Whether you’re a digital artist looking for a paper-like drawing experience or a content creator who designs graphics on the go, today’s tablets combine the latest technology with portability. There are several tablets available in the marketplace and popular tech companies, like Microsoft and Apple, offer a variety of standalone options with the latest features. There are also some lesser known brands with state-of-the art tablets designed to work in tandem with your existing PC or laptop.
Before making a purchase, it’s wise to consider your design goals, needs, and budget. Read on to learn more about some of today’s best tablets for creators and compare their features to your wish list.
Best Tablets for Creators
Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 combines the benefits of a Microsoft-powered PC with the portability and versatility of a tablet. Design graphics with the Microsoft Surface Pen stylus or type up your latest manuscript with a detachable keyboard (each sold separately). At just over two pounds, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is travel friendly.
With 11 hours of power per charge, you can use your device all day long without interruption. With Fast Charging capabilities, go from low battery to full with little downtime. Equipped with the Windows 11 operating system, you can easily download and install all of the necessary Microsoft programs, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Surface also includes a USB-C port, Bluetooth 5, and a headphone jack.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a Microsoft 365 integration and an all-day battery, allowing you to create through the day on all of your favorite programs. Unlike the Microsoft Surface, Samsung includes their S Pen stylus with the Galaxy, which is designed to feel like a real pen. This tablet’s fast-charging USB C port gets you back to 100% when you’re low on battery.
If you’re into drawing and graphic design, the S8’s 11 inch LCD screen allows you to get down to the finest details with crispness and vivid color. You can also record video in 4K with the S8, as it comes equipped with a front camera. It also comes loaded with super fast WiFi 6E for sending and downloading files at lightning speed.
Although more expensive than many other tablets on the list, the Apple iPad has long been a favorite amongst creators. Apple’s 12.9 inch iPad gives designers a bit more room than smaller tablets and comes equipped with a liquid retina XDR display. It also has camera capabilities for photography and video. The iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which are sold separately.
To keep your information secure, the iPad has the same Face ID authentication as the iPhone. You can also link your payment information through Apple Pay to make purchases on the go. Stay connected and productive with iPad OS 16, which is compatible with all your favorite Apple applications.
At just under $300, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 offers all of the features of popular brand name tablets at an affordable price point. The tablet’s large 15.6 inch fully laminated screen is well-suited for graphic designers and artists. The display also has anti-glare glass. The drawing monitor is designed with a slight texture for a feel-good drawing experience and has six express keys you can customize with your own shortcuts.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 comes with a matching stylus and an adjustable stand to reduce neck and back discomfort while you’re working. This versatile tablet is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux (Ubuntu) operating systems giving you flexibility to use a wide variety of creative software programs.
Another tablet designed with digital artists in mind is the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. This tablet comes with a screen-tilt function, allowing for up to 60 degrees of tilt for easier line drawing and shading. It also includes a fully-laminated FHD display and customizable shortcut keys.
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is not a standalone device and must be paired with a laptop or PC. However, it is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS. It is also compatible with popular graphic design and editing programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You can also use this tablet for demonstrations during online courses and video calls.
Like the XP-Pen Artist tablet, the Wacom Intuos also works in tandem with a computer. It’s the only drawing tablet certified to work with Google Chromebook and is popular with creators as well as teachers and students. The Wacom Intuos includes an ergonomically designed, pressure sensitive pen that’s responsive and easy to control.
The Wacom Intuos is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. When you register your device, you get access to several free trials of the latest creative software programs, like Clip Studio Paint Pro, Corel Painter Essentials, and Boris FX Optics.
The GAOMON PD1560 is another PC or laptop compatible tablet, working with Windows 7 and above or MacOS 10.12 or above. The device offers up to two and a half hours per charge and the accompanying pen lasts for 350 hours of work per charge. With an adjustable stand, this GAOMON tablet can tilt between 10 and 90 degrees. It also includes a three-in-one cable to reduce clutter and make plugging into other devices stress-free.
For added screen protection, this tablet comes with a pre-applied screen film, providing a paper-like drawing experience. The included stylus comes with eight interchangeable nibs to suit a wide variety of drawing styles. You also get a free set of two-finger gloves with your purchase to further streamline your digital drawing experience.
