The Best Portable Drawing Tablets: Standalone Picks

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A portable drawing tablet is designed with a screen and computer such that you do not have to always connect it to a computer or Smartphone to use. It provides a seemless drawing experience with comfortable interaction between its Stylus pen and screen.

Now that that is clear, you may be wondering how different Portable vs. Pen Display vs. Standalone tablets are and what exactly these terms mean. Drawing tablets fall in three categories depending on the nature of usage. These include standalone drawing tablets, pen display tablets and graphic tablets .

Standalone drawing tablets have an inbuilt processor, operating system and screen. You do not need to connect it to any other device to draw. A Standalone device is another name for a portable tablet. A good example is the iPad Pro.

Pen display tablets are similar but a little different. They have a screen and pen too but lack an operating system, processor and storage space. This means that they must connect to a computer or Smartphone which hosts the software. A good example is Wacom Cintiq 24 (2025) and Kamvas 16 (Gen 3).

The last category is the Graphic Tablets. These ones do not have a screen only a sensitive working area that interacts with the pen when drawing. The must connect to a computer so that you can draw.

You will have to alws look at the computer screen because they lack a screen of their own for the computer to project the image to them like it does with Pen Displays.  XPPen StarG640 is a perfect example.

Top Drawing tablet that does not need a computer

Whether you prefer a dedicated drawing ablet or versatile iPad, Windows, and Android tab lets, we have you covered.

1. Apple (2024) – Best Overall
2. XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad: Highest Pen Pressure
3. Apple iPad Pro 12.9: Best for Procreate
4. Galaxy Tab S8+: Best with AMOLED screen
5. Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite (2024): Best with S Pen
6. Simbans Picasso Tab 10: Best Budget
7. Simbans PicassoTab XL: Best Under $300
8. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Best Android
9. Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Best Windows
10. Huion Kamvas Studio 16: Huion Standalone Tablet
11. Frunsi RubensTab T11 Pro: Best Value

Apple iPad Pro 13 (2024): Best Overall

1. Screen: 13-Inch
2. Processor: (M4)
3. Ultra Retina XDR Display
4. Storage: 1 TB Nonexpandable
5. Camera: 12 MP front and rear camera
6. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular with eSIM
7. Security: Face ID
8. Battery Life: 10 Hours

If you are not a full-time dedicated digital artist and just need a general multipurpose tablet for general tasks and gaming, the new Apple iPad Pro is a perfect choice. It is slightly larger than the iPad Pro 12.9 with a 13-inch screen size. The tablet features an XDR OLED screen type similar to premium Android tablets.

This display is clear with up to 1000 nits brightness levels and a P3 color gamut, which is very wide. You will be able to view your work in a rich, colorful display thanks to the high screen resolution. For processing power, you will have a very powerful Apple M4 processor that is only available on the new 2024 11” and 13” iPad Pro.

If you prefer an iOS over an Android system, this tablet is perfect for you. Just like other iPads, you will not have free pen accessories, although it is compatible with the new Apple Pencil 3. The pen is ergonomically designed for drawing with a natural pen-like look. Additionally, it features high pen pressure levels for drawing.

The premium iPad Pro is best recommended for Professionals looking for a sleek and sleem, lightweight, powerful tablet for professional apps like Photoshop and Procreate.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9: Best For Procreate

1. Screen Size: 12.9 inches
2. Resolution: 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina display
3. Apple M1 Processor
4. RAM: 8 GB RAM
5. Pencil: Apple Pencil 2 bought separately
6. Cameras: 12 MP wide camera and a 10 MP ultra-wide camera
7. Pen Pressure Levels: 4096 Levels
8. Security: Face ID
9. Storage: 128 GB and 2 TB
10. OS: iPadOS
11. Battery Life: 10 hours

If you are looking for the very best portable drawing tablet, the Apple iPad Pro is without a doubt the best. For several years now, it has been the tablet of choice for many graphic designers and digital artists.

This is mainly because of its standard, powerful, and reliable features. We noticed that most professional-level artists and creatives preferred it for their daily workflow.

The excellent pen, crisp and clear screen, and powerful graphics system make it stand out as an ideal professional tablet. Additionally, unique advanced drawing software like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator are perfectly compatible with it.

Apple Pencils 1 and 2 are the biggest attractions for both pro and beginner artists to use this tablet. The pencil’s responsiveness and accuracy make it stand out as the best pencil for digital artists.

Additionally, its wireless and battery-free charging nature makes it very convenient. To charge the Apple Pencil 2, you just have to place it in the magnetic space at the back of your iPad.

One downside, however, is that you do not get the Apple Pencil 2 in the box when you buy the iPad Pro. You have to purchase it separately, which can be expensive.

