Having a drawing pen tablet makes you powerful as an artist. Well, definitely professional artists, animators, and graphic designers have an imperative need for one.
Nevertheless, if you’re a beginner, you’ll be surprised to know how a drawing tablet without display or a standalone drawing tablet will root your passion for drawing and art.
Intuitively, digital devices have been portrayed to be used by professionals, and definitely who can hang a png art on a wall? But that’s not all.
A drawing tablet comes with amazing features, thanks to technology. These features allow you to tweak, flip, adjust, and edit your artwork like a wizard. On the other hand, doing such things is practically impossible on real paper drawings.
For instance, you can use different color pallets and interchange to see what suits you better. And with the stylus, you can choose different brushes with variable sizes.
Not just that, the stylus technology has advanced features like pressure sensitivity and tilt angles for providing a realistic touch to your paintings. Stylus also comes with programmable buttons for easy shortcuts and can be used as a cursor, eliminating the need for a mouse too.
So, when you get this much freedom to learn, understand, practice your imagination digitally, it’s obvious that it will improve your real paper drawing and painting significantly and efficiently. Whether you’re just a hobbyist artist, student, or professional, a drawing pen tablet is going to help you undoubtedly.
But before you start your journey with digital drawings, the first step is to purchase a drawing pen tablet. They primarily come in two different kinds. One is without display and another is a standalone tablet.
A drawing pen tablet without a display has to be connected to a computer to draw. The tablet connects with the computer with wires or wireless. Whereas standalone drawing tablets come equipped with a CPU (computer) and a display output. In a nutshell, it doesn’t require a separate system to digitally draw on it.
As a beginner, simply a drawing pen tablet without a display is more suitable. First of all, it is easy on your pockets. Second, you can carry it wherever you go without worrying about the size of the display or heavy standalone drawing tablets.
- You may like: 10 Best Drawing Tablets With Screen
Third, you don’t have to worry about the software you want to use because it really depends upon the system you’re connecting your tab to. And fourth, you don’t have to go into the nitty-gritty of tech specs of a display, CPU, and graphics.
Some crucial factors to consider when buying a drawing pen tablet as a beginner include lines per inch, size, a stylus, and connectivity to a computer. Lines per Inch signifies the number of lines per square inch of the display.
Meaning, it represents how many pixelated lines can a square inch can accommodate. Also, the bigger the drawing tablet, the more costly it is. Well, we have handpicked the best of them by considering these factors so you don’t have to worry about it much. The stylus functions and connectivities are pretty much self-explanatory.
Let’s now see our list of best drawing pen tablets for beginners 2023 (without display).
Best Pen Tablets For Drawing
Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen are the companies ruling the market of drawing pen tablets for beginners. So most tablets on our list are from these brands. We have included the details you need to consider before buying a drawing pen tablet. That will help you to weigh down your choice with convenience.
Importantly, these tablets are the best on the market currently, chosen and reviewed by our experts at MyTabletGuide. Also, we have included reasons to buy and avoid for each tablet, which will again help you with making the choice.
1. Xencelabs Pen Tablet
For the creatives and artists looking for a quality drawing tablet, we’d recommend the Xencelabs Pen Tablet.
This one is designed with inputs secured from some of the leading artists in the world and features a minimal design that’s perfect for artists that are consistently on the go.
When talking about the design, the pen tablet prioritizes ergonomics with a seamless design with a curved palm rest that reduces fatigue and pain. Also, the adjustable LED lights are a bonus and makes the drawing process a lot more seamless and streamlined.
Besides the tablet itself, even the stylus supports optimal pressure sensitivity for effortless drawing experience with optimal control. Also, the one-button pen pressure sensitivity offers the users a customized drawing experience like no other.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet is designed by the creators to ensure that it meets the salient needs of the creators.
Every feature and functionality are designed with optimal attention to detail so that the artists’ ideas can take the center stage. Also, the tablet comes with two different sized pens, designed for distinct functions.
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight design
- Optimal pressure sensitivity
- Adjustable LED lights
Reasons to avoid:
- Drivers need to be installed separately
2. Wacom Intuos
The first on our list is Wacom Intuos drawing pen tablet. It comes with different size options as well as offers different connectivities.
The small one offers 7 inches of active area whereas a medium-size offers 10 inches with 100 lines per mm of resolution. The small variant of Wacom Intuos features two variants: one for Wired connectivity and the other one with Bluetooth. Whereas the Medium variant only features Bluetooth.
The slate comes equipped with three drawing software for a single operating system; Corel Aftershot, Corel Painter Essentials, Clip Studio Paint Pro. In addition, you also get three months of access to Explain Everything, Collaboard, Kami, Limnu, and Pear Deck educational apps. Not to mention, the other free apps you can access.
Its stylus is a battery-free pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, +/- 0.25 mm tolerance accuracy, and a 7mm reading height. It has two buttons on it and snaps perfectly on the groove of the tablet. The tablet connects to smartphones, Chromebooks too. You can get two fingers glove to protect the Wacom Intuos tablet from getting sweaty and oily when working on it.
