Artists, in today’s modern digital world, are perhaps one of the biggest beneficiaries of advanced technologies, as they can now use other devices, besides Macs and advanced computers, to create their masterpieces.
Among these devices are tablets for artists, which all have a different experience and features, as well as different shapes, sizes and capabilities. This may make it tricky for an artist to decide on which one to use –
especially those who don’t exactly know what they need.
Some of the factors to consider, if you’re looking to get such a tablet either for yourself, or for an artist in your workplace, include:
- Size and accuracy
- Ease of connectivity between your computer and camera
- Accessories like a stylus, light weight, software drivers (compatible)
- Pricing
- Pressure sensitivity
The right tablet with the ideal specs can be a game changer for your profession or hobby. Check out our top 12 picks for the best tablets for artists.
Related: Best Tablets Under $100
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
This Android-based tablet for artists offers both comfort and professionalism and is perfect for artists who want to show off their artistic skills.
Its features include:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Chipset processor
- 4GB RAM and 32 GB expandable storage
- 9.7″ Super AMOLED large screen for great presentations with 2048 x 1536 Resolution
- Camera: Rear- 13MP, 2160p | Front- 2MP, 1080p
- Android 7.0 Nougat operating system
- Pressure Sensitivity and Palm Rejection for accuracy in drawing
- Works with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Autodesk Sketchbook and thousands of related apps
- You can use it for media consumption, browsing the web and watching YouTube videos
- 12 hours battery life
- Packaged with an S Pen
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 4
This tablet for artists is more powerful than its predecessor, and you can use it in place of a laptop. It is not only lighter, but also powers anything you need to do.
- 6th Gen Intel Core i5 3.10 GHz Quad-Core i5 Processor
- 4GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD
- 12.3 inch touchscreen PixelSense Display with 2736 x 1824 resolution
- Windows 10 Pro
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 520
- Battery life of 9 hours
- Surface pen to mark-up presentations, sign documents, take notes and more
3. Lenovo Yoga Book
Lenovo isn’t just known for its amazing laptops, but also this Yoga Book, which doubles as a tablet for artists, and has some hefty, yet useful features, including:
- Intel Atom X5, 2.4GHz processor
- 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage
- 10.1 inch IPS LCD with 1920 x 1200 resolution
- 360 hinge, which converts it into standalone tablet and making it easy to carry everywhere and draw with
Wacom EMR Digitizer with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity - Windows OS and access to all Windows supported software like Photoshop, Lightroom and ArtRage
13 hours of battery life
4. XP Pen Artist 15.6
This tablet allows artists to use functions such as sketch, paint, design and edit, in a natural and intuitive environment.
Its features include:
- 15.6-inch Full HD display
- 8192 pressure sensitivity levels
- 6 Express Keys (fast access)
- 1920 x 1080 resolution with 178° visual angle delivering
- Custom-designed anti-reflective coating reduces glare by 56 percent making it more bright and beautiful USB type C connection
Related: Best Laptops Brands With 32GB RAM
5. Wacom Cintiq Pro 13
If you love natural creativity and cannot get enough of the traditional paints, brushes and canvas, then this is the perfect tablet for you as an artist. With this tablet, you can work on the screen directly, and if you like, tilt the Pen 2, which works like traditional brushes, pencils and even markers.
Its features include:
- An 8192 level in pressure sensitivity
- Wacom Pro Pen 2 has four times higher accuracy and pressure sensitivity than previous versions for ultimate accuracy
- Support for intuitive multi-touch gestures
- On-screen programmable radial menus so you can zoom, pan and navigate with finger sweeps
- Aesthetic metallic design like a MacBook Air
- Integrated stand adjustable to a 20-degree angle for more comfort as you draw
- Lightweight at just 2.43 pounds, plus it is really thin too, so you can take it anywhere
- USB type C cable to connect to your computer, or use Wacom link and cables to connect through the Mini Display port and standard USB port
- Compatibility with all Windows and Mac operating systems
- Premium 13.3 inch full HD display area with a 1920×1080 resolution
6. Huion KAMVAS GT-156HD
While Wacom is the best professional tablet for artists, the Huion KAMVAS is its affordable alternative if you still desire one that you can draw naturally and directly on the screen.
