The digital age truly has allowed some of the most prolific minds to succeed in unprecedented ways. It’s often said that it isn’t the tech that creates great artwork but an artist’s innate talent. While that’s certainly true, having a great piece of tech to make creating the next great work of art easier is a bonus.
Whether you’re an animator, illustrator, writer, or student, a great tablet can make a world of difference and can be one of the most important investments you make.
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With that in mind, we wanted to put our focus on the best tablets with a stylus pen.
If you’re ready, let’s jump right in!
Top 15 Best Tablets With Stylus Pen for Drawing & Note-taking
While we understand that not every option on our list comes with a stylus right out of the box, the tablets we’ve featured provide the performance and the specs that creatives are looking for, and obtaining the stylus is easy. Let’s take a closer look.
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch — The best tablet with stylus pen overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — The best tablet with a stylus pen
- Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet — Best tablet with 2 stylus
- Lenovo Tab P11 Pro — The best budget-friendly tablet with a stylus
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet — The best budget-friendly tablet without a stylus
- XP-Pen Deco Pro — Another cost effectivetablet with stylus
- Wacom Cintiq 22 — The best value tablet with a stylus
- Microsoft Surface Go 2 — The best value tablet without a stylus
- Huion Kamvas 24 Pro — A pro-grade tablet
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — The best Windows tablet without a stylus
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus — The best Android tablet with a stylus
- XP-Pen Innovator 16 — The best mid-range tablet with a stylus
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 — The best 2-in-1 tablet with a stylus
- Huion Kamvas 22 Plus — The best powerhouse tablet with a stylus
- Google Pixel Slate — The best portable tablet without a stylus
What is the best tablet with pen?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is our pick for the best tablet with a stylus pen however check out our comparison table to see what is best for you.
How to Choose the Best Tablet with Stylus Pen?
If you are looking to get a tablet that comes with a stylus pen, there are certain things you need to look out for. Here’s a quick handy guide to checkmark before making a purchase.
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Compatible Operating System (OS)
You need to consider the operating system of the tablet you want to use. Let’s say that you own a MacBook and iPhone, then you would want an iPad to seamlessly sync your work across all devices. Or maybe you are interested in an Android tablet that has various drawing apps. Make sure to check the apps you want to use and whether they are available on the OS.
Stylus included (or not)
There are a lot of tablets that don’t include the stylus in the price of the tablet. That means you will have to either purchase the stylus separately or will have to choose a pricing package that includes the stylus. If you are on a budget, then look for a tablet that has a stylus pen in the same package because buying it separately can bump the cost.
Resolution
Resolution is an important factor while searching for tablets of drawing. The quality of the art depends upon the resolution of the tablet’s screen. Lower Resolution tablets match for drawing cartoons, animes, webtoons, etc. Whereas high resolution allows the pen to draw smooth curves and lines. So, you should focus on your needs and choose the tablet with a suitable resolution.
Screen
You surely need a screen that lets you create beautiful drawings smoothly. Make sure that it is crystal-clear, bright, and HD (AMOLED preferably). Try to look for a screen that comes with low blue light technology for a gentle feel and should have a wide color gamut. Also, it should have a laminated screen for better precision.
Stylus
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The stylus should be lightweight, feasible, and super responsive. Try to look for an ergonomic design that has a good level of pressure. An active stylus is generally preferred for amazing accuracy and it also supports palm rejection. Also, check out for reviews of the stylus and make sure that it moves seamlessly without any lag on the screen.
Top 15 Best Tablets With Stylus Pen You Can Buy in 2022
1. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Editor’s Choice)
The best tablet with a stylus pen overall
There’s little room for debate when we say that the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the most premium tablet you can find in 2022.
While it doesn’t come with the Apple Pencil (Apple’s stylus pen) in the box, the iPad Pro fueled by the new M1 chip, is Apple’s most advanced tablet yet. It doesn’t matter what area of the creative space you work in, everyone will have a blast using this tablet.
Designed specifically to be your daily tablet, the iPad is impressively fast and sports a spectacular screen. There are so many other awesome options on this list, but this one is the best you’ll find.