Apple Pencils are also not compatible with all versions of the iPad. You have to be keen to make sure you buy the right one that is compatible with your iPad.

If the price is not an issue for you, then this drawing tablet will provide a perfect, unmatched user experience. Unfortunately, you will have to pay extra for the pen because it is sold separately. However, it’s worth the cost because the pencil is highly accurate with a perfect pressure sensitivity curve.

The massive storage space between 128 GB and 2 TB options will save all your projects, programs, and extra files. It is far more than you need.

However, the storage space is not upgradable using a microSD card. To upgrade storage, you will have to buy another iPad. We recommend that you go for the Apple iPad 12.9 if you can afford it because it is more efficient and cannot be compared to other brands. Overall, good graphic design gear is very effective but doesn’t come cheap, and neither does the Apple iPad 12.9 drawing tablet.

This older iPad is considered ideal for people who use Procreate for drawing because it is not compatible with Android.

XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad: Highest Pen Pressure

1. Screen Size: 12.2 inches
2. Resolution: 2160 x 1440 pixels
3. Pen Pressure: 16384 Levels
4. Pencil: X3 Pro Pencil
5. Battery Life: 13 hours
6. Storage: 256 GB expandable to 512 GB

If you are looking for an affordable and portable standalone tablet made with digital artists in mind, the XP Magic Drawing Pad is a welcome choice. Most of their previous productions have been either pen tablets or pen display tablets. However, in 2024, they made their first pen computer tablet that effectively competes with premium-level iPads and Samsung tablets.

The tablet is not only affordable at around $500 but also easily portable thanks to the easy-to-carry 599-gram weight and 12.2-inch display with an overall 6.9 mm slim body. The large screen is excellent for drawing with 2160 x 1440 pixels and up to 16384 pen pressure levels, which is better than all tablets in this review.

The X3 Pro Pencil is one of the best aspects of this tablet. Besides having 16K pressure levels, it also has wireless-only charging through unique Electromagnetic Resonance, or EMR, technology as you use the tablet.

This tablet’s high pressure sensitivity makes it highly precise whether you are drawing or modeling. It is therefore ideal for 2D and 3D animation.

You will have up to 13 hours of battery life, making it usable for a whole working day away from a power source. To save files and install applications, you will have 256 GB of storage space on purchase, but it is expandable to 512 GB using an external microSD card.

If you are a professional or beginner artist, this tablet comes with perfect drawing specifications plus a free 3-month subscription to the Ibis Paint X drawing application. You will not regret buying this tablet for digital art.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+: AMOLED screen

1. Screen Size: 12.4 inches
2. Resolution: 2800 x 1752 pixels
3. AMOLED screen
4. Storage: 256 GB expandable to 1 TB
5. Pen: Free S Pen
6. 4096 Pen Pressure Levels
7. Battery Life: 10 hours

The latest model in Samsung’s top-tier series of Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S8+, has a 12.4-inch screen display for your amazing drawing experience. The S8+ display is an AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2800 x 1752 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, giving it an excellent display.

The large, clear, laminated, and firm screen makes it ideal for photo editors and designers alike. High color accuracy and a fast screen refresh rate ensure its versatility.

The top-end S8+ has a maximum internal storage capacity of 256 GB. However, this can be supplemented with a micro-SD card to increase your storage capacity and preserve your images for longer.

Although you still can’t run a full version of Photoshop on the S8+, DeX mode is still accessible, transforming the device into something that looks more like a typical Windows laptop. For drawing, the tablet comes with a free Samsung S Pen on purchase. The pen is highly responsive and perfect for drawing.

The Tab S8 Plus features powerful specifications at a very affordable price range. The stunning Super AMOLED display from Samsung features a 120 Hz refresh rate. The S8+ is an extraordinarily powerful tablet with a bright, stunning display and a lag-free pen that is ideal for photo editing, making it the best value for your money.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite (2024): Best with s Pen

1. Screen size: 10.4 inches
2. Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels
3. LCD screen display
4. Processor: Samsung Exynos 128
5. S Pen Included
6. Pen Pressure: 4096 levels
7. Battery Life: 10 hours
8. Operating System: Android 14.0
9. Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB
10. Expandable Storage to 1 TB

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite 2024 is an upgrade to the 2022 S6 Lite. Although the two are very similar, the 2024 version features some subtle upgrades, such as the more powerful processor. The new one is slightly faster and newer, with AI capability not available in the older one.

The 2022 version featured an older Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, which was efficient for basic gaming thanks to the low RAM. The 2024 version is faster with a Samsung Exynos 1280 and ideal for working with AI. However, both feature challenges multitasking due to the same low RAM.

One key advantage of the new version is the continued updated version of Android 14 OS. It ensures longevity and continued usage in the future. The older version has reached its upgrade limit and cannot be upgraded further from the Android 12 OS.

