What is the best drawing tablet with screen that you can get from the industry’s top player Wacom? In this comparison review, we’ve lined up the best Wacom tablets with screen for all skill levels and pocketbooks. Starting with the best drawing tablet with screen for beginners, the Wacom One, you can read up on the Wacom Cintiq 16, Wacom Cintiq 22, the new Wacom Movink, and the Wacom Cintiq Pro series to get an idea which Wacom screen tablet is best for your artistic needs and financial budget. Let’s get into it!
Should I get a drawing tablet with a screen?
If you’ve so far been using a tablet without built-in display, you might wonder whether the upgrade to a drawing tablet with screen is worth the investment.
Well, a screen tablet will get you as close to natural drawing as you can possibly get without putting a real pen on paper. If you’ve been working on a tablet without built-in display, such as a Wacom Intuos (S) or Wacom Intuos Pro Small or Medium, you know that it takes a bit of a learning curve to get used to drawing on the tablet while looking at a computer monitor a few inches away.
Especially if you’re coming from traditional art, you might find it difficult to retain your hand-eye coordination when working with a conventional tablet. A pen display has the big advantage that you can directly draw and see your work on the screen.
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Wacom Tablet with Screen
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22
- 22-inch 4K Ultra HD screen for crystal clear image
- World-class color accuracy (95% Adobe RGB) and brightness (300 cd/m2)
- Etched glass surface with tactile resistance for super-natural drawing feel
Wacom Cintiq 16
- Least expensive higher-end Wacom display tablet with great overall specs
- High levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt response with industry-leading Pro Pen 2
- Minimal parallax and virtually lag-free tracking
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
- Premium high-end device used in professional studios around the world
- Large pin-sharp 4K UHD display with superior color accuracy and brightness
- Multi-touch functionality and built-in ExpressKeys as standard
what is the best drawing tablet with screen?
Due to the integrated display technology, screen tablets tend to be more expensive than regular pen tablets, and Wacom’s Cintiq tablets are known for being pricey. The quality merits the price, but it can be out of many artists’ budgets, especially if you’re a beginner.
In our lineup, we’ve aimed at compiling the ten best Wacom screen tablets for various skill levels and budgets, summing up the most important features of each tablet so it’s hopefully easier for you to pick out the best Wacom tablet with screen for you!
Jump to a specific Wacom screen tablet
These are the Best Wacom Tablets with Screen in summary:
| Tablet | Screen specs | Response & Resolution | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wacom One 13 |
• 13.3 in, 1920 x 1080, AHVA • 72% NTSC • 200 cd/m2 |
• 4,096 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 2540 lpi resolution |
US$400 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Wacom Movink 13 |
• 13.3 in, Full HD OLED • 95% Adobe RGB • 350 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$750 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq 16 |
• 15.6 in, 1920 x 1080, Full HD IPS • 72% NTSC, 96% sRGB • 210 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$650 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 13 |
• 13.3 in, 1920 x 1080, Ultra HD IPS • 87% Adobe RGB • 250 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$800 Wacom eStore |
| Cintiq 22 |
• 21.5 in, 1920 x 1080, Full HD • 72% NTSC, 96% sRGB • 210 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$1200 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 16 |
• 16 in, 3840 x 2160, Ultra HD IPS • 98% Adobe RGB • 300 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$1500 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 17 |
• 17 in, 3840 x 2160 px, Ultra HD IPS • 88% Adobe RGB • 400 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$2500 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 22 |
• 22 in, 3840 x 2160 px, Ultra HD IPS • 95% sRGB • 300 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$3000 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 24 |
• 23.6 in, 3840 x 2160, Ultra HD IPS • 99% Adobe RGB • 350 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$2500 Wacom eStore Adorama |
| Cintiq Pro 27 |
• 26.9 in, 3840 x 2160 px, Ultra HD IPS • 99% Adobe RGB • 400 cd/m2 |
• 8,192 pressure levels • 60 degrees tilt • 5080 lpi resolution |
US$3500 Wacom eStore Adorama |
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen for Beginners
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
The Wacom One is Wacom’s new entry-level pen display that came out at the beginning of 2020. For a Wacom tablet with screen, it’s extremely budget-friendly, selling for less than US$400.
But don’t get fooled by the price. The Wacom One is as good as higher-end screen tablets in many aspects – and in some aspects even better! For example, the Wacom One has virtually no parallax (little gap between drawing surface and LCD) thanks to its laminated display – something that not even all the higher-end models have.
The 13-inch 1920×1080 display is full HD and uses AHVA technology for accurate off-center viewing. And with 72% of NTSC color gamut, the Wacom One is on the same level with higher-end devices, too!
However, there are some trade-offs that Wacom had to make in order to justify the keen price. As opposed to the Pro tablets, like the Cintiq Pro line, the Wacom One doesn’t come with multi-touch functionality. If you’re upgrading from a non-display drawing tablet like the Wacom Intuos Pro or Wacom Intuos, you might miss using your fingertips at the beginning.
But you don’t need to do without shortcut buttons. For around US$100, you can get Wacom’s additional ExpressKey Remote with plenty of buttons to customize.
In terms of stylus, the Wacom One comes with its very own Wacom One Pen, which is a bit less responsive than the industry-leading Pro Pen 2. However, you will still get a whopping 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity along with 60 degrees of tilt recognition and 2,540 lpi of pen resolution. These are superb specs for an entry-level device and absolutely sufficient for budding and hobbyist artists.
Another great thing about the Wacom One is that you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet. The Wacom One is compatible with select Android devices, making it easy for you to edit your images wherever you are. Being lightweight and compact, the Wacom One is highly portable, but keep in mind that the tablet needs to be plugged in a socket because it doesn’t have a built-in battery.
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen below $1000
Wacom Movink 13
PROS
- Perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and high portability
- Wacom Pro Pen 3 stands out with sensitivity features and exceptional customization options
- Anti-glare protection does not only minimize reflections but also prevents color distortion under pen pressure
- Touch keys allow for quick access to customizable shortcuts & workflow efficiency
- Super-slim but sturdy tablet made from premium materials
CONS
- Bezels may be too small to rest your wrist on
- No built-in ExpressKeys
- Stand not included
The Movink is Wacom’s newest release and one of the best Wacom tablets with screen below the 1000-dollar mark, combining the latest technology with high portability. The 13.3-inch Full HD OLED display boasts excellent specs: 95% of the Adobe RGB coverage, 350 cd/m² of brightness, and a response time of as little as 0.2ms.
Despite being extremely lightweight (420 grams) and thin (4 mm), the Movink is sturdy build quality. Its anti-glare coated and etched glass surface cuts down on unwanted reflections and simulates a natural drawing experience with minimal color distortion, even when applying intense pen pressure.
Just like everything else on the Movink, the drawing experience is up-to-the minute as well. It comes with the new Wacom Pro Pen 3 wtih 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 levels of tilt recognition. What sets the Pro Pen 3 apart from the previous 2nd generation model is its customizability: thanks to the included accessories, you can adjust the pen’s weight, grip size, center of balance, and number of buttons.
Unfortunatey, there are no on-tablet buttons. However, you can assign shortcuts to the touch keys and also use multi-touch gestures to pan and zoom with your fingers. If you don’t want to use your keyboard to access finger shortcuts, you can get the external ExpressKey Remote with 17 customizable buttons and a touch ring.
Also not included is a stand. While the Movink is compact enough to hold it in your hand or in your lap, it can be a good idea to get an adjustable stand for desk use. Wacom offers a lightweight, foldable stand for the Movink that allows you to work at a comfortable 20° angle. When you move, you can simply fold the stand flat and fit it into your bag!
The Wacom Cintiq 16 is a budget-friendly, high-quality full HD graphics tablet with all the essential features of the Pros. It’s a strong buy for all artists wanting to up their game from an Intuos or non-drawing screen tablet like the iPad Pro. The Cintiq 16 provides great value for money for everybody who is looking for a pro drawing experience, but can do without touch screen and higher color gamut.
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 response
- 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
CONS
- Moderate screen resolution and color gamut
- No Express Keys & Multi Touch capability
- Stand not included
The Cintiq 16 is the most recent and best Wacom tablet with screen that is affordable for most consumers. At a price point of around $650, the Cintiq 16 is an excellent choice for all artists who want to enjoy pro-level specs without taking the plunge on a more expensive pro model.
The Cintiq 16 comes with the same stylus as the Pro tablets, Wacom’s cable- and battery-free Pro Pen 2. The Pro Pen 2 is the most powerful stylus in the market that lets you enjoy the best pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition and line resolution currently available.
