Best Wacom tablet for drawing, graphic design & illustration
Being an artist is stressful enough, and sifting through hundreds of tablets for drawing does not make it any easier. That’s where we come in - we’ve got you covered with our top picks of the best Wacom tablet for drawing.
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Consumer technology has come a long way in many fields. One of these involves artists. Drawing tech has evolved to the point where you can pick up a drawing tablet with a small budget and experience the graphic design world for yourself. The price of entry has come down significantly.
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In this space, there’s a company that dominates. Wacom is by far the biggest name when it comes to drawing tablets. The company has come a long way from simple drawing tablets to full-fledged Windows machines with screens. Many artists swear by the brand, and it’s easy to see why.
Wacom is proof that people are willing to pay a premium if the quality is noticeably better than the competition. That is why it’s been in the game for such a long time.
To help you get the very best for your money we decided to delve deeper and show you our best Wacom tablet for drawing picks across all budgets, for all aspiring artists out there.
Our top Wacom tablet picks
- 02Perfect for the professionalBest for professionals
Best Wacom tablet: buying tips
As we have already established, Wacom tablets are an excellent choice for artists. However, that is quite a vague statement. To expand on it properly, we need to take a look at the features that might slip under the radar for some people. So, here are a few things to look out for.
Simple vs screen tablets: What’s the difference?
Tablets for artists can be broken down into two main categories: drawing tablets vs graphics tablets. Those labels are a bit confusing, but the main difference is that the former uses an ergonomic surface, while the latter has a traditional display.
Neither is good nor bad, but two major aspects set them apart.
Drawing tablet for comfort
Drawing for hours on end is not the most comfortable experience in the world. To put it simply, it can cause joint and neck pain. With a graphics tablet that has a screen, you are constantly hunched over and looking down at it.
In comparison, simple drawing tablets don’t have a screen as your monitor displays whatever you are drawing. You can sit straight up while drawing since you’re not looking down at the tablet, but rather the screen.
Both have pros and cons. Simple drawing tablets might be more comfortable, but graphics tablets with a screen feel more familiar to using an iPad, Android, or a Windows tablet.
Reliability is key
Artists are not like gamers. They don’t feel the need to constantly upgrade, as they rely on their skills rather than the equipment. As such, reliability is of the utmost importance here.
Drawing tablets with a screen have more parts and are prone to failure more often. This is because the complexity of these devices also makes them relatively fragile. Simple drawing tablets do not have this problem.
Graphics tablets with a screen also have more ports, which represent another potential failure point.
Portability is underrated
It is enticing to have a gigantic surface to draw on for many people. The freedom for drawing that comes with one is unparalleled. However, portability still matters when it comes to tablets for drawing.
Drawing tablets are quite slim these days, making them easier to carry around. Being stuck in your studio or workspace and working all day is not fun. This is why you’ll find a lot of designers in cafes.
So, you should buy the biggest screen size that allows you to still be portable, and one that fits your budget.
Keep budget restrictions in mind
The hidden truth about consumer technology is that a lot of it relies on marketing. As a result of this, many people end up with devices they don’t need. No, you don’t need that $1,500 drawing tablet if you just want a Wacom tablet for beginners.
If you really need that extremely high-end tablet, then go for it. However, just because you have the money for it, doesn’t mean you need to spend it. Save some of that cash, and invest it in a place that will help you to grow as an artist.
Best Wacom tablets 2022: professional, budget, and for students
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
Drawing Area
15.6-inch LCD screen
Resolution
3840 x 2160
Operating System
macOS, Windows, Chome OS
Pressure Sensitivity
8192
The Cintiq Pro 16 is by far one of Wacom’s best products to date. While it does not necessarily compete with the versatile Mobile Studio Pro or the behemoth that is the Cintiq Pro 32, it is still the better choice for enthusiasts and professionals.
- Vibrant 4K display with a matte finish
- Pro Pen 2 is a joy to work with
- Tactile drawing experience
- Expresskey shortcuts
- Pricey
The Cintiq Pro 16 is by far one of Wacom’s best products to date. While it does not necessarily compete with the versatile Mobile Studio Pro or the behemoth that is the Cintiq Pro 32, it is still the better choice for enthusiasts and professionals.
The 4K screen is brilliant and as good as Wacom claims. The colors are brilliant, as it covers 98% of the Adobe RGB spectrum. This is one of the features that Wacom has with this tablet allowing it to stand out from the crowd.
Furthermore, the Pro Pen 2 is an excellent drawing tool. Combine that with the etched glass screen which provides a tactile experience, and you’re in for a treat. The extended battery life is excellent as well, giving you access to a highly efficient workflow.
