To draw digitally, the graphics tablet is a very useful device. Here is a selection of the best models available on the market for beginners who want to get started with quality equipment.
Drawing on paper is one thing, but drawing on a computer is quite different! It is difficult to obtain a precise rendering using a simple mouse. The ideal solution is to use a graphics tablet. This device connects to a computer and is used a bit like a sheet of paper, using a stylus. The drawing is immediately visible on your PC screen, and you can modify it, color it, erase it and start over as much as you want until you are satisfied. The advantages of using a graphics tablet are numerous and even if it can take a little time to get used to it, it is then difficult to go back. If you are hesitant about which model to choose, you can help yourself with the selection in our shopping guide.
Our top 5 best graphics tablets
Huion Kamvas 13 Graphics Tablet, the most versatile
HUION Kamvas 13 Graphics Tablet with Screen, 13.3 Inch Drawing Monitor, Fully Laminated Screen, 120% sRGB, New PW517 Pen, Support Android Devices
The Huion Kamvas 13 is a graphics tablet with a 13.3-inch touchscreen. This has multiple advantages, as you can draw directly on the screen and have an immediate preview of your work. The PenTech 3.0 pen gives you maximum precision and the Full HD IPS screen displays an extra wide color gamut of 120% sRGB. As a nice little extra, you can use the Kamvas 13 as a secondary screen for a computer, an Android device or even a Nintendo Switch game console. This allows you to easily entertain yourself after a digital drawing session.
Wacom One graphics tablet, the most precise
The Wacom One is a 13.3-inch graphics tablet equipped with a touchscreen displaying a Full HD image. It supports a large number of software and comes with a whole suite offered, including Adobe Fresco and Magma Studio. It is compatible with Windows, macOS and Android machines, to which it connects by wire. Its supplied stylus offers good precision thanks to its 4096 pressure points: you can make thin or thick lines, the tablet recognizes them each time. It is a model of choice to start well.
XPPen Artist 24 Pro, the largest touchscreen tablet
If you enjoy making very large digital drawings and appreciate having good visibility over them, then the XPPen Artist 24 Pro may be the graphics tablet for you. It has a 23.8-inch screen that displays a generous QHD definition. On the sides of the screen, there are a total of 20 customizable shortcuts, to give you total control over your digital workspace. Its passive stylus with 8192 pressure levels is also very precise. This high-end tablet is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and Linux.
Wacom Cintiq 22 graphics tablet, the most comfortable
A top-of-the-range reference in the Wacom catalog, the Cintiq 22 is synonymous with great user comfort. It is equipped with a 21.5-inch screen displaying Full HD definition and has an adjustable base that allows you to position it comfortably. You can draw as you like thanks to its Wacom Pro Pen 2 stylus, equipped with 8192 pressure levels. Compatible with PC and Mac computers, the Wacom Cintiq 22 allows you to realize all your digital creation desires in a pleasant and particularly intuitive way. It adapts to all levels.
Huion Kamvas Pro 24, the most professional touchscreen tablet
HUION Kamvas Pro 24 Graphics Tablet with Display, 23.8 Inch 4K UHD Drawing Monitor with Mini KeyDial, PenTech3.0, 140% sRGB, Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android
The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is a very high-end graphics tablet. It has a 23.8-inch screen that displays 4K Ultra HD definition: with this proposition, you benefit from very high image quality and very high precision in the creation of your digital drawings. To accompany this very high definition screen, a passive stylus with 8192 pressure levels is included. Compatible with most digital art software on the market, this tablet can also be connected wired to a PC, Mac or Android device.
Everything you need to know to get started with a graphics tablet
Even if you are used to drawing on paper and you are good at it, you should expect to need some time to adapt to be able to successfully draw on a graphics tablet. This is completely normal: the gesture is different and you need both hands. The first holds the stylus while the other manipulates the digital tools. It is often recommended to choose a graphics tablet with a touch screen: this allows you to have good visibility of your drawing, and to avoid having to use your computer mouse at the same time as you draw since everything goes through the tablet screen. Take the time to practice and accept making mistakes: you will eventually find the right gestures and succeed in your digital drawings.
Why choose a graphics tablet rather than a touch tablet?
Touchscreen tablets like iPads or Android models allow you to take advantage of many software for drawing. However, they are generally less precise than graphics tablets, and they are not always compatible with a stylus intended for drawing. However, this is sometimes the case and it is therefore possible to enjoy a satisfactory drawing experience on a touchscreen tablet in this context. But most designers accustomed to digital drawing generally prefer to turn to a graphics tablet dedicated to drawing, which integrates specific features, better stylus precision and, often, very useful shortcut buttons. In short, it all depends on your budget and your creative habits.
