10 Best Portable Drawing Tablets in 2023

Portable drawing tablets are more flexible than other types of tablets and are most preferred by digital artists. They allow artists to work freely without having to be fixed on their desks or office all the time.

After searching around for the perfect tablet, I came up with this list of portable tablets based on the needs of designers and graphic artists. At the end of this article, we have explained the key factors you need to consider to choose the best one for you.

What is a Portable Drawing Tablet?

A drawing tablet is any tablet that can be used without having to connect to a computer to use. A good one needs to be lightweight and easy to carry from place to place.

Additionally, a long battery life ensures it is possible to use it outside the office.

10 Best Portable tablets for Drawing

1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Portable and Powerful Professional Level drawing tablet Editors’ choice
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ Best Value for Money
3. Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite Best Budget drawing tablet
4. Simbans Picasso Tab Best Budget drawing tablet Alternative
5. CHUWI UBook Tablet Another Cheap Standalone Drawing Tablet
6. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 Best Wacom standalone drawing tablet
7. HUION KAMVAS Studio PRO 22 Best Huion standalone drawing tablet
8. Samsung Galaxy S7+ Best Android Tablet
9. Huawei Mediapad M5 Lite Best Android Drawing Tablet Alternative
10. Apple iPad Air 4^th Gen Best Portable Standalone Drawing Tablet

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 – Portable and Powerful Professional drawing tablet

Apple has been a choice for many graphic designers and artists when it comes to their drawing tablets because the brand is known to be reliable. Their Apple iPad Pro 12.9 takes the spot as the best portable tablet you can buy.

The tablet has a powerful graphics system that outshines most Graphic Design PCs in the market today all thanks to its A12Z Bionic chip and 8-core graphics processor.

The Apple iPad 12.9 offers you a sublime drawing experience with tones of intuitive touches to make it even easier for you to carry on with your projects. The stylus pencil is wireless and recharges itself once it is placed in the magnetic storage space of this tablet. One downside however is that you do not get the Apple Pencil 2 in the box and you have to purchase it separately.

If the price is not the issue for you, then this drawing tablet will provide that stellar experience you’re yearning for. 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 will hold all your projects, programs, and extra files because the storage space is more than enough. You don’t have to get stuck on your PC anymore, this drawing tablet offers more than what your PC can offer.

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is great but does not come cheap. If you are on a budget but still need the reliability of Apple products, here are some iPad alternatives that you can buy.

We recommend that you go for the Apple iPad 12.9 if you can afford it because it cannot be compared to other brands. Good Graphic Design Gear is very effective but doesn’t come cheap, and neither is Apple iPad 12.9 drawing tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ Best Value for Money

The latest model in Samsung’s top-tier series of Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S8+, has an 11-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 120Hz, giving it an excellent display.

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

The S Pen is featured, and its lag has been decreased from 9 milliseconds to 2.8 milliseconds, enabling photo editing to be virtually lag-free.

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.

The Tab S8 Plus is our recommendation for the top Android tablets, largely due to the display and cost.

The stunning Super AMOLED display from Samsung features a 120Hz 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

Best Budget

Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite is a better version of the S6 Samsung Galaxy, but cheaper and without any unnecessary features. Oh, plus with an audio jack this time round, unlike the more costly S7, and S7+.

Though it may seem a downgrade for most Samsung Galaxy users, the S6 Lite packs most of the powerful technology used to produce the more expensive Galaxy Tablets. Just like them, the S6 lite comes with a free S Pen made with Wacom technology that is ideal for drawing and note-taking.

The screen is clear and clean with a 2000×1200 pixels resolution and with a 10.4-inch size, this tablet is perfect for artists. Give it a try or check out more Samsung Galaxy tablets with S pen.

Simbans PicassoTab Budget-friendly

• Screen Size 10.1-inch
• Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels Screen Resolution 
• Storage:  32 GB expand to 128 GB
• Processor Quad Core MTK8163 1.3/ 2GHz/Core
• RAM 4GB / 2GB
• OS Android Pie 9 and Android 10 option
• Connectivity USB Type-C

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 Simbans Picasso is just what you need.

Simbans Picasso Tab comes with 10 inches 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 2GB RAM which makes it even easier to multitask.

The tablet also has memory storage of 32GB disk 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 be double at 4GB.

The pen is highly pressured 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 drawing tablet and does not need to be connected to a computer to use.

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 Wacom Drawing Tablet

• Display: 13 inch
• Resolution: 2560×1440 pixels 82% Adobe RGB coverage 
• Processor: Intel Core i7 Quad-core 8th generation s
• RAM: 16 GB
• Internal Storage: 512 GB
• Dimensions: 19.2 x 15.7 x 6.1 inches

Wacom is one of the top brands when it comes to drawing tablets. However, most of their tablets are not fully portable and need a computer connected to use. Wacom Mobile Studio is one of the few fully portable standalone tablets from Wacom.

The tablet packs enormous power and is by far the best professional-level drawing tablet.

