I am a professional technical artist specialized (3D, XR, AI, Python). Occasionally, I teach and mentor peers who hope to become full-time artists. I am often asked what digital drawing tablet I would recommend.

My first recommendation is to remember we do not need expensive gear. Focus on building up our creative and technical skills. Learn how to use any digital drawing tablet. That skill, experience, and knowledge can transfer to using any other digital drawing tablet. Learn how to use any graphic design software and that can transfer to any other graphic design software. It is more valuable to learn the history, theories, and techniques of non-digital visual artistry and that knowledge will transfer over to your digital art practice.

When choosing a digital drawing tablet, focus on the active area size, pressure sensitivity and the stylus quality. Make sure it is compatible with your software and devices. Consider if you want a screen or a screen-less tablet, and factor in your budget, as prices vary widely. This table shows the more popular choices that are best sellers with the highest user ratings from most retail outlets.

Here’s a more detailed look at what to consider:

1. ACTIVE AREA: 

• Screen vs. Screen-less: If you prefer drawing directly on the screen, choose a tablet with a display (Huion, Wacom Cintiq, iPad Pro). If you prefer using a separate monitor, a screen-less tablet (Huion, Wacom Intuos) will be suitable.
• Size: The active area is the drawing surface. Larger tablets offer more space, which can be beneficial for detailed work, while smaller ones are more portable.
• I chose the Huion Kamvas 24 because my eyes love the large screen and large drawing space. It shipped with a small keypad, palm rejection glove, an adjustable stand and the battery-less stylus. I use this setup often for my digital art practice.
• I also chose a Wacom Intuos to keep in my work bag for when I’m traveling. It’s light weight, small enough to fit in a laptop bag and it works well with the software I use (Krita, Blender 3D, Mandelbulber, Quixel Mixer…)
• The iPad Pro with ProCreate is also a joy to use. It is excellent for designing seamless wallpapers for my Kanien’kéha Augmented Reality projects. I also use this setup to design 3D materials and textures for my Kanien’kéha Augmented Reality projects.

2. PRESSURE SENSITIVITY:

• Levels: Higher pressure sensitivity levels (e.g., 4096 levels) allow for finer control over line weight, shading and blending.
• Stylus: A good stylus with good pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity is crucial for a natural drawing experience.

3. STYLUS QUALITY:

• Type: Some styluses need charging, while others use EMR (Electromagnetic Resonance) technology and do not need to be charged. 
• Features: Look for features like tilt sensitivity, button customization, and eraser functions. 

4. COMPATIBILITY:

• Software: Verify the tablet supports your preferred graphic design software. 
• Devices: Verify compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) and other devices. 

5. MORE FEATURES: 

• Report Rate (RPS): A higher report rate (e.g., 90-200 RPS) translates to smoother, faster pen movements.
• Key Shortcuts: Some tablets have customizable buttons. These buttons provide quick access to the actions you use the most (undo, redo, save).
• Multi-touch: Some tablets support multi-touch gestures for navigation and editing.

6. BUDGET: 

• Price Range: Drawing tablets range from budget-friendly options (XP-Pen tablets). They also include mid price range options like Huion Kamvas. There are higher priced professional-grade models such as the Wacom Cintiq Pro.
• Value: Consider the features and performance you need for your creative work and within your budget. Verify your choices are all compatible with each other. The least expensive digital artist tablet you find might not work with your current equipment and software.