Whether you’re a digital artist looking for a paper-like drawing experience or a content creator who designs graphics on the go, today’s tablets combine the latest technology with portability. There are several tablets available in the marketplace and popular tech companies, like Microsoft and Apple, offer a variety of standalone options with the latest features. There are also some lesser known brands with state-of-the art tablets designed to work in tandem with your existing PC or laptop.
Before making a purchase, it’s wise to consider your design goals, needs, and budget. Read on to learn more about some of today’s best tablets for creators and compare their features to your wish list.
Best Tablets for Creators
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 combines the benefits of a Microsoft-powered PC with the portability and versatility of a tablet. Design graphics with the Microsoft Surface Pen stylus or type up your latest manuscript with a detachable keyboard (each sold separately). At just over two pounds, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is travel friendly.
With 11 hours of power per charge, you can use your device all day long without interruption. With Fast Charging capabilities, go from low battery to full with little downtime. Equipped with the Windows 11 operating system, you can easily download and install all of the necessary Microsoft programs, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Surface also includes a USB-C port, Bluetooth 5, and a headphone jack.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a Microsoft 365 integration and an all-day battery, allowing you to create through the day on all of your favorite programs. Unlike the Microsoft Surface, Samsung includes their S Pen stylus with the Galaxy, which is designed to feel like a real pen. This tablet’s fast-charging USB C port gets you back to 100% when you’re low on battery.
If you’re into drawing and graphic design, the S8’s 11 inch LCD screen allows you to get down to the finest details with crispness and vivid color. You can also record video in 4K with the S8, as it comes equipped with a front camera. It also comes loaded with super fast WiFi 6E for sending and downloading files at lightning speed.
Apple iPad (12.9 Inch)
Although more expensive than many other tablets on the list, the Apple iPad has long been a favorite amongst creators. Apple’s 12.9 inch iPad gives designers a bit more room than smaller tablets and comes equipped with a liquid retina XDR display. It also has camera capabilities for photography and video. The iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which are sold separately.
To keep your information secure, the iPad has the same Face ID authentication as the iPhone. You can also link your payment information through Apple Pay to make purchases on the go. Stay connected and productive with iPad OS 16, which is compatible with all your favorite Apple applications.
Huion Kamvas Pro 16
At just under $300, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 offers all of the features of popular brand name tablets at an affordable price point. The tablet’s large 15.6 inch fully laminated screen is well-suited for graphic designers and artists. The display also has anti-glare glass. The drawing monitor is designed with a slight texture for a feel-good drawing experience and has six express keys you can customize with your own shortcuts.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 comes with a matching stylus and an adjustable stand to reduce neck and back discomfort while you’re working. This versatile tablet is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux (Ubuntu) operating systems giving you flexibility to use a wide variety of creative software programs.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro
Another tablet designed with digital artists in mind is the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. This tablet comes with a screen-tilt function, allowing for up to 60 degrees of tilt for easier line drawing and shading. It also includes a fully-laminated FHD display and customizable shortcut keys.
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is not a standalone device and must be paired with a laptop or PC. However, it is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS. It is also compatible with popular graphic design and editing programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You can also use this tablet for demonstrations during online courses and video calls.
Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet
Like the XP-Pen Artist tablet, the Wacom Intuos also works in tandem with a computer. It’s the only drawing tablet certified to work with Google Chromebook and is popular with creators as well as teachers and students. The Wacom Intuos includes an ergonomically designed, pressure sensitive pen that’s responsive and easy to control.
The Wacom Intuos is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. When you register your device, you get access to several free trials of the latest creative software programs, like Clip Studio Paint Pro, Corel Painter Essentials, and Boris FX Optics.
GAOMON PD1560
The GAOMON PD1560 is another PC or laptop compatible tablet, working with Windows 7 and above or MacOS 10.12 or above. The device offers up to two and a half hours per charge and the accompanying pen lasts for 350 hours of work per charge. With an adjustable stand, this GAOMON tablet can tilt between 10 and 90 degrees. It also includes a three-in-one cable to reduce clutter and make plugging into other devices stress-free.
For added screen protection, this tablet comes with a pre-applied screen film, providing a paper-like drawing experience. The included stylus comes with eight interchangeable nibs to suit a wide variety of drawing styles. You also get a free set of two-finger gloves with your purchase to further streamline your digital drawing experience.