If you’re searching for the best cheap drawing tablets in 2024, you’re not alone. Drawing tablets have become essential tools for digital artists, designers, and illustrators. For me it’s been perfect for creating precise logos, custom illustrations, web design elements, and detailed digital artwork. Its pressure sensitivity makes it ideal for graphic design, digital painting, and UI/UX wireframing, offering enhanced control and creativity.
But choosing the right tablet can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget tablets that offer excellent performance without a hefty price tag.
This guide will walk you through some of the best options available, including key features to consider and detailed reviews of the top drawing tablets on the market.
Best Cheap Drawing Tablets for 2024
Quick List of the Best Budget Drawing Tablets
To save you time, here’s a quick rundown of the top drawing tablets to consider in 2024:
| Product name | Description | Customer reviews | Where To Buy |
| UGEE M808 Drawing Tablet | An affordable and highly responsive option. | Highly rated for responsiveness and affordability. | Under £40 View on Amazon |
| Huion Inspiroy 2 S Drawing Tablet | Compact, making it great for travel. | Praised for portability and ease of use. | Under £60 View on Amazon |
| Gaomon WH851 Drawing Tablet | Provides a seamless drawing experience at a low cost. | Well-regarded for its smooth performance. | Under £60 View on Amazon |
| XP-PEN Star G640 Drawing Tablet | Perfect for beginners and pros alike. | Great for beginners, accurate pen pressure. | Under £30 View on Amazon |
| GAOMON S620 OSU Drawing Tablet | Ideal for both gaming and drawing. | Loved for gaming and digital art. | Under £30 View on Amazon |
| One by Wacom CTL-672 Drawing Tablet | A trusted name in graphics tablets, known for durability. | Durable and reliable, great for beginners. | Under £50 View on Amazon |
| UGEE M908 Drawing Tablet | An affordable and versatile drawing tablet. | Versatile and highly affordable. | Under £60 View on Amazon |
Detailed Review of the Best Budget Drawing Tablets
Best Budget Drawing Tablet Under £60
Ugee M908 Specifications, Pros & Cons
The Ugee M908 is among the most affordable drawing tablets you’ll find in this range. Its larger-than-average working surface and intuitive design make it a popular choice for those new to digital art.
- Specifications:
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- 10 programmable keys for customization
- Pros:
- A large drawing area, which is ideal for those who need room to create.
- Incredibly affordable, making it a great budget tablet for beginners.
- Cons:
- Lacks a built-in display, which means you’ll need to connect it to a monitor.
Best Budget Drawing Tablet Under £100
XP-Pen Deco MW Specifications, Pros & Cons
For those looking to spend a bit more without breaking the bank, the XP-Pen Deco MW offers a fantastic blend of features, including wireless capabilities, that are rare at this price point.
- Specifications:
- Bluetooth connectivity for a wire-free workspace.
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
- Pros:
- Wireless freedom, allowing you to move without being tethered to your computer.
- Portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Cons:
- Slight lag in responsiveness with some software, depending on the configuration.
Best Pen Tablet Under £150
Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Small) Specifications, Pros & Cons
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet offers a top-tier drawing experience for under £150. Known for its precision, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to upgrade their setup without diving into expensive pen tablets.
- Specifications:
- Comes with an ergonomic stylus for better comfort during long hours of drawing.
- Small form factor, great for portability.
- Pros:
- Incredible pen accuracy and responsiveness, offering near-perfect feedback with every stroke.
- Comfortable design for prolonged use.
- Cons:
- The smaller size may not appeal to those who prefer more drawing space.
Best Budget Pen Display Under £300
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) Specifications, Pros & Cons
The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) is one of the best budget pen displays available. This display tablet offers a fantastic mix of screen size and performance, making it a solid choice for those looking for a tablet with a built-in display.
- Specifications:
- 15.6-inch display with 120% sRGB color accuracy.
- Anti-glare glass for a more realistic drawing experience.
- Pros:
- Superb color accuracy and a large screen, ideal for detailed work.
- Affordable for a display tablet of this size and quality.
- Cons:
- Heavier than non-display options, making it less portable for some users.
Best Budget Wacom Drawing Tablet
Wacom One Specifications, Pros & Cons
A staple in the graphics tablet market and the brand i first purchased, Wacom tablets are renowned for their build quality and precision. The Wacom One is no exception, offering great performance for those on a budget.
- Specifications:
- 13.3-inch display with 4096 pressure levels.
- Compatible with many popular digital art programs like Clip Studio Paint and Adobe Photoshop.
- Pros:
- Durable and reliable, with a premium feel.
- Trusted by professional artists and beginners alike.
- Cons:
- Higher cost than some of the other budget drawing tablets on this list, but the quality makes up for it.
Best Budget Pen Computer Under £500
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad Specifications, Pros & Cons
Looking for a tablet that does it all? The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is a fully standalone drawing tablet, perfect for those who want to sketch, paint, or design without needing a separate computer.
- Specifications:
- Standalone operation, no need to connect to a PC or Mac.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Pros:
- Perfect for on-the-go digital artists who want everything in one tablet.
- No need for additional devices, so you can sketch wherever you are.
- Cons:
- Limited in terms of the software it supports, which may be a drawback for more advanced users.
How to Choose the Best Budget Drawing Tablet
Key Features to Consider in a Budget Drawing Tablet
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel overwhelming, but there are a few key features to keep in mind that will help narrow down your options:
- Portability: If you’re constantly on the move or want a tablet to take with you wherever you go, prioritize lightweight, portable options like the Huion Inspiroy 2 S.
- Wireless Connection: Wireless tablets, like the XP-Pen Deco MW, allow you to cut the cords and maintain a cleaner workspace, giving you the freedom to move around without being tethered to your computer.
- Pressure Sensitivity: The pressure sensitivity of a drawing tablet is crucial for capturing the nuance of your strokes. Most budget drawing tablets now come with 8192 pressure levels, which is more than sufficient for most artists.
FAQs About Budget Drawing Tablets
What’s the Difference Between a Budget Pen Display and a Pen Tablet?
A pen display allows you to draw directly on the screen, creating a more natural and intuitive experience. A pen tablet, on the other hand, requires you to draw on a separate surface while looking at a connected monitor.
Pen displays, like the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, generally offer a more immersive drawing experience, but they tend to be more expensive than non-display tablets.
Are Budget Drawing Tablets Any Good?
Absolutely. Budget drawing tablets have come a long way in recent years and now offer excellent performance for their price.
Models like the XP-Pen Deco MW and Ugee M908 are perfect examples of how you can get high-quality features without spending a fortune. While they might not have the advanced features of more expensive tablets, they are more than capable of handling most digital art tasks.
What’s the Difference Between Budget Drawing Tablets and Premium Tablets?
While premium drawing tablets often come with additional features like tilt sensitivity, higher-quality materials, and better styluses, budget tablets focus on delivering the core essentials at a lower price.
If you’re just starting out or don’t need all the bells and whistles, a budget tablet will provide everything you need for a satisfying drawing experience. However, premium drawing tablets like those from Wacom or XP-PEN are better suited for professionals who need more precise tools for their work.
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