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Best Affordable Drawing Tablet: 10 Budget Options For Artists

Matthew

Digital drawing has opened up countless possibilities for artists, provided you have the right tablet. With the landscape set for the innovation and improvement of what you can expect from the best affordable drawing tablets in 2023, here is our roundup of the best cheap drawing tablet options.

Whether you’re a part-time creative or a full-time illustrator, with the right drawing tablet, you’ll be well on your way to creating a digital masterpiece. There are so many factors to consider when choosing the best cheap drawing tablet.

Luckily, we’ve reviewed the best of the best cheap drawing tablets to compile the perfect guide. Making a decision doesn’t need to take up any more of your sketching time. So let’s get you drawing in no time.

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TLDR

TLDR: The best cheap drawing tablet is the Huion Inspiroy H640P . We found it to be easy to use, providing a paper-like drawing experience. It’s comfortable either held in the arm or on the lap. Beyond these highlights, it also comes at a budget-friendly price. Its small size makes it ultra-portable, allowing you to draw from wherever you like. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we think this cheap graphic tablet will be worthwhile.

Best Budget Tablet for Drawing Beginners

When you’re first starting out, the variety of drawing tablets available can be overwhelming. Luckily there are several great options for beginners. The best drawing tablet for beginners is the Huion Inspiroy H640P which has a smooth surface and minimal lag.

Other great tablets for beginners are:

Best Budget Graphics Tablet | Computer Drawing Pad

Most of the best cheap drawing tablets require a computer connection. The best computer drawing pad is the UGEE M708 V2 which is user-friendly, has amazing features, and won’t break the bank.

Other great options include:

Best Budget Drawing Tablet With a Screen

Drawing tablets with a screen are more expensive than standard graphics tablets, but they improve usability and for some, it’s definitely worth the extra money. The best drawing tablet with a screen is the Huion KAMVAS Pro 13 GT-133, which works without a computer and offers endless possibilities. But there are also some more budget-friendly alternatives.

Other outstanding alternatives for the best budget art tablet with a screen are:

Best Affordable Drawing Tablet | Wireless

One of the most frustrating things about drawing tablets is the necessary wires. There are a few tablets that allow wireless drawing. The best affordable wireless drawing tablet is the Huion Inspiroy Q11K, which charges quickly and has excellent pressure sensitivity.

Other fantastic wireless tablets:

Best Cheap Drawing Tablets Comparison Table

This table provides a brief overview of the most affordable drawing tablets, but there are more in-depth reviews later on in the article to help you make an informed decision.

Best Budget Drawing Tablet Reviews

The right drawing tablet or digital writing tablet will allow you to create incredible artworks worth sharing. Gone are the days when buying a drawing tablet meant breaking the bank. Now you can get a number of affordable drawing tablets that’ll plug right into your laptop or connect wirelessly.

Huion Inspiroy H640P Graphics Drawing Pad for PC Review

Pros

• 233 PPS report rate
• 8192 Levels of pressure sensitivity
• Slim design & lightweight (497g)
• Battery-free stylus
• Design features for Online Learning/ Remote Work

Cons

• Pressure sensitivity differs when used with some programs
• The stylus cord is a bit short
• The H950P lacks a touch interface

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 12.6”x 7.4”
• Drawing Area: 8.7”x 5.4”
• Battery: Plugged into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free 

This Huion Inspiroy H640P budget drawing tablet creates a bit of a learning curve for new users, but once we got used to it, it was easy to use. The size of the tablet allows for work on the desk or even on your lap.

We loved how portable, sturdy, and durable this graphics tablet is. It’s as slim as a smartphone and supports Mac, Windows, and Android (allowing you to draw on your smartphone).

We were concerned when minor scratches appeared on the surface while working, but these were easily wiped away. Drawing on the surface is smooth and offers great sensitivity at a low price. This drawing tablet provides functionality that allows constant lines without lagging, allowing for a vivid rendering with each stroke input.

All in all, this cheap drawing tablet is perfect for every skill level.

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Huion H610 Pro V2 Graphic Drawing Tablet Review

Pros

• Software compatibility with Mac OS, Windows, Android
• 8192 Levels of pressure sensitivity
• 8 Customizable press keys + 16 customizable soft keys
• Battery-free stylus PW100
• Large work area for android

Cons

• Driver functionality tends to break down
• Pressure sensitivity is inconsistent with certain software programs
• The express keys on the stylus are oddly placed

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 13.9”x 9.6”
• Drawing Area: 10”x 6.2”
• Battery: Plugged into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free

The Huion H610 Pro V2 comes as one of the most recent additions to the already large drawing tablet catalogue sported by the company. We were excited to get our hands on this as its many high-end features at a reasonably low cost showed a lot of promise.

