Top 5 Graphic Tablet Alternatives
When it comes to drawing tablets or digitizers, Wacom is the first name to come to mind. Their products are ideal for digital artists and photographers alike, making the process of creating art on a computer a more enjoyable and seamless experience. However, there are still reasons why you might want to look for an alternative. So here’s a list of alternatives that we think are worthing checking out.
1. Huion 610 Pro
For those looking for a simple and affordable alternative to the Wacom Bamboo and Intuos line, the Huion 610 Pro is highly rated amongst artists. It has a larger drawing area (10 x 6.25″) than the small Intuos Draw that is roughly the same price. The tablet has 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, 8 express keys, and 16 customizable hot keys along the top for shortcuts. The pen is rechargeable, and it states that 1 hour of charging gives 800 hours of use. The tablet also has a built-in Micro SD card reader, so that you can easily save and take work with you.
Notes: Works with Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, and OSX.
2. Huion Giano
Huion claims the WH1409 as the “largest tablet in the world”, with an impressive drawing area of 13.8 x 8.6″. The tablet has 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, 12 express keys, a rechargeable pen, and a built-in 8GB Micro SD card reader. The unique thing about this tablet, is that it’s also wireless. You can use the tablet with a power supply, however wireless connectivity (up to 12m) allows you to work more freely, and the battery lasts for up to 40 hours.
Notes: Works with Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, and OSX.
3. XP-Pen Artist 16
There’s something magical about being able to digitally paint directly on the screen, and the Wacom Cintiq line is coveted for this very function. However, the Cintiq’s are not cheap. There are a couple of well known alternatives such as the Yiynova MSP19U+ and the Huion GT-220 v2, both of which are capable and affordable. However, the XP-Pen Artist 16 is a great entry level tablet monitor that can be had for under $500. It features a 15.6″ 1080p IPS monitor, adjustable stand, 8 customizable shortcuts, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, 2 rechargeable pens, and even comes with a anti-friction/antifouling glove.
Notes: Works with Windows and OSX.
4. iskn Slate
While tablets are an exciting way to create, they lack the feel and immediacy that drawing directly onto paper provides. This is where the iskn Slate comes in. This portable drawing tablet allows you to draw onto paper, and will digitize your drawing onto an iPad, iPhone, Windows or Mac computer. This done using the ring that you can attach to any pencil you choose, and the 32 sensors on the Slate that will track every move you make. You can use the Slate standalone and store your drawings into the 8gb of memory, which comes to 800,000 sheets of paper. Using their stylus, known as “the tip”, you can also use the Slate as you would a standard graphic tablet and finish your design in your software of choice. This is a flexibility that not even the Wacom competitor the Bamboo Slate offers.
Notes: 8 hours of battery life, A5 (5.8 x 8.3″) drawing surface. USB (Mac/PC) and Bluetooth (iPad/iPhone).
5. Astropad + iPad Pro
The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil is a inspiring mobile art solution, and one that could suffice as an alternative to a Wacom Companion to a certain extent. It comes in two sizes, allows you to work with your favorite drawing/painting app, and the Pencil is one of the only options in this list that offers tilt recognition when drawing. Unlike the Companion, you can also use the iPad Pro for all of your internet and marketing needs. Now, add the Astropad app and your iPad Pro turns into a makeshift Wacom Cintiq. Yes, this app allows you to use your iPad Pro a tablet monitor so you can use Photoshop, Illustrator, Manga Studio and much more on your Mac as one connected setup. It comes it two versions, Standard and Studio, and makes this alternative the most powerful and flexible option.
Notes: If you want to check out how the app works, there is a free version for iPhone.