Drawing tablets have become an essential tool for artists, graphic designers, and digital creators. These devices allow you to create digital art, edit images, and even take notes with a stylus. However, some of the best drawing tablets can be quite expensive, making it difficult for beginners or those on a tight budget to invest in one. That’s where budget drawing tablets come in.
Budget drawing tablets are an excellent option for those who want to explore digital art without breaking the bank. These devices offer a range of features and functionalities at an affordable price, making them an excellent entry point for beginners. However, when looking for the best budget drawing tablet, it’s essential to pay attention to certain factors.
The most critical thing to consider when purchasing a budget drawing tablet is the drawing area. The drawing area is the space on the tablet where you can draw or write with a stylus. A larger drawing area provides more room for you to work on, making it easier to create detailed artwork. Additionally, it’s important to consider the pressure sensitivity of the tablet. Pressure sensitivity determines how much variation in line thickness you can achieve based on how hard you press the stylus against the tablet.
After researching and testing several budget drawing tablets, we’ve identified the ones that offer the best value for your money. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the top budget drawing tablets available on the market and what makes them stand out.
Best Budget Drawing Tablets
We understand how important it is to have a reliable drawing tablet, especially if you’re on a tight budget. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best budget drawing tablets on the market. Our team has tested and researched various options to bring you the top picks that offer great value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, our list has something for everyone. So without further ado, here are our top recommendations for the best budget drawing tablets.
1. XP-PEN StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet, the XP-PEN StarG640 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The battery-free stylus allows for uninterrupted drawing and enhances overall performance.
- The tablet is slim and portable, making it easy to carry with you on the go.
- The tablet is compatible with Microsoft Office apps and Chromebook devices, making it ideal for online education and remote work.
Cons
- The tablet’s small size (6×4 inches) may not be suitable for those who prefer larger drawing surfaces.
- The tablet may not be ideal for professional-level digital art projects.
- The tablet’s pressure sensitivity may not be as precise as higher-end models.
In our experience, the XP-PEN StarG640 is a reliable and affordable option for those who are just starting out with digital drawing or need a tablet for online teaching or remote work. The battery-free stylus is a major plus, as it eliminates the need for constant charging and allows for smoother, uninterrupted drawing. The tablet’s slim and portable design also makes it easy to take with you on the go, whether you’re traveling or working from home.
However, the tablet’s small size may not be suitable for those who prefer larger drawing surfaces, and its pressure sensitivity may not be as precise as higher-end models. Additionally, the tablet may not be ideal for professional-level digital art projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable drawing tablet for personal or educational use, the XP-PEN StarG640 is definitely worth considering.
2. VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet
We highly recommend the VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that delivers professional-level performance.
Pros
- The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide exquisite strokes and make the lines smoother and natural.
- The 10×6 ultra-large drawing area provides more space for art creation, and the type-c port design allows you to plug in and out with either direction, making it more convenient and stable.
- The VEIKK A30 graphic tablet is designed with a unique touchpad that has 4 touch keys and one gesture pad, providing a perfect difference touch experience, as well as stable performance.
Cons
- The driver installation process can be a bit tricky, and some users may experience difficulty getting it to work properly.
- The tablet may not be compatible with Samsung devices running Android 6.0 or later.
- The artist glove that comes with the tablet may not fit all hand sizes comfortably.
The VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that delivers professional-level performance. The tablet is compatible with most software like Adobe Photoshop, SAI, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Painter, Clip Studio, SketchBook, MediBang, Zbrush, Krita, Gimp, etc., making it an ideal choice for artists, designers, and online educators.
The tablet’s 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide exquisite strokes and make the lines smoother and natural. The 10×6 ultra-large drawing area provides more space for art creation, and the type-c port design allows you to plug in and out with either direction, making it more convenient and stable. The VEIKK A30 graphic tablet is designed with a unique touchpad that has 4 touch keys and one gesture pad, providing a perfect difference touch experience, as well as stable performance.
However, the driver installation process can be a bit tricky, and some users may experience difficulty getting it to work properly. Additionally, the tablet may not be compatible with Samsung devices running Android 6.0 or later. The artist glove that comes with the tablet may not fit all hand sizes comfortably.