The 15.6-inch screen has an active area of 13.6 x 7.6 inch, offering sufficient drawing space for most creative needs. While the 72% NTSC or 96% sRGB color gamut is lower than that of the pro tablets, you should only notice the difference when holding the Cintiq right next to a high-end monitor.
One difference to the Cintiq Pro tablets and also the Wacom One is that the Cintiq 16’s display is not bonded. This results in a slight parallax effect, but it’s so minimal that you will get used to it very quickly. Tracking is virtually lag-free and the anti-glare coating lets you edit without being disturbed by reflections.
Just like the Wacom One, the Cintiq 16 has no multi-touch capability and no built-in hotkeys, but you can get Wacom’s ExpressKey Remote with altogether 17 customizable buttons.
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 13 is the first professional grade tablet with screen that is available at a price point below $800 and affordable to most prosumers. The Cintiq Pro 13 uses the same high-end technology as its larger siblings and is at the top of the list of every digital artist who is looking to get best value for decent money.
PROS
- HD screen resolution (1920 x 1080px) for pin-sharp details
- Wide color gamut of 87% Adobe RGB
- Etched glass surface provides tactile resistance for pen-on-paper feel
- High levels of responsiveness with included Pro Pen 2 & compatibility with Pro Pen 3D and Pro Pen slim
- Lightweight and more portable for edition in your lap or on the go
- Compatible with optional ExpressKey Remote for best workflow speeds
CONS
- 250 cd/m2 brightness is not top standard
- Stand needs to be purchased separately
The 13-inch screen tablet is the smallest and least pricey pen display in Wacom’s Cintiq Pro lineup. Despite a retail price below US$1000, the little Pro brings lots of top-tier features for your creative designs.
Just like all high-end Wacom tablets with screen, the Cintiq Pro 13 has a bonded surface, resulting in no visible gap between the pen and the brush on the display. Brush strokes are precise and jitter-free. The glass is also etched, which reduces unwanted glare and creates an authentic pen-on-paper feel.
Speaking of pen and paper, the drawing area of the Cintiq Pro 13 is approximately the size of a regular piece of paper and the device is lighter than 2.5 pounds – that means you can really hold the Pro 13 in your lap and draw on it like on a real paper notebook.
All Cintiq Pros come with multi-touch capability as standard, allowing you to zoom, pan and rotate the canvas with your fingers. If you prefer to work without gesture-based input, you can switch it off at the push of a button on the side of the device.
You won’t find any hotkeys on the tablet, but there’s an onscreen keyboard that you can pull up if you like to access shortcut commands on the display directly. If that’s not quite enough customization for you, you can get the optional ExpressKey Remote for more programmable shortcut buttons to boost your workflow speed.
The 2K 1920 x 1080px HD screen resolution accounts for pin-sharp details, and the 87% of Adobe RGB for vibrant color representation. For higher color performance, there are the larger Cintiq Pro models with up to 99% of Adobe RGB color gamut.
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen below $2000
PROS
- Full HD display with good color reproduction and brightness
- Lowest price Wacom Cintiq of that size
- Minimal parallax
- Textured surface providing natural resistance to the stylus
- Same pen technology as the Pro tablets with 8,192 pressure levels and 60 degrees tilt
- Built-in adjustable stand
CONS
- No built-in ExpressKeys
- No touch-based input capability
- Relatively heavy (12.4 lb / 5.6 kg without stand)
The Cintiq 22 is the best Wacom tablet with screen with ample drawing space in the prosumer segment. For slightly more than US$1000, the Cintiq 22 is the most affordable Wacom Cintiq of that size. The 21.5-inch screen is ideal for all artists who love to work with long, extensive brush strokes.
Apart from that, the Wacom Cintiq 22’s specs are similar to its smaller cousin, the Cintiq 16. The screen is a Full HD with 1920 x 1080 px resolution with a brightness of 210 cd/m² and a color gamut of 72% NTSC.
The high-end alternative of about the same size is the Cintiq Pro 24 with better color performance, better brightness, and 4K resolution.
Everything else on the Cintiq 22’s screen is well-judged, too. The display has an anti-glare coating with a slight texture to reduce reflections and provide some natural resistance to the stylus. The stylus is the same as for the professional tablets. The Pro Pen 2 boasts the highest levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition currently available, so working on the Cintiq 22 is very much like editing on high-end device.
Just like the smaller 16-inch Cintiq and the Wacom One, the Cintiq 22 doesn’t support multi-touch input, but is compatible with Wacom’s ExpressKey Remote.
One thing that’s different from the Cintiq 16 is the built-in stand of the Cintiq 22. That’s a better solution than the foldout legs of the Cintiq 16, because you can choose various drawing angles.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
PROS
- 4k UHD screen resolution (3840 x 2160px) for pin-sharp details
- Enhanced color gamut and screen brightness
- 8 ExpressKeys on the rear edges for easy access with both hands
- Physical switch to toggle multi-touch support on and off
- USB-C and HDMI ports for improved connectivity
- Slimmer than the previous model
CONS
- About one pound heavier than the previous model
- Updated version doesn't include Pro Pen 3
- No adjustable stand included
In 2021, Wacom released a complete makeover of the Cintiq Pro 16, including several key improvements based on user feedback. The updated 15.6-inch 4K Ultra HD display now delivers 300 nits of brightness—up from the previous 250 cd/m²—and boasts an impressive 98% Adobe RGB color coverage, compared to the earlier model’s 94%.
Another major enhancement is the addition of 8 customizable ExpressKeys, of which you can find four on each side of the device’s rear edge. These allow for easy access to commonly used shortcuts—with both your left and right hand.
Just like its predecessor, the new Pro 16 allows for intuitive gesture input with your fingers for actions like zooming and rotating. However, the new version introduces a handy physical switch that lets you quickly turn multi-touch on or off—perfect to avoid accidental touches when gesture-based input is not desired.
Connectivity has also been improved. The 2021 Cintiq Pro 16 now supports both USB-C and HDMI inputs for a cleaner, clutter-free setup. Just like its predecessor, the device includes integrated foldable legs for a comfortable 20-degree working angle. For more drawing flexibility, you’ll have to purchase a separate stand, such as the Wacom stand for the Cintiq Pro 16 that allows you to fine-tune the height and tilt to your liking.
Wacom Adjustable Stand for Cintiq Pro 16
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen below $3000
Wacom Cintiq Pro 17
PROS
- HDR 4k screen resolution (3840 x 2160px) for pin-sharp details
- Wide color gamut of 88% Adobe RGB
- Etched glass surface provides tactile resistance for pen-on-paper feel
- High levels of responsiveness and customizability with included Pro Pen 3
- Lightweight and portable enough for some editing in your lap or on the go
- Wacom Cintiq Pro Easy Stand included
CONS
- No stand included
- Narrow bezel doesn’t provide much space to rest your hand
- Color gamut could be a little bit higher
Being newly released in 2023, the Cintiq Pro 17 surely has its spot in out list of best Wacom Tablet with screen. The Pro 17’s display is roughly the size of an A3 sheet, and the etched glass surface extends seamlessly across the bezels. The anti-glare coating not only cuts reflections but also adds a tactile texture that mimics a realistic pen-on-paper drawing experience.
As with all Cintiq Pro models, the Pro 17 features a fully laminated screen, eliminating parallax so the pen tip appears exactly where the cursor is. Color representation is equally true to life: while 87% of the Adobe RGB is not the highest, the display still allows your creations to look rich and vivid.
Just like Wacom’s Movink, the Pro 17 comes with the latest Pro Pen 3 that you can physically customize to fit your preferences for comfort and control. Additionally, the Pro 17, supports multi-touch input by default; you can enable or disable it with a simple button press. For all those who like working with physical controls, the Pro 17 includes eight ExpressKeys—four on each side at the back—for quick access to shortcuts with either hand.
As for connectivity, the Cintiq Pro 17 has two USB-C ports that support high-speed data transfer, video, and power delivery through a single cable. To connect to systems without USB-C video output, there’s also an HDMI port. Apart from that, there’s also a USB-A 3.1 port for connecting standard peripherals like keyboards, flash drives, or other accessories.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 22
PROS
- Large Full HD display with natural surface texture
- Excellent resolution (5080 lpi, highest in class) for precise tracking without jitter
- Highly responsive and customizable Pro Pen 3 with eraser and tilt recognition
- Multi-touch support for an intuitive workflow, which can be toggled on and off
- Adjustable stand with swivel function available
- Compatible with different EMR pens from Wacom, Lamy, Staedtler, etc.
CONS
- Quite huge footprint and heavy weight (around 18 lbs with stand)
- Stand needs to be purchased separately for around $450
The Cintiq Pro 22 belongs to Wacom’s recent releases from 2023. It features a sleek, edge-to-edge tempered glass surface with AG (anti-glare) etching, offering a natural and responsive drawing experience that feels intuitive and true to life.
The screen is a 21.5-inch 4K Ultra HD IPS display with a 16:9 widescreen ratio, 3840 x 2160 resolution, and an active area of 18.7 by 10.5 inches. With a color depth of 1.07 billion colors and a color gamut of 95% Adobe RGB, the display offers stellar performance.
Just like its smaller sibling, the Pro 22 standardly includes the highly responsive and customizable Pro Pen 3. Plus, the tablet is also compatible with a range of other EMR pens from Wacom and brands like Lamy and Staedtler.
All digital artists who like to pan and zoom with their fingers will be delighted to hear that the Cintiq Pro 22 supports multi-gesture input. Touch and pen inputs can be used together, meaning you can seamlessly transition between tasks like drawing, editing, and navigating, all without having to pick up a mouse or use your keyboard constantly.
Unfortunately, a stand is not included in the package. To work comfortably, you’ll need to purchase a stand like the Wacom VESA Mount for around $450. However, it’s worthwhile the investment, because you’ll be able to tilt the Cintiq Pro 22 to your desired angle, up to 40 degrees.
Wacom VESA Mount for Cintiq Pro 22
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
The Cintiq Pro 24 is the most recent and best Wacom Tablet with screen for professionals and serious hobbyists who want to take their creations to the next level.
The Cintiq Pro 24 has the best of everything: a premium 4K resolution Ultra HD display, an outstanding color gamut of 99% Adobe RGB and a 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, the Pro 24 will show your images in pin-sharp clarity.
Of course, the Cintiq Pro 24’s pen technology is first-class, too. The included Pro Pen 2 supports the highest pressure levels currently available in the industry. All of Wacom’s Cintiq Pro tablets come with multi-touch functionality as standard and the ultra-customizable ExpressKey Remote is included.
While there are no on-tablet hotkeys, you can stick the ExpressKey Remote on the left or right bezels, which are magnetized.
With a 23.6-inch screen, the Cintiq Pro 24 is a happy medium between the smaller Cintiq Pro 13 and Cintiq Pro 16, and the larger Cintiq Pro 32. Its foldout legs allow you to tilt the device up to 20-degree working angle. For more flexible editing positions, you can purchase Wacom’s additional Ergo Stand or the Flex Arm. The Flex Arm is ideal to free up some space on your desk, as it allows you to push the tablet aside when you’re not using it.
What’s more, the Cintiq Pro 24 is one of Wacom’s screen tablets that can function as a standalone computer. While the MobileStudio Pro comes with a built-in operating system, you can add the Cintiq Pro Engine to turn your Cintiq Pro 24 into a full-fledged standalone Windows PC.
Best Wacom Tablet with Screen for Power Users
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
PROS
- Sleek design with a large drawing surface
- Accurate and precise tracking with supplied Pro Pen 3
- 4k UHD resolution with 10ms refresh rate and a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
- Top display brightness and color performance
- Compatible with different stands and mounting devices for flexible editing needs
CONS
- Hefty price tag
- Stand not included
- Relatively heavy (15.9 lbs, without stand)
Being one the newer releases from 2022, the Cintiq Pro 27 ranks high for best tablet with screen for professionals. The display is huge, featuring a 26.9-inch 4K UHD screen (3840×2160) with 10ms response time. It covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color spectrum, is Pantone SkinTone-validated, and supports 10-bit color depth and a brightness of 400 cd/m² for lifelike color accuracy.
The Cintiq Pro 27’s etched glass surface mimics the feel of paper and reduces glare and the active area of 23.5 x 13.2 inches provides abundant drawing space. The included Wacom Pro Pen 3 is fully customizable in grip size, weight, and button configuration. It offers 8,192 pressure levels, tilt recognition up to ±60°, and a battery-free design.
For productivity, the Cintiq Pro 27 includes eight customizable ExpressKeys placed on the back, which is super-practical because they are easily accessible with both your left and right hand. You’ll also get multi-touch support for gestures like zooming and panning.
Due to its size and weight, the Cintiq Pro 27 cannot be used without a stand. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase one separately. Depending on your workflow preferences, there are different options, such as Wacom’s adjustable stand or the Flex Arm.
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!
