Best Tablet For Adobe Illustrator: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

Digital art is an increasingly popular practice today than it was even a few years ago. And we can understand why. While real-life art is no match for the digital, there are some inconveniences that our busy lives can no longer accommodate.

This is where digital art tablets come into light as they facilitate all features needed for creating the most amazing outputs. There will be no hassles of carrying around canvases and brushes and colors of all sizes and shapes.

And creativity is something that won't wait to strike just because you're away from home or your studio. So these special tablets are unbeatable for their portability and specs to meet your creative flairs anywhere and everywhere.

To create the most unbelievably stunning outputs, your device also needs to be backed up by relevant creative and design software. And one of the most crucial of them for creating the most breathtaking designs or illustrations is the Adobe Illustrator.

So for those of you foraging for the best tablet for Adobe Illustrator, this write-up is dedicated to you.

Comparison Chart For Top 10 Tablets For Adobe Illustrator

IMAGE PRODUCT Display Size
(Inches)
Resolution Active Drawing area (inches*inches) Price
2020 HUION KAMVAS 22 Plus Graphics Drawing Tablet with Full-Laminated QD LCD Screen 140%s RGB Android Support Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pen Pressure Tilt Adjustable Stand - 21.5inch
HUION KAMVAS 22 Plus 21.5 1080p 25.00 x 17.80
Wacom PTH460K0A Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC, Small New Model
Wacom PTH460K0A Intuos Pro (Small) 10.5 5080lpi 6.3 x 3.9
Google Pixel Slate 12.3-Inch 2 in 1 Tablet Intel Core m3, 8GB RAM, 64GB, Aspect Ratio 3:2
Google Pixel Slate
8/64 GB
12.3 3000 x 2000 11.45 x 7.95
2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Sky Blue (4th Generation)
Apple iPad Air
4/64 GB (4th gen)
10.9 2360×1640 10.2 x 7.44
UGEE M708 Graphics Tablet, 10 x 6 inch Large Active Area Drawing Tablet with 8 Hot Keys, 8192 Levels Pen, UGEE M708 Graphic Tablets for Paint, Digital Art Creation Sketch
UGEE M708 10 5080lpi 10 x 6
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, 10.1
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab
4/64 GB (2020)
10.1 1920×1200 11.77 x 6.89
GAOMON M106KPRO 10 x 6.25 Inches Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet Android Supported with 8192 Levels Passive Pen and 28 Customized Buttons
GAOMON M106K PRO 10 5080lpi 10×6.25
HUION HS611 Graphic Drawing Tablet 10X6 inch with 8192 Levels Battery-Free Pen, 8 Multimedia Keys and 10 Press Keys, Support Android, Ideal Use for Distance Education and Wed Conference,Coral Red
Huion HS611
(2020)
10.1 5080lpi 15.60 x 9.20
One by Wacom Student drawing tablet for Windows PC, Mac and certified Works With Chromebook
Wacom One Graphics tablet 6 5080lpi 6.0 x 3.7
New Microsoft Surface Go 2 - 10.5
Microsoft Surface Go 2
4/64 GB (2020)
10.5 1920 x 1280 7.81 x 10.61

Top 5 Best Tablets For Adobe Illustrator Reviews in 2023

 Top 5 Best Tablets For Adobe Illustrator Reviews in 2023
Top 5 Best Tablets For Adobe Illustrator Reviews in 2023

1. HUION KAMVAS Pro 12 GT-116 | Best Drawing Tablet For Adobe Illustrator

This device comes with an IPS display of 1920 x 1080P resolution and a size of 11.6 inches. Its display is fully laminated to ensure maximized visual quality and can also control glare levels for reduced eyestrain even in brightly-lit environments.

The model is very convenient to use with its 4 express keys which will enable you to set your desired shortcuts for boosted efficiency. The single touch bar will facilitate to scroll pages, zoom in or out, or adjust brush sizes for an enhanced Illustration experience.

This durable model is effortless to carry weighing only 1.69 pounds and 11mm thick. It comes with an amazing viewing angle of 178 degrees and supports an impressive range of design software besides Adobe Illustrator. These include Photoshop, SAI, Mediband, Painter, Krita, etc.

It includes a battery-free stylus with a high-pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels and an equally spectacular reporting rate of 266RPS. These together will enable you to have a highly-responsive and realistic illustration experience with gorgeously detailed outputs.