Reasons to buy:
- It has different variants based on connectivity and size to choose from
- 4 different buttons on the tablet for different functions
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Reasons to avoid:
- It’s slightly expensive
- Doesn’t support old pens of Wacom
3. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2
The next on our list is XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 with a fairly better stylus, good value for money, and better functionality.
XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 offers 10 x 6.5 inch of working area with 5080 lines per inch of resolution. It is just 8 mm thick, making it super portable. It features 8 customizable express keys that provide convenience for digital art-making.
Unlike its predecessor Deco V1, the tablet now is compatible with other tablets, smartphones, and even Chromebooks. It works almost on all famous drawing apps and educational apps on the market. This makes it a versatile tablet in terms of app access it allows users.
XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 can be rotated to 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees at your comfort and convenience. Moreover, it comes with a free OTG adapter too. Its stylus is a battery-free pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity levels.
This pressure sensitivity is the industry best. Moreover, it offers 60 degrees of tilt angles. One of the buttons on it is a one-click toggle for eraser and pen, and the other one is a right-click. The pen fits on the tablet itself.
Reasons to buy:
- It’s affordable
- Comes with different optional accessories
- Versatile in terms of apps and devices it is compatible with
- Superior stylus and a free OTG adapter
Reasons to avoid:
- It doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Wacom Intuos Pro
The next up is Wacom Intuos Pro. This tablet by Wacom as the name suggests is not just a drawing tablet for a beginner.
Rather it’s a tablet that you can also use professionally. So, if you’re going to need a tablet that you will need for your professional work in the near future, you should definitely go with this one.
Like simply Wacom Intuos, Intuos Pro comes with different size options. You can choose from Small, medium, and a large one with different work areas. All three variants feature Bluetooth and USB connectivity so it makes connecting your tablet with a device process hassle-free.
The small-sized Intuos Pro has 6 express keys whereas the other two feature 8 express keys. With Wacom Intuos Pro, you get a better and improved stylus compared with Intuos with 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and other features.
Moreover, it also offers an optional Wacom Pro Pen 3D. The pen stand comes with different nibs too. Importantly, you can also draw on a paper of your choice and convert it easily to a digital drawing with its Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition.
Reasons to buy:
- It offers premium features and specifications
- Compatible with different stylus
- Offers room for customization for your needs
- Suits for professional use as well
Reasons to avoid:
- Not a budget-friendly option for beginners and is expensive
5. XP-Pen Deco Pro (Gen 2)
Featuring world’s first 16K pressure levels, the XP-Pen Deco Pro (Gen 2) is hands down one of the best drawing pen tablets in the market, propelling the creativity of artists from across the world.
Integrated with the X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus, this powerful tablet is a boost to the existing CG technology, making art a lot more accessible and free flowing for the artists.
The tablet features an ergonomic design, one that beats high-intensity work fatigue and the One Paper surface makes the creation process a lot more streamlined.
However, the highlight of this drawing pen tablet is the stylus with 16K pressure sensitive that delivers precise and smoother lines to further accentuate the detailing in the creation.
The stylus is reportedly 1.5x faster and has 0.6 mm reaction distance and 60 degrees tilt for a comfortable drawing experience.
If you are worried about broken lines and distorted artwork, this stylus prevents it all. Also, the tablet is available in three standard drawing paper dimensions that lets you run your creativity wild.
Lastly, the build of the tablet features a high-class metal black panel that offers a futuristic and streamlined design like no other. Also, the super slim body of the tablet is easy to carry around.
Reasons to buy:
- Sleek and lightweight
- 16K pressure sensitivity
- Durable and ergonomic design
Reasons to avoid:
- Software feels a little outdated
- Slightly pricey
6. Huion Inspiroy Dial 2
If you are a creative head or an artist, having access to a responsive and good-quality drawing pen tablet makes all the difference.
The Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 brings users a combination of technology and aesthetics – packed into one.
The tablet is programmed with dual-dial controllers and six programmable keys, which facilitate workflow and channels boundless creativity without any compromise. The programmable keys streamline easy access to varying shortcuts and have a noticeable bump for easy access.
Integrated with a brand-new panel with a paper-like texture, drawing on the new Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 isn’t going to feel artificial. You get to mimic the experience of drawing on real-paper even when you are doing so digitally.
Huion has also prioritized connectivity in their drawing pen tablet with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 for easy file transfer via the USB Type-C cable. Also, the tablet is integrated with a 1300 mAh battery, which provides up to 18 hours of battery life when used in the Bluetooth mode.
Also, the drawing tablet is accompanied by the PenTech 3.0, which renders a smooth and effortless drawing and writing experience, thanks to the shorter retraction distance for a more natural writing experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Sleek and aesthetic design
- Comes with programmable keys
- Long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- A little pricey
- Dial surface needs more texture
7. GAOMON S620
There has been an influx of drawing tablets in the market, owing to the rising demands.
If you are currently in the process of looking for one that doesn’t compromise on the usability and features, the GAOMON S620 is a pretty great option to explore.
Despite the cheaper price point, the GAOMON S620 comes with a variety of accessories and add-ons. It features a complete plastic build but don’t let that be a turn off because the quality is quite sturdy and durable.
