Standalone Drawing Excellence: Top Unveiled Drawing Tablets

A standalone drawing tablet is an essential tool for any graphic designer or digital artist. It provides enough power to run heavy graphics programs. Especially for people looking for drawing tablets that don’t need a computer, as well as the best drawing tablets with screens.

But a good tablet will also allow you to take it anywhere. You can practice drawing or work on a project while commuting. Or, you can head out in the fresh air to get some inspiration from the natural beauty.

Standalone drawing tablets have greatly improved in recent years. There are all sorts of drawing tablets on the market now. I’ve created this guide to the best standalone drawing tablets for creatives.

I’ll go over the essential features of a drawing tablet. Then, we’ll get onto the reviews.

What to Look for When Buying a Standalone Tablet

Here’s what to look out for when you’re shopping around for a standalone tablet:

Battery Life

You want long battery life so that you work from anywhere on your tablet. You don’t want the battery to run out when you’re not near a power source. So, look for digital devices that offer 10+ hours of battery life on a full charge.

Screen Sensitivity

Screen sensitivity is a critical factor for any digital drawing tablet. High-pressure sensitivity will allow you to sketch, shade, and draw accurate designs.

The best drawing tablets will capture every detail for you. Some models even have advanced features like tilt recognition and multi-touch capability.

Lightweight and Portable

A standalone tablet should be lightweight and slim to take it anywhere. You don’t want a bulky device weighing you down when you’re on the move.

Capable of Running Graphics Programs

At the same time, the best standalone drawing tablets won’t skimp on power and performance. Look for at least 8GB of RAM. Then, you’ll know that the device can handle intensive graphics programs.

While you’re checking the specs, look up how much storage space it offers, too!

Price

You have to consider your budget when buying a standalone tablet. So you’ll be happy to hear that there’s the right tablet for everyone. You can find very affordable standalone drawing tablets nowadays.

Just be prepared that they will offer less advanced features as a trade-off.

Top 3 Products Quick Comparison

If you’re short on time, here’s what you need to know! For professional artists and designers, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro is an exceptional tablet that will blow you away.

You’ll love the large screen, incredible Ultra HD display, and other amazing features. The drawing experience is second to none.

But if you’re looking for a more versatile tablet, check out the iPad Pro. This tablet is excellent for drawing, and you can use it for all your other needs. 

And if you’re shopping on a budget, the CHUWI Ubook Pro offers great value for money. It’s very affordable and comes with decent specs. You can use this tablet to get started with digital drawing or design without spending too much cash.

Wacom MobileStudio Pro Apple iPad ProCHUWI Ubook Pro
Product Name & CategoryWacom MobileStudio Pro Apple iPad Pro CHUWI Ubook Pro
Screen Size15.6 inch12.9 inch12 inch
ResolutionUltra HD – 3840 x 2160 pixels2732 x 208 pixels2160 x 1440 pixels
Dimensions & Weight10.2 x 16.5 x 0.8 inches4.7 lbs11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches1.5 lbs11.49 x 8.14 x 0.35 inches, 1.71 lbs
ProcessorIntel Core i7-6567U
A12Z Bionic Chip with Neural EngineIntel N1400 Gemini Lake
OSWindows 10 ProfessionaliPadOS 14Windows 10

The Best Standalone Drawing Tablets

Wacom MobileStudio Pro

Best Premium Drawing Tablet

Wacom MobileStudio Pro - Standalone Tablet

(Image credit: Wacom)

Wacom MobileStudio Pro is an impressive drawing tablet with HD Screen and Graphic Monitor. This incredible pen tablet is designed for you if you are creative and you are looking for freedom to take it with you anywhere, Wacom Mobile Studio Pro packs an entire studio of powerful creative tools.

You rarely find a tablet as precise as the Wacom MobileStudio Pro. You can draw incredibly detailed illustrations with no problem at all. So, if you’re a serious digital artist or graphic designer, this tablet is for you.

Best standalone graphic tablet

(Image credit: Wacom)

You’ll be able to produce the high-quality images required of your profession anywhere. It’s compatible with the Adobe Suite and Corel Suite, among other programs. There are no cutting corners with this product. 

It comes with high-resolution displays (3840 x 2160) and superior color quality (94 percent Adobe RGB).

