Light Drawing Pad For Kids
The best drawing tablets for kids in 2021
Included in this guide:
The best drawing tablets for kids can mean a number of different things. For tiny toddlers, you don't want much more than a pad to doodle on (provided it's got some robustness to it), but older kids and teenagers with an artistic flair are going to want something offering a little more depth. In this guide, we've collated the lot.
It's an ideal time to pick up a kids' drawing tablet – with Black Friday 2021 drawing ever closer, retailers and manufacturers alike are competing with each other to offer the best deals and discounts on their products.
- The best Black Friday drawing tablet deals
If you're completely new to drawing tablets and aren't sure where to start, click to jump to our section on what to look for in the best drawing tablets for kids. Here, we run through the various types of tablets you can buy, and list some of the key features to keep an eye out for when tablet-shopping.
We've split this guide up into sections based on the age of the kid you're buying for, as this will likely be the most significant factor when choosing. In the first section we suggest a tablet for truly tiny toddlers, than move on to options for bigger kids and pre-teens. Lastly, we list a selection of tablets that are great for teenagers, who might be getting into drawing in a big way and need a tool suitable for school or college.
We've included tablet options for a range of budgets, from super-cheap to relatively pricey. As with most things, you get what you pay for, but we reckon every tablet on this list is more than worth its price tag, so no matter what you choose, you'll be getting great value.
And tablets aren't your only choice if you're looking to encourage a child's artistic side: we also have guides to the best cameras for kids, and the best lightboxes.
For now, let's get started on the best drawing tablets for kids.
The best drawing tablets for kids available now
Tiny tots (0-4)
01. Richgv LCD Tablet
An amazingly cheap tablet for avid little doodlers
Specifications
Type: Pen display tablet
Active drawing area: 8-inch
Pen pressure sensitivity: No
Connections: No
OS: None
Suitable for ages: 5-9
Reasons to buy
+Terrific value +Some waterproofing
Reasons to avoid
-Can't save pictures -Very simple interface
A drawing tablet for really little kids needs a few things. It should be able to take a few knocks and splashes without breaking, it should offer an intuitive and tactile doodling experience, it should be brightly coloured and fun to use, and it shouldn't cost too much – especially as they'll grow out of it. For our money, the Richgv LCD tablet offers a great balance of all these features. An older kid would likely get quickly frustrated with its limitations, but for little ones, it's ideal.
While it is splash proof and able to take some knocks, it's also cheap, so if (when) it does get broken, there shouldn't be too many tears shed by the purse-holders of the family. It doesn't have any kind of internal storage or memory, so it's not suitable for any kid that's going to be bothered by not being able to save their creations. That should give you an idea of the age range we're talking about here. An ideal drawing surface for a child's very first taste of drawing.
Growing kids (5-12)
02. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition
The best affordable tablet computer for kids
Specifications
Type: Tablet computer
Active drawing area: 10-in
Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Connections: USB, Bluetooth
OS: Amazon Fire OS
Suitable for ages: 3-12
Reasons to buy
+Protective case +Useful parental features
Reasons to avoid
-Stylus sold separately -Relies on Amazon app store
There are plenty of tablet computers suitable for kids, but actually relatively few that are specifically designed for them. A welcome exception to this rule is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition, a general-purpose tablet that's fun to use for all sorts of different purposes, from playing games to getting homework done, and yes, drawing.
It's not a specific drawing tablet, so it's lacking some of the dedicated artist's features on the tablets further down the list, like a pressure-sensitive stylus. However, buying the tablet also includes a year's subscription to Amazon Fire for Kids Unlimited, which includes drawing and doodling apps. Just remember to pick up a Kindle Fire stylus along with it, as this doesn't come in the box.
Some parents may be nervous about buying their little one a tablet computer with internet access, but the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition has loads of handy parental functions to help you control what your child can access, as well as setting screen time limits. Also, if this 10-inch edition is too pricey, Amazon also produces 8-inch and 7-inch versions.
03. Wacom Bamboo Slate
The best tablet for kids for that proper paper feel
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 8.3 x 11.7in
Pen pressure sensitivity: 1,024 levels
Connections: USB-C, Bluetooth
OS: Windows, macOS, iOS or Android
Suitable for ages: 6-12
Reasons to buy
+Good build quality +Satisfying tactile surface
Reasons to avoid
-More for doodles than art -Requires physical paper
Wacom Bamboo Slate isn't technically a graphics tablet – it's what Wacom calls a 'smartpad'. This turns handwritten notes and sketches on paper into digital art that can be sent to a tablet via Bluetooth, or a PC via USB. These can be saved in a host of file formats, and there's a real tactile pleasure in scribbling on the tablet and then seeing the results transfer to a screen.
It really feels like using a pad, because it effectively is. Your child clips the paper in securely, then draws on it, and whatever they create will be captured digitally. If you've got an avid paper scribbler on your hands and would like to induct them into the digital world, this is a great way to bridge the gap.
Well built and satisfying to use, the Wacom Bamboo Slate is an older product, but still well worth picking up. Just remember to keep your little one well supplied with paper!
04. iskn The Slate 2+
The best affordable tablet for paper drawing
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 210 x 148mm
Pen pressure sensitivity: No
Connections: Micro USB, Bluetooth
OS: Windows/macOS/Android
Suitable for ages: 10 and older
Reasons to buy
+Clever analogue/digital hybrid +Works with your pencils
Reasons to avoid
-Small drawing surface -No pressure sensitivity
Another clever analogue/digital hybrid like Wacom's Bamboo Slate, iskn's The Slate 2+ is based on the same neat idea. Attach the paper to the front of the slate, then your child can start drawing with their own pen or pencil (with the supplied magnetic rings attached), and the tablet will create an instant digital copy that can be saved to a digital device.
The drawing surface isn't the largest, about the size of an A5 piece of paper. This is large enough for doodles, but more ambitious young artists might find themselves wanting a little more elbow room. Still, this does make The Slate 2+ small enough to carry anywhere. Also, while the paper aspect of it is fun and satisfying, it does prevent it from having some sophisticated artistic features like pressure or tilt sensitivity.
Affordable and portable, The Slate 2+ makes for a great present for kids who are discovering the joys of drawing on paper and want a way to save and store their creations.
Teens and up (12+)
05. Wacom Intuos Draw
The best drawing tablet for older kids and teens
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 6.0 x 3.7 in
Resolution: 2540 lpi
Pen pressure sensitivity: 2,048 levels
Connections: USB
OS: Windows/macOS
Suitable for ages: 12 and older
Reasons to buy
+Premium drawing experience +Easy to carry
Reasons to avoid
-Only comes in small -Pricier than others
If you're looking for a tablet that will encourage a budding artist, that will provