Graphic tablets are gadgets that are gradually leaving the category of purely professional ones. They are very interesting for amateurs who use the device to draw, digitize images and edit various pictures. Our expert rating of drawing tablets will help you choose the best model.
Expert's choice:
| Model | Price |
| 1. HUION H1060P | from 9000 rubles |
| 2. HUION Inspiroy Dial Q620M | from 17,000 rubles |
| 3.WACOM Intuos Pro Large | from 44,000 rubles |
| 4. HUION HS95 | from 4000 rubles |
| 5. XP-PEN Deco Pro Medium | from 10,000 rubles |
Mini rating
Why buy a drawing tablet
Drawing tablet
In simple words, a drawing tablet is a device designed for working with images. It comes with a pen, which professionals call a “stylus.”
Due to the fact that the tablet can be placed on a horizontal surface and you can create pictures using a stylus, the whole process can be compared to drawing on a regular sheet of paper. But since the gadget is connected to a computer, the image is transferred to the PC in real time.
Important! Photographers, designers, architects and artists cannot do without a tablet. Many modern specialists successfully use these gadgets in their work.
XP-PEN Innovator 16
A mid-range tablet that quietly undercuts its competitors in price
You can order such a graphics tablet here
Active drawing area: 13.54 x 7.62 inches | Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD) |
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connectors: HDMI/USB
pros
Inexpensive, with free software
Small and portable
Minuses
The screen is not the brightest
No touch screen
Competition is fierce in the mid-price range of drawing tablets, and this may be where you'll find the best deals.
Many 16-inch tablets offer good power at a reasonable price, and the XP-PEN Innovator 16 is a great example of this.
To be honest, “innovator” is a bit of a misnomer;
The XP-PEN doesn't reinvent any wheels, but what it does do is provide smooth drawing on a thin, light tablet with a good display.
At the same time, it costs less than its main competitors, such as the Wacom Cintiq 16 and Huion Kamvas Pro 16.
The Full HD resolution makes a screen of this size look good, without obvious pixelation, and 92% Adobe RGB is quite enough for users of this level.
The screen could be a little brighter, although that's partly down to the laminated matte surface, which makes for a pleasant drawing experience.
Overall, this is a great tablet for the price, and it's a smart move on XP-Pen's part.
How graphics tablets (GPUs) work
GPUs are devices capable of working with two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. They have sensitive displays that recognize how hard you press the screen with a stylus. Due to this, the line changes its thickness. Depending on the model, the speed of pen movement recognition is determined.
Working with the gadget is structured as follows:
- connecting the tablet to the computer via a USB cable or Bluetooth connection;
- turning on both devices;
- creating a drawing on a tablet and then displaying it on a PC monitor.
№5 – HUION GT-220 V2
Price: 26,100 rubles on Aliexpress.
Let's move on to really big screens. Huion GT-220 V2 is an electronic graphic monitor with a diagonal of 21.5 inches and a working surface of 477 * 268 mm, there is plenty of room for those who like broad strokes. The tablet body is heavy - as much as 5.5 kg, this model is clearly not for portable use. A stand is screwed to the back to adjust the angles of inclination. You can find fault with the functional side of the device - it simply does not have quick access buttons.
But there are two express buttons on the stylus, which is quite comfortable and fits well in the hand. A functional pen requires charging; it will have to be recharged on average once a week. What you definitely don’t expect from such a gadget is the presence of speakers - not the most important, but quite a pleasant plus. The Huion GT-220 V2 is convenient not only for drawing large works, but also for using it as an additional monitor. And all this with a truly affordable price tag.
Types and technical characteristics of drawing tablets
Types of drawing tablets
Tablets are presented in numerous models, which forces potential buyers to search long and painfully for a suitable option. But in fact they are all divided into 3 groups:
- GP for drawing;
- interactive pens;
- tablet computers.
Each has its own characteristics.
For amateur drawing on a graphics tablet, models from the first category are suitable. They are small devices with a flat surface without any color fill (the screen is usually black). The image is drawn on the gadget and immediately displayed on the computer monitor.
