Which drawing tablet should you choose? A 2026 buyer's guide by budget
- Gabrielle Renaudon - Anju
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
It is one of the questions I get most often, and I understand why: between the brands, the models, screen vs no screen, and prices that vary constantly, it is easy to feel lost. Here is my updated 2026 selection, ordered from smallest to largest budget.
Before diving in, ask yourself:
What is your budget?
Casual use or professional?
Which software will you use?
Do you already have a PC or Mac?
Do you need to be able to carry the tablet with you?
Low budget — Under €100
Wacom
The Wacom One range (formerly One by Wacom) offers pen-only tablets without a screen — reliable and easy to get started with.
The Small sits around €45–55, the Medium around €70. It is the safe, no-risk choice for beginners: simple setup, solid pen quality, full compatibility with major software.
The Wacom Intuos (with built-in shortcut keys) starts at around €80 and adds four programmable express keys, handy for speeding up your workflow.
XPPEN
XPPen has a broader range in this price bracket than Wacom. The Deco Series (€60–90) offers 8192 pressure levels, Android compatibility and multiple shortcut keys — all at a lower price than the competition. An excellent value-for-money option for those who want more features on a tight budget.
Huion
Huion is another serious alternative. The Inspiroy range (€40–80) covers this tier well, with lightweight and well-built models.
The Inspiroy 2 S is available for around €45 and ticks all the boxes for getting started.
Mid-range budget — €100 to €400
Wacom
Wacom Intuos Pro (2025) — From around €330
In February 2025, Wacom completely redesigned its Intuos Pro range. The new version features the Pro Pen 3 — widely considered the best stylus on the market — with 8192 pressure levels and outstanding precision. The design has been refreshed, multitouch has been removed (almost nobody used it), and Bluetooth battery life now reaches 16 hours. Compatible with Windows and Mac, available in three sizes (S, M, L) from around €330.
I started with an earlier Intuos Pro, and if I were choosing today, this new generation would be at the top of my list for professional screenless use.
Wacom One 13 Touch — Around €380–400
Wacom's most accessible pen display, compact and portable, with touch functionality. Ideal for those who want to draw directly on screen without a large investment. Compatible with PC, Mac and Android.
XPPEN
XPPen Artist Series — €200 to €380
XPPen offers several pen displays in this range. The Artist Pro 16 (around €350) is well-built with good colour accuracy and an 8192-level pressure stylus. A serious option for those who want a drawing screen without the Wacom price tag.
Apple
iPad + Apple Pencil — From around €380–450
The standard iPad (10th generation, from €380) with the Apple Pencil (1st generation, €119) gives you access to Procreate for just €13. This is the setup I use most day to day. The advantage: no separate computer needed — everything happens on the iPad. The drawback: you are limited to the iOS ecosystem.
High budget — Over €400
Wacom
Wacom Cintiq 16 — Around €450–550
The entry point to the Cintiq range, with a 16-inch drawing screen of decent quality. Much more accessible than the Cintiq Pro models, it targets illustrators in progression who want to draw directly on screen without a large outlay.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 — From around €1,500
For professionals who want the best drawing screen on the market. The Cintiq Pro 16 offers 4K resolution, 98% Adobe RGB colour coverage and the Pro Pen 3. A significant investment, but the industry reference for professional illustration on screen.
XPPEN
XP-Pen Artist Ultra 16 (4K OLED) — €999.00
This is the "high-performance" option in the range. It stands out with its 4K OLED screen, delivering infinite contrast and professional-grade colour accuracy (99% Adobe RGB). It also features multi-touch technology and the latest stylus with 16,384 pressure levels, making it a cutting-edge tool for detailed illustration and colour work.
Apple
iPad Pro + Apple Pencil Pro — From around €1,200
The iPad Pro M4 with the Apple Pencil Pro (€139) is the combination I recommend for professional tablet work. Procreate runs flawlessly on it, the screen is stunning, and the mobility is a genuine advantage. The Apple Pencil Pro, released in 2024, adds tilt detection and haptic feedback.
My recommendation in two lines
If you are just starting out: Wacom One M or XPPen Deco, no screen, budget around €70–90. If you are working professionally or semi-professionally: iPad Pro + Apple Pencil Pro for mobility, or the Wacom Intuos Pro 2025 for PC/Mac work. For an affordable drawing screen: Wacom One 13 Touch or XPPen Artist Pro 16.
→ Also read my drawing software comparison to know what to install once your tablet arrives!
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