12 best graphics tablets

A graphics tablet is one of the input devices like a mouse or keyboard. For this, a sensitive area is used, which acts as a kind of analogue of paper, and a pen that replaces a pen, pencil or brush. In this case, the result of touches will not be displayed on the device itself, but on the computer screen in digital form. The capabilities of the artist depend on the functionality of such devices. Models leading the TOP of the best graphic tablets react to pressing force, tilt angle and other nuances that are important for drawing. Also, such tools allow you to accurately draw the smallest details, because the image on a computer, unlike paper, can be enlarged.

Ranking of the best graphics tablets 2025

Buying a graphics tablet is not the most trivial task. Devices that seem perfect on paper are capable of delivering unpleasant surprises in reality. Even excellent solutions will not always be pleasing if it turns out that another manufacturer offered a device that meets your requirements much cheaper. For this reason, we decided to compile a list of the best graphics tablets, which included 12 of the most attractive models available on the market in late 2019 - early 2020. The division into places in this case is conditional, and it is worth choosing a device for your tasks.

1. WACOM Intuos S Bluetooth (CTL-4100WLK-N / CTL-4100WLE-N)

Wires are the scourge of modern technology. They can wrinkle, get lost, and a pet, such as a rabbit or a cat, can eat them. Therefore, it is always more convenient to choose a device that can work wirelessly. Among graphic tablets, some models from WACOM have this capability. For example, Intuos S uses the cable primarily to charge the built-in battery.

The device is available in several color options. But WACOM supplies to Russia only black and pistachio.

If you do not need a wireless connection, the manufacturer offers this model without a Bluetooth module (we will consider it below). Should you buy it? Depends on individual tasks. For example, a high-quality graphic tablet with a wireless connection will allow you to work not only at the table, but also on the couch or armchair. And you can also take it with you without the included cable.

Advantages:

• wireless connection;
• build quality and convenience;
• good functionality;
• economical battery consumption.

Disadvantages:

• minor software flaws.

2. WACOM Intuos M Bluetooth (CTL-6100WLK-N / CTL-6100WLE-N)

The next in the ranking of the best graphic tablets is another model from the WACOM brand. Intuos M practically does not differ from the solution described above, and the letter index indicates the changed size of the work area: 216 × 135 mm versus 152 × 95 mm for the S version. The weight of the device has also increased from 250 to 410 grams.

Both versions received an identical nib, rubberized at the bottom and a compartment for storing spare standard nibs. If necessary, you can purchase other variations of them (harder, softer, felt-tip pens, etc.). In addition, there are two customizable buttons on the nib. There are four more Express Keys on the tablet.

Advantages:

• optimal size;
• fast connection;
• good ergonomics;
• feathers are kept in the pen.

Disadvantages:

• sometimes "slows down".

3. HUION H430P

Until recently, graphics tablets were the domain of professionals. Their cost was quite high, and even the devices from WACOM discussed above cannot be called an excellent choice if they are rarely used.
However, the HUION company changed the situation in the market with the release of the high-quality and, importantly, inexpensive graphics tablet, the H430P. The price tag of this model in domestic stores begins with 48 $, and any consumer can find such an amount.
The device comes in a plain white box with a neat design. At the back are the characteristics in Russian. Inside the user is expected a disk with software, documentation, microUSB cable, as well as a pen with a stand and a set of similar pens.

Advantages:

• compactness and lightness;
• 8192 sensitivity levels;
• attractive cost;
• drawing lessons (online);
• the pen does not require recharging.

Disadvantages:

• Express Key location;
• pen tilt is not supported.

4. WACOM One Small (CTL-472-N)

Looking for a great graphic tablet for the aspiring artist? We recommend taking a closer look at WACOM One Small. The working area of ​​this device is A6. The device weighs a modest 240 grams, and its thickness is only 7.5 mm. The device is devoid of programmable buttons and supports a total of 2048 levels of pressure. It is for these reasons that we will not dare to recommend One Small to more demanding users. But beginners will certainly be happy with such a purchase or a gift from friends.

Advantages:

• flawless assembly;
• quality nib;
• reasonable cost;
• ease of installation.

Disadvantages:

• lack of Express Key.

5.Digma Magic Pad 100

The budget Magic Pad 100 graphic tablet is different from everything presented in this review. Digma offers a simple model that does not connect to a computer and offers minimal functionality. It uses ChLCD technology, so the image on the screen changes under the pressure of the pen. The drawing can then be quickly erased with a single click of the button located above the work area.

By the way, the described technology consumes battery power only when the screen is reset to its original state, so the tablet works for a rather long time without replacing the batteries. The Magic Pad 100 can be recommended to people who want to choose a graphic tablet for beginners or children. But for at least some serious tasks such a device is not suitable. However, this is due to the cost of 14 $.

Advantages:

• affordable price tag;
• low power consumption;
• safe for children;
• ease of use;
• suitable for training.

Disadvantages:

• drawing with only one color.

6. WACOM One Medium (CTL-672-N)

One Medium is arguably the best budget graphics tablet available from WACOM. This device is practically no different from the One Small model described above. As the name implies, this modification is slightly larger - the working area of ​​the A5 format is 216 mm long and 135 mm wide. Also, which is logical, the weight of the device has increased to 436 grams, but this does not affect the use.

Advantages:

• working area;
• ideal for graphics;
• weighs little, small;
• precise positioning.

Disadvantages:

• not long enough cable;
• lack of functional buttons.

7. WACOM Intuos S (CTL-4100K-N)

We mentioned above that the Intuos S pen tablet is also available in a non-Bluetooth version. For the rest of the capabilities of the device do not differ. But the wired option is about 21 $ cheaper. If such savings are tangible for you, then take a closer look at it.

All WACOM devices have a loop with the brand name at the end. It is needed not only for beauty, but also for attaching the pen when moving the device.

The design of the two modifications is also as similar as possible. Unless in the good Intuos S drawing tablet, the power button, available in the Bluetooth version, disappeared. But the 4 programmable buttons remain, and they still form the pen trough.

Advantages:

• small, lightweight;
• Beautiful design;
• thoughtful feather;
• comfortable Express Key;
• nice value.

8. WACOM Intuos Pro Medium (PTH-660)

One of the most interesting graphic tablets according to the reviews of illustrators, photographers and other people who make money with their work. Intuos Pro Medium can be connected to a PC using the radio or the supplied cable. The device is equipped with a stand for a pen, in the bottom of which you can store spare nibs: one flexible and one brush, 3 felt-tip pens and 5 standard ones.

On the tablet itself, in addition to the working area measuring 224 × 148 mm, there are 8 programmable keys, divided into two groups around the Touch Ring. Due to this symmetry, the tablet can be adapted for right-handers and left-handers. Two auxiliary buttons are also located on the pen itself, which also has an eraser, which is not available in the cheaper models.

Advantages:

• 5080 lines per inch;
• Bluetooth connection;
• design and build quality;
• good equipment;
• high sensitivity;
• multitouch function.

Disadvantages:

• the cost of accessories.

9. HUION Q11K

The next line was taken by one of the best graphic tablets in the HUION range. The dimensions of the Q11K model are 390 × 233 mm, of which 279.4 × 174.6 mm are reserved for the working area. The thickness of the device is slightly more than a centimeter. However, the device weighs a lot - 880 grams. This is explained by the built-in battery, which provides autonomous operation of the tablet for 50 hours.
On the left side of the device there are 8 express buttons, divided into two groups. Each of the keys has a grooved designation that allows you to use them by touch. On the left side of the HUION tablet there is a power lever, as well as a microUSB connector. The latter can be used both to charge the battery and to connect to a PC. A USB transmitter is used for wireless connection.

