The best tablets for digital art in 2025

Just because graphics tablets don't have the separate screens that pen display models do, that doesn't make them any less effective. Take the Wacom Intuos. For those who like working with a tablet it comes highly recommended, embodying the principle of being simple but effective.

It boasts impressive pressure sensitivity, four customisable ExpressKeys, and features designed to accommodate both right and left-handed artists. It includes a limited trial of Corel Painter Essentials and Corel AfterShot Pro 3 and two years of Clip Studio Paint Pro (though these trials are even more limited if you're using the tablet with a Chromebook).

There's also an Intuos Pro model, but the classic Intuos is probably the more cost-effective option. The Pro upgrade costs a little more, though it does have a more textured surface, better pressure sensitivity, and more buttons. The Pro also comes with a newer pen that has an eraser on the end, which can help with workflow and might ultimately justify the higher price.

If you have the kind of budget to splurge on a tablet for drawing, you could always get a tablet that does other things as well. The Apple iPad Pro gets more powerful all the time. The newest models are computers in their own right.

There's no need to transfer your drawings anywhere with this tablet — you can email them straight to clients. Plus, iPads allow you to watch videos on drawing techniques, take reference photos, and do just about anything. It's little wonder. Apple is the brand that revolutionised tablets, after all.

Though just about all iPad models are adequate for drawing, the newer ones are particularly great. The newest iPad Pro has an 13‑inch Ultra Retina XDR Display display with ProMotion TrueTone tech (great for high contrast and high brightness content) plus an M4 chip that provides super-fast processing. The only downside is that iPads typically aren't specifically designed for drawing (though they are great for it!) so you'll need an Apple Pencil too.

If you're looking for professional creative solution, the Wacom Cintiq line simply has to be in the drawing tablet conversation. It comes in three sizes: 16, 22, and Pro 24. We're specifically recommending the feature-packed Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Touch, which is one of the best (and priciest) models.

Firstly, it's big. The 4K drawing display area is 24 inches but the tablet is significantly bigger, with a chunky surround that keeps your hand supported as you work. The drawback is it requires a lot of desk space.

In terms of features, it has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the stellar Wacom Pro Pen 2, and a ExpressKey remote. The remote essentially saves display space by putting the keys elsewhere, and connects magnetically. There's also no parallax thanks to the glass design, and natural tilt recognition.

The unique sell is the selection of multi-touch features, including the ability to pan, zoom or rotate your work. Some reviewers have noted that it's very sensitive before you get the knack. If the that feels surplus to requirements, there's a slightly less expensive version without the touch features.

The Xencelabs Drawing Tablet Bundle is quite simply one of the best graphics tablets available. It gives you the whole package for an excellent price. If you prefer a pen display model, however, there’s no need to feel left out. Xencelabs also make an excellent 4K pen display that costs a fair bit more — but still not as much as other models out there on the market. This tech can get very pricey.

The Xencelabs Drawing Tablet Bundle, however, has it all. Quite literally. The bundle is packed with handy accessories. It comes with an Express Keypad — essentially a little remote with eight quick keys and features to control your workflow. You can set the quick key functions, which are then clearly shown on your paired display. Also included are two battery-free styluses, 10 extra nibs, a pen case, tablet sleeve, a dongle, and drawing glove. It really is a great package.

The tablet itself has been praised for the actual surface, which reviewers rate for being satisfying to draw on. Other bonuses include a sturdy, reliable build — though handily portable at the same time — plus drawing action that’s smooth, lag-free, and responsive. Overall, it's excellent value for money.

If you just want a pen display to set up on your desk for everyday use, the Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is a less expensive alternative to Wacom. And there’s plenty to recommend about this model in its own right. Indeed, this pen display model has a laminated 21.5-inch screen with anti-glare glass, plus a high colour gamut and minimal parallax. It also has a stand that tilts 20-80 degrees, so it'll suit a standing desk as well as more typical setups.  

While its resolution can't compare to the fancier tablet computers, the Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is large enough that it might not even matter. What that means though, is that if you want to carry it around, those 4 kg will feel increasingly heavy as you travel. It's not great for a commute, unless you're trying to get in some lifts on the way, but leave it in one place and you'll be fine. 

The pen that it comes with is a pretty good deal as well — it's battery-free, which saves you loads of time, pressure-sensitive, and supports tilted use, so you don't have to arch your wrist in unnatural ways to get the tablet to recognise the stylus tip. Huion also produces a selection of accessories that you can add on and create a full digital artists’ kit. 

The Wacom Cintiq line is a staple in every drawing tablet conversation for a reason. It comes in three sizes: 16, 22, and Pro 24, which can be very helpful for different budgets and drawing needs. The 22 is a comfortable midway for most artists — it's definitely large enough to accommodate the broadest of brushstrokes, so if you don't want to splash out £2,000 for an extra couple inches, it's probably a safe choice among the Cintiqs.

It's applauded for its paper-like feel and durability, as it's built with scratch-resistant (and anti-glare) materials. Complaints about the drawing aspects of the tablet are rare. The few cited issues are the size of it — taking up precious desk space — and the wires. But if your job involves illustration, chances are this won't be an issue.

All Cintiqs come with Wacom's Pro Pen 2, one of the best in the market in terms of pressure and tilt sensitivity, but are also compatible with the Pro Pen 3D, which has three buttons set right in the pen and was designed for easy navigation between dimensions. Purchase also includes 6-months of Clip Studio Paint EX for illustrating.