A drawing tablet is a digital graphics input device with a pen or stylus. It functions as an electronic sketchpad and can be used to enter text, draw shapes, create art, and design illustrations.
Unfortunately, there are many drawing tablets on the market, but not all of them are good enough. To help you choose the right tablet, we have compiled a list of the 10 best drawing tablets with screen.
We also included a buyer’s guide to help you understand drawing tablets better. So, let’s dive into it!
Drawing Tablet Comparison Table
| Image | Drawing Tablet | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 | 24" | 4K | See at Amazon |
 | Wacom Cintiq 22 | 21.5” | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | Huion KAMVAS 20 | 19.5" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | XP-Pen Artist15.6 | 15.6" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 | 15.6" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | Wacom One | 13.3" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | GAOMON PD156PRO | 15.6" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | HUION Kamvas 13 | 13.3" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | VEIKK VK1200 | 11.6" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
 | GAOMON PD1161 | 11.6" | 1080p | See at Amazon |
Best Drawing Tablet with Screen in 2022 – Our Top 10
1. Wacom Cintiq Pro 24
The first the best drawing tablet with screen on our list is the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24. Made for professional artists in mind, its world-class pen technology boasts an ultra-realistic and accurate performance.
It also includes built-in legs to adjust the angle from 5° to 20°, although you can buy additional accessories. Shortcut keys like the Radial Menus and ExpressKey Remote will also enhance your workflow.
While the screen itself is great, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 has a slight ‘rainbow’ effect that might take some time to get used to.
Another thing we do not like about it is the built-in fans that get louder as you increase the brightness. This could be quite distracting for some, especially if they need to turn up the brightness.
Pros
- World-class pen technology
- Built-in legs
- Shortcut keys
Cons
- Distracting rainbow effect
- Loud fans
2. Wacom Cintiq 22
Anyone remotely familiar with the world of digital art would know that Wacom makes excellent tablets, and the Wacom Cintiq 22 is no exception. It features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which will process even a light stroke.
The EMR stylus means you don’t have to charge the stylus as it draws power from the tablet itself. Your artistic expressions will come to life with the full HD resolution and 16.7 million colors, as well as 72% NTSC.
It does have some drawbacks that you should consider. For one, you cannot VESA mount this Wacom tablet without having to purchase additional accessories. Several customers have also found it hard to set up.
Pros
- 8,192 levels pressure sensitivity
- EMR stylus
- Vibrant colors
Cons
- Not VESA mountable
- Difficult to set up
3. Huion KAMVAS 20
Next is the Huion KAMVAS 20, which comes with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 120% sRGB Color Gamut for accurate drawings.
It also has a wide 178-degree viewing angle, complete with an easily adjustable stand, that lets you display beautiful details from any angle.
In addition to the durable matte anti-glare glass and ergonomic design, this drawing tablet may be just what you need as an illustrator!
Unfortunately, the Huion KAMVAS 20 may not be the most durable out there. Some complaints have been made about dead pixels that can suddenly appear. This also includes the stylus pen that stops working after a few months.
Pros
- 8,192 levels pressure sensitivity
- 120% sRGB Color Gamut
- 178-degree viewing angle
Cons
- Dead pixels
- Not durable
4. XP-Pen Artist 15.6
This 15.6-inch XP-Pen Artist 15.6 flaunts a high-definition IPS display with 16:9 ratio and 178° degree of viewing angle. It feels just like drawing on paper with life-like colors, excellent contrast and sharp images.
For a fully customized workflow, you can enjoy the 6 express keys and ergonomic design. It’s compatible with a range of operating systems and software and comes with a USB-C cable to connect to your computer.
If we had to point out weaknesses of this drawing tablet, it would be the poor calibration software and parallax. The inconsistent calibration could be something to consider when buying it.
Moreover, a few customers have also reported that the customer service is not the best either.