Overall, the VEIKK A30 V2 Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that delivers professional-level performance. With its unique touchpad, large drawing area, and high levels of pressure sensitivity, this tablet is sure to impress. And with VEIKK’s one-year hardware warranty and lifetime free driver update, you can be sure that you’re making a wise investment.
3. HUION HS610 Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that is highly versatile and compatible with various devices, the HUION HS610 is a great option.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy-to-carry
- Multifunctional touch ring for smooth drawing experience
- Battery-free stylus with high accuracy and pressure sensitivity
Cons
- Some compatibility issues with Samsung mobile phones
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Pen holder is not as sturdy as other models
We’ve been using the HUION HS610 for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and efficient drawing tablet. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android devices, making it a versatile option for artists on-the-go.
The HS610 is lightweight and easy-to-carry, making it a great partner for drawing at anytime and anywhere with your phone. The newly-designed touch ring offers an ultimate smooth drawing experience, allowing you to easily zoom in or out for your canvas, adjust your brush and scroll the page. You can also customize the 12 press keys as you need to further enhance productivity.
The battery-free stylus of the HS610 is highly accurate in response to pressure signals, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 5080 LPI pen resolution. The EMR (electromagnetic resonance) technology needs no battery and charge, ensuring you more flexibility and enabling you to focus more on creating. The digital pen PW100 of HS610 supports ±60° tilt function to make the pen as natural as a normal pencil, providing you better pressure detection and accurate cursor positioning with different angles.
However, there are some drawbacks to this model. Some users have reported compatibility issues with Samsung mobile phones, and occasional connectivity issues. Additionally, the pen holder is not as sturdy as other models, which may cause it to break easily.
Overall, the HUION HS610 is a great budget-friendly option for artists looking for a versatile and reliable drawing tablet.
4. Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet
We highly recommend the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet with impressive features.
Pros
- The tablet comes with a pre-installed drawing app and an active pen for those who want to draw, make animations or take notes in the classroom.
- The package includes four bonus items: a high-quality tablet case, drawing glove, universal power adaptor, and pre-installed screen protector, making it an even better value.
- The high power MediaTek Quad-core processor boosts the multitasking abilities of the tablet, and the IPS HD screen resolution makes crystal clear pictures.
Cons
- The pen may have a slight delay and lack of accuracy in some cases.
- The tablet may be laggy for some users.
- The tablet’s battery life may not be sufficient for extended use.
The Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for beginners and those on a budget. The tablet’s pre-installed drawing app and active pen make it easy to get started, and the four bonus items add even more value to the package. The MediaTek Quad-core processor and IPS HD screen resolution provide a smooth and clear user experience. However, the pen may have a slight delay and lack of accuracy, and the tablet may be laggy for some users. The battery life may not be sufficient for extended use, so keep that in mind when considering this tablet. Overall, the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet.
5. HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet
We highly recommend the HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that still delivers great performance.
Pros
- The HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet comes with six customizable shortcut keys, making it easy to personalize your workflow and improve your efficiency.
- The battery-free stylus PW100 with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity gives you a natural drawing experience, and the pen side buttons allow you to switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- The HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Cons
- The cable can be a bit finicky and annoying to work with.
- The express buttons are mushy, which can be a bit frustrating.
- The tablet can be hard to maneuver for beginners.
The HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet is a versatile digital canvas that is perfect for drawing, sketching, editing images, taking notes, or signing documents on your computer. It works with Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs, as well as Android smartphones or tablets (OS version 6.0 or later), and is available for left-handed users. It can be used with most creative software for artists, designers, and creators, as well as many online learning applications and platforms for students and teachers.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet that still delivers great performance, we highly recommend the HUION Inspiroy H640P Graphics Tablet. It’s compact, portable, and versatile, making it the perfect alternative to a traditional mouse.
6. Frunsi Drawing Tablet
We highly recommend the Frunsi Drawing Tablet for anyone looking for an affordable standalone drawing tablet.
Pros
- The tablet comes with a pre-installed drawing app, making it easy to get started drawing and taking notes right out of the box.
- The 10-inch 1920*1200 HD IPS drawing tablet with screen provides a vivid display for your artwork.