Important! Such GPs are the most common and affordable. Their significant disadvantage is the disconnect between what the hands do and what the eyes see. Not everyone gets used to it.
Interactive pen models visually look like the previous ones. But they have a sensitive screen and are more convenient to use, since they do not create a feeling of disconnection.
Tablet computers are the most expensive option and can be used in two ways:
- as the main tool for creating images - after downloading a special program, you can draw with your finger or stylus;
- like a standard graphics tablet with different applications.
What types are there?
Graphic tablets are divided into three types:
- simple digital signature pads are used by many institutions to instantly digitize documents:
- small semi-professional models that are suitable for both drawing and working in Photoshop;
- interactive devices with high-resolution, large-format screens designed for professionals.
Let's talk separately about tablet PCs, which can be used to create graphics and various design projects, although their main task is to replace a laptop or smartphone.
Popular graphics tablet manufacturers
When choosing the best tablet for drawing, do not ignore such criteria as the manufacturer’s demand in the market and its reliability. Experts say that there are actually few worthy brands.
Experts consider the following companies to be the best and most affordable:
- HUION . The brand, which is not the most well-known to Russian consumers, is rapidly gaining popularity. Its products are distinguished by their quality and unusual design. Users also praise the excellent ergonomics. Moreover, most of the devices are inexpensive, which allowed the company to gain a foothold in its niche.
- WACOM . This is the undoubted leader among manufacturers. Each of his tablets combines a unique design, powerful hardware and innovative features. In addition, the devices are lightweight and very easy to use.
- XP-PEN. Another worthy representative of the segment. Both amateurs and professionals will find theirs among the devices of this brand. Each model meets strict quality standards and has certificates of conformity. The quality of products remains unattainable for other companies.
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pen display
A well-rounded pen display at a price that might surprise you.
You can order such a graphics tablet here
Active drawing area: 13.54 x 7.62 inches | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 |
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB-C | OS: Windows or macOS
pros
Affordable display
Good pen and drawing surface
High quality build
Minuses
Stand not included
The XP-PEN Artist 15.6 ticks all the basic boxes you could want from a pen display: a large enough area to draw on, a comfortable pen with plenty of sensitivity levels, and a good screen.
You won't get the same attention to detail or expansive ecosystem of extras as the Wacom, and the offset between the stylus tip and the on-screen cursor takes some getting used to, but it's still a pen display that can transform your digital creativity without breaking the bank.
Regarded as one of the best cheap drawing tablets currently available, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 is an ideal starter tablet or a good choice for those looking for an affordable upgrade.
Criteria for choosing a good graphics tablet
Selection criteria
When looking for a professional or amateur graphics tablet, it is important to consider that they are divided into 2 categories based on screen type:
- touch, designed for drawing on a PC;
- directly displaying what is drawn.
Having decided on this parameter, proceed to study other important characteristics:
- Screen size. The most common format is A3-A6. But still, here you need to focus on your own preferences and operating characteristics. For example, devices with a small working surface are compact and easy to transport. A large screen is suitable for professional work, as it makes it possible to transfer a lot of the smallest elements of a picture onto it.
- Stylus type . Manufacturers offer wired and wireless options. The first ones are accurate, but a little limiting for the artist. The latter are more convenient, but often cause a delay.
- specifications . This criterion is expressed in the number of lines per inch. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. You also need to consider the accuracy of the device and pressure levels.
- Additional options . Amateurs don't need them. But professionals should pay attention to the number of options that simplify working with the device.
- Equipment. It is impossible to work with the tablet without a USB cable and a stylus, so they are included in the kit. Manufacturers also include replacement pen nibs in the kit.
Wacom Cintiq 22
Best drawing tablet overall
You can order such a graphics tablet here
pros
Active drawing area: 19.5 x 11.5 inches | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 |
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connectors: HDMI, USB 2.0
Excellent pressure sensitivity
Fantastic price
Minuses
Low screen resolution for this size
No built-in ExpressKeys
Wacom, in its Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet, has established, in our opinion, the optimal balance between functionality and accessibility.
The large Full HD screen is a pleasure to use and allows for wide, sweeping pen strokes.
