Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners 2024: Top Picks and Reviews

Drawing is a form of art that has been around for centuries. However, with the advancement of technology, the way we draw has changed. Drawing tablets have become increasingly popular among artists as they offer a digital alternative to traditional paper and pencil. In this article, we will be discussing the best drawing tablet for beginners.

When it comes to drawing tablets, there are two types: standalone tablets and graphics tablets. Standalone tablets are like mini computers and come with their own operating system and apps. Graphics tablets, on the other hand, need to be connected to a computer to function. Both types have their pros and cons, but for beginners, a graphics tablet is the way to go.

When purchasing a drawing tablet, there are a few things to consider. The size of the tablet is an important factor as it will affect the amount of space you have to draw on. The pressure sensitivity is also important as it determines how responsive the tablet is to your touch. Finally, the price is a crucial factor as you don't want to break the bank when purchasing your first drawing tablet.

In this article, we will be reviewing the best drawing tablet for beginners based on these factors. Whether you're a budding artist or just looking to try something new, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and find the perfect drawing tablet for you.

Best Drawing Tablets for Beginners

If you're just starting out with digital art, finding the right drawing tablet can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it's hard to know where to begin. That's why we've put together a list of the best drawing tablets for beginners. Whether you're looking for something affordable or a tablet with more advanced features, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Simbans PicassoTab X Drawing Tablet

If you're in search of an affordable drawing tablet that comes with all the necessary features, then the Simbans PicassoTab X Drawing Tablet is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Comes with a pre-installed drawing app and a stylus pen.
• Large disk and superior CPU for multitasking.
• Includes 4 free bonus items inside the box.

Cons

• Battery life could be better.
• Stylus pen may need to be replaced after prolonged use.
• No built-in camera.

This drawing tablet is perfect for beginners who want to draw, make animations, or take notes in the classroom. The pre-installed drawing app and stylus pen make it easy to get started right away.

The tablet also comes with a large disk and superior CPU, which boosts its multitasking abilities. The IPS HD screen resolution makes crystal clear pictures and the 64GB disk allows you to download thousands of free apps from the play store.

Another great feature of this tablet is its connectivity options. You can connect your tablet to your home WIFI network and take it wherever you go. You can also link your tablet to the TV via the micro HDMI port and view your movies on the large screen.

Certification by GMS, FCC, and CE standards provides peace of mind for safety as well as quality. The tablet comes with a 1-year warranty, along with the best customer service the support staff can provide.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable drawing tablet with all the necessary features, then the Simbans PicassoTab X Drawing Tablet is definitely worth considering.

Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet

If you're a beginner digital graphic artist looking for a standalone drawing tablet with a large screen, the Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet is worth considering.

Pros

• The tablet comes with a stylus pen and four bonus items, making it a good value for the price.
• The 11.6 inch screen is large enough to comfortably draw on without needing to connect to a computer.
• The tablet uses Android 11, which is easy to use and has a wide range of drawing apps available.

Cons

• The pressure sensitivity of the stylus pen is only 1024 levels, which may not be enough for more advanced artists.
• The tablet's Wi-Fi connectivity may not be as reliable as a wired connection.
• The tablet's weight of 3.45 pounds may make it less portable than some other drawing tablets.

The Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet is a solid choice for beginner digital graphic artists who want a standalone tablet with a large screen. The tablet comes with a stylus pen and four bonus items, making it a good value for the price. The 11.6 inch screen is large enough to comfortably draw on without needing to connect to a computer, and the tablet uses Android 11, which is easy to use and has a wide range of drawing apps available.

However, the pressure sensitivity of the stylus pen is only 1024 levels, which may not be enough for more advanced artists. Additionally, the tablet's Wi-Fi connectivity may not be as reliable as a wired connection, which could be frustrating for some users. Finally, the tablet's weight of 3.45 pounds may make it less portable than some other drawing tablets.

Overall, if you're a beginner digital graphic artist looking for a standalone drawing tablet with a large screen, the Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet is worth considering.

UGEE M708 V3 Graphics Drawing Tablet

If you're a beginner looking for an affordable graphics tablet that performs well, the UGEE M708 V3 may be a good option for you.

