Tablets are incredible. They can do almost anything but if you’re looking to do more writing than gaming, having one of the best writing tablets will be in your best interest.
We wanted to help our writer friends out there and highlight the best writing tablet options out there so you can have just the tools you need.
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10+ Best Writing Tablets in 2023
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) — The best writing tablet in 2023 overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle — The best budget writing tablet
- XP-Pen Deco Pro — The best value writing tablet
- iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) — The best portable writing tablet for taking notes
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra — The best Android writing tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Tab S7+ — The best affordable Samsung writing tablet
- XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 — The best professional writing tablet
- Huion Kamvas 24 Pro — The best responsive writing tablet
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8 — The best hybrid writing tablet
- Wacom Cintiq 22 — The best satisfying writing tablet
- Wacom Cintiq Pro 27— The best high quality writing tablet
- Wacom Intuos Pro— The best tablets with stylus
What is the Best Writing Tablet in 2023?
The best writing tablet out there doesn’t just serve the purpose of giving you a surface to write on but is a versatile piece of technology that will help you complete a multitude of tasks. To us the Apple iPad Pro is the best writing tablet in 2023 overall.
Interested in some of our other top choices? Take a look at our comparison table below
How to Pick the Best Writing Tablet: Buying Guide
Finding the right writing tablet isn’t as hard as it may seem. There are generally a few things that anyone should consider before taking the leap. Lucky for you, we love to share, and here are the details you should consider
Operating system
In the past, when you were considering which writing tablet to buy, there were only two choices out there for an operating system – Windows and macOS.
These days, the variety of choices has grown to include Android and Chrome. Each operating system has its benefits and downsides. When choosing a writing tablet, choosing one with an operating system that you know and that you’re comfortable with is always the best option.
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Screen size
For some, bigger will always be better when it comes to a writing tablet. While having a larger screen is nice, especially if you also plan on using that tablet for watching movies or playing games, or even sketching some artwork.
However, having a bigger screen can also make lugging it around, especially if you use it every day, a bit cumbersome. If you’re looking for something portable and easy to carry, choose a tablet with a screen size that you find manageable.
Stylus
Buying a writing tablet without a stylus is kinda like buying a TV without a remote. Sure you can use it but you won’t get the best experience. There are amazing stylus options out there like Apple’s Pencil and the S Pen from Samsung but it doesn’t mean that you have to be tied to either of those options.
Many tablets, including the iPad, allow for some 3rd party stylus compatibility. So unless the tablet comes with a stylus, as many do these days, don’t feel like you’re locked into a stylus because of the tablet you bought.
Price
We all have a budget. Whether it’s a large or small one, for each of us, there is an amount of money that we’re willing to spend on a writing tablet.
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Thankfully, writing tablets have gotten to the point that many technologies do, they are much more affordable than they ever have been and if you’re on a budget, chances are there is an option out there that will fit.
10+ Best Writing Tablets in 2023
1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) (Editor’s Choice)
The best writing tablet in 2023 overall
When it comes to writing tablets, at the top of the mountain on any list is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) from Apple. Much more than just a writing tablet, it’s more of an everything tablet, and that everything, includes the high price it comes with.
With the powerful M1 chip inside, the iPad Pro can handle anything you want to write, draw, edit, or even record on it. Outside of the price, the biggest downside is that the stylus isn’t included. If you choose to go with Apple’s own Pencil, the experience will be the best you can get.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Top range performance | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Backlit display | ➖ Pencil sold separately |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 11-Inch Edge-to-Edge Liquid Retina Display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 Wide Color
- A12Z Bionic Chip with Neural Engine - 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life/Charge
- 12MP Wide Camera, 10MP Ultra Wide Camera, 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera, and LIDAR Scanner
- Four Speaker Audio and Five Studio-Quality Microphones - Face ID for Secure Authentication and Apple Pay
- USB-C Connector for Charging and Accessories - Support for Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil
2. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle
The best budget writing tablet
If you’re not in the market for a writing tablet because you have a limited budget, don’t fret. The Pen Tablet Medium Bundle from Xencelabs is a great budget option that comes with everything you need to get started right away.Packaged with two styluses and a Quick Key remote, the tablet provides a great experience when being used and the quality of the styluses feels good in your hand, providing a well-balanced experience. At 13 inches, the tablet comes with enough room for all of your notes, sketches, and everything in between. While it does need an external display to show what you’re doing, a smartphone can be a good substitute in a pinch.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Wireless | ➖ Needs an external display |
| ➕ Wonderful drawing experience |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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- Professional Digital Drawing Tablet: This tablet was co-designed with the input of industry leading creatives. The active area (10.33”x5.8”) has true 16:9 aspect ratio to match industry standard...
