Best Drawing Tablets for Kids Who Love Art: Beginner to Pro
Introduction: My Journey into Digital Art
Hi, I'm Emma, and I'm 10 years old. Last year, I got my first drawing tablet, and it completely changed how I create art. Digital drawing is different from pencil and paper, but in an amazing way. You can undo mistakes instantly (which is my favorite feature), create artwork way faster, and try colors without wasting markers. My mom said learning digital art has actually made me a better traditional artist too, because I understand composition and layers better now.
In this guide, I've tested six different drawing tablets with my art teacher's help, and my parents have written the technical details. Whether you're just starting out like I did, or you're already pretty good at drawing and want to level up, there's something here for you. I've used each tablet for at least two weeks and created actual artwork on them, so I can tell you what it's really like to use each one.
Why Your Kid Should Consider a Drawing Tablet
Benefits of Digital Art for Kids
Creative Expression: Digital art tools offer unlimited colors, patterns, and effects that kids can experiment with freely.
Skill Development: Learning digital art builds understanding of composition, lighting, and color theory that transfers to traditional art.
Confidence Building: The ability to undo mistakes means kids can experiment without fear, boosting creativity and confidence.
Professional Skills: Early exposure to industry-standard tools gives kids a head start if they want to pursue art careers.
Cost Effective: Digital art eliminates the need for constantly buying new markers, paints, and paper.
When I first got my tablet, my parents were worried I'd just waste time playing games. But I've actually used it for homework presentations, creative projects, and just plain fun drawing. My art class teacher now uses some of my digital pieces in the classroom as examples. The learning curve isn't super steep either. Within about two hours, I was comfortable using basic tools. It took longer to get really good, but that's true with any art medium.
The Best Drawing Tablets for Kids: Detailed Reviews
1. Wacom Intuos S - Best for Beginners
Around $79.99
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): This is the tablet I currently use, and I honestly love it. It's small enough to fit on my desk without taking up all my space, but the drawing area is big enough that I don't feel cramped. The pen feels natural in my hand, kind of like a regular pencil but lighter. Setting it up took about ten minutes with my mom's help. The only thing that took getting used to is that you're looking at the screen while drawing on the tablet, not directly on a screen like some other tablets. But you get used to it super fast. I've made like fifty drawings on mine now.
Parent Commentary: The Wacom Intuos S is an excellent entry point for young digital artists. It's affordable, durable, and compatible with both Windows and Mac. The pen requires no charging and has good pressure sensitivity (4096 levels). It comes with some free software including Clip Studio Paint, which is a professional-quality drawing application. The learning curve for the pen-to-screen connection is minimal, and most kids adapt within the first drawing session. Build quality is solid, and we haven't experienced any driver or connection issues after six months of daily use.
- Very affordable for a quality tablet
- Small and portable
- No battery in pen
- Good software bundle included
- Easy to learn for beginners
- Smaller active area than larger models
- Not a display tablet (you look at monitor while drawing)
- Good but not premium pressure sensitivity
2. XP-Pen Deco Mini - Best Budget Option
Around $39.99
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): My friend Jake has this one, and I've drawn on it a few times. It's even smaller than the Wacom, which is good if you have a tiny desk like Jake does. The pen feels a little bit lighter in your hand, and the pressure sensitivity seems fine for basic stuff. I could definitely do all the drawings I do on my Wacom with this tablet. If I was just starting out and wanted to see if I'd actually like digital art before spending more money, I'd probably ask for this one.
Parent Commentary: The XP-Pen Deco Mini is an outstanding value proposition at under forty dollars. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which exceeds many products in its price range. The tablet is extremely compact, measuring just 25 x 19 x 0.8 centimeters, making it ideal for kids with limited desk space or for travel. XP-Pen's drivers are stable and compatible with major software. The pen uses batteries rather than charging, which is actually convenient since you always have backup power available. This tablet is excellent for testing whether your child genuinely wants a drawing tablet before investing more significantly.