A core i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM, make it almost impossible for this tablet to slow down when running powerful or many programs at a go.

One thing to note is that the Wacom Mobile Studio is made with artists in mind. As a dedicated drawing tablet, the pen is 4 times more accurate and pressure-sensitive compared to most tablets.

Unfortunately, this is not a cheap standalone drawing tablet and you will have to dig a little deeper into the bank to get it. However, as a professional or serious beginner artist, go get the Wacom Mobile Studio and you will not regret it.

HUION KAMVAS Studio PRO 22 – Best Huion Standalone drawing tablet

• Display: 21.5 inch
• Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels 120% sRGB color Gamut
• Processor: Intel Core i5 8400
• RAM: 8/16 GB
• Internal Storage: 1TB HDD+120G SSD / 1TB HDD+240G SSD
• Dimensions: 589 x 344 x 21mm (Without Stand)

Huion is another brand that is giving Wacom a run for its money in the drawing tablets industry. Just like Wacom, Huion standalone tablets are not very common. However, HUION KAMVAS Studio PRO 22  is one of the few.

Like Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13, this tablet is made with artists in mind. first of all the battery-free Huion pen is highly accurate with high 8196 pressure levels. You will enjoy a natural feel drawing thanks to the Pens Plus or Minus 60 tilt recognition.

The screen is very large more than double the Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite at 21.5 inches. That is superb for artists. Clarity and resolution are perfect at Full HD 1920X1080 pixel and antiglare technology.

Multitasking will be a walk in the park with a corei5 processor and 8GB/16 GB RAM, just like Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13. You will also have a large storage space of 1TB internal memory plus a 120GB memory card.

Huion Kamvas studio tablet is also not a cheap tablet. Although you will spend a little more, it is by far worth the money.

What you get when you buy from Huion Store: Kamvas Studio 22 Pen Computer, Battery-free Pen PW500, Power Adapter, AC Cable, Pen Holder PH05, Pen Nibs PN05 x 10, Pen Nib Clip, Glove, Cleaning Cloth, Quick Start Guide.

Samsung Galaxy S7+ Best tablet for drawing with a pen – Android

1.  Display: 12.4″ inch
2. Super AMOLED screen
3. Weight: 575 g
4. Operating system: Android 10, One UI 2
5. RAM: 6GB / 8GB
6. Storage: 128GB / 256GB
7. Battery: Non-removable
8. Charging: Fast charging 45W

Samsung Galaxy S7+ is the bigger brother of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite. It is very similar in manufacture only better. This makes it our pick for Best Android Drawing Tablets.

The screen size is 12.4 inches 2 inches bigger than the S6 Lite. The display is stunning with a 2800 x 1752 pixel super ammo led display with a 120-hertz variable refresh rate. This means that the colors are super clear and crisp.

For storage and multitasking speed, the S7+ comes with 6GB of RAM and a powerful Qualcomm snapdragon 865 plus chipset. Storage space is low at 128 GB but can be boosted to 1 TB with an external SD card.

Apple iPad Air 4th Gen Best drawing tablets with screen

The Apple iPad Air 4th Gen is your best option if you’re a graphic designer or artist seeking the greatest tablet overall.

It features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 2360 by 1640 pixels resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI) to take care of the fine details of your painting.

The compatibility is excellent if you already own an Apple gadget. With the 10.9-inch active drawing surface provided by this stand-alone drawing tablet, you can create amazing drawings.

When it comes to performance, the Apple iPad comes out on top thanks to its 64-bit A14 Bionic engine and maximum storage capacity of 256GB.

You can utilize your iPad to its full potential thanks to built-in accessibility capabilities that benefit people with hearing, visual, mobility, and cognitive impairments.

Chuwi UBook Pro

Check out this device if you’re seeking an economical standalone drawing tablet! This standalone drawing tablet with full software is the most affordable one available.

This tablet is great because it has a 12.3-inch screen, an Intel m3 8100Y processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD type. It has Windows 10 already installed, so you can use any expert photo editing tool.

HiPen H5, a next-generation pen with 4096 pressure levels instead of the previous 2048, is included with the UBook Pro. It has a three-month battery life on a single charge.

The 12.3″ 1080P FHD display works well with the HiPen H5 to create paintings and other artistic works. With a pen pressure sensitivity of 4096, the HiPen H6 offers a delicate and precise experience.

Additionally, a sensor chip recognizes your palm smartly, and multi-touch ensures that the stylus is detected precisely. The sleep switch is another excellent feature that enables you to write continuously for 90 days by simply auto-switching to sleep after 2 minutes of inactivity.

Completing a prototype design or a creative painting is simple, thanks to the exact input and low latency. The high-pressure sensitivity aids in more precisely restoring the original author’s intent.

You can use the stylus to take notes wherever you are in addition to drawing. Of course, you can make notes while looking at papers, annotate PDF slides, and even take pictures.

This portable sketching tablet is ideal if you want to express yourself artistically on the train, in the park, or at a café.

