For those of us into digital art, animation and photo editing, a drawing tablet is an indispensable asset as it is key in designing and illustrating our ideas. But, not just any will do as you need something powerful and with the right design and features to get the job done.
While it is true there are hundreds of models currently in the market, some can cost a small fortune and still not do a good enough job. But, the good news is that there are still countless inexpensive models that offer excellent service for both professional and hobbyists.
Although ultimately your choice of drawing tablet will boil down to your specific needs, here is a list of some highly-rated models you can pick from.
List of the Best Cheap Drawing Tablet in Reviews
01. Wacom CTL4100 Graphics Drawing Tablet
Whether you are into photo editing, digital art or are even a budding newbie in animation, the Wacom CTL4100 has been built for you as it has everything required to take your skills to the next level.
The graphics drawing tablet will provide 4096 levels of pen pressure sensitivity that makes it great for all your projects, and it makes use of a battery-free pen that will ensure you can start using it immediately without having to charge the pen.
When you buy the Wacom drawing tablet, you will get 3 software downloads to ensure you have everything you need to get started. And besides being thin and compact, the tablet will also include 4 customizable keys for your favorite shortcuts.
Features:
- 4096 pressure sensitivity levels
- Battery-free pen
- Free software download
- Customizable express keys
- Thin and compact size
02. Huion H420 Graphics Drawing Tablet
The 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity might not be as high as what you get on other models on our list and out there, but for most users, it is still more than enough. This compact and lightweight drawing tablet is the cheapest on our list and will ensure that you get to save even more money. Despite the smaller price tag, it has also been built to work with all major graphics apps and is compatible with both Windows and MAC.
Its pen scroll functionality is also an excellent addition to the tablet as you can easily scroll through pages and documents. And you will also get 3 express keys for your favorite functions, and the tablet has a USB interface for more connectivity options.
Features:
- 2048 levels of pen pressure sensitivity
- Works with all major graphics apps
- Pen scrolling functionality
- Compact and lightweight
- 3 express keys
- USB interface include
- Complete kit with various accessories
03. Huion Inspiroy H640P Drawing Tablet
With the 8192 pressure sensitivity levels that you get on the pen that comes with this Huion tablet, you can be confident that you will get more precision and accuracy. What’s more, the pen is also battery-free to make it even more convenient.
This drawing tablet is built to work for everyone as it is not only compatible with both Windows and MAC operating systems, but will also work with the latest versions of both operating systems.
The paper like-surface of the tablet will ensure that you get an easier time drawing, and the surface is also durable and will give the tablet a longer service life. There are also 6 customizable express keys for all your favorite functionalities, and this tablet will also come with a nice pen holder that will be very useful for managing the pen.
Features:
- 8192 pen pressure sensitivity levels
- Compatible with both MAC and Windows OS
- Battery-free drawing pen
- Paper-like surface
- 6 customizable express keys
- Handy pen holder
04. UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet
The UGEE M708 has a larger drawing space than most others on our list, and it will be a perfect choice for any artists or professional animator that wants more space to work with. Besides being larger, the drawing space also has a papery surface texture for smooth drawing.
Drawing is further made easier by the 8192 sensitivity levels of the pen, and this highly precise pen is also battery-free to ensure maximum user convenience. You can use this tablet with both Mac and Windows operating systems, which is quite convenient. And users will also love the nice pen holder and the fact that you also get various accessories such as extra pen tips and gloves.
Features:
- Larger 10 x 6 inches drawing space
- 8192 pen sensitively levels
- Mac and Windows OS-compatible
- 8 express keys
- Free pen-holder
- Comes complete with various accessories
05. VEIKK A30 Drawing Tablet
The 10 by 6-inch working areas is more than enough space for most artists, animators, and illustrators, whether you are doing it as a hobby or at a professional level. With 8192 levels of sensitivity, the pen is also highly responsive, and its users will also love that it provides a complete battery-free operation to ensure you will never have to worry about recharging it.
There are also 4 customizable keys on this drawing tablet that will make it easy to save all your favorite shortcuts. And you can be sure of getting seamless connectivity as this tablet will include a type C port interface, which also ensures rapid transmission and stable signal. Also, this tablet will work for both Mac and Windows devices.
Features:
- 8192 pen sensitivity levels
- Larger 10 x 6 inches work area
- Battery-free pen operation
- 4 customized express keys
- Type C port interface
- Mac and Windows compatible
06. Huion H610 Pro Drawing Tablet
You cannot go wrong with the Huion H610 as it has a lot to offer, starting with the well-built pen with 8192 sensitivity levels, and this pen also does not use any batteries, which eliminates the need to keep recharging it.
