Best drawing tablets that don’t need a computer

The drawing tablets that don’t need a computer are perfect drawing options for artists who want a tablet that does not have to keep connecting to a computer to use.

Unlike traditional tablets like pen displays or graphic tablets that must be connected to a computer to use, standalone tablets offer a screen and computer within one device to allow you to draw on the go.

They can be defined as tablets that allow you to draw digitally without the need to connect to a computer. As all-in-one drawing devices they come with an inbuilt display, RAM, processor, operating system, and stylus pen support.

These specs make them perfect for creatives and digital artists who prefer a powerful and fully portable device.

This type of tablet offers unmatched convenience for both professional and beginner digital artists due to their portability. They offer a chance to draw, paint, sketch, and edit whenever you get inspired, even during your travels.

There are many brands in the market today producing standalone tablets. This makes it both confusing and complicated to choose the best one for your needs. If you are looking for a cheap Pen computer tablet, we recommend the less common Frunsi RubensTab T11.

Best Standalone Drawing Tablets That Don’t Require a Computer (2025)

1. Apple iPad Pro M4 (2025) – Best Overall Drawing Tablet
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best Android Tablet for Artists
3. Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra – High-End Android Alternative
4. Huion Kamvas Slate 11 / Slate 13 (2025) – Best Affordable Standalone Option
5. Wacom MobileStudio Pro – Best Professional Tablet Without a PC
6. Simbans Picasso Tab X (10″) – Best Budget Drawing Tablet
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) – Best Low-Cost Android Drawing Tablet
8. Huion Kamvas Studio 16 – Best Entry-Level Windows Drawing Tablet
9. XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad – Best Compact Standalone Art Tablet
10. Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) – Best 2-in-1 Windows Tablet for Drawing

Apple iPad Pro M4 (2025): High-End Standalone Drawing Tablet

1. Screen size: 13- and 11-inch options
2. Screen Resolution: 2752 x 2064 pixels
3. Processor: Apple M4
4. Pen: Apple Pencil Pro
5. RAM: 8 GB / 16 GB
6. Storage: 256 GB to 2 TB
7. Camera: 12 MP Wide Rear and Front Camera
8. Good sound system with four speakers and four studio-quality microphones
9. Battery Life: 10 hours 
10. Connectivity: USB-C (Thunderbolt or USB 4), Wi-Fi 6E
11. Security: Face ID

After the May 2024 iPad Pro upgrade, the iPad Pro 13-inch M4 is their new powerhouse with premium functionality.

It has the most powerful M4 processor and the largest screen on any iPad tablet at 13 inches. What is most important and unique on this screen is the new OLED display with a 2064 x 2752 pixel resolution.

The Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 and Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 are the only iPads with this kind of screen. OLED and AMOLED screens are crisper than other types of screens with minimal parallax. Apple made this change to more effectively compete with cheaper Samsung tablets.

This is the most powerful and diverse tablet in this review. Most features will be similar to the older iPad Pro M2 2022 save for some improvements we highlighted in our iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Pro 12.9 comparison.

Compared to the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 that comes with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, the new Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 comes with a better Apple Pencil Pro.

Storage space comes in many options, from 128 GB to 2 TB, but still cannot be upgraded using a MicroSD slot like Android tablets. You have to buy the next size every time you upgrade, which can be expensive. iPads are multipurpose devices and can be used for many tasks like creative work, graphic design outdoor rugged tablets for work and more.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Best Android Tablet That Doesn’t Need a Computer

• Screen: 14.6 inches
• Resolution: 2960×1848 pixels
• Type: AMOLED 2X screen
• Aspect Ratio: 16:10 ratio 
• Brightness: 1,750 nits
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
• RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB
• Storage: 512 GB
• Pen: S Pen available
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Operating System: Android 13

If you are looking for an Android tablet that almost matches iPads but is cheaper, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra or Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is your best option.

This Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a powerful Android powerhouse that features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2960×1848 pixel resolution.

For drawing, it comes equipped with the professional Samsung S Pen included. The pen is similar to Wacom’s Pro Pens and is perfect for digital artists who need professional stylus performance on a large drawing screen. Most creatives chose this over many other drawing laptops.