Pros

• Large active drawing space with papery texture surface
• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for accurate lines of any weight and opacity
• 8 customizable express keys for shortcuts like eraser, zoom, scrolling, and undo

Cons

• Stylus detection could be improved
• Some users have reported driver issues
• Pen nibs may wear down quickly with heavy use

The UGEE M708 V3 features a large 10 x 6 inch active drawing space with a papery texture surface, providing a smooth drawing experience. The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity allow for accurate lines of any weight and opacity, making it easy to create unique brush effects for photo retouching or artistry design. The eight customizable express keys on the side of the tablet provide shortcuts for increased efficiency and productivity.

However, some users have reported issues with the stylus detection and driver program, which may cause frustration during use. Additionally, the pen nibs may wear down quickly with heavy use, requiring frequent replacements.

Overall, the UGEE M708 V3 is a good option for beginners looking for an affordable graphics tablet with a large drawing space and customizable express keys. However, it may not be the best choice for those who require more advanced features or have heavy usage needs.

XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet

If you're a beginner looking for a drawing tablet that can keep up with your creativity, then the XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet is a great choice for you.

Pros

• With a 10 x 6.25-inch working area, this tablet provides sufficient space for you to create or work on your projects.
• The tilt support of up to 60 degrees allows for smoother and more natural lines and strokes, giving you the ability to add shading to your creation.
• This tablet is compatible with Windows 10/8/7, MAC OS X 10.10 and above, Android 6.0 and above, and Chrome OS 88.0.4324.109 or above, making it a versatile tool for your digital art needs.

Cons

• The tablet may not be suitable for professional artists who need more advanced features.
• The driver software may require some time to set up and customize according to your needs.
• The pen may feel a bit flimsy and may require frequent battery replacements.

The XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore the world of digital art. Its expansive tablet, tilt support, and compatibility with various operating systems and software make it a versatile tool for your creative projects.

With its eight fully customizable express keys, this tablet provides a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform for both right and left-hand users. The newest High Tech IC technology adopted in this tablet ensures smoother lines, better performance, and a better overall drawing experience.

Overall, the XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet is a great investment for beginners who want to explore their creativity and develop their digital art skills.

TeinenRon Drawing Tablet

If you're a beginner looking for a drawing tablet, the TeinenRon Drawing Tablet is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The large active drawing area provides ample space for your digital artwork creation.
• The tablet is compatible with most major design creative software, making it a good choice for professionals and beginners.
• The battery-free stylus has tilt recognition for accurate cursor positioning at different angles to add shadows to your creations.

Cons

• The tablet is not compatible with iPhone/iPad/Chromebook.
• Security & Privacy's permission is necessary for Accessibility/Input Monitoring/Full Disk Access when installation is completed on a Mac.
• The multimedia keys are only compatible with Windows.

This drawing tablet is a great tool for beginners who want to get into digital art. The large active drawing area allows for plenty of space to create, and the battery-free stylus with tilt recognition provides accurate control. The tablet is also compatible with most major design creative software, making it a versatile choice for professionals and beginners alike.

One downside to note is that the tablet is not compatible with iPhone/iPad/Chromebook. Additionally, Mac users need to grant Security & Privacy's permission for Accessibility/Input Monitoring/Full Disk Access when installation is complete. Finally, the multimedia keys are only compatible with Windows.

Overall, the TeinenRon Drawing Tablet is a solid choice for beginners looking for a reliable and affordable drawing tablet.

HUION HS64 Drawing Tablet

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly drawing tablet that can work with a variety of devices, the HUION HS64 is worth considering.

Pros

• The tablet supports Linux, Mac, Windows, and Android, so you can use it with a wide range of devices.
• The digital pen has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and virtually no lag, providing you with precision and control.
• The tablet is compact and portable, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Cons

• The tablet's active area is only 6.3x4 inches, which may feel limiting for some users.
• Some users have reported difficulty getting the tablet to work with certain software programs.
• The tablet doesn't come with a stand, so you'll need to find a way to prop it up while you work.

If you're looking for a basic drawing tablet that won't break the bank, the HUION HS64 is a solid choice. It's easy to set up and use, and the digital pen is responsive and accurate. Plus, the tablet's compatibility with a variety of devices makes it a versatile tool for artists on the go.