- Quick Keys: Working in unison with the tablet, it gives you 5 sets of 8 keys – a total of 40 programmable functions per application. There is also an OLED display that shows you each key assignment...
- Battery-free Digital Pens: The Pen Tablet ships with two pens of different diameters and number of buttons. Both pens come with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition and virtually no...
- Easy to Set Driver: You can quickly access the settings from the buttons at the top of the pen tablet. The driver settings also make it easy to customize the included Quick Keys. You can change,...
- Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic features like a gently curved palm rest and a slim profile keep you more comfortable for hours of creativity. All of the elements come together in a minimalist form that...
3. XP-Pen Deco Pro
The best value writing tablet
Type: Graphics tablet | Active drawing area: 11 x 6in | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: USB-C
When we’ve featured XP-Pen tablets in the past, we’ve admired them for their quality build and ease of use. The Deco Pro is no different and a great choice if you’re looking for a writing tablet.
Available in two sizes, you’ll have a better experience with the medium size as it provides ample room for everything you want to do. With an included stylus that provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, you can be sure that every mark you make is reflected appropriately.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Sleek design | ➖ Comes with some bloatware |
| ➕ Great price | ➖ Small version isn’t worth the money |
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- XP-PEN Deco Pro, the XP-Pen’s latest tablet release, makes its debut as the 2019 Red Dot Design Award Winner and the 2018 Good Design Award Winner. The Deco Pro Small features an 9x5 inch working...
- XP-PEN Deco Pro features the new groundbreaking double wheel interface combines a mechanical and virtual wheel that makes it possible to perform multiple actions with one hand, it’s easier and...
- The XP-PEN Deco Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, quickly and easily responding to the way your hand naturally moves. Tilt function also delivers smoother and more natural transitions...
- Deco Pro Small with up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Deco Pro provides you precise control and accuracy. Create fine lines in a fluid and incredibly natural experience. Deco Pro comes...
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro Medium is compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.10 and above, Chrome OS 88 or later, and works with most major creative software including Photoshop, SAI, Painter,...
4. iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022)
The best portable writing tablet
Type: Tablet computer | Active drawing area: 9.7 x 7in (approx.) | Resolution: 2360 x 1640 | Pen pressure sensitivity: Not officially specified (but impressive) | Connections: USB-C
The iPad Air has been a great, lightweight portable option for those looking for a great iPad without the higher price that comes with the iPad Pro. In 2022, Apple revamped the iPad Air, giving it the M1 chip and 8GB of RAM that will match what the base iPad Pro can accomplish.
With a gorgeous display putting out 500 nits of brightness, the iPad Air is not only a great writing tablet, but it’s also a great tablet to use period. While you still need to buy a stylus separately, if you pick up the Apple Pencil 2, it can provide you with one of the best experiences around.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Superb colors | ➖ Stylus sold separately |
| ➕ Incredible processing power | ➖ |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an antireflective coating
- Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB of storage
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The best Android writing tablet
Type: Tablet computer | Active drawing area: 12 x 8 (approx.) | Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels| Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels (S Pen | Connections: USB-C
Finding a writing tablet for the sole purpose of writing can be a difficult task. However, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra from Samsung is a great example of a tablet that can be used in a variety of ways.