Priced at $1,199.99, this tablet is not cheap but will offer great value for your money. You will get all the specs you get on the S9 and S9+, and more.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra (2025): Android Alternative

• Screen Size: 14.6 inches
• Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels
• New anti-reflective screen coating
• Brightness: 600 nits
• Screen Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
• Weight: 718 g
• Battery Life: 16 hours
• Price: 1200$
• S Pen available
• RAM: 12 GB or 16 GB
• Storage: 256 GB to 1 TB expandable to 1.5 TB
• Processor: Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset 
• Ai Features Available
• Front Cameras: 13 MP and 8 MP Ultra Wide
• Rear Camera: 12 MP and 12 MP Ultra Wide
• OS: Android 14 Upgradable to 2031

Although the Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite is affordable and useful, it still doesn’t compare to the power and premium features of an Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4). But if you want an Android tablet that truly rivals the iPad, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is your best pick yet.

It features a Super AMOLED 14.6-inch display with an ultra-sharp 2960 × 1848 resolution, delivering vibrant colors and crisp detail for any creative work. Its 16:10 aspect ratio naturally favors landscape orientation, making it ideal for both drawing and watching content.

Under the hood, the S10 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite or Gen 3 processor (depending on region), paired with 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM, allowing you to smoothly run high-performance apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more without lag.

Just like other premium Samsung tablets, the S Pen is included in the box—offering low latency, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and magnetic attachment. It’s responsive and precise, perfect for digital artists, illustrators, or note-takers.

Best of all, this is a true standalone tablet—you don’t need to connect it to a computer. Whether you’re sketching on the go, editing photos, or running design software, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra gives you a premium Android-based experience without compromise.

Huion Kamvas Slate 11 (2025): Cheap Standalone Tablet

1. Screen Size: 10.95 inches
2. Resolution: 1920 × 1200 (FHD+)
3. Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
4. Screen Type: IPS panel
5. Lamination: Full lamination
6. Surface: Nano-etched anti-glare glass (paper-like feel)
7. Color Gamut: 99% sRGB
8. Brightness: 350 nits
9. Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
10. Viewing Angle: 160°
11. Response Time: 25ms
12. Pen: H-Pencil (HS230), Active Capacitive
13. Pressure Sensitivity: 4,096 levels
14. Tilt Support: ±60°
15. Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 (8-core)
16. RAM: 8 GB
17. Storage: 128 GB (expandable up to 1 TB via microSD)
18. Battery: 11–12 hours
19. Operating System: Android 14
20. Weight: 500 g
21. Build: Aluminum back panel with included stand case
22. Extras: 8MP front + 13MP rear camera, quad speakers, USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

If you are looking for a budget friendly standalone tablet, the new Kamvas Slate 11 and Kamvas Slate 13 released in 2025, are perfect options. The Kamvas Slate 10 is still good but slightly older having being released in 2022.

As a professional digital artist, the appeal of standalone tablets like the Huion Kamvas Slate 11 and Slate 13 lies in their promise of PC-free creativity with a familiar Android workflow. Both models feature a laminated IPS display, a nano-etched anti-glare surface, and 99% sRGB coverage—delivering a paper-like feel and vibrant visuals.

The Slate 11, with its 10.95-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) screen, offers sharp detail in a compact 500 g form factor, ideal for sketching on the go. Its 90 Hz refresh rate ensures fluid drawing, and its 8-core Helio G99 processor with 8 GB RAM handles multitasking efficiently.

Meanwhile, the larger Slate 13 offers a 12.7-inch QHD (2176 x 1600) display with a 4:3 aspect ratio for more vertical canvas space, though its color accuracy and contrast fall short of professional standards.

Both use Huion’s lightweight H-Pencil with 4,096 pressure levels and ±60° tilt support; however, the stylus relies on active capacitive tech rather than EMR, resulting in occasional jitter and a less refined pressure curve—suitable for casual use but limiting for precision work.

Storage-wise, the Slate 11 provides 128GB, while the Slate 13 bumps it to 256 GB, both expandable up to 1TB. Battery life is impressive—10–12 hours on the Slate 11 and up to 14 hours on the Slate 13—making them great for mobile workflows.

Ultimately, while both devices serve as versatile Android sketchbooks for beginners and intermediate users, only the Slate 11 hits the sweet spot between value, portability, and casual functionality at $299.

The Slate 13, priced at $409, offers more screen space and power but doesn’t quite meet the standards demanded by professional illustrators or animators due to color fidelity and stylus limitations. For those prioritizing serious creative work, alternatives like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE or Wacom MobileStudio remain better investments.

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13: Best for Professionals

• Screen Size: 13.3 / 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
• Processor: Intel i7
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage Space: 512 GB SSD
• OS: Windows 10
• Battery Life: 5.5 hours
• Software: Autodesk SketchBook Express and ArtRage Studio and more

The Wacom Mobile Studio Pro Second Generation is one of the few professional-level standalone drawing tablets from Wacom for those who don’t mind spending more on a drawing tablet.

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro is specifically designed for artists and graphic designers. It is one of the top tablets for drawing available on the market today.

This tablet’s price is high, but it also has numerous features that will make your drawing experience fun and flawless. Wacom Mobile Studio comes with an in-built computer. It has all the features you need from your computer, so it enables you to work from anywhere.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro artist or a beginner; this robust tablet is easy to use, and you will love how you can use all the drawing applications on your tablet.

That’s not all. This tablet has eight shortcut buttons that you can customize to perform any shortcut. It also has a touch ring that you can utilize to perform other complex shortcuts when working, like changing your eraser’s size or brush.

Are you a professional graphic designer or artist who wants a tablet to fit your modern artistic skills? Then this tablet is a perfect match for you. Earlier in this review, we mentioned popular multipurpose tablet brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Simban Picasso Tab X. However, as an artist, you may be asking whether there are any art-based tablets available.

Wacom and Huion tablets do not need a computer connection and are the best tablets made with an artist in mind. The answer is yes. The two top players in the drawing tablet world also have a tablet in this category. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro (2nd Gen) makes our list of the best pro-level Wacom tablets, and the Huion Kamvas Studio 24 comes in close as the best professional standalone tablet.

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 is a premium tablet and is best used by professional-level digital artists. According to TechRadar, the Wacom Mobile Studio Pro is perfect for travel and outdoor fieldwork. You will be able to create even when away from your workstation.

Simbans Picasso Tab X 10 Inch: Best Budget

1. Screen Size: 10.1′
2. Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
3. Storage: 32 GB, expandable with an extra 32 GB MicroSD card
4. Processor: Quad-Core MTK8163 1.3/ 2GHz/Core
5. RAM: 4 GB / 2 GB
6. Operating System: Android
7. Front Camera: 2.0 MP
8. Back Camera: 5.0 MP
9. Battery life: 8 Hours
10. Supported drawing applications: Autodesk, Sketchbook App, Illustrator and Photoshop
11. Comes with a Stylus Pen
12. Connectivity: WiFi/Bluetooth, Mini-HDMI, USB Type-C, Audio, Micro-SD Card Slot

Simbans Picasso Tab is a great drawing tablet that you can get at the lowest budget, and it comes with a stylus pen and an Autodesk Sketchbook App pre-installed. Its drawing specifications and affordable price range make it an ideal pick for beginners and students.

The tablet uses a MediaTek quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, which makes it easy to multitask. That’s not all. Simban Picasso has a high resolution of up to 1280 x 800 pixels that produces clear images.

Additionally, the 10-inch screen size makes drawing and watching movies easy and comfortable. We love how easy it is to work from anywhere with this tablet, and you can also connect it to Wi-Fi. The Simbans Picasso is a great pick at a perfect price for beginners. It is also good for sketching and is the cheapest standalone tablet on this list.

Another great thing is that on purchase, you will get a free screen protector, drawing glove, charger set, and cool leather case all in the box.

Unfortunately, if you are serious about your art, then we recommend spending a little more on professional-level tablets such as Wacom Mobile Studio Pro or KAMVAS Studio 16.