Advantages:

• 8192 degrees of depression;
• ergonomic stylus;
• comfortable pen stand;
• many customizable keys;
• wired and wireless connection.

Disadvantages:

• no eraser;
• the stylus needs to be charged.

10. XP-PEN Star G640

XP-PEN is one of the leading brands in the graphics tablet industry in China. Formally, this company can be placed between WACOM and HUION, since it offers excellent devices, but at a very attractive cost. For example, the solution chosen by our editors can be found for 42–56 $.

Also in the assortment of the manufacturer is the Star G640S model. Despite the similarity in names, these are devices that differ in functionality and design. The older model is more expensive and will suit more demanding users.

The G640 has a maximum thickness of 8 mm, and the platform, which occupies the main body of the tablet, is only 2 mm. In reviews, the XP-PEN graphic tablet is praised for the quality and the presence of 20 interchangeable tips in the kit, which will be enough for the average photographer and artist using this model for many years of work.

Advantages:

• attractive price tag;
• minimum thickness;
• many replaceable nibs;
• sensitivity levels.

Disadvantages:

• PC connection may be interrupted.

11. HUION H1060P

Cool solution for demanding users at a reasonable cost. The HUION H1060P pen tablet offers a 254 x 159mm working area, 5080 lines per inch and a self-rechargeable PW100 pen with 8192 pressure levels and tilt sensitivity. The device comes with a pen stand that protrudes at the same time and storage for 8 spare pens. There is also a large USB cable in the box. Another significant advantage of the H1060P is 12 programmable buttons at once. At the same time, the price tag for this model starts from a very modest mark of 8200 Russian rubles.

Advantages:

• excellent equipment;
• excellent functionality;
• cost / quality ratio;
• ergonomics of the tablet and pen;
• optimal size of the working area.

12. WACOM Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860)

When answering the question of which graphics tablet is better to buy for the pros, then our answer is definitely the Intuos Pro Large. This is one of the best devices on the market. However, its cost is rather big - about 560 $... Functionally, this device does not differ from the Medium version described above. But the working area has increased here - A4 versus A5 or 311 × 216 mm instead of 224 × 148 mm for the younger version.

Advantages:

• a high resolution;
• tablet capabilities;
• excellent stylus with an eraser;
• the presence of the Bluetooth module;
• tilt sensitivity.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

How to choose a graphics tablet

To choose the right device, you first need to answer a simple question: why do you need a graphics tablet at all? Someone uses such devices when editing photos. Others love to paint in Photoshop. Still others require this device for entertainment or learning. Based on this, you need to consider:

• The size... There are even A3 format solutions on the market. But most of them are not required, so it is enough to limit yourself to A4 and even A5. If you often need to carry your tablet with you, you can even take the A6 size model.
• Resolution... The required minimum for a beginner is 2500 lpi. But the pros require higher sensitivity, which grows with resolution. True, along with them, the price of a tablet also increases, so you should not chase excesses.
• Sensitivity... The complete stylus senses a certain level of pressure. Again, accuracy will be better with higher sensitivity. With low requirements, 1024-2048 levels will suffice. The best models offer 8192.
• Functionality... Additional buttons add convenience to your graphics tablet. Frequently used functions can be linked to them for quick access.

Devices with a full screen can also be distinguished into a separate category. For objective reasons, they are more convenient for artists, but really high-quality solutions of this class are expensive, so we did not consider them in the review.

Which graphics tablet to buy

Even without a clear distinction in places, the winner of our review was the WACOM company. And this is not surprising, because the Japanese manufacturer is also the leader in the market with a clear advantage. Moreover, the company offers devices for any need: One Small and Intuos S for beginners or their larger versions for artists with higher requirements. For professionals, we've added Intuos Pro Medium and Large to our top picks. The company HUION also performed well, which also produces options for both beginners and advanced users. And if you are looking for the easiest drawing tablet, then go for the brand Digma.