Best pen tablets for Photoshop and suitable for Graphic Design

Any graphic designer, the photographer can do without a graphics tablet today – at least not if he wants to digitally create or edit the photos and works on the computer. The standard image editing program used by almost every photographer and graphic designer is adobe Photoshop. Since not every graphics tablet integrates with every software, many people wonder which pen tablets are the best choice for Adobe Photoshop.
Anyone who has been working with Photoshop for a long time will sooner or later consider purchasing a tablet for photoshop. This raises the question: what is the best pen tablets for Photoshop? What needs to be considered when buying? If you are a beginner and decide on your first graphics tablet, you have to read through many test reports to find out which one suits you and your wallet. I especially want to help beginners find the best tablet for photoshop.
To make the purchase decision a little easier, the following guide provides information on various graphics tablets and gives helpful tips to find a perfect pen tablet for graphics.
Table of Contents
Why pen tablets for photoshop are most popular with graphic designers?
Which graphics pen tablet is best for Photoshop? A graphics tablet is a pointing device that basically works just like a computer mouse. The cursor can be moved across the computer screen using a graphics tablet. However, because the device is operated with a pen, much more precise control is possible. In addition, most input devices are able to perceive additional information about the pen guide. This includes:
- Pen print: The strength with which the pen is pressed onto the tablet is passed on to the computer.
- Pen tilt: The angle at which the pen tip is placed on the graphics tablet is passed on to the computer.
- Finger pressure: The pressure with which your fingers grip the pen and press it on the tablet is transferred to the computer.
- Various graphics tools: Depending on the graphics program, the pen can not only be used for drawing, but also for example painting, hatching or working with a spray can.
However, graphic artists and photographers constantly need different tools for image processing or must be able to work so precisely that the investment is definitely worthwhile. If you have never worked with a graphics tablet before, you can, first of all, buy a cheaper device. However, he will probably quickly miss the many functions that a high-quality graphics tablet has to offer. Therefore, it is worthwhile as a beginner to buy a high-quality graphics tablet for Adobe Photoshop or other professional image editing programs.
The pen tablet is a must-have for computer artists. These input devices allow you to draw images and graphics on a computer the same way you would with an actual pen and paper. Pen tablets come in quite handy when creating digital works using Photoshop. They are accurate and precise. If you are looking for the best drawing tablet with screen, below we have the top ten best pen tablets for Photoshop.
The Best Pen Tablets for Photoshop – Suitable for Photo Editing
For our long research, we found the best tablets for photoshop, which is suitable for photographers, graphic designers, and any other draftsman. Let’s discuss it.
1. Wacom Intuos CTL4100
This is one of the best pen tablets for Photoshop that is under the $100 budget. It is battery-free and makes the perfect replacement for your keyboard and mouse when it comes to photo editing. The Wacom incorporates a pressure-sensitive feature that allows you to draw different lines depending on the amount of pressure you apply.
The package comes with free online tutorials on how to use the device and an art rage lite sketching amongst others. It is compatible with both MAC and Windows. And can be connected to either via USB cable.
Weight | 231g |
Display Area | 6.3″ x 3.7″ |
Wireless Capability | Yes via Bluetooth |
Screen | 7 inch |
No of the USB 2.0 port | 1 |
Pressure Sensitivity | 4096 |
Pen | Battery-free 4k Pen |
Price | $79.00 |
2. Wacom Intuos Pro
The Pro version of the Wacom Intuos is a ‘beast’ when it comes to Pen Tablets. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this tablet has the best features. It also uses pressure sensitivity, however it is more advanced because it has 8192 levels. Its exterior is made of glass fiber and anodized aluminum.
Though lighter than its predecessors, it is 4 times accurate. Therefore, irrespective of your Photoshop skills, this is a pen tablet that you can rely on. The buttons on the pen have tactile feedback and the tab allows you to customize express keys to improve work efficiency. In summary, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a powerful and ergonomic tablet suitable for digital artists.
