12 best graphics tablets
No digital art lover can do without a graphics tablet. But in order to buy a high quality device and not be disappointed in its functionality, you need to understand many technical issues. Or simply check out our list of the best graphics tablets of 2020.
What to look for when choosing a graphics tablet for drawing
To choose a graphics tablet that will last you a long time, you need to analyze the technical data. And also determine whether you are going to just paint for the soul or be creative at a professional level. Indeed, for the second category of buyers, much more functions are needed than according to the standard:
- The most comfortable are the sizes of the working area A3 and A4, the narrower the screen frame, the better;
- The ideal aspect ratio of a graphics tablet is 16: 9 or 4: 3;
- The screen resolution for cheap models is 2000 pixels per inch, for expensive ones - about 5000 dpi;
- Pen sensitivity depends on the artist: for experienced, you need a stylus with a level of 2048, for beginners it is possible less;
- Input methods are divided into touch and pen, that is, using a stylus;
- In terms of power, graphic tablets are divided into network, wireless and rechargeable.
The best graphic tablet manufacturers
The largest mobile technology companies don't make graphics tablets. So do not be alarmed if you come across not so well-known names in the store. The most successful graphic tablet manufacturers are the following three:
- WACOM - the world leader in the production of graphic tablets and other drawing equipment from Japan;
- XP-PEN - a supplier of graphic tablets, headquartered in Japan;
- HUION Is the third Japanese brand supplying quality devices for artists in dozens of countries around the world.
Best budget graphics tablets
Graphic tablets are expensive, especially for budding creators' budgets. But even the leading manufacturers produce models with a low market value. It is especially beneficial to order such tablets via the Internet: the price does not include the cost of renting premises for a store, electricity and other nuances.
XP-PEN Star G960
The XP-PEN Star G960 has four programmable hotkeys. This helps to customize the model to the individual needs of the user. At the same time, the working area is not reduced, although the keys of the graphics tablet are brought directly to the fore. The screen scale of 21.2x13.6 millimeters is enough for amateur drawing in digital, as well as for graphic design at first. The tablet connects to a laptop or computer via a USB cable and can be rotated in any direction depending on what you are drawing. Another plus of a graphics tablet is that you can connect to video conferencing through it.
PROS:
- Normal cost;
- Laconic design;
- Suitable for interactive demonstration of drawings or notes;
- Free stylus with 8192 sensitivity levels;
- The stylus does not require recharging;
- Replacement pen nibs included.
MINUSES:
- The side button breaks easily;
- Rarely found in real hardware stores;
- Small screen for full work.
WACOM One Small (CTL-472-N)
The WACOM One Small digital drawing tablet (CTL-472-N) allows you to bring your most unusual ideas to life. It simply connects to a laptop or personal computer, but you will need to install drivers in advance for the devices to fully connect. The working surface takes up most of the entire tablet. And the frame, made of durable plastic, is incredibly thin. But this does not prevent the user from holding it in their hands at any convenient angle. However, the dimensions of the model are small. The tablet comes in A5 or A6 format. This is not enough for full-fledged graphic design and painting.But, if you are just an amateur and want to express yourself creatively, this Japanese development is for you.
PROS:
- Includes replacement pen nibs;
- Mac and Windows compatible;
- Two-year manufacturer's warranty;
- Weight 260-447 grams;
- Minimalistic design;
- The screen covers almost the entire surface of the device.
MINUSES:
- Screen is too compact;
- The pen does not have an eraser;
- No stylus tilt system.
XP-PEN Star G640
The XP-PEN Star G640 graphics tablet is suitable for aspiring artists. It is small in size but light in weight and has enough features to master digital drawing. Its ultra-slim design makes it ideal for urban use, with easy portability and connectivity to help you work in almost any environment. The weight of the model does not exceed 300 grams, that is, you can hold it in one hand. Well, the thickness of the working surface of 2 millimeters makes it optimal for those who value compactness. By the way, this makes a graphic tablet popular among those who want to receive electronic signatures or solve business problems using technology.
PROS:
- 8192 levels of pressure;
- Low price;
- The pen does not require recharging;
- Suitable for left and right handers;
- Ideal for web conferencing and distance learning;
- Synchronization with Acrobat Reader.
MINUSES:
- Connection only via cable;
- The tip of the stylus dangles a little while working;
- The work area is quickly covered with scratches.
The best graphic tablets for beginners
Beginners do not need dozens of operating modes, and the control panel on their devices should be lightweight. The fact is that it will take a novice artist a lot of unnecessary time to master a graphics tablet with great functionality. But with the next three, such problems do not arise.