Apart from that, the Expresskey buttons on the back are programmable and can be used as shortcut keys. This is a clever design choice, as it gives you more room to draw on and does not take away from the portability aspect.
So, if you need a professional drawing tablet with a gorgeous display, this is the one. The only downside of this tablet is its price.
Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16″
Drawing Area
15.6-inch LCD screen
Resolution
3840 x 2160
Operating System
Windows
Pressure Sensitivity
8192
The Wacom Cintiq line of drawing tablets is about as premium as you can get for drawing tech. However, if you’re looking for more versatility, and don’t mind dropping even more money, then the Mobile Studio Pro is the one worth considering.
- Extremely Versatile
- Wide support for peripherals
- Superb drawing experience
- Sky-high pricing
- Uses an older processor
This is not your standard drawing tablet. Instead, it is a full-fledged Windows machine that happens to have an excellent screen for drawing. It includes the Pro Pen 2 and the same etched glass surface as the newer Cintiq tablets.
The performance is great due to the specs in this tablet. Thanks to Bluetooth functionality and USB-C support, it is usable as a laptop as well. Not only is it good for drawing but animation and 3D design as well.
The 4K screen is an excellent addition, and the fast processor – although slightly older – allows you to seamlessly switch between apps while designing. Storage is plentiful as well. Of course, all of that comes at a cost.
If you can afford it, this is the best tablet for serious professionals in the art industry.
Wacom Intuos Wireless
Drawing Area
8.5 x 5.3 inches
Resolution
2540 lpi
Operating System
macOS, Windows, Chome OS
Pressure Sensitivity
4096
The two tablets above are excellent if you are serious about your drawing career. However, there are a lot of beginners and hobbyists out there in the digital art world. For those people, it doesn’t better than the Wacom Intous Bluetooth.
- Thin and lightweight design
- Android Supportg
- Wireless connectivity
- Software is a pain to set up
- Pen nibs wear out quicker than competitors
These tablets come in two sizes: small and medium. Sure, the small is cheaper, but the larger surface area of the medium feels more comfortable. As the name suggests, the Intuous supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth.
It uses the Intuous 4K pen, which is quite good for a budget device. The nibs do wear out quickly, so keep that in mind. Fortunately, the drawing experience is excellent thanks to the texture of the surface.
These tablets are also quite thin and light, and since they are wireless, it makes them easier to carry around without any issues. The battery lasts quite a while, and the pen does not need one at all.
So, for those who are looking for the best value Wacom tablet, this is a bargain.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 (4K)
Drawing Area
24-inch LCD screen
Resolution
3840 x 2160
Operating System
macOS, Windows, Chome OS
Pressure Sensitivity
8192
Take everything great about the Cintiq Pro 16 and add a bigger screen. That’s the best part about the Cintiq Pro 24. The screen rivals most desktop monitors, creating a fantastic drawing experience.
- Large 4K display
- Perfect for the enthusiasts
- A lot of bundled software
- Multi-touch is hit or miss
The Cintiq Pro 24 uses a 4K display, and it covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color space. If you have never drawn on a large screen, know that it is a different experience entirely. The freedom and room you have to work with is a blessing.
Of course, that does make for a portability nightmare. However, if you do have the space for it, the Pro Pen 2 paired with this screen is a joy to work with. It’s great for people who want to draw comics or want to craft something truly special.
Wide compatibility is a given, as this device works with Windows, macOS, and now Chrome OS. The programmable buttons on the left side are a nice touch, and they are reprogrammable in different programs.
Wacom One
Drawing Area
6.0 x 3.7 inches
Resolution
2540 lpi
Operating System
macOS, Windows, Chome OS
Pressure Sensitivity
2048
As we mentioned in the intro, drawing technology has evolved a lot. The One is so cheap that almost anyone can afford it. This makes it an excellent device for people who want to get their foot in the door, and is the best Wacom tablet for beginners.
- Extremely affordable
- A good starting point
- Decent drawing experience
- Small screen size
- Short USB cable
Do not get this confused with the Wacom One, as that tablet has a built-in display. This tablet is much simpler, something you would expect for the price. It has wide compatibility and uses a battery-free pen making it easy to use.
The drawing experience is great if you are just starting. It does come in a larger medium size, but the small one is better if you are just learning for now.
While it may lack some bells and whistles, this is one of the best cheap Wacom tablets in 2022.
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Final word
Even though a good chunk of people out there are only interested in Wacom tablets, picking between the dozens of options gets daunting. Wacom creates tablets for students, hobbyists, and professionals. Sometimes, the lines start to get blurry, and it’s difficult to differentiate between them.