  • Screen Size: 15.6 inch
  • Resolution: Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 10.2 x 16.5 x 0.8 inches, 4.7 lbs
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-6567U
  • OS: Windows 10 Professional

Pros:

  • A powerful tablet that can run graphically intensive programs
  • Highly responsive and very accurate and precise
  • It has an amazing ultra HD resolution for insane clarity and gorgeous visuals

Cons:

  • It’s extremely expensive
  • This tablet is heavy and bulky
  • Beginners won’t need such advanced specs
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HP Zbook X2-G4 Laptop

Best Laptop/Tablet Combo

(Image credit: HP)

If you have plenty of cash to invest in a standalone drawing tablet with screen, you’ll love the HP Zbook. Technically, it’s a laptop, not a tablet.

But with a fully detachable screen, it has all the features of a drawing tablet. Plus, it packs the power and performance of a PC.

You can draw to your heart’s content on the large 14-inch screen. You won’t be limited by the storage, with 512GB of space available to you.

The Zbook is extremely fast, thanks to the 16GB RAM. That means that it can run any program without lagging or freezing up.

Although it’s large, it only weighs 3.64 lbs in tablet mode. It’s lightweight and portable so that you can go anywhere with it.

All in all, the HP Zbook is the best standalone drawing tablet for graphic designers and digital artists. But only if you can afford the hefty price tag!

  • Screen Size: 14 inch
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 14.35 x 8.94 x 0.57 inches, 3.64 lbs
  • Processor: Intel Core™ i7-865OU
  • OS: Windows 10 Home/Professional 64

Pros:

  • Combination of a laptop and tablet
  • Large, HD 14” screen

Cons:

  • Very expensive
View Prices

New Apple iPad Pro

Best Portable and Versatile Drawing Tablet

drawing tablet with screen

(Image credit: Apple)

Another option is the latest Apple iPad, which needs little introduction. You’ll probably be familiar with the iPad. But did you know that it makes a great drawing tablet, too?

You can use the Apple Pencil to sketch and draw all kinds of designs on the iPad. The screen is large enough to see all your drawings clearly and in vivid color.

It can be a little expensive when you buy the Pencil separately. But it’s much cheaper than some high-ends standalone drawing tablet products.

The bonus with the Apple iPad is that you can use it for all your other needs, too. Need to send a quick email to a client after creating a new design? You can do it all from the same digital device!

  • Screen Size: 12.9 inch 
  • Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches, 1.5 lbs
  • Processor: A12Z Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
  • OS: iPadOS 14

Pros:

  • Long battery life (10 hours)
  • It’s very slim, lightweight, and compact – ideal for use on the go
  • Powerful and responsive

Cons:

  • Not designed specifically for drawing
View Prices

Huion KAMVAS Studio 22

Best Large Drawing Tablet for Artists

(Image credit: Huion)

This advanced graphic drawing tablet from Huion is ideal for any professional designer. At 22 inches, it provides plenty of space to let your creativity flow. You can use the battery-free pen for as long as you like. Plus, it offers tilt support for improved accuracy and subtle details. 

It has plenty of useful features that set it apart from other models, including 20 express keys. You can customize these to your own needs for a smooth workflow.

The fully laminated screen prevents harsh glares, allowing you to work for longer. As a result, the screen is even brighter, and your designs are more vivid.

You can use any design software with this fantastic tablet. It uses the 6C/6T processor based on the Intel core i5-8400 processor. It also comes with 8GB to 16GB of RAM.

  • Screen Size: 21.5 inch
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 23.18 x 13.54 x 0.82 inches, 10.47 lbs
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 8400
  • OS: Windows 10 Professional

Pros:

  • Comes with a super-sensitive pen with tilt technology
  • Provides 120% color gamut for bright, lifelike colors

Cons:

  • It’s expensive, so not a great choice for amateurs
  • For a screen of this size, the resolution is quite low
  • It’s very heavy for a drawing tablet

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Best Portable Android Tablet for Drawing

Best standalone tablet that doesn't need computer

(Image credit: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 makes for an ideal Android standalone drawing tablet. It’s super slim, lightweight, and portable. You can pop it in your bag and take it anywhere with you.

At the same time, it’s so powerful that you can run any design program you need. It’s got enough RAM to compete against a PC, allowing you to have many apps open at the same time.

The Super AMOLED display makes your designs look their best. The edge-to-edge screen gives you more space for getting creative.

You’ll love the S-Pen for drawing as it’s so responsive. When you’re done, it attaches magnetically, so you’ll never lose it.

