A list of my favorite display tablets for making digital art. These models have a built-in screen you can draw directly onto.
NOTE: I have given these tablets a star rating that is relative to the other models on this page. This is meant to show how these tablets rank compared to each other. A low star rating does not mean it is a bad device.
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Wacom Cintiq 22
A large entry-level display tablet that is perfect for art, animation, video editing, 3D and graphic design.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: Large screen, includes Pro Pen 2, compatible with Art Pen, stand included
CONS: Anti-glare film screen, 1080 HD resolution, less-accurate color
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
Wacom Cintiq 16
An entry-level Cintiq that won’t break the bank.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: Includes Pro Pen 2, compatible with Art Pen
CONS: Anti-glare film screen, 1080 HD resolution, less-accurate color, optional stand not included
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
Wacom One 13 (2nd Gen.)
Updated in 2023, this is a great tablet for beginners and younger artists. It can even connect to compatible Android devices.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: Most-affordable Wacom display tablet, supports other EMR pens
CONS: EMR Pen lacks premium features, less-accurate color, cable expensive to replace
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2nd Gen.)
Mighty Cintiq Pro power tucked into a small, thin design.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: Best small display tablet, updated 2021 multi-touch, 4K resolution, Low Fan Noise, VESA
CONS: Optional stand not included, 8-Bit Color
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Touch
The full-featured Cintiq Pro 24 is the one of the best models in the Wacom Cintiq line.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: 4K resolution, 99% Adobe RGB, 10-Bit Color, Low Fan Noise, includes EK Remote
CONS: Optional stand or Flex Arm is necessary, optional bracket is required for VESA
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
This is the most-recent Cintiq Pro with a top-of-the-line display.
There are also 17″ and 22″ versions of this tablet that were released in 2023.
Aaron’s Rating:
PROS: 4K resolution, 99% Adobe RGB, 120Hz, HDR, VESA, 10-Bit Color
CONS: Optional stand is required, noisy fans, missing features from previous generation
BUY IT ON WACOM.COM
You can also buy Wacom tablets from Best Buy
and pick it up locally or have it shipped to you.
MORE DRAWING TABLETS
Drawing Tablets
Tablet Computers
Wacom Alternatives
I can hear you saying: “But, Aaron, what about other drawing tablet manufacturers? Don’t they make tablets that are just as good as or better than Wacom?”
There are some non-Wacom brands that are not bad: Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro are decent for digital art, but they have some limitations that I feel can inhibit artists.
In my experience, the other cheap imitation brands don’t even come close to the quality and performance of a Wacom. So I wouldn’t waste my time to save a little money. That’s my advice, but don’t let that stop you from getting into digital art.
Watch my reviews to get a feel for the differences: