Ultimate guide to the best Wacom alternatives in 2023

What are the best Wacom alternatives? That’s a question that many artists ask.

Wacom tablets are user-friendly and great for creating drawings and more. You can use a pen to give your art better accuracy and benefit from powerful processing. However, Wacom tablets aren’t for everyone – and it’s worth exploring potential alternatives if you’re not keen on getting one.

These days, you’ll find an abundance of tablets that cover all preferences. You can use Apple’s range of iPads, but that’s not all. Other prominent players in the tech space have introduced tablets suitable for people that love drawing and graphic design, with Samsung and Microsoft being two examples.

So, what is the best alternative to a Wacom tablet? That’s what we’ll look at in more detail today. You’ll discover multiple brands and models, and we’ll include links to buy any that may interest you. We’ll also discuss alternatives for the Wacom Cintiq and many other models.

Let’s get things underway.

Introduction: In search of the best Wacom tablet alternative

When looking for the best Wacom alternative, it’s worth considering multiple factors. If you want to use a pencil, for example, you might be better off choosing a tablet that has one included in the package when you purchase it.

Alternatively, you can budget for purchasing an additional pencil if you find something that you like – but doesn’t include one.

It would be best if you also looked at the screen size and how responsive the tablet’s software is. Cost is another factor; if you can’t yet afford what you want to get, knowing its price will help you figure out a budgeting plan so you can buy it before too long.

When identifying our best Wacom alternatives, we also looked at where you could buy them. In addition to the manufacturer’s official website, you will find these tools elsewhere – such as on Amazon. So, if they’re sold out in one place, you can look elsewhere to see if you’ll have more luck.

Considering that different people have different tastes, we also sought to ensure that we covered a wide selection of brands. You’ll find the best Wacom alternatives from some of the tech industry’s key players, but we’ve also included some that might be lesser known to you.

With all of these points in mind, you should find it easier to pick a tablet that works for your needs.

EDITORS CHOICE

8

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4k

• Outstanding display quality
• Multiple ports are available
• Excellent color accuracy and gamut coverage
• Comes with upgraded accessories

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BUDGET PICK

6

Huion Inspiroy H640P

• Accurate Pen Performance
• Slim and portable
• Accept multiple operating systems
• Makes drawing much easier 

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PREMIUM PICK

9.1

iPad Pro 12.9-inch

• Liquid Retina XDR display
• All-day battery life
• Portable
• Easy to use

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What are the best Wacom alternatives?

With the introductory bits out of the way, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Below, you will find 13 of the best Wacom alternatives to consider buying in 2023. You’ll learn about each tablet’s specs and some of their most prominent pros and cons.

Perhaps the best Wacom tablet alternative brand is Huion, and we will include many of the China-based company’s electronics in this round-up. To start things off, let’s look at the Kamvas Pro 24 4k.

This tablet has a 24-inch screen, and you will benefit from anti-glare glass – which will help you focus better on bringing your creative ideas to life. The contrast ratio is 1000:1, and the tablet has a built-in stand to change the height.

The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4k has plenty of accessories, including a battery-free pen and ten nibs if you need to change these. You’ll also receive a pen holder, nib clip, and much more.

As you might have guessed from its name, this tablet also has a screen displaying 4k – making it perfect if you want to create high-quality drawings and graphics. This device is a viable Cintiq alternative.

EDITORS CHOICE

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4k

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Another Huion tablet with a 24-inch screen is the Kamvas Pro 24 42.5K. You can run this device on multiple operating systems, including macOS and Windows. The screen quality is less than we previously mentioned, standing at 2.5k instead of 4k.

Nonetheless, that will still be more than enough for many users.

Like the Kamvas Pro 24 4k, this Huion tablet comes with a pen included in the set. On top of that, you can store it in a pen stand. You can easily connect this tablet to your computer, making it ideal for working on projects from home.