The is one of those drawing tablets which supports an impressive amount of pressure levels and is supported on Mac and Windows. And is one of the best Android tablets for drawing, meaning you can use the tablet from your smartphone.

The software is simple to set up and works well with most graphic design programs. The tablet is accompanied by the new PW100 battery-free stylus, which includes two express keys on the pen itself and a third that doubles as an eraser.

Although we found the keys to feel slightly out of place at times, this didn’t hinder the tablet’s performance.

The size of the tablet works well for beginners and professionals. The surface protector allows for smooth drawing and minimizes the damage that often occurs after heavy use.

Overall, this tablet is efficient as well as affordable.

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XP-PEN Deco Pro Small Computer Drawing Pad Review

Pros

• Award-winning design
• Innovative double-wheel interface
• Battery-free stylus
• Easy connect OTG adapter
• Wide variety of software compatibility

Cons

• Stylus nibs tend to wear down easily and quickly
• The stylus response rate is inconsistent
• Not wireless

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 13.8”x 7.8”
• Drawing Area: 9”x 5”
• Battery: Plug into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free

Like most graphics tablets, the XP-PEN Deco Pro needs to be plugged into a computer to work. The tablet also supports connections with Android devices. We found the eight programmable short keys on the drawing tablet and two keys on the pen to be very practical and made using this drawing tablet super easy.

One of the most exciting aspects of the pen is the double wheel design which is paired with trackpad functionality, allowing for an improved creation experience. The pen also has virtually no lag and features a sensitive 60-degree tilt function that responds to your hand movement and allows for shading.

Like other drawing tablets that have a resilient surface texture, we found this really nice to work on, and the rubber feet on the back ensure that the tablet doesn’t move when drawing. Unfortunately, we found that the nibs wear down really quickly, especially after considerable use. These are pretty cheap to replace, though.

This cheap drawing tablet is a good option whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out.

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Huion KAMVAS Pro 13 GT-133 Drawing Tablet Review

Pros

• Full HD resolution
• 4 Customizable express keys & touch bar
• Sleek design
• Ultra tilt function battery-free stylus
• Compatible with Linux/ Mac OS/ Windows

Cons

• The calibration settings tend to be slightly off
• Software functionality outside of Adobe Photoshop struggles
• Heats up quite a bit with prolonged use

• Display: Full HD On-screen display
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 15.2”x 8.6”
• Drawing Area: 11”x 6”
• Battery: Permanent plug connection required
• Stylus: Battery-free

The KAMVAS Pro 13 sits well within the higher cost bracket for entry to mid-level drawing tablets but comes packed with features aimed at any type of artist. The tablet pen sports 8192 pressure levels that work with automatic line correction and intelligent anti-shake functionality that allows for a great drawing experience.

We found that the tablet struggled to function correctly on apps other than Adobe Photoshop, but if you are only using Photoshop, we highly recommend this drawing tablet. The slim design means it’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t take up too much room on your desk.

We were impressed by the crisp and clear screen of the KAMVAS Pro 13, and while using it, we found it to have just the right amount of drawing area.

The pressure sensitivity for this drawing tablet is a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s incredibly sensitive, which is great for precision, but it does make for frustrating stroke mistakes at times.

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UGEE M708 V2 Graphics Tablet Review

Pros

• Large draw area (10×6 Inch)
• 8192 Levels of pressure sensitivity
• Compatible with Mac OS and Windows
• 8 Ergonomically designed customizable express keys
• Easy setup

Cons

• Driver security for the M708 V2 is lacking
• Stylus software is inconsistent when used with a range of programs
• Prone to freezing with intensive use

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 14”x 8”
• Drawing Area: 10”x 6”
• Battery: Plug into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free 

The UGEE M708 V2 is one of the most affordable drawing tablets for beginners on the market today.

Like all the best inexpensive drawing tablets, it requires a computer to use and works well with major design software but does tend to freeze when other programs are running in the background (such as Spotify).

With a 266 PPS report rate, this is one of the most responsive refresh rates for products in the same price range as the UGEE. What makes this one stand out is the multi-scene functionality, which makes it great for use in sketching, editing, and design.

The active surface area is comfortable, with enough space to achieve great results. Although it might seem like a small feature, the option of both right and left-handed drawing modes really impressed us.

All in all, it’s one of the best drawing tablets for Mac and PC that is very budget-friendly and easy to use.

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VEIKK S640 2022 Ultra-Thin Digital Drawing Tablet Review

Pros

• Compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Android, and Linux
• OSU Design
• Ultra Light Stylus
• Thin & Lightweight
• 5080 LPI Resolution

Cons

• Uncomfortable pen grip
• The relatively small drawing area
• Does not feature any express keys

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 9.2”x 6.8”
• Drawing Area: 6”x 4”
• Battery: Plug into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free

The Veikk S640 is designed for OSU gaming and delivers well in this aspect. Although the actual work area is small, it did well enough. Multi-functionality made gameplay, drawing, painting, and sketching super easy. We also found it to work well with both Windows and Mac.

The battery-free pen offers sensibility and fluidity. It creates fine, delicate, and natural lines with no delay. We loved how lightweight the pen is but noticed it doesn’t have a lot of grip, which meant that it slipped easily — which we found frustrating.

This cheap drawing tablet uses its lightweight design and builds to its advantage. The ultra-thin tablet fits easily into a laptop or briefcase, making it super portable.

Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, this drawing tablet is an affordable, reliable choice and standout as one of the best affordable digital art tablets in 2023. Bonus, it’s also one of the best gaming tablets of 2023.

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Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Graphics Tablet Small Review

Pros

• Chromebook Compatible
• 4 Customizable Express Keys
• Pressure Sensitive Battery-Free Stylus
• Lightweight (229g)
• Easy to Use

Cons

• Nibs wear down quickly and easily
• Tablet size is quite small
• Surface texture is on the rough side
• Scratches appear easily over time

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 4096 levels
• Tablet Size: 7.9”x 6.3”
• Drawing Area: 6”x 3.7”
• Battery: Full day, 4 hours charging time
• Stylus: Electromagnetic Resonance

The CTL4100 Intuos is great for beginners who want a taste of digital drawing. The tablet itself is as slim as a smartphone, wireless, and doesn’t take up too much space on your desk.

The rough texture of the drawing tablet is the biggest flaw with this model. During our time using it, we found the nibs to wear down quickly, but it does retain a great paper-like feel.

After continuous use, some scratches did appear on the tablet, and the surface was prone to finger smudges.

The tablet is compact, but it might be too small for more advanced users. All in all, this is a good entry-level tablet and one of the best digital drawing pads.

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Huion Inspiroy Q11K

Pros

• Ultimate accuracy stylus
• Wireless 2.4G connectivity
• Large 11-Inch work area
• Comfort curve design
• 40 hours of battery life

Cons

• Long charging time — around 7 hours
• Customizable buttons are difficult to find in the dark due to no backlight
• Some cursor lag does occur

• Display: Graphics
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 15.8” x 8.7”
• Drawing Area: 11” x 6”
• Battery: 40 Hours
• Stylus: Battery-free

The Inspiroy Q11K is an easy-to-use and affordable wireless drawing tablet, perfect for any skill level. The stylus delivered on the promise of super accuracy and during our review, the pressure sensitivity held up very well.

While the battery life of the drawing tablet itself is quite long, the charging time does sit pretty high, which some would consider a drawback. Although the express keys on the tablet offer superb functionality, they are hard to find in low light.

Compared to previous entries into the range of other cheap drawing tablets from Huion, the Q11K has some of the best standout features. The one we appreciated the most was, of course, the wireless functionality for both the tablet and stylus.

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Huion KAMVAS Pro 12 Drawing Tablet With Screen Review

Pros

• Fully laminated anti-glare screen
• Battery free stylus
• 4 Customizable express keys & touch bar
• Expert software integration (Linux/Windows/Mac OS)
• Lightweight

Cons

• Tablet requires a permanent plugged connection
• Does not support multi-touch functionality

• Display: Screen display
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tablet Size: 13.8”x 7.8”
• Drawing Area: 11.6”
• Battery: Plug into a computer
• Stylus: Battery-free

The Kamvas Pro 12 is a reasonably cheap drawing tablet with a screen. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows and performs well with most graphic design software. The drawing tablet screen is developed with full laminated technology that supports anti-glare, which makes it easy on our eyes.

The pen is battery-free and has a 60-degree tilt function which allows for accurate and natural shading. The drawing tablet is ultra-thin and fits perfectly into our lap, making it both sleek and portable.

This drawing tablet comes with a stand that’s easy to use, and its anti-slip design pleasantly surprised us with its stability while working.

Even though the tablet is wired, Huion has combined the HDMI, USB, and power cable into 1 mini HDMI cable, which gets rid of tangled wires.

This is one of the best budget drawing tablets from Kamvas, and we found it suitable for both new and seasoned digital artists with a screen that supports over 16 million colours.

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Apple iPad Pro (11”, WiFi, 128GB) Review

Pros

• Stand-alone product
• Software compatibility is excellent
• Easy setup
• Battery-free stylus
• Supports multi-touch & Tilt Function

Cons

• High price tag
• The surface is very different compared to a paper-like texture
• Stylus and other accessories are sold separately

• Display: Screen display
• Pressure Sensitivity: Unknown
• Tablet Size: 10.2”x 7.4”
• Drawing Area: 11”
• Battery: 10 hours, 2.5 hours charging time
• Stylus: Rechargeable

The iPad Pro offers an amazing on-screen drawing experience without the need for a computer. The battery lasts around 10 hours, and it supports most design apps.

