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-friendly drawing tablets, so read on to make sure you get the most bang for your buck!
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
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°
- RRP: £32 | $39.99
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
- Buy now from Amazon (£24.99 | $39.99)
2. Huion Inspiroy 2 S drawing tablet
Best for portability
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°
- RRP: £54.99 | $49.99
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 £54.99 (and currently available with a 27% discount at just £39.99), the Inspiroy 2 presents excellent value.
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.
- Buy now from Huion (£39.99 | $44.99), Amazon (£59.99 | $49.99)
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. XP-PEN G960S drawing tablet
Key specs:
- Wired/ wireless: Wired
- Ports: USB-C
- Dimensions: 230 x 150mm
- Weight: 500g
- Drawing area: 228.8 x 152.6mm
- Display tablet: No
- Sensitivity of pen (min. of 2048; 4096 or more preferred): 8192
- LPI pen resolution: 5080
- RRP: £29.99 | $29.99
This drawing tablet is jam-packed with useful features. With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the lines and drawings you create will look even more natural. The joy of the stylus is that it doesn't require batteries or charging! So you’ll never run out of steam with this kit.
Featuring a large working area, you’ll have plenty of space to get your creativity flowing. The tablet is compatible with most of the popular drawing software available and is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
"I am really pleased with this drawing tablet. It does exactly what I want and, by simply selecting 180 degrees in settings, it is perfect for a left-hander."
One reviewer was pleased with the 180 degree function
Pros: Large working area, high pressure levels, ideal for left-handed users
Cons: Cable can’t be unplugged from the tablet
- Buy now from XP-PEN (£33.74 | $47.99)
2. 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
- RRP: £249 | $219
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), Amazon (£59.99 | $49.99)
3. GAOMON S620 OSU drawing tablet
- 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
- RRP: £34 | $33.99
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
4. WACOM One CTL-472-N drawing tablet
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
- RRP: £55.99 | $59.95
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.
For now, 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
5. GAOMON PD1161 display tablet
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
- RRP: £217 | $219.99
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
- Buy now from GAOMON (£170 | $175.99)
6. XP-PEN Deco Pro SW drawing tablet
- 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
- RRP: £90.99 | $90.99
This one is for you if you want to go pro but keep it cheap! 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
- Buy now from XP-PEN (£90.99 | $90.99)
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.
Check out our best drawing tablets for beginners
If you're new to digital art, choosing the right tablet can be a daunting decision! Explore Gathered's best drawing tablets for beginners guide.
