In a field flooded with very many versions of the iPad, choosing the best iPad for drawing is not an easy task. Due to their powerful features and sleek design, many artists are opting for Apple products over Android tablets, Windows tablets, or even dedicated drawing tablet devices.
Apart from the reliable features, the fact that iPads come with both a screen and a computer and can work without a computer, gives them an advantage over traditional drawing tablets with a screen.
The processing power of the M1 and M2 chips plus a large RAM memory are unmatched in the industry. They allow artists to easily multi-task without issues.
Additionally, a unique liquid Retina Display technology, plus very high above Full HD screen resolution provides a unique, clear, and crisp display that is unmatched in the industry.
When it comes to pencils, Apple Pencils 1 and 2 are perfect for drawing. However, they are not originally made for drawing so we do not know their pen pressure and sensitivity but they offer a great user experience similar to art dedicated Pens like the Wacom Pro Pen 2.
Check out our Apple Pencil 1 Vs Apple Pencil 2 comparison to better understand them.
What is the best iPad for Drawing?
The Apple iPad Pro 2022 is the best iPad for Drawing. If you are interested in more Apple devices, check out our other reviews such as Best iPad Accessories for Artists.
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) best iPad for drawing Best Overall
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1,2021) Best iPad for Drawing Editors Choice
- Apple 10.9-inch iPad (2022) best budget iPad for drawing
- iPad Air 4 (2020) best value iPad for drawing
- iPad 2022 (10th Gen) best cheap iPad for drawing
- iPad Mini (2021) Best portable iPad for drawing
- iPad Pro 12.9 (2019) Best overall Runners up
- iPad 9th Generation Best for beginners
- iPad Air 4 Best Budget iPad for drawing
- iPad 8th Gen 2020 best cheap iPad for drawing
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022 best iPad for drawing Best Overall
- Screen size: 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
- Processor: Apple M2 chip
- RAM: 8 GB and 16 GB options
- Storage: 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB/1 TB/2 TB
- Pen: Apple Pencil 2
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2022 is one of a kind. It has topped most lists, it is featured in most of our reviews and this one is no different.
Apple iPad Pro comes with a large 12,9-inch screen size and 2048 x 2732 pixels Resolution with a liquid retina display that makes it clear and bright.
When it comes to processing power 8 GB and 16 GB RAM options plus an Apple M2 chip Processor work well with all drawing software in the market including Procreate and Illustrator.
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil second generation just like many new iPads. You will however have to buy the pen separately as it does not come with the iPad. A separate Apple Pencil 2 plus the iPad Pros premium price makes it expensive.
Pros
- Perfect Display
- Powerful performance
- Storage options up to 2TB
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2
Cons
- Expensive
- Apple Pencil comes separately
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1,2021) Best iPad for Drawing Editors Choice
This is the latest model of the iPad that you can easily buy in the market today. This IPad comes with an Apple pen and a large display that many artists prefer making it the best iPad for drawing overall.
Display
This Ipad has an impressive 12.9-inch display that offers excellent levels of brightness, contrast, and color.
It also has a liquid Retina XDR display that is a promotion, a true one, and a great P3 color that is a step better than its predecessors.
The mini-LED backlight brings out clear, lively images and some fine control over local dimming and provides better visual nuance and depth. For the artists, it means you will be able to view your digital drawing with utmost accuracy, detail, and clarity.
Pen
The iPad uses the second-generation Apple stylus pencil, which in response and latency it is the same as the first gen and it’s a bit more comfortable to use when drawing
Speed and storage
The iPad Pro 12.9 is pushing the limit on iPad possibilities. It has a designed M1 chip that delivers an impressive leap in performance making this iPad the fasted among devices of its kind.
The iPad houses a core i8 with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores and an impressive 8 gigs all the way up to 16 GB Ram and internal storage of up to 2 terabytes. It flies through just about any task you are going to put it through.
Pros
- Premium screen
- Superfast processor
- Generous storage options
Cons
- Expensive
Ipad Pro 12.9 (2019)
Runners up
We are talking all things iPad and you could probably loop this up with the 2018 iPad Pro as well because they are pretty similar.
While the iPad Pro 12.9 is a slightly older version, it is still a capable device and still a viable option in the market.
Display
The iPad has a 12.9-inch screen and thinner bezels that make it look sleek and stylish.
It’s still an LCD panel but still, has a high resolution of 2848 by 1536, and the 120-hertz display makes it perfect for drawing and bringing out the fine details when you are working on it.
Additionally, it has detailed color accuracy and plenty of brightness and while the screen is prone to glare it utilizes Apple’s true tone technology to optimize the color temperatures depending on the lighting conditions.
Apple Pencil
The iPad uses the second-generation Apple pencil. In terms of response and latency, it is the same as the first gen and it’s a bit more comfortable to use when drawing and it charges wirelessly. The pencil is a great option to have for note-taking and drawing.
Speed and storage
When it comes to speed, the iPad Pro is on the next level of performance with its Mi chip which is enough to handle the drawing software for creative professionals.
It comes with 4 GB of RAM and other versions, with 6 GB of RAM with a storage of 1 terabyte which is pretty amazing overall.
Pros
- Excellent price point
- Good battery life
Cons
- Only supports Apple Pencil 1
- Pretty basic tablet
IPad 9th Generation
Best iPad for beginners
The iPad 9th gen is not the most exciting of all tech that Apple released but the iPad has new cutting-edge features inside it.
iPad 9 has a 10.2-inch retina display of 2160×1620 resolution and a 60-hertz refresh rate.
The display is non- laminated meaning it has an air gap and an 8-megapixel wide-angle back camera that can record in up to 1080p 30 frames per second. With 500 nits of brightness, it is an ok choice with the sRGB display.
iPad 9 uses the 1st generation which you can pair, charge and store on the side response and latency it is the same as the first gen and it’s a bit more comfortable to use
This iPad runs on an A13 chip with a 64-bionic processor, and 64-gigabyte storage but if you need more space you can pay to have your storage bumped up to 256 gigabytes. You can also get a cellular connection for either storage model for a little extra cost.
Pros
- Better CPU and GPU
- Has true tone
- Improved cameras
Cons
- Outdated design
Ipad Air 4 Best Budget iPad for drawing
if you are a professional creative looking for a good tablet on a budget, then look no further because the iPad released the fourth generation IPad air that is suitable for drawing and also budget-friendly.
Display
The iPad Air packs a 12.9-inch liquid retina display with a resolution of 2732×2048 screen display with a true tone which is great for digital drawing. The tablet also has a fully laminated display panel. It also features a p3 wide color range.
It has the new Apple support and it snaps onto the side of the side to charge and pair the same way as the pro.
Inside the iPad Air has a newer five nanometers A14 bionic chip instead of the A12z currently in the pro. So sometimes you can expect similar better benchmark numbers and despite its lower 4 Gigabytes of RAM, it will perform great. The iPad Air also has a 60hertz refresh rate which is pretty great for drawing.
Pros
- High-resolution screen
- Large display
- Supports Apple Pencil 2
Cons
- Lacks M1 chip
iPad 8th Gen 2020 cheap iPad for drawing
The 8th generation iPad is a basic iPad for family and day-to-day operation. It also looks and feels just like its predecessors. Its features are good enough but not fancy like the Pro and Air with better performance. The good thing about this iPad is the value for money.
The iPad 8 has a retina screen display of 10.2 inches with a 2160×1620 resolution and 264 pixels per inch which is reasonable for most users who prefer full-sized tablets. It also has a front camera with a 1.2-megapixel sensor and a back camera of 8 megapixels with a 2.4 aperture.
Pen
This iPad is only compatible with the 1st gen model Apple pencil which is slightly bigger than the 2nd gen and it plugs into the iPad’s connector to charge.
The 8th gen iPad has Apple’s A12 bionic processor which makes it suitable and powerful for most casual tasks. It is a good choice for general use such as browsing, movies and reading the newspaper but it can also run gaming and light editing software if it comes to it. The iPad comes with 32Gb of storage which is pretty low but if one needs more space you can add in extra cash for the 128GB model.
Pros
- Long battery life;
- Affordable;
- Solid performance for the price
Cons
- Only comes with 32GB at the base level;
Apple 10.9-inch iPad (2022) best budget iPad for drawing
- Screen: 10.9-inch
- Resolution: 2360 x 1640 Pixels
- Pen: Apple Pencil 1
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
If you are on a budget but still need a sleek and powerful iPad, then the Apple 10.9-inch iPad (2022) is our best budget pick.
It will work perfectly as a drawing tablet with Illustrator, Procreate, Photoshop, or any other drawing application you use.
Despite being ok, you will have to forgo the Apple Pencil Second generation because it only works with Apple Pencil 1.
Additionally, the screen size is slightly smaller at 10.9 inches and the resolution is far much lower than the iPad Pro at 2360 x 1640 Pixels
You will comfortably draw despite these shortcomings. One problem however is the 64 GB and 256 GB storage options which are small especially if you save source files.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Good resolution for drawing
- Powerful Processor
Cons
- Expensive
- Low storage
- Only compatible with Apple Pencil 1
iPad Air 4 (2020) best value iPad for drawing
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
- Screen: 10.9-inch
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
- CPU: Apple M1 chip
- Storage: 64GB/256GB
The iPad Air 4 will balance the price and features to give you the best value for your money. It comes with a 10.9-inch screen size just like the Apple 10.9-inch iPad.
It is better than the Apple 10.9-inch iPad because it works with Apple Pencil 2 which is better than the old Apple Pencil 1. Unfortunately, the resolution is low compared to other iPads at 1640 x 2360 pixels. It is however still better than a Full HD resolution display.
It is powered by a powerful Apple M1 chip that will run drawing apps with ease. The storage space is however low at 64 GB /256 GB just like the Apple 10.9-inch iPad (2022).
Pros
- Good Value for Money
- Apple Pencil 2 Compatible
- Good Processor
Cons
- Low storage
- Low resolution
iPad 2022 (10th Gen) best cheap iPad for drawing
- Screen size: 10.9-inch
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
- CPU: Apple A14 Bionic
- Storage: 64/256GB
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil 1
If you are looking for a cheap iPad for drawing, we recommend the iPad 2022 (10th Gen). It still features a 10.9-inch screen size and 1640 x 2360 pixels resolution.
Overall it is very similar to the iPad Air only that it is not compatible with Apple Pencil 2 but uses Apple Pencil 1. The processor is a slower A14 Bionic which is ok but just like the iPad Air, storage space is low at 64/256 GB.
Pros
- Cheap Price
- Good Processor
- 10.9 inches size
Cons
- Low storage
- No Apple Pencil 2 support
iPad Mini (2021) Best portable iPad for drawing
The small 8.3-inch iPad Mini is the best portable option. Despite having a small screen, the tablet packs powerful features that will work smoothly without any lags.
This is made possible by a powerful A15 Bionic Processor chip. Storage space is still low at 64 GB and 256 GB options. Resolution is however low at 1488 x 2266 pixels but better than the full Hd resolution found on many premium Samsung Tablets.
One stand-out feature of the iPad Mini is its portability and compatibility with the modern Apple Pencil 2.
Pros
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2
- Good Processor
- High-resolution screen
Cons
- Small Screen
- Small Storage space
Best iPad for Drawing
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) best iPad for drawing Best Overall
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1,2021) Best iPad for Drawing Editors Choice
- Apple 10.9-inch iPad (2022) best budget iPad for drawing
- iPad Air 4 (2020) best value iPad for drawing
- iPad 2022 (10th Gen) best cheap iPad for drawing
- iPad Mini (2021) Best portable iPad for drawing
- iPad Pro 12.9 (2019) Best overall Runners up
- iPad 9th Generation Best for beginners
- iPad Air 4 Best Budget iPad for drawing
- iPad 8th Gen 2020 best cheap iPad for drawing