The tablet is good when you start off sketching, but not the best in the long run. Check out our Simbans Picasso X Tab detailed review.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) : Best Value for money

• Screen size: 10.4 inches
• Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels
• LCD screen display
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Brightness: 480 nits
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G
• S Pen Included
• Operating System: Android 14.0
• Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB
• Expandable Storage
• Rear Camera: 8.0 MP with Auto Focus but no Flash
• Front Camera: 5.0 MP
• Weight: 465 g
• Battery Life: 11 hours
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, Bluetooth v5.3,
• Wi-Fi, Smart Switch PC version connection
• Sound: 3.5 mm Stereo, stereo speakers tuned by AKG
• Drawing applications: All new drawing applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and the PENUP app

Despite the surge of drawing tablets in the market, Samsung hasn’t slowed down—they’ve kept launching newer products while being mindful of different budgets. The 2024 Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an improved but affordable drawing tablet upgrade.

It may lack flashy features, but Samsung has refined their offering with a cleaner design and better internals. While still inexpensive, the Tab S6 Lite (2024) delivers a dependable drawing experience without compromising budget constraints.

Not everyone can afford high-end drawing hardware, so tablets like this one are valuable. The Tab S6 Lite (2024) has a 10.4‑inch screen, 2000 × 1200 WUXGA+ resolution, and a 5:3 aspect ratio, giving crisp and consistent visuals for sketching sessions.

Its processor power is impressive for its class—Exynos 1280, octa‑core, and comparable to your everyday computer when handling moderate workloads. You can comfortably draw for hours—especially since it includes Samsung’s S Pen—with minimal fatigue.

Featuring a 7040 mAh battery, this tablet lasts through extended drawing sessions or video playback. It handles most Android drawing apps smoothly—from Ibis Paint to Infinite Painter—though Clip Studio Paint may show lag when multitasking or adding many layers.

As a budget-friendly pen, tablet, and PC combo, it’s a solid pick for students or amateur artists. You get productivity, portability, and creative tools all bundled in—no external accessories needed.

Huion Kamvas Studio 16: Best for Beginners

1. Screen Size: 15.8-inch
2. Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels 2.5K QHD
3. Touch Screen
4. Anti-Glare Glass
5. Color Accuracy: 100% Adobe RGB
6. Pen: Slim Pen PW550S
7. OS: Windows 11 Pro
8. Processor: Intel Core i7
9. RAM: 16 GB
10. Storage: 512 GB SSD
11. Battery Life: 6 hours
12. Works with iPhone/iPad by using ibisPaint now

In October 2022, Huion launched the Kamvas Studio 16 and Kamvas Studio 24. The Kamvas Studio 24 has a larger 24-inch screen, while the Kamvas Studio 16 has a smaller 16-inch screen. Huion Studio tablets come with an incredible stylus pen with 8192 pressure levels of sensitivity and tilt sensitivity.

The screen features a Touch Screen display and Anti-Glare Glass to avoid parallax. The display is crisp and clear thanks to 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution or 2.5K QHD and 100% Adobe RGB color gamut.

To protect the tablet screen from damage or scratches the tablet comes with a tough etched glass that provides a good texture for drawing as well as a nonreflective texture.

One thing that we love about this tablet is that it comes with 20 programmable shortcut keys and has two touch strips on the sides of the screen. If you are looking for a Pro tablet from another brand instead of Wacom, this is the one for you.

Unfortunatelly, both tablets are premium and not cheap. If you want an affordable Huion Pen Computer Tablet, we recommend the Kamvas Slate series released in 2024 and 2025.

XP Pen Magic Drawing Pad (2024): Most Portable Tablet

1. Screen Size: 12.2-inch
2. Aspect Ratio: 3:2 ratio
3. Resolution: 2160 x 1440 Pixels
4. Color Accuracy: 109% sRGB, 82% Adobe RGB, 77% NTSC
5. Processor:  8-core MT8771
6. GPU: ARM G57 MC2
7. RAM: 8 GB
8. Storage: 256 GB storage expandable to 512 GB
9. OS: Android
10. Pen pressure: 16,384 levels
11. Battery-free EMR tech charging
12. Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi, USB-C 2.0

The XP Pen Magic Drawing Pad is the first pen computer from XP Pen. It is a perfect alternative to many high-end iPads and Android tablets such as the iPad Pro and Galaxy S8 Ultra.

Just like Samsung tablets, it features a large 256 GB storage space that can be upgraded to 512 GB using an external Micro SD card. Processing power is also perfect for running Photoshop and many other design software. It features a powerful 8-core MT8771 processor, supported by an ARM G57 MC2 GPU plus 8 GB RAM.