That being said, the tablet's small active area may be a drawback for some users, particularly those who are used to working on larger surfaces. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty getting the tablet to work with certain software programs, so it may not be the best choice if you have very specific needs. Finally, the lack of a stand means you'll need to find a way to prop up the tablet while you work, which could be inconvenient for some users.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly drawing tablet that you can use with a variety of devices, the HUION HS64 is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations before making your purchase.

HUION Kamvas Slate 10 Standalone Drawing Tablet

If you're a beginner artist looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet, the HUION Kamvas Slate 10 Standalone Drawing Tablet might be a great choice for you.

Pros

• The tablet is standalone, so you don't need to connect it to a computer to use it.
• The 10.1" Full HD IPS screen with over 16 million colors provides an excellent canvas for creating your masterpiece.
• The rechargeable pen with 4096-level pressure sensitivity and tilt function makes strokes smooth and sensitive.

Cons

• The tablet might not be suitable for professional artists who require more advanced features.
• The drawing area might be too small for some users.
• The tablet might have a slight lag when drawing.

The HUION Kamvas Slate 10 Standalone Drawing Tablet is equipped with an 8-core CPU, 8GB of running memory, and 128GB of storage memory (expandable up to 512GB), allowing you to multitask without any lag. The tablet also comes with a 6000mAh large-capacity battery that ensures you stay connected all day long, making it perfect for artists and designers who need to maintain creativity for a long time.

The tablet is also equipped with essential accessories, including a portable drawing tablet and stylus, a leather case holder that supports multiple angle adjustments, and a USB-C charging cable with a power adapter. The tablet is certified by GMS, CE, FCC, CCC, PSE, UKCA, and RoHs and comes pre-installed with HUION Note drawing and note-taking software.

Overall, if you're a beginner artist looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drawing tablet, the HUION Kamvas Slate 10 Standalone Drawing Tablet might be a great choice for you.

Wacom DTC133W0A One Digital Drawing Tablet with Screen, 13.3 Inch Graphics Display for Art and Animation Beginners (Renewed)

If you're a beginner looking to try digital art, the Wacom DTC133W0A One Digital Drawing Tablet with Screen is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The 13.3-inch display provides a large drawing area for beginners to explore their creativity.
• The tablet is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Android OS, making it easy to use with your preferred device.
• With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the stylus is responsive and can capture even the slightest nuances of your drawing.

Cons

• The product is pre-owned or refurbished, which may not be ideal for some users.
• The integrated foldable legs may not be sturdy enough for extended use.
• Some users have reported issues with the stylus not working properly.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option to get started with digital art, the Wacom DTC133W0A One Digital Drawing Tablet with Screen is definitely worth considering. The large display and pressure sensitivity make it easy to create detailed and intricate drawings. However, keep in mind that it is a pre-owned or refurbished product, and some users have reported issues with the stylus and the integrated legs. Overall, it's a solid choice for beginners who want to explore digital art without breaking the bank.

PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet No Computer Needed

If you're a beginner digital artist looking for a standalone drawing tablet, PicassoTab XL is worth considering.

Pros

• Advanced drawing and animation applications
• Damage protection for 1 year
• Portable and standalone

Cons

• Some users reported issues with the pen
• Limited pressure sensitivity (1024 levels)
• Not suitable for professional artists

PicassoTab XL is a complete package that comes with all the accessories you need to protect and maintain the device. The tablet has an 11.6-inch screen with IPS HD resolution, which provides a crystal-clear view of your art. You can take your work and art anywhere and everywhere, from the park, a bus, or even school. Your artistic drive doesn’t need to be shackled to a desktop when drawing.

The tablet has advanced drawing and animation applications, along with a selection of drawing tutorials to assist users in honing their skills. You can connect your tablet to your home WIFI network and access your favorite apps, making it one of the best tablets for watching movies on Netflix, playing games, and browsing the internet. Link your tablet to the TV via the micro HDMI port and view your movies on the large screen.

PicassoTab XL comes with damage protection for 1 year, which provides a hassle-free solution in case of any mishaps. If your tablet happens to suffer water damage or accidental falls within 1 year of purchase, the company will replace your tablet, ensuring that you can continue enjoying your device without any concerns or interruptions.