See here for Apple Pencil alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredible performance | ➖ Both tablet and Pencil aren’t cheap |
| ➕ Beautiful display |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
Apple Pencil on Amazon:
- Apple Pencil features the precision, responsiveness, and natural fluidity of a traditional writing instrument and the versatility to become so much more.
- With Apple Pencil, you can turn iPad into your notepad, canvas, or just about anything else you can imagine.
- Pad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generations), iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (1st and 2nd generations), iPad Pro 10.5‑inch and iPad Pro 9.7‑inch
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The best overall tablet with a stylus
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is easily one of the best Samsung tablets with a stylus pen. Sporting a 10.4-inch screen, this device packs impressive speakers, a handy S Pen, and a ton of other great Android features. Although this contender may not come with the bells and whistles the Tab S6 is known for, this offering is a worthy alternative.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Premium build | ➖ LCD screen could be better |
| ➕ Great sound quality |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches magnetically right to your tablet so you can quickly...
- Slim Metal Design: Take this sleek, lightweight tablet anywhere. Its slim design slips right into your bag and comes in your choice of stylish colors
- Entertainment Ready: A vivid, crystal clear display draws you into content while dual speakers with sound by AKG supply spacious, Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Long-lasting Battery: A long-lasting battery lets you stream for up to 13 hours (Battery power consumption depends on usage patterns. Results may vary) on a single charge. The fast-charging USB-C port...
3. Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet
Best tablet with 2 stylus
Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet is one of the latest models on the list and has left a great impression on creatives and digital artists. With a solid build quality and a sleek, compact design, this tablet is the perfect portable option that comes with a stylus.
As it comes with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, users can precisely fine-tune the thickness of lines. Using the customizable buttons, you can easily assign them for your preferred functionality.
However, the tablet doesn’t come with its own screen so you will have to connect it to a monitor to see what you are creating.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great build quality | ➖ Tablet without screen |
| ➕ Wireless |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Professional digital design 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- Driver design: 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, rename...
- Eco-Friendly packaging: With package design, we use environmentally friendly boxes with inserts to keep the tablet and accessories separated and well-presented.
4. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
The best budget-friendly tablet with a stylus
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is an amazing pick for anyone looking to score a tablet primarily for streaming purposes without breaking the bank. Featuring a stunning 2k OLED display, an amazing battery, and of course, a reliable stylus pen, this device is arguably one of the better picks in its price point category.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Beautiful high-def OLED display | ➖ Weak camera |
| ➕ Incredible battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The best budget-friendly tablet without a stylus
If you’re in the market to score the best deals for the least amount of hundreds as possible, consider the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. At a little over 10-inches, this ultraportable 2-in-1 Chromebook is perfect for any creative who needs only to access emails, open streaming platforms and maybe jot down a few notes.
While it’s already a great, affordable option, it doesn’t come with a stylus. The USI pen is a great option that you can add without spending a ton of money.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Ultra-portable design | ➖ Lacks serious horsepower |
| ➕ Keyboard and kickstand are included |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- This ultraportable 2-in-1 Chromebook includes a fast and stable plug-and-play detachable keyboard enabled with 5-point pogo pin and magnet design
- Take it with you everywhere. Thin and lightweight the Chromebook Duet offers up to 10 hours of battery life (2)
- The unique dual-tone design with aluminum alloy on the tablet is a standout design with sophisticated fabric texture on the stand cover you'll be stylish productive and practical
- Fast secure and easy to use: This touchscreen Chromebook boots up quickly with just your Google login to give you access to all of your cloud-based documents email and more
- With the 10 1" FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS display and stunning colorful details you won't sacrifice for great visuals; The 10-point multi-touch touchscreen is also USI pen compatible (pen sold separately)
6. XP-Pen Deco Pro
Second best cost effectivetablet with stylus
If you are running low on budget, then XP-Pen Deco Pro is an amazing graphics tablet with a stylus. The tablet is available in two sizes – small and medium, with not much price difference.
As for the drawing experience, you are in for a delightful journey as this tablet boasts up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. But, you will have to plug in a smart device or monitor via the USB-C connection to get the display.