Whether you need a simple tablet for drawing or a complex powerhouse for animation and video editing, the XP Pen Magic Drawing Pad is perfect.

To match up to the standards set by Samsung in the drawing industry, it comes with a pen almost as powerful as Samsung’s S pen. The pen is battery-free and will charge as you use it without having to connect it with wires.

This is made possible by EMR technology or Electromagnetic Resonance in full. The display size is larger than the Galaxy S6 Lite but smaller than the iPad Pro at 12.2 inches.

The large screen size and even larger resolution at 2160 x 1440 Pixels make for a crisp and clean display. You will view your work in accurate and vivid color display thanks to 109% sRGB, and 82% Adobe RGB color gamut.

On purchase, you will get some free accessories such as a slim case with a pen holder slot that can work as a simple stand. You will also get a free USB-C charger and cable to charge your device.

A free XP Pen X3 Pro Pencil is also included plus four plastic nibs plus a nib remover. To protect your screen from sweaty palms, you get a free screen-protecting glove to wear as you draw.

How to choose the right standalone Drawing tablet

1. Display Size and Quality
2. Stylus Pen
3. Performance
4. Operating System Compatibility
5. Battery Life
6. Connectivity

When choosing the best tablet for your needs, you need to consider the screen quality, resolution, and color accuracy. A wide color gamut will ensure you view rich, accurate colors. The screen size and aspect ratio will ensure you are comfortable when working on your drawing tablet. You can choose either a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and above.

As an artist, the display quality is crucial and should be the first thing you check before you pay for your drawing tablet. If you don’t want a screen that reflects, we recommend you go for a matte screen. A good example of a drawing tablet with a matte display is the Wacom Mobile Studio.

You want to produce high-quality images. Therefore, you need to choose a tablet with high color accuracy. Apple and Samsung have tablets that have great color accuracy, so you can never go wrong with these two brands.

Stylus Pen Performance

For the tablet’s pen performance, choose a tablet with high-pressure sensitivity, ±60 degrees tilt recognition, and high drawing precision. Make sure to check whether the Ben is available or is bought separately. Tablets that come with a free pen are normally cheaper and more affordable.

It’s hard to produce accurate drawings without a stylus pen, and thus it is a crucial accessory. If you’re a fan of matte screens or glossy screens, you will have to pick the right one that makes it easy to draw.

Operating System Compatibility

Tablets come in various brands based on the operating system they run. For example, iPads come with iPadOS, while Samsung tablets come with Android OS. Windows tablets have similar operating systems and processors to laptops that are Windows 10/11 and Intel Core i5 or i7.

When choosing the best one, it is important to consider whether the tablet OS you buy is compatible with the system you intend to use it with.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Finally, choose a tablet that easily connects to your devices when need be. For this, check the availability of HDMI and USB-C ports. The battery life on your tablet will affect the tablet’s portability. Choose a tablet that charges fast and retains power for at least a whole 8- to 10-hour working day.

What Are drawing tablets that don’t need a computer?

A standalone tablet is a device that combines a good screen display, a good stylus pen, and an inbuilt computer system for drawing. It eradicates the need to connect to a laptop, PC, computer, or Android phone when drawing.

All the applications and features needed to draw are included within the tablet. This is different from traditional pen tablets or pen displays that need a computer to always be connected to use.

Pen tablets rely on the laptop or PC for both the screen and computer platform to install your drawing application. Pen display tablets have a screen but depend on your laptop to access the drawing application since they do not have a computer.

drawing tablet no computer needed vs. Traditional Tablets

You will notice that standalone tablets come in different brands, such as general-purpose Apple iPads, Samsung, and Windows, and dedicated drawing tablets like Kamvas Studio 16, Wacom Mobile Pro 16, and the XP Pen Magic Drawing Pad. Their OS is built in within the tablet depending on the brand.

Having the applications installed directly on the tablet means that it needs to have its own storage space, OS, RAM, and processor.

You will get a free stylus and accessories on most of the tablets in this review. However, most pen computer tablets are made for maximum portability, allowing you to work on the go without the need for additional gadgets.

Frequently Asked Questions