The Galaxy Tab S6 is designed to be user-friendly and effortless to use. It will make drawing easier and more enjoyable than ever!

  • Screen Size: 10.5 inch
  • Resolution: 1600 x 2560 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 9.6 x 6.2 x 0.22 inches, 0.92 lbs
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150
  • OS: Android 9

Pros:

  • Very slim yet powerful
  • Lightweight and easily portable
  • It has an amazing and accurate AMOLED screen 
  • You get the super-responsive S-Pen included with the tablet

Cons:

  • Fewer screen sensitivity levels than other models
  • The screen is quite small

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View Prices

Microsoft Surface Pro

Best Laptop For Drawing

Best standalone tablet

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Microsoft Surface Pro provides everything that an artist or graphic designer needs! You get 8GB RAM, an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, and a large screen.

The Surface Pro gives you the best of both worlds with three different modes. You can use it as a tablet or switch to laptop mode when you need to. 

In Studio Mode, you have the perfect set up for drawing and illustrating. Use the Surface Pen to create intricate designs easily.

You can even sketch and shade accurately with fantastic results. It’s also amazingly lightweight at 1.69 lbs, so it won’t weigh you down.

If you’re looking for a high-end drawing tablet, I would strongly recommend the Surface Pro. While it’s not a cheap drawing tablet with a screen, it’s one of the best models for less than $1000. 

  • Screen Size: 12.3 inch
  • Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches, 1.69 lbs
  • Processor: 7th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor
  • OS: Windows 10 Professional

Pros:

  • Super lightweight for easy portability
  • You can flip it to Studio mode for a great drawing experience
  • It’s powerful with plenty of memory
  • Has the best features of a laptop and drawing tablet

Cons:

  • Only has one USB port
  • You’ll need to buy the Surface Pen separately
View Prices

CHUWI UBook Pro Tablet

Best Budget Drawing Tablet for Graphic Designers and Artists

Chuwi standalone drawing tablet

(Image credit: Chuwi)

If you’re looking for an affordable drawing tablet with a screen, check this product out! It has a highly sensitive screen and high resolution. So you can create gorgeous, brightly-colored illustrations that are true to life.

If you want to get creative on the train, in the park, or in a cafe, this portable drawing tablet fits the bill.

With 11.6-inch Resolution, and an Intel UHD Graphics 600 Flash Memory Size: 256 GB this tablet is a bargain. That’s why I believe that it’s the best budget standalone drawing tablet with a screen. It’s an excellent choice for students or anyone on a tight budget.

  • Screen Size: 12 inch
  • Resolution: 2160 x 1440 pixels
  • Dimensions & Weight: 11.49 x 8.14 x 0.35 inches, 1.71 lbs
  • Processor: Intel N1400 Gemini Lake
  • OS: Windows 10

Pros:

  • This is a great low-cost tablet for beginners and pros
  • Incredible range of sensitivity
  • The large screen displays bright images and vivid details

Cons:

  • Pen level pressure is not intuitive enough
  • It’s not as powerful as more expensive tablets 
View Prices

The Wrap Up

So there you have my round-up of the best standalone tablets right now. Whether you’re a student, artist, or graphic designer, a standalone drawing tablet is a handy tool to have. So choose the model that meets your needs, and go start drawing! 

Would you like to receive more useful resources like this article? Then, go ahead and sign up for the Proactive Creative and make sure you head over to Pinterest and follow me there.

That’s where I’ll keep you up to date on all the latest gadgets, reviews, tips, and more. 

This post contains affiliate links. Proactive Creative may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Author

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.


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10 thoughts on “Standalone Drawing Excellence: Top Unveiled Drawing Tablets”

  1. Thanks for sharing , the info is useful . I’ve got the chance to get an iPad Pro this weekend. I’ve used a XP-Pen Star 03 graphics tablet for years and I love it. But I’ve always liked the idea of drawing straight onto the screen….drawing and painting are all I’m interested in so it seems amazing to me.

    Reply
  2. I have an Ipad pro + apple pencil mostly for sketching and illustrating. XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro display drawing tablet with adobe programs/graphic design.

    If you want to work with photoshop / illustrator etc. I’d recommend the XP-Pen , however you will need a pc/laptop with good specs. Ipad is pretty comfortable with drawing but there’s not much ‘apps’ for graphic art/design.

    Reply

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