As soon as the software is installed and running, you will definitely feel like you are using an Apple or Wacom tablet.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Slim design | ➖ Tablet without screen |
| ➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 【Excellent Appearance & Large space】 DECO Pro M art tablet won the 2019 Red Dot Design Award and the 2018 Good Design Award. The graphics tablet has an 11 x 6 inch large drawing area, an aluminum...
- 【Innovative double wheel interface design】 XP-PEN Deco Pro M digital drawing tablet has a groundbreaking double wheel interface. The double wheel interface design and touchpad function enhance the...
- 【Battery-free passive stylus】 The art pad is equipped with a battery-free passive stylus, no need to recharge, economical and environmentally friendly, you can start your creation immediately. The...
- 【Support Android phones/tablets】 The drawing pad can use the OTG connector to run Android 6.0 or above operating system Andriod phones or tablets, you can capture inspiration when it bursts, and...
- 【Compatible with multiple applications】 The digital art tablet is also compatible with various mainstream drawing software, including Photoshop, SAI, Painter, Illustrator, Clip Studio, GIMP,...
7. Wacom Cintiq 22
The best value tablet with a stylus
It’s hard to write about the best tablets with pens without mentioning a Wacom gem. One of the most affordable in its category, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is a premium drawing tablet that already comes with a competent pen. There are loads of reasons to fall in love with this piece and most of them have a lot to do with the terrific drawing experience you get with the device.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Satisfying drawing experience | ➖ No built-in shortcut keys |
| ➕ Great price | ➖ Lower resolution |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A more affordable pen Display with Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology, 8, 192 pressure levels, low activation force and tilt recognition. Its amazing precision and reduced Parallax provide the most natural...
- Cintiq’s 21.5” 1920x1080 HD Display provides you with clarity to see every detail of your work. The scratch-resistant Anti-Glare surface prevents distracting reflections as you create
- See your creations in vibrant color on the cinq's HD display (16.7 million colors, 72% NTSC/Cue 1931 typical). Work as long as you'd like with the battery free pen that charges off the screen while...
- Connect to your computer with the convenient HDMI and USB cables and get into the perfect position with the included adjustable stand that lets you adjust how you want to work
- What’s in the box: Wacom Cintiq 22 pen display, Wacom Pro Pen 2, detachable pen holder with 3 replacement nibs (standard) and nib removal tool, Adjustable Stand, HDMI & USB 2.0 cables, AC adaptor,...
8. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The best value tablet without a stylus
There’s a lot to love about the Microsoft Surface Go 2. For one, it packs an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor and also has Windows 10 preloaded to it; it has a decent battery life that lasts up to 10 hours on a single full charge and it boasts of a built-in kickstand to it, too!
While it doesn’t come with a stylus like many of the other options on our list, fret not! The Surface Pen is easily obtainable so you can create incredible artwork.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Premium battery life | ➖ Specs on base model are limited |
| ➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Starting at just 1.2 pounds (not including Type Cover), with new 10.5” touchscreen.
- Battery life up to 10 hours. Perfect for browsing, shopping, emails, and homework
- Tablet portability, performance and laptop versatility with adjustable Kickstand and Signature Type Cover.
- Stay connected with included USB-C port and headphone jack. Full HD front- and rear-facing cameras let you make crisp, clear calls to friends and family, or take and share great photos.
- Hi-res touchscreen is perfect for browsing, playing, and binge watching.
9. Huion Kamvas 24 Pro
A pro-grade tablet with stylus
Huion Kamvas 24 Pro is an affordable option for professionals and artists looking to get a high-end drawing experience. The 28.3-inch tablet is an absolute beauty with great tilt sensitivity and minimal parallax from the stylus pen.
The etched glass surface is good; it covers 120% sRGB and has ultimate responsiveness that allows users to smoothly create beautiful drawings. However, there are no programmable buttons on this tablet and just the keydial is available.
So, if you are looking for a sharp picture presentation with 2.5K display resolution at a great price, it is a good option to consider.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Responsive | ➖ No programmable buttons |
| ➕ Stylus is great |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 2.5K Resolution-As the largest drawing monitor of Huion, Kamvas pro 24 should be an indispensable part of your studio. The 23.8-inch QHD screen is large enough to show you everything easily. It can...
