Best Drawing Tablets for Animation

What are the Best Drawing Tablets for Animation? Whether you are a beginner or a professional, a drawing tablet is an important addition to your workflow and will highly improve your speed and output quality.

Samsung, Wacom, Huion, Xp Pen, and Xencelabs are some of the top players that have joined the market in recent years.

Due to the increase of brands and manufacturers in the tablet niche, the price of good animation tablets has greatly reduced. Even on a budget, you can get a perfect one that suits your needs.

In this review, we have first considered the performance ability of a tablet, the nature and type of tablet and how it fits an animator’s needs, and finally different budget levels. At the end of the article, we have also come up with a guide on how to choose the best one for you.

Top Drawing Tablets for Animation Compared

1. Wacom Cintiq 16: Best for 2D and 3D animation
2. XENCELABS Wireless Drawing Tablet: Editors Pick
3. HUION HS610: Cheap animation Tablet
4. XP Pen Artist 24 Pro: Professional Drawing Tablet
5. Apple iPad Pro: The Best iPad for Animation
6. HUION KAMVAS Pro 13: beginner animation tablet
7. XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro – animation tablet for beginners
8. XP-PEN Artist 13.3 Pro – animation tablet with screen cheap

Wacom Cintiq 16: Best drawing tablet for animation Overall

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Screen Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
• Color Accuracy: 96 percent of the sRGB color Gamut
• Shortcuts: None
• Anti-glare: Yes
• Stand: free retractable stand
• Laminated Screen: Yes
• Color Gamut: 96% sRGB
• Pen: Wacom Pro Pen 2
• Battery-Free stylus
• Tilt Recognition
• Compatibility: Mac OS and Windows
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Connectivity: Connections: HDMI/USB out

Wacom Cintiq 16 is the best option you can chose. It is not for rookie animators but for those artists who are serious about animation as a profession.

It packs powerful features that will seamlessly work with many animation software programs without lag. Wacom Cintiq 16 comes with a large 15.6-inch screen and 1920 x 1080 pixels of Full HD resolution.

The 16-inch size is good for most users, but if you prefer a larger working area, Wacom has a larger 32-inch option that you can choose from. 

The 16-inch size will, however, be good enough for all your needs. Both size options work with the premium Wacom Pro Pen 2, which is perfect for both 2D and 3D animation. It offers 8192 pen pressure levels with a good pen-to-paper feel when creating on the massive screen.

Wacom Cintiq 16 comes with a screen but no computer. You will therefore have to connect to a computer device where you have installed the software to use it.

The display on your computer is projected on the Wacom screen, and you can work on it. It is a perfect premium tablet, but it still has its share of disadvantages.

You can use the Cintiq 16 with Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Autodesk Maya applications for animation. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 will have a better screen display with 3,840 by 2,160 pixel resolution or 4K UHD. It adds to the clarity with a wider 94 percent sRGB color Gamut compared to 1,920 by 1,080 pixels resolution and 96% sRGB Color Gamut on the Wacom Cintiq 16.

XENCELABS Wireless Drawing Tablet: Editors Pick

1.  2 Battery-free Digital Pen
2. Active Area: 10.33”x5.8”
3. Resolution: None
4. Tilt Support Stylus
5. Pen Pressure: 8192 Levels
6. Portable Drawing Pad
7. Aspect ratio: 16:9
8. Compatible with: Win/Mac/Linux
9. 40 programmable buttons
10. Connectivity: Wireless, USB

The XENCELABS Wireless Drawing Tablet is the newest tablet on the market. It is relatively affordable and will be good for animation tasks.

This wireless and portable tablet will provide the best value for your money if you opt for it. This is mainly because of the many free accessories in the box upon purchase. 

You will get an Xencelabs pen tablet, a 3-button pen, and another thin pen. A case to put the pens, a shortcut remote with a whopping 40 programmable buttons. A free drawing glove and spare nibs.

Overall, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet is not a very large tablet. It features a 13-inch working area similar to an iPad Pro size.

However, it is important to note that this tablet does not come with either a screen or a computer. You will have to connect to a computer to use and view your work on the computer monitor.

The Xencelabs is a diverse tablet that is compatible with Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.12 or later and Linux. This makes it flexible for many animators including beginners.

HUION HS610: Cheap Drawing Tablet

• Dimensions: 10×6.25 Inches
• Resolution: None
• Item Weight: 0.6 KGs
• Connectivity: USB
• Pen: Battery Free  PW100 STYLUS
• Express Keys: 12 Express keys, 16 Soft keys, and one Touch Wheel
• Pen Pressure: 8192 Levels
• Tilt Recognition: 60° Tilt Support
• Operating System: Windows 7 or later, Android 6.0 and later, Mac OS 10.12 or later, Linux

HUION HS610 Drawing Tablet takes the first seat today because of several reasons. The tablet is powerful and has incredible features you need to upgrade your creativity.

The tablet has many customization options and a quality stylus for a smooth drawing experience.

We loved this tablet because of its ability to work with Android, and even better, it works with applications like Affinity, and Krita.

When we received the package, we were impressed by how neatly the tablet was packed, and straight from the box came the tablet, pen holder, drawing glove, a micro USB to USB-A connector, USB C adapter, and an Android connector. You also get some extra nibs in the package.

You might think the drawing area is just medium, but the space is ideal for most creative projects. The tablet’s surface is smooth and offers you a pen-and-paper feel when drawing.

The stylus pen that comes with HUION HS610 is the standard pen that most HUION tablets use. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity are also the standard level for most stylus pens, no matter the price.

The stylus has a rubber grip and two cute shortcut buttons making its performance even better. Thanks to its battery-free feature, you’ll also realize that the pen is super light.

When it comes to body build, you might worry because this tablet has a plastic body, but everything feels sturdy. The only thing we feel HUION could have done better is with the press shortcut buttons

XP Pen Artist 24 Pro: Professional Drawing Tablet

1. Screen Size: 23.8 pixels
2. Resolution; 2K QHD 2560 x 1440 pixels
3. Pen: Free PA2
4. Pen Pressure: 1024 Levels
5. Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C, USB, HDMI
6. Short cuts: 20 Customizable Keys
7. Color Gamut: 90% Adobe RGB color gamut
8. Compatible with: Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, Mac

If you are looking for a professional-level tablet for animation, this is the one for you. It comes with a large 24-inch screen with a 2K QHD 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution, which is perfect.

The Adobe sRGB color gamut makes it display accurate, rich, and vivid colors on the screen. Additionally, the matte, textured film covering the screen will provide a pen-to-paper feel when working.

The pen provides1024 levels of pressure with +/- 60 degrees of tilt recognition. This is significantly lower than most premium animation tablets like the Cintiq 16 with 8192 levels of pressure.

Just like the Cintiq 16 the XP Pen Artist 24 Pro has a screen but no computer. You have to connect to a computer to use it. XP Pen 24 is compatible with many digital art and animation software like the The product is also compatible with popular digital art software ArtRage 5, Open Canvas and Cartoon Animator 4 Pipeline.

Apple iPad Pro: The Best iPad for Animation

1. Screen Size: 12.9-inch
2. Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixel with Liquid Retina display
3. Compatible with Apple Pencil 2
4. Color Gamut: full 100% coverage of Display P3
5. Storage: 128 GB to 2 TB
6. RAM: 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB

If you prefer a tablet with both a screen and a computer, the multipurpose Apple iPad Pro is a great pick. Unlike other tablets in this review, the iPad Pro is made to perform many complex tasks, including gaming.

You will have a large 12.9-inch screen with a clear 2732 x 2048 pixel resolution. The screen features a unique liquid Retina display and 1600 nits of brightness, which make it very bright and usable in high light or outdoors.

Apple’s unique M2 chip is one of the most powerful processors available in the industry. It combines with 4 GB to 16 GB of RAM options to perform quick functions and calculations with minimal possibility of lag. However, we recommend 16 GB of RAM and above for animation.

If you want video editing or a tablet for photo editing, the 8 GB and 4 GB options are okay. It comes with some very powerful specifications that make it possible to run animation software. To save files and install software, it comes with a large 128 GB to 2 TB option that you can choose from. However, once you choose a specific size, you cannot use a card to upgrade memory.

You will have to buy the next-size tablet to upgrade. Other tablets, like those from Samsung, allow you to expand storage using an external MicroSD card.

The iPad Pro is effective, powerful, and reliable, but it is also equally expensive. Additionally, you will not get any free accessories like the pencil or magic keyboard. You will have to buy it separately, adding to the price.

HUION KAMVAS Pro 13: beginner animation tablet

1. Screen size: 13.3 inches
2. Resolution: 1920 by 1080 pixels
3. Aspect Ratio: 16:9
4. Color Accuracy: 120% sRGB
5. Matte Textured Fully laminated display
6. 8-bit color with 16.7 million color recognition
7. Buttons: 8 customizable keys
8. Pen; PW517
9. Pressure sensitivity: 8192
10. Tilt Recognition: +-60 degrees
11. Pen resolution: 5080 lines per inch
12. Connection: 3-in-1 or USB-C
13. Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android OS

If you are just starting out as a digital artist, the HUION KAMVAS Pro 13 is our best recommendation for you. It is made by a trusted brand that has been on the market for a while now.

They are not only known for making great drawing tablets, but for an affordable price range too. Hui Kamvas Pro 13 is one such device.

It features a matte-textured 13.3-inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution. The screen is sturdy and fully laminated for maximum clarity. However, just like the GAOMON tablet, you will not have a computer on the tablet, so you must connect to a computer externally to use it.

You will have eight customizable shortcut buttons on the tablet body to set to your preferred functions. This tablet is very similar to the GAOMON PD1161, only slightly bigger and with a brighter screen.

XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro – animation tablet for beginners

1. Screen Size: 15.6 pro Computer Graphics Tablet
2. Resolution: 1920×1080 Pixels
3. Color Gamut: 120% sRGB
4. Battery-Free Stylus
5. Full-Laminated Screen Technology
6. Accessories: XP-PEN Professional Artist Glove
7. 8192 of pressure sensitivity
8. Plus or minus 60-degree tilt recognition

XP-PEN Artist15.6 Pro is one of the best budget tablets for animation. One thing that stands out is the large fully laminated 15.6-inch screen. The screen is larger than the 2 earlier reviewed tablets that are Samsung Galaxy S7 Plus and Apple iPad Pro.

A fully laminated screen combines the 3 layers of the screen into 1 compact screen without spaces between. The screen is therefore very clear because no air bubbles will form in between screen layers. Additionally, the screen is more durable and gives a natural pen-to-paper feel when using the tablet.

One downside however is that the XP-PEN is not a stand-alone tablet and needs a computer connected to use it. This limits its portability because you have to carry your computer everywhere you go.

The stylus offers a plus or minus 60-degree tilt recognition and 8192 of pressure sensitivity plus virtually no delay. The exceptional red dial interface sets this device apart, enabling easy zooming plus scrolling about the canvas.

The tablet is compatible with many Windows and Mac computers; the XP-PEN Artist15.6 Pro is adaptable, portable plus super-efficient.

XP-PEN Artist 13.3 Pro – animation tablet with screen cheap

1. Screen Size: 13.3 inches
2. Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
3. Fully Laminated Screen
4. Protective antiglare film
5. Brightness Levels: 220 nits
6. Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
7. Color Accuracy: 30% sRGB, 96% Adobe RGB and 92% NTSC
8. Stylus: X3 Elite
9. Pressure Levels: 8192
10. Tilt Recognition: ±60°
11. Resolution: 5080 LPI
12. Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Android USB3.1 DP1.2, Linux

XP-PEN Artist 13.3Pro is my choice for a cheap animation tablet with a screen. Here is why: if you pick it, it comes with a free drawing glove, replaceable pen nibs, a portable stand, and a pen holder.

To start with is the exquisite monitor that doubles up as a drawing screen. The monitor is clear and gives you a true picture of the colors and the details as you draw.

The matte finish on the screen gives the 13.3-inch monitor a beautiful finish.

Noticeable is the 60+- tilt function, which is tagged along functional buttons 8 in number together with a red dial ring.

It also features 8192 pressure levels of sensitivity. This ensures what you instruct the pen produces on the screen without wobbling.

Customize the pen by pressing either of the two visible buttons. Additionally, the pen is rechargeable as it comes battery-free with continuous use of up to 10 hours. In regards to the nibs, this tablet’s pen can be changed with newer nibs for excellent detailing.

Finally, it is designed to be used on both Windows and Mac operating systems. Note you can install most of the software used including Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop among others.

How do I choose the best drawing tablet?

The many tablets in the industry can be very confusing. However, once you understand what factors to consider, it becomes rather straight-forward. Below are the most important factors we considered when preparing this compilation.

Display

The display is the area where you will view your designs as you create them. You will need to consider the screen size, resolution, and type of tablet.

For the size, we found that any tablet that can be used for animation should be 10 inches in size and above, with larger sizes providing a better user experience than smaller ones.

For the resolution, we recommend you choose tablets with 1920 x 1080 pixels and above. They are more clear and better for animation than lower-resolution options.

Graphics vs. Pen Computers vs. Pen Tablets

Whereas you can use any type of tablet for animation, the type you choose is an important aspect to consider. First, there are those tablets that have both a computer and a screen. They are referred to as pen computer tablets.

You can use them without having to connect to a computer. A good example is the iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra, Kamvas Studio 16, and many more.

The second type has a screen but lacks a computer to install software. You have to connect to a computer and then view it on the tablet screen. Most art tablets fall into this category. They are the most recommended for animation.

These tablets are referred to as pen display tablets. A good example is the Huion Kamvas 13, GAOMON PD 1161, and many more.

The last type, which is the cheapest, does not have a screen or a computer. It has an active working area that you draw on when looking at your screen. A good example of a graphic tablet is the Huawei HS610.

Pen and Shortcut Keys

A good tablet to use for drawing and animation needs to have a sensitive stylus pen that is sensitive to the screen or tablet’s active area. The pen needs to be tilt-responsive with up to 8192 pressure sensitivity levels for the best experience.

Having shortcut keys on the pen or being battery-free is an added advantage that will improve your user experience.

Customizable shortcut keys are a good way to speed up your work flow. You can set up any commonly used functions during your work flow to speed up your work. Choose a tablet with a provision for many shortcut keys.

Price Range

Whether you want a cheap tablet under $100  or a premium tablet, there is something for you. As you buy, always understand your minimum and maximum budget and compare the tablets in that price range.

Now that you understand the types of tablets available, clearly check the type of tablet available in each price range.

Frequently Asked Questions