WACOM One Medium (CTL-672)
The WACOM One Medium (CTL-672) graphics tablet is well suited for all aspiring designers, infographists and digital artists. It has a classic minimalist body in black and red tones. The screen takes up most of the entire area of the graphics tablet. True, the 21.6 x 13.5 cm work area is too small for large or highly detailed projects. But learning to draw on this graphics tablet is easy and convenient. At least because of the bundle with a cordless pen with 2048 sensitivity levels. Well, compatibility with any devices based on Windows and Mac OS allows the model to connect to personal computers and laptops.
PROS:
- The weight of the graphics tablet is 447 grams;
- Wired connection;
- Resolution 2540 pixels;
- Replaceable stylus tips;
- Long-lasting cordless pen comes with a tablet;
- The response time is 133 points per second.
MINUSES:
- The wire breaks with long use;
- Drivers can be difficult to install;
- Digital pen nibs rub off quickly.
XP-PEN Deco 01 V2
The XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 graphics tablet is compatible with Android devices. It can also be connected to personal computers, laptops. It comes with a handy stylus, a connection cable, a set of additional tips and, of course, instructions for installing drivers and operating the device as a whole. At the same time, the device itself is compact: it weighs up to 590 grams, which makes it easy to carry and use outside the home. The dimensions of 351 by 217 millimeters, of course, do not allow working professionally. But for those who are just starting an artistic career, this will be enough.
PROS:
- 8192 pen pressure levels;
- There is a stand that makes it easier to use the device;
- Minimalistic appearance;
- Flexible settings;
- Exactly eight programmable keys on the case;
- Battery-free pen.
MINUSES:
- The stylus tip is slightly buggy;
- Loud and tight travel of additional buttons;
- Rarely found in offline stores.
HUION H640P
The HUION H640P is a compact graphics tablet that is well suited for the most daring ideas of beginners.Its functionality is enough to work in any desired style, and the manufacturer has provided the ability to install additional brushes. The device has a small thickness, not exceeding eight millimeters, as well as a comfortable shape. This allows it to be used by weight, as well as carried from place to place, making it easier to draw outside the home. Reviews of the device also mention its stylus. With 8192 levels of sensitivity, you can draw the finest lines and visualize every detail perfectly.
PROS:
- High-speed trajectory detection technology;
- The pen weighs only 16 grams;
- Support for Android devices;
- Personalize your tablet with buttons;
- Touch strip;
- Instant response and smooth lines.
MINUSES:
- The price is above average;
- Quite abstruse manual text;
- Inconvenient location of the port.
The best graphics tablets for professionals
Graphic tablets for advanced artists need to be both large and transportable at the same time. It is important that the user can download additional brushes and fonts so that the control system opens up the maximum possibilities for him. All three models meet these requirements well.
WACOM Intuos Pro Medium (PTH-660)
With the ultra-responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2, the WACOM Intuos Pro Medium (PTH-660) pen tablet lets you create real masterpieces, not only for artists, but also for designers. The 1.9 kilogram weight proves that the device is serious. Of course, this makes it difficult to transport and use it by weight, but the advanced functionality compensates for this disadvantage. Many add-ons can be installed on a graphics tablet. And its drivers are quickly downloaded to a stationary computer or laptop. The permission of the device is also praised. Approximately 5080 lines per inch is enough to render the picture in perfect quality.
PROS:
- Programmable buttons;
- 8192 pressure levels;
- Multi-touch support;
- TouchRing;
- Aesthetic black graphics tablet body made of durable plastic;
- Various stylus tips included.
MINUSES:
- No sensitivity to pen rotation;
- High price;
- Replacing a lost stylus is expensive.
XP-PEN Deco Pro Medium
XP-PEN Deco Pro Medium belongs to the professional line of the brand. It is suitable for professional designers and artists, and is often purchased by university students with relevant specializations. The 2019 Professional Design Award proves that this model is suitable for professionals. The aluminum, robust body with a thickness of seven millimeters fits perfectly in the hand and is suitable even for people who prefer to paint with the left hand. It has a good balance, which protects the tablet from accidental drops and damage. And numerous sliders allow you to adjust literally everything: from the scale of the canvas to the sensitivity to small movements of the stylus.
Compatible gadget with PC and equipment on "Android". Works by turning 90, 180 and 270 °.
PROS:
- Four programmable shortcut keys;
- Physical wheel for customization;
- Backlight with brightness indicators;
- Support for tilting the pen up to 60 degrees;
- 8192 levels of sensitivity of the stylus of the graphics tablet;
- Increased ergonomics of the model.