Using the Kamvas Pro 24 42.5K tablet can benefit from a 3D modeler and much more. This tablet is another of the best Cintiq alternatives.

RECOMMENDED

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 2.5K

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The best Wacom alternatives we’ve mentioned so far have been similar models.

We’ll cover another member of the Kamvas series, but it’s the Huion Kamvas 22 Series rather than the Kamvas Pro 24. As you might have guessed from the name, this device has a 22-inch screen to work from. It’s also less expensive than the other two tablets we’ve mentioned.

You can easily connect this tablet to multiple computers and use it on macOS and Windows operating software. The device has plenty of ports to which you can connect external hard drives, touchpads, and much more.

The Huion Kamvas 22 Series comes with a stand that you can change to fit how you work accordingly. And to ensure that your device does not overheat, you will find several heat slots that allow you to work on more demanding and heat-generating tasks.

RECOMMENDED

Huion Kamvas 22 Series

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Another Huion tablet to make our list is the Kamvas Pro 16. This Wacom Cintiq Pro alternative is much smaller than the others mentioned, with a 16-inch screen to work from. This should still be more than enough for many people, as it’s the same size as many computer screens.

While you will have to deal with a smaller screen than some of the other Huion tablets on our list, you can still enjoy a pretty good display.

The Kamvas Pro 16 has a 2.5k display, allowing you to get the most out of your creative projects and make more accurate edits. The tablet also has built-in shortcut keys, meaning you can complete your creative projects more efficiently than otherwise.

The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 works with multiple programs, and you can use it on several operating systems. One thing worth noting is that it comes with a USB-C cable, which might irritate some users.

RECOMMENDED

Huion Kamvas Pro 16

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Sometimes, it is annoying to try drawing on a screen. If you want to make the process much easier, consider getting the Huion Inspiroy H640P. This pad is compatible with multiple computers, and you can also use it with your smartphone – allowing you to create fantastic art in various places.

Besides creating designs and other works of art, you can use the Inspiroy H640P in multiple settings, such as taking notes and signing documents. The pen with this drawing tablet does not require charging, meaning you can use it as much as possible.

The Inspiroy H640P comes with multiple keys that help you achieve your goal without too much difficulty. You’ll receive eight additional nibs and several other handy extras when you buy the tablet.

BUDGET PICK

Huion Inspiroy H640P

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Now that we’ve covered some of the best Huion tablets that serve as Wacom alternatives let’s move on and check out some other brands. Next on the list is XP-Pen, and we’ll start by assessing the XP-Pen Artist 15.6.

The tablet has a 15.6-inch screen that you can use to create your designs and whatnot, and – as the others mentioned, you’ll receive a pen with the package.

The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 also comes with a portable stand, making it easy to draw and maintain a good posture. In addition, you can check out the drawing guide included with your device and ensure that your learning curve isn’t as big as it might otherwise be.

When using the XP-Pen Artist 15.6, you’ll get a full HD screen. Moreover, you can choose whether to pick a tablet with or without keys; a gift version is also available.

RECOMMENDED

XP-Pen Artist 15.6

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Another XP-Pen tablet to make our list of the best Wacom alternatives is the Artist Pro 16. This includes a slightly smaller screen than the previously-mentioned one, with a 15.4-inch screen available for you to perform your tasks.

The tablet comes with anti-glare film, making it easier for you to focus on your projects. The device is also fully laminated.

You will get a pen with your tablet made of durable materials. Besides having a small screen, it’s just nine inches high. As a result, you can easily carry it around in your backpack when you go traveling. Moreover, you can bring it to your office, college campus, and so on.

The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 has a 16:9 aspect ratio, and you can use the USB-C port to connect your device to a computer or smartphone. In addition to these specs, you’ll get a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and eight shortcut keys.

RECOMMENDED

XP-Pen Artist Pro 16

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The next XP-Pen tablet on our list is the Deco O1 v2, similar to the Huion Inspiroy H640P. This drawing pad comes in three colors: Black, pink, and green. You can use both your hand and a pen on this tablet, and you’ll also find numerous express keys that’ll let you complete tasks quicker.

