You'll find loads of cheap drawing tablets available online, and with the advancement in affordable technology it's easier than ever to try your hand at digital art.
If you’re accustomed to more traditional methods of drawing, taking the dive into digital drawing can be daunting. The drawing tablet market is flooded with options, and we know it's tempting to go for the best of the best. You'll discover, however, that starting out with a cheap drawing tablet doesn't have to mean compromising on quality!
Drawing tablets allow you to erase and redo your drawing without any consequences, move parts of the drawing, undo mistakes, and so much more.
Starting out at a lower price point will take the pressure off, allowing you to give it a try without feeling guilty for spending lots of money. We’ll walk you through the best budget drawing tablets, so read on to make sure you get the most bang for your buck!
If you're completely new to digital art and are wondering if a drawing tablet is right for you, take a look at our ultimate guide to drawing tablets.
Best cheap drawing tablets on test
Prices are updated regularly and are correct at the time of writing, but may change
1. UGEE M808 drawing tablet
Best for budget
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Key features
- Wired/ wireless: Wired only
- Ports: USB-C x 1
- Dimensions: 330.1 x 210.1 x 9.3 mm
- Weight: 493g
- Drawing area: 254 x 158.8 mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): Up to 16,384 with firmware upgrade
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
- Tilt recognition: ±60°
The Ugee M808 drawing tablet is one of the cheapest models we've tested! But despite this, its a nifty piece of kit.
The M808 earned a solid 4/5 rating, standing out for its sensitivity and affordability, though it lost points on ports and the absence of a display screen.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Ugee M808 is surprisingly efficient, making it suitable for artists of all ages. While the lack of a display screen was not a problem for us, its lightweight and user-friendly design make it perfect for beginners in digital art.
Pros: Portable, affordable, impressive sensitivity levels, easy to use for beginners
Cons: No display screen, smaller than some models on test, only one port
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2. Huion Inspiroy 2 S drawing tablet
Best for portability
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Key features
- Wired/ wireless: Wired only
- Ports: USB-C × 1
- Dimensions: 246 x 152 x 7.5-9.5mm
- Weight: 275g
- Drawing area: 160 x 100mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
- Tilt recognition: ±60°
We scored the Huion Inspiroy 2 S 4.4 stars in our review, so it's safe to say it's a great option.
Priced at £59.99 (and currently available with a 27% discount at just £39.99 if you buy direct from the manufacturer), the Inspiroy 2 presents excellent value when it comes to cheap drawing tablets.
Its quality shines through in the pen's ergonomics, the smart placement of the scroller and buttons, and the impressive sensitivity and pressure levels. With its sleek and ergonomic design, we particularly enjoyed the vibrant colour scheme compared to other models available.
Pros: Very portable, high quality pen sensitivity, aesthetic design and fun colourway, comes with phone adapter.
Cons: Smaller display, only one USB-C port.
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3. Gaomon WH851
Best for wireless connection
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Key features
- Wired/ wireless: Wired/Bluetooth
- Ports: USB-C × 1
- Dimensions: 288.88 × 171.08 × 7.8mm
- Weight: 397g
- Drawing area: 203.2 x 127mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 16384
The Gaomon WH851 drawing tablet impressed me with its high pressure sensitivity of 16,384 levels, which is among the best I’ve seen. The pen test function was handy for adjusting sensitivity, and the zoom dial made navigation smooth and ergonomic.
The Bluetooth connectivity is a standout feature of this tablet. The battery life is impressive—about 18 hours on a single charge, and it only takes 4.5 hours to recharge.
On the portability front, the tablet’s protective sleeve, pen pocket, and fabric ring pull were very convenient.
Overall, the Gaomon WH851 offers great value for its price. It’s packed with features, and despite a few minor issues, it’s a solid choice for beginners looking for a reliable and portable drawing tablet. Head over to my full review for more information!
Pros: Wireless connection | 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity | Portable protection sleeve | Zoom dial | Pastel blue colour
Cons: A bit laggy at times | Not a display tablet
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Best of the rest...
We haven't tested these tablets, but we've scoured the web to bring you some more options! We've based our recommendations off of our extensive research and analysis of user reviews.
1. Huion Kamvas 12 display tablet
- Wired/ wireless: Wireless
- Ports: USB C
- Dimensions: 330.25 x 197 x 11.8mm
- Weight: 735g
- Drawing area: 256.32 x 144.18 mm
- Display tablet: Yes
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
If you’re in the market for a display tablet at a low price, this one is for you! Dive into your creativity with an 11.6-inch IPS panel, delivering vivid 1920 x 1080 resolution at 190 PPI - and its currently available down from £249 to £189, with 24% off!
Immerse yourself further with the battery-free electromagnetic resonance pen, boasting 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and pinpoint ±0.3mm accuracy. With 8 customisable press keys and compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Android, unleash your artistry wherever inspiration strikes.
