Drawing tablet with or without a screen: which to choose?

October 15, 2026

Drawing tablet with or without a screen? If you are just starting out or have a tight budget, a screenless tablet is the most sensible option: it is cheaper, more durable and teaches you to draw while looking at the monitor. If you draw every day, come from paper and do not want to go through an adjustment period, a pen display will give you a much more natural experience.

Both options are suitable for professional illustration. The difference lies in comfort, space, budget and the way you work. We explain it in detail so you get it right first time.

What is the difference between a drawing tablet with or without a screen

A screenless tablet is a pen-sensitive surface that connects to your computer. You draw on it, but the stroke appears on the monitor. In other words, your hand is on the desk and your eyes are on the screen.

A tablet with a screen, also called a pen display or drawing monitor, is a monitor you draw on directly with the pen. You see the line right under the nib, just like on paper. It needs to be connected to a computer (except for standalone models) and usually requires more cables and a stand.

Hand-eye coordination: the main sticking point

The main obstacle with screenless tablets is hand-eye coordination. At first it feels strange to move your hand in one place and see the result in another. The good news is that the brain adapts quickly: just as you learnt to use a mouse without looking at it, with a little daily practice you will draw without thinking about it. Many professionals still use screenless tablets purely for postural comfort.

With a pen display that problem disappears. That is why it tends to be the favourite of people who come from traditional drawing and want to carry their technique straight over to digital, especially for inking and precision strokes.

Pros and cons table

When to choose a screenless tablet

We recommend a screenless tablet if:

• It is your first tablet and you want to see whether digital illustration hooks you.
• You have a limited budget or would rather invest in software, courses or a good monitor.
• You draw on a laptop or move around a lot.
• You are concerned about posture and want to work with your head upright.

To get started, the Huion Inspiroy H640P is compact, lightweight and easy to set up. It is one of the most common choices among students.

If you are looking for a more complete screenless tablet, the Wacom Intuos M Bluetooth offers a medium size and wireless connectivity, which is very convenient if you change location often. Another interesting alternative is the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, with a sleek design and extra controls for shortcuts.

When to choose a pen display

A pen display makes more sense if:

• You draw every day, whether as a serious hobby or professionally.
• You come from traditional drawing and do not want to go through the adjustment period.
• You do a lot of inking, comics or work where stroke precision is key.
• You have space on your desk and a desktop computer where you can leave it set up.

To get started with this format, the HUION Kamvas 13 offers a manageable size that pairs well with a laptop. If you want a larger working surface, the HUION Kamvas 16 Gen3 gives your arm more room with a screen of around 16 inches.

In the mid-range and professional segment, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is a benchmark for its reliability and the feel of its pen, and the XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd gen.) is a very competitive alternative. You can compare more models in our drawing tablets section.

What about an iPad?

There is a third route: a standalone tablet such as the iPad with Apple Pencil, which works like a pen display but without needing a computer. It is ideal if you want to draw anywhere with apps such as Procreate, although it has its own limitations. We look at it in depth in iPad or drawing tablet for drawing.

Drawing tablet with or without a screen: our recommendation

If in doubt, start with a screenless tablet. It is a small investment, you will learn the software and digital technique, and if you later move up to a pen display, the old tablet will still be useful as a second tool or for travelling. If you already know illustration is for you and you draw several hours a week, a 13 to 16-inch pen display is probably the best investment you can make.

Still choosing a model? Our guide to the best drawing tablets for beginners has a selection designed for people who are just starting out.

Tips if you choose a pen display

• Use a stand to tilt it and avoid neck pain.
• Wear a drawing glove: it reduces friction and prevents accidental strokes with your palm.
• Calibrate the colour if you are going to print your illustrations or deliver professional work.

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult to draw with a screenless tablet?

It is a little tricky at first, but most people adapt within a few days or weeks of practice. Doing exercises with lines, circles and tracing helps speed up the adjustment.

Do professionals use screenless tablets?

Yes. Many professional illustrators, animators and retouchers work with screenless tablets for postural comfort, durability and because their hand does not cover the image.

Does a pen display need a computer?

Most do: they work as a second monitor connected to the computer. Only standalone devices, such as an iPad, work on their own.

What size of pen display is best for beginners?

Between 13 and 16 inches is the most balanced range: enough space to draw comfortably without taking over the whole desk or blowing the budget.