- 23.8" Screen with QHD Resolution-The immersive 23.8 inch screen boasts 2.5K (2560x1440) QHD resolution enables every detail of your work to be presented clearly and cicidly on Kamvas Pro 24. Besides,...
- Wide-Gamut Color-120% sRGB color combined with16.7 million display colors enables your work to be presented in a more vivid way, which can be further enhanced with the help of the 5080 LPI Pen...
- Full-Laminated Screen -Without parallax or any air gap inside under the screen. Which means you will get a pretty clearly and beautiful view even when it’s under the super bright area, perform...
- Anti-Glare-Screen-Kamvas pro 24 is equipped with a chemical etched anti-glare glass, helps prevent sun and light glare on a screen, especially in a bright area. It can basically cut down the light...
10. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The best Windows tablet without a stylus
For anyone who isn’t a fan of iOS, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 could be what you’re looking for. Relatively the best Windows tablet today, this device packs an Intel quad-core chip, allowing it to competently perform like an actual desktop.
Pair this with this pick’s trusty Surface Pen and already you’re a champion! While we know that this and the iPad Pro don’t come with a stylus, both are such good options that buying a stylus is a minimal nuisance.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredible screen | ➖ No Thunderbolt support |
| ➕ Amazing battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- All-day battery life up to 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80% in just over an hour
11. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
The best Android tablet with a stylus
Boasting an impeccable processing engine, impressive high-fidelity screen, a sturdy build, fast performance, and other great features, the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus from Samsung is easily any creative’s go-to tablet. With the S Pen in the box, you no longer have to worry about more costs!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good refresh rate | ➖ Battery life could be better |
| ➕ Great performance |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard¹ with expanded trackpad. (Keyboard sold separately)
- ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing in your hands with larger edge-to-edge displays, TFT LCD screen and quad speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos surround sound.
- REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms pen latency, the redesigned S Pen can control presentations, take notes and mark up papers effortlessly.
- CHANGE THE WAY YOU GAME: Bring console gaming to anywhere a Wi-Fi connection is available with an immersive screen and Bluetooth-enabled controller.
- CHARGE FAST. POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge, and back to 100% with the fast-charging USB-C port. CAPTURE AND CONNECT: Stunning brightness and clarity with the wide 13MP and...
12. XP-Pen Innovator 16
The best mid-range tablet with a stylus
One of the most fascinating mid-range tablets in the market today is the XP-Pen Innovator 16. Perfect for digital artists and illustrators, this contender packs a 16-inch display, making it a competent device to draw and paint on. More affordable than many of its size counterparts, this pick is functional, portable, and effective.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Responsive drawing experience | ➖ No adjustable stand |
| ➕ Great value | ➖ Dimly lit screen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [Online Teaching and Working] - XP-PEN Innovator 16 graphics display is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible...
- [Full-laminated Technology] - Full-laminated Screen and Tilt Supported. The XP-PEN Innovator 16 Pen Display features full lamination technology. This seamless combination of glass and screen creates...
- [High Performance] - High color gamut. With a screen color gamut of 92% Adobe RGB(125% sRGB), the Innovator 16 graphic tablet delivers a diverse and vibrant spectrum of colors, allowing you to create...
- [8 Shortcut Keys] - Double wheel design and 8 programmable shortcut keys. The Innovator Display 16 Drawing tablet features both a mechanical and a virtual wheel, allowing you to zoom in/out of your...
- [Compatability & Application] - XP-PEN Innovator 16 supports Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac OS X 10.10 (and higher). It is also compatible with popular digital art software, including Adobe Photoshop,...
13. Microsoft Surface Book 3
The best 2-in-1 tablet without a stylus
One of the higher-end contenders among its contemporaries here is the Microsoft Surface Book 3. Designed as a 2-in-1 tablet and laptop, this powerhouse features an enviable battery life and a reliable Windows operating system.
