Hi guys! It's me, AiTommy✨️
I know a lot of people are interested in digital art nowadays. Many people see digital art like drawing, comics, and animation on social media and in daily life, and some people want to make their own art.
But then the question arises—"Should I get a drawing tablet or a display tablet?"
Well, that's what I'm gonna talk about today! Choosing the right digital art tool can be daunting for many artists, especially if you've never started digital art before.
Both are fantastic tools capable of producing professional-quality work, but each has its own strengths.
I'm gonna share my fellow members of my Discord server's opinions and thoughts about this topic! If you are interested in joining my server, click the banner below!
Pros and Cons of Drawing Tablets vs. Display Tablets
Let's see the brief comparisons of these gadgets!
Drawing Tablets (Traditional Graphics Tablets)
Pros:
Generally much cheaper than display tablets, making them great for beginners or those on a tight budget. It's mostly around 50 USD or so.
Without a screen to scratch or damage, these tablets tend to last longer with proper care. My sister has used her drawing tablet for over a decade.
Easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much desk space. You can bring your phone or laptop with a drawing tablet to draw outside like in a cafe.
Works with most devices and programs, even older ones.
Cons:
You have to look at your computer screen while drawing on the tablet, which can feel unnatural at first.
The disconnect between your hand and the screen might make detailed work harder for some. (I couldn't get used to this feeling and I switched to the display tablet.)
It may feel limiting for artists transitioning from traditional media.
Display Tablets
Pros:
You can draw directly on the screen, making it feel more like traditional drawing.
Easier to achieve details and control your strokes.
Seeing your work develop under your pen reduces guesswork.
Ideal for intricate or detailed work like illustrations, comics, or animations.
Cons:
Display tablets are significantly pricier, especially for high-quality models with large screens.
Takes up more desk space and is less portable.
The screen can get scratched or damaged, requiring extra care (and sometimes a screen protector).
Requires more cables and sometimes an external power source, making the setup less streamlined.
iPad/iPad Pro
Pros:
No need for a computer; you can draw, edit, and even share your work directly from the iPad.
Lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for on-the-go artists.
Besides drawing, it’s great for other tasks like browsing, watching videos, or even managing your creative business.
Popular apps like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer are optimized for iPad.
High-Quality Display: iPad Pro models feature stunning Liquid Retina displays with excellent color accuracy and smooth refresh rates.
Cons:
It's expensive. The iPad Pro, especially with the Apple Pencil and higher storage options, can be very costly.
The screen is prone to scratches or cracks, so you’ll need to invest in a sturdy case or screen protector.
Unlike traditional computers, storage isn’t expandable, so you’ll need to manage space carefully.
Long sessions of drawing can drain the battery quickly, requiring frequent charging.
Only supports specific accessories and has fewer ports compared to traditional computers or tablets.
There are so many options so it might overwhelm you- especially if you are on a tight budget. If you want to get these items cheaper, you should follow accounts like Wacom, XP-Pen, and Huion. They'll announce the sale once in a while so you can get a discount!
If I think about buying a new tablet, I won't buy it immediately unless my tablet is broken and I need to replace it as soon as possible. I usually wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday because these companies run huge sales of the year!
Drawing Tablet vs. Display Tablet - What Do Artists Use?
I recently ran a poll on my Discord server to find out what tools artists are using, and here’s what I found:
Drawing Tablet: 40%
Display Tablet: 47%
Drawing with Fingers: 13% (Yes, really! Some artists prefer their trusty fingers!)
From the comments in my Discord, it’s clear that brands like Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen are the most popular. Additionally, many artists love the portability and versatility of the iPad with Procreate.
Let's see what they have to say about their gadgets!
It’s fascinating to see how everyone adapts to their tools and preferences! Whether you’re using a drawing tablet, a display tablet, or even your fingers, the best tool is the one that lets you express your creativity😊
What Did I Use Before? What Do I Use Now?
When I first started digital art, I used a small Wacom drawing tablet called BAMBOO or something. It was a decent entry point. It was really affordable, reliable, and perfect for learning the basics of digital drawing.
But overtime, I felt frustrated to draw with this tiny drawing tablet. I started to watch other artists' YouTube videos and they used a fancy display tablet.
Eventually, I decided to upgrade to a display tablet, starting with an Artisul. I got an Artisul 16. It was pretty good at first. I loved drawing with a display tablet, much more than drawing with a drawing tablet. But slowly, it got buggy, and it frustrated me, as I said in the screenshot.
Then later on, I switched to the Huion Kamvas Pro 16, which I currently use. I LOVE IT!
I bought it in 2020, and this is the main gadget I use for pretty much any digital artwork I make. It ticks all the criteria you ask for a display tablet and though it might seem a bit small compared to all the big professional display tablets, I love this tablet!
But I also want to upgrade it in the future... Kamvas Pro 19 and Artist Pro 19 (Gen2) look really pretty and I want to work with a 4k display tablet someday!
So... how do you Choose the Right Gadget for Digital Art?
If You’re on a Tight Budget or New to Digital Art:
Go for a drawing tablet.
You don’t have to invest a lot of money right away (most drawing tablets cost under $100).
Digital art might not be your thing, and this option allows you to explore it without breaking the bank.
Start with budget-friendly options like the Wacom Intuos or XP-Pen Star series.
If You’re Experienced and Want to Upgrade:
Consider a display tablet.
It provides a more intuitive, pen-on-screen experience that’s great for creating detailed artwork.
If you’re unsure about the feel, visit an electronics store to try out different models before purchasing.
Popular models include the Huion Kamvas series or Wacom Cintiq.
If You Need a Tablet for College Work and Art:
Think about an iPad/iPad Pro.
It’s versatile—you can use it for digital art, note-taking, presentations, and general study tasks.
The Apple Pencil (essential for drawing) costs an additional $150 or so, so only choose this option if you’re ready to spend a bit more.
Go for the iPad Pro if you want the best screen quality and performance, but the standard iPad also works well for beginners.
Before making a decision, evaluate your needs and budget carefully. Each tool caters to different purposes, so choosing the one that aligns with your workflow and goals will help you get the most value.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this blog helps you decide which tool fits your needs. When I started my digital art journey, I used an old drawing tablet my dad gave me. From there, I moved on to a Wacom Bamboo and eventually transitioned to display tablets.
I know it can be overwhelming to choose the right gadget, but once you have one, the excitement of creating digital artwork will make it all worth it!
So, which tool do you use or plan to buy? Feel free to share your story—I’d love to hear about your journey in the world of digital art!
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