"I love the Huion Kamvas 12! It feels buttery smooth in use with a bright and sharp display, all of the hardware feels sturdy and it has a quick easy set up. The Huion 12 is honestly an amazingly high quality tool for the price!"
This reviewer loved the value for money.
Pros: High quality display tablet at a low price, high pressure levels, customisable keys, wireless
Cons: Buttons on pen easily accidentally pressed, more expensive
- Buy now from Huion (£189 | $219)
2. GAOMON S620 OSU drawing tablet
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- Wired/ wireless: Wired only
- Ports: 1 x USBC
- Dimensions:
- Weight: 249g
- Drawing area: 165.1x 101.6 mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android, this is a great, versatile first drawing tablet. It does have a small working area of just 6.5 x 4 inches, however, this works well if you want to travel with your tablet.
As an extra bonus, the kit includes a glove so that you can rest your hand on the tablet without interfering with your drawing.
"There is no point in getting anything more expensive, this is a great tablet."
This reviewer was pleased with the price.
Pros: 8192 pressure levels, portable, glove included
Cons: Small working area
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3. WACOM One CTL-472-N drawing tablet
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Key features
- Wired/ wireless: Wired
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
- Dimensions: 210 x 146 x 8.7 mm
- Weight: 250g
- Drawing area: 152.0 x 95.0 mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 2048
- LPI pen resolution: 2540
Wacom drawing tablets come in at a variety of price points each reflecting the features of the product. Choose from a basic drawing tablet (which does what it says on the tin) to professional-level drawing tablets.
As we're focussing on cheap drawing tablets, we’re looking at the budget-friendly Wacom One. It comes in under £40 making it a good choice for beginner drawing tablet. With 2048 levels of pressure, it’ll be sufficient for sketching, doodling, and making notes, but hasn't got as many levels as other tablets.
The electromagnetic pen means it requires no batteries or charging, you can just plug your tablet in and start drawing. It’s as easy as that!
'This model allowed me to maximize the drawing area while still keeping the tablet small and portable - it slides straight into my bag and I pretty much never notice it.'
This reviewer loved how portable it is.
Pros: 2-year guarantee
Cons: Small size, not as many pressure levels, no buttons
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4. GAOMON PD1161 display tablet
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Key features
- Wired/ wireless: Wired only
- Ports: 1 x Mini HDMI, 1 x USB-C
- Dimensions: 11.6 inches
- Weight: 866g
- Drawing area: 256.32 x 144.18mm
- Display tablet: Yes
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
If you want a screen on your drawing tablet, naturally it will be a little more pricy. However, this nifty tablet from Gaomon is just £170, down from £212 (that's 20% off!). It’s one of the cheapest drawing tablets with a screen on the market. This doesn’t mean compromise though, it’s certainly favoured by shoppers.
This tablet is packed with features. You’ll have an HD screen in 1920x1080p, eight shortcut keys and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, plus a battery-free stylus.
Considering drawing tablets with screens can quickly skyrocket in price, this one is a fantastic way to get started.
"Bought it for my daughter's birthday. She's an art student looking to break into graphic art so a novice beginner and she absolutely loves it."
This reviewer thought it made a great gift.
Pros: Cheap drawing tablet with screen, more portable, customisable keys, high pressure sensitivity
Cons: Quite heavy compared with non-display tablets, more expensive
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5. XP-PEN Deco Pro SW drawing tablet
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- Wired/ wireless: Wireless
- Ports: USB-C
- Dimensions: 350.8 × 199.5 × 16.5mm
- Weight:
- Drawing area: 9 x 5 inches
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
This one is for you if you want to go pro but still stay within the cheap drawing tablets range! This glorious tablet from XP-Pen RRPs at just over £100, but is currently on offer for £90.99, making it the ideal choice if you want to treat yourself that little bit more.
You’ll find this tablet gives you a smooth drawing experience with up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 60-degree tilt function, showcasing every subtle detail.
The tablet has eight customisable shortcut keys and two innovative dial wheels on its left, which can be tailored to your preferences (great for changing brush sizes).
"Well designed, good solid construction, very good driver software. Great price for such a well thought out piece of kit - you won't be disappointed."
One reviewer thought it was a great all-rounder.
Pros: Wireless, customisable keys, dial wheels, high pressure sensitivity
Cons: Costly for a beginner tablet
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Cheap drawing tablets can equal high-quality
Just because these drawing tablets are cheap, it doesn’t mean you’ll lose out on quality. As you’ll see the majority of low-cost tablets have sufficient features to keep any beginner busy.
You don’t need to break the bank in order to try digital drawing. It’s always sensible to choose the cheaper option if you’re brand new to digital drawing and would like to get a feel for it.
New to digital art?
Choosing the right tablet can be a daunting decision! Explore Gathered's best drawing tablets for beginners guide.