This alternative to some other best cheap drawing tablets is portable and easy to use. It fits comfortably on your lap and after a while, you forget that you’re not drawing on paper.

Apple hasn’t revealed how many levels of pressure sensitivity the drawing tablet supports, but it creates incredibly detailed lines. The Apple Pencil supports multi-touch as well as tilt sensitivity, and there’s absolutely no lag.

The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil is sold separately, but it’s worth the extra cost. It charges wirelessly, which we appreciated from this drawing tablet. The iPad Pro is basically a mini-computer, which increases the price quite a lot.

It works amazingly with the affordable Procreate app, which allows you to customize brushes and download Procreate brushes created by others.

And if you’re after a drawing tablet that also sits on the list of the best photo editing tablets around, you can’t go wrong with the iPad Pro.

The initial investment in the iPad Pro is high, but you won’t be disappointed. We tested it thoroughly and found that it can do everything any other of the best cheap drawing tablets can do and more. And with its powerful M1 chip, this tablet can be used for work or creative play.

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The Ultimate Affordable Drawing Tablet Buyers Guide

There are a couple of factors that we feel need to be considered when buying a drawing tablet. The type of device you’ll need will vary based on your skill level and what you’re looking to get out of the drawing tablet.

 Top Drawing Tablet Brands

Top Drawing Tablet Brands

The top drawing tablet brands are Wacom, Apple, Huion, XP-Pen, and Veikk. They all offer similar functionality at different prices. Wacom is the most well-known drawing tablet manufacturer, but the other brands, such as Huion, offer the same features for a fraction of the cost.

Usually, drawing tablets will need to be plugged into a computer which means you’ll need to have a good graphic design laptop or a computer with a good graphic design monitor.

Display vs Non-Display

Drawing tablets fall under two main categories, display and non-display. Display tablets show your drawing on the screen. While non-display tablets (better known as graphics tablets) connect to the computer, the lines you draw on the tablet appear on the computer screen.

Graphics tablets are generally cheaper, and some people prefer them. Tablets with on-screen display make the drawing experience similar to that of drawing on paper, which most people prefer. But these do come with a higher price tag.

Choosing the best affordable drawing tablet can hinge on this feature. And while we tested both types, it became apparent that both have positives and negatives.

Pressure Sensitivity

The pressure sensitivity of your tablet determines how realistic the responsiveness of the tablet is. The higher the pressure sensitivity, the more control you have over the thickness and finer details of the lines. This is especially important to consider when it comes to the stylus.

It’s especially useful when shading and using pencil brushes. With the constant improvement of budget drawing tablets, pressure levels now reach a high of nearly 9500.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll only need around 1000 pressure levels, while more advanced illustrators may prefer over 2000.

Size

Drawing tablets come in various sizes. What you really need to pay attention to is the size of the drawing area. This makes larger-scale drawings easier to work with. So if you’re planning on making large-scale art, we suggest you purchase a tablet with a decent drawing area.

The actual size of the tablet affects its portability and determines how comfortable the drawing is. If you’re planning on taking your tablet around with you, we recommend choosing a smaller, more compact drawing tablet.

Battery

Unlike traditional drawing mediums, your tablet needs power. One of the most frustrating things is when inspiration hits and your tablet is dead. It’s a good idea to choose a fast-charging tablet, so you don’t lose inspiration.

A tablet with longer battery life also allows you to draw anywhere you want for a longer period of time.

Most graphics tablets available will only work if they are plugged into your computer, although newer models do feature wireless functionality, which we consider a massive leap forward. When purchasing, check if the tablet needs to be plugged in.

Stylus

A great tablet is useless without the proper stylus. Drawing tablets come in three different variations — battery-powered, electromagnetic resonance (EMR), or rechargeable.

• Battery-powered styluses are normally slightly thicker and will require batteries.
• Rechargeable styluses are more similar to an actual pencil and charge pretty quickly. You also won’t have to worry about carrying batteries around.
• Electromagnetic resonance styluses are the best of the lot and don’t require any charging. They draw power wirelessly from the tablet.

Summary of The Best Affordable Drawing Tablets

A good drawing tablet will allow you to create incredible artwork that looks great on-screen and in print. When choosing the ideal drawing tablet, we took into account its comfortability, efficiency, and response rate.

All-round we found that the current affordable options on the market each score high in all these factors. We also found many best drawing tablets that are great for those on a budget.

The Huion 640P is the best, most affordable drawing tablet. But other brands like XP-PEN and Veikkaus offer similar alternatives that are still budget-friendly.

It’s a good idea to know what features you need in a drawing tablet, so make sure you buy the right one. A drawing tablet is an investment that should last you a couple of years.

And, if you’re looking for the best South African digital creatives in South Africa, be sure to check out our members.

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