Its features include:
- 5MS TFT LCD panels for smooth and easy movement
- High definition and high brightness visual experience
- 8192 levels Pressure Sensitivity to control line thickness, color and transparency
- Ultra-thin design and lightweight for carrying (3.3 pounds)
- Full HD resolution 1920×1080
- 14 express keys on board and touch-bar so you can work without placing the keyboard near you
- High pressure sensitivity of the display and viewing angle of the screen
- Compatibility with the most common operating systems
7. Ugee 2150
This tablet is designed with an adjustable stand and anti-slip rubber so it’s ergonomically ideal for you to use comfortably, whether you’re standing or sitting.
Its features include:
- 21.5-inch screen with great brightness and contrast, plus real colors for more accurate drawing, 1920 x 1080 pixels of resolution with 16.7M color support
- Pressure sensitivity of 2048 levels
- Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems
- Works with most of software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator 3D Max, AutoDesk Sketchbook, Corel Painter, Autodesk MAYA, ZBrush and others
- Package comes with a screen protector, 2 rechargeable pens, 10 replacement nibs, 1 USB cable and other cables you need to work with
Related: Best Wireless Headphones Under $100
8. XP Pen Artist 22
This tablet for artists offers a great visual experience and viewing, plus you can sketch naturally and intuitively, paint, design and edit on the screen.
Its features include:
- 22″ HD dust-free display with full HD resolution and wide viewing angle
- Protected high strength toughened glass and rubber covers
- Anti-scratch and shockproof outer structure
- Precise and natural pen pressure control and speed up
- 2 X 2048-level pressure sensitive rechargeable pen
- Easy set up with your PC or Mac
Related: HP vs Dell vs Lenovo vs Asus vs Acer for Music Production
9. Apple iPad Pro 10.5
Apple is known to have some of the best products from phones, to its iPads and Mac computers. Like other brands, the iPad Pro hasn’t been left out when it comes to the best tablets for artists.
Its features include:
- Apple A10X Fusion processor
- 10.5” Retina display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels – what a lot of artists prefer
- Slim and lightweight design, and powerful hardware
- Apple’s iOS 11 operating system, so you can use it to check emails, take pictures and consume media
- 8MP iSight Camera
- 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage
- GPU: PowerVR Series 7 (12-core graphics)
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil
10. Huion GT-220 V2
This tablet is a second generation in the Huion series, and has received an overall revamp in display and functionality, compared to its predecessor.
Its features include:
- A massive 21.5 inch IPS display with 16.7 million colors and full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Full HD screen
- Huion pen with ability to sense 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Compatibility with Windows and Mac operating systems
11. Artisul D10
This tablet has great features for any artist who is looking for the best in performance, but at a great price too.
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro artist, or you want to create art, design or calligraphy, this tablet will make it happen.
It features:
- 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
- U-Pen for professional and realistic feel to artists with long range of gestures for versatile and efficient working
- 6 Access Keys which can be customized according to your needs and comfort
- USB connection
- Thin, light and you can carry it anywhere
- 10.1″ LCD with 1280 x 800 HD Resolution
- 1-Year Warranty
12. Monoprice 22” Pen Display Tablet
Every artist wants to work in comfort, so they’ll need a tablet that provides both comfort and performance with its features.
This tablet offers just that, and other powerful features such as:
- A battery-free pen that requires no power, so you need not charge internal batteries or use alkaline cells
- 22-inch Display Area
- 2048 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity
- Crystal clear HD display featuring a 1920 x 1080p native resolution
- 178 degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles for the best drawing experience and environment for drawing.
Also Read : Best Tablets For College Students On A Budget
Summary
The value of a digital sketchbook lies in the artist’s perspective and creative streak, more than what the tablet can do for the artist.
Therefore, even with the best and distinguished features, any artist with the creative prowess can create one masterpiece after another. Any of these tablets will come in handy, regardless of the one they choose to use.
Elsie started off as a freelance business and tech journalist. Having written for publications like Lifewire, and WindowsReport, she has garnered immense exposure over the years. She is a certified social media expert with deep interest in internet marketing, ecommerce and information technology.