One major advantage of drawing with a stylus on a tablet is that the process is much more intuitive and less time-consuming. But more significantly, Adobe Photoshop offers plenty of functions and tools that are only accessible with a graphics tablet.
Drawing tablets are pressure sensitive, and the best tablets and pens register up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing you to manage opacity, jitter, and line width with natural pen variations and pin-point accuracy.
Therefore, buying a Wacom tablet should be high on the list for every digital artist, whether professional or beginner.
So, what’s the best Wacom tablet for Photoshop?
Wacom is considered the gold standard in the graphics tablet space, so you cannot go wrong in that sense. But of course, there are many factors to consider when choosing your best tablet for Photoshop editing.
Professional top-notch merch comes with a corresponding price tag, but the company also produces great entry-level tablets, providing excellent quality with reduced functionality at a very affordable price point.
On this list, we’ve aimed at compiling the best Wacom tablet deals for various skill levels and budgets. So let’s have a look at our lineup!
Our Top 7 Best Wacom Tablets to use with Photoshop
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
- Great overall specs at a reasonable price
- High levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt responsiveness
- Excellent precision and virtually lag-free tracking
Wacom Intuos Pro Small
- Sturdy quality paired with maximum portability
- Highly customizable and responsive for authentic drawing feel
- Budget-friendly price makes it an affordable option for beginners
Great Value for Money
Wacom Intuos Small
- Build quality with small footprint and high portability
- 4 customizable ExpressKeys + 2 pen side buttons
- Decent pen pressure sensitivity and tablet resolution
Best for Beginners
One by Wacom
- Compact and lightweight with large tactile drawing area
- Good pen tracking and sensitivity
- Cheapest Wacom tablet targeted at beginning artists
Top Entry-Level Display Tablet
Wacom One 13
- Built-in 13.3′′ HD display with AHVA technology
- Real-feel responsive pen + compatibility with other pen brands
- Affordable alternative to Cintiq 16 with Android compatibility
Number One for Prosumers
Cintiq 16
- Textured surface for natural drawing feel with different surface textures available
- Highly responsive Pro Pen 2 & compatibility with Pro Pen 3D
- Least expensive higher-end Wacom display tablet for prosumers
Our in-depth lineup: Picking the best Wacom tablet for Your Photoshop needs
Drawing tablets come in different sizes and designs, with and without screen. Tablets without screen are more common and less expensive. Some tablets offer lots of space to let your creative juices flow, other are more compact and lightweight, making them more portable.
Our Best Wacom Tablet Picks
Our list includes seven of the best Wacom tablets for different artistic requirements. So whatever your needs, and whatever your budget, you should be able to find the best Wacom tablet for Photoshop that is just right for you!
The cheapest and most basic entry-level tablet starts at around US$60, going up from there to professional top-tier devices with a four-figure price tag.
Our best all-rounder is the Wacom Intuos Pro (M). It offers a perfect blend of size, features and affordability, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and serious amateur creators.
That said, let’s get started with the Intuos Pro Medium!
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
Overall Best Wacom tablet to use with Photoshop.
Best Allrounder
Wacom Intuos Pro (M) Key Specs
- Active area: 8.7 x 5.8 in (224 x 148 mm)
- Pen technology: 8,192 pen pressure levels, ±60 levels tilt recognition, 5080 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: 8 ExpressKeys, Touch Ring, Multi-touch functionality
- Size: 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 in (338 x 219 x 8 mm)
- Weight: 1.54 lb (700 g)
PROS
- Workflow booster with ExpressKeys, Touch Ring & Multi-Touch capability
- Pro Pen 2 with industry-leading pressure and tilt responsiveness
- Excellent precision and lag-free tracking with cable connection
- Different types of texture sheets for natural drawing feel
- Wireless editing thanks to Bluetooth connectivity
- Long battery life for an entire working day
CONS
- Bluetooth connection introduces some lag
- Felt pen nibs wear down somewhat fast
The Intuos Pro Medium is Wacom’s best all-round graphics tablet for digital artists and photographers – beginners and professionals alike. It’s a perfect blend of size, resolution and cutting-edge features – all combined into a reasonable price.
In terms of size, the Intuos Pro (M) is indeed the happy medium between the Intuos Pro Small and the Intuos Pro Large. It’s compact and lightweight enough to be portable and fit all workspace setups, still offering plenty of resolution to map it also to large monitors, including 4K and 5K displays.
Working on the Intuos Pro feels like drawing with a pen on paper. Its default texture sheet that can be swapped for a variety of other options.
The tablet’s responsiveness is first-class: the Pro Pen 2 with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and ± 60 levels of tilt recognition is a noticeable gain the more you use your tablet. The pen nibs are replaceable, and a set of 10 additional standard and felt nibs is included in pen holder.
Customizability is first-class, too. The Pro Pen 2 has two side switches, and the Intuos Pro Medium comes with 4 bulit-in ExpressKeys and a Touch Ring – all highly customizable on a per-app basis.
The one feature that sets the Intuos Pro apart from other tablets Wacom is its multi-touch capability that can be toggled on an off at the push of a button.
The Intuos Pro M connects to your computer either via USB or Bluetooth, its battery provides you with enough juice for a full day’s work. When connected via Bluetooth, however, there can be a bit of a lag noticeable.
Wacom Intuos Pro Small
Best wacom tablet for photo editing for all Artists who don't want to compromise Quality for Portability.
Quality & Portability
Wacom Intuos Pro (S) Key Specs
- Active area: 6.3 x 3.9 in (160 x 100 mm)
- Pen technology: 8,192 pen pressure levels, ±60 levels tilt recognition, 5080 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: 6 ExpressKeys, Touch Ring, Multi-touch functionality
- Size: 10.6 x 6.7 x 0.3 in (269 x 170 x 8.45 mm)
- Weight: 0.99 lb (450 g)
PROS
- Sturdy quality paired with maximum portability
- Highly customizable and responsive for authentic drawing feel
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless editing comfort
- Long battery life for around 10 hours
- Perfect for both left- and right-handed creators
- Budget-friendly price makes it an affordable option for beginners
CONS
- Smaller drawing area
- No changeable texture sheets
If you’re a photo editor looking for a quality drawing tablet on a budget but with all the features of the Pros, the Wacom Intuos Pro (S) is the best Wacom tablet for Photoshop. The small Intuos Pro is priced below US$250, yet it’s a sturdy tablet made of premium materials. Being super-slim and lightweight, it’s also a reliable travel companion.
It’s highly accurate and responsive with no virtual lag and excellent customization options. While the Intuos Pro S is slightly larger than an A5 sheet of paper, its textured tactile surface offers enough editing space with authentic drawing feel.
One minus of the regular Intuos tablets is that the included Wacom Pen 4K doesn’t support tilt response. The Intuos Pro line, however, comes with the powerful Wacom Pro Pen 2 that has twice the pressure sensitivity of the Pen 4K and an equally sensitive eraser on its end. Besides, the Pro Pen 2 recognizes up to 60 degrees of tilt, something especially valuable when you do a lot of brushwork in Photoshop.
The Intuos Pro Small comes with 6 built-in ExpressKeys that are fully customizable in the Wacom Desktop Center, allowing you to assign them any function of your choosing. There’s also a Touch Ring that gives you quick access to your most frequently used actions in Photoshop, such as zooming in and out, rotating, changing brush sizes, etc.
The setup is super-easy out of the box. You can connect the included USB cable to your Windows PC or Mac, or use the built-in Bluetooth connectivity for wireless editing. Battery life is amazing. Once fully powered up, the battery will last you for around 10 hours of work.
All in all, the Wacom Intuos Pro is the best tablet for Photoshop editing for all digital artists who demand pro features for reasonable money.
Wacom Intuos Small
Best wacom tablet for all Photoshop editors who are looking for great value at a great price point.
Great value for money
Wacom Intuos (S) Key Specs
- Active area: 6.0 x 3.7 in (152 x 95 mm)
- Pen technology: 4,096 pen pressure levels, no tilt recognition, 2540 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: 4 ExpressKeys, no touch functionality
- Size: 7.9 x 6.3 x 0.35 in (200 x 160 x 8.8 mm)
- Weight: 230g (8.1 oz) without Bluetooth; 250g (8.8 oz) with Bluetooth
PROS
- Compact but sturdy quality for tight workspace setups and travel
- 4 customizable ExpressKeys + 2 pen side buttons
- Decent pen pressure sensitivity and tablet resolution
- Beginner-friendly price below $100 mark
- Wireless Bluetooth model available
- Long battery life of Bluetooth model
CONS
- Surface is prone to scratches with heavy use
- No tilt response
- No multi-touch support
The Wacom Intuos (S) is a fantastic starting point for beginners. It comes with great specs at a price under US$100 (around a third of the Pro model), so even beginners on a budget should be able to afford it.
Contrary to the Intuos Pro tablets that are available in small, medium and large sizes, there’s only a small and a medium model of the regular Intuos. The small Intuos should be sufficient for most creative needs. Its 6 by 3.7-inch active area can be easily mapped to any size computer screen and offers enough space to draw on. Yet, the Intuos S is lightweight and compact enough to fit on any desk or to be carried around along with your laptop.
When compared to the Intuos Pro, the accuracy is not quite as good, and the Intuos supports only half the pressure sensitivity. However, 4,096 pressure levels will still be sufficient for most Photoshop work. Contrary to the Pro Pen 2 that comes with the Intuos Pro line, the Wacom Pen 4K has no tilt recognition and eraser.
With the two pen side switches and four ExpressKeys, the Intuos Small is among the most customizable entry-level drawing tablets.
The Intuos S connects to your Windows PC or Mac via USB. For all those who prefer to work wireless, there’s also the Intuos S with Bluetooth for around $20 more.
One by Wacom
Best Wacom Tablet to use with Photoshop for beginners who want to start out on a basic drawing tablet.
Best for Beginners
One by Wacom Key Specs
- Active area: 6.0 x 3.7 in (Small), 8.5 x 5.3 in (Medium)
- Pen technology: 2,048 pen pressure levels, no tilt recognition, 2540 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: No
- Size: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.3 in (S), 10.9 x 7.4 x 0.3 in (M)
- Weight: 0.57 lb (S), 0.99 lb (M)
PROS
- Compact and lightweight to easily fit on any desk or be carried along
- Good pen tracking and sensitivity
- Relatively large drawing area with tactile feel
- Compatible with most computer screens and 4K monitors
- Clutter-free one-cable USB connection with no charging or battery required
- Cheapest Wacom tablet targeted at beginning artists
CONS
- No Express Keys and touch functionality
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No tilt recognition
Stripped off all unnecessary frills, the One by Wacom is Wacom’s most basic entry-level tablet for beginners. The One by Wacom’s price is newbie-friendly, too, staying well below the Intuos Pro models and also below the aforementioned Wacom Intuos Small.
Just like the Intuos, the One by Wacom is available in two sizes, small and medium. Both tablets are compact and lightweight, with the One by Wacom Small being just as big as an A5 paper sheet, and the Medium One not even as large as an A4 sheet of paper.
The good thing is that the active drawing area is stretched out to the very edges and covers almost all of the tablet’s surface. It has a smooth texture, giving you the feel of drawing with a pen on paper. Unfortunately, the material is not too wear-resistant and scuffs become visible with heavy use. The One by Wacom pen nib is quite resilient and should last you for 2 to 3 years with repeated use. Three standard replacement nibs are included in the package.
As a matter of fact, the One by Wacom lacks in some features of the higher-end models, offering only half the pressure sensitivity (2,048 levels) and half the resolution (2,540 lpi) of the Intuos Pro. However, tracking is still pretty precise and lag-free.
The included Replaceable Pen is battery-free and ergonomic in the hand. It has two customizable side switches, but unfortunately no tilt support and no eraser.
While the One by Wacom has surely its appeal for creatives who are just getting started, the lack of hotkey buttons and multi-touch support will impact the speed of your workflow quite a bit. Depending on your way of editing, the missing tilt response will limit what you get out of Photoshop when painting and drawing.
Wacom One
Best Wacom Tablet to use with Photoshop for beginners who wish to edit directly onscreen.
Top Entry-Level Display Tablet
Wacom One 13 Key Specs
- Screen: 13.3 in, 1920 x 1080 px, AHVA
- Color gamut & brightness: NTSC 72%, 200 cd/m2
- Active area: 11.6 x 6.5 in (294 x 166 mm)
- Pen technology: 4,096 pressure levels, ±60 levels tilt recognition, 2540 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: No
- Size: 8.9 x 14.1 x 0.6 in (225 x 357 x 14.6 mm)
- Weight: 2.2 lb (1 kg)
PROS
- Built-in 13.3′′ HD display with AHVA technology
- Real-feel responsive pen + compatibility with other pen brands
- Integrated foldout legs to raise the display to 19 degrees
- Compatible with Windows, Mac and Android devices
- Affordable alternative to the Cintiq 16
- Free software bundle (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom & Fresco, Clip Studio Paint Pro, Bamboo Paper Pro)
CONS
- Multi-cord setup requiring 4 cables, no Bluetooth connectivity
- No hotkey buttons on the tablet
- Display brightness can be an issue under strong light
Launched right at the beginning of 2020, the ‘One’ is Wacom’s best entry-level display tablet available on the market. Despite being the cheapest drawing tablet with screen that Wacom has ever produced, it comes with pretty impressive specs.
The 13-inch 1920×1080 full HD display offers a decent drawing area, while using AHVA technology that guarantees color accuracy when viewed off center. The laminated LCD does away completely with the parallax effect, the little gap between drawing surface and screen that is noticeable even on some higher-end models due to their non-laminated displays.
With 72% of NTSC color gamut coverage, you can expect colors to look reasonable. However, if color accuracy is a priority for you, you may want to think about a higher-end Cintiq model.
The supplied Wacom One Pen is cordless and battery-free. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Wacom One Pen is not as responsive as the Pro Pen 2, but along with its 60 degrees of tilt response, it still allows for real-feel brushwork when designing in Photoshop. Gladly, the Wacom One also supports a range of styluses from other companies if you want to change things up.
With foldable legs to place it at a slight angle, the Wacom One is still small enough to tuck it in your bag. Besides being compatible with Windows and MacOS, the great advantage is that you can also hook it up to your Android smartphone or tablet – something not typically available with drawing tablets. Unfortunately, the Wacom One is not compatible with iPhones and always needs to be plugged into a power socket, as it doesn’t have a built-in battery.
Wacom Cintiq 16
Best Wacom Tablet to use with Photoshop for semi-professional artists and professional creators on a budget.
Number One for Prosumers
Wacom Cintiq 16 Key Specs
- Screen: 15.6 in, 1920 x 1080 px, Full HD IPS
- Color gamut & brightness: 72% NTSC, 96% sRGB, 210 cd/m2
- Active area: 13.6 x 7.6 in (344 x 194 mm)
- Pen technology: 8,192 pressure levels, ±60 levels tilt recognition, 5080 lpi resolution
- Buttons & Touch: No
- Size: 16.6 x 11.2 x 1 in (422 x 285 x 24.5 mm)
- Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
PROS
- Great overall specs for a mid-range drawing tablet with screen
- Pro Pen 2 included & compatibility with Pro Pen 3D
- High levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt responsiveness
- 3-in-1 cable to avoid clutter and keep workspace neat
- Textured surface for natural drawing feel with different surface textures available
- Least expensive higher-end Wacom display tablet for semi-professional artists and professional designers on a budget
CONS
- Moderate screen resolution and color gamut
- No Express Keys & Multi Touch capability
- Stand not included
Removing the ‘Pro’ handle in the naming, Wacom introduced the Cintiq 16 as a more affordable alternative for all artists who don’t want to take the plunge on a pro model. The Wacom Cintiq 16 is a great display tablet for prosumers, delivering the best Photoshop using experience to all budget-conscious digital artists and retouchers.
In terms of specs, the Cintiq 16 is essentially the same as the Wacom Intuos Pro, but with the extra benefit of a live screen to draw on. Adding excellent pressure sensitivity and accuracy, the Cintiq 16 definitely ranks high for best tablet for photo editing.
The Cintiq line consists of the Cintiq 16 and the larger Cintiq 22, both featuring 1920×1080 full HD displays with anti-glare coating and minimal parallax. The screens are slightly textured, accounting for a natural drawing feel. The models come complete with Wacom’s industry-leading Pro Pen 2, featuring 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 degrees of tilt recognition.
The 72% NTSC or 96% sRGB color gamut is lower than that of the higher-end tablets, and while this should be ok for most upfront photo edits, you might only notice the difference when holding the Cintiq right next to a high-end monitor.
With around 4 pounds, the Cintiq 16 is still quite portable and its two foldout legs on the rear allow tilting the device to a 19-degree angle. If this isn’t enough lift for you, you can get a more adjustable stand, sold separately for around US$80.
Two other features that have also been dropped are the built-in ExpressKeys and touch functionality. To speed up your workflow with programmable shortcut buttons, you can still get the ExpressKey remote. If you’re big fan of gesture-based input, however, the missing touch capabilities might be a deal-breaker for you.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen for professional artists who want the ultimate photoshop editing experience.
Excellence for Pros
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Key Specs
- Screen: 23.6 in, 3840 x 2160 px, 4K: Ultra HD
- Color gamut & brightness: 99% Adobe RGB, 350 cd/m2
- Active area: 20.55 x 11.57 in (522 x 294 mm)
- Pen technology: 8,192 pressure levels, ±60 levels tilt recognition, 5080 lpi
- Buttons & Touch: ExpressKey Remote, Touch Ring, Radial Menu, onscreen keyboard
- Size: 26.65 x 15.5 x 1.9 in (677 x 394 x 47 mm)
- Weight: 15.43 lbs (7 kg)
PROS
- 24-inch 4K resolution screen (3840 x 2160) for sharp detail work
- World-class color accuracy (99% Adobe RGB) and excellent brightness (350 cd/m2)
- Large active area (20.55 x 11.57”) for enough drawing space
- Etched glass surface with right amount of resistance for a super-natural drawing feel
- Included ExpressKey Remote with plenty of customization options and magnetic back to cling to bezel
- Cintiq Pro Engine (separately available) turns the tablet into a standalone Windows PC
CONS
- Stand not included
- Some fan noise, not particularly loud but perceptible
- Etched glass can dull the colors
Appropriately having the designation ‘Pro’ in its name, the Wacom Cintiq Pro is designed for professionals who want to get the most of it. Sitting exactly between the Cintiq Pro 13 and Cintiq Pro 16 and the larger Cintiq Pro 32, the Cintiq Pro 24 is the happy medium in the professional Cintiq series.
The Cintiq Pro features a premium 4K resolution Ultra HD display with an unparalleled color gamut of 99% Adobe RGB and brightness of 350 cd/m². Along with the etched glass surface that cuts down on reflections whilst providing a natural pen-on-paper drawing feel, you’re able to see your images in crisp detail clarity.
Just like the regular Cintiq, the Wacom Cintiq Pro comes with the Pro Pen 2. The pen is cordless and battery-free, providing high pressure sensitivity of up to 8,192 levels and 60 degrees of tilt recognition.
Multi-touch capability and the included ultra-customizable ExpressKey Remote boost your workflow speed significantly.