MINUSES:
- High price, both when ordering through the network, and when buying offline;
- There are software errors that are difficult to fix on your own;
- Sometimes you come across defective USB adapters included.
HUION Q11K
The HUION Q11K graphics tablet belongs to the INSPIROY line, which includes devices with completely different purposes. In particular, this is well suited for those who are professionally engaged in graphic design and digital painting. It connects with or without a wire. And the black case, made of durable but thin plastic, makes it easy to use the tablet on the go. The input method is exclusively pen. But no one complains about the stylus that comes with the graphics tablet.He has a high sensitivity, as well as a large number of high-quality replaceable attachments.
PROS:
- Cordless pen with 8192 sensitivity levels and a weight of 14 grams;
- The response time does not exceed 266 points per second;
- USB cable 150 centimeters long;
- Minimalistic design that does not distract from work;
- Mac OS and Windows support;
- Convenient landscape orientation of the tablet and rounded corners.
MINUSES:
- It is quite expensive;
- Weight 880 grams;
- Legs in the corners deteriorate quickly.
Best interactive graphic displays
Displays are a subtype of graphic tablets in which the functions of the touch surface are performed by a full-fledged color display. Typically, these devices have a higher resolution. And they are also convenient, because you can draw directly on them, that is, the difference with traditional drawing is minimal.
WACOM One (DTC133)
Graphic display WACOM One (DTC133) is suitable for those who already know how to draw in electronic format, but want to improve the quality of their work. The 13.3-inch diagonal of the work screen is optimal for creating detailed and high-quality images in a variety of artistic styles. And the software even allows you to pair your device with some Android-based technology. The good news is that the device is compatible with the stylus of all leading brands. This allows the use of a graphic tablet from WACOM without completely replacing art equipment.
PROS:
- Standard contrast ratio 1000: 1;
- 4096 levels of pressure;
- Pen tilt sensitivity;
- You can connect the device to a smartphone;
- Intuitive interface that is easy to learn with instructions;
- Natural friction for a papery effect.
MINUSES:
- The weight of the device is 1.6 kilograms;
- Quite a high price compared to other tablets;
- The stand is not supplied.
HUION KAMVAS PRO 13
HUION KAMVAS PRO 13 is a graphic display with full lamination technology that protects the device from dust, dirt and any liquid from entering. Accordingly, the equipment is completely protected from accidental damage of a mechanical nature. The coating itself is made of an aluminum alloy, so the model can be freely taken in the open air and used on the way. The PW507 digital pen is also a pleasure, as it allows you to convey the smallest details. Well, the screen on which the user draws has an anti-reflective coating and a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. This makes it optimal for those who decide to take up professional painting.
PROS:
- Viewing angle of 178 degrees;
- Aesthetic design;
- More than 16.7 million colors;
- Improved image quality;
- Response speed at 266PPS;
- Pen resolution at 5080LPI.
MINUSES:
- High price;
- Hard to find in real stores;
- The screen breaks easily.
XP-PEN Artist 12 Pro
XP-PEN Artist 12 Pro is well suited not only for artists, but also for designers or infographists. The model has a resolution of 1920 × 1080 FullHD, which allows you to draw the smallest details and correct even imperceptible errors at first glance. The viewing angle of 178 degrees only contributes to this. It takes a little time to install drivers for this tablet and connect it to your computer. And the fast reading speed of the pen movement allows you to draw at a fast pace. Reviews indicate that this graphic display is ideal for home and outdoor use.
PROS:
- Six programmable keys on the body;
- Pen tilt up to 60 degrees;
- Approximately 8192 levels of stylus sensitivity
- Chrome operating system;
- Portable stand included.
MINUSES:
- High price both for real purchase and for ordering on the Internet;
- Complicated instruction;
- With a weak laptop or computer, the screen freezes.
Which graphics tablet is better for choosing
In order not to be disappointed in the purchased device, you need to immediately realize: cheap models can help in drawing only at first. If you don't want fine art or graphic design to be just a hobby, it's best not to skimp.Budget models of graphic tablets can be safely taken to children, students of art schools or just drawing lovers. They are also suitable for those who are going to conduct distance lessons using this technique, participate in virtual conferences or collect electronic signatures. For more serious purposes, budget models will not work.
A quality device is easy to identify. First, it is almost always made by one of the recommended brands. Secondly, it has a fairly large screen and high sensitivity. You also need to pay attention to the software. The more modern it is, the easier it will be to create exactly what you have in mind.
