Tattooing is steadily going digital and if you are a tattoo artist planning to restructure your mode of operations, it’s time to think digital. You could be a professional tattoo maker looking for stylus-compatible tablets or an entry-level illustrator with a penchant for apps like Skin Motion, Inkhunter, and Illustrator Draw; it certainly makes sense to invest in a tablet well-suited for tattoo making.
Nevertheless, finding one is harder than it sounds as you would expect the tablet to offer a sizable screen real-estate, responsive stylus pen with pencil-like precision and state-of-art pressure levels, anti-glare support, nifty shortcut keys and programmable buttons for a graphic tablet, zero parallax for live tattooing, and a top-shelf processing setup for managing multiple apps and resources with ease.
But, the tablet sector isn’t laden with many selections that adhere to all or most of your requirements. Instead, you end up purchasing tablets with subpar display quality, middling sunlight visibility, poor battery backup, latency-prone pens, lack of relevant connectivity options, and not enough processing firepower to develop tattoo stencils or work with multiple apps.
Upon taking every requirement, professional need, and roadblocks into consideration, I have put together a list of the best-suited tablets for tattoo artists, whilst interviewing the seasoned professionals and even mid-level tattoo artists who have already moved or are gradually making the digital shift.
Contents
9 Best Tablets for Tattoo Artists in 2023
I shall now try and help you make informed tablet buying decisions, especially by helping you find the most suitable product for tattoo making, design development, realizing paper-like drawing experience, and grasping the desired levels of tactile feedback.
To make selections easier for you, I have already tested over 17 tablets and interviewed close to 23 tattoo artists. This inquisitive approach to reviewing has helped me determine 9 of the best tablets for the task, tested for functionality, specialized tattooing features, screen size, screen quality, ease of usage, stylus quality, connectivity, budget, and other relevant factors.
1. Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro
The new Apple iPad Pro is the perfect tablet to consider if you are making quite a bit of fortune as a tattoo artist. Jokes aside!
Despite being a pricey tablet, the iPad Pro justifies every buck you spend on it. Also, this latest variant usurps the iPad Air 4th generation with a bigger display and a more seasoned processor. Not to mention the innovative and DSLR-grade camera setup for artists to click the designed tattoos, after each session.
As a matter of fact, I would recommend this tablet to a professional tattoo artist who is more into colorful designs than monochromes. The reason, however, is the excellent display configuration.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
Display: It is the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina screen that makes the most sense of you as a tattoo artist. While the screen real-estate continues to impress, the digital canvas is bolstered further by the widest possible P3 color gamut, in case your tattoos are more about color packing than lining or shading.
Also, Liquid Retina ensures the best balance between contrast and brightness, thereby making the tattoos look as perfect as they would appear to the skin. The 4: 3 aspect ratio ensures a calibrated viewing experience whereas the 1600 nits of peak brightness level ensure the best clarity.
The mini-LED panel assumes a new technology and interacts perfectly with the Dolby Vision enhancement that furthers the color fidelity of the display.
Stylus Support: Working alongside the display is a stylus of renown, in Apple Pencil 2nd generation. Whilst attaching magnetically to the iPad Pro, the Pencil needs to be purchased separately, to explore the capabilities of the iPad Pro, to the fullest. What you get with the pencil is pixel-perfect drawing precision followed by minimal latency for perfect designs, especially the ones concerning lining.
Charging the Apple Pen 2nd gen is as easy as it can get. You simply need to dock it to the iPad when not being used and can expect it to get fully charged in less than 15 minutes.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The iPad Pro 12.9 adheres to the Apple Ecosystem but can interact with other operating platforms, lest you want to connect the same to the Windows-powered computer for transferring images, stencils, and more.
The iPadOS 16 is intuitive and allows the iPad Pro to make the best use of the existing connectivity suite that includes Wi-Fi 6 support, magnetic connector, DisplayPort for connecting displays, Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port for fast charging and faster data transfer, and more.
