Graphics tablets have come a long way since their invention. Modern digitizers are equipped with a broad range of features, which come in handy when designing graphics. Instead of relying on a scanner or other high-resolution camera to send illustrations to a computer, artists can now use these gadgets to draw naturally.
Given the variety of drawing tablets available in the market, we understand how challenging it can be to shop for one. We have compiled a list of the best tablets for graphic designers, to make
your selection easier.
Wacom Intuos Draw
Are you a novice artist looking for a graphics tablet that will last for years? The feature-rich Wacom Intuos model is specially designed with beginners in mind. With an active area measuring 152
by 95 mm, the Intuos Draw is relatively small, making it ideal for artists who want to use it on the go.
In comparison to previous Intuos models, the Wacom Draw is the lightest. The battery section in the back has three spare nibs and space for an extra wireless card, which retails for about $55.
Although the lack of an inbuilt wireless functionality is inconvenient, it helps to save money for those who don’t mind the plugged in option. This graphics tablet provides 1024 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and a smooth working area.
Pros
- Relatively small and portable
- Fitted with software that suits your needs
- Provides easy entry to digital art
Cons
- Too small for some functions
- Pen lacks an eraser tip
Huion H610 PRO
Another renowned brand in graphics tablets, Huion, has hit the jackpot with its invention of the H610 Pro tablet. Aside from an impressive 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, the device also
offers a high-resolution connection for capturing the finest details.
Measuring 13 by 16 inches, the H610 Pro is a moderately sized tablet that does not take up all of your free space. In fact, the actual workspace, which is used in compiling and transmitting information to your computer, only measures six by ten inches. The tablet comes with a rechargeable pen, a handy accessory for those who want to avoid replacing batteries every other time. H610 Pro is well-suited to work with Windows and Mac operating systems, which makes it versatile for most users.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Collection of useful features
Cons
- Not wireless
- Not multi-touch
Wacom Cintiq 13HD
Wacom makes a second appearance on our best graphics tablets list with the Cintiq 13HD. With this tablet, you get an excellent balance of cost and quality. It has a large working area, allowing
you to design sophisticated illustrations. But, the key highlight of this tablet is its dual-purpose design. It means that you can use it as a monitor and a work area. Essentially, the tablet allows you to create images directly into the software as you would on paper.
The interactive screen is designed to display images as well as track the movement of your pen and collect pressure data. The Wacom Cintiq 13HD has 2048 pressure sensitivity levels. This way, you
can craft both thick and thin lines, and this mainly depends on how hard you press the pen against the working area.
Pros
- Excellent stylus
- Dual-purpose design
- Interactive display
Cons
- Does not include HDMI adapters
- Some artists may prefer large screens
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
Thanks to technology advancements, graphic designers no longer have to choose between a digitizer and a laptop; they can have both functionalities under one device. Since its release, Apple
iPad has received significant updates and adjustments every year. The Pro 12.9 is the most recent graphics tablet from this giant company.
There is no stylus included with the iPad; therefore, users have to download third-party stylus from an app store. It has a large screen display. However, it has a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around.
Pros
- Fantastic screen
- Powerful
Cons
- Pricey
Ugee 1910B
The Ugee 1910 graphics tablet, stands out in two ways; it has a considerably sensitive drawing area and a large-sized display screen. Also, the tablet is fitted with a stand; hence, making it an
all-in-one drawing solution. The working area measures 15.5 inches by 10 inches. This setup provides you ample space to create full illustrations without switching from one page size to another.
Unlike the iPad Pro 12.9, this tablet comes with a stylus, an accessory essential for drawing directly on the surface. With the 1440*990 resolution capability, this digitizer displays every detail that you draw. Moreover, the tablet is equipped with DVI, VGA and USB connections, to help you create a multiscreen display. One feature that users admire in the Ugee 1910B is its ability to capture 2048 pressure sensitivity levels.
Pros
- Broad range of features
- Serves as a display and working surface
- Fitted with unique pen and onboard navigation
Cons
- Viewing angles require some improvement
- Heavy for a tablet
Monoprice 10×6.25 Inches Graphics Drawing Tablet
Monoprice drawing tablet can be described as the budget-friendly version of the Wacom Intuos brand. It is a perfect solution for beginner graphic designers and artists. The only feature missing
in the Monoprice tablet is the capability to detect tilt and rotation movements. However, it has the same 2048 different levels of pressure sensitivity.
You will need to attach this digitizer to your computer using USB 2.0. This way, whatever illustrations you create on the tablet will be displayed on the computer screen. On the left section of
this tablet are eight different settings, which you program depending on your drawing needs. Another perk that you get from purchasing this high-end tablet entails the responsive surface. When you strike the stylus against the working surface, the tablet collects and processes this information at a rate of 200 RPS. This fast response speed minimizes lags, allowing you to follow along on your
computer screen.
Pros
- Fitted with navigation program
- Tons of customizable settings
- Has ample sensitivity for routine tasks
Cons
- Tablet must connect to a computer to function
Turcom TS-6610 Graphics Tablet
At first glance, this tablet looks very similar to the Huion H610. Fitted with a broad range of features, the Turcom TS-6610 is the perfect workhorse for a graphic designer. It can work with
Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. Like the Huion, this tablet has eight functionality buttons that allow you to undo, adjust the brush size, pan, zoom and erase. The working area that measures 10 by 6.25 inches is fit for monitors of between 15 and 17 inches.
The pen promises 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen is also battery powered, a feature that most users find inconveniencing. Overall, the Turcom 6610 is an excellent mid-level drawing
tablet.
Pros
- Customizable settings
- Affordable
- Large working area
Cons
- No textured surface
Conclusion
Drawing tablets come in a vast range of sizes, shapes and with different features. The top digitizers in 2024 include the Wacom Intuos Draw, Turcom TS-6610, Ugee 1910B and the Wacom Cintiq 13HD.