9 cheap drawing tablet with screen options for creative professionals

A cheap drawing tablet with screen can instantly elevate your potential as a budding artist or designer. Using an affordable drawing tablet with screen access, you can easily sketch ideas in a digital format, and upload them straight to your PC

These tablets make it much easier to experiment with images and create sketches for clients. They’re also a fantastic way to develop your skills and work with leading software. 

If you want to get your hands on some of the best drawing tablets around, you can expect to spend quite a bit of cash. 

The leading drawing tablets with screens come at a serious price premium. That’s a cost you might not be able to handle as a beginner.

Fortunately, as technology continues to evolve and become more affordable, there are a few more accessible alternatives that are starting to appear. 

Our top choices for the best cheap drawing tablet with screen options include:

• Simbans PicassoTab (best kit)
• Parblo 10.1-inch tablet (best compact) 
• GAOMON PD1161 affordable tablet (best with shortcut keys)
• Artisul D22S 21.5-inch (best large tablet)
• Huion KAMVAS PRO 12 (best pro option)
• XP-PEN Artist12 Pro (best for beginners)
• Huion Kamvas 13 (best 2-in-1)
• Huion KAMVAS Pro (best with keys)
• XP-PEN Artist 15.6 (best app access) 

So which cheap drawing tablet with screen options are worth your cash?

Let’s find out. 

1. Simbans PicassoTab (best kit)

Simbans is a pretty popular name in the market if you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet with screen. 

The PicassoTab is one of the best selling products right now, offering the excellent features of a professional-level drawing tablet, with some extra features thrown in. 

You get a Sketchbook app from Autodesk pre-installed, and a drawing glove, power adapter, and a few other things too. 

Although the PicassoTab is a little more expensive than some of the basic entry-level products on the market, it definitely has plenty of value to offer when you consider the accessories that come included. 

The 10-inch tablet is also surprisingly powerful, with a HD screen resolution and 32GB of storage space. 

Features include:

• Draw or take note in seconds
• 4 bonus accessories included
• 2GB of RAM
• Quad-core processor
• Excellent CPU performance
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Battery-free active pen
• GPS and camera apps included

Easy to use and affordable, the PicassoTab isn’t the most advanced product out there, but it’s an easy entry point for artists from all backgrounds. 

There’s a screen protector included for extra peace of mind too. 

The battery life is a little limited, and the charger doesn’t seem to be the best quality, as it breaks quite quickly.

Pros:

• Excellent HD quality design
• Plenty of storage for games and apps
• Quad-core processor 
• Accessories already included
• Easy to use design

Cons:

• Not the best battery life
• Charger isn’t great

Simbans PicassoTab

An affordable tablet that comes with a pen and a pre-installed Autodesk Sketchbook app for those who want to draw pictures or take notes in the classroom.

2. Parblo 10.1-inch tablet (best compact)

If you want a large 16-inch and above drawing tablet with screen functionality, then you’ll usually have to commit to spending a little more. 

The screen part of the device is the most expensive component in some cases, so bigger screens mean more cash. 

Parblo eliminates that problem with an affordable compact tablet you can fit in any backpack. 

This 10.1-inch drawing tablet is one of the top choices for people who want to take their graphic design tasks with them wherever they go. 

You can use the device with your favorite software, include Corel Painter and Photoshop. 

Features include:

• Battery-free pen for more ergonomic drawing
• High viewing angle options
• Compatible with leading software
• Works with any operating system
• High-speed hub for USB ports
• 2,048 levels of pen pressure
• Excellent carry case included

To make this device more portable, it comes with its own handy wool carry case. 

You also get a range of high-performance features, such as 2,048 pressure level options for your battery-free pen. 

There’s also a USB hub included so you can connect extra devices, like your laptop or computer, and use the software you like the most. 

Be aware that the tablet has a habit of heating up in use. 

Pros:

• Convenient portable size
• Excellent screen performance with great responsivity
• Comes with accessories like a wool case
• Compatible with operating systems and software options
• Excellent battery-free pen

Cons:

• Heats up quite quickly
• Not the most ergonomic pen

Parblo 10.1-inch tablet

Parblo Coast10 Graphic Monitor has high sensitivity and recognition rate bring you a real drawing experience, suitable for painting, writing, etc.

3. GAOMON PD1161 affordable tablet (best with shortcut keys)

The GAOMON brand might not be as well-known as Wacom and similar companies for drawing tablets. 

If you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet with screen that offers excellent performance, this is the option for you. 

This GAOMON pad is 11.6 inches in diameter, with eight shortcut keys along the side of the display which you can assign to various functions. 

