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. They allow artists and other creatives to replicate the process of using a pencil or paint on paper to create all kinds of art in software programs. There are more options than ever, but there are are huge variations in features, power, accuracy and build. We've tested and reviewed dozens of drawing tablets of different types and compared them to pick the best options for different needs.

There are three types of drawing tablet. A pen tablet or graphics tablet is a flat, slate-like device with no display that you connect to a computer. You need to use a separate screen to see what you're doing. Pen displays work in a similar way but have their own display so you can see what you're doing on the device itself. Finally, there are pen computers. These are generalist tablets like iPads that allow you to draw directly onto a screen and also to run art apps (and other software) 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 ideas.★★★★
PerformanceSuper accurate, precise and a joy to use.★★★★★
FeaturesAn excellent Quick Key remote and Switch Display is a game-changer.★★★
PriceGreat value for the features, build and performance.★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignUnusual wide design works well, good dial placement.★★★★
PerformanceGood stylus performance.★★★★
FeaturesTwo dials.★★★
PriceExcellent value for a 2.5K pen display.★★★★
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AttributesNotesRating
DesignSlim and has on-body Quick Keys. Can feel 'plastic-y'.★★★
PerformanceAccurate, easy to use and the display is lovely and smooth.★★★★
FeaturesQuick Keys on the frame and features 'virtual keys'. A 16k levels of pressure.★★★★
PriceSome high-spec tech for a lot less.★★★★★