With great battery life, a beautiful, high-fidelity screen, and a powerful processing engine, the S8 is a great option for anything. While everything in the tablet is incredible, it even comes with the S Pen included saving you money. While the S8 is an expensive option, it is one of the best all-in-one options out there.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Beautiful screen | ➖ Not cheap |
| ➕ Wealth of Android apps | ➖ S Pen can be iffy |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- FASTEST WI-FI: Work and play with the blazing fast speed of Wi-Fi 6E -- 3x faster than the previous generation of Wi-Fi
- LARGE DISPLAY, INCREDIBLE VISUALS: Get more enjoyment out of every moment with a big 12.4 inch sAMOLED screen and high resolution that dazzles with unbelievable brilliance, crispness, and color
- ULTRA WIDE CAMERA: Record super clear video in 4K and great photos with an ultra-wide front camera with auto framing; With Galaxy S8plus, your photography skills will shine regardless of your...
- S PEN: Inspire your imagination with our fastest S Pen yet, an S Pen that is more responsive than ever, feels even more like a real pen, and it’s included with tablet purchase
- DeX MULTITASKING: Do more on the go with enhanced productivity capabilities, like Samsung DeX and Microsoft 365 integration, that give you a PC experience, wherever you happen to be
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
The best affordable Samsung writing tablet
Type: Tablet computer | Active drawing area: 11.22 x 7.28 inch | Resolution: 2800 x 1752 | Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels) | Connections: USB 3.2, Bluetooth v5.0
While the Galaxy Tab S7+ might be the S8 Ultra’s older brother, that doesn’t mean that it’s not still one of the best options for anyone looking for a good writing tablet that runs the Android platform.
With its slim design, it can easily fit into anyone’s bag and has a much better battery life than the iPad Pro. Like the S8 before it, the S7+ comes complete with the S Pen, a great stylus for the tablet. With everything considered, it even comes in at a lower price than its younger sibling.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Vibrant Super AMOLED display | ➖ 120hx mode can drain the battery |
| ➕ Excellent experience |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 【X3 Chip Stylus Pen】 Artist pro 16 drawing tablet is equipped with the latest X3 chip with digital eraser, ingenious pen performance needs just 0.1oz pressure-sensitive that XPPen will help you...
- 【Contemporary Good Design】 Artist Pro 16’s appearance is so sleek (9mm) that it received the Red Dot’s Contemporary Good Design Award, an international marker of outstanding designs.
- 【8 customized express keys】 XPPen Artist pro 16 monitor features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys and puts more customization options at your fingertips to suit you preferred work style,...
- 【Richer Color Gamut】 The 15.4 inch full-laminated IPS Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 94% NTSC（133% sRGB ) with 180 degrees of visual angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and...
- 【Brilliant FHD LCD Screen】 XPPen Artist pro 16 art tablet equips with a 15.4 inches working area and provide 1920*1080 high resolution presents your creation in the depth of detail, provides you...
7. XP-Pen Artist Pro 16
The best professional writing tablet
Many people look at the Artist Pro line of tablets from XP-Pen as being designed solely for graphic artists and the Pro 16 easily bucks that stigma. While the nuts and bolts of the drawing tablet aren’t much different than other options on our list, the Artist Pro 16 shines in one area: the stylus.
With upgraded technology, XP-Pen’s stylus, complete with the X3 smart chip provides users with a more accurate and responsive experience which is certainly beneficial when it comes to note-taking and sketching.
Whether you’re doodling away during your afternoon meeting or diligently taking notes, the Artist Pro 16 is a high-quality tablet that can handle just about anything.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great stylus | ➖ Calibration options are limited |
| ➕ Incredible color accuracy | ➖ No stand included |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 【X3 Chip Stylus Pen】 Artist pro 16 drawing tablet is equipped with the latest X3 chip with digital eraser, ingenious pen performance needs just 0.1oz pressure-sensitive that XPPen will help you...
- 【Contemporary Good Design】 Artist Pro 16’s appearance is so sleek (9mm) that it received the Red Dot’s Contemporary Good Design Award, an international marker of outstanding designs.
- 【8 customized express keys】 XPPen Artist pro 16 monitor features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys and puts more customization options at your fingertips to suit you preferred work style,...
- 【Richer Color Gamut】 The 15.4 inch full-laminated IPS Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 94% NTSC（133% sRGB ) with 180 degrees of visual angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and...