- The Frunsi Drawing Tablet performs well with popular drawing apps like SketchBook, ArtFlow, Clip Studio, ibis Paint X, and more.
Cons
- The tablet’s battery life is only 5 hours, which may not be enough for some users.
- The tablet is not as durable as more expensive models, and the screen may crack easily.
- The tablet’s pen may not work properly out of the box, but Frunsi offers good customer service to address any issues.
The Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a great budget option for those who want to get started with digital art. The pre-installed drawing app and 10-inch HD screen make it easy to start drawing right away. The tablet is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to take on the go.
One downside is the battery life, which may not be enough for longer drawing sessions. Additionally, the tablet may not be as durable as more expensive models, so users should be careful when handling it.
Overall, we believe the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a great value for the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable standalone drawing tablet.
7. Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for a budget drawing tablet that doesn’t compromise on quality, then the Simbans PicassoTab XL is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- DRAW ANYWHERE: With the Simbans PicassoTab XL, you can take your artistic drive anywhere without being shackled to a desktop.
- ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE: The Simbans PicassoTab XL comes with all the accessories you need to protect and maintain the device.
- Bigger Screen, Large Disk: With an 11.6 inch screen and IPS HD resolution, the art is crystal clear, and the large 64GB disk allows you to store all your drawings.
Cons
- Slightly slow when it comes to running apps.
- The pen might have some issues.
- The charging cord might be faulty.
We’ve been using the Simbans PicassoTab XL for a while now, and we can confidently say that it’s one of the best budget drawing tablets out there. The tablet is standalone, which means that it doesn’t need to be connected to a computer to work. You can take your work and art anywhere and everywhere, from the park, a bus, or even school.
The Simbans PicassoTab XL is an all-in-one package that comes with all the accessories you need to protect and maintain the device. Along with the 11.6-inch tablet, a pressure-sensitive pen, and pre-installed drawing app, you get 4 bonus items worth $70 inside the box (a high-quality tablet book-case, Drawing Glove, universal power adaptor, and pre-installed screen protector).
The Simbans PicassoTab XL comes with a 11.6 inch screen which gives you 30% more screen area to enjoy your drawing, and IPS HD resolution makes the art crystal clear. Large 64GB disk allows you to store all of drawings as well as download thousands of free apps from the play store.
The tablet is an android-based device that makes it compatible with all your favorite apps. Connect your tablet to your home WIFI network and you can take this tablet wherever you are; your entertainment always goes with you. Link your tablet to the TV via the micro HDMI port and view your movies on the large screen. One of the best tablets for watching movies on Netflix, playing games, and browsing the internet.
Certification by GMS, FCC, and CE standards provides you the peace of mind for safety as well as quality. Comes with 1-year warranty, along with best customer service our support staff can provide. You can contact us for any questions that you may have.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a budget drawing tablet that doesn’t compromise on quality, then the Simbans PicassoTab XL is the perfect choice for you. It’s an all-in-one package that comes with all the accessories you need to protect and maintain the device. It’s an android-based device that makes it compatible with all your favorite apps, and it’s certified by GMS, FCC, and CE standards.
8. Frunsi Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet that doesn’t require a computer, the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a great choice.
Pros
- The tablet comes with an adjustable stand case with 10 different levels, making it easy to find the perfect drawing angle.
- The Frunsi Drawing Tablet has a large 10 inch screen with HD resolution and IPS technology, providing clear and vibrant colors for digital drawing.
- With a battery life of up to 5 hours, you can draw without worrying about running out of power.
Cons
- The stylus may not be as sensitive as more expensive drawing tablets, which could affect the precision of your drawings.
- Some users have reported issues with the tablet not charging or turning on after a few months of use.
- The tablet only has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which may not be enough for some artists who use large files and multiple applications.
We’ve had a chance to try out the Frunsi Drawing Tablet and we were impressed with its overall performance. The tablet is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a great option for artists who want to draw on the go. The adjustable stand case is a nice touch, as it allows you to find the perfect angle for your drawings.
The 10 inch screen is large enough to draw comfortably, and the HD resolution and IPS technology provide clear and vibrant colors. The palm rejection feature works well, allowing you to draw without any distractions.