The ExpressKey Remote has a magnetized backing, allowing you to stick it on the bevel surrounding the display – either on the left or right side, depending on your dominant hand.
Built-in legs allow you to raise the Cintiq Pro up to 20 degrees. For more flexible editing positions, you can purchase an additional stand, for example the Ergo Stand or the Flex Arm.
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 has quite a large footprint; so make sure to have enough space available on your working desk. For this matter, the Flex Arm is also a great option to free up some space on your desk, as it allows you to push the tablet aside when you’re not using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a graphics tablet with Photoshop?
The big advantage of a graphics tablet over a mouse is how much control it gives you. A graphics tablet makes it much easier to work naturally – it’s generally more like drawing with a pen on paper. You can draw circles and lines accurately, precisely trace the outline of a model you want to cut out of the background, etc.
But accuracy is only half the story. Graphics tablets are pressure-sensitive, and some also support tilt recognition. This means, Photoshop can tell the difference between a line sketched with light pressure and one drawn with a lot of pressure applied.
In the Wacom Desktop Center, you can customize how Photoshop handles pressure response. Most artists set it up so that lighter pressure results in softer, less opaque, and thinner lines, while firmer pressure creates harder, darker, and thicker lines.
What tablets work with Photoshop?
Can you use a Wacom tablet with Photoshop?
Yes!! There’s absolutely no problem using a Wacom tablet with Photoshop. All Wacom tablets work with Photoshop – even the very old ones! 😃
What is a Wacom tablet compatible with?
Wacom tablets are generally compatible with Windows and MacOS. As for Linux platforms, Wacom doesn’t offer a driver for Linux directly, but you can get a Linux driver for most Wacom tablets at the Linux Wacom Project on Github. Many Linux distributions come with the driver pre-installed. So always try to attach your device to your Linux computer first to see if it works.
Some of the newer Wacom tablets are also compatible with select Android smartphones and tablets using Android OS 6.0 and later. This includes the Wacom One and the newer Intuos models (CTL4100 and CTL 6100). For a complete list of compatible Android device, check Wacom’s website.
• Pen compatibility
Wacom pens can work with different Wacom tablets. As a rule of thumb, the Wacom pens are forwards compatible. The most recent pens are cross-compatible within their generation.
As an example, the older Pro Pen 1 works with the Intuos 4 and 5, Cintiq 22HD, and Cintiq Pro. The newer Pro Pen 2, on the other hand, can’t work on the Intuos 4 and 5, but it can be used with the Cintiq Pro and Intuos Pro lines.
Typically, the non-pro Intuos tablets come with specific pens that don’t work with other tablets.
Similarly, the Wacom One Pen is only compatible with the Wacom One tablet. Besides, the Wacom One tablet is only compatible with the Wacom One Pen, and no other of the Wacom pens. Click here for a list of Wacom pens and their compatibility.
Unfortunately, Wacom pens are incompatible with drawing tablets of other brands. Not only is the hardware different, but also Wacom’s technology is completely different from the software used by other brands.
However, some third-party styluses also work with Wacom tablets. These include the Staedtler Noris Digital Pencil, Lamy AL-star black EMR, Samsung Galaxy Note and Tab S Pen, Hi-uni Digital for Wacom, and Mitsubishi Pencil 9800 Digitizer pen for Raytrektab. For a complete list of compatible third-party pens, check Wacom’s website.
• Drawing app compatibility
Wacom tablets can be used with almost all drawing applications available on the market. This includes the common paid software (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter Essentials, Corel AfterShot, ZBrush, Autodesk, Blender, … to just name a few) as well as free apps, such as Gimp, Krita, Pixlr, Photopea, etc. Of course, you can also use a Wacom tablet with Zoom.
My name is Angie and I’m a self-taught digital artist. On this blog, I am sharing my knowledge and discussing the best software and hardware for different artistic needs. My desire is to offer options for all creative stages and budgets so that everyone can follow their dream and create art!
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