What Drawing Tablet Should I Get? | Match The Type To Your Setup

Deciding what drawing tablet to get comes down to one question: how and where you want to draw. A screenless pen tablet is a low-cost, low-risk way to start. A pen display puts your art directly under your stylus. A standalone tablet frees you from the computer entirely. This article walks through each type, what it costs, and which one fits your situation.

What Are The Three Types Of Drawing Tablet?

Drawing tablets split into three categories, and each one solves a different problem.

• Screenless pen tablets — a flat pad with no display. You draw on the pad while looking at your monitor. They are the cheapest option, the easiest to set up, and the most reliable choice for beginners and students.
• Pen displays — a tablet with a built-in screen you draw on directly. They feel more natural and paper-like, but they cost more and eat up desk space with cables and stands.
• Standalone tablets — a full tablet computer plus a stylus. You draw anywhere without a computer, but this is usually the most expensive route overall.

If you are learning fundamentals, building a shortcut-based workflow, or buying for a child, a screenless model is usually the safest first pick. Replacement cost is low, and setup is simple.

How Much Should I Spend On A Drawing Tablet?

Prices span from under $80 to well over $2,000, and your budget largely decides which type you can afford. Here are current examples across the range.

If you already own a decent computer, a screenless tablet under $200 gives you everything you need to learn. The Wacom Intuos S at $79.95 is a common entry point, with 4096 pressure levels and a 6.0 x 3.7-inch active area. The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW adds tilt support, 8192 pressure levels, and a larger 11.0 x 6.0-inch surface for $129.99.

What Do I Need To Check Before Buying?

Check compatibility first. Some premium tablets require specific minimum operating systems. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 supports Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.11 or later; the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 needs Windows 7 or later and Mac OS 10.12 or later. Budget-friendly models like the Wacom Intuos support Mac, PC, Chromebook, and Android, but support varies by exact model, so verify before you buy.

Don’t overvalue pressure levels. Many current tablets already use 8192 levels, so workflow, screen size, and compatibility matter more than chasing a raw spec number. Setup for any computer-connected tablet follows the same path: install the correct driver, connect the tablet, then configure your pen and display settings in the manufacturer’s utility.

Standalone tablets hide extra costs. An iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil can push well past the base $999 price, with higher storage and display options exceeding $2,000. Xencelabs’ Pen Display 16 Bundle, by contrast, includes the Quick Key Remote, two styluses, and a stand for $1,249 — creative software reviewers note it costs less than the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 at $1,599.

Which Tablet Should I Choose?

Match the tablet to how you draw most often. Screenless models suit beginners, students, and anyone on a budget who already has a computer. Pen displays serve artists who draw for hours and want a direct, natural stroke. Standalone tablets win on portability and app-based workflows, but they cost the most when you add accessories.

A screenless pen tablet is the least risky purchase: low cost, simple setup, and easy to replace. A pen display is worth the jump when desk space and budget allow and you want the paper-like feel. A standalone tablet fits you only if you genuinely need to draw away from your desk — otherwise you are paying for a computer you may not need.

For a hands-on comparison of top-rated models ready to buy, see our roundup of tested drawing tables and tablets before you decide.