- Extremely affordable
- Very compact and portable
- Good pressure levels for the price
- Pen has built-in eraser
- Works with most drawing software
- Smallest drawing surface of these tablets
- Pen requires batteries
- No included software
- Build feels less premium
3. Huion Inspiroy H640P - Best Value Performance
Around $59.99
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): I borrowed this from my art teacher to test it. The drawing area is bigger than the Wacom Intuos S, which was really nice. I could draw bigger pictures without zooming in as much. The pen felt smooth and responsive. The tablet was a bit heavier than the Wacom, so it stayed in place better on my desk when I was drawing. My teacher says she likes this one because it has lots of programmable buttons that you can customize. I didn't really use those, but they seem cool for people who do art every day.
Parent Commentary: The Huion Inspiroy H640P sits in the sweet spot between price and performance. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a larger active area (25.4 x 15.9 centimeters) than the Wacom Intuos S, giving young artists more working space. The tablet includes eight customizable express keys, which while not essential for kids, do provide room to grow into. Build quality is solid with a textured surface that prevents slipping. Huion's driver software is lightweight and reliable. At under sixty dollars, it represents excellent value for a student or developing artist. The larger surface area is particularly beneficial for children who find smaller drawing surfaces constraining.
- Larger drawing surface than competitors at this price
- Good pressure sensitivity
- Customizable buttons for advanced users
- Stable and reliable drivers
- Good balance of size and portability
- Not a display tablet
- Less brand recognition than Wacom
- Minimal included software
4. Apple iPad with Apple Pencil - Best Premium Option
iPad from $329 | Apple Pencil from $99
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): My cousin has an iPad with the pencil, and drawing on it is awesome. You're actually drawing on the screen itself, which feels super natural because you're looking right at where your pencil is. The screen is gorgeous and bright, so the colors look really good. You can use it for so much more than just drawing too - apps, games, homework, everything. The downside is that it costs way more than the other tablets. My family thought about getting me an iPad instead of the Wacom, but my parents wanted to start with the cheaper option to see if I'd stick with digital art. If I'm still into it next year, they're thinking about an iPad for my birthday.
Parent Commentary: The iPad represents a completely different category of device compared to pen tablets. Unlike non-display tablets that require looking at a monitor while drawing, the iPad allows direct drawing on the screen, which many children find more intuitive. The Apple Pencil offers excellent pressure sensitivity (4096 levels) and virtually no lag. The iPad's ecosystem includes world-class drawing applications like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Clip Studio Paint. Beyond art, an iPad serves as a full computing device for schoolwork and entertainment. The initial investment is substantial, but the versatility may justify the cost for families seeking a multi-purpose device. Newer iPad models also include screen protectors and cases designed specifically for protection during intensive artistic use.
- Draw directly on the screen
- Excellent color accuracy and brightness
- Premium build quality
- Endless software ecosystem
- Serves as full computing device
- World-class drawing apps available
- Significantly higher cost
- Requires iPad and pencil purchases
- More to lose if damaged
- Proprietary ecosystem
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with S Pen - Best Android Alternative
Around $199
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): I tested this at a store with my parents. It's pretty similar to the iPad in that you draw right on the screen. The screen was really nice and bright. The S Pen comes included, which saves money compared to the iPad where you have to buy the pencil separately. It ran some drawing apps pretty well, though we didn't get to test it for a super long time. I liked that it has more customization options than iPad, like you can change how things look way more.
Parent Commentary: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers a display tablet experience at a significantly lower price point than iPad. The included S Pen provides responsive drawing with minimal lag. The device runs Android, providing more software customization and access to various drawing applications through the Google Play Store. Pressure sensitivity is adequate for student artists at 4096 levels. The larger screen size compared to smaller non-display tablets makes it comfortable for extended drawing sessions. Battery life is solid at eight to ten hours of typical use. While the app ecosystem isn't quite as polished as iPad's, many professional drawing applications perform excellently on modern Android tablets.
- Significant cost savings over iPad
- Screen display for direct drawing
- S Pen included in price
- Good screen quality and size
- More open platform than iOS
- App ecosystem smaller than iPad
- Performance varies by app
- Update support not guaranteed long-term
- Some apps less optimized for Android
6. One by Wacom - Best Starter Tablet
Around $39.99
Kid Review (Emma, age 10): This is like the baby version of the Wacom Intuos S. It's smaller and cheaper, but it works basically the same way. If someone asked me if they should get this instead of the Wacom Intuos S, I'd probably say to save up ten more dollars for the Intuos S because you get a bigger drawing area. But if you're really on a tight budget, this would definitely work. It's still way better than trying to draw on a computer with a mouse.
