Top 6 Best Drawing Tablets for Beginners in 2024

Drawing, a centuries-old art form, has been transformed by the wonders of technology, making it easier and more attainable than ever before. The advent of drawing tablets, for instance, has enabled newbie artists to practice and perfect their craft minus the hefty investment on high-end gear. In this piece, we delve into the top drawing tablets for novices.

When it comes to drawing tablets, there are two types: standalone tablets and tablets that need to be connected to a computer. Standalone tablets are more expensive, but they offer more features and are more portable. Tablets that need to be connected to a computer are more affordable, but they are not as portable.

The critical thing to consider when buying a drawing tablet is the size of the tablet and the stylus. The size of the tablet should be comfortable for you to use, and the stylus should be easy to hold and use. Some tablets come with pressure sensitivity, which is a crucial feature for artists.

We spent hours researching and testing various drawing tablets to identify the ones that are best suited for beginners. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Drawing Tablets for Beginners

We understand that choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially for beginners who are just starting out. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best drawing tablets for beginners that will help you unleash your creativity and take your artwork to the next level. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional artist, these drawing tablets are perfect for unleashing your creativity and bringing your ideas to life. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best drawing tablets for beginners.

UGEE M708 Graphics Drawing Tablet

If you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet for beginners, the UGEE M708 Graphics Drawing Tablet is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The large 10 x 6 inch active drawing space with papery texture surface provides a smooth drawing experience with no lag.
• The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity allows for accurate line weight and opacity control, making it perfect for artistry design or unique brush effects.
• The tablet is compatible with multiple systems and software, including Windows and Mac OS X, and works with popular creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and more.

Cons

• The tablet’s customizable express keys on the side can be a bit fiddly to use.
• The initial setup process can be a bit confusing for beginners.
• Some users have reported issues with the pen connecting to the tablet.

Overall, we think the UGEE M708 Graphics Drawing Tablet is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable drawing tablet that offers a lot of features. It’s easy to set up and use, and the large active drawing space and pressure sensitivity make it perfect for creating digital artwork. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that won’t disappoint, the UGEE M708 is definitely worth considering.

GAOMON M106K Pen Tablet

We highly recommend the GAOMON M106K Pen Tablet for beginners who are looking for a versatile and affordable drawing tablet.

Pros

• The tablet is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around.
• The 12 shortcut keys and 16 softkeys make it easy to customize the tablet to your liking.
• The tablet is compatible with most major drawing software, making it a great choice for digital art and design.

Cons

• The tablet can be difficult to set up, especially for Mac users.
• The pen nibs wear out quickly and need to be replaced often.
• The tablet surface can scratch easily, so it’s important to handle it with care.

We found the GAOMON M106K Pen Tablet to be a great choice for beginners who are just starting out with digital art. The tablet has a large work area that provides plenty of space for creating and is easy to use once it’s set up. The tablet also comes with a rechargeable pen that can be used for about 350 hours after a full charge, which is a great feature for artists who need to work for extended periods of time.

One of the best things about the GAOMON M106K Pen Tablet is its compatibility with most major drawing software. We tested the tablet with programs like Photoshop, Krita, and Clip Studio Paint, and it worked seamlessly with all of them. This makes it a great choice for artists who want to experiment with different software and find the one that works best for them.

Overall, we think the GAOMON M106K Pen Tablet is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable and versatile drawing tablet. While it may have some drawbacks, we found that the pros far outweighed the cons and we would definitely recommend it to others.

XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphic Monitor with PN06 Battery-Free Multi-Function Pen Holder and Glove 8192 Pressure Sensitivity

If you’re looking for a reliable drawing tablet that’s perfect for beginners, the XP-PEN Artist12 is a great option. It’s packed with features that make it easy to use and provides a realistic drawing experience that’s perfect for anyone who’s just starting out.

Pros

• The 11.6-inch HD IPS display provides vibrant colors and extreme detail for a stunning display of your artwork.
• The battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end provides a traditional pencil-like feel that’s perfect for beginners.
• The tablet is compatible with a wide range of software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more.

Cons

• The tablet must be connected to a computer to work.
• The cable can be a bit finicky and may flicker.
• The tablet doesn’t come with a stand, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

The XP-PEN Artist12 is a great drawing tablet for beginners who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use device. The 11.6-inch HD IPS display provides vivid colors and extreme detail, making it easy to see your artwork in all its glory. The battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end provides a traditional pencil-like feel that’s perfect for beginners who are just starting out.

In addition to its great features, the XP-PEN Artist12 is also compatible with a wide range of software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. This makes it easy to use with your favorite software and ensures that you can create the artwork you want without any limitations.

Of course, there are a few downsides to the XP-PEN Artist12. For one, the tablet must be connected to a computer to work, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the cable can be a bit finicky and may flicker, which can be frustrating. Finally, the tablet doesn’t come with a stand, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to use it comfortably.

Overall, we highly recommend the XP-PEN Artist12 for anyone who’s looking for a great drawing tablet for beginners. With its realistic drawing experience, compatibility with a wide range of software, and easy-to-use features, it’s a great choice for anyone who’s just starting out.

XP-PEN Deco mini7W Wireless Drawing Tablet

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly drawing tablet, the XP-PEN Deco mini7W is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The wireless technology allows you to connect to your PC or laptop with both speed and freedom, thanks to the included USB dongle.
• The battery-free pen stylus technology supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt-response, and virtually lag-free tracking, making it easy to create precise and detailed artwork.
• The 8 customized press keys allow you to tailor your own unique experience, making it easy to get started with digital art.

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with connectivity, particularly when using the tablet with Android devices.
• The tablet may be too small for some users, with a drawing area of just 7 x 4 inches.
• The included USB-C to USB-C adapter may not be compatible with all computing devices.