The battery-free pen is easy to use when you’re sketching, and there are 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels, bringing this pad to the same quality as other market leaders. 

This high-performance display is compatible with a wide range of software products, and it can work with either Windows or Mac OS. 

With this tablet, you get: 

• Hot keys for programming with software
• 11.6-inch HD display
• 60 degree tilt options
• 8,192 levels of pressure
• Window and Mac operating system support
• Portable lightweight design
• Convenient battery-free pen

If you’re a beginner that’s just getting used to drawing tablets for the first time, you’ll love the convenience and functionality of the GAOMAN. 

Although it takes a while to get the settings just right, you’ll eventually reach a point where you’re sketching designs faster and more conveniently than ever. 

Just be careful that you don’t accidentally scratch the screen. 

Pros:

• Smooth HD display
• 8,192 levels of pressure support
• Works with various software options
• Portable and lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Takes a while to set up
• Screen can scratch somewhat easily

Sale

GAOMON PD1161 affordable tablet

The rich feature set of the GAOMON PD1161 makes it a compelling option for those who are looking for a lot of bang for your buck.

4. Artisul D22S 21.5-inch (best large tablet)

If you need a cheap drawing tablet with screen, but you also want a product that’s large enough for complicated designs, Artisul has you covered. 

This high-performance drawing pad is 21.5 inches in size, giving you the freedom to create immersive worlds with your artwork in no time. 

The D22S budget tablet comes with an adjustable stand so you can draw at the angle that’s best for you too. 

Like many of the leading tablets on the market today, the Artisul comes with an impressive 8,192 levels of pen pressure, so you can really get accurate with your content. 

There’s also an anti-glare film on the screen to reduce the amount of ambient light issues you have to deal with. 

This is one of the most affordable choices for those who need size. 

Features include:

• Huge 21.5-inch screen
• 8,192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity
• Drawing stand included
• Battery-free stylus with 60-degree tilt
• Excellent anti-glare film coating
• Lightweight enough for portability
• Clear screen
• Glove and accessories included

Compatible with most of the top software options on the market, the Artisul is a delightful option for anyone who needs the cheapest drawing tablet with screen without compromising on size. 

There’s a quick-start guide to help you figure out how everything works. 

The resolution on this device, however, is a little limited compared to some of the smaller options.

Pros:

• Large 21.5-inch screen
• Drawing stand (adjustable) included
• Anti-glare film screen
• Lightweight and durable
• Glove and accessories included

Cons:

• Not the best screen resolution

Artisul D22S 21.5-inch

Artisul D22S boasts 1080x1920P resolution and 76% A-dobe RGB gamut, allowing you to enjoy a glamorous visual effect with more exquisite details and richer layers.

5. Huion KAMVAS PRO 12 (best pro option)

When it comes to picking the best budget drawing tablet with screen, you might struggle to get one of the best-known brands for an affordable price. 

If you’re willing to start simple, you can get your hands on a professional product without breaking the bank. 

This Huion KAMVAS Pro 12 drawing pad comes with a full-laminated pen display and a battery-free stylus for ergonomics.

The Huion comes with 8,192 levels of pen pressure support, with around 60 degrees of pen tilt performance. 

There’s 16.7 million color options on this screen, and you get four press keys and a touch bar for assigning shortcuts for any of the software you prefer to use. 

The 266 PPS report rate means you get quick feedback with every pen stroke. 

Features include:

• Full-laminated anti-glare glass
• 4 press keys and 1 touch bar
• 11.6-inch IPS screen
• Tilt function battery-free stylus
• Compatible with various operating systems
• Works with various tools, including Microsoft 365
• 8,192 levels of pen pressure
• 120% SRGB gamut
• Anti-slip surface
• Adjustable stand

With an adjustable stand to help you draw at an angle that feels most comfortable for you, this high-performance drawing pad is a delight to use. 

You also get a pen holder as part of the kit so you don’t have to worry about damaging the nib when you’re not using it. 

One slight issue is that the brightness on this device isn’t as great as it could be. 

It’s also a little small for some artists at only 12 inches.

Pros:

• Professional performance
• 8,192 levels of pen pressure
• Beautiful anti-slip surface
• 4 keys and 1 touch bar
• Adjustable stand for angled drawing

Cons:

• A little small for some
• Not the best brightness

Huion KAMVAS PRO 12

The Huion KAMVAS PRO 12 features a newly upgraded Type-C interface, anti-slip design, a cooling vent and aluminum casing that provides you with more convenience and efficiency.