Design & Hardware
This iPad Pro assumes an intimidating form factor, courtesy of the prominent dimensions that read 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches. The product weighs 1.20 pounds and sports a metallic structure.
As far as the hardware configuration is concerned, Apple includes the M1 processor that works in tandem with the proprietary, 8-core GPU. Plus, you get 8GB RAM to assist the process followed by a non-upgradable, 128GB storage support.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
You can work relentlessly with this tablet in hand, owing to the 10-hour battery backup. Also, the triple-shooter rear camera setup makes it an all-inclusive tablet followed by the availability of the vibrant, 12MP front camera for staying connected with the clients, remotely.
Conclusion
Overall, Apple iPad Pro is a lot more than what you, as a tattoo artist, might expect the tablet to be. In addition to the top-shelf specs sheet, it is the comprehensive visual brilliance that sets it apart from other products on the list.
But then, if the iPad Pro feels way too pricey, you can always make peace with the intuitive and resourceful Apple iPad Air, launched in 2020. Despite the smaller, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Screen, the reviewed variant of iPad Air comes equipped with the A1 Bionic processor, Touch ID support for added security, 256GB storage, and 10 hours of comparable battery backup.
- Stellar display
- Massive battery
- A sizable chunk of RAM
- Decent storage space
- Full-stack connectivity
- Face ID is responsive enough
- Pricey
- Apple Pencil doesn’t come with the bundle
2. Best Android Tablet: Samsung Tab S7+
If you are more comfortable with the Android ecosystem, I would recommend the Samsung Tab S7+ for each one of your diverse digital tattooing needs. Also, purchasing this tablet makes sense to the color packers, shaders, and artists who are into styles like Classic Americana and Realism.
If you have already been using the Tab S7 as your primary tablet, the S7 Plus seems like a worthy upgrade, courtesy of the better display and a bigger battery module, features that also set it apart from other enlisted products.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
The Tab S7 Plus features a path-breaking Super AMOLED screen, boasting a real-estate of 12.4 inches and an overall resolution of 1752 x 2800 pixels. Not to mention the extensive color gamut and the HDR10+ visual support that adds to the vividness of the display. Moreover, the aspect ratio of 16:10 ensures that each of your ideated designs looks better on the digital canvas.
Samsung also incorporates the redesigned S-Pen, which offers top-shelf pressure sensitivity of up to 4096 and can be charged wirelessly, in less than a minute.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The Tab S7 Plus features Android 10, right out of the box. Despite the open-source ecosystem, it can very well connect and transfer knowledge with Windows, iMac, and macOS platforms. Plus, the tablet also comes loaded with Wi-Fi 6 support, a Type-C port, and a slot for fitting in the magnetic connector.
Design & Hardware
From a structural perspective, this tablet measures 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches and weighs 1.27 pounds. Not to mention the slimness of form and the portability it exhibits. The hardware configuration is equally impressive, led by the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, 6GB RAM, and sizable storage space of up to 128GB.
However, you can always expand the same to up to 1TB, via the microSD slot.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
Samsung fits in a powerful 100090mAh battery that can last up to 15 hours, even on heavy usage. Besting this is the dual rear camera setup, 8MP front shooter, and the nifty fingerprint scanner.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is arguably the best android tablet that you can purchase as a tattoo artist, more so for the out-of-the-world battery and the state-of-art display.
- Powerful processor
- Color accurate display
- Massive battery
- Upgradable storage
- Fast fingerprint scanner
- Pricey
3. Best 2-in-1 Tablet/PC: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
As a tattoo artist, you might be tempted to invest in a Windows-powered tablet PC. In that case, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 seems like the best possible choice. This tablet readily doubles up as an entry-level laptop and comes equipped with a Type-C port, something that the Pro 6 misses out on.
I would recommend this tablet if you are a self-employed tattoo artist as the PC-like characteristic and the familiarity with the Windows ecosystem qualifies this as an all-inclusive machine.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
It is the 12.3-inch PixelSense screen that takes care. As a tattoo artist, you can ideate the best designs in their truest colors with the overall resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, leading the way. The extended color gamut and near-perfect viewing angle further the credibility of this tablet.
