5 Standalone Drawing Tablets for Artists to Buy: 2024 Review
Standalone drawing tablets feature high-resolution displays, precise touch technology, powerful processors, and even portability compared to traditional drawing tablets. They allow artists to create freely without needing to connect to a computer, which is why they have become essential tools for artists.
If you are looking for a standalone drawing tablet to enhance your creative experience and efficiency, this article is for you. We will introduce the 5 best standalone drawing tablets to buy in 2024 and provide a detailed analysis of their features, pros, and cons to help you choose the most suitable option.
1. XPPen Magic Drawing Pad [Budget Pick]
(Image Credit: XPPen)
Starting Price: $499.99
The XPPen Magic Drawing Pad is a good choice for those with limited budgets, especially new artists. Its X-Paper display uses AG etching technology, which can simulate the full-color paper drawing experience while reducing unwanted glare and fingerprints. It can also help beginners quickly adjust to drawing on a tablet.
Additionally, the included X3 Pro Pencil features a drawing-dedicated chip to provide responsive and stable performance. It is particularly worth mentioning that it boasts a high 16,384 pressure sensitivity level and advanced EMR technology that can reproduce every stroke perfectly. It makes it feel like painting on paper.
Most importantly, the starting price of the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad is only $499. Therefore, if you are looking for a powerful and cost-effective standalone drawing tablet, the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad is your ideal choice.
Pros:
- Provides stunning 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity.
- Features advanced EMR technology to deliver an intuitive digital drawing experience.
- It offers a portable tablet that is only 599 grams in weight.
- Provides impressive, long-lasting battery life – 13 hours.
Cons:
- Lack of cellular options.
2. iPad Pro [Best Overall]
(Image Credit: Apple)
Starting Price: $999 (11-in), $1,299 (13-in).
The latest iPad Pro comes with the powerful Apple M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, which can deliver desktop-level performance for artists. It’s an effortless solution whether you want to run demanding drawing apps or handle complex and large projects. Moreover, using the Apple Pencil, which offers pressure and tilt sensitivity, you can accurately control lines and colors.
The iPad Pro also boasts an Ultra Retina XDR display with ultra-high resolution, a wide color gamut, and exceptional color accuracy, ensuring you can present every detail of your work. It is also seamlessly integrated with the Apple ecosystem and works effortlessly with other Apple devices to further enhance your creative experience.
Therefore, for artists looking for high performance and portability, the iPad Pro is undoubtedly a top choice worth investing in. However, starting with affordable yet the best standalone portable drawing tablets can be a better option for budget-limited artists.
Pros:
- Equipped with Apple M4 chip, delivering smooth performance.
- Provides superior screen display.
- Compatible with popular drawing apps like Adobe Photoshop for iPad, Procreate, etc.
- Offers impressive battery life to ensure uninterrupted use.
Cons:
- It can be expensive for some designers.
- Does not come with Apple Pencils.
3. iPad Air
(Image Credit: Apple)
Starting Price: $599 (11-in), $799 (13-in).
IPad Air is your ideal choice if you want to enjoy a smooth iOS experience but are tight on money. Powered by the Apple M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the iPad Air can provide excellent performance for most creations. Although not as powerful as the iPad Pro’s M4 chip, it is still a perfect option for those not needing to deal with large projects.
In addition, its Liquid Retina display excels at presenting details and color accuracy, which is especially important for illustrators and graphic designers. Plus, the iPad Air’s lightweight and portable design makes it suitable for artists who need to create anytime, anywhere.
Pros:
- Powered with an Apple M2 chip, performing drawing apps smoothly with no lag.
- Features high-quality display with accurate color reproduction.
- Remarkably thin and lightweight.
- Allows seamless access to popular drawing apps like Procreate, Affinity Designer, etc.
Cons:
- Does not include Apple Pencil (sold separately).
- Offers no built-in SD card slot.
- Provides only a refresh rate of 60hz.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
(Image Credit: Samsung)
Starting Price: $799.99
If you prefer the Android ecosystem, one of the top tablet options is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9. This Android standalone drawing tablet features 8GB of memory and uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It enables you to run various painting software and applications smoothly. Plus, its 11-inch super AMOLED display boasts a 2560 x 1600 resolution and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. It makes it a great option for providing detailed picture quality and smooth animation effects.
Not only that, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB 3.2 Type-C interface to cater to various usage needs. Moreover, it also supports Samsung DeX, allowing you to easily connect the tablet to an external display for a desktop-level work experience. Therefore, if you are a big Android OS fan, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a great option.
Pros:
- Features dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Includes S Pen without extra purchase.
- Provides powerful AI editing tools for photo editions.
- Supports Super Fast Charging for longer battery life.
- Has a microSD card slot for external storage.
- Supports flexible connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB, and Type-C.
Cons:
- Pricey for budget-limited artists.
- Less app selection and performance compared to iPad.
- No charger in the box.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
(Image Credit: Microsoft)
Starting Price: $749.99
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 can function as both a powerful laptop and a standalone drawing tablet. With support for Windows 11, it is well-compatible with various professional creative software, such as Adobe Fresco, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The device has a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor to ensure demanding applications perform smoothly. Also, it offers 16GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage space, which allows you to effortlessly handle large files.
To unlock your creativity, the Surface Pro 9 comes with the paired Surface Slim Pen 2, which offers precise pen strokes and tilt sensing to simulate the feel of a real brush. Additionally, the device features a built-in multi-position kickstand at the back, which makes it convenient for artists to find the most comfortable drawing angle. Its slim design and lightweight build (starting at 878 grams) provide portability. That makes it suitable for artists on the go.
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 device using Windows OS.
- Equipped with powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 chips for optimized performance.
- Features an anti-reflective 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 2,880 x 1,920 resolution.
- Compatible with professional drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, etc.
- Provides a detachable keyboard for flexible usage.
Cons:
- Lack of headphone jack.
- Not including the keyboard and stylus.
- High starting price.
Final Thoughts
Using the guide above, you can easily pick the best standalone drawing tablets based on your needs and budget. If you have a limited budget or seek a cost-effective helper, then the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad is ideal. However, professional artists with a sufficient budget may find the iPad Pro a better choice as it can handle various creation tasks and provide an industry-leading drawing experience. Alternatively, the HP Zbook X2 can be a strong contender if you prioritize a dedicated standalone drawing tablet.
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