Delving into the world of digital drawing is exciting.
It’s like transporting yourself back to the first time that you picked up a paintbrush and canvas or a pen and paper, yet, you don’t have to leave your house or spill paint down your favorite pair of dungarees to create beautiful pieces of art!
The not-so-exciting part about digital drawing?
The overwhelming amount of devices on the market, and their price points.
In a hurry? My top pick is the XP-Pen Artist 12 as it is responsive, compact, and compatible with all of the major modern-day software.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no cost to you, I may receive a commission if you buy through a link on this page.
Type into Google “best drawing tablet in 2021” and you’ll be hit with 19,700,000 results showcasing thousands of different tablets at drastically different price points.
The worst part?
Whether they’re $20 or $5,000, they’ll all promise that they are “exactly what you’re looking for in a digital drawing device”.
Chances are, if you go it alone, you’ll be scrolling through listings for days, weeks, maybe even years trying to pinpoint the perfect device for you.
Seriously, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack!
That’s why I have handpicked a select few tablets, all under $200, to help narrow down your search and highlight the best budget-friendly tablets on the market.
So, without further ado…
Let’s find out which one is really suitable for you and your budget, shall we?
If You’re Looking For A Drawing Tablet With A Display, Here Are My Top Recommendations:
With a screen size of 11.6″, a pencil-like feel stylus and an array of handy features that make digital illustration fun, efficient and enjoyable, this tablet is the #1 pick for any artist looking for a modern drawing tablet with a display.
Some of the XP-Pen Artist 12’s highlights:
- Simple to set-up
- 1920×1080 HD display
- Super-slim 11.5mm body
- Compatible with MAC and Windows
- 6 easily accessible & customizable shortcuts
- Pencil-life feel stylus with quick eraser feature
- A slim, portable design that’s comfortable to hold
- Compatible with software such as Adobe Photoshop, SAI & more!
Is this tablet right for you?
After gathering feedback from other artists who have used this device, I would recommend this device to graphic designers and small business owners who are looking to try their hand at digital illustration and animation.
If you’re looking for a small yet powerful drawing device that provides crisp precise lines, and, most importantly, won’t take up a lot of space in your creative space, this is the one for you.
Similar devices on the market typically cost a lot more.
This tablet comes equipped with a fully-laminated IPS screen which gives the tablet a premium, paper-like feel. It’s definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a tablet that feels as though you’re drawing on paper.
Included with the VEIKK VK1200 is an easy-grip, pencil-like stylus that is comfortable to hold and boasts responsive 60° tilt support.
Some of the VEIKK VK1200’s highlights:
- 11.6 Inch display area
- Stylish all-metal body design
- Vivid 120% sRGB Color Gamut
- Battery-free stylus with multiple functions
- 6 easily accessible & customizable shortcuts
- A slim, portable design that you can take with you anywhere
- Compatible with software such as Adobe Photoshop, SAI & more!
Is this tablet right for you?
After gathering feedback from other artists who have used this device, I would recommend this device to hobbyists and small business owners who are looking to get lost in the vividness of their own magical creations.
However, this tablet is not compatible with Chrome and Linux OS at present.
Similar devices on the market typically tend to cost a lot more.
If You’re Looking For A Drawing Tablet Without A Display, Here Are My Top Recommendations:
The great thing about this drawing tablet is that it comes equipped with multiple FREE software which are available via Wacom.com. That means that you can take this tablet for a test drive before investing in expensive software such as Adobe Illustrator.
Some of the Wacom Intuos CTL6100WLK0’s highlights:
- 8.5 x 5.3 inches surface area
- Compatible with MAC and Windows
- 4 easily accessible & customizable shortcuts
- Respectable precision with 4096 levels of pressure
- Battery and cable-free stylus with 2 built-in shortcuts
- Access to free/free-trial of photo editing and drawing software with Wacom
- 0.25 mm digital tolerance which tells you exactly where your pen is on the screen
Is this tablet right for you?
After gathering feedback from other artists who have used this device, I would recommend this tablet to beginners and hobbyists who are looking to dip their toes into the world of digital art.
It’s a real contender for those who are actively seeking to improve their skills for a more than affordable price.
With the ability to connect to a phone, PC, or laptop, this small yet powerful tablet is the definition of portable and easy to use.
Some of the Huion H610 Pro V2’s highlights:
- 24 shortcut keys for ease of use
- 10 x 6.25 inches compact working area
- Battery-free stylus with multiple functions
- Anti-slip mat to help produce smoother lines
- A slim, portable design that will fit in most bags and purses
- Compatible with software such as Adobe Photoshop, SAI & more!
Is this tablet right for you?
After gathering feedback from other artists who have used this device, we would recommend this device to beginners, students, and hobbyists who are looking for an affordable way to get into digital art.
Conclusion
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: Regardless of what type of drawing tablet you’re looking for, and whether you’re a:
- Newbie graphic designer
- Business owner
- Art enthusiast
- Hobbyist
- Student
You don’t need to sell your soul or give away an arm and a leg to get a reliable, well-rounded, optimized drawing device in 2021 – there are plenty for under $200!
Let me know which drawing tablet you choose, or what your recommendations are in the comment section below!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no cost to you, I may receive a commission if you buy through a link on this page. Read more here.