Overall, we think the XP-PEN Deco mini7W is a solid choice for beginners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet. The wireless connectivity and battery-free pen make it a convenient option, while the customizable press keys allow for a more personalized experience. However, if you’re looking for a larger drawing area or need to connect the tablet to a wider range of devices, you may want to consider other options.

HUION HS64 Drawing Tablet

If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet, the HUION HS64 is a great option. With its compatibility with Linux, Mac, Windows, and Android, this tablet is perfect for those who want to draw, animate, or edit photos and designs in most programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Paint Tool SAI, Illustrator, Corel Draw, Corel Painter, Sketchbook, Manga Studio, Clip Studio Paint, and more.

Pros

• The digital pen PW100 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 5080LPI pen resolution, and virtually no lag, providing you ultimate precision and control.
• The tablet is battery-free, so you don’t need to worry about charging it.
• The four customizable express keys allow you to set up any shortcut combination you prefer in the Huion driver and optimize your work flow.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty setting up the tablet at first.
• The pen might feel heavy or thick if you’re used to using lighter pens.
• The tablet’s small size might be limiting for those who prefer larger drawing areas.

In our experience, the HS64 drawing pad with responsive stylus can easily replace the computer mouse and keyboard to enhance your workflow. It is also compatible with Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more for taking notes, signing documents, and jotting down ideas while in web conferencing or remote working.

Overall, we recommend the HUION HS64 Drawing Tablet for beginners who want an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet that provides precise control and compatibility with a variety of programs.

VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet

If you’re a beginner looking for a versatile digital art tablet, the VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet might be the perfect choice for you. With its unique touch pad design, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and ultra-large drawing area, this tablet offers an excellent touch experience and delivers exquisite strokes that make lines smoother and more natural.

Pros

• The unique touch pad design with 4 touch keys and one gesture pad is perfect for younger users and provides a perfect touch experience, offering stable performance for your artistic endeavors.
• With 8192 levels of professional pressure sensitivity, the VEIKK A30 delivers exquisite strokes, making lines smoother and more natural. The battery-free pen allows for constant uninterrupted drawing, without the need for charging or batteries.
• The VEIKK A30 digital art tablet is specifically designed for drawing, design, online education, e-signature, as well as photo and video editing. It offers compatibility with most software such as Adobe Photoshop, SAI, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Painter, Clip Studio, SketchBook, MediBang, Zbrush, Krita, Gimp, and more.

Cons

• The VEIKK A30 pen tablet might be a bit heavy for some users, especially if you plan to use it for long periods.

• Some users might find the gesture pad a bit tricky to use at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes more intuitive.

• The VEIKK A30 pen tablet might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a tablet with a built-in screen.

Overall, the VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet is a versatile digital art tablet that offers excellent value for its price. With its unique touch pad design, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and ultra-large drawing area, this tablet is perfect for beginners looking to improve their artistic skills.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a drawing tablet for beginners, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors that we recommend you keep in mind:

Size and Resolution

The size and resolution of the tablet are important factors to consider. Larger tablets with higher resolutions will give you more space to work and allow for more detail in your drawings. However, they may also be more expensive. A smaller tablet may be more affordable, but it may not provide you with the level of detail you need.

Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for any drawing tablet. It allows you to vary the thickness and opacity of your lines depending on how much pressure you apply to the pen. Look for a tablet with a high level of pressure sensitivity to give you more control over your drawings.

Compatibility

Make sure that the tablet you choose is compatible with your computer or device. Some tablets may only work with certain operating systems or software programs. Check the manufacturer’s website to see if the tablet is compatible with your device.

Connectivity

Consider how you will connect the tablet to your device. Some tablets connect via USB, while others use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Think about how you plan to use the tablet and choose a connection type that will work best for you.

Additional Features

Some tablets come with additional features such as shortcut keys, touchpads, or even screens. These features can make it easier and more convenient to use the tablet, but they may also add to the cost. Consider which features are most important to you and choose a tablet that meets your needs.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a drawing tablet that is perfect for your needs as a beginner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a beginner’s drawing tablet?

When selecting a drawing tablet for beginners, we recommend looking for features such as pressure sensitivity, screen resolution, and size. It’s also important to consider the compatibility with your computer or device, as well as the availability of software and apps that work well with the tablet.

How do budget drawing tablets compare to high-end models for new artists?

While high-end drawing tablets may offer more advanced features and better performance, budget tablets can still provide a good experience for new artists. Many budget tablets offer a decent level of pressure sensitivity and accuracy, and can be a great option for those who are just starting out.

Can you recommend any drawing tablets with screens that are suitable for beginners?

For beginners who prefer drawing directly on the screen, we recommend looking into options such as the Wacom One, Huion Kamvas Pro 13, or XP-Pen Artist 12. These tablets offer high-quality screens and a good level of performance at an affordable price point.

What are the advantages of using a standalone drawing tablet for novice users?

Standalone drawing tablets, such as the iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface, offer the advantage of portability and versatility. They can be used for drawing, note-taking, and other tasks, making them a great option for those who want a multi-purpose device.

Which drawing tablets are known for their ease of use and setup for new digital artists?

Drawing tablets such as the Wacom Intuos and Huion H610 Pro V2 are known for their ease of use and setup. They offer a simple and intuitive interface, making them a great option for new digital artists who want to get started quickly.

How does an iPad’s functionality as a drawing device stack up against dedicated drawing tablets for beginners?

While the iPad can be a great option for drawing, it may not offer the same level of performance and precision as dedicated drawing tablets. However, the iPad’s portability and versatility make it a popular choice for many artists, and there are many apps available that can help enhance its drawing capabilities.

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