While anyone will find this device brilliant, this pick is easier to recommend to artists and full-time creatives who need to maximize heavy programs to get work done. While it doesn’t come with the Surface Pen, its ability to be a laptop may still make it a great option for creatives.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Powerful graphics processor | ➖Pricey |
| ➕ Beautiful PixelSense display |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Most powerful Surface laptop yet, with quad-core powered, 10th Gen Intel Core processors. More than 50% faster than Surface Book 2 13.5”.
- Power when you need it. Up to 15.5 hours battery life [1] — plus improved standby that extends battery life when you’re away.
- The connections you need, including USB-A, USB-C, and full-size SD card slot.
- High-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display. Also available in 15”.
- Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below).
14. Huion Kamvas 22 Plus
The best powerhouse tablet with a stylus
The Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is an incredible alternative to popular staples like the Apple iPad or Galaxy Tablets from Samsung. Sporting a 1080p display that packs a punch, the colors are exponentially vibrant meaning that creating artwork is inspiringly easy and quick.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Beautiful colors | ➖ Lower resolution |
| ➕ Anti-glare display |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Full Lamination Technology: The laminated screen of Kamvas 22 Plus helps reduce the parallax to the lowest and gives you full control on the cursor to where you expect to be. Plus, with the etched...
- Brilliant QD LCD Screen: powered by Quantum Dot, Kamvas 22 Plus provides realistic color accuracy up to 140%s RGB. Moreover, with 1080p HD resolution,1200:1 strong contrast and 178° wide viewing...
- Premium Pen Technology: Benefit from the Huion PenTec3.0, PW517 is optimized with capacitive Pressure Sensor making it responsive to every pen movement with virtually no lags. Shorten pen nibs and...
- Easy Cable Connection: you can connect Huion Kamvas 22 Plus to your computer easily with the included convenient 3in1 Type-C cable or with the optional full-featured Type-C to Type-C cable. A USB-A...
- Work with Linux/Mac/Windows/Android: Kamvas 22 plus drawing monitor could work with Linux(Ubuntu), Mac(MacOS 10.12 or later) and Windows computer(Windows 7 or later), moreover, you can connect it to...
15. Google Pixel Slate
The best portable tablet without a stylus
Here’s something the big tablet lovers will enjoy: the Google Pixel Slate boasts of a massive 12.3-inch Molecular Display that’s just as immersive as it sounds.
Powered by Intel’s 8th generation technical staples, this device also packs USB-C ports, a rich 4k display, and although it doesn’t come with a stylus in the box, getting the Google Pixelbook Pen is super easy.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent speakers | ➖ Bugs with software |
| ➕ Two USB-C ports |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Keyboard and pen/stylus are sold separately
- Google pixel slate is made to deliver brilliant entertainment, portable performance and everything you love about google for how you live & work today
- 12.3-inch molecular display with 6 million pixels brings your favorite movies and videos to life. Tuned to perfection, the dual front firing speakers deliver a premium audio experience
- Get more done with powerful multitasking tools including split screen, multi window browsing, and collaboration apps like google docs, sheets, and slides
- Pixel slate automatically updates in the background, so you’ll always have the latest features and security without any hassles
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tablet with a pen is best?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the best tablet with a stylus pen because of its immense computing power. It uses Apple's M1 processing chip allowing processor-heavy tasks, such as 4K video editing and 3D animation to handle well.
Do stylus pens work on all tablets?
The stylus will function on any screen that responds to your finger, be it any processor - Android, Windows, or iOS.
Does the iPad stylus work on Android?
Yes, the iPad stylus pencil allows wide compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.
Does a Samsung stylus work on an iPad?
The Samsung stylus isn't compatible with the iPad. Samsung's proprietary technology will only work on the Galaxy Note Tablet and Galaxy Note Smartphones. The iPad devices will not be able to recognise it.
Top 15 Best Tablets With Stylus Pen for Drawing & Note-Taking
Overall, the best tablets with stylus pens in 2022 are all able picks, each with a target market. Naturally, those whose work revolves around taking notes as opposed to creating art may demand different features in a tablet. At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the best device for everyone.
That said, go for a tablet that makes it easier for you to complete tasks and finish work. If you have some more tablet suggestions, let us know in the comment section.
Good luck and stay creative!
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