variety of affordable options. That’s good news these days in which a pandemic means many of us have more time to dabble in creative tasks but less money thanks to an economic downturn. Thus, for all the starving artists out there, here is a guide to help you find the best option for your limited dollar.
Before we begin, we should set out a few ground rules:
1. This is a budget-conscious list which means it will focus on affordable and mid-level items rather than top tier products like Wacom’s Cintiq series or Apple’s iPad Pro devices.
2. Even though they are much cheaper, this list will not include simple graphic tablets that lack a display screen. However, these can be a great option for those not bothered by the visual disconnect of looking at a separate monitor while you draw.
3. The items below are not “ranked” though some come more highly recommended than others. Ultimately, which device is best for you depends on your individual needs and your budget.
TABLET COMPUTERS
We’ll begin with devices that have all the necessary hardware inside the tablet itself. While the initial investment is usually more than dedicated artist tablets that plug into your PC or Laptop, tablet computers are actually a more affordable option for those who don’t already own a computer powerful enough to smoothly run creative software. It’s also worth remembering that mobile apps tend to be cheaper than those written for personal computers (in some cases by quite a lot). Finally, tablet computers have other advantages like portability and ease of use.
For the purposes of this list, I’ll only be mentioning the official styluses (or styli) that are made by the tablet’s manufacturer. With a few notable exceptions, 3rd party options use inferior technology to the official variants and are not suitable for many creative tasks like digital art.
Apple iPad (2020)
The best value for your money
Price: $299 on sale; $329 retail | Pen Price: $99 | Screen size: 10.2 inch
The base iPad is one of the best deals in tech and a stellar option for digital artists on a budget. It supports the 1st Generation Apple Pencil which, despite its age and inconvenient charging method, remains one of the finest digital pens for drawing, photo editing, and most other creative tasks. Though it would be nice if it had a button, few styluses feel quite as good in your hand as the Apple Pencil. Thanks to its A12 processor and a selection of well-optimized apps, even the cheapest iPad can smoothly run just about any creative program you throw at it. It can handle large, multi-layer projects in an art app like Clip Studio Paint and even detailed 3D sculpting in an app like Forger 3D. One potential knock against the base iPad is the lack of a laminated screen meaning there is an air gap between the touch panel and the display glass beneath. Thankfully, the drawing experience remains very accurate and mostly free of parallax. The combination of hardware, app selection, and affordability makes this perhaps the best value on this list. Of course, if you have a little more cash to spare, there are other iPads out there…
Apple iPad Air (2020)
The iPad that’s well worth spending more
Price: $569 on sale; $599 retail | Pen Price: $129 | Screen size: 10.9 inch
The new iPad Air is almost twice as much as the base model but you do get many useful upgrades, especially if you’re an artist or creative professional. Along with the larger screen, the most valuable addition may be a USB-C port which means you can easily connect the iPad Air to an eternal monitor or plug in an external hard drive. The iPad Air also has a faster A14 processor along with more RAM. This additional horsepower can open up extra features in certain apps such as the ability to add extra layers in ProCreate, the iPad’s most popular art app. The rest of the upgrades are nice-to-have but don’t really change the iPads capabilities: The design is now sleeker with smaller bezels and a fully laminated display (no more air gap). The more expensive device also supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil which charges wirelessly when magnetically attached to your iPad and includes to double-tap feature to perform some tasks a button would normally serve (like quickly switch between paint and eraser tools). Ultimately, the iPad Air offers a lot to justify the price premium over the base model but none of it is really “essential” for those on a strict budget.
- NOTE: Apple has not disclosed pressure sensitivity figures for the Apple Pencil so this category will be left blank. However, the consensus among artists and creative professionals is that the Apple Pencil feels at least as sensitive as the competing digital pens from Samsung and Microsoft both of which have 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The most affordable tablet that’s suitable for art.