Huawei Mediapad M5 Lite Cheap Portable Drawing Tablet

Drawing tablets do not come cheap. However, if you are on a budget, you still have a choice for a great Android tablet. The Huawei Mediapad M5 Lite is one of the cheapest Android drawing tablets.

Huawei Mediapad is a high performer just like most Samsung Tablets. The resolution is great at 10.1 inches size and 1920×1200 pixels resolution which is ideal for artists.

The pen is great with 2048 pressure levels that make for a great drawing experience. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase the pen separately. We also noticed the pressure pen sensitivity levels might not work with some apps.

With a great fast-charging battery and battery life, this tablet is great with high-end features coming at an affordable cost.

How to choose the Best portable drawing tablet

Operating System

An operating system is a program that is responsible for the functionality of any device. Most devices use Windows, Mac, and Linux as operating systems. When choosing a drawing tablet, it is advisable to go for a tablet that has Mac or Windows operating systems.

According to recent surveys, Mac tends to meet customers’ needs and it also has a simple user interface. That doesn’t mean that Windows OS isn’t good. The majority of users prefer devices with Windows OS.

Pressure Sensitivity

When you buy a highly sensitive drawing tablet, you’re going to use less effort to draw. The amount of physical pressure you have to put on the tablet’s screen when a drawing is inversely proportional to the pressure sensitivity of your tablet.

But this doesn’t mean that the higher the sensitivity the better for you. Remember, there’s a high chance of more errors with higher pressure sensitivity so you have to be wise when choosing your tablet.

Display of the Tablet

An active working area refers to the area on your tablet that the stylus can react to and draw. The size of the working area of your drawing tablet doesn’t have to be extremely big. An extremely big screen might make it hard for you to draw because of positioning especially when you’re using your tablet without a stand. 

The screen shouldn’t be too small too because you don’t want to run out of room when working on your projects.

Most tablets come packaged with labels indicating the size of the working area. You have to countercheck before buying the tablet just to be sure the sizes indicated are correct.

Just the way you check for resolution on your T.Vs before purchasing, you might want to check the resolution of a drawing tablet before you pay for it. If you want a tablet that will help you produce high-resolution images or graphics, then a tablet with a high LPI will be ideal for you.

Wireless Or Wired

Many graphic designers want a portable tablet for their needs and thus a wireless tablet wins the battle between wired and wireless. You want to move around freely when working and a wireless tablet will provide you with exactly what you want.

Although a wired tablet might limit your freedom in terms of movement, it can connect to your monitor or working space directly.

Additional Features

Additional features might not be that important but they can play a huge role when choosing a drawing tablet and you’re torn between two tablets.

Additional features like hotkeys can be important because they act like shortcut keys making it easier for you to program the keys to your most-used shortcuts. Some features like multi-touch capability make it easier for you to use the tablet.

Drawing Tablet Model Type

If you’re looking for a drawing tablet on a tight budget, the flat tablet will be ideal for you. Flat tablets are the cheapest compared to the other models. The flat tablets are not only cheap but they are also light.

That’s not all, you can easily connect a flat tablet to your computer as a peripheral. As you draw on your tablet, the drawings get reflected on the screen.

When it comes to portable tablets, you don’t need to connect the tablet to your computer. The tablets come with operating systems like Android, Windows, or an Apple Mac. With a tablet, you can work from anywhere because you can draw on your screen directly.

Stylus Pen

A stylus pencil is also known as an optical pencil. This accessory is very essential because it is responsible for recording the strokes that you make in the working areas and displaying them on the screen.

It is very uncomfortable to draw without an optical pencil therefore you should ensure that you have this accessory in mind.

How do you know the best type of stylus? Stylus pencils come in two designs; with battery and without battery. A stylus that comes with batteries tends to be a bit heavier because of the battery weight while the stylus without a battery ( also known as electromagnetic resonance) is lightweight.

When choosing a stylus, we recommend that you go for the one without batteries because you will reduce the stress of replacing the batteries and they are also light.

Battery capacity and life

A good drawing tablet needs to have enough battery life to at least run a whole 8-hour workday. There are many drawing tablets out there and the biggest factor when choosing one is your budget and your needs. Just like we stated above, some models are very pricey while others come cheaper but they might not fit your professional needs.

Best Portable Drawing Tablets

1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Portable and Powerful Professional Level drawing tablet Editors’ choice
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ Best Value for Money
3. Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite Best Budget drawing tablet
4. Simbans Picasso Tab Best Budget drawing tablet Alternative
5. CHUWI UBook Tablet Another Cheap Standalone Drawing Tablet
6. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 Best Wacom standalone drawing tablet
7. HUION KAMVAS Studio PRO 22 Best Huion standalone drawing tablet
8. Samsung Galaxy S7+
9. Huawei Mediapad M5 Lite Best Android Drawing Tablet Alternative
10. Apple iPad Air 4^th Gen Best Portable Standalone Drawing Tablet