The touch screen also ensures pleasant, tactile feedback for drawing with perfection. Also, the 4096 pressure sensitivity levels ensure more precise and near-perfect designs for the tattoo stencils. Charging the pen is also possible upon placing the same in the Type-C base in the Type-Cover storage tray.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The Windows 10 OS makes tablet usability easier than ever whilst accommodating the fully-developed versions of Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and other tattooing resources. Connectivity-wise, you get access to the fast USB port, Type-A slot, Surface Connect port, BT 5.0, and Wi-Fi AX support.
Design & Hardware
Microsoft brings magnesium unibody chassis into the mix with the tablet itself weighing 1.70 pounds. The dimensions read 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches, which justifies the additional muscle and heft.
The Surface Pro 7 is laden with a beefed-up hardware setup with the reviewed variant featuring the 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor. Working alongside the processor is the UHD graphics coprocessor, which ensures better visual renders and design quality.
Not to mention the 4GB low-power RAM for seamless multitasking followed by the 128GB SSD module. Although the SSD is soldered and not upgradable, you can always use the micro-SD card slot to upgrade the overall usable memory.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
The battery here lasts for up to 10.5 hours, which is quite sufficient for the artist in you. Plus, you get studio mics, stereo speakers, and respectable rear and front shooters to go with the otherwise powerful specs sheet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the standout performers on the list, which primarily justifies its position due to its multi-mode operability.
- Can be used as a Tablet-PC
- Brilliant display
- Excellent stylus pen with precise drawing support
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Windows-powered tablet
- Accessories need to be purchased separately
- Lags a bit while running multiple Photoshop edits
4. Best under Budget: CHUWI UBook X 12
If you are a tattoo artist who prefers a high-end stylus pen for drawing stencil-ready layouts, the CHUWI UBook X 12 is the product to consider. Hailed as an all-purpose tablet PC, it is the Windows ecosystem that sets it apart from others, in terms of functionality.
Also, if you have been using the standard UBook, the UBook X 12 seems like a dependable upgrade, courtesy of the sharper screen and bundled stylus pen.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
It is the display configuration that qualifies the UBook X 12 as a reliable design-friendly tablet. The 12-inch IPS works like the perfect digital canvas and ensures the highest levels of color accuracy. Plus, the overall resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels and 3:2 aspect ratio makes it good enough for viewing and developing designs to perfection.
The fully laminated screen is better for indoor usage. Also, it comes with anti-glare support for letting you work tirelessly, without worrying about the eyes.
As far as the color gamut is concerned, the 74 percent aRGB palette ensures life-like precision. Also, the bundled HiPen H7 Pen is a resourceful ally, boasting 4096 pressure sensitivity levels followed by tilt-adjusting support for better designs. Working with the stylus feels like putting pen to paper and you can even charge the same by docking it alongside the bundled keyboard.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Once the keyboard is docked with the tablet, you can very well access the Type-C, Type-A, headphone jack, and other wired resources. Plus, CHUWI also brings Wi-Fi AC support for letting you connect to the web, faster than ever.
The Windows 10 Home OS is worth investing in as it lets you access Corel Draw, Photoshop, and other relevant apps without lags.
Design & Hardware
The metal-clad UBook X 12 weighs a respectable 1.72 pounds. While the standard tablet dimensions are adhered to, it is the 0.27-inch thickness that makes it easier to hold and carry around.
The hardware configuration complements the structure with the quad-core Intel N4100 processor dissipating minimal heat. It works alongside the UHD 600 graphics to lend added visual clarity. Plus, you have 8GB RAM at your disposal for faster processing followed by 256GB of SSD space, which seems more than adequate for storing truckloads of designs and resources.
