Whether you’re just starting out with digital art or are on a budget, you should be able to draw when you find inspiration.

Like any digital artist, you might want to find the best cheap Drawing Tablet that will help you express yourself as soon as possible.

However, finding a reliable yet cheap Drawing Tablet can be difficult. There are many brands and features to choose from.

That’s why I’ve gathered the best cheap drawing tablets to help you choose the right one.

Best Cheap Drawing Tablets Under 500

You might be wondering, do cheap and reliable tablets actually exist?

It’s become common to think that the higher the price, the better the tech. However, there are also budget-friendly drawing tablets that are reliable and won’t cost more than 500 bucks!

Here are the top 9 budget tablets you can consider to help you with your digital drawing needs, whether for difficult or easy drawing tasks!

1. HUION KAMVAS Pro 13 Graphics Drawing Monitor – Best Budget Drawing Tablet Overall

The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 is the best cheap drawing tablet, given its price and function. It comes with a battery-free pen, a pen holder, and other accessories needed.

Its high levels of pressure sensitivity make it great for precision and line work. It’s a great tablet to work with, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking for a cheap tablet.

It also comes with automatic line correction and intelligent anti-shake functionality, allowing you to work with the tablet efficiently. It even comes with customizable hotkeys to help make drawing easier.

It’s best used with Adobe Photoshop, a popular drawing software many artists use. You can also work with any operating system since it’s compatible with Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.

It has a slim design and doesn’t take up much space on your work desk. It also comes with a stand to help you draw at a comfortable angle.

Its ease of use and functions make it the best cheap drawing tablet on this list.

2. Wacom One HD Drawing Tablet With Screen – Best Value for Money

Wacom is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to drawing tablets. While most of their tablets are expensive, this affordable but quality drawing tablet is one of their best.

Their Wacom One is their best cheap drawing tablet for both beginners and pros. It has most of the functions of their more expensive models of tablets.

The best part about this tablet is that it’s PORTABLE! Not only does it enhance your drawing experience in your usual workstation, but it allows you to work anywhere.

It’s compatible with many operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows, and Android.

Its battery-free stylus has 2 customizable buttons, which you use as shortcut keys. While some would want buttons on their tablet, this provides a larger drawing area to work on instead.

If you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablet with all the features of a luxury tablet, then this is the best tablet for you.

3. XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 Drawing Tablet – Best Budget Drawing Tablet

I find this XP-Pen tablet to be the best cheap drawing tablet for those on a tighter budget. While not the cheapest on this list, it’s a proven, reliable, high-quality graphics tablet.

It has impressively high levels of pressure sensitivity for its price. Its High-Tech IC makes it easy to use and improves your drawing performance.

Despite being a cheap drawing tablet, its accuracy and performance match the quality of more expensive tablets.

This graphics tablet improves the drawing experience of its users, whether left or right-handed. It’s versatile and easy to operate, especially with its 8 customizable shortcut keys.

If you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablet that won’t break your bank account, the XP-Pen is your best bet.

4. XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro – Best Option With a Screen

This XP-Pen Artist has one of the best screens compared to the other drawing tablets on this list. You can easily create big projects using this tablet.

Its high levels of pressure sensitivity make it easier to get precise lines and sketches. You also get plenty of shortcut keys to make your drawing process easier.

Another great thing about this tablet is its versatility. It’s compatible with Windows and Mac OS, making it easy to switch your operating system.

It’s also compatible with the most popular drawing software, like Illustrator, Sai, and Photoshop.

This is the best one for you if you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablet with a widescreen.

5. Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet – Best Option Without a Screen

This tablet from Wacom is one of the best options if you prefer getting a graphics tablet.

It has four customizable keys, making it easier for you to access the shortcut keys while you draw. Its battery-free pen also has buttons you can use for hotkeys. It’s also easy to use for left and right-handed people.

You can use it with many popular creative software programs, like Clip Studio Paint Pro. It’s also compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Chromebook, and Android.

That said, it may be smaller compared to the previous tablets. It’s best for those who don’t mind zooming in and out or those who work on small projects.

I recommend getting this one if you’re looking for the best cheap drawing tablet without a screen.

6. HUION Drawing Tablet Inspiroy H640P – Best Drawing Tablet for Beginners

This tablet was actually my first graphics tablet since it was the easiest to purchase as a student. If you’re looking for the best cheap option for beginners, this is the one for you.

It has a low learning curve for those just starting with digital art. It has excellent pressure sensitivity, which can train you for more advanced projects.

Besides being the cheapest drawing tablet on the list, it can help you get started with those beginner drawing ideas you see online.

Besides the 6 keys for shortcuts, the battery-free stylus also has buttons for an easier drawing process.

This beginner-friendly graphics tablet is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it.

7. Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus Tablet – Best Compact Drawing Tablet

This tablet from Amazon is great for creatives. It already has built-in apps specifically for drawing and editing.

It’s also compact, making it the best cheap drawing tablet for those who like to work outdoors.

Since it doubles as a personal computer, you can also use this tablet to watch movies on Netflix or listen to music. It’s also interesting how it has access to Alexa.

However, it doesn’t have Google Apps, which can offer better apps for drawing. It also doesn’t have a stylus, so you’ll have to buy that separately.

8. GAOMON PD1161 – Best Lightweight Drawing Tablet

If you’re looking for a lightweight tablet with a screen, this is worth looking into.

The display on this lightweight tablet is excellent since you can vividly see all the colors. It makes matching colors so much easier.

Since it’s large but lightweight, it lets you work on large projects without being trapped in your home or office workspace.

It’s also compatible with excellent drawing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketchbook Pro.

9. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 – Best Android Tablet

If you want to step up from Amazon’s tablet, then Samsung has you covered with one of their most affordable tablets.