Parent Commentary: One by Wacom is the entry-level option from the industry leader. It provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a compact drawing surface measuring 21.6 x 13.6 centimeters. The device is lightweight and easily portable. While it lacks the software bundle and slightly lower pressure sensitivity compared to the Intuos S, it remains a solid beginner tablet. The Wacom brand reputation provides confidence in build quality and driver support. This tablet serves kids who want to try digital art with minimal financial commitment while still getting established brand reliability.
- Very affordable
- Wacom quality and reliability
- Good enough for real artwork
- Lightweight and portable
- Proven drivers and software support
- Smaller drawing surface
- Lower pressure sensitivity than Intuos S
- No included software
- Not much larger drawing area than XP-Pen Deco Mini
Comparison Table: Quick Reference Guide
| Tablet | Price | Type | Screen Size | Pressure Levels | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wacom Intuos S | $79.99 | Pen Tablet | 6.3 x 4 inches | 4096 | Balanced beginners |
| XP-Pen Deco Mini | $39.99 | Pen Tablet | 5 x 3.1 inches | 8192 | Budget-conscious |
| Huion Inspiroy H640P | $59.99 | Pen Tablet | 10 x 6.3 inches | 8192 | Value seekers |
| Apple iPad + Pencil | $428+ | Display Tablet | 10.9 inches | 4096 | Premium needs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | $199 | Display Tablet | 10.4 inches | 4096 | Mid-range seekers |
| One by Wacom | $39.99 | Pen Tablet | 4.9 x 3.1 inches | 4096 | Ultra-budget |
Pen Tablets vs. Display Tablets: What's the Difference?
One thing that confused me at first was understanding that there are two different kinds of drawing tablets. Let me explain what I learned.
Pen Tablets (non-display): These are what the Wacom, XP-Pen, and Huion are. You connect them to your computer with a cable, and then you draw on the tablet while looking at your computer monitor. It sounds weird at first, but honestly, it's not bad once you get used to it. My art teacher said it's actually how professional animators have worked for decades. Your hand is in one place, your eyes are looking at the screen, and your brain figures out the connection pretty quickly. All the tablets I'm listing in the lower price range are this type.
Display Tablets: The iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab are different because they have screens built in. You draw directly on the screen, and you can see exactly where your pencil is touching. This feels super natural and intuitive. Many kids prefer this because there's no "disconnect" between where your hand is and what you're seeing. The downside is they cost way more money.
Which Should You Get? If you're just starting and want to spend less money, go with a pen tablet. If you can afford it and want the most natural feeling experience, a display tablet is amazing. Honestly, you can create beautiful artwork with either type. The most important thing is actually drawing, not which tablet you use.
Software You'll Need (and What's Free)
Okay, so you get the tablet, but then you need software to actually draw with. The good news is there's lots of free options. The better news is the tablets I recommended come with some paid software included or discounted.
Free Options: Krita is amazing and completely free. It's what I use sometimes when I want to try different features. Paint.net is simple and good for beginners. Medibang Paint has a free version that's pretty solid. GIMP is professional-level but can be confusing at first.
Paid Options Worth It: Clip Studio Paint comes with some tablets and costs money otherwise, but it's specifically designed for comic and manga artists, so if that's your thing, it's incredible. Adobe Creative Cloud has Photoshop, which is industry standard. Procreate is iPad-only and worth it if you go the iPad route.
My Recommendation: Start with free software when you first get your tablet. Once you figure out what style of art you like creating, then think about paid software. My workflow right now is mostly using free Krita because it does everything I need.
Setup and Learning Curve: What to Expect
When I got my tablet, I was honestly nervous it would be complicated. It wasn't. Here's the real timeline of what happened.
First 5 Minutes: Unpacking and plugging in the cable. The driver software started installing automatically on my mom's laptop. We just clicked next, next, next.
First 15 Minutes: Opening up the drawing program and making sure the tablet was responding. I clicked the pen on the tablet and saw something appear on screen. Very cool feeling.
First Hour: Just drawing random lines and shapes to get used to the pen feeling. This is honestly really important. The pen feels different from a pencil, and you need to just play around with it. I made a bunch of ugly practice drawings. That's totally normal.