You can always add to the SSD storage by upgrading it to 1TB or by adding a micro-SD card for an additional 128GB of space.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
The 6-hour battery backup underwhelms but you can optimize settings to make it last longer. Plus, you also get access to a decent camera setup with a 5MP rear and a 2MP front-facing shooter for video calls over Zoom, Skype, etc
Conclusion
Overall, the CHUWI UBook X 12 is one of the better Windows-powered tablets that handles every tattoo-relevant task with ease, starting from digital designing to maintaining client records.
- Brilliant screen
- Thin yet durable
- Low-power RAM
- Sizable storage space
- Diverse connectivity suit
- Efficient H7 Pen
- Middling battery life
- Not the best shooters for cataloging
5. Best For Drawing: Wacom Cintiq 16
If you already have an ultraportable PC by your side, it is wise to invest in the Wacom Cintiq 16, which is easily one of the best drawing tablets on the list. If you are a professional artist who prefers drawing actively on the screen without encountering parallax, this is the perfect product to get.
Not to mention the fact that the Cintiq 16 is the best bet for casual artists and it readily trumps the entry-level Wacom One when screen size and pen quality are concerned.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
If you are a professional or casual tattoo artist, the 15.6-inch colorful screen is one of the better features to invest in. The 72 percent NTSC color gamut ensures that colors are displayed in their truest form. Plus, the 1080p IPS screen also assumes a standard aspect ratio of 16:9, which responds perfectly to the Pro Pen 2 from Wacom.
As for the pen itself, it works perfectly with the screen to invoke the desired tactile feedback. Plus, the designs are ideated and envisioned to perfection with the 8192 pressure levels and the eraser integration.
Finally, the pen tilt of close to 60 degrees ensures improved maneuverability and the pen resolution of 5080 LPI allows you to invest in realism, portraiture, blackwork designs. Also, the pen is rather self-charging, capable of feeding off the tablet via the EMR technology.
Connectivity & Compatibility
This graphic tablet comes equipped with a Type-A slot and a standard HDMI port. As far as system compatibility is concerned, you can pair this drawing tablet with the Windows and OS X setups.
Design & Hardware
The Cintiq 16 measures 16.6 x 11.2 x 1.0 inches, which is pretty significant for a graphic tablet. However, the dimensions translate into an active area of 13.6 x 7.6 inches, which is good enough for most professionals.
The 4.2-pound product also works perfectly with the foldable stand and is bolstered further with a touch ring, radial menu, express keys, and other dedicated keys for better design management. The hardware configuration is at the behest of the host device you connect the tablet to.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
As it is a graphic tablet, it is powered when you connect the same to the host device and doesn’t feature a power module of its own.
Conclusion
Overall, if you seek a graphic tablet to supplement with the existing Windows PC, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is the best bet among other similar tablets on the list. However, if you seek something more affordable, the Wacom DTC One is worth investing in, courtesy of the 13.3-inch screen, bundled applications like the Bamboo Paper Pro and Fresco, and the additional Android-specific compatibility.
- Big screen
- Exceptional pen
- Multiple hotkeys for better access
- Durable
- Comes with an HDMI port for connecting external displays
- Heavy
- Only restricted to drawing
6. Best Portability: Huion KAMVAS Pro 16
The Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 is an efficient and portable graphic tablet, best suited for tattoo artists who are always on the move. Also, if you have a powerful primary laptop on you, getting this tablet, which mainly works as a digital canvas, isn’t such a bad option.
What works in favor of this tablet is the brilliant and expansive screen, which is significantly bigger and better as compared to the Pro 12 GT-133.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
The tattoo artist in you can benefit from a large display of a 15.6-inch IPS panel. The 1080p panel projects the much-anticipated 120 percent sRGB color gamut and 88 percent NTSC gamut, ensuring accurate colors and lively designs. The 16:9 panel is good for viewing the designs as they are supposed to look on the skin. Plus, Huion also brings anti-glare support into the mix.
The self-charging, ergonomic EMR pen swears by the electromagnetic resonance and comes with tilt support. Plus, the pressure sensitivity levels of up to 8192 ensure that drawing with this pen feels like designing directly on the paper.
Connectivity & Compatibility
This sub $400 tablet can be connected to a Chromebook, Windows laptop, or even a MacBook with comparable ease. Also, the low parallax ensures that you can draw in real-time, without experiencing lags. Connectivity-wise, you get hold of the Type-C and the HDMI port.
Design & Hardware
Coming to the design, this plastic-clad tablet measures 17.2 x 9.9 x 0.45 inches, which is acceptable considering the durable form factor! Not to mention the fact that the tablet weighs 2.98 pounds and comes loaded with a pen that is easy to grip. Plus, the tablet offers 6 press keys and 1 touch key to improve productivity.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
The KAMVAS Pro 16 feeds off the host device and comes bundled with tools like the Clip Studio and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Huion KAMVAS Pro 16 is one of the more efficient and affordable graphic tablets on the list, which is better for the tattoo artist owing to the excellent pen and even the anti-glare display.
- Comes with a dedicated stand for elevating the tablet
- Glare-free screen
- High-end pen
- Color accurate display
- Cost-effective
- Thick
- Not compatible with Android
7. Best For Complex Tattoo Design: XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
As a tattoo artist, you might find it appropriate to purchase a drawing tablet that offers sufficient resources, instead of investing in a full-fledged computing device. This is where the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro comes in handy.
This tablet is best suited if you are into big tattoos and complex designs as it offers a bigger screen when compared to the minimalistic, Artist 12.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
The display takes the cake with a 15.6-inch real-estate to show for. Plus, the overall resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels ensures vivid designs. If you are into color packing, the 88 percent NTSC color gamut and the 120 percent sRGB palette ensure life-like, color-accurate renders.
You can never go wrong with the battery-free pen that boasts 8192 pressure sensitivity levels. The effect, however, feels similar to working on a paper as the 5080 LPI resolution lets you draft the best and more accurate designs.
Connectivity & Compatibility
As far as the tablet connectivity is concerned, there is an HDMI and a USB port to connect it to the compatible PCs. But then, ensure that you only bring Windows and macOS-powered devices into the mix.
Design & Hardware
The Artist 15.6 Pro is built to last. At over 3 pounds, this graphic tablet isn’t the easiest one to carry around but the dimensions at 17.4 x 11 x 0.5 inches are in line with expectations. The custom processor works as desired but it is the availability of 8 shortcut keys and the elusive red dial that makes designing easier for you.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
The tablet doesn’t need to work with a dedicated battery and draws power from the host device itself.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is the only tablet you need if you already have a resourceful Windows laptop by your side. However, it is an exceptionally color-accurate screen that makes life easier for you, as compared to other products around.
- Efficient stylus pen
- Multiple shortcut keys
- Vivid screen
- Wide-viewing experience
- Comes with a dedicated portable stand
- Not the best sunlight visibility
8. Best Graphic Tablet for PC: Wacom Intuos Pro
If you are on the lookout for a graphic tablet that is light and offers an expansive active area to work with, the display-less Wacom Intuos Pro is the best option in the market. According to my inference, the Intuos Pro is a better bet for artists who are always connected to their desks and do not prefer drawing and designing when on the move.
Despite being a graphic tablet, the Intuos Pro seems like a better bet as compared to the Intuos wireless tablet, owing to the bigger screen and ability to keep parallax to a minimum while drawing.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
It is the active area of 8.7 x 5.8 square inches that calls the shots. The standard drawing panel, however, depends entirely on the Pro Pen 2. As far as the pen features are concerned, it charges via the EMR technology, assumes tilt recognition of up to 60 levels, is easy to grip, and exhibits pressure sensitivity levels of up to 8192, thereby lending a paper-like feel.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The Intuos Pro boasts a USB 2.0 port for seamless wired connectivity. As far as the tablet computability is concerned, you are free to pair it with Windows and macOS setups, either wired or wirelessly via Bluetooth LE.
Design & Hardware
The product itself measures 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches with the plastic casing weighing close to 1.5 pounds. Also, the tablet comes equipped with 8 customizable keys and a dedicated touch ring for added functionality.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
The Intuos Pro doesn’t include a dedicated battery and even throws in a pen stand for setting up the workstation, rather perfectly.
Conclusion
Overall, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a basic graphic tablet with multiple on-device keys and functionalities making it stand out amid other products on the list.
Suggested Read: Huion vs Wacom: Which one?
- Sizable active area
- Intuitive pen
- Supports wireless connectivity
- Multiple hotkeys
- Light
- Restricted functionality
- Could have been cheaper
9. Cheapest Option: XP-PEN Artist 12
The XP-PEN Artist 12 is arguably the most affordable tablet on the list, best suited for an entry-level or a casual tattoo artist. However, the pen quality is not underwhelming and it’s only the smallish display that makes it less of a resource for an experienced tattoo artist.
Also, as compared to some of the older variants like Deco 01 V2 and even more established tablets on the list, the Artist 12 boasts better color accuracy and a bigger screen.
Why is it suited for tattoo artists?
Purchasing the Artist 12 makes sense as the 11.6 inch 1080p screen is adequately bright and even boasts sharp viewing angles. However, it is the overall display area of 10 x 5.7 inches that is available for you to work on. Following this up is the 14ms response time, which is adequately fast and followed by the 72 percent NTSC color gamut for more color-accurate designs.
The stylus pen charges itself via the EMR technology and exhibits pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The USB interface works as desired and helps you establish connections with Windows and macOS-powered laptops and other computing devices. However, as per the latest update, Artist 12 also seems compatible with the Linux operating platform.
As far as the app spread is concerned, you are free to use this tablet with the likes of Illustrator, OneNote, Fireworks, Manga Studio, and more.
Design & Hardware
This plastic-made tablet weighs close to 3 pounds and measures 14 x 8.9 x .48 inches. Plus, you get access to 6 shortcut keys for better access followed by a standalone touch bar for managing designs better.
Tablet Battery Life & Other Features
As it is a graphic tablet, connecting the same to the host computer turns it on. Lastly, you can even consider using it for other drawing and designing assignments as this is one of the few tablets to project a 178-degree wide-angle viewing experience.
Conclusion
The XP-PEN Artist 12 is strictly a basic graphic tablet for the tattoo artist in you that can only compete with others in terms of value offered per dollar.
- Cost-effective
- Color accurate screen
- Top-of-the-line stylus
- Multiple shortcut keys
- Thick
- Not the widest screen for professional artists
Frequently Asked Questions
Tattoo artists prefer tablets with bigger screens, color-accurate display panels, sizable battery life, and most importantly, pen-like styluses that can help draw perfect designs.
I feel the iPads are better choices for tattoo artists as the Apple Pencil 2nd generation is way more accurate and responsive than any other Android-specific pen. Plus, the color contrast and viewing angles of an iPad are top-shelf and justify the price.
I feel nothing beats the iPad Pro when it comes to tattoo making. While the processor is extremely fast, it is the RAM and storage space that enhance the processing power further. Plus, the Liquid Retina screen is probably the best you can get on a tablet.
Most tattoo artists prefer Tattoo Design, Grim City Tattoo, and MediaBang as entry-level tattooing resources. However, if you are more experienced, you can always opt for Inkhunter, Adobe Illustrator, and Inksquad for getting that perfect design in.
Verdict
While each of these tablets is good enough for the artist in you, it is obvious for confusion to creep in at times. Therefore, I have selected a few intent-specific products to make life easier for experienced and even entry-level artists.
- If you seek an all-inclusive tablet with the truest possible display, opt for the Apple iPad Pro without second guesses
- Consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 if you see a laptop-like tablet for managing tattoo designs and fully-developed versions of most Adobe CC apps
- In case you want to lower the expenses and get a drawing tablet instead, the Wacom Cintiq 16 definitely offers the best bang for your buck
Apart from the mentioned choices, you can also consider other selections and even alternatives, as per the budget, pen quality, screen size, and other factors.
Yeamin says
Such a nice and informative article!