Weight | 1.5 lbs |
Active Area | 8.7″ x 5.8″ |
Multi-Touch technology | Yes |
Battery | Included 1 A batteries required. |
No of the USB 2.0 port | 1 |
Keys Onboard | 8 customizable ExpressKeys |
Pen | Wacom Pro Pen 2 Included |
Price | $380.00 |
3. Huion KAMVAS GT-191
If you have been in this industry for a while, then you have probably heard of the Huion KAMVAS GT-191. This is an affordable yet efficient device. Working on the 19” IPS Display is fun and exciting because it incorporates a 72% NTSC color gamut. Thus, you will be able to see the progress of your editions in every step.
Additionally, this tablet is quite responsive. And similar to the Wacom Intuos Pro, it has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It’s ergonomic and compatible with both MAC and Windows.
Weight | 5.6kg |
Dimension | 18.7″ x 11.7″ x 1.4″ |
Rear Webcam Resolution | 2 MP |
Screen Size | 19.53″ |
RAM | DDR DRAM 1 MB |
Digital Pen | Rechargeable PE330 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion batteries ( Average Battery Life350 hours) |
Price | $300.00 |
4. XP-Pen Artist 15.6
The 15.6” resolution delivers crystal clear images on the 16:9 display of the XP-Pen Artist. This pen tablet boasts of impressive design and weighs only 3.3 pounds making it one of the lightest tablets in the market.
Other than that, this remarkable device incorporates modern pen technology. Compared to its predecessors, the Huion Pen offers twice the accuracy. As a result, bettering your Photoshop results. It also features multi-touch gestures such as zooming and panning.
Weight | 3.3 lbs |
Dimension | 15.94″ x 9.84″ x 1.26″ |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
Thickness | 11 mm |
Input Signal | USB Type-C |
Pen/Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 |
Supports | Windows / Mac OS |
Price | $399.00 |
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 4
It’s one of the best drawing tablets with screen, so it will suitable for graphics work. For years, Microsoft has strived to prove to its users that a tablet can replace a laptop. Well, the Surface Pro 4 is a living testimony. It’s powerful and standardly sized, thus the best device to edit your photos on. It has built by a powerful intel core i5 processor, 4GB ram, and 128GB capacity storage. Also, it has 5MP rear webcam and it can record HD videos in widescreen, giving you a powerful experience.
if you don’t have an idea: How to Use the Camera on a Microsoft Surface Pro?
Compared to the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft has improved the hardware as well as tweaked the software to give us a better version. Nonetheless, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a high-end tablet and has a starting market price of approx $400.
Weight | 0.78kg |
Screen Size | 12.3″ |
Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Supported |
Storage Capacity | 128GB |
Battery | (Included) 1 A Battery required. |
Operating System | Windows 10 Professional |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 (Integrated) |
Price | $369.00 |
6. Apple iPad (2018 Model)
Apple is a leading tech company and there is no doubt that its products have and continue to deliver top-notch services. The Apple iPad 2018 Model isn’t your ordinary pen tablet. It has a 9.7” Retina display suitable for Photoshop owners. It’s also very light and slim in size, and can easily fit in your backpack.
To enhance picture quality, the iPad 2018 features an A10 Fusion Chipset. Also, this model supports Apple Pencil. The two give you an experience like no other. If you can afford it, don’t hesitate to get yourself the Apple iPad 2018 model. This is a device that will take your Photoshop experience to the next level.
Weight | 470 gram |
Dimensions | 9.8″ x 7″ x 2″ |
Capacity of Storage | 32GB – 128 GB |
Battery | Included 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (10 Hours) |
Camera / Video | 8MP Camera / 1080P Full HD Video |
Keyboard | Bluetooth keyboards Compatible |
Pen | Appel Pen Compatible |
Price | $279.00 |
7. Ugee M708
With the Ugee M708, you can do more than edit pictures. It allows you to draw and also design software. It boasts of a 10×6 inch LED drawing area. Inside the package, you will find two rechargeable pens. Both of the pens feature 8192 pressure levels making them ideal for sensitive editing tasks.