The large 10.4-inch screen with 2000 x 1200 pixels is perfect for drawing with an immersive high-resolution drawing experience with its standard S Pen that also comes for free. Unfortunately, neither has been upgraded from the low 90 Hz refresh rate that affects the gaming experience.

It’s ideal for budget-conscious creatives who need a versatile, multipurpose tablet for drawing and other tasks.

Simbans Picasso Tab 10: Best Budget

• Screen Size: 10.1-inch
• Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
• Screen Type: IPS touchscreen
• Storage: 32 GB, expandable with an extra 32 GB MicroSD card
• Processor: Quad-Core MTK8163 1.3/2 GHz/Core
• RAM: 4 GB / 2 GB
• Operating System: Android
• Front Camera: 2.0 MP and 5 MP Back Camera
• Stylus Pen Included
• Pen 1024 pressure sensitivity
• Battery Life: 5 Hours

The Simbans Picasso Tab is ideal for both students and professionals. If you want a cheap drawing tablet that will also allow you to take notes and draw efficiently, then Picasso Tab X is just what you need.

The Simbans Picasso Tab comes with a 10-inch IPS HD screen, which gives high-resolution, clear, and crisp images. Another advantage of buying this tablet is that it has a powerful MediaTek quad-core processor plus 2 GB of RAM, which makes it even easier to multitask.

Although some professionals use this cheap tablet, it best fits the description for students and hobbyists looking to start off on their first tablet.

The tablet also has 32 GB of memory storage, which allows you to download and store your favorite apps and important projects. There is also a 64 GB option that is not so different in price. If you go for this option, then the RAM will double to 4 GB.

The pen is highly pressure sensitive, with 1024 pressure sensitivity levels and tilt sensitivity. What’s more? The tablet comes with a free screen protector, a protective leather case, a good power adapter, and a drawing glove. Simbans Picasso is a standalone tablet that does not need a computer.

Simbans PicassoTab XL: Best Under $300

1. Screen Size: 11.6-inch tablet
2. Aspect Ratio: 16:9 capacitive
3. Screen Type: IPS touch screen
4. Pen Pressure Levels: 1024
5. Processor: Quad Core MTK8175, 2 GHz/Core
6. Storage: 64 GB
7. Expandable only to 128 GB
8. RAM: 4 GB
9. Operating System: Android 11
10. Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
11. Ports: Micro-HDMI, USB Type-C, Audio, Micro-SD Slot

The Simbans PicassoTab XL is another tablet that comes at a budget price and is ideal for beginners. If you are looking to gift a friend or artist, this tablet is often picked.

It features a slightly larger screen than the S6 Lite at 11.6 inches. It, however, has a lower resolution but is still Full HD 1920×1080 pixels resolution, and you will not be able to tell the difference in clarity.

Many new artists like it because of its dedicated drawing specifications and the fact that it comes with many free accessories, which means you do not have to buy them separately. For example, on purchase, you will get 4 free bonus items and a stylus pen.

Unfortunately, the stylus pen features low pen pressure at 1024 levels instead of 4096 or 8192 levels. This will affect the seamless creation of strokes when drawing. This notwithstanding, compatibility with many drawing apps like Concepts and Infinite Painter and the availability of free tutorials make it a perfect option for beginners.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Best Windows

1. Screen: 13″
2. PixelSense Flow
3. Display Resolution: 2880 x 1920 pixels
4. Processor: Intel Core i5 to i7
5. RAM: 8, 16 TO 32 GB
6. Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
7. Stylus: Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately)
8. OS: Windows 11
9. Battery Life: Up to 15.5 hours
10. Weight: ~1.94 lbs

If you prefer a Windows OS similar to that on a PC or laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best option with a comparable build. It is one of the few 2-in-1 tablet-laptop hybrids available in the professional market. It is highly recommended for creatives looking for a versatile device that functions as both a tablet and a laptop.

Just like a traditional laptop, it is compatible with a wide range of professional applications and software, such as Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and programs for 3D design. It features responsive and precise stylus support. The combination of its unique stylus and large 13-inch screen makes it ideal for digital art.

The large touchscreen offers a high-resolution display of 2880 x 1920 pixels, ensuring excellent clarity for all creative tasks. If you’re considering a Windows tablet for gaming, the 120 Hz refresh rate rivals that of more expensive iPad Pro models, making it a strong choice for smooth gameplay.

Its processing power elevates this tablet to a level comparable to the new iPad Pro M4 (2024). It is available with either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, and RAM options include 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB.

Drawing doesn’t require high-end specifications, so even the base configuration will be more than sufficient for both professional artists and beginners. You won’t experience any lag or performance issues.

Thanks to its powerful specs, consistent performance, and broad software compatibility, we found the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 to be an excellent choice for drawing, photo editing, and even video production.

