Unleash Your Creativity: The Top 4 Drawing Tablets for 2023
1. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is an exceptional drawing tablet that skillfully balances power, design, portability, and affordability, making it our top choice among drawing tablets available today. Although relatively new to the market, Xencelabs has assembled a team of former Wacom experts who have brought their extensive tablet design expertise to this emerging brand.
A critical factor in any drawing tablet is the texture of its drawing surface, and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium excels in this regard. In our enthusiastic five-star review, we noted that the level of tactile feedback provided by the stylus is absolutely spot-on, creating an immensely satisfying drawing experience.
Furthermore, the tablet’s pressure and tilt sensitivity are finely tuned to near-perfection, and the inclusion of two styluses is a remarkable feature. This allows users to configure each stylus for specific tasks, such as one for precise line drawing and the other for shading, resulting in seamless workflow and quick transitions.
Our reviewer also highlighted the tablet’s competitive pricing, offering exceptional value for money. If the medium-sized version is still outside your budget, Xencelabs also offers a smaller alternative to cater to your specific needs.
2. Ipad Pro 2022 (M2)
The iPad Pro presents the perfect fusion of capabilities, offering a peerless solution for those who demand excellence not just in a drawing tablet but in an all-encompassing tablet experience. When seeking the pinnacle of tablet performance and versatility, there’s really only one choice: the brand-new 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro. Its dominance in the tablet market is nothing short of remarkable.
What sets the iPad Pro apart is not only its awe-inspiring swiftness, thanks to Apple’s lightning-fast M2 chip, but also its mini-LED XDR display. This display boasts unparalleled brightness and employs local dimming to deliver breathtaking contrast. When you couple these exceptional attributes with the seamlessly intuitive Apple Pencil 2, you have an all-in-one system that’s nearly unbeatable for both digital art creation and showcasing.
But you might wonder, if it’s so exceptional, why isn’t it our top recommendation? Well, the answer hinges on your specific needs. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) is incredibly potent and, consequently, carries a substantial price tag. If your primary requirement is a drawing tablet and you won’t make full use of its myriad other features, it might not offer the best value for your investment. In such cases, dedicated tools specialized for drawing may provide a more cost-effective solution.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to recognize that the iPad Pro remains one of the finest all-around tablets available today, with an unquestionably brilliant performance in the realm of digital art. If you’re interested in a slightly more budget-friendly alternative within the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Air is a noteworthy contender. For an early glimpse into the capabilities of the iPad Pro (M2, 2022), take a look at our hands-on review.
3. Wacom Cintiq 22
Wacom used to dominate the drawing tablet market, but in recent years, numerous competing brands have emerged, particularly in the more budget-friendly segment. Despite the heightened competition, the Wacom name remains a formidable force. In our assessment, the Wacom Cintiq 22 stands out as one of the finest drawing tablets available, particularly suitable for students with serious artistic aspirations.
During our review, we discovered that the 22-inch display offers ample creative workspace. It boasts Full HD resolution, which, while not as pixel-rich as some newer tablets, suffices for the majority of users. While sharper screens are available on other Wacom models, they often come at a higher cost. The focus of this model is to deliver Wacom’s renowned quality at an affordable price point. It’s also worth noting that many tablets, including some from Xencelabs, lack a built-in screen altogether.
What truly elevates the Cintiq 22’s user experience is the Wacom Pro Pen 2, equipped with an impressive 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity. With Wacom’s extensive experience in this field, it’s challenging to envision any artist having complaints about the Pro Pen 2; it simply performs exceptionally well.
A key advantage of Wacom tablets for students and aspiring digital artists is that they are essentially the industry standard. Learning to use a Wacom tablet is a prudent step for those looking to excel in the field of digital art. This doesn’t imply that other tablet options should be disregarded, but it’s an important consideration.
4. XP-PEN Artist Pro 16
XP-Pen stands out as a prominent name in the realm of affordable drawing tablets, and the 2022 update to their popular 15.6-inch tablet impressed our recent review with high marks. Following several months of intensive use, our reviewer arrived at the conclusion that this tablet boasts exceptionally strong foundational features.
Every aspect of the core drawing experience, from the top-tier display to the outstanding X3 stylus, shines with excellence. If you’re in search of a cost-effective tablet, the XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd gen) is a superb choice.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks, primarily related to what isn’t included in the package. Although the XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd gen) enjoys broad compatibility with various operating systems, users interested in employing it with ChromeOS or Android will need to procure their own USB-C to USB-C cable, which can be somewhat inconvenient.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that, like many tablets in this price range, the XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd gen) does not include its own stand.
In conclusion, drawing tablets have revolutionized the creative process, offering artists and designers a versatile tool for digital artistry. With their precision, pressure sensitivity, and portability, they enable endless possibilities for artistic expression. As technology continues to advance, drawing tablets will remain a fundamental asset in the world of visual creation.