Integrated with the unique passive electromagnetic resonance technology with 10mm sensing height, the digital pen works effortlessly and without any compromise. Users get to improve their work efficiency and flexibility without any compromises.
Furthermore, the GAOMON S620 is integrated with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity with 266PPS report rate, enabling you to perfect your drawing technique with heightened precision.
The drawing tablet is further integrated with four program keys, all of which contribute to work efficiency and easy access to more functions.
GAOMON S620 features 6.5×4 inches of working area with a tablet status indication, thanks to the integrated LED light sensor. The bottom of the tablet features four anti-slip rubber to hold the drawing tablet in place.
Reasons to buy:
- Aesthetically designed
- Heightened pressure sensitivity
- Comes with a lot of accessories
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks tilt support
- Lacks built-in screen
8. XP-Pen Deco M & MW
While on the topic of good-quality drawing pen tablet, the XP-Pen Deco M & MW is another option you can’t miss out on.
This innovative drawing tablet is powered by the X3 chip stylus for comfortable and effortless drawing and writing experience.
The new X3 chip enables users to take off on their CG journey with stable performance, including effortless digital signal transmission. The pen also comes with virtually no accuracy error with no broken lines and no log at all.
The drawing pen tablet is also backed with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity for easy data transfer and channelize your creative energy into your projects. As for the battery life, the tablet is integrated with 1000 mAh for ultra-long standby.
Available in four vibrant colors, the designs are eye-catchy with a very playful design and energy. You can take it wherever you want, especially with the slim device body for effortless user experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Sleek and portable design
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Prolonged battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- Quite pricey
- Lacks pen stand
9. Huion Inspiroy Giano G930L
Unleashing your creativity has a new outlet in the Huion Inspiroy Giano G930L. Featuring a modern design and large panel that allows artists to have more space to be fun and creative.
The tablet has also bagged the Red Dot Design Award for its unique and functional product design and exceptional performance.
The 13.6 x 8.5inch working area on the pen tablet enables users to have an enhanced drawing experience, especially with the paper-like texture and the digital pen PW517. Overall, the smart LCD display is prompt and responsive and keeps you powered on while you bring your vision to life.
Backed with Bluetooth 5.0, the drawing tablet works effortlessly and without any connectivity issue. Now you can connect and draw with an improved speed and a better and stable data transmission, which wasn’t the case before. It is also quite compatible with other devices, including a Mac, Android smartphones, and monitors too.
Furthermore, the programmable keys streamline the user experience for simple usability and access to all the top functionalities right under the tips of your finger. Lastly, the Pentech 3.0 is a battery-free digital pen with shorter retraction distance for smoother drawing experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Premium quality design
- Smart LCD display
- Seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
Reasons to avoid:
- A little overpriced
- Not the most hi-tech equipment
10. XP-Pen Deco mini 7W
Here comes slightly unique drawing pen tablet, XP-Pen Deco mini 7W. It comes with a 1000 mAh battery.
It can power your XP-Pen Deco mini 7W for up to 10 days of working and 15 days of standby on a single full charge. The primary function of the battery unlike other tablets on our list is to connect your tab wirelessly to your PC via a USB wireless receiver. It takes 2 hours to fully charge.
Although it comes equipped with a wireless function, you can connect it to your PC or Android device using a USB cable. You also get a USB to USB Type C and USB to microUSB adapters for better connectivity. All in all, Deco mini 7W does come with wireless connectivity but it’s not Bluetooth, powers up by a separate battery, and can be connected through microUSB and USB Type-C.
About its stylus, it comes with a battery-free Passive Stylus P05D. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 degrees of tilt angle. You also get 10 pen nibs in the box. It runs all popular apps and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android.
Reasons to buy:
- Comes with two different USB adapters
- Features a wireless connection
- Nice stylus functions and programmable buttons
Reasons to avoid:
- Charging is required unlike other drawing tabs on the list
- It isn’t compatible with Chrome devices.
Conclusion
These all tablets have different sets of features and specifications. You can go with any of it if it fits in your budget and provides what you need. If you’re still confused about which one to choose, simply go with the overall best Wacom Intuos.
It offers 4 different buttons on it, amazing stylus features, two different screen sizes, Bluetooth variants, and more. Basically, it offers more room with customization to make it fit in your budget, and also Wacom is a top dog in the drawing pen tablet world.
However, if budget is not a constraint for you, you can go with Wacom Intuos Pro. Its Paper Edition and other premium features will provide you with professional digital art making for the future. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 also makes for a great beginner tablet with just Bluetooth connectivity missing.
These were the three recommendations for a drawing pen tablet for beginners. And the rest tablets on the list have different designs, connectivity, compatibility, and price. Lastly, there’s a unique tablet, XP-Pen Deco mini 7w that connects wirelessly using a USB receiver and comes with a battery.
I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, let us know about them in the comment section below.
Thank you for your reviews. The articles are detailed and consice.
Very informative!
Just got the XPPen Deco Mini7 tablet, it’s amazing.. The pen doesn’t need batteries so that’s great. It is such a versatile device with the support for android, you just literally can turn your phone into a tablet.