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As designers, artists, and creatives, the necessity for the best, highest-spec, and most expensive tools isn’t always imperative for our day-to-day work. When seeking a new drawing and graphics tablet, there are excellent, more affordable alternatives to the pricier models. While many budget-friendly tablets lack a built-in screen, presenting a trade-off, most users are willing to make this compromise for the cost savings.
This guide kicks off with a list and review of our recommended best cheap drawing tablets, spanning various price points and sizes. These tablets cater to both beginner artists venturing into digital drawing and experienced individuals seeking a portable drawing solution.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | HUION HS610 | Check Price | |
 | XP-PEN Deco 03 | Check Price | |
 | Wacom CTL6100WLK0 | Check Price | |
 | GAOMON S620 | Check Price | |
 | VEIKK VK1060 | Check Price |
Best Drawing Tablet Cheap Reviews
The following comprehensive guide delves into crucial considerations for selecting a budget-friendly drawing tablet, ensuring users make informed decisions when navigating the diverse market of affordable options.
1. HUION HS610
The Huion HS610 stands out as a powerful yet budget-friendly graphics tablet, offering an array of impressive features. With a user-friendly interface and swift setup, it caters to both novice and experienced users. Compatible with Mac, PC, and Android devices, this versatile tablet ensures broad accessibility. The ample drawing surface, measuring 13.75 by 8.25 inches, replicates the feel of paper, enhancing the drawing experience.
Featuring a touch-sensitive ring on the left for seamless control, the HS610 includes 12 hard express keys and 16 soft express keys, all programmable for customizable shortcuts. The stylus boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 degrees of tilt detection, eliminating the need for batteries. The micro USB port serves dual purposes, facilitating charging and device connectivity.
While the HS610 offers substantial value, it has limitations. The touch ring and express keys do not function with Android devices, limiting their utility. The status LED’s small size can pose visibility challenges, particularly for those with sight impairments. Additionally, when working with Android devices, users are confined to the left third of the drawing surface due to aspect ratio constraints. Despite these drawbacks, the Huion HS610 emerges as a compelling option for those seeking an affordable graphics tablet with robust features.
2. XP-PEN Deco 03
The XP-PEN Deco 03 Graphics Drawing Tablet stands out as a versatile and efficient tool for digital artists. Boasting a spacious 10 x 6.25 inch working area, it provides ample room for creative expression while maintaining a super lightweight and compact design. The tablet’s 8mm thickness enhances portability, allowing users to carry it effortlessly anywhere.
Featuring 8 customizable express keys, the Deco 03 streamlines the creative process by saving time and promoting a smoother drawing experience. Its ambidextrous design caters to both right and left-handed users, offering flexibility and removing limitations.
The tablet’s appearance is both brilliant and stylish, with an ultra-thin profile and ergonomic design. The 4 LED lights along the edge indicate the active drawing area, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall aesthetic.
The highlight of the Deco 03 is the P03 stylus, boasting 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This battery-free and no-charging-required stylus feels comfortable in hand, providing a natural and realistic drawing experience. Compatibility is broad, supporting Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS 10.8 and above, and major design software like Photoshop, SAI, Painter, Illustrator, and Clip Studio.
In conclusion, the XP-PEN Deco 03 is an excellent choice for both professional and beginner designers, offering a large drawing space, customizable features, and a high level of pressure sensitivity in a sleek and portable package.
3. Wacom CTL6100WLK0
The Wacom Intuos Medium Bluetooth Graphics Drawing Tablet proves to be an exceptional tool for teachers, students, and creators alike. Its medium-sized drawing area, combined with Bluetooth and USB-A connectivity, provides a seamless and versatile experience. This tablet is not only compatible with Chromebook, Mac OS, Android, and Windows but also offers a range of applications across various operating systems, catering to a diverse user base.
Featuring 4 customizable ExpressKeys, Wacom ensures a personalized and efficient workflow, allowing users to tailor their experience according to their preferences. The pressure sensitivity of 4096 levels in the stylus delivers a nuanced and precise drawing experience, capturing the subtleties of the artist’s touch.
The tablet’s Bluetooth functionality enhances its portability, freeing users from the constraints of wires and allowing them to work on the go. Whether in the classroom, studio, or on the road, the Wacom Intuos Medium adapts to the user’s needs.
In summary, Wacom has crafted a versatile and user-friendly drawing tablet with the Intuos Medium Bluetooth. Its compatibility with various devices and operating systems, customizable features, and reliable pressure sensitivity make it an excellent choice for individuals across different skill levels and professions.
4. GAOMON S620
The Gaomon S620 stands out as an exceptional budget-friendly tablet. Boasting superior build quality compared to many counterparts in its price category, this tablet features a battery-free stylus and a range of valuable features for users.
With an active drawing area measuring 6.5 by 4 inches, the pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, although it lacks tilt support. The tablet comes complete with accessories, including an artist’s glove, a USB-A/USB-C adaptor, and 8 replacement nibs. Despite being constructed from plastic, the Gaomon S620 maintains a quality feel, complemented by its matte black color for an appealing design.
Notably, the tablet includes 4 shortcut buttons, which, although fewer than some competitors, proves ample for beginners. While lacking tilt sensitivity and featuring a stylus that may not match the tablet’s build quality, the Gaomon S620 remains a highly affordable and reliable choice for aspiring artists.
5. VEIKK VK1060
The VEIKK VK1060 is a cost-effective graphic tablet, making it a budget-friendly option for digital artists. Distinguishing itself with a notably large active area of 10 inches by 6 inches, this tablet provides ample space for creative work. Featuring 8 programmable shortcut keys, it offers enhanced customization for efficient workflow. Compatibility extends to Windows, MacOS, and Android devices with versions later than 6.0, supported by a USB-A/USB-C cable for versatile connectivity.
The stylus accompanying the VK1060 boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, contributing to precise and nuanced input. However, despite indications of tilt sensitivity on the box, users have reported difficulties activating this feature. Despite this limitation, the VEIKK VK1060 remains an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable graphic tablet with a spacious drawing area.
Conclusion
Wacom tablets are renowned for delivering a professional-grade drawing experience, setting industry standards. In contrast, Xp-Pen is recognized for offering feature-rich, budget-friendly products, targeting entry-level artists with a plethora of functionalities. Some users may find that the abundance of features in XP-Pen tablets compromises the physical feel and sturdiness, pushing them towards products with a more robust build.
Wacom takes a more conservative approach by focusing on tablet features and specifications, striking a balance with an overall higher quality drawing experience. This emphasis on quality has contributed to Wacom’s widespread popularity among professional digital artists.
Huion occupies a middle ground, providing comparable stylus performance and a similar drawing experience. While it may not surpass Wacom in terms of hardware and durability, Huion stands out as a well-rounded, cost-effective drawing tablet, appealing to a broad audience.