This model also comes with a stand that can be adjusted in up to 6 angles for the most comfortable digital illustration experience. With all these amazing specs combined. This gadget could easily make room in your top options' list to choose from.

HUION KAMVAS Pro 12 Graphic Tablet with Screen Full Laminated Tilt 8192 Level Pressure Battery-Free Stylus Adjustable Stand Compatible with Windows/Mac/Chromebook 11.6 inch Pen Display Graphic Monitor
HUION KAMVAS Pro 12 Graphic Tablet with Screen Full Laminated Tilt 8192 Level Pressure Battery-Free Stylus Adjustable Stand Compatible with Windows/Mac/Chromebook 11.6 inch Pen Display Graphic Monitor

Highlighted Features

  • Compatible with a wide array of creative and design software
  • Highly sensitive and responsive battery-free stylus
  • Durable scratch-resistant laminated screen optimizes visual quality
  • Stand included for comfortable usage in any of the 6 adjustable positions

2. Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH860) | Best Wacom Tablet For Adobe Illustrator

This device comes with a large active area of 12.1 x 8.4 inches for comfortable hand movements while you digitally draw. Wacom is one of the earliest drawing tablet manufacturers. Hence is a brand you can confidently rely on for receiving the finest of everything.

This precision model comes with the battery-free Pro Pen 2 with 8192 levels of pressure for the most hassle-free and detailed drawing or illustration outputs. Its high 200RPS of reporting rate will provide you a smooth lag-free operation almost like true pen-paper feel.

Ideal for right and left-handed users both, this model also comes with an amazing tilt support which you facilitate realistic shading effects as well. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows OS. You can also accessorize it with other styluses including former generation pens, Wacom Pro Pen 3D, or Wacom Pro Pen Slim.

The Intuos Pro features 8 customizable express keys which you can personalize with your most needed shortcuts. Hence, it is bound to lift your efficiency up by a few more notches. The radial keys for the menu along with the other side keys will ensure further enhancement of your convenience.

You can choose to connect this multi-touch model to your favorite devices both via USB interface or Bluetooth. All in all, it comes with every aspect one might look for in any ideal device for digital illustration.

Wacom PTH860 Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC, Large, New Model, Black
Wacom PTH860 Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC, Large, New Model, Black

Highlighted Features

  • Ideal both for right and left-handed users
  • 8 customizable shortcut keys
  • Can be accessorized with other styluses
  • Large active area for hours of comfortable productivity

3. Microsoft Surface Go- Adobe Tablets

This particular device features a 10-inch PixelSense screen of 1800 x 1200P resolution for the most impeccable visuals. This device possesses the Windows 10 Home in S Mode. This can thus provide you a laptop-grade performance while delivering the convenience and portability of a tablet.

This versatile device can be used in a laptop, tablet, or studio mode. All you have to do is adjust the integrated Kickstand and add a detachable Surface Signature Type Cover. You can accessorize it with Surface Pen for highly precise drawings or illustrations.

This is one of the most lightweight devices you can get your hands on, weighing only around 1.15 pounds. With a battery life of around a stunning 9 hours, you can power along day long on-the-move anywhere and at any time effortlessly. The device comes with an impressive 64GB memory capacity along with 4GB RAM.

Its Windows 10 in S Mode will also provide you with enhanced features such as advanced security verified by Microsoft, parental controls, Windows Defender, etc. The powerful Intel Pentium Gold processor will also play a major role in the most seamless and efficient performance of this spectacular model.

Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB)
Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB)

Highlighted Features

  • Windows 10 in S Mode OS for enhanced performance and security features
  • Can be used in laptop, studio and tablet mode
  • Adjustable KickStand and removable keyboard
  • Super lightweight and sleek

4. XP-PEN Artist12 | Best Drawing Pad For Adobe Illustrator

With a large display of 11.6 inches, this model features a full HD 1920 x 1080P resolution for the most stunningly vivid visuals with impeccable clarity. Hence, whether for your creative illustrations, random doodling, or casual drawings as a hobby, you can showcase the most incredibly detailed and high-quality outputs.

The display comes with an anti-reflective coating as well for an inconvenience-free illustrating experience. The device can support both Mac and Windows Operating Systems.

It could easily be the ideal solution for all your creative requirements including, sketching, photography, drawing, drawing beginners, image editing, amateur art painting, animation, fashion, 3D sculpting, architecture design, etc.

The device comes with 6 shortcut keys that you can personalize with your favorite or most needed shortcuts to boost efficiency. It also includes a Touch Bar and side keys to facilitate brightness adjustments.

