Best Budget Tablet for Drawing 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
With the rise of digital art and sketching, tablets for drawing have become an essential tool for artists and creators of all kinds. However, not everyone has the budget to invest in high-end tablets like the iPad Pro or the Microsoft Surface Pro. Fortunately, there are several excellent budget-friendly tablets available in 2025 that still offer great performance for drawing, sketching, and digital illustration. This guide will walk you through the best budget tablet for drawing 2025 on the market, their key features, and how to choose the one that fits your needs.
1. Wacom Intuos Pro (Small)
Price: Around $200
Wacom is renowned for its drawing tablets, and the Wacom Intuos Pro (Small) is no exception. Although it might seem more affordable compared to its larger counterparts, the Intuos Pro still packs a punch with its responsive pen, customizable buttons, and exceptional pressure sensitivity.
Features:
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Tilt response and customizable express keys
- Compact, lightweight design
- Compatibility with Windows and macOS
- Access to Wacom’s intuitive drawing software
Why it’s good for artists: The Wacom Intuos Pro gives you pro-grade tools without breaking the bank. Its compact size makes it portable, and the high pressure sensitivity makes it ideal for artists looking for precision.
2. Huion Kamvas 13
Price: Around $230
If you’re looking for a drawing tablet with a screen, the Huion Kamvas 13 is one of the best budget options. It features a 13.3-inch full HD display, which allows you to draw directly on the screen, making it a fantastic choice for artists who prefer that “pen on paper” feel.
Features:
- 13.3-inch full HD display
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Tilt recognition for natural drawing strokes
- 16.7 million colors
- USB-C connection for simple setup
Why it’s good for artists: The Kamvas 13 is affordable and offers an impressive drawing experience. The screen’s clarity and color accuracy make it a standout for the price range, and it’s also light enough to be portable.
3. XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen)
Price: Around $199
The XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) offers a highly affordable tablet with a screen for drawing, making it an excellent option for aspiring artists on a budget. With a 11.6-inch display, the Artist 12 has all the features you need to produce high-quality art.
Features:
- 11.6-inch full HD display
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Adjustable stand included
- Tilt support
- 8 customizable shortcut keys
Why it’s good for artists: The XP-Pen Artist 12 combines value with quality. The drawing experience is smooth, with accurate pressure sensitivity, and the adjustable stand ensures a comfortable working position.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Price: Around $250
If you’re looking for a non-Wacom option, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite provides an impressive drawing experience at a fraction of the price. Running Android, it allows access to a variety of creative apps like Adobe Fresco, Autodesk Sketchbook, and more.
Features:
- 10.4-inch display with 2000 x 1200 resolution
- S Pen included (no charging required)
- 64GB storage, expandable via microSD
- Android-based, supporting various apps
- Long battery life (up to 12 hours)
Why it’s good for artists: The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a versatile tablet, perfect for those who want to both draw and use a tablet for other purposes. The S Pen is responsive, and the display offers vibrant colors, ideal for digital drawing.
5. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
Price: Around $230
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is another excellent budget tablet for drawing, offering great value at an affordable price point. It runs on Android and comes with a responsive stylus (sold separately), making it a great choice for those looking for a tablet that can double as both a productivity device and a drawing tool.
Features:
- 11-inch 2K display
- 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable)
- Stylus support (sold separately)
- MediaTek Helio G90T processor
- Android OS with access to drawing apps
Why it’s good for artists: The 2K display ensures crisp visuals, and the large screen makes drawing more comfortable. The P11 Plus strikes a good balance between performance and affordability, making it a solid choice for hobbyists.
6. Gaomon PD1161
Price: Around $169
The Gaomon PD1161 is a great budget option for those who want a full-screen experience for drawing. It is an ideal entry-level graphic tablet, with a generous 11.6-inch display and good pen performance.
Features:
- 11.6-inch full HD display
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- 8 customizable shortcut keys
- Adjustable stand included
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
Why it’s good for artists: The Gaomon PD1161 provides a solid, budget-friendly drawing experience, especially for beginners. The pen’s high pressure sensitivity and tilt response add to the overall drawing quality, and the display is clear and responsive.
7. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2
Price: Around $70
For artists who prefer a drawing tablet without a screen, the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is an affordable, high-quality alternative. While it doesn’t offer the screen interface, the Deco 01 V2 provides a professional-level experience at a fraction of the price.
Features:
- 10 x 6.25-inch active drawing area
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- 8 customizable express keys
- Battery-free pen with tilt sensitivity
- Compatible with most drawing software
Why it’s good for artists: The XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 is a budget-friendly option for artists who want excellent performance without the need for a screen. Its large drawing area makes it perfect for sketching, and the stylus’s pressure sensitivity and tilt support make drawing more natural.
8. Apple iPad 9th Gen
Price: Around $329
Though slightly higher in price than other options, the Apple iPad 9th Gen is an excellent budget tablet for drawing, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil. With a 10.2-inch display and iPadOS, it supports all the major drawing apps, including Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and more.
Features:
- 10.2-inch Retina display
- Apple Pencil support (1st Gen)
- 64GB storage
- iPadOS with access to creative apps
- Long battery life (up to 10 hours)
Why it’s good for artists: The iPad 9th Gen, although priced higher than some alternatives, offers the most extensive range of creative tools and apps. Its seamless integration with the Apple Pencil gives it an edge in drawing performance, making it a strong choice for aspiring digital artists.
Conclusion
Choosing the best budget tablet for drawing in 2025 depends on your preferences, whether you want a tablet with a screen or one that’s just a drawing pad. For those who want an all-in-one device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Lenovo Tab P11 Plus are excellent options. However, if you prefer a more traditional experience with a stylus and a screen, the Huion Kamvas 13 and XP-Pen Artist 12 provide great value for money. Finally, for budget-conscious beginners, the XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 or the Gaomon PD1161 offer exceptional performance at a lower price point.
When selecting your tablet, consider the pressure sensitivity, stylus quality, display size, and your preferred drawing software to ensure it meets your creative needs.