The Deco O1 v2 is 8mm thick, making it easy to carry around. If you have a home office setup, it won’t take up too much space on your desk. You can use this tablet with computers and smartphones, though it’s worth noting that smartphones need to be in vertical mode if you want to connect these.

One thing worth noting is that while you can get multiple colors for the tablet, the pen is only available in black.

RECOMMENDED

XP-Pen Deco O1 v2

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Next up on our list of the best Wacom alternatives is the Gaomon M10K Pro. This drawing pad is compatible with multiple devices and features a reasonably-sized working space to draw your designs and whatnot. 

You can connect it to Android devices and use it in both vertical and horizontal screen modes.

You can use the Gaomon M10K Pro in multiple scenarios, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. It’s also compatible with macOS and Windows devices, but you cannot connect it to your iPhone.

The pen does not require charging, and you can pick this tablet up for a relatively affordable price; it’s one of the least expensive options on our list.

RECOMMENDED

Gaomon M10K Pro

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Another Gaomon device that’s one of the best Wacom alternatives is the PD1560. Unlike the previous one, this has a screen you can work from. You can use it with multiple high-performance programs, and it’s also possible to use ten different shortcut keys with your device.

The Gaomon PS1560 comes with an adjustable stand on which you can create your works of art. In addition, you will get a 15.6-inch screen to work from – or 13 inches if you’d prefer to have something smaller. With the shortcut keys included, you can change these as necessary.

One thing worth keeping in mind is that this tablet is relatively bulky compared to others on our list. An HDMI USB slot is included.

RECOMMENDED

Gaomon PD1560

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Apple’s tablets are some of the most popular on the globe and serve multiple purposes. Their sheer popularity is also one of the reasons why they’re also one of the best Wacom alternatives.

You can use them for graphic design and drawing, but they’re also handy for learning, writing, planning, and more. If you’re looking for a Wacom tablet alternative that doesn’t require connection to another device, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro might be what you need.

The device comes with a 12.9-inch screen and, unlike many iPads, doesn’t have a home button. This might be a pro for some, whereas others may find it annoying.

When picking your 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you can decide whether you want it to connect to Wi-Fi and a cellular network – or just Wi-Fi. The latter of these is a less expensive option. The iPad can work as a MobileStudio Pro alternative.

PREMIUM PICK

iPad Pro 12.9-inch

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Another iPad that is one of the best Wacom alternatives is the 10th-generation iPad, which Apple released in October 2022. As with the iPad Pro, this device does not have a home button – highlighting that Apple is removing these, just as it did with its iPhones.

The 10th-generation iPad is pretty affordable and comes in a broad range of colors.

You can also choose storage, as with the 12.9-inch Pro. When you download iPadOS 16.2, you’ll also have access to Freeform – a new canvas app that Apple introduced for mind mapping and several other activities.

You can use the iPad 10th Generation as a standalone device rather than needing to connect it to something else.

RECOMMENDED

iPad 10th Generation

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The Surface Pro 7+ is one of Microsoft’s most popular tablets. Whereas many of the best Wacom alternatives require you to join your tablet with an external device, the Surface Pro 7+ is a hybrid between a computer and a tablet. As such, you can keep everything organized.

When using the Surface Pro 7+, you’ll gain access to a keyboard that you can use when needed. However, the device is easily flippable – and you can use the stand to give yourself a better view when putting your creations together.

With the Surface Pro 7+, you can choose from multiple pen colors. Moreover, you’ll have a solid battery life and much more.

RECOMMENDED

Microsoft Surface Pro 7+

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Another of the best Wacom alternatives is the XP-Pen Innovator 16. This sleek tablet has a 15.6-inch screen and is ideal for all settings. You can use it in the office, and it’s just as helpful if you work from home instead.

This device has an option that lets you zoom in and out of your canvas with ease, plus much more.

The tablet comes with a pen and works with multiple operating systems. Whether you’re a Windows, Chrome, Linux, or Mac user, you can use this tablet for your creative projects.

The XP-Pen Innovator 16 features several shortcut keys and several other niceties.

RECOMMENDED

XP-Pen Innovator 16

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To round up our list of the best Wacom alternatives, we’ll look at Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8. This device is beautifully designed and is available in multiple colors. On top of that, you can choose from various screen sizes.

As with the Apple and Microsoft tablets mentioned in this article, you can use the Galaxy Tab S8 as a standalone device. Along with drawing and design, you can use this tablet for watching videos, browsing the web, and several other purposes.

All of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 devices feature Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can download multiple programs you might need. You can also get a pen included with your tablet purchase.

RECOMMENDED

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

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A short summary of today’s top offers!

Image	Product	Features	Price
EDITORS CHOICE	Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4k	4k UHD screen  Extra pen nibs are included  Built-in mountable stand	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Huion Kamvas Pro 24 2.5K	Compatible with several devices  Pen included with the tablet  Various features available for artists and graphic designers	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Huion Kamvas 22 Series	Relatively affordable  Anti-slip rubbers included  Works with Photoshop, Lightroom, etc	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Huion Kamvas Pro 16	Portable  Relatively affordable  Decent screen quality display	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
BUDGET PICK	Huion Inspiroy H640P	Affordable Easy to carry around  Makes drawing much easier	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	XP-Pen Artist 15.6	Easy to carry around  Not too expensive  Drawing guide included	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	XP-Pen Artist Pro 16	Affordable  Compatible with multiple devices and OS Durable material	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	XP-Pen Deco O1 v2	Multiple colors available Easy to carry around  Compatible with several devices	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Gaomon M10K Pro	Very inexpensive Works with horizontal and vertical modes for Android devices  Compatible with Windows and macOS	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Gaomon PD1560	Customizable shortcut keys  Multiple screen options  Different models are also available	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
PREMIUM PICK	iPad Pro 12.9-inch	Different storage sizes available No need to connect to an external device  Different color options are available	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	iPad 10th Generation	Multiple colors available  Excellent responsiveness Plenty of apps are available	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Microsoft Surface Pro 7+	Keyboard included  Multiple pen colors options  Pre-loaded with Windows 11	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	XP-Pen Innovator 16	Rotatable wheel included  Sleek design Battery-free pen	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED	Samsung Galaxy Tab S8	Several customization options Varying screen sizes on the market  Great for all kinds of creative projects	Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart

Frequently asked questions on the best Wacom alternatives

Are the best Wacom alternatives available worldwide?

That depends on the tablet you buy. Some of these are available in multiple markets, whereas you may find others more challenging to come by if you live somewhere more remote. It’s worth checking to see if yours is available in your location before committing to a purchase. 

Do I need an external device to use the best Wacom alternatives?

Again, this will largely depend on the tablet you choose. Some of them will only work with external devices, such as your computer or smartphone. Others, such as the iPad and Galaxy Tab S8, are standalone tablets. You can make a decision based on your individual needs.

Is Wacom still good?

While we’ve written a list of the best Wacom alternatives, that doesn’t mean that Wacom is worth ignoring altogether. The company still makes plenty of tablets that are worth buying, and you might find that its suite is better suited for your needs after going through this list.

Get more out of your art with the best Wacom alternatives

Having reached the end of this article, you now know what the best Wacom alternatives are. This list wasn’t in any particular order, so you can go through it and figure out which devices fit your needs best.

You can use these tablets in a wide range of scenarios. Some work well when connected to your computer, whereas others are better as standalone products. Similarly, you’ll need to buy pencils for some of them – while many have these included.

When picking your tablet, make sure you know what you’re using it for. Once you’ve done that, you will make a better decision. You can always refer back to this guide before purchasing if you’re unsure.

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