Also, it will compatible with Windows 10 / 8 / 7 and Mac OS 10.8.0 or above; the Driver program works with creative software included such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, 3D MAX, Autodesk MAYA, Pixologic ZBrush and more.
To make working easier, the tab has stands to support it. One of the drawbacks of the Ugee M708 is that it does support 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch). However, you will get value for your money thanks to its many advanced features.
Weight | 1.4 lbs |
Dimensions | 14.1″ x 5.5″ x 2.1″ |
Multi-Touch technology | Yes |
Battery | Included 1 A batteries required. |
Express Button | 8 Express keys |
Pressure Sensitivity | Levels 8192 |
Pen | 1pen, Including 8 Pen nibs, 1 Pen clipper |
Price | $52.99 |
8. XP-Pen Artist 12
It is smaller compared to the XP-Pen Artist 15.6. However, it is very affordable. The 11.6” screen delivers clear and lifelike colors allowing you to edit and draw as accurately as possible. You will be able to see the difference between unedited and edited pictures. The XP-Pen Artist 12 is built for ergonomics, its screen reduces glare by 56%. You can, therefore, work for longer hours without worrying about it affecting your eyes.
Similar to the Ugee 1910B, its pen has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This pen tablet is the best thing you can ever give a Photoshop lover. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows operating system. It goes for around $249.99 on the market.
Weight | 0.90kg |
Work Area | 11.6″ |
Visual Angel | 178° |
Key | 6 customizable Express Keys |
Color Gamut | 72% NTSC/100% sRGB |
Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 |
Pen | XP Pen |
Price | $249.99 |
9. Samsung Galaxy tab S6
One of the biggest competitors of Apple is Samsung. And they too have not been left behind. The Galaxy Tab S6 is a top pick pen tablet for android lovers. One of the perks of this device is that it comes with a stylus. Therefore, you don’t have to purchase it aside like in the case of the Apple iPad 2018 model. Meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, it’s one of the best ultra-slim 2-in-1 that performs like a laptop with the mobility of a tablet. Imagine a better personal Laptop experience— without a laptop.
The screen size is 10.5” and has 16-hour battery life. You can connect it to your computer via USB cable. Also, make it all happen with a Skyrocket Fast-Charging battery that keeps up with you all day. You can get this device for about $647.99.
Weight | 417g |
Display Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
Memory | 128GB – 256GB / External microSD up to 512GB |
Battery life | Average of 16 Hours |
Audio | Quad + AKG |
Operating System | Android |
Graphics Coprocessor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
Price | $579.99 |
10. The Apple iPad Pro 12.9
Yes, we did save the best for last. For Photoshop lovers that prefer Apple gadgets and have a higher budget, then the iPad Pro 12.9 is the ideal pen tablet for you. You will, however, have to also buy the Apple Pencil 2. This device works best with Photoshop and any other type of editing device. The screen size measures 12.9 inches. There is also another version that has an 11-inch screen. Both feature a large liquid retina display for enhanced views.
Weight | 631g |
Display | 12″ |
Storage Capacity | 64GB – 256GB – 512GB – 1TB |
Battery | 10 Hours |
Camera / Viedo | 12MP camera with Smart HDR and 4K video |
Pen/Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 |
Audio | Four speaker audio with wider stereo sound |
Price | $999.00 – Save $150 |
From the above list of the ten best tablets for Photoshop, you can choose one that meets your product specifications and budget. If you are getting into the Photoshop industry from a professional point of view, you should consider investing in a quality pen tablet that will make work easier and improve accuracy. We can recommend you to use the Wacom Intuos Pro cause it’s really awesome pen tablet for the graphic designer.
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2 Comments
Editing and Photoshop require good quality tablets and tools as well. When it comes to pen tablets, one should be very concerned about the quality and cost as well. Thanks or the post. Keep up the good work!
I’ve had pretty good experiences with my XPPen Artist 12 2nd Generation drawing tablet monitor.