Everything is digitalizing and we need to take note of it. PCs have even managed to enter the world of drawing, and now you can draw everything on your computer with pencil in your hand as if you were doing it on a sheet of paper, thanks to a devilry called a graphic tablet. It might seem like an alien device to the less tech-savvy, but actually understanding how it works is simple.
drawing tablets for drawing are nothing more than tables that can emulate a sheet of paper and recognize the user’s movements, allowing them to draw with a pen without ink or graphite on an electronic surface.
They connect to the computer via USB cable and materialize all the drawings made by the user in real time on the computer monitor. The most famous are certainly the Wacom, but there are countless of them around, both with integrated screen and without. Depending on their accuracy and functionality, these boards, also called digitizers, are available at different prices.
This is the definitive guide in which you will find the best drawing tablet , but we will not limit ourselves to offering you the best examples to use with your Windows PC, tablet and Apple iMac, from the entry-level to the more professional. We will also reveal all their most important features in detail to make you understand independently which one to choose .
Best Standalone Drawing Tablet
Table of Contents
What exactly is the drawing tablet?
What is a drawing tablet used for?
What are the main uses of the drawing tablet?
The graphic tablet is an indispensable tool for drawing and illustration, for both enthusiasts and professionals. In addition to being used for digital illustration or 3D modeling, it is also used in photo editing since it allows you to perform most operations with greater precision and in less time.It is also often used in architecture, industrial design and even education, and some banks and companies also use it to collect customer signatures. Among the best programs that you can use with drawing tablets are Photoshop, Pixelmator, Blender, Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo.
Best Standalone Drawing Tablet | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5-Star Pick | Great Prices
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Silver | Apple | Check Price | |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen - Intel® Evo Platform Core™ i7-16GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Device Only - Graphite (Latest Model) | Microsoft | Check Price | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Android Tablet, 11” LCD Screen, 128GB Storage, DeX Productivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon, S Pen Included, All-Day Battery Ultra Wide Camera, Graphite | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13" Windows 10, Intel Core i7, 512GB SSD: Second Generation | Wacom | Check Price | |
| 2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (5th Generation) | Apple | Check Price | |
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4" 64GB WiFi Android Tablet w/ S Pen Included, Slim Metal Design, Crystal Clear Display, Dual Speakers, Long Lasting Battery, SM-P610NZBAXAR, Angora Blue | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| HUION Kamvas 22 Plus Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen QLED Full-Lamination 140% sRGB PW517 Battery-Free Stylus Adjustable Stand, 21.5inch Pen Display for Linux, Windows PC, Mac, Android | HUION | Check Price | |
| Standalone Drawing Tablet,Android 11 Drawing Tablet with Screen No Computer Needed 4GB/64GB Graphics Tablet,Drawing Monitor, Drawing Display for Artist, Designer, WiFi ,Bluetooth,HDMI, USB | Frunsi | Check Price | |
| 2021 HUION KAMVAS 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Full-Laminated Screen Anti-Glare 10 Express Keys Android Support Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pen Pressure Tilt Adjustable Stand - 15.6 Inch Pen Display | HUION | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Standalone Drawing Tablet | 2022 Products Overview
1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
- Go further with all-day battery life
- Thunderbolt port for connecting to fast external storage, displays, and docks
- Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- Four speaker audio and five studio-quality microphones
- Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- The power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, and every angle in between, with 13” touchscreen, iconic built-in Kickstand, and detachable Keyboard.
- Windows 11 brings your closer to what you love. Family, friends, obsessions, music, creations — Windows 11 is the one place for it all. With a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be efficient, it has what you need for whatever’s next.
- The first Surface Pro built on the Intel Evo platform. Do it all with the Intel Evo platform — performance, graphics, and battery life in a thin and light PC.
- The best pen experience on Pro with rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro 8, for the natural feeling of pen on paper,(4) securely stored in Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.
- Type in comfort. Sleek and compact, Surface Signature Keyboard performs like a traditional laptop keyboard complete with a full function row and backlit keys.