However, some users reported issues with the pen and limited pressure sensitivity (1024 levels). It's not suitable for professional artists who require higher pressure sensitivity levels for their work.

Overall, PicassoTab XL is a great option for beginner digital artists who want a portable and standalone drawing tablet.

XP-PEN StarG640

If you are a beginner looking for an affordable drawing tablet, then the XP-PEN StarG640 might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The battery-free stylus allows for uninterrupted drawing and smoother lines.
• The tablet is slim and portable, making it easy to carry around.
• It is compatible with various software and devices, including Chromebooks.

Cons

• The working area might be too small for some users.
• The pen buttons might not be very responsive at times.
• The tablet surface might feel too slippery for some users.

This drawing tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, and e-signatures. It is also ideal for online teaching and remote work. The tablet works perfectly as a replacement for a mouse, allowing you to present your handwritten notes and signatures precisely.

The XP-PEN StarG640 is only 2mm thick, making it one of the slimmest graphic tablets in the market. You can easily carry it with you on the go and use it wherever you want. The tablet is also compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, and Xsplit.

This tablet is also Chromebook supported, which means you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard's whiteboard. You can also take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas.

In conclusion, the XP-PEN StarG640 is a good option for beginners who are looking for an affordable drawing tablet. It has some limitations, but it is still a great tool for digital drawing, painting, sketching, and e-signatures.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best drawing tablet for beginners, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors that you should keep in mind before making your purchase:

Size

The size of the drawing tablet is an important consideration. A larger tablet may be more comfortable to use, especially if you have larger hands. However, a smaller tablet may be more portable and easier to carry around with you.

Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is a feature that allows you to vary the thickness and opacity of your lines based on how hard you press the stylus onto the tablet. This can greatly enhance your drawing experience and give you more control over your artwork.

Resolution

The resolution of the tablet refers to the number of pixels that are packed into the display. A higher resolution will provide more detail and clarity in your artwork.

Connectivity

Some drawing tablets connect to your computer via USB, while others use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Consider which type of connectivity will work best for your needs.

Stylus

The stylus is an important part of the drawing tablet, and there are many different types available. Look for a stylus that is comfortable to hold and has good pressure sensitivity.

Price

Drawing tablets can range in price from under $50 to over $1000. Consider how much you are willing to spend and what features are most important to you.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features to look for in a beginner's drawing tablet?

When looking for a beginner's drawing tablet, there are a few key features to consider. These include pressure sensitivity, size, resolution, and compatibility with your computer or device. A tablet with higher pressure sensitivity will allow for greater control and precision in your drawings. Size and resolution will affect the level of detail you can achieve. Compatibility is important to ensure that the tablet works seamlessly with your computer or device.

Should beginners choose a drawing tablet with a screen or without?

Whether or not to choose a drawing tablet with a screen is a matter of personal preference. A tablet with a screen allows you to see your drawings as you create them, which can be helpful for beginners who may need more visual feedback. However, tablets with screens tend to be more expensive than those without, and some artists prefer the tactile feel of drawing directly on the tablet surface.

What are the advantages of starting with a tablet specifically designed for drawing versus a general-purpose tablet?

A tablet specifically designed for drawing will typically have features that cater to artists, such as higher pressure sensitivity and customizable buttons. Additionally, drawing tablets often come with software specifically designed for digital art, which can be helpful for beginners. General-purpose tablets may not have the same level of precision or software compatibility.

How does a stylus pen enhance the drawing experience for beginners?

A stylus pen allows for greater control and precision in your drawings. It can also provide a more natural drawing experience, as it mimics the feel of a traditional pen or pencil. Some stylus pens also come with customizable buttons, which can be programmed to perform specific functions.

What are some affordable drawing tablets suitable for beginners?

There are many affordable drawing tablets on the market that are suitable for beginners. Some options include the Wacom Intuos, Huion H610 Pro, and XP-Pen StarG640. It's important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a tablet.

How important is software compatibility for a beginner's drawing tablet?

Software compatibility is important for a beginner's drawing tablet, as it will affect the level of functionality and ease of use. Many drawing tablets come with software specifically designed for digital art, which can be helpful for beginners. It's important to ensure that the tablet is compatible with the software you plan to use.