Huion Kamvas Studio 16: Huion Standalone Tablet

1. Screen Size: 15.8 inches
2. Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Pixels (16:9)
3. Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
4. Brightness: 400 nits
5. Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
6. RAM: 16 GB
7. Storage: 512 GB
8. Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
9. OS: Windows

Most tablets mentioned in this post are considered general-purpose tablets that are used for art and drawing. If you prefer a dedicated drawing tablet created specifically for digital art and drawing, the Huion Kamvas Studio 16 is the best option from Huion.

If you are wondering whether it is the only pen computer tablet in the Huion Store, there is a larger version, the Kamvas Studio 24, which was made to replace the discontinued Kamvas Studio 22.

Both these tablets are premium-level devices and do not come cheap. Due to high demand from different artists and budget levels, they released a few more affordable standalone tablets that come on a low budget. These include the smaller-budget Kamvas Slate 10, 11, and 13.

For the speakers, Huion created a powerhouse for complex tasks with a large 15.8-inch screen with 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. You will view your work in high quality thanks to these and high 400 nits brightness levels.

High contrast levels make for a better immersive viewing experience, with dark areas appearing darker while brighter ones contrast.

It uses the same OS as the powerful Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB for multitasking. This is ideal for complex tasks like animation and more.

How to Choose a Standalone Art Tablet

Choosing the right portable tablet for drawing is easy if you know what to consider for your art needs. If you are not sure what to look for, do not worry; we are here to help. Below are some of the key factors to look for in a good portable art tablet.

Screen type: This refers to the screen size and type. IPS screens are more common and affordable. However,. iPad and AMOLED screens offer richer displays due to high screen contrast and brightness.

Stylus type and specifications: Some tablets come with a free pen and other accessories. 4096 pen pressure levels is good, but 8192 levels offer smoother strokes and drawing experience.

Operating system refers to the system the device operates on. Whether to choose Windows, iOS, or Android is a matter of personal and user preference. iPadOS or Android OS offers app flexibility, or Windows for PC-grade tools.

What you intend to use the tablet for affects your choice. For example, if you need an outdoor tablet for construction work, a rugged device with a firm exterior and water resistance is ideal.

Battery life: For the best experience, 8 hours of battery life with fast charging offers clean and uninterrupted creativity.

Accessories and price: Check if the tablet you choose includes a stylus and other accessories added without affecting the price, or do you need to buy them separately?

Screen Size

For the best experience, choose a tablet that is small enough to carry but not too small to affect the drawing experience. We recommend anywhere between 10 inches and 13 inches in tablet sizes. Make sure to be keen on the overall weight because the bigger the screen is, the heavier your tablet will be.

Screen quality and resolution

The quality of the display on the screen will be affected by the type of screen you have on the tablet. You will have to choose between an LCD and an AMOLED screen type. AMOLED screens provide an overall better display than LCD options.

You can also choose between a laminated and non-laminated screen. A laminated screen will be clearer and more durable than a non-laminated one. If the screen has no lamination, consider checking whether it has a film covering the screen. Matte-type screen films offer lower environmental reflectiveness and are better than gloss-finish screens. Other screen factors that affect clarity include resolution, color accuracy, and brightness.

Stylus type and specifications

Some tablets come with a responsive stylus on purchase, while others require you to buy it separately. Make sure your pen is compatible with your tablet. A pen can either be active or passive. An active pen needs batteries, while a passive one will not have to be used with batteries. Overall, you need a pen that feels natural, just like a pen on paper when drawing.

Some ergonomically designed pens have extra shortcut keys, which is an added advantage. However, this requirement is not a must-have on stylus pens.

For the best drawing experience, you need a pen with high-pressure levels, usually anywhere between 8192 and 4096 levels. To create strokes simply, you need to have at least ±60 degrees tilt recognition and around 5080 lines per inch, or LPI, resolution on the pen.

Operating System and Price

Most drawing tablets vary in price depending on the tablet type, price, specifications, and operating systems. You will notice Android tablets will offer cheap pricing with many free accessories, while iPads are more expensive and do not come with many free accessories. Windows tablets will work on an operating system similar to ones found on laptops, that is, the Intel Core i5, i7, or i9. All tablet types will be compatible with different drawing applications like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Conclusion

Portable drawing tablets offer high user-friendliness and flexibility, allowing artists the freedom to create digital art on simple but professional-level devices. They offer high display quality and resolution with a rich and accurate color display thanks to a wide color gamut.

Although some pen display tablets must connect to a computer, most portable tablets provide a fully portable alternative that does not have to connect to a computer to use. You can use it away from your office or even in high-light outdoor setups.

A long battery life, easy portability, and an affordable price range, among other specifications, make these tablets very popular among different levels of digital artists.

Frequently Asked Questions