The tablet runs on Android 12 and comes with pre-installed drawing apps, as well as access to the Google Play Store to download more apps. The stylus is comfortable to hold and works well, although it may not be as sensitive as more expensive drawing tablets.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet that doesn’t require a computer, the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a solid choice. Just be aware of the potential issues with charging and storage limitations.
9. Frunsi Drawing Tablet
We highly recommend the Frunsi Drawing Tablet for those looking for an affordable standalone art drawing tablet. This tablet comes with a pen and a pre-installed drawing app, making it perfect for those who want to draw pictures or take notes. The 10-inch 1920*1200 FHD IPS drawing tablet with screen ensures a more vivid showing, and the built-in 5800mAh battery supports working for 5 hours or more.
Pros
- The Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a standalone art drawing tablet.
- The tablet comes with a pen and pre-installed drawing app, making it easy to start drawing right away.
- The 10-inch 1920*1200 FHD IPS drawing tablet with screen ensures a more vivid showing.
Cons
- The battery life of the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is only 5 hours, which may not be enough for some users.
- The tablet only comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB Storage, which may not be enough for users who need a lot of storage for apps and digital drawing.
- The Frunsi Drawing Tablet may not be as powerful as other standalone drawing tablets on the market.
In our experience, the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a great option for those who are just starting out with digital art and don’t want to spend a lot of money. The tablet is easy to use and comes with a pen and pre-installed drawing app, making it perfect for beginners. However, the tablet may not be as powerful as other standalone drawing tablets on the market, and the battery life may not be enough for some users. Overall, we think the Frunsi Drawing Tablet is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a standalone art drawing tablet.
Buying Guide
When choosing a budget drawing tablet, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking at the following features to help you make an informed decision.
1. Size and Screen
The size of the tablet is an important consideration. A larger screen can provide more room for drawing, but it can also make the tablet less portable. Consider your workspace and whether you need a tablet that can be easily transported. Additionally, consider the resolution and brightness of the screen. A high-resolution screen with good brightness can make your artwork look better.
2. Pressure Sensitivity
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for drawing tablets. It allows you to control the thickness of your lines by varying the pressure you apply to the stylus. Look for a tablet with at least 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity to ensure you have enough control over your artwork.
3. Compatibility
Make sure the drawing tablet you choose is compatible with your computer or device. Some tablets only work with specific operating systems or software, so be sure to check compatibility before making a purchase.
4. Stylus
The stylus is an essential part of any drawing tablet. Look for a stylus that feels comfortable in your hand and has good battery life. Some styluses come with additional features such as erasers or programmable buttons, which can be useful for workflow efficiency.
5. Connectivity
Consider how you will connect the tablet to your computer or device. Some tablets connect via USB, while others use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Make sure the tablet you choose has the connectivity options that work best for you.
6. Price
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a drawing tablet. While more expensive tablets may have more features, there are still many budget-friendly options that offer great value. Determine what features are most important to you and find a tablet that fits within your price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some affordable drawing tablets with a screen under $100?
There are a few drawing tablets with screens under $100, but keep in mind that they may not have all the features you need for professional-level work. Some affordable options include the Huion HS610, XP-Pen StarG640, and Veikk A15.
2. What are the differences between a drawing tablet and a graphic tablet?
Drawing tablets and graphic tablets are essentially the same thing. They both allow you to draw digitally, but drawing tablets usually have a screen that you can draw on directly, while graphic tablets require you to look at a separate monitor while you draw.
3. What is the best drawing tablet for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the Huion H610 Pro V2 or the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2. Both are affordable and have a good balance of features for beginners to learn and grow with.
4. Which drawing tablet brand is better: Wacom or XP-Pen?
Both Wacom and XP-Pen are great brands with different strengths. Wacom is known for their high-quality products and long-standing reputation in the industry, while XP-Pen offers more affordable options with a wider range of features.
5. What are some good tablets to start drawing on?
Some good tablets to start drawing on include the Huion H1161, XP-Pen StarG640, and Wacom Intuos.
6. What is the cheapest tablet for animation?
The Veikk A15 is a great option for those looking for a cheap tablet for animation. It has a large drawing area and a good range of features for its price.