This tablet is best for drawing and painting because of its excellent pressure sensitivity.

You can also use it as a personal computer to access other programs. Since you can download Google apps onto it, you can also use it for different tasks beyond drawing.

However, its downside is that it doesn’t include a stylus. That said, Samsung has a lot of reliable and high-quality styluses to choose from.

This tablet is an excellent alternative to the iPad Pro for drawing because of its features and functions.

Best Cheap Drawing Tablet Comparison Table

The Different Types of Drawing Tablets

Drawing tablets can come in various designs, each affecting how an artist draws. Choosing your tablet type usually depends on the price and your preference or drawing experience.

These are the different types of drawing tablets you can consider.

Drawing Tablet

The standard drawing tablet displays your drawing on the tablet’s actual screen. It’s common for artists because it provides a similar experience to working with regular paper.

It usually has a full operating system, generally doubling as a portable computer, so you can start drawing anywhere. However, some can still be wired, giving you two screens to work on.

However, a drawing tablet also has its downsides. It is often more expensive compared to a graphics tablet.

Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet, also known as a non-display tablet, works by connecting your device to an external monitor. Each stroke done on the tablet will appear on your monitor.

Graphics tablets are usually cheaper compared to drawing tablets with screens. However, you would need an external monitor to work with it.

You can get one that comes as a wireless tablet, which can provide some flexibility. However, most of them tend to be wired.

Buying Guide For The Best Cheap Drawing Tablet

Finding a drawing tablet means looking into many factors of the tech you’re investing in. Each feature can easily affect your art and how you express yourself.

These main factors helped me find the best cheap drawing tablets.

Brand

There are already many well-known drawing tablet brands within the art community. It’s common to find forums and threads where you can discuss and learn more about them.

Wacom tablets are known to be some of the best affordable drawing tablets and are usually recommended by other artists.

However, if you’re looking for Wacom’s features at a lower price, you can try getting a Huion tablet. They’re also recommended by many artists, especially to those just starting with digital drawing.

When looking for cheap tablets, it’s best to look for the more well-known brands to make sure that you’re getting the best for an affordable price.

Size

Drawing tablets can come in different sizes. It affects your area for drawing on your tablet. However, it also affects portability and comfort while drawing.

If you’re into making large-scale art, it’s best to get a tablet with a decent drawing area. While it’s less portable, it also lessens your need to zoom in and out while you work.

If you’re like me and like to work outdoors, it’s best to get a compact and lightweight drawing tablet. It may have a smaller area, but it does make working outdoors much easier.

The actual size of your drawing tablet is important to consider when looking for the best. It usually depends on your needs as an artist.

Screen Size/Drawing Surface

The active drawing area is any part of your tablet that registers your sketches. Like with other features, your budget controls your active area.

For a drawing tablet, that’s the screen. The active area of graphics tablets is the parts covered with sensors that relay your sketches to the PC.

Smaller screen sizes are usually recommended for smaller projects. These are more common with cheaper drawing tablets. The bigger the active area, the more expensive it is.

If you’re looking for a budget tablet, you may have to sacrifice the screen size or active area. It will help you get the best functions and focus on the device’s overall quality.

Pen/Stylus Pressure Sensitivity

The pen pressure sensitivity affects your tablet’s responsiveness to its pen or stylus. It helps you control the thickness of your lines or how detailed your art will look.

It can be as low as 500, depending on the manufacturer. Some tablets nowadays can have up to 9500 levels of pressure sensitivity!

For beginners, getting a tablet with 1000 levels of pressure sensitivity is recommended. It will help you get a feel for how these sensitivity levels work with digital drawing.

Most advanced illustrators would settle for 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is already decent for the usual projects.

Battery Life (Tablet and Pen/Stylus)

Having your tablet and pen’s battery die out just when inspiration strikes can be irritating. It’s why getting a drawing tablet with good battery life is essential.

Unlike traditional art, a drawing tablet would need power for you to work. Choosing a tablet that charges fast and lasts long, especially if you work outdoors, is best.

Some tablets would also need to be plugged in for them to work, especially if you’re working with a graphics tablet.

A battery-free stylus pen is a great option. You don’t have to worry about your pen failing you mid-stroke (which has happened to me multiple times).

Portability

This factor is usually where getting a cheap drawing tablet can be a drawback.

It’s common to have a cheap tablet that needs to be wired to work. Graphics tablets are more affordable but need to be connected to work.

However, I’ve found some alternatives for my list. You can also find an affordable wireless tablet that occasionally doubles as a portable PC.

People usually rely on the best iPad for drawing when it comes to portability. However, its price isn’t exactly easy to deal with. You can try looking into Android devices that can allow you to sketch on the go.

Price

A drawing tablet’s price is a significant factor when picking one that best fits your needs.

Larger tablets tend to be expensive and have more features. That also means they get a bigger drawing surface than a cheap drawing tablet and have factors that make art easier.

A cheaper drawing tablet is usually smaller and has fewer features. While that doesn’t sound appealing to some, the overall quality actually gives you the basics to do art digitally.

Before anything else, determine how much you’ll be willing to spend on a drawing tablet. Then, you can check which ones will fit that range.

Be prepared to trade some features, especially if you have a low budget.

Accessories

When you buy a drawing tablet, you usually need accessories to go with it. Depending on the manufacturer, these are usually sold separately and can be expensive.

If you travel a lot, having a bag specifically for your tablet is a great investment to make carrying it easier.

Cleaning cloths are essential for keeping your screen clear and easy to work with. It’s difficult to work with a screen with too many smudges.

Some can also have a drawing glove, a great tool to have while drawing. It helps lessen the friction between your hand and the screen, making drawing more comfortable.

Lastly, having a matte screen protector is an excellent feature for drawing tablets, especially if you work with metal nibs.