Price: $249 on sale; $349 retail | Pen Price: included | Screen size: 10.4 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
While Android tablets have been declining in popularity over the last few years, Samsung continues to excel in a category where other companies have called it quits. The Tab S6 is an amazing bargain, especially when one considers the fact that it comes with Samsung’s own S-Pen. Though the S-Pen itself might feel a little small for some artists, the pressure sensitivity and line quality are on par with the best offerings from its competitors. There is however the issue of the Android operating system which, while a great choice for phones, lacks many apps that are properly optimized for a tablet (meaning most are simply blown-up versions of their phone counterparts). It’s also worth noting that the iPad currently has a greater variety of creative apps than Android. Thankfully, Samsung has done an admirable job filling in some of the gaps with their own software. For instance, the recent addition of Clip Studio Paint to Samsung’s own app store provides the kind of professional art software that Android desperately needs more of. Of course, at this price, there are some compromises, namely the significantly less powerful hardware than what you might find in Samsung’s flagship models (or even in the cheapest iPads). Most art apps should work relatively smoothly as long you keep your canvas and brush sizes manageable but one might worry how long this particular tablet will last the average buyer. The Tab S6 Lite is also missing a keyboard connector and some Bluetooth functionality. However, Samsung has some better options for those with deeper pockets…
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
The Android tablet you should get if you want to save money without major sacrifice
Price: $469 on sale; $649 retail | Pen Price: included | Screen size: 10.5 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
The Galaxy Tab S6 was Samsung’s flagship tablet until the recent release of the Tab S7. Now that it’s on sale, you can grab this great device at a major discount. What does that extra money get you over the Tab S6 Lite? Quite a bit. The processor is about twice as fast and with double the RAM of its little brother. The extra money also buys a nicer OLED display that easily beats those on any tablet from Apple or Microsoft. Additionally, the Tab S6 includes Samsung’s DeX mode which allows your tablet to function as a proper computer with multiple windows. As with the “iPad-vs-iPad Air” debate, you’ll have to decide how much the extra features are worth. You could even opt for the newer Tab S7 models if you happen to have a little extra cash floating around but the gains are relatively modest (slightly faster processor and a larger screen that can run at 120hz for extra smooth motion).
- NOTE: It’s worth reiterating that both Samsung tablets come with their respective S-Pens included. This gives them a significant price advantage over tablets from Apple and Microsoft whose official pens cost an additional $100 or more.
Microsoft Surface Go 2
The cheapest tablet for Windows users
Price: $399 and up | Pen Price: $99 | Screen size: 10.5 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
Microsoft’s Surface tablets are somewhat unique in that they use Windows 10, a full desktop operating system. This means that you can run any art or creative software that you might have on your home computer or laptop. It also, unfortunately, means that many programs, optimized for more powerful hardware, will run poorly on the cheapest variants of the Surface line. In the case of the Surface Go 2, the base processor (in the $399 configuration) can cause a lot of slowdown with most professional creative software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It’s also worth remembering many desktop apps are designed with larger screens in mind and often feel cramped on a 10.5-inch display. Thankfully, there are some well-optimized art apps (like Sketchable) that will run smoothly and take advantage of the excellent Surface Pen. But if you want to really get the most out of the Windows 10 operating system, you’ll need to shell out at least $650 for the faster version of the Surface Go. And, if you’re paying that much, you might want to look into another Surface device…
Microsoft Surface Pro
The tablet if you want to replace your laptop or PC.
Price: $599 and up | Pen Price: $99 | Screen size: 12.3 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
The Surface Pro is Microsoft’s flagship line of tablets with ample power to spare. Using the full version of Windows 10 makes a lot more sense on these devices thanks to the larger screen size and because you can max out the specs to the level of many high-end laptops (though this adds to the cost). The important thing to remember is that while the higher-end variants seem quite pricey, these are devices meant to completely replace a laptop. This is not something that can really be said for even the costliest iPad Pro (which does not run on the proper macOS or support the full Adobe Creative Suite of products). So, while the Surface Pro 7 may be too much if used just as an art tablet, it can be a great choice for a starving artist who has already set aside some money for a new laptop and wants an art machine as well.
- NOTE: Just to be extra clear, make sure you check the system requirements for any software you plan to use before selecting the configuration of your Surface. Apple and Samsung only charge a price premium for internal storage in their tablets (which does not affect software performance) but Microsoft’s get considerably more expensive depending on the speed of the processor and the amount of RAM selected.
PEN DISPLAYS
A pen display is a monitor that allows you to write directly onto the screen with a digital stylus. It will not function without being connected to a personal computer, laptop, or (occasionally) smartphone. The biggest advantage of these devices is that they aren’t limited by the computing power of their internal components so you can use any software you already have installed and without worrying about performance. Because they lack an internal computer means pen displays are usually cheaper than their tablet counterparts, you can also afford a larger pen display than you could a tablet.
There are some trade-offs worth considering (beyond the obvious ones like portability). Ease of use can sometimes be a concern because that you’ll need to install special drivers on your computer to work with these displays and some programs may have compatibility issues or quirks (though most should let you use the stylus as you would a mouse). Most pen displays also tend to be somewhat bulky with large bezels on all sides because they aren’t expected to be portable.
As with tablet computers, there are a lot of different manufacturers of pen displays (especially in recent years) but I’ll be sticking to better-known brands with a solid history of producing reliable products.
Huion Kamvas 13 and Kamvas 13 Pro
The best pen display for the money
Price: $249, $299| Pen Price: included| Screen size: 13.3 inch | Pen Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
For years Huion has positioned itself as a cheaper alternative to Wacom, the industry standard, and the Kamvas 13 is a great pen display for artists on a budget. The Kamvas features a fully laminated display, an etched glass screen (to stop it from being too slippery), and a stylus with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It also includes very useful programmable buttons that can take the place of keyboard shortcuts. Huion makes a variety of pen-displays ranging from 11 to 24 inches so you can scale up depending on your budget. The differences between the regular and “Pro” models are not always consistent between the sizes but usually come down to the addition of tilt functionality, a broader color range, and better build materials for the Pro versions. The most recent Kamvas 13 model also comes with an all-in-one USB-C cord that can connect and power the display. Not only does this mean avoiding the massive, three-in-one cords that come with older pen displays, it also allows Android phones to power the tablet rather than a standard computer. This makes it a great option for people looking for a more portable option who don’t want to have to take a laptop with them wherever they go. Android support is currently only available with certain phones and a limited selection of apps so it’s not advisable to use your phone as your primary driver.
XP-Pen Artist 13 Pro
The other best pen display for the money
Price: $255 on sale, $299 retail | Pen Price: included| Screen size: 13.3 inch | Pen Pressure: 8192 levels
Pretty much everything I’ve said about Huion’s Kamvas line also applies to XP-Pen’s Artist series which has nearly identical specifications and comparable prices. Even the pens are almost impossible to tell apart (both shamelessly mimicking the stylus used in Wacom’s Cintiq series). The two product lines are so similar that most head-to-head comparisons online refuse to pick a winner. As with Huion’s displays, you can find XP-Pen’s devices in a variety of sizes and the Pro models usually have a few helpful additions that include tilt support and a broader color range. Make sure you read the individual spec sheets to decide if these features are worth the extra $50 — $100 they add to the price tag. It’s also worth keeping in mind that XP-Pen (and Huion) sells even cheaper models with smaller screens. However, it’s hard to recommend displays under 13 inches because the more rectangular form factor and the design of desktop software mean you’ll need a little more screen space than you would with a tablet computer.
Wacom One
The cheapest pen display for those who must have the Wacom brand
Price: $399 retail | Pen Price: included| Screen size: 13.3 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
There’s a strange phenomenon that sometimes occurs when certain high-end brands attempt to make a budget device. Often the product in question has fewer features than its cheaper competitors despite still sporting a higher price tag. Such is the case with the Wacom One. There’s nothing wrong with the device but it lacks several features found in more affordable displays from XP-Pen, Huion, and several other manufacturers you may find on Amazon. Those who purchase it will have to settle for half the pressure sensitivity, a smaller range of colors, and a non-laminated display. While these don’t impact the drawing experience as much as one might expect, the same can’t be said for a lack of any programmable buttons on the device itself (though Wacom will happily include these buttons in the form of a programmable remote for an extra $100). To add insult to injury, even the pen’s design is a step-down and feels less substantial than Wacom’s Cintiq pens with only one button (rather than two as you’ll find with XP-Pen, Huion, and other Wacom devices). On the bright side, this device can also connect to some android phones in a similar fashion to Huion’s. It bears repeating that this is still a perfectly good product but it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that you’re essentially paying more for less. Currently, there just doesn’t seem to be any reason to purchase it beyond the brand name. Wacom’s higher-end products can perhaps justify their price premium but the Wacom One cannot.