Also, you will never have to worry about storing the pen as the tablet will come with a nice pen holder that will store it in an upright position for easy access.
You can also easily store all your favorite shortcuts on the tablet to make drawing easier for you as there are 8 customizable shortcut keys, and you also get 16 customized soft keys to make drawing easier and more fun.
The drawing space is also larger enough and with a nice texture, and there is a tilt control function that will ensure better cursor placement and pressure detection.
Features:
- 8192 sensitive level and battery-free pen
- Tilt control system
- Upright pen holder
- 8 customizable shortcut keys
- 10 x 6.25-inch work area
- Supports Mac and Windows OS
07. VEIKK A15 Drawing Tablet
There is enough drawing space on the 10 x 6-inch tablet surface on this Veikk tablet to ensure that different hobbyists and professionals can use it for their projects effectively. Because space is still not enough without a good pen, the manufacturer also supplies a high-quality 8192 sensitivity level pen that provides effective service without using batteries.
Mac and Windows compatibility allows you to use this tablet with almost any computer, and it will work with almost any operating system version for both. Also, both left and right-hand users can work on this tablet with no issues, and to help speed up your projects, there are also 12 customizable express keys. And when you buy this tablet, you will get a dozen free extra nibs and a glove.
Features:
- 10 x 6-inch drawing area
- Battery-free 8192 level pen
- Mac and Windows compatible
- For both left and right-hand artists
- 12 express keys
- Spare pen nibs and glove provided
08. UGEE M708 Graphics Drawing Tablet
Besides providing a large space for you to release all your ideas, this tablet also comes in a sleek and elegant design that gives it a more attractive look. And users will also love just how lightweight it feels on the hand. Like many other top-quality drawing tablets, it will also come with an 8192 sensitivity level pen that ensures more precise drawing.
You can also store your favorite shortcuts on the tablet as it has 8 shortcut keys that can be easily customized. Because this drawing tablet will support both right and left-hand use, works with most drawing apps and is compatible with most operating systems, it will work for anyone. As a bonus, you will get a pen holder and various other accessories.
Features:
- 10 x 6-inch active area
- 8192 levels pen
- 8 shortcut keys
- Supports left/right-hand use
- Compatible with most drawing apps
- Pen holder and other accessories included
09. VEIKK S640 Drawing Tablet
The multiple compatibility is one of the main highlights of the Veikk S640. This wide compatibility allows it to work with the latest versions of both Mac and Windows and will also ensure that the drawing tablet can support most drawing applications.
To ensure the pen is also not a letdown, the manufacturer also pairs it with an 8192 sensitivity level pen with two nice buttons and a battery-free operation to make it highly convenient. The one-click toggle is also an excellent addition to this tablet as it will ensure toggling between the pen and eraser is quick and easy. And the design of the pen does not have a specific hand oriented as both right and left-handed artists can use it comfortably.
Features:
- Ultra-thin tablet
- 8192 level pen sensitivity
- Battery-free pen
- Multiple compatibility
- One-click toggle
10. VEIKK A15 Pro Drawing Tablet
The ease of use of the Veikk A15 Pro is what sets it apart from other models from the manufacturer, and also other drawing tablet brands. This straightforward use mostly stems from the inclusion of a larger multifunction dial and 12 customizable keys for your shortcuts.
With this drawing tablet, you will also get a larger 10 x 6 drawing surface with a nice texture to ensure smooth and easy drawing. And the 8192 levels of sensitivity ensure that drawing is both smooth and precise.
Because this top-quality drawing tablet will work with almost any designer software and it also supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, it will be perfect for both newbies and professionals in different fields.
Features:
- Type C input
- 8192 level battery-free pen
- 10 x 6-inch drawing area
- Multifunction dial
- 12 customizable keys
- Compatible with most designer software
Conclusion
If you like doing animations or are just an aspiring digital artist, a drawing tablet is one of your most prized possessions as it is what will do a huge chunk of the job. And whether you are a newbie or professional, there is at least one drawing tablet model on our list that will work for you.
However, the Wacom CTL4100 is our best overall, and what we would recommend for anyone looking for something that will never disappoint. But, if you just want to spend the least amount of cash without compromising on the quality of your drawing tablet, go with the Huion H420.
