Top-tier drawing tablets for every budget

Upgrade your sketching.

Upgrade your sketching. (Norbert Levajsics via Unsplash/)

If you’ve ever tried drawing on a great digital tablet before, you know how satisfying it is. There’s something really great about drawing by hand and watching it appear on the computer screen. Whether you’re a professional animator or an enthusiastic doodler, a drawing tablet is a great purchase. You can use it in place of a whiteboard if you’re a teacher, or you can design your next clothing line in great digital detail and email it out moments after you finish. These are four drawing tablets that will give you smooth lines and a realistic pressure feel. Stop hesitating and get sketching.

Your doodling career is finally here.

Your doodling career is finally here. (Amazon/)

When it comes to digital drawing, we think one of the most important factors in determining a good product is how the pen feels. This one really feels like holding a pencil, and the adjustable pressure makes it look like drawing with one too. The eraser at the end of the pencil is a nice added feature, and we appreciate the anti-reflective coating on the tablet that makes it easier to see your work. The display is 11.6 inches, which is great since most of us are used to 8 ½ by 11 inch paper. It works well with most popular digital art software, so you won’t have to choose between Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Animate and you’ll feel great.

Animate and you’ll feel great. (Amazon/)

For those of you who are interested in trying a drawing tablet, this one is a standout for the price. It’s on the smaller side, but you can change the screen size to match your display. The pen changes pressure sensitivity, and it also changes the brushes you’re using with buttons near the tip of the pen. It’s compatible with all major digital art applications too. The tablet comes with replaceable tips and cleaning supplies, and the pen comes with batteries. Huion was really thoughtful about how to give you everything you’d need to start sketching a new clothing line.

A super rad drawing pad.

A super rad drawing pad. (Amazon/)

This is one of the best drawing tablets available if you’re serious about digital art. It’s not cheap, but you’ll definitely get what you pay for. With 8,192 pressure levels and tilt recognition, your drawing experience will feel undetectably different from drawing with a pen and paper. The large screen (15.6 inches) will make it easier for you to view your entire piece, and 1920×1080 HD clarity will make even the most intricate details visible. The pen is battery free and charges from the screen, which is great when you get in the zone and don’t want to be interrupted. Don’t worry about being limited to a few dull colors, this Wacom has 16.7 million colors. We can’t think of 100 if we try.

This tablet is the real deal.

This tablet is the real deal. (Amazon/)

This is a great, inexpensive option for those of you who are interested in working with a drawing tablet for work purposes. We love that you can draw on a Powerpoint presentation or use the whiteboard feature in a Zoom meeting. The outer corners glow in the dark, which a subtle but effective feature that helps if you’re working at night. It’s very slim, which makes it easy to travel with. We especially love that it comes with a drawing glove, so the side of your hand won’t interfere with your work.