- You’re going to need Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Don’t forget to add Microsoft 365
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- DeX MULTITASKING: Do more on the go with enhanced productivity capabilities, like Samsung DeX and Microsoft 365 integration, that give you a PC experience, wherever you happen to be
- PACKED WITH POWER: Galaxy Tab S8 provides powerful performance with an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, super fast WiFi 6E*, and all-day battery to get you through your day, whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming
- S PEN: Inspire your imagination with our fastest S Pen yet, an S Pen that is more responsive than ever, feels even more like a real pen, and it’s included with tablet purchase
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY + UNIVERSAL CHARGING: Go for hours on a single charge** and back to 100% quickly with the fast charging USB C port
- SCREEN EXPERIENCE: Get ready for 11 inches of dazzling optical amazement with a dynamic LCD screen that delivers next-level brilliance, crispness and color
- ULTRA WIDE CAMERA: Record super clear video in 4K and great photos with an ultra-wide front camera with auto framing; With Galaxy S8, your photography game shines no matter your experience level behind the lens
4. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13″
- Our most powerful compact device yet with enhanced computing power fast data processing & quick data transfer powered by Intel i7-8559U processor 16GB system memory 512GB SSD & Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- See your graphics & artwork in great detail and clarity with high-resolution 13 3” WQHD (2560 x 1440) screen with up to 82% Adobe RGB coverage (CIE1931) and included 3-angle adjustable Wacom Stand
- Enjoy fast-processing and performance in 2D illustration and photo-editing with graphics options including Intel Iris Plus Graphics card
- Extraordinary precision with the Wacom Pro Pen 2 and 8 192 levels of pressure sensitivity tilt response & lag free tracking – drawing tablet computer includes customizable ExpressKeys & multi-touch surface
- Comes with 16GB system memory and 512 GD SSD With upgradable memory and hard drive this all-in-one studio provides a future-proof creative workspace
- Bonus software pack: register your MobileStudio Pro & 6-months of Adobe Fresco; offer available for customers located in the Americas
5. Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an antireflective coating
- Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB of storage
- Available in blue, purple, pink, starlight, and space gray
- Stereo landscape speakers
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- All-day battery life
- 5G capable
6. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6
- S PEN INCLUDED: The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches magnetically right to your tablet and is always ready to go.
- SLIM METAL DESIGN: Take this sleek, lightweight tablet anywhere. Its slim design slips right into your bag and comes in your choice of stylish colors.
- ENTERTAINMENT READY: A vivid, crystal clear display draws you into content while dual speakers with sound by AKG supply spacious Dolby Atmos surround sound. With discovery powered by Spotify, setting a personal soundtrack to your waking moments has never been easier.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: A long-lasting battery lets you stream for up to 12 hours¹ on a single charge. The fast-charging USB-C port allows you to quickly get back to where you left off when you need to recharge.
- ONE UI CONNECTIVITY: Sync up multiple devices and double down on your todos with Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Use it as a hotspot and create share-ready content all at once.
- DEX EXPERIENCE: Get more done each day by turning your Galaxy devices into an expanded desktop workstation. Send multiple windows to the devices of your choice and control them all from your Galaxy Tab S6 Lite like a boss.²
- ¹Battery power consumption depends on usage patterns. Results may vary. ²DeX will be available on R OS or above.
7. HUION Kamvas 22 Plus
- Full Lamination Technology: The laminated screen of Kamvas 22 Plus helps reduce the parallax to the lowest and gives you full control on the cursor to where you expect to be. Plus, with the etched anti-glare glass panel, it reduces most unwanted glare offering you a natural pen-to-paper drawing feeling.
- Brilliant QD LCD Screen: powered by Quantum Dot, Kamvas 22 Plus provides realistic color accuracy up to 140%s RGB. Moreover, with 1080p HD resolution,1200:1 strong contrast and 178° wide viewing angle, your artwork will be presented in amazing detail and clarity with exceptionally vibrant and lifelike color performance.
- Premium Pen Technology: Benefit from the Huion PenTec3.0, PW517 is optimized with capacitive Pressure Sensor making it responsive to every pen movement with virtually no lags. Shorten pen nibs and better nib firmness make the pen tip barely bounce back to improve accuracy and reduce offset. Along with 8192 pressure levels, tilt response and lag free tracking, PW517 delivers the most accurate and natural pen performance.
- Easy Cable Connection: you can connect Huion Kamvas 22 Plus to your computer easily with the included convenient 3in1 Type-C cable or with the optional full-featured Type-C to Type-C cable. A USB-A port is added to connect flash disk, keyboard, mouse or other devices. The user-friendly connection design will bring you better convenience and higher efficiency.An adjustable stand is included to help you get into the perfect position to start your creation.
- Work with Linux/Mac/Windows/Android: Kamvas 22 plus drawing monitor could work with Linux(Ubuntu), Mac(MacOS 10.12 or later) and Windows computer(Windows 7 or later), moreover, you can connect it to your android devices with the included full-featured USB-C cable to release your inspiration whenever and wherever you want. Note: Your android device is supposed to support USB3.1 GEN1 or DP 1.2.