Pros
- 15.6 inches IPS display
- 6 customizable express keys
- Great compatibility
Cons
- Inconsistent calibration
- Poor customer service
5. Huion KAMVAS Pro 16
The Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 is the dream of any digital artist, thanks to its zero parallax and beautiful display. With a 120% sRGB color gamut that can display 16.7 million colors, your art will surely thrive.
It also features 6 press keys and 1 touch bar, which are customizable to make your workflow more seamless.
The battery-free pen has 8,192 pressure levels. Best of all, its ergonomic design and supple grip make the pen ultra-comfortable to use.
However, the nip does go in when pressed hard and this could be a hindrance for some people. The Huion customer support is also not great, which is something to think about.
Pros
- Beautiful screen display
- 6 Press Keys and 1 Touch Bar
- Comfortable pen with 8,192 pressure levels
Cons
- Nib goes inside pen
- Bad customer support
6. Wacom One
If there is a quintessential drawing tablet you should know, it is the Wacom One. This 13.3-inch tablet offers a natural and comfortable surface where artists and non-artists can scribble or take notes on.
The purchase comes with temporary access to popular software, including Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom and Bamboo Paper Pro.
Not to mention that it’s so simple to connect the Wacom One to your phone to edit any photos and videos.
Despite having a USB-C cable, this tablet does require extra connectors and cords for various purposes. Whether that is for data transfer or to a power socket. It is not the most durable either, but this really depends on how you use it.
Pros
- Software access included
- Phone connectivity
Cons
- Requires many connectors
- Not durable
7. GAOMON PD156PRO
The GAOMON PD156PRO is probably the best drawing tablet with screen you can get. Especially if you’re looking for a 15.6-inch screen display with a great pen performance to capture your strokes.
This includes a 60° tilt function for more accurate shading. In addition, the AG film minimizes any glares to make the experience even more paper-like.
This drawing tablet also comes with a full-laminated technology, which creates practically zero parallax. In short, this GAOMON tablet may be the one you have been looking for!
The only complaint I could find about this tablet is the occasional glitches from the pen. However, this is something easily fixed with a simple calibration.
Pros
- 60° tilt function
- Non-glare AG film
- Full-laminated technology
Cons
- Uncalibrated pen
8. HUION Kamvas 13
Those who travel around a lot would love the HUION Kamvas 13, as its large 13.3-inch screen is still lightweight.
This makes it easy to carry while still providing ample space for drawing large pieces. The EMR pen technology itself boasts a higher accuracy with 8,192 pressure sensitivity and 60-degree tilt.
Additionally, its zero-parallax full laminated screen stays clear even under bright conditions. One thing to consider about it is the overheating tendency. This might get uncomfortable after long periods of usage.
Pros
- Large but lightweight
- Excellent EMR pen technology
Cons
- Overheating issue
9. VEIKK VK1200
With an active drawing area of 11.6 inches, the VEIKK VK1200 is a compact tablet. Its all-metal body is sleek and stylish, while the anti-slip back will make drawing easier.
In terms of workflow effectiveness, there are 6 customizable shortcut keys and a highly ergonomic design.
There really are not many drawbacks to this VEIKK tablet as far as I can see. In fact, it is quite affordable and the perfect choice for any beginner digital artist.
Although its smaller size may not be optimal for those working on larger artworks.
Pros
- Anti-slip back design
- 6 customizable shortcut keys
- Affordable price
Cons
- Smaller size
10. GAOMON PD1161
Our final recommendation is the GAOMON PD1161, which features a battery-free EMR stylus that requires no charging. This pen boasts an impressive 8,192 pressure sensitivity and high response rate for the ultimate drawing experience.
It even comes with a pen holder and 8 replacement nibs in case of wear and damage. Furthermore, the 11.6-inch IPS screen can support 72% NTSC Gamut with up to 16.7 million colors.
Best of all, the 178-degree viewing angle gives you a brilliant and vivid image display from any angle.
This GAOMON tablet does have a few weaknesses that you might want to consider. Some customers have reported that it does not last very long, although this depends on how the individual tablet is used and cared for.
It also does not come with any software, which might make setting it up quite difficult.
Pros
- 8,192 pressure sensitivity
- Pen holder with 8 replacement nibs
- Vivid colors and display
Cons
- Not durable
- Does not include software
How to Choose a Drawing Tablet with Screen
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the best drawing tablet with screen.
1. Pressure Sensitivity
Most drawing tablets have pressure sensitivity between 300 and 3,000. A higher level gives you a wider capability to distinguish between thick and thin lines.
This quality is very important for anyone wanting to create high resolution artworks. While beginners should be fine with 1,024 pressure levels, advanced users could benefit with at least 2,048.
2. Resolution
The resolution is the tablet’s lines per inch (LPI), which affects how much the stylus can draw. A higher LPI allows you to draw in greater details. The general rule of thumb is that the bigger the tablet, the higher the resolution it offers.
Also read: 10 Best Monitors for Eyes
3. Size
When it comes to the size of a drawing tablet, I am referring to both the device itself and the area you can draw on.
Having a larger active area is great if you prefer larger arts, as you won’t need to pan and zoom too much. Moreover, choosing the actual tablet size depends on how compact you need it to be.
4. Stylus Type
There are three stylus types: battery-powered, rechargeable and EMR. The first two are self-explanatory, with rechargeable styluses usually being the smaller and slimmer ones.
With that said, an EMR stylus uses electromagnetic frequency that can transfer the power from tablet to pen. This is the newest innovation from drawing tablets.
5. Responsiveness
A good drawing tablet will have an instantaneous responsiveness, which means the lines will show up as soon as you draw them. The more responsive the tablet is, the more paper-like it will feel.
Ultimately, this is determined by the drivers and specs like CPU and RAM. So, think about the software of the tablet you are interested in.
6. Battery
Battery life is especially crucial for those who travel a lot. In this case, having a tablet that can run at least 3 hours on battery can be extremely useful.
The battery in each tablet will be affected by how you are using it and its age. However, knowing the expected range can be useful in making the decision.
7. Connectivity
Do not forget to consider how much you are planning to connect your tablet to a computer, and how. This includes looking for different versions of USB ports, depending on what you need.
Newer models usually support Bluetooth, so this could be something to look out for.
8. Price
Price is an important element when purchasing anything, which is why it helps to know a budget range before buying a drawing tablet.
For instance, this will help you rule out products that are too expensive. Yet it is worth nothing that investing in quality and durability may pay off long-term.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, we can only tell you so much about how to choose the best drawing tablet with screen. You know what you like, what you want and what you can afford.
We also recommend reading customer reviews and unboxing videos during your research. Good luck!
FAQ
1) What is the difference between a graphic tablet and a drawing tablet?
A graphic tablet is a graphics input device that does not display its output on the screen. It can be used to create digital artwork and edit images, but it first needs to be transferred to the computer before you can see what you have drawn or painted.
2) Can drawing tablets be used as a monitor?
Drawing tablets with screens can be used as a monitor, although the quality of the display will not be as good as that of a regular monitor.
3) Can I use a drawing tablet to create content for YouTube/Facebook/Instagram?
Yes, you can use a drawing tablet to create videos and photos for social media.
4) Do I need to install any software on my computer before I can use a drawing tablet?
Yes, you will need to install the software that comes with your drawing tablet. Most graphics tablets come with drivers and apps for Windows and Mac computers.
5) Can I use a normal tablet as a drawing tablet?
No, you cannot use a normal tablet as a drawing tablet. Drawing tablets are for digital artwork and editing images, so they need to be able to display their output on the screen. A regular tablet can only show its output on the screen if it has an HDMI or DisplayPort cable attached.
6) Do drawing tablets need a computer?
No, you do not have to have a computer to use a drawing tablet. Drawing tablets are for creating digital artwork and editing images, so they can be used even if there is no computer attached.
7) Does the size of the screen affect its quality?
The size of the screen does affect its quality, but other factors are more important when determining the overall quality of a drawing tablet. For example, the size and sensitivity of the pen tip can have a bigger effect on how natural it feels to draw with a pen compared to a smaller screen.