6. XP-PEN Artist12 Pro (best for beginners)

A fantastic choice for beginners getting involved with graphic tablets for the first time, the XP-PEN Artist12 pro is a fully laminated screen with a 11.6-inch display. 

There’s a tilt function pen that allows you to adjust the pen direction however you choose. 

You also get 8 customizable shortcut keys and a red dial to help you move between different features on a piece of software. 

The newly-designed battery-free stylus on this product is lightweight and ergonomic, with an extra fine pen nib to help you enjoy the most natural drawing experience. 

A stand and pen holder comes included as standard. 

Features include:

• Convenient 11.6-inch display
• Laminated and protected surface
• USB port connection
• High-performance battery-free pen
• Agile nibs for better drawing
• 60-degree tilt support
• Full high-definition screen
• 8 short cut keys and a dial for choosing features
• Accessories for angling your screen

This is a handy product for people who are discovering the benefits of graphic tablet drawing for the first time. 

You can adjust your viewing angle with the included stand, and the pen comes with a fantastic 8,192 levels of sensitivity. 

You also get a decent report rate of around 200 RPS. 

The pen does lose connection at times, which can be problematic if you’re in mid-design. It’s also difficult to set this device up with a Mac. 

Pros:

• Excellent pen with 8,192 levels of sensitivity
• 60-degree tilt support with tiny nibs for accuracy
• 8 customizable shortcut keys and dial
• Laminated and durable display
• Accessories included

Cons:

• Not ideal for Mac users
• Can lose connections to pen at times 

Sale

XP-PEN Artist12 Pro

Artist12 Pro drawing tablet pairs a superb color accuracy of 72% NTSC with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and details in a wider view.

7. Huion Kamvas 13 (best 2-in-1)

HUION offers another excellent contender for those in search of a cheap drawing tablet with screen functionality. 

The Kamvas 13 is more than just a convenient 13.3-inch drawing tablet with full-laminated performance. 

This HD tablet is also available to use as a standard tablet. You can connect to the Android OS system to play with apps and browse the web. 

As a drawing accessory, the Kamvas 13 provides the kind of rich functionality you would expect from a market leader. 

There’s a battery-free stylus with 60-degree tilt function for better sketching. 

You also get a 266PPS response rate for fast reactions. There are 8,192 levels of pen pressure for great sensitivity, and this device can work with a range of popular software choices too. 

Features include:

• 13.3-inch HD display
• Lifetime technical support from HUION
• Tablet performance for drawing and browsing
• Quick and easy connection to your favorite devices
• Fully laminated anti-glare glass
• Outstanding picture display
• Battery-free stylus performance
• Lightweight for transportation
• 8 express keys for access to crucial features

Whether you’re painting, sketching, or just making notices, the HUION offers easy and convenient functionality for today’s creative professionals. 

You can also play games, check out new apps, and edit your videos and images on the same tablet. 

One slight issue is that it does take quite a while for this product to boot up when you want to start drawing. 

Pros:

• Excellent brand support and customer service
• Battery-free stylus with 8,192 levels of pressure
• Excellent 266PPS response rate
• 8 express keys included
• Lightweight and durable design

Cons:

• Takes a long time to boot up when you’re getting started
• Not the best parallax performance

Sale

HUION Kamvas 13

The HUION Kamvas 13 packs a lot of punch at a very friendly price. If you’re looking for a versatile drawing tablet, this is made for you.

8. Huion KAMVAS Pro (best with keys)

If you’re looking for an affordable Huion drawing tablet with screen, this could be one of the better options available today. 

Huion tablets are well-known in the creative landscape for providing effective technology that doesn’t break the bank. 

This KAMVAS Pro drawing tablet with screen comes with support for 8,192 levels of pen pressure. 

The battery-free pen allows for a lightweight and natural drawing experience too. 

With 4 key options and 1 touch bar, the KAMVAS makes working with drawing software quickly and simply. 

The 13.3-inch IPS screen also gives you an excellent insight into your drawings as you work. 

The Huion drawing tablet with screen comes with a 266 PPS report rate, with quicker responses and performance when working on the display. 

The laminated screen also delivers a smooth experience with minimal glare. 

For around $300, features include:

• Anti-glare full-laminated glass
• 13.3-inch IPS screen 
• Tilt function battery-free pen
• 8,192 levels of pen pressure
• 266 PPS report rate
• Compatibility with Windows and Mac
• Works with popular drawing software
• HDMI and USB connections
• 3 keys and a space bar

This Huion drawing tablet with screen is one of the more convenient models on the market, thanks to its lightweight stylus and excellent responsive screen. 

The powerful tablet provides an excellent resolution with a convenient set of buttons that you can use to access crucial features and tools fast. 

We did find that this drawing tablet may take a little longer to get used to than its counterparts.

Pros:

• Excellent anti-glare screen
• 8,192 levels of pen pressure
• 266 PPS reporting rate
• Windows and Mac compatibility
• Keys for ease of use

Cons:

• Bit of a learning curve to get used to
• Some light bleed on the edges of the screen

Huion KAMVAS Pro

The rich feature set of the KAMVAS Pro 13 makes it a compelling option for those who are looking for a lot of bang for your buck.

9. XP-PEN Artist 15.6 (best app access) 

Sometimes, an excellent drawing tablet is only as good as the software you can use with it. 

Most of the best cheap drawing tablet with screen products available today are highly versatile. You should be able to use most of the software you’re used to on your device. 

The XP-PEN Artist is particularly good for app functionality. 

Aside from supporting your favorite drawing apps, this device also offers access to a range of additional tools like Udemy, Bloc, Facebook, YouTube, and even Microsoft Teams for remote working. 

On top of that, you still get a fantastic 8,192 levels of pen pressure with no battery to weigh you down. There’s also a glare resistant screen that fights against dust build up. 

With this tablet, you get:

• Access to plenty of third-party apps
• 15.6-inch screen with excellent angle options
• 266 RPS response rate
• Left and right hand support
• Compatible with a range of OS systems
• Constantly updating drivers
• 6 customizable express keys
• Durable, dust-free and glare resistant screen

The XP-PEN Artist tablet is easy to use and impressive, with a great responsivity rate, and 6 customizable keys so you can access the features you need fast. 

You also get access to frequent driver updates which introduce new apps to use and better functionality too. 

There are a few issues with responsivity around the very edges of the device. 

Pros:

• Works with tons of popular apps
• Durable anti-glare screen
• Excellent responsivity and pen pressure support
• Right and left hand support
• Constantly updated drivers to keep you ahead of the curve

Cons:

• Not the best edge sensitivity

XP-PEN Artist 15.6

The XP Pen Artist 15.6 is a great budget drawing tablet with screen. It’s an excellent tablet for beginners and professionals alike thanks to its features.

Choosing the best cheap drawing tablet with screen

Finding the best drawing cheap drawing tablet with screen access can seem like quite the challenge. While you don’t want to necessarily purchase the cheapest drawing tablet with screen, you’ll need something capable of balancing budget and features. 

There are a lot of different brands out there providing high-quality tech for the modern artist. 

At the best of times, you have countless factors to consider, from responsivity levels, to how big you want your tablet to be. When you add budget into the list of things you need to check, the task becomes tougher. 

Fortunately, there are some affordable drawing pad options out there for those who don’t have a lot of cash to spend. 

If you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablet with screen access, you should be able to find a solution that works for you in one of the options covered above. 

Remember, when conducting your own reviews, check out the:

Functionality

The cheapest drawing tablet with screen won’t be much good if you can’t figure out how to use it. Make sure that you’re comfortable using any software that comes with your device. It’s also helpful to look for integrations with the software you already use for drawing and editing. 

Screen performance

Your drawing pad needs a screen that’s both responsive, and high in quality. Excellent clarity and color performance will help you to create better images. Responsivity to various levels of pen pressure will give you more freedom to sketch and draw according to your skills. Make sure that you look for a screen that’s durable too, to help your investment stand the test of time. 

Size

How big do you need your drawing tablet to be? The best budget drawing tablet with screen for your needs might need to be a lot larger than a standard product if you’re working on big and complicated designs. Either way, you’ll need a product that’s both lightweight and durable so you can take it with you on the move. 

Pen performance

Battery-free stylus options are the most popular at the moment because they give you the freedom to draw without being weighed down. Choose a pen that you can work with comfortably for long periods of time. An uncomfortable pen might detract from your drawing abilities. 

Choosing the best cheap drawing tablet with screen

When you’re limited on budget, you will be more restricted on the kind of drawing tablets available. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of excellent products out there that offer great functionality for a price that doesn’t break the bank. 

For the best professional performance, we’d recommend the Huion Kamvas Pro 12, with its ergonomic battery-free stylus and 8,192 levels of pen pressure. 

The color output on this screen is phenomenal, and you get a brilliant 266 PPS response rate too, for excellent feedback. 

If you’re a complete beginner, you could also consider the XP-PEN Artist12 Pro for simple performance at an affordable price. This device comes with its own pen holder and stand. 

Good luck finding the best budget drawing tablet with screen! 

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