The best drawing tablets: fully tested for all kinds of digital artists and budgets

Best drawing tablets; black, colour screened drawing tablets
(Image credit: Xencelabs / Ugee)

The best drawing tablets are essential tools for digital art and illustration, and Black Friday is the best time to pick up one of our highly recommended tablets for less. They allow artists and other creatives to replicate the feel of using a pencil on paper to interact with a screen to create all kinds of art in different software programs. Today, there are more options than ever, but there are big differences. We've tested and reviewed dozens of drawing tablets of different types and compared them to pick the best option for different needs.

There are three types of drawing tablet. A pen tablet or graphics tablet is a flat, slim slate-like device with high levels of accuracy that you need to use with an external screen in order to see what you're doing. Pen displays work in a similar way but use a display instead of a tracking pad so you can see what you're doing directly on the device itself. Finally, there are pen computers. These are general tablets like iPads that allow you to draw directly onto a screen with a stylus and also to run art apps (and other apps) natively.

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

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AttributesNotesRating
DesignSolid, comfy and a lovely 'tooth' feel. ★★★★★
PerformanceDelivers an accurate and precise experience.★★★★★
FeaturesQuick Key remote, two stylus and case.★★★★★
PriceAn excellent package at a good price.★★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignBuilt to last, comfy and large.★★★★
PerformanceAccurate and compatible with all software.★★★★★
Features8 Quick Keys, an excellent stylus and software.★★★★★
PriceNot the cheapest, but Wacom will last a long time.★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignElegant and neatly designed, but lacks on-tablet QuickKeys.★★★★
PerformanceSolid but a little laggy on older MacBook Pros.★★★
FeaturesBluetooth wireless, stylus included. Android and PC work modes.★★★★
PriceAffordable, well made and great value.★★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignWell-designed, although no touch controls.★★★★
PerformanceExcellent stylus performance★★★★
FeaturesGorgeous OLED display with good colour coverage.★★★★
PriceGood value for the specs.★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignSolidly made and featured unique design ide