15 Best Cheap Drawing Tablet With Screen To Buy [2021] Review Guide
If you are a tech geek and creative at the same time then, I am 100% sure you are always in need of drawing tablets, and if yes then why not cheap drawing tablets. We completely understand your requirement, that’s why we collect the 15 best budget drawing tablet for you.
Art has only been excited about utilizing the latest technological implements to create works that stun and inspire. While the pencil, canvas, and paintbrush are irreplaceable, artists were glad to adopt MS Paint and Adobe Photoshop, and they’ve been kind to electronic pens and brushes too. These cheap drawing tablets come with freedom from laggy mouse control and the freedom to change the width and thickness of the line by changing pressure, much like with a charcoal pencil or a ball-point pen.
We’ve collected the best drawing tablet under 100 dollar, you should consider getting yourself. Each of the five tablets we’ve listed fares well in one or the other domain. There’s also a list of criteria we chose to sort the numerous options in the market, as well as a list of things you should consider while buying a drawing tablet at the end.
Check them out as well;
15 Best Cheap Drawing Tablet For Professionals Artist | 2021
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Editor Choice
Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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Premium Choice
HUION New 1060
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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Value For Money
Wacom Intuos Art Medium Pen and Touch
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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Huion H420 USB Graphics Tablet
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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XP-PEN Artist12
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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XP-Pen StarG640
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
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Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
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CHECK ON AMAZON |
From Huion to Wacom we have a number of options, but why waste time on searching. Here we finalized 5 best options especially for those who are pros in drawing either it is in the field of architecture or other.
So here we go with specifications one by one-
1. HUION New 1060 Plus Graphic Drawing Tablet – Winner Pick
Specifications
- Weight 3.04 Pounds
- Size 14.1 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
- Keys 28
- Memory 8 GB
- Working Area 10 x 6.25
There is little to dislike about the Huion 1060 Plus. It has as many as 12 keys to access mechanically, along with 16 keys you need only roll your finger over, almost giving it the feel on a really advanced smartphone. The device comes with a fabric loop to hold your drawing pen, and the company even throws in a glove to make drawing more convenient, and a carrying bag that makes transportation easier and more stylish. Huion 1060 Plus is wide, the pen runs like a hot knife on butter, and the pressure sensitivity is really great.
That said, the device could have been better still. For starters, having a pen that doesn’t need to be charged could have really made the device a lot more convenient. The durability of the product has been called into question in a few online reviews, though we didn’t have any problems with the device after more than a month of rigorous use, to the point of being almost violent with the pen.
The one thing that I liked about the HUION New 1060 Plus comes with a full area surface that includes a wide panel for completing your drawing. So you can use the stylus pen for better drawing times. Apart from this, we found that the HUION New 1060 Plus includes 8192 levels of pen sensitivity. This seems to be a great product when it comes to the resolution of 5080. You can also get 233 RPS.
- Good value for money
- Wide arrangement
- Lots and lots of customizable keys.
- The pen needs charging every once in a while.
- OS Android 6.0 Supported - Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later Android...
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus - Provide you ±60 levels tilt...
- 8192 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity - With 5080LPI screen resolution, makes...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW – Best Budget Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 8.2 x 0.4 x 6.7 inches
- Keys 4
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 7-inch
You don’t want to spend too much on too many advanced features when you’re just looking to test the waters. So if you’re a beginner, I highly recommend getting among the cheapest drawing tablet options in the market, which also has a nice return on investment in terms of features and how great it can make your art. If you like it, you can always upgrade it at the store or buy a more advanced tablet.
The Intuos Draw has all the basic features a beginner will want to practice with, and the simple interface and design make sure you don’t have accidental button toggles, bad connectivity, or other such problems. The design isn’t all that awe-inspiring, but then it does come for under 100 bucks. The pen is easy to play on your pad with, and there is respectable retention of the pen-on-paper feel, which many digital artists prefer or most of the time prefer by micro artist like tattoo expert. The pad dimensions are fairly standard, and though we did notice some lag while operating the device, it is difficult to pin it to the device since drivers and devices can react differently to each other.
The Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW has impressed me a lot when it comes to performance. I found that the product works in a battery-free mode. So you will not have any problems working and draw.
Furthermore, I found that the Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW includes four customizable keys on the size of the screen. These keys help you to go to your favorite settings like undo, copy, paste, and more.
- Good quality online tutorials to get you started
- Natural-feeling pen
- Pretty basic in features
- The operation experience might not suit an expert digital artist
- Perfect for beginning digital artists - draw, paint, and edit with an easy...
- Replaces your mouse and turns your computer into a digital drawing canvas.
- Battery-free, pressure sensitive pen helps you to draw thicker and thinner...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Wacom Intuos Art Medium Pen And Touch – Best For Creatives
Specifications
- Weight 1.25 Pounds
- Size 10.8 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
- Keys 4
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 8.75-inch
The Wacom Intuos Art Medium Pen includes a battery-free operation. At times, this seems to be smooth and consumes low power at the same time. However, the pressure-sensitive pen is always highly attractive to use.
The one thing that impressed me the most is the option of having 4 Express keys present with the product. It gives the option of doing quick works like copy/paste and more works at the fingertips.
It certainly helps to not spend the biggest wad of cash but has as many basic and advanced features you can. It boosts your satisfaction with any product. The Wacom tablet Intuos Art makes sure you get a good helping of ease and a flatter learning curve. The small and medium sizes make it easier for you to learn digital drawing based on the type of paper dimensions you prefer.
The pen is light and easy to wield. And pressure sensitivity is a thing of beauty. You don’t spend big money, get a nice tablet that doubles up as a trackpad superior to anything most laptops come with, and it is not an eyesore in the least. It is, in fact, surprising that it comes with a rechargeable stylus, but the otherwise superior Huion 1060 Plus doesn’t.
- Ambidextrous design
- Easy to learn and use
- Beginner-friendly
- Not as refined as the other options
- Paint, design, and create directly on your computer
- Battery-free, pressure sensitive pen helps you to draw thicker and thinner...
- Four customizable ExpressKeys that put your favorite shortcuts like undo or...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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4. Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet– Best For Experts
Specifications
Weight 1.54 Pounds
Size 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
Keys 8
Memory 8 GB
Screen Size 8.75-inch
The Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet includes 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. At times, you may feel that the drawing is way too smooth than others, but it works great with proper tilt response. Because of this, it is also lag-free.
Furthermore, I found that the Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet includes a slim design tablet. This tablet has a compact footprint and the work area is quite large. So you will never have to worry about the multiple works.
When you’re looking to buy a professionally capable device, you need to consider factors like reliability and work optimization. The Intuos Pro stood out for its 8 buttons on the side along with a radial control button right in the center of the left margin. The placement of the buttons ensures you don’t accidentally press them. Even if the buttons don’t look as attractive as a hotkey, from a professional perspective, they save you a lot of time and needless clicks.
Multi-touch support is well optimized, the pressure sensitivity is great, and you need only plug in a USB into your PC or other screens to use your cheap drawing tablet wirelessly. The range and strength of connectivity are amazing as well.
- Battery-free pen
- More screen size versus weight
- Superior programmability
- Expensive in comparison to other options
- Wacom’s trusted professional Pro Pen 2 technology in a precision graphics...
- Slim tablet design in our most popular size (13.2” x 8.5”) with an...
- The Pro Pen 2 features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt-response...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. XP-Pen Star05 V2 Wireless Graphics Drawing Tablet– Best Pressure Sensitivity
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 11.7 x 7 x 0.4 inches
- Keys 8
- Memory 8 GB
- Screen Size 6.25-inch
The one thing that I liked about the XP-Pen Star05 V2 Wireless 2.4G is the option of having a fast-charging battery. The product includes an 8 X 5 inches working area that can be very useful for your regular works.
Apart from this, we found that the XP-Pen Star05 V2 Wireless 2.4G includes six-touch shortcut keys. So I could easily customize the keys to work them with commonly used functions. Copy, Pasting, and others are easy with such keys.
Pressure sensitivity is the most crucial bit about drawing on a drawing tablet. Most people prefer it to be as close as it can be to a real pencil. The stylus of the XP Pen Star05 is just so beautifully calibrated that drawing with it is practically effortless. And it doesn’t require charging either! If only it could erase just as easily as it draws.
The buttons are all customizable, though the pressure sensitivity and the stylus design eliminate a lot of need to press buttons. The device itself comes with all the standard features. The battery charges in 2.5 hours and can go on for as many as 14 hours. There are 6 touch-based hotkeys to jump to commonly used features. Device and program compatibility are fairly standard too.
- Best in Pressure Sensitivity
- Gives a respectable value for money
- Ambidextrous support
- Overzealously active touch hotkeys
- The Star05 V2 features both wired and wireless USB capability: Simply plug...
- The Star05 V2's built-in lithium battery charges quickly and conveniently...
- Our battery-free stylus with 8192 pressure levels does not require...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet– Best For Connectivity with PC MAC
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 7.9 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
- Keys 4
- Memory 8 GB
- Screen Size 7 inches
The Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet includes decent levels of sensitivity and also photo editing skills. The pen can easily cope with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity work. You can also get a 2540 lip.
Apart from this, the one thing that I liked about the Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet is the presence of the slim design and compact size. Even though it comes with 7-inch screen size, you can get a slim design.
The Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet also has an easy setup. Because the pen is integrated, you can configure the settings for both the left and right-hand options. It just takes a few minutes to complete the setup and start.
Furthermore, I found that the Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Tablet comes with 4 hotkeys with the product that can get you with the best results. You can get easy access to all the works available and you can cut copy and paste with these keys.
- Battery-free pen
- Compact and Stylish
- Included software
- Price is high
- Graphic drawing tablet with 4096 Levels of pressure sensitivity – gives...
- Compatibility: Mac (OS X 10.10 and above), PC (Windows 7 and above),...
- This product is tested and certified as Works With Chromebook, which means...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Huion H420 USB Graphics Tablet – Best For Graphics
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 7.9 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
- Keys 3
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 7 inches
When I tried to use the Huion H420 USB Graphics Tablet with all the major graphics applications, I found it to be fairly compatible with all. I tried the tablet with Corel Painter and Adobe Illustrator and it seemed to be a perfect choice.
Furthermore, we found that the Huion H420 USB Graphics Tablet includes a pen scrolling option. You can easily scroll the documents with the help of this tablet. The pressure seemed to be working well with the screen.
For easy accessibility, the Huion H420 USB Graphics Tablet comes with three express keys. These keys can easily function for closing or opening the page and even saving a page. It seems to be working perfectly.
Apart from this, what I liked the most about the product is the easy plug-and-play mechanism. The setup hardly takes a few seconds and once the tablet is turned on, you are ready to proceed with the work easily.
- Pen scrolling
- USB interface
- Plug & Play
- Memory is not high
- Compatible with Corel Painter, CorelDraw, Photoshop, Illustrator,...
- Function as the cursor and the board as the screen, when you move the pen...
- Pen scrolling – You can scroll documents and Web pages by pressing the...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. XP-Pen StarG640 Ultrathin Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 7.5 x 6.5 x 0.1 inches
- Keys 8
- Memory 8 GB
- Screen Size 6 inches
The one thing that I liked the most about the XP-Pen StarG640 Ultrathin Tablet is passive electromagnetic technology. It includes a pen with a P01 that works well with a single touch. There is no battery and so it works perfectly.
Apart from this, I found that the pen includes 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. While trying this, I found that the product comes with accurate levels of work. So you can get a max of 266 RPS. This seems to be accurate, but maybe a bit difficult for you.
Furthermore, the XP-Pen StarG640 Ultrathin Tablet comes with a 6 X4 working area. When I compared it with other models available, this seems to be quite fair to work with. However, it is only 2mm thick and great to use.
But, what I loved the most about the product is the option of having a one-click toggle. The product is sets up instantly and it hardly takes any time to get going. So all that you need to do is to tap on the button once and it will start working.
- Designed for OSU
- Faster and Accurate
- Wider and Convenient
- Stylus is not the fastest
- XP-PEN G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting,...
- StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse!...
- XP-PEN StarG640 pen tablet features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity,...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. XP-PEN Artist12 Drawing Monitor– Best For Drawing Artist
Specifications
- Weight 2 Pounds
- Size 14.33 x 8.58 x 0.31 in
- Keys 16
- Memory 8 GB
- Screen Size 11.6 inches
The XP-PEN Artist12 Drawing Monitor includes a passive pen that is completely lightweight in feel. We found it to be working great and reliable for regular use. However, since it is non-slip and track-free, we could use it properly.
Apart from this, I found that the product comes with a 12 pen tablet that includes an 11.6-inch IPS display that you can opt for. The one thing that I loved about the product is the option to opt for real drawing and 3D sculpting.
But what I liked the most about the product is the 6 handy shortcut keys that will give you proper access to the work ahead. But the one thing that we liked about the product is the anti-reflecting coating. It gives proper support to the product.
Furthermore, I found that the XP-PEN Artist12 Drawing Monitor includes a 1920×1080 HD display that will give you a proper result. It has a proper delivery technical sense and while comparing it, I found that the product has a decent tracking option.
- Slim touch bar
- HD IPS display
- 3D sculpting
- Hot Keys are not fast
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet must be connected to a computer to work,...
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest...
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. GAOMON PD1560 Drawing Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 3.48 Pounds
- Size 22.1 x 13.4 x 5.1 inches
- Keys 8
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 15.6 inches
The one thing is that the GAOMON PD1560 Cheap Drawing Tablet comes with is a complete 1920 x 1080 pixel display! We found this feature to be highly productive for your use Moreover, the working area is good and decent to use.
Apart from this, the one thing that I liked about the product is the option of having 10 express keys. Moreover, you can also get proper customization with the keys so that you can easily change the settings.
The one thing that we liked about the product is the 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. With the help of this, I found that the product can have proper levels of sensitivity. So you can always opt for proper tracking with the pen.
However, the one thing that I liked the most about the product is the 3-in-1 cable. This will help you to get a proper utility with the product. You can also take the help of Type C HDMI to make sure that the product works safely.
- Express Keys & Menus Buttons
- Left-Hand Support
- IPS Full HD Screen
- Charging is not fast
- 【FOR ONLINE TEACHING & MEETING】You can use PD1560 pen display for...
- 【10 EXPRESS KEYS & 8192 PEN PRESSURE SENSITIVITY】-- 10 shortcut keys...
- 【ADJUSTABLE STAND】-- You can find a perfect and comfortable position by...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Wacom Cintiq 16 Cheap Drawing Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 4.19 Pounds
- Size 16.6 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches
- Keys 8
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 15.6 inches
While reviving the product, I found that the Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet features higher levels of pressure sensitivity with the pen. It can easily work on a low activation force with 8192 levels of pressure. So the lightest of pen strokes is enough.
Apart from this, I found that the pen has two side buttons present. With this, it becomes easier to control and track the strokes. But what impressed me the most is the option to customize these buttons according to shortcut keys.
The Wacom Cintiq 16 Cheap Drawing Tablet has a wide display area for you to work with. The product features a 15.6-inch wide display screen that will help you to get a better display of everything that you draw.
Moreover, the one thing that impressed me the most about the Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet is its durable body. The built material seems to be perfect and it works widely with the help of the high sensitivity pen available.
- Creative pen display
- Wacom Pro Pen 2
- Compact display
- Price is high
- A more affordable pen Display with Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology, 8,192...
- Cintiq’s 15.6 inch 1920x1080 HD displays provide you with clarity to see...
- See your creations in vibrant color on the Cintiq’s HD display (16.7...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. VEIKK A30 Graphics Cheap Drawing Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 1.95 Pounds
- Size 13.8 x 9 x 1.6 inches
- Keys 4
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 11.6 inches
The one thing that I liked about the VEIKK A30 Graphics cheap drawing tablet is the ultra-thin design and the lightweight. It is only 2 pounds and thus the product is easy to carry from one place to the other without any problems.
Apart from this, I found that the product comes with four touch keys. Each of the keys includes specific programs and the best part is that you can customize them. You can also get some express keys available on the sides.
The one thing that I liked about the product is the pen that it uses. It is responsive and the read rate is around 250pps. Also, you can get a battery-free operation. S you will not have to worry about charging the product.
Moreover, the VEIKK A30 Graphics Drawing Tablet includes both Mac and Windows compatible options. They are compatible with many major designs. So you can easily get accustomed to both the OS options available.
- Compatibility
- Four customizable touch keys
- Ultra-thin and light
- Charging is slow
- VEIKK A30 digital art tablet is designed for drawing, design, online...
- VEIKK A30 graphic tablet is designed with unique touch pad. It has 4 touch...
- 8192 professional levels pressure sensitivity provides exquisite strokes...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. Simbans PicassoTab Cheap Drawing Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 2.91 Pounds
- Size 13.9 x 7.9 x 2 inches
- Keys 8
- Memory 32 GB
- Screen Size 10.1 inches
When it comes to the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet, the first thing that has attracted me the most is the affordable budget. Because of this, the feature it provides is always helpful for me to draw on.
Apart from just the drawing application, the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet also gives you access to games. You can download and play them with the keys or an external keyboard. You need to get a USB cable to connect them.
However, the one thing that I liked about the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is the 10-inch IPS display. This includes a premium display. Moreover, you can also get a 5 MP back camera that makes it a proper tablet.
The one feature that has impressed me the most is the option of having a Quad-Core processor and also 32 GB ROM. Though loading games eats up space, considering the budget, the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is a great purchase.
- Unlimited games
- Affordable budget
- 10 Inch IPS HD Display
- Specifications are not advanced
![[4 Bonus Items] Simbans PicassoTab 10 Inch Drawing Tablet and Stylus Pen, 2GB, 32GB, Android 9 Pie, Best Gift for Beginner Graphic Artist Boy, Girl, HDMI, USB, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi - PC92](https://idc-ads-media.s3.amazonaws.com/CMS/4980_20220112_183134.jpg)
- DRAW or TAKE NOTES: The most affordable tablet that comes with a pen and a...
- 4 FREE BONUS ITEMS inside the box: a high-quality tablet case, Drawing...
- CLEAR SCREEN, LARGE DISK and a SUPERIOR CPU: The High power MediaTek...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14. Ansel LCD Writing Tablet For Kids
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches
- Keys 2
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 10.1 inches
The one thing that I liked the most about the Ansel LCD Writing Tablet for Kids is the simple mechanism. I found that the product is easy to set up and it took me just a few seconds to start with the drawing sessions.
Apart from this, I found that the Ansel LCD Writing Tablet for Kids is completely light in weight. So your children will not have any problem holding to the tablet and finish off the work accordingly. It weighs merely 1 pound in total.
What I liked the most about the Ansel LCD Writing Tablet for Kids is the safety options available. I found that the product has a safety lock and unlock button. Moreover, there is also a delete button to delete previous edits.
Furthermore, the Ansel LCD Writing Tablet for Kids includes low battery consumption. You will not have to plug in as the batteries provided can easily last for 12 months. You just need to charge it once the power is finished.
- Easy to draw
- Includes Pen
- Consumes low power
- Not for professionals
- Eye Protection and Safe: The 4 year old girls toys has 10-inch multi-color...
- Environment-friendly: The travel toys for kids ages 3-5 is durable for...
- Easy to Use: Doodle as you want! You can draw colorful lines with attached...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
15. XP-Pen G430S OSU Tablet
Specifications
- Weight 1 Pound
- Size 13.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 Inch
- Keys 4
- Memory 2 GB
- Screen Size 10.6 inches
While reviewing the product, I found that the XP-Pen G430S OSU Tablet has a max of 266 RPS. This is not the fastest, but it still works out great as a smooth flow. So you can expect professional work with the product.
The one thing that impressed me the most is the option of having a proper stylus with the product. The XP-Pen G430S OSU Tablet features 8192 levels of pressure with the pen. So you can use both brush and pens according to choice.
Apart from this, I found that the XP-Pen G430S OSU Tablet comes with application scenarios. It has multiple in-built applications already installed. These apps will help you a lot to get the best image editing and sketching requirements.
Moreover, the XP-Pen G430S OSU Tablet is mostly compatible with both OS. I have personally tried installing both Android and Mac OS and it has worked to be good. The setup time is also low and it allowed me to work fast.
- Application Scenarios
- Battery-Free Stylus
- 8192 Levels of Pen Pressures
- Tracking is not fast
- Designed for OSU! gameplay, drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures etc....
- The perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XP-Pen advanced...
- Active Area 4 x 3 inches. Fully utilizing our 8192 levels of pen pressure...
Last update on 2022-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buying Guide | Checklist Before Buy
Here’s a list of the things we thought mattered most whenever you are going to buy any kind of best cheap drawing tablets and thus employed as criteria to come up with our list. The factors are in no particular order if you’re wondering.
Area of the pad to Draw on
The area of the pad directly relates to how much you can access on your device. The bigger the area, the more detail you can squeeze in with every zoom. Of course, just numerical values don’t matter alone. Different arrangements of length and width can give you pretty different results.
The square drawing tablet, for example, might not work very well for someone trying to make landscapes or sketch a diagram, but work great for someone who’s just looking to animate their work presentations with some Venn diagrams quickly put together, or a mock graph to illustrate their point better.
Connectivity and Software
Not all devices are compatible with all OS, drivers, and devices in general. How many PC builds and specifications a cheap art tablet is comfortable operating with described how great an idea it will be to buy the device. Also, not all devices run all the advanced drawing software. The basic ones we eliminated in our research included ones that wouldn’t even run the software as commonplace as CorelDraw or photoshop.
Multitouch
Multitouch is a great feature to have. It lets you zoom in and out effortlessly, rotate the drawing space just like you would an actual piece of paper, and in general take control of your piece of art. Just having multi-touch isn’t enough though. How smoothly it runs, how well things function all influence how much you’re satisfied by the multi-touch feature on your tablet.
Portability
A prime benefit of having a good cheap drawing tablet is to use it to work no matter where you are. The weight of the drawing tablet, the size, the accessories it comes with all account for whether or not you can use it outside of your usual creative station. In addition, one also must see how convenient it can be to use the device, whether or not it operates on (smart) TVs along with PCs, and how long it can last on a single charge.
Customizable Buttons
By far the most important feature in modern cheap drawing tablets is customizable buttons. The more the number of buttons, the better you can make your drawing tablet centralized and potent enough to create and alter your artwork without needing to switch to the mouse or the keyboard. But as always, things have their complexities here as well.
You need buttons that operate on clicking; if they’re placed at an inconvenient place, such as right next to the drawing space, you’ll end up accidentally pressing them, needing you to undo repeatedly. Mechanical buttons fare better in this regard as compared to hotkeys because even if your fingers or palm strays onto the keys, they won’t toggle unless you apply pressure.
Pricing
And of course, price is an important consideration too. You’re not going to enjoy spending a bomb on a drawing tablet with relatively simple tablets. Things that justify spending more include high functionality, customer support, and to some extent, brand value. What absolutely doesn’t justify spending big money is when you pay for programs and features you’re not going to use. Pretty straightforward, no?
To Keep an Eye out for While Buying
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to be looking out for when shopping for a cheap drawing tablet:
Tablet Size
A big tablet might seem enticing, almost the perfect brand booster you need. But it is rarely so. Big tablets are great because there’s more scope for utility. However, if you’re going to be carrying your tablet around a lot, or don’t have the desk space to accommodate a wide tablet in your creative space, it is much better to buy a smaller tablet to be able to work easily and efficiently.
Also important to note is how you can carry your pen, how long it lasts on a single charge while in use, and how long the cords provided are, especially, if you choose to buy one with a non-traditional socket/port design.
Pen Sensitivity
You’ll get all sorts of crazy pen shapes and sizes and designs, with the device as well as from the market as replacement parts. However, what is most important with a drawing tablet’s pen is how many levels of sensitivity it has. It might not seem like much of a difference to a beginner, but it does enhance the capability of your pen to measure 2048 pressure levels as opposed to 1024.
You’ll love the finer lines you get, the detail to which you can modify your artwork, and the freedom that comes with having more depth and range than more pressure sensitivity brings.
Resolution Available
How many lines per inch your tablet can accommodate will tell you how much detail you can put into your artwork, with and without zooming in or out. The more the LPI, the better. Pretty self-explanatory, no?
Cost vs Utility
Again, as we said, how much you pay for something affects how good you feel about it. Nobody hates a good deal. Cheap drawing tablets are available at a wide range of prices. However, comparable prices generally mean comparable features. Getting extra items thrown in by the salesman could significantly improve your experience with the device.
Ask for replaceable batteries, cords, or accessories for your device, and the salesman might not be too reluctant to throw a few of them into clinch the sale.
Software Support
As we saw in the reviews, not every cheap drawing tablet for PC works with every art software. If you already have a subscription or software purchased, it can be a good idea to use that filter as a primary sorting tool to choose the options the market has to offer. If the software is free or costs a measly sum, it may not be a bad idea to overlook this consideration, especially if the tablet is amazing and suitable for you in every other way.
Some devices that operate wirelessly by installing a driver on your PC or TV might not fare well with your particular model, so it is best to inquire beforehand and see if there is a replacement or refund policy you can avail of it doesn’t work for you.
Customisability
And finally, the number of buttons you can customize to perform your most frequently used functions matters. Pens that come with eraser tips deserve special consideration in our view, otherwise one needs to delegate one button for the erase button, which could reduce the number of buttons available to you to alter to an unsustainable level.
Buttons and hotkeys should be placed conveniently, and shouldn’t interfere with your hand movements and toggle unnecessarily so you can save time trying to undo inadvertent selections and fills.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
My pen broke. Do I need to buy a fresh Tablet?
You most probably don’t. Most manufacturers pack extra pens or nibs or sell them separately. If you bought the device from a third-party seller, you may find them helpful enough to direct you to a store that sells pens or nibs fit for you, if they don’t have any with them. Nibs breaking is fairly common if you put lots of pressure on the tip.
How does sensitivity impact my Drawings?
Quite a bit, of course. The more sensitive your pen is, the better it can judge how thick you want your lines to be. 1024 pressure levels are really very basic to aim for. The true magic is at the 20148 pressure level.
How long can I expect my drawing tablet to last me?
Unlike other genres in technology, cheap drawing tablets with screens are pretty durable, and the capabilities don’t improve wildly year after year. You can easily expect your drawing tablet to last you upwards of 1.5 years even in rough, fairly regular use. Parts like the pen or the pen nib specifically might need timely replacement, though, which is why most manufacturers include a few tips along with the package. If you run out, you can always order them online.
How much should I expect to pay for a Really Advanced Tablet?
There is really no limit to how high the price can be quoted for a really advanced tablet. There are models that cost upwards of $500, but they’re also incredibly advanced, definitely not restricted to features an average artist will use every day.
That said, it can help to have a digital LCD screen to draw over, and there’s a little learning curve involved since you can expect the line to begin right where you place your pen, eliminating the need for hit and trial.
However, drawing tablets with LCD screens also require you to be a little less aggressive with your painting, and their batteries almost always run out faster, if they have battery capabilities at all, that is. Models used in the industry by established brands and companies are known to cost more than $1500, which is certainly not something many artists would be able to afford.
How do I take care of my drawing tablet?
The instructions for taking care of your digital drawing tablets are usually contained in the package, along with the user manual. Still, as a general rule of thumb, it is advisable to keep your device away from moisture, put heavy things on it (it can crack the board or cause trouble in the circuitry), and only wipe with a clean, dry cloth. It is recommended not to use cleaning products on the device unless absolutely necessary (and enquire with the seller or manufacturer beforehand if the warranties hold).
Also, it is better to store the device away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, or next to your PC’s CPU, magnets, and other gadgets that may produce a strong electric or magnetic field.
Have any more queries about the best drawing tablets you can buy? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
