Drawing tablets have become indispensable tools across various creative fields, including animation, UX design, illustration, fashion, graphic design, and storyboarding. They offer artists a versatile way to interact with digital art programs and unleash their creativity. However, the high cost of many drawing tablets can be a significant hurdle.
Big-name brands like Wacom, Xencelabs, and Huion often have tablets priced above $300, with premium models costing even more. Even though iPads offer excellent drawing features, their price is equally daunting. Fortunately, there are affordable alternatives that provide great functionality without the hefty price tag. This guide explores some of the best budget-friendly drawing tablets available in 2024, each offering unique features and capabilities to suit a variety of artistic needs. Read on to discover these cost-effective options and how we selected them.
XPPen Deco MW Drawing Tablet
XPPen is a reliable brand known for its range of budget-friendly drawing tablets. The XPPen Deco MW Drawing Tablet stands out with its compact design and versatility. Measuring 8×5 inches, this tablet is portable yet functional, making it ideal for both home use and travel.
You can choose between a wired version for $49.99 and a wireless version for $69.99. The wireless model connects via Bluetooth to your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and is compatible with popular graphics software such as Photoshop, Blender, Krita, Illustrator, and GIMP.
The included X3-Smart-Chip Stylus offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 60-degree tilt feature for precise control and line quality. Additionally, the tablet features eight customizable shortcut keys to streamline your workflow. Despite lacking a display screen and advanced features found in higher-end models, the XPPen Deco MW has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Check: Easy ways of online earning at Home
Gaomon WH851 Pen Tablet
Gaomon, though less renowned than some competitors, offers impressive value with the WH851 Pen Tablet. This compact tablet excels in pressure sensitivity, boasting 16,384 levels, which provides exceptional control over your strokes. The tablet includes a pen test function to fine-tune sensitivity according to your preference.
The WH851 measures 11.37×6.74×0.3 inches and comes with a protective sleeve for easy transport. It also includes a two-finger glove for added comfort during extended drawing sessions.
Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices via Bluetooth or USB-C, the Gaomon WH851 is priced at $59.99. It’s well-regarded by users, earning a 4.4-star average rating on Amazon.
Ugee M908 Drawing Tablet
The Ugee M908 Drawing Tablet is known for its simplicity and effectiveness. Its lightweight design and user-friendly features have made it popular among artists, earning it a 4.4-star average rating from over 1,450 reviewers on Amazon.
This tablet includes eight customizable shortcut keys and a scroll wheel for zooming in and out. The PH23 stylus provides 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and features two hot keys to enhance productivity.
The Ugee M908 is compatible with recent versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, but lacks a display screen and Bluetooth connectivity. It is priced at $45.99, making it an affordable option despite its limitations.
Huion Inspiroy 2 Drawing Tablet
Huion is a well-respected name in the drawing tablet market, and the Inspiroy 2 is a testament to their quality. Available in three sizes (6.3-inch, 8.7-inch, and 10.5-inch) and priced at $49.99, $79.99, and $99.99 respectively, this tablet is both versatile and stylish.
The Huion Inspiroy 2 features a lightweight design and comes with the PW110 stylus, which offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The tablet includes customizable keys and a scroller for added convenience.
Compatible with most Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android devices, the Inspiroy 2 does not have a display screen and connects only via USB. It boasts a 4.6-star average rating on Amazon, reflecting its strong performance and user satisfaction.
Veikk VK1200 Drawing Monitor
For those who prefer a drawing tablet with a built-in display, the Veikk VK1200 Drawing Monitor is an excellent choice. It features a 1920×1080 resolution screen with a 120% sRGB color gamut and a resolution of 5,080 LPI.
The monitor measures 11.6 inches and weighs 1.78 pounds, making it portable yet comfortable for extended use. The included stylus provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and does not require charging.
Though it needs to be connected to a computer to function, the Veikk VK1200 supports Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, as well as various art software. Priced at $149.99, it is more expensive than other options but offers a good balance between cost and functionality, with a 4.2-star average rating on Amazon.
Why We Chose These Tablets
When selecting these tablets, we focused on providing the best value for money while staying within a budget-friendly range. Despite the high cost of professional tablets, we aimed to find quality options priced between $40 and $70. This range offers a balance of affordability and performance, according to user reviews and expert opinions.
Our selection process considered various factors, including functionality, performance, and user feedback. We aimed to include tablets that cater to different needs, whether for performance, style, or portability. Each of our picks has received positive reviews, with none scoring below a 4.2-star average rating. This ensures that you get a reliable and effective drawing tablet without overspending.