All the top creative and design software are compatible with the XP Pen which include Illustrator, SketchBook Pro, Photoshop, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, CDR, etc. As a result, your digital works of art can obtain a more enhanced and professional finish.

The device comes with a highly pressure-sensitive stylus with 8192 levels of pressure. It is battery-free as well for zero-hassle of recharging and its non-slip grip will facilitate a comfortable and accurate usage. This model also comes with a pen holder which will protect the stylus and also its nibs.

XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphic Monitor with PN06 Battery-Free Pen Multi-Function Pen Holder and Glove 8192 Pressure Sensitivity
XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen Display Graphic Monitor with PN06 Battery-Free Pen Multi-Function Pen Holder and Glove 8192 Pressure Sensitivity

Highlighted Features

  • 100%SRGB Color Gamut display with Anti-reflective coating
  • Battery-free stylus with non-slip grip and a stylus holder
  • 6 shortcut keys which can be personalized as desired
  • Highly responsive with a report rate of 266RPS

5. Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation)

Apple is the top brand for a lot of users for any device. And if you're one of them and a digital illustrator, you won't be missing out as well. This device features an amazing 11-inch Liquid Retina display with an amazing 1800 x 1200P resolution. A separate Smart Keyboard Folio can also provide protection along with laptop mode use.

It comes with an edge-to-edge display with ProMotion technology and phenomenally real colors. They will thus provide you with the most magnificent outputs and a highly responsive performance. It is actually speedier than most laptops and PCs with its powerful A12X Bionic chip.

So whether it's for working on your ingenious projects, socializing, web researching, listening to your favorite music, etc., you can multitask away seamlessly superfast and lag-free. It is also incredibly comfortable to carry weighing only 1.03 pounds and is one of the slimmest tablets ever out there.

The device can be accessorized by a separate Apple Pencil which has a sleek design and a comfortable grip. This rechargeable pencil can magnetically to your device for easy safekeeping and charging.

It is also simple and effortless to use and only double-tapping it would allow you to adjust brush sizes or switch to eraser mode. Hence, you can enjoy an uninterrupted workflow supported by the finest of Apple from this iPad.

Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (1st Generation)
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (1st Generation)

Highlighted Features

  • Incredibly high-quality resolution with edge-to-edge display
  • Speedier than most laptops and PCs with its powerful A12X Bionic chip
  • 256GB memory space
  • Slimmest tablet and lightweight with only a mass of 1.03 pounds

The Buying Guide for the Best Tablet For Adobe Illustrator

Type Of Device

Since you are looking for a device for illustration or design purposes, you first need to choose what type of gadget would serve you most. You could wither go for basic tablets that also provide all other regular facilities, or you could go for a strictly drawing tablet.

If you need don't have any other tablets of your own and also require one for other purposes such as entertainment or work, you could opt for a regular tablet. But ensure that the device supports Adobe Illustrator and can support drawing facilities.

Most of these come with an included stylus but even if they don't, you can always buy them separately for boosted convenience. These tablets can be more than adequate for standard, basic or amateur purposes. But you may require a drawing tablet for more professional and high-accuracy purposes.

Drawing tablets are strictly designed for illustration or drawing purposes. And they come with highly precise pens which are highly sensitive and responsive. This makes them ideal for professional purposes. But ensure that they support the related software as well.

Stylus

Styluses can come either in battery-free mode or rechargeable modes. The perk of battery-free ones is that they eliminate the extra hassle of having to recharge another piece of gadget. And the battery-free ones would always be the wiser alternative.

There are also other factors you need to consider about the stylus such as its sensitivity to pressure, its responsiveness, tilt support, grip, thickness of tip, etc.

The best tablet for Illustrator should possess the highest levels of pressure and reporting rate as they will play a key role in the accuracy of your pen strokes. And they will thus enable to produce the most amazingly detailed and realistic outputs.

Size Of Working Area And Connectivity

The working area depends entirely on your comfort level, available space, and the extent of portability you need. While larger areas are more comfortable and convenient, opt for compact models if you are short on space or are always on the move.

If you're opting for a regular model, chances are it will come with both wireless connectivity and versatile interfaces for wired connectivity. But in case of drawing tablets, a wired connection would suffice for a more immobile working type, and wireless for when more mobility is involved. A model with both would be the smartest bid.

Types of Tablets for Adobe Illustrator

There are many different types of tablets on the market today. Some are better for Adobe Illustrator than others. In this article, we will look at the three most popular types of tablets and see how they compare in terms of Illustrator use.

The first type is the Wacom Intuos tablet. This is a great option for people who are just starting out with Illustrator. It has a small learning curve and is easy to use. The downside is that it doesn't have as many features as some of the other options on the market.

The second type is the Wacom Cintiq tablet. This tablet is designed for artists and professionals who need more flexibility and power in their work. It has a high price tag, but it is worth the investment for people who want to get the most out of Illustrator.

The final type of tablet is the Microsoft Surface Pro. This is a hybrid tablet that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. It has a large screen and many features that make it ideal for Illustrator work. It is also one of the most expensive options on the market, but it is worth the investment for people who need a powerful tablet.

So, which type of tablet should you choose for Adobe Illustrator? It depends on your needs and budget. If you are just starting out, the Wacom Intuos tablet is a good option. If you are an artist or professional who needs more flexibility and power, the Wacom Cintiq tablet is the best option. And if you need a hybrid tablet that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro is the best choice.

FAQs about Tablets For Adobe Illustrator

Which Tablets Are Compatible With Adobe Illustrator?

A lot of the everyday tablets we come across are compatible with Adobe Illustrator. From Wacom, there is the Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16, and the Wacom PTH860 Intuos Pro. Both of these are fantastic thanks to their large active areas and pressure-sensitive pens for perfect precision on the screen.

From Huion, the Huion KAMVAS Pro 13 GT-133 and the Huion H610 Pro V2 are good choices. They both boast battery-free styluses, pressure-sensitive pens, and lots of press keys for faster work.

Of course, Apple is always an option. You can get either the 2020 Apple iPad Pro or the New Apple iPad, depending on your budget. But they both sport amazing displays, high storage capacities, and Bionic chips with Neural Engines for smooth performance.

Can You Use Adobe Illustrator On A Tablet?

Adobe Illustrator can definitely be used on a tablet. Since Adobe Illustrator is the go-to choice for most designers, having them on a tablet makes it much easier to use, given how simple it is to draw and design on tablets.

Can I Use My iPad As A Tablet For Illustrator?

The iPad can be used illustrator to create designs and more. The iPad itself is intuitive and fun to use, so having Adobe Illustrator is certainly a bonus, especially with the touch screen. Not to mention Illustrator nicely integrates with other Adobe apps as well.

Can I Use Adobe Illustrator On Samsung Tablet?

Yes, Samsung Tablets are a good choice to host the popular Adobe Illustrator. Especially models like the S6 prove to be a good multi-functional device. With its octa-core processor and high RAM, edits in AI are fast and smooth.

And since these also come with high storage spaces, the user can store a large number of edits and designs.

Buy them at Walmart, Etsy, eBay (quality guaranteed)

2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7+ Plus 12.4-inch Android Tablet 128GB Wi-Fi Bluetooth S Pen - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 11-inch Android Tablet 128GB Wi-Fi Bluetooth S Pen Fast Charging - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 MS7 12.3" (2736x1824) 10-Point Touch Display Tablet PC W/Surface - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet with Screen - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Wacom One Drawing Tablet with Screen, 13.3 inch Pen Display for Beginners and Digital - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4-inch Android Tablet 128GB Wi-Fi S Pen, Gray - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen Full-Laminated Tilt Battery-Free - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Wacom PTH660 Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet for Mac or PC, Medium, New Model, - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

XP-PEN Artist15.6 Pro 15.6 Inch Drawing Pen Display Graphics Monitor Full-Laminated - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

XP-PEN DECO-03 Wireless Drawing Tablet, Graphic Tablet with 8192 Level Pen, Dial Knob, 6 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

VASTKING KingPad K10 Pro 10.1" Octa-Core Tablet, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, Android 10, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for Adobe Illustrator Tablet Buyers

By now the idea of scoring the best tablet for Adobe Illustrator doesn't seem so farfetched, right? With further research of your own and the aid of our blueprint, hopefully you'll be able to make the perfect buy.

About Dror Wettenstein

Dror Wettenstein is a software engineer and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. He is the founder of TechTreeRepeat, a company that enables technical writers to publish their work faster and share it with readers across the globe. Dror has a master’s degree in computer science from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in physics from UC Irvine.

When he’s not working on software projects, Dror enjoys writing articles and essays on various topics. He also likes playing guitar and spending time with his wife and two young children.

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