8. Frunsi Standalone Drawing Tablet
- 10-INCHES 1280*800 HD IPS DRAWING TABLET WITH SCREEN-- RubensTab T11 standalone portable drawing tablet with 1280*800 HD IPS . High-end monitor ensure a more vivid showing. Signal Output: Mini HDMI &Type-C.Ultra Long Battery Life, built-in 5800mAh battery that support working for 5 hours above
- STAND ALONE PRODUCT-drawing tablet display is a stand alone graphics tablet,without any other computer and you can install even more drawing application from Play Store. Stand alone drawing tablet with no computer needed,you can also install even more App with the tablet to share your digital artwork with social media or with your friends and family
- DRAWING AND NOTETAKING - The most affordable standalone drawing tablet that comes with a pen and a pre-installed drawing app for those who want to draw pictures or take notes in the classroom.Paint and draw on the portable graphics monitor to breaks down the creative barriers, allows you to draw and create naturally with the advantage of a digital medium
- DRAWING TABLET WITH SCREEN-Android 11 stand alone drawing tablet with no computer needed , installed with the latest Android 11, powered by MTK quadcore cpu chips, comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB Storage, supports TF card reading up to 128GB, enough storage for Apps and digital drawing
- CERTIFIED QUALITY and WORRY-FREE PURCHASE:Certification by GMS, FCC and CE standards provides you the peace of mind for safety as well as quality.1 Year Quality Warranty and lifetime customer service!!!!!!
9. HUION KAMVAS 16 Drawing Tablet
- Huion Kamvas 16(2021) adopting full-laminated technology,combines glass seamlessly with the screen to minimize the parallax and make cursor positioning more precise. With the anti-glare matte film the screen keeps clear and transparent even under bright light. 120% sRGB, 178°viewing angle and 5080 LPI resolution work together to ensure vivid images with vibrant colors and details.
- Kamvas 16 drawing tablet monitor is equipped with new PenTech 3.0 - the battery-free stylus PW517. The better stability, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and ±60°Tilt function bring you a natural drawing experience. With 2 programmable buttons you can use them to unleash your imagination and speed up your productivity.
- Via 3-in-1 cable,which can help you get rid of the mess,you can connect your computer,laptop,mac or android devices to Kamvas 16 2021 pen display. It also supports Type-C to Type-C connection - you can easily connect laptop that supports Type-C input to Kamavas 16 2021 with only one cable. The 3-in-i cable and Full-Featured USB-C to USB-C Cable are all included in the package.
- Kamvas 16 2021 Graphics Monitor is compatible with Windows 7 or later, MacOS 10.12 or later and linux(Ubuntu). You can also connect it to your android device with the included full-featured USB-C to USB-C cable to express your ideas whenever and wherever you want.Every Huion product comes with one-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
- With the 12mm thickness and the 1.26Kg weightiness,you can put Kamvas 16 2021 in backpack and carry it with you. The 10 programmable press keys and the adjustable stand are ergonomically designed to facilitate your operation. The user-friendly design makes Kamvas 16 the ideal supply for online teaching/learning and remote work.
How to choose Best Standalone Drawing Tablet
As just mentioned, to find the most suitable tablet for you you need to learn to evaluate the technical characteristics of this type of device. So let’s take five minutes of free time and see, together, what are the specifics to which we need to pay more attention.
Format
drawing tablets can be in A3 (29.7 x 42 cm) , A4 (21 x 29.7 cm) , A5 (14.8 x 21 cm) or A6 (10.5 x 14.8 cm) formats , like sheets of paper, or they can have formats customized suitable for various purposes.
For beginners, smaller drawing tablets are recommended, such as those in A6 or A5 format, but of course it all depends on your specific needs. Note that on a smaller tablet, since the work area is rather limited, movements easily reach large distances on the computer screen.
Active workspace
The term active workspace refers to the size of the area where you actually draw on the tablet. It is usually indicated in mm or inches. As can be easily understood, the greater the active work area, the easier the movements on the tablet are made, especially in relation to their translation on the computer screen.
Resolution
One of the first features you need to look at in a drawing tablet is its resolution : a value that can be expressed in DPI (dots per inch) or LPI (lines per inch) . A higher resolution tablet translates on-screen movements more accurately than a lower resolution tablet. The average value that might be fine for a novice user is 2,000 LPI.
Pressure Levels
The stroke of the drawing and the intensity of the coloring change according to the pressure exerted on the tablet. It is therefore important that the tablet is able to recognize as many pressure points as possible. In fact, the greater the number of pressure points recognized, the greater the accuracy of the tablet in recognizing the pressure exerted by the user and greater fidelity in the reproduction on the screen of the strokes made on the tablet.
Mid-range drawing tablets can recognize 2,000 to 3,000 pressure points, but there are also more advanced tablets that can recognize over 8,000 different pressure points.
Response rate
The response rate is a value that indicates the frequency with which the tablet communicates the position of the user’s pen or hand to the computer. It is measured in PPS (points per second) , in RPS (report per second) or in the case of drawing tablets with integrated display, in ms (milliseconds ) . The best drawing tablets are those that have 150 PPS / RPS upwards, as they are able to communicate more quickly with the computer and report the user’s movements more precisely.
Type of connection with the PC
drawing tablets can be connected to the computer via USB cable or via Bluetooth . USB tablets are cheaper on average and have the advantage of not having to be powered by external batteries (they take power from the USB cable). The Bluetooth ones have the advantage of being wireless, so they can be used comfortably away from the computer, but they must be powered by external batteries (batteries or rechargeable batteries) and require a computer with Bluetooth support (or a special adapter).
There are also tablets equipped with HDMI ports that connect to external TVs or monitors without going through a PC and tablets equipped with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver which, like the Bluetooth ones, need batteries to work.
Display
Some high-end drawing tablets have their own display that allows you to work without the aid of a PC. We can imagine them as tablets dedicated to drawing that allow you to work very comfortably directly on the drawing that is being created. Unfortunately, their prices are far from affordable.
Pen
The pen is the main tool through which we interact with the graphic tablet, its quality is of fundamental importance to obtain good drawings. Fortunately, it is almost always included in the price of the tablet, but it can be of various types. The more advanced ones, for example, in addition to being ergonomic and easy to grip, have programmable keys that allow you to call up specific functions, change the thickness of the line, etc. It should be noted that some nibs must be powered by AAA batteries, which are hardly included in the product package.
Pens, as well as drawing tablets, recognize a well-defined number of pressures, so make sure you are using a pen with a very high-pressure sensitivity , i.e. a pen that can recognize many levels of pressure.
Accessories available
The pen isn’t the only component you can use to interact with a drawing tablet. Other tools you may need (and often have to be purchased separately) are the airbrush , the interchangeable tips for the stiletto , the transparent sheet for tracing the drawings placed on the tablet or the glove for the pen grip (which covers the little finger. and ring finger in order to avoid scratches or accidental strokes).
Keys and multi-touch support
Graphic tablets can have two or more programmable keys to which the user can associate the functions he prefers. In addition, there may be a wheel, a spherical key or a circular device to zoom, rotate and scroll images (a bit like the central mouse wheel).
On tablets with multi-touch support, you can use hand gestures to zoom images, rotate them, or perform other operations supported by the device.
Supplied software
drawing tablets can be used with various software , from Photoshop to technical drawing applications. However, in many cases they are supplied with software that allows you to fully exploit their potential. If you are undecided between two digitizers with the same technical characteristics, choose the one that comes with the software that seems best suited to your needs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the drawing tablet?
With drawing tablets you can draw as if you were using a real pencil, which gives you a number of important advantages. For starters you can make strokes with much greater precision, plus the tablet is sensitive to pen pressure, so you can draw darker and thicker lines or just sprinkle the screen with shading.Before you consider buying a digital tablet, however, you need to know that the best models can have quite high prices. Furthermore, it may happen that at first you find it difficult to get used to the new device, on the contrary if you learn to use it continuously you will no longer want to work without it. Below we show you a table with the advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
Disadvantages
FAQ
Can the drawing tablet replace the mouse?
Being an input device, the drawing tablet can easily replace the mouse, especially for those who work on graphics and drawings. The impression that derives from its use quickly conquers users who begin to use it thanks to the natural sensation of holding a pen, and the joints of the hand and wrist, strained by the continuous and unnatural use of the mouse, thank you.
Can the drawing tablet be virus-prone?
The input devices are not prone to viruses, but if the tablet has its own operating system, a virus may infiltrate it, especially if it is connected to a computer via USB cable.
How to improve the use of the pen on the drawing tablet?
Often the excessive smoothness of the pen on your device can be difficult to manage, especially if you are not particularly experienced. A trick to use to increase the friction of the pen a little and not slide it too fast on the tablet is to place a sheet of paper between the pen and the device.
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