Not everyone is able—or even wants to—shell out hundreds (thousands) of dollars on an iPad and Apple Pencil. You may be a cash-strapped student, an artistic pro who wants more control, or simply wondering what’s out there besides the iPad. The best news: you don’t need an iPad to make incredible digital drawings.
There are plenty of alternatives that offer fantastic performance, sleek designs, and professional-grade features. In this guide, we’ll explore tablet options that are not just good—but game-changing.
Why Look Beyond the iPad?
1. Price Flexibility
Let’s be real: iPads are expensive, and so is the Apple Pencil. Meanwhile, many drawing tablets and standalone Android devices offer similar or better features at a much lower price.
2. Customization and Compatibility
Unlike iPads that lock you into the Apple universe, most tablets have:
- Open OS (Windows or Android)
- More connection ports
- Broad compatibility with many styles of styluses and creative apps
3. Specialized Art Features
Some non-iPad tablets offer more pen pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and illustrator/designer-optimized software.
Top Tablet Alternatives That Will Blow Your Mind
1. Wacom Cintiq 16 – Industry-Standard for Serious Artists
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Wacom is often regarded as the gold standard for drawing tablets. The Cintiq 16 offers:
- A 15.6” Full HD screen
- 8192 levels of pen pressure
- Battery-free stylus
- Amazing color accuracy
While it’s not a standalone tablet (you need a computer), the drawing experience is as close to real paper as you’ll get digitally.
2. Huion Kamvas Pro 13 – Budget-Friendly and Powerful
Features to Love
Huion has come a long way in the last few years. The Kamvas Pro 13 offers:
- 13.3″ laminated screen with low parallax
- 120% sRGB color gamut
- Expression keys that are customizable
- USB-C connectivity
It’s perfect for artists who want pro features without paying a high price.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series – The Android King
Drawing Without a Computer
Need portability and power? The Galaxy Tab S9 (and its brothers, the S9+ and S9 Ultra) comes with:
- An integrated S Pen
- AMOLED screen with rich colors
- Samsung DeX for desktop feel
- Native app integration for apps like Clip Studio Paint, ibisPaint X, and others
This tablet gives you the liberty to draw anywhere without a laptop.
4. XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 – A Sleek Creative Companion
Why Artists Are Switching
XP-Pen has become a favorite among creatives. Key features:
- Slim design with dial and shortcut keys
- Full HD screen
- Pen with tilt and 8192 levels of pressure
It strikes a great balance between price and functionality.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – All-in-One Powerhouse
Not Just for Drawing
For those in the market for a computer-tablet combination, the Surface Pro 9 offers:
- Windows OS to utilize all the software
- Surface Slim Pen 2 support with haptic feedback
- 13″ PixelSense display
- Laptop power in a tablet frame
It’s ideal for creative professionals who need a productivity tool as well.
Choosing The Right One For You
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do I want a standalone device or one that can be attached to a computer?
- What’s your budget?
- What applications do I plan on using?
- Do I need portability?
Pro Tips for Buyers:
- Read reviews for stylus latency and performance
- Choose laminated screens to reduce parallax
- Avoid very inexpensive knock-offs with low-resolution or less-than-perfect pen performance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you completely replace an iPad with these tablets?
A: Yes! Provided that you opt for a standalone Android tablet like the Galaxy Tab S9 or a hybrid Windows machine like the Surface Pro 9.
Q: Does every one of these tablets come with a stylus?
A: Most do, especially Samsung and Microsoft designs. For brands like Wacom or XP-Pen, a stylus is usually included—but always double-check!
Q: Are these tablets easy to get started with?
A: Yes. Some like the Huion Kamvas or XP-Pen Artist Pro are especially ideal for beginners and students.
Final Thoughts
An iPad is great—but it’s not the only answer. Regardless of your choice on Android, Windows, or a pen display tablet alongside a PC, you’ve got tons of alternatives. The hardware is packed with features, and often delivers more power and more bang for your money for digital artists.
Don’t be fooled by the iPad craze. You can create masterpiece after masterpiece—even without that shiny Apple logo.