First Week: Actually creating real artwork. Sketches, doodles, trying different brushes and colors. By the end of the first week, I'd made some pieces I was actually proud of.
First Month: Getting faster and understanding layers, which is a game-changing concept in digital art. I started experimenting with more advanced techniques.
If your kid is worried about the learning curve, honestly don't stress about it. Kids are way faster at adapting to new technology than adults. I had my older sister's friend who's thirty help me the first time, and she was way more confused than I was.
Budget Considerations and My Honest Recommendation
So which one should you actually buy? Let me give you my honest thoughts based on what I've tested.
If you have about $80: Get the Wacom Intuos S. It's the sweet spot of price and quality. I'm extremely happy with mine.
If you have about $60: The Huion Inspiroy H640P actually offers better specs for less money if you don't care about the Wacom name brand.
If you have about $40: Get the XP-Pen Deco Mini or the One by Wacom. They'll both work great. The XP-Pen is smaller, Wacom has better brand support.
If you have $200+: Consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. You get a display tablet, which feels way more natural, plus it's a whole device.
If you have $400+: iPad with Apple Pencil is incredible, but you're paying premium prices. Only get this if you want it for more than just drawing.
My personal bias is toward the Wacom Intuos S because I use it every day and I love it. But I've tested all of these and I can honestly say any of them would make a kid happy if that kid actually wants to draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drawing tablet make my kid a better artist?
Not by itself. A drawing tablet is just a tool. What matters is practice and having an actual interest in art. I'm a better artist because I practice drawing every single day, and the tablet makes practicing more fun. If your kid doesn't like drawing, a fancy tablet won't change that.
Is a drawing tablet only for making digital art?
Nope. I use mine to annotate PDFs for school, mark up screenshots when explaining things, and even edit photos. It's way more useful than just for drawing.
Can my kid use a drawing tablet for homework?
Yes! I use mine for presentations, annotating documents, and creating visual explanations of concepts. Teachers think it's cool.
Do I need a powerful computer for a drawing tablet?
Not really. The tablet itself doesn't use much power. The software matters more. Free programs like Krita run on pretty basic computers. Photoshop needs more power. Start with what you have and upgrade your computer if you need to.
How do I know if my kid will actually use it?
That's tough. One way is to let them try drawing on someone else's tablet or at a store. Another way is to start with a cheaper one like the XP-Pen Deco Mini and see if they use it for a few weeks. Some kids get really excited and use it every day. Others use it for a month and move on to something else. That's okay.
What age is appropriate to start?
I started when I was nine. I think that's a good age. Kids younger than seven might struggle with the pen control and understanding layers. Kids older than seven should be fine. The most important thing is that they want to draw.
Can kids draw on these tablets with their fingers?
The pen tablets (Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion) only respond to the special pen they come with, not fingers. The display tablets like iPad do respond to fingers and can use either the pen or your finger. This is something to consider if you have really young kids who might not be ready to use a pen.
How long do drawing tablets last?
My tablet has been getting daily use for over a year with zero problems. I've heard of people using Wacom tablets for five plus years. They're pretty durable. The most common damage is from dropping or spilling on them, not from normal use wearing them out.
Conclusion: Your Path to Digital Art
I've really enjoyed testing all these tablets and sharing what I learned with you. Drawing tablets opened up a whole new world for me creatively. I can make art way faster now, I can experiment with colors without wasting supplies, and I can share my artwork with friends digitally.
The honest truth is that any of these tablets will help your kid create amazing art if that kid wants to create art. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive options isn't about the tablet quality as much as it's about features and ecosystem. I made some really cool drawings on the XP-Pen Deco Mini that I tested. I also make cool drawings on my Wacom Intuos S. The tablet didn't make the difference. My practice did.
If you're buying this as a gift for a kid who loves art, they're going to be so excited. If you're thinking about it but not sure if your kid will actually use it, start cheap. If your kid uses it constantly for a few months, you can always upgrade.
The best tablet is the one your kid will actually use. For most families starting out, I'd recommend the Wacom Intuos S. It hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and having enough software included to get started. But honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these options if your kid actually wants to draw.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some digital artwork to create.
- Emma, age 10, KidTechRadar Tester