Wacom Bamboo Ink & Ink Plus
The stylus that can turn your laptop into a pen display
Pen Price: $49 — $99 | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
I suppose I was rather hard on the Wacom One so let’s move on to a Wacom product that’s a bit easier to recommend. The Bamboo Ink is a digital pen designed to work with many touchscreen Windows devices. It’s compatible with most modern convertible/2–1 laptops, meaning those in which the keyboard component can be turned around so you can use it as a tablet. It’s also compatible with Microsoft’s Surface series and a few non-convertible laptops (though drawing on those might feel a tad cumbersome with the keyboard in the way). The best thing about this pen is how many different devices it works with. Different laptops and tablets have different digitizers (the hardware component that interfaces with a pen) but the Bamboo Ink how works across the major types (see the compatibility list here). This makes it a great choice if you want to invest in a digital pen that can work with several different devices or which might last you through an upgrade. The Bamboo Ink Plus has all the same features as its little brother but adds tilt support and USB C charging (rather than disposable batteries). That said, if you already have a pen-compatible laptop, it’s worth first seeing if there is an “official” stylus made by the manufacturer before you invest in the Bamboo Ink. In some cases, Wacom’s stylus may have more wave/jitter to the lines than the official pen (because those pens are optimized for their specific device). This is true with Microsoft’s Surface series where the Surface Pen proves to be a better choice. In other cases, however, the Bamboo Ink may be the superior option, especially if the official pen doesn’t support pressure sensitivity.
PAPER-STYLE OPTIONS
While digital art offers a lot of flexibility, many feel there is no substitute for the sensation of traditional pen and paper. The options below are for those who are willing to make some compromises to get as close as possible to the physical materials that artists have been using for over a thousand years.
Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition
The best tool for hybrid workflows
Price: $350, $400 retail | Pen Price: included| Active Area: 10.5 inch | Pen Pressure: *8192 levels
Now here we have an example of the kind of product great product Wacom puts out when they stick with what they do best. The Intuos Pro line is Wacom’s flagship series of simple pen tablets that most professionals swear by. The Paper Edition, which runs only $20 more than the regular version, adds the ability to put a sheet of paper on the tablet and draw using an included ink pen. The Intuos automatically digitizes the strokes made while drawing so your content can be further modified in an art app of your choice. The tablet even has internal memory so you can sketch something when you’re away from your computer and then upload later. What makes this such an attractive option is that once you’re done drafting with the pen and paper, you still have the best pen-tablet available to continue work on your computer. I’ve known many professional artists who work digitally but still prefer to make their initial sketches or line art on paper, making this is an ideal choice for anyone interested in a hybrid workflow. Of course, the Intuos doesn’t give you all the flexibility of a proper pen display (you can’t resize/undo strokes on the fly and expect it to update on your paper) but it does offer some digital advantages over traditional scanning such as the ability to separate different parts of your art into layers while you’re working (simply push the ‘save’ button on the tablet whenever you want your next set of strokes to be saved as a new file). The only major annoyance with this device is that it does not register pen pressure when using the ink pen (though the regular Wacom stylus works as well as ever). For this reason, it may not be a great choice if you are the type of artist who likes to make elegant tapered lines by pressing down more softly at the end of strokes.
reMarkable 2
The best option for those who love e-ink
Price: $399 retail | Pen Price: $49 | Screen size: 10.3 inch | Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
The reMarkable 2 is an interesting device. This is a tablet that uses an e-ink display, similar to what you might find on a Kindle/e-reader, rather than the LCD and OLED screens you’ll find on an iPad, Surface Go, or Galaxy Tab. The reMarkable 2 is also more of a note-taking device than a proper art tool because it is limited by the monochromatic display and rather underpowered hardware. But there is one important thing that may entice anyone who loves working with physical media: Fans of this tablet all seem to agree that it feels closer to drawing on paper than any of its competition. This is thanks to a good pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, a textured screen for the appropriate tactile feedback, and built-in apps that make the writing/drawing experience feel particularly authentic (though these included apps are the ONLY ones that can be used on the system). The tablet is also remarkably light to hold, closer to your classic moleskin notebook, and the e-ink display means that you hardly ever need to charge the device (after all, real paper never required a power outlet). But with each advantage also comes another compromise. E-ink may be both easier on the eyes and the battery but it’s not designed for smooth animation. Simply scrolling down a list of notes or zooming in while drawing can feel so choppy that you would no doubt assume an iPad or Surface was malfunctioning if it performed like this. Furthermore, the same software that helps the pen perform in a particularly realistic fashion also proves rather limited compared to the art apps you’ll find on other devices. One can actually do complex things like 3D modeling on tablets from Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft but the reMarkable 2’s built-in apps are barely on par with something like Windows Paint (and even that has color). As with the Intuos Paper Edition, this is a device that should only really be considered for hybrid workflows. You can start a sketch or (maybe) make some full line art but you’ll need to switch to another computer if you hope to keep working.