- 【Brilliant FHD LCD Screen】 XPPen Artist pro 16 art tablet equips with a 15.4 inches working area and provide 1920*1080 high resolution presents your creation in the depth of detail, provides you...
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 Review
Want to know more about this impressive writing tablet? Check out this XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 review video:
Video Credit:Brad Colbow/ YouTube
8. Huion Kamvas 24 Pro
The best responsive writing tablet
Type: Pen display | Active drawing area: 20.74 x 11.66in | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (16:9) QHD | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: DMI, USB-C, DisplayPort
It can be easy to look at tablets from companies such as XP-Pen or Huion and only see that they are more useful when under the guidance of a graphic designer. We believe that every tablet is a multitasker and the Kamvas 24 Pro is no exception.
While it comes with a great 23.8-inch display that artists love, it can be beneficial to anyone who may be running a presentation or meeting and needs to share thoughts and ideas with their audience. With the included PW517 pen, no one will wonder if you just wrote down a letter or a number.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great responsiveness | ➖ No programmable buttons |
| ➕ Minimal parallax |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 2.5K QHD Resolution & 23.8" Large Screen: Huion Kamvas Pro24 is 2.5K full HD drawing monitor. The 23.8-inch screen is featuring a 2560 x 1440 QHD display with 16.7 million colors, 120%sRGB gamut and...
- Full Lamination& Anti-Glare Glass: Huion Kamvas Pro24 drawing monitor with full laminated screen, seamlessly combining the glass and screen to bring precise cursor positioning and the lowest parallax....
- Lastest PenTech3.0 Battery-free Stylus PW517: PW517 is optimized with Huion PenTech3.0-Capacitive Pressure Sensor and stable pen nibs providing you the most natural and highly-sensitive drawing...
- 20 Express Keys & 2 Touch Bar: 20 Handy shortcut keys and dual touch bar are designed on the both sides to be customized as needed, while the nearby touch bar can be used for canvas zooming, brush...
- Compatible with Mac OS and Windows: KAMVAS Pro24 graphics monitor is well compatible with Windows7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later system. You could draw with Kamvas Pro24 in any creative software...
9. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The best hybrid writing tablet
There are many non-Apple fans out there that are looking for the same experience that they can receive from the iPad Pro and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 does that and more with its innovative design that continues to impress people. Packed with Windows 11, the tablet is a great powerhouse for any creative looking for a hybrid piece of tech.
While the stylus is sold separately, there are no limitations on the stylus you can use with the Surface Pro 8. In one complete package, you get a great tablet as well as a great laptop that can help you with any writing needs you may have.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Fast processing speed | ➖ Stylus sold separately |
| ➕ Improved battery life | ➖ No USB-C support |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, and every angle in between, with 13” touchscreen, iconic built-in Kickstand, and detachable Keyboard.*
- Windows 11 brings your closer to what you love. Family, friends, obsessions, music, creations — Windows 11 is the one place for it all. With a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be...
- The first Surface Pro built on the Intel Evo platform. Do it all with the Intel Evo platform — performance, graphics, and battery life in a thin and light PC.
- The best pen experience on Pro with rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2* and Surface Pro 8, for the natural feeling of pen on paper,(4) securely stored in Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.*
- Type in comfort. Sleek and compact, Surface Signature Keyboard* performs like a traditional laptop keyboard complete with a full function row and backlit keys.
10. Wacom Cintiq 22
The best satisfying writing tablet
The Cintiq 22 from Wacom was designed with graphic designers in mind but that doesn’t mean it’s a one-trick pony. With a beautiful 22-inch display, everything you write, sketch, doodle, or draw on it looks incredible.
