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 BESTBUY.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 BESTBUY.COM
Wacom One 13
This is a great tablet for beginners and younger artists. It can even connect to compatible Android devices.
Not to be confused with the One by Wacom which does not have a built-in display you can draw onto.
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 BESTBUY.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 BESTBUY.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 BESTBUY.COM
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
This is the most-recent Cintiq Pro with a top-of-the-line display.
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 BESTBUY.COM
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: