Best Of The Best Graphics Tablets For Design In 2023

You can hardly disagree that graphics tablets are indispensable tools for professionals in the field of photo editing and drawing. A graphics tablet allows you to write and draw in real-time on your computer. This gadget is equipped with an active area that transfers all the received data to a virtual sheet, which allows you to create digital drawings right on your computer. 

Artists and photographers typically use a graphics tablet to color, draw, and edit with greater precision than a mouse, without sacrificing the power of computer graphics programs. Therefore, for most graphics tablets to work, you need to connect them to a computer or laptop. However, some professional graphics tablets with screens that can also be used independently.

Surely, people who just like to draw at their leisure or organize online lessons need an entry-level graphics tablet that is equipped with basic functionality. But if the conversation turns to designers, developers, and so on, the situation is different. These specialists should choose the best graphic design tablets because the needs are already more extensive: 

• editing photos or illustrations 
• freehand drawing 
• in general, create quality work to satisfy all the needs of their customers. 

Top Best Graphic Design Tablets

In this article, we present a ranking of the best graphic design tablets on the market in 2023 with their main technical characteristics. We want to emphasize, the list presented is based on the opinions of experts, but we still advise you to make the decision yourself, after weighing all the pros and cons. By the way, you can read more information about the importance of a responsible approach to choosing the right graphics tablet on The Guardian website.

Wacom Cintiq 16 Is An Almost Perfect Tablet

Wacom Cintiq 16 is a professional graphics tablet designed to meet the needs of those involved in UI/UX design. The tablet features a 16-inch matte display that lets you create right on the screen.

Main advantages: 

• 72% NTSC color space 
• Excellent aspect ratio and Full HD resolution 
• Built-in tilt legs 

Disadvantages: 

• No multitouch

The dimensions make it ideal for use at a desk, also thanks to the built-in legs that allow you to tilt from almost flat to 19° to customize your workspace and get into the most comfortable working position. The included Wacom Cintiq pen can be used with the Cintiq 16, featuring an ergonomic design that supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is battery-free thanks to the electromagnetic resonance method that allows you to use the pen without recharging. 

The Full HD 1920×1080 display guarantees 72% NTSC color space support for true-to-life colors, making the tablet ideal for illustrators and photo retouchers alike. An opaque film covering the screen prevents annoying glare, while reduced parallax makes it easier to locate the cursor on the display. The short sides of the Cintiq 16 have two slots that allow you to insert the pen holder on the right or left to be able to store the pen after use without risking it falling out of the workstation.

Huion Kamvas Pro – Huion Tablet With A Display 

For those on a budget who are looking for a good graphics tablet with a display, the Huion Kamvas Pro is the perfect solution. 

Main advantages: 

• Very low parallax 
• Frequency 266pps 
• 180° tablet swivel for left-handers

Disadvantages: 

• Drivers may have issues with Mac OS systems 

The tablet has several customizable keyboard shortcuts, depending on the tablet format, the power key, the function key, and the side touchpad, which allow you to optimize the use of Huion Kamvas Pro. The screen guarantees a speed of 266 PPS and a color gamut of 120% sRGB, making it an ideal choice for those who work in the field of illustration and digital painting, as well as compatibility with most drawing programs:

• Photoshop
• Clip Studio Paint
• Sai, Gimp
• SketchBook Pro
• Manga Studio

The tablet is available in a variety of formats, with the smallest being 11.6 inches, followed by a couple of medium sizes of 13.3 inches and 16 inches to larger tablets at 20 and 21.5 inches. The compact design makes it easy to take Huion Kamvas Pro on the go, especially in small and medium formats. The 3-in-1 cable keeps your work surface tidy, while the reinforced mini HDMI interface structure prevents accidental disconnection. The Wacom Intuos Pro is the best non-display professional graphics tablet with a compact design that’s perfect for taking on the go or for use at a workstation. 

Wacom Intuos Pro Is The Best Non-display Tablet

The Wacom Intuos Pro is the best non-display professional graphics tablet with a compact design that’s perfect for taking on the go or for use at a workstation.

Main advantages: 

• ExpressKeys 
• Compact size 
• Built-in Bluetooth 

Disadvantages: 

• The layout of the ExpressKeys can get in the way of lefties

Ideal for video editing, photo retouching, illustration, painting, art, or design, the Intuos Pro tablet is designed to integrate with Adobe programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. Available in 3 different sizes: Small, Medium and Large. Intuos Pro supports Bluetooth connectivity and can therefore be used wirelessly for a more cable-free experience. However, if you prefer, you can connect your tablet directly to your computer using the included USB cable. 

Intuos Pro has a button on the side panel that allows you to enable or disable multi-touch technology so that you can use your fingers to zoom, scroll, and move around a drawing. 

8 ExpressKeys on the left side of the tablet let you increase your productivity by customizing your most used functions.  Intuos Pro Pro Pen 2 supports 8192 levels of pressure and 60 levels of tilt detection for natural strokes for precise work. 

Gaomon PD1561 – Alternative To Wacom Cintiq 

Gaomon PD1561 digital tablet is the best alternative to Wacom screen tablets; the value for money makes it accessible even for beginners, and unlike its competitor, it has 10 ExpressKeys that can be customized with the most commonly used functions. 

Main advantages: 

• Excellent value for money and quality 
• Can be used by both right-handers and left-handers 
• 10 programmable ExpressKeys 

Disadvantages: 

• Parallax is noticeable, especially in the fields 

Gaomon PD1561 is an ideal tool for image editing, industrial architectural design, digital painting, and illustration. Compatible with both operating systems starting from Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.12.0. The 15.6-inch screen supports 88% NTSC color space and senses the level of pen tilt for more accurate reproduction of strokes. 

The reusable pen has 8192 pressure levels that provide precise movement and smooth lines. The pen’s ergonomic design is designed for a more comfortable grip and features a customizable dual side button that can be used to easily switch between brush and eraser. The Gaomon PD1560 tablet also features a tilt-adjustable stand for the most comfortable working position and a pen holder that stores 8 spare nibs inside.

Conclusion

Well, it’s time to take stock. We believe you have already understood that to choose your ideal option among the best graphic design tablets, you need to take into account various technical characteristics. First of all, it is important to pay attention to how extensive the functionality of the gadget you need by its nature and take into account the peculiarities of your budget. 

When it comes to usage, it’s important to think not only about what you’re going to do with the tablet, but also about where it’s going to be used. After all, different specialists use a graphics tablet in different modes. Someone works in a stationary mode (designers), and someone needs a model that you can carry with you (photographers). And what characteristics do you first of all pay attention to when choosing gadgets for your professional activities?