Packed with the Pro Pen 2 stylus, which provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, a satisfying feel in your hand, and best of all, is battery-free. While a lack of shortcut keys on the tablet is something some may miss, as a writing tablet, these won’t be missed that much.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great price | ➖ Resolution could be better |
| ➕ Satisfying experience | ➖ No built-in shortcut keys |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- New Class of Creative Pen Display: Optimized feature set for creative starters provides HD clarity and ergonomic design that allows you to take your creative ideas and illustrations to the next level
- Super Responsive: Wacom Pro Pen 2 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response and virtually lag-free tracking. Two customizable switches allow for easy access to shortcuts
- Industry-leading Color Displays: Our Cintiq displays have LCD display with HD resolution and showcase uniform brightness, high resolution and true to life color quality
- Control at Your Fingertips: The relaxed parralax gives you full control and combined with the super responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2, makes creating feel as natural as drawing on paper
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
11. Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
Active drawing area: 59.6 x 33.5 cm | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 pressure levels
Are you searching for the right tablet for drawing? Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is a solution. With an active area of 59.6 x 33.5 cm, the tablet has an ultra HD screen with a 3840 x 2160 resolution. With its large screen, the tablet is impressive among professionals.
It comes with a Wacom Pro Pen 3 that is easy to customize as per your needs.. You can easily control the functions of the pen through the on and off button configurations. Along with these, it has a pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels making it more efficient for drawing and artistic tasks.
Having the great shortcut and customizable keys on the tablet will help you in controlling the pen gestures, and on-screen menus. Considering the connectivity, it provides ports for Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Type-C, and USB Standard-A.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Ultra HD display | ➖ Might be expensive compare to others |
| ➕ 120 Hz refresh rate |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Featuring 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 3 side switches, and the ability to customize by swapping the included grips or adjusting the weight and center of balance, the Wacom Pro Pen 3 is...
- The beautiful 27” display features 4K UHD resolution (3840X2160 pixels), exceptional 10-bit color, 99% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3, and twice the refresh rate of any previous model,120 Hz, allowing the...
- With the conveniently placed 8 customizable ExpressKeys, easy-to-adjust on-screen menus, and improved multi-touch and pen gestures, you can find what works best for you and easily set things up to...
- We integrated 4x standard ¼ inch mount options so It’s easy to attach another mount for your phone or camera or even add the Wacom extension table so your reference materials are in easy reach....
- Register your Cintiq Pro & receive a 3-month trial to MASV, 3-Month trial to Bluescape, 3-month trial to Shapr3D, and a 6-month trial to Clip Studio Paint EX, offer available for customers located in...
12. Wacom Intuos Pro
Active drawing area: 12.1 x 8.4 inches | Resolution: 5080 Lpi | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 pressure levels
As one of the high quality tablets, you can consider Wacom Intuos Pro as one of the best writing tablets. It provides enough screen space, so you can also pick the tablet for drawing purposes.
It comes with one of the best styluses, Wacom Pro Pen 2 being ultra responsive with a pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels makes it more impressive. This battery-free pen is easy to control and helps you to work smoothly.
As it is compact and lightweight, the tablet is portable enough to carry around for your work. The tablet is impressively designed with programmable buttons helping you to work efficiently. Through these shortcut keys on the tablet, you can improve your productivity and speed up your tasks.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Great design | ➖ Unergonomic pen stand |
| ➕ Large working area | |
| ➕ Battery-free pen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Precision Graphics Tablet: Our professional Wacom Intuos utilizes trusted Pro Pen technology to allow for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
- Ultra-Responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2: The included ergonomic 8192 pressure sensitive battery-free pen is easy to control, giving you the familiar feel that you are used to with exceptional sensitivity
- Compact Bluetooth Design: The compact design along with touch gestures and programmable buttons give you a broad range of ways to personalize the way you work and create
- Productivity Boosters: Speed up and stay in creative flow with multi-touch gestures and get easy shortcuts with customizable 8 Express Keys Touch Ring and pen side switches
- Creative Software: Register your Intuos Pro and receive 3-months of Shapr3D, and 3-months/250GB of MASV file transfer; offer available for customers located in the Americas
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best overall writing tablet?
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the best tablet for writing purpose
Why should I choose XP-Pen Deco Pro for writing?
XP-Pen Deco Pro is the best writing tablet that is affordable with an impressive design. Giving a great writing experience, you can choose this for writing and other multitasking.
Is Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 best for writing purposes?
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is best for writing purposes providing a Ultra HD display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
10+ Best Writing Tablets in 2023
Finding a good writing tablet can be an arduous process. Making sure that the features you’re looking for are there and that it provides a great experience can be tough. We hope that our list of the best writing tablets can make that a much easier process for you.
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