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Drawing Tablet Buying Guide & Value Tier list

This resource is a Drawing Tablet Buying Guide and Value Tier List, created to assist individuals in making informed decisions when selecting a drawing tablet. The guide evaluates current models based on the relationship between price, specifications, features, and pen performance, emphasizing overall value rather than brand recognition or marketing claims.

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Access the guide here: https://trello.com/b/emcZRimv/2025-drawing-tablet-buying-guide-value-tier-listarrow-up-right

Also check out 7pens' buying guide:

7pens' buying used tablet guide:

And 7pens' 2025 drawing tablet tier list:

Tier System:

  • Tablets are categorized from S to F tier, reflecting how well their performance and features align with cost.

  • The tier list is not static. It adjusts based on effective price after discounts. A tablet can “jump” tiers when its cost drops enough to offer better value relative to its specifications and performance.

  • Price Jump Mechanic Explained: ⁠guides-and-resources⁠Drawing Tablet Buying Guide & V…

Focus Areas: Key Considerations

  • Pricing: How the cost compares to the performance and features offered.

  • Display quality: Resolution, color accuracy, glass type and tech, touch input.

  • Build quality: Weight, bezel size, thickness relative to tablet dimensions, and construction materials.

  • Pen quality: Initial activation force (IAF), max pressure force, consistency of the pressure curve, and overall reliability.

  • Included accessories: Missing essentials such as HDMI cables, 3-in-1 cables, adapter hubs, stands, extra pen, or extra nibs can increase the actual cost of ownership.

  • Additional functions: Extra usability features that improve workflow and user experience.

Order of each tier: Active Area size > standalone tablets. Note on each item:

  • (New) = buy at MSRP price + taxes

  • (Used) = buy at used price + taxes

  • (Discounted) = buy new at discounted price + taxes

  • If no specific about price: MSRP + taxes as default.

  • If a tablet is not on the list, it's unlisted.

Note on Wacom pricing:

  • Some of new Wacom tablets released in 2025 doesn't have the same global pricing with USD.

  • The price in USD appears to be way cheaper than the actual price in other countries.

  • For example: Cintiq 16 2025 is 699 USD in the US, but 830 USD in VN, which is way higher than VAT included.

  • Huion and XPpen pricing are consistently similar accross countries, some even cheaper than MSRP.

This is a working in progress and will keep changing over time.

Latest update:

Last updated