The surface is well thought out too, with an anti-reflective coating, and the included Wacom Pen 2 is highly sensitive to pressure and tilt, allowing you to pick up subtle changes in angle and movement.
Working with it is a great pleasure and is suitable for both artists just starting out and experienced professionals who want to improve their level.
If you want even higher quality, check out the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 (2018).
However, to achieve the optimal balance between price and functionality, we think the Wacom Cintiq 22 is the best one out there right now.
The best drawing programs
Drawing programs
There are a large number of programs on the Internet for creating drawings on the GPU. They are divided into:
- free;
- paid.
The first ones are ideal for beginners. And even professionals often use them, choosing the best offers on the market:
- Krita . An interesting option with which you can create an analogue of a painting on canvas. The software allows you to draw with brushstrokes, make comics, and edit photographs.
- SmoothDraw . A good program for beginners in design. You can draw with different tools: brushes, sprayers, pencils and more. The interface is simple and extremely clear.
- Gimp . In terms of content, this is an analogue of Photoshop. But the program is designed more simply, preserving the functionality of its prototype.
- Artweaver . A full-fledged graphic editor that does not have a Russian version. It is multifunctional and takes up little space on the device.
- PixBuilder Studio. The best option for beginners. The program has a large number of filters and functions.
No. 6 – GAOMON PD1560
Price: 23,150 rubles on Aliexpress.
Another tablet from the Gaomon brand is imposingly entering our rating - PD1560, which will delight lovers of large displays at a reasonable price. Few of the closest competitors can offer 15.6 inches with a working area of 344 * 193 mm for that kind of money. The display is perfectly calibrated, boasts good color reproduction out of the box and has a large number of settings. As for the pressure levels, there is a familiar number here, hinting at good sensitivity - 8192.
The design of the tablet leaves much to be desired, the body is thick, the material is solid plastic, and not even matte. But it has 10 express keys at once. The included stylus is a little longer than usual and has a non-standard weight distribution; some will like it, others will not. The stand is included; moreover, it is metal, heavy and rubberized, so it will not be difficult to place the tablet steadily in a wide range of inclinations. Moreover, the stand is attached to the gadget with screws - a little confusing, but reliable.
Basic mistakes when drawing
Most beginners make mistakes that are easy to avoid when getting to know them. In a sense, these are tips and lessons for beginners, and not just a list of basic mistakes.
Wrong canvas size
The canvas size can be either too large or too small. The error lies in the fact that the size is adjusted to the display resolution, which is absolutely wrong.
The more pixels, the better, because the resulting work can be viewed on screens with different resolutions. But you shouldn’t go overboard with the size, since not every computer will be able to handle such a canvas, and high resolution is needed specifically for images with a lot of detail.
Strong contrast
Often the contrast is set completely incorrectly due to the lack of experience of the artist or due to poor-quality image transmission by the computer display. Most graphics editors have functions that display the contrast level by tone. In Photoshop this feature is called Levels.
Lots of complex brushes
Many complex brushes make it difficult for beginners to learn correctly, since instead of drawing a certain structure with standard brushes, the artist can simply take the appropriate one and drag it in the right places.
This literally slows down the entire development process and makes the work worse in terms of quality. Professionals use regular brushes in most cases.
Too much color
Instead of using a lot of color, combining incongruous shades, it is better to work within a certain range of colors, changing the brightness and/or tone value. This makes the image look nicer and more realistic.
No. 2 - HUION KAMVAS Pro 22 (2019)
Price: 45,600 rubles on Aliexpress.
If, when deciding how to choose a graphics tablet, you are leaning towards models with a large screen, then Kamvas Pro 22 is ideal for you. This is a great solution for photographers, illustrators, designers and artists. The model is fully loaded: a huge 21.5-inch display with wide viewing angles and coverage of 120% of the sRGB color space, anti-glare glass, ten hot keys and touch strips on both sides, a high response speed of 8 ms.
The Kamvas Pro 22 screen is fully laminated, which reduces the parallax effect and makes the cursor more accurate. The owners of this model call it a worthy alternative to more expensive tablets from Wacom and we have no reason not to believe them. The main thing is to make sure in advance that there is enough space on your desktop for this beauty.
