We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Wacom Drawing Tablets 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 Graphics Tablet with Stand (4k Resolution, 17.3 Inch Display, 120 Hz, HDR Gamma Support, Pantone Validated, Wacom Pro Pen 3, Multi-Touch, ExpressKey Grip)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Active Area
Resolution (LPI)
ExpressKeys

Most important from
20 reviews

Active Area
The tablet’s size limits workspace, making it feel no larger than an 11-inch tablet, which may be a drawback for those seeking more drawing area.
Resolution (LPI)
The 4K screen delivers flawless resolution and vibrant colors, offering a perfect balance of smoothness and texture that artists appreciate.
ExpressKeys
Ergonomically, the tablet is problematic: the rear-positioned ExpressKeys force the hand into an uncomfortable grip that causes strain quickly.
Stylus Type
The stylus is highly precise, fast, and comfortable, with excellent tilt recognition enhancing the drawing experience.
Connectivity
The tablet requires a bulky power brick and thick cables, which can clutter the workspace and make repositioning difficult.
Compatibility
Multitouch features such as rotation occasionally stop working, possibly due to software compatibility rather than hardware flaws.

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 is a high-quality drawing tablet designed for creative professionals who want a compact yet powerful tool. Its 17.3-inch 4K display offers sharp and vibrant colors, covering a wide color range that benefits artists needing accurate color representation for design or photography. The screen supports HDR and has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which helps reduce lag and makes drawing feel natural and responsive.

The stylus, Wacom Pro Pen 3, is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust its weight, size, and buttons to fit your drawing style comfortably. It also boasts excellent pressure sensitivity with 8192 levels, letting you create precise lines and shading. The tablet has built-in ExpressKeys for quick shortcuts, enhancing workflow efficiency. Connectivity is primarily through USB Type-C, and it includes a stand and VESA mount options for flexible setup.

The tablet weighs nearly 5 pounds and measures over 18 inches wide, so it might not be the best fit if you need a lightweight or very portable solution. It comes at a premium price point, reflecting its professional features. For serious digital artists or designers who value color accuracy and pen precision in a compact form, this tablet is a strong choice. Casual users or beginners might find it more than they need and possibly a bit expensive.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Active Area
Resolution (LPI)
ExpressKeys

Most important from
20 reviews

Active Area
The tablet’s size limits workspace, making it feel no larger than an 11-inch tablet, which may be a drawback for those seeking more drawing area.
Resolution (LPI)
The 4K screen delivers flawless resolution and vibrant colors, offering a perfect balance of smoothness and texture that artists appreciate.
ExpressKeys
Ergonomically, the tablet is problematic: the rear-positioned ExpressKeys force the hand into an uncomfortable grip that causes strain quickly.
Stylus Type
The stylus is highly precise, fast, and comfortable, with excellent tilt recognition enhancing the drawing experience.
Connectivity
The tablet requires a bulky power brick and thick cables, which can clutter the workspace and make repositioning difficult.
Compatibility
Multitouch features such as rotation occasionally stop working, possibly due to software compatibility rather than hardware flaws.
#2

Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 Drawing Tablet with Screen, 21.5" Ultra HD 4K. 10-bit 120Hz Touchscreen Display Graphic Arts Tablet with Pro Pen 3, for Windows PC, Mac, Linux

Rating
9.1
Pressure Sensitivity
ExpressKeys

Most important from
631 reviews

Pressure Sensitivity
The Pro Pen 2 included in the package is great considering design, grip, and pressure sensitivity.
ExpressKeys
The ExpressKey accessory is extremely easy to configure and very easy to get used to.

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 is a high-end drawing tablet designed for creative professionals such as graphic designers and digital artists. With its 21.5-inch Ultra HD 4K display offering a crisp and vibrant color experience, it's well-suited for detailed and color-sensitive work. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive interactions, reducing latency to almost zero, which is vital for an uninterrupted drawing experience. The Pro Pen 3 enhances this experience further with its remarkable 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control and natural-feeling strokes. It also features customizable grips and adjustable weight for personalized comfort.

The tablet includes 8 ExpressKeys, which can be customized for quicker access to frequently used functions, enhancing workflow efficiency. The stand is adjustable, ensuring that users can work comfortably for extended periods. In terms of connectivity, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 supports USB connections and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile across different operating systems. However, the tablet is relatively heavy at 11 pounds, which might make it less portable for users who need to move their workspace frequently.

Additionally, the price point is on the higher end, which could be a barrier for hobbyists or those new to digital art. Nonetheless, for professionals seeking a high-quality, responsive, and customizable drawing tablet, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 is a strong contender. It provides a robust set of features designed to meet the demanding needs of creative work.

Rating
9.1
Pressure Sensitivity
ExpressKeys

Most important from
631 reviews

Pressure Sensitivity
The Pro Pen 2 included in the package is great considering design, grip, and pressure sensitivity.
ExpressKeys
The ExpressKey accessory is extremely easy to configure and very easy to get used to.
#3

Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet with Full HD 21.5-Inch Display Screen, 8192 Pressure Sensitive Pro Pen 2 Tilt Recognition, Compatible with Mac OS Windows & Cintiq Adjustable Stand

The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a solid choice for artists who want a large, high-definition pen display tablet with a natural drawing feel. It offers a 21.5-inch Full HD screen, which gives clear and vibrant visuals, making it easier to see fine details. The tablet comes with Wacom's Pro Pen 2, featuring 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, so your pen strokes respond smoothly and naturally, just like on paper. The screen has an anti-glare surface that helps reduce reflections, which is helpful when working in bright environments.

Connectivity is straightforward with USB and HDMI cables, allowing you to connect the tablet to most Windows or Mac computers. It includes an adjustable stand, so you can set the drawing angle between 19 and 68 degrees for comfort during long sessions. The pen is battery-free and charges while you draw, so you don't need to worry about recharging it separately.

One downside is the absence of many customizable express keys on this model, which some artists might miss for quick shortcuts. Also, while it's compatible with a wide range of systems, it doesn't work with some Wacom Cintiq Pro models, so make sure to check compatibility if you have other Wacom devices. The 1920x1080 resolution is good for most work but might feel less sharp if you’re used to higher-resolution screens. The Cintiq 22 is well suited for creative professionals or hobbyists looking for a reliable, large display tablet with excellent pen precision without stepping into the higher price ranges of premium models. It balances quality and ease of use well but may lack some advanced shortcut features that power users appreciate.

Buying Guide for the Best Wacom Drawing Tablets

When choosing a Wacom drawing tablet, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the tablet. Whether you're a professional artist, a hobbyist, or a student, the right tablet can make a significant difference in your creative process. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a Wacom drawing tablet.
Active AreaThe active area is the part of the tablet where you can draw or write. It's important because it determines how much space you have to work with. Larger active areas are great for detailed work and provide more room for broad strokes, making them ideal for professional artists or those who work on large projects. Smaller active areas are more portable and can be sufficient for casual use or for those with limited desk space. Consider the size of your workspace and the type of work you do when choosing the active area size.
Pressure SensitivityPressure sensitivity refers to how many levels of pressure the tablet can detect from the stylus. This is important because it affects how your strokes appear on the screen; more pressure levels allow for more nuanced and detailed work. Tablets with higher pressure sensitivity (e.g., 8192 levels) are ideal for professional artists who need precise control over their lines and shading. For beginners or casual users, a tablet with lower pressure sensitivity (e.g., 2048 levels) may be sufficient.
Resolution (LPI)Resolution, measured in lines per inch (LPI), indicates how many lines the tablet can detect per inch of the active area. Higher resolution means more detail and accuracy in your work. Professional artists and those working on detailed illustrations should look for higher LPI (e.g., 5080 LPI). For general use or less detailed work, a lower resolution may be adequate.
ExpressKeysExpressKeys are customizable buttons on the tablet that can be programmed to perform various functions, such as shortcuts for software tools. These are important for improving workflow efficiency. If you frequently use shortcuts and want to streamline your process, look for a tablet with more ExpressKeys. For those who prefer a simpler setup or are new to digital art, fewer ExpressKeys may be sufficient.
Stylus TypeThe stylus, or pen, is a crucial part of the drawing tablet experience. Some styluses come with additional features like tilt recognition and erasers. Tilt recognition allows the tablet to detect the angle of the stylus, which can be useful for shading and creating more natural strokes. An eraser on the stylus can make it easier to correct mistakes. Consider what features are important to you and how they will enhance your drawing experience.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include USB, Bluetooth, and wireless. USB connections are reliable and provide a stable connection, but they can limit your movement. Bluetooth and wireless options offer more freedom of movement and a cleaner workspace but may require more frequent charging. Think about your workspace setup and how much freedom of movement you need when choosing the connectivity option.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the tablet works with your computer's operating system and the software you use. Most Wacom tablets are compatible with both Windows and macOS, but it's important to check if the tablet supports the specific software you plan to use. Ensure that the tablet you choose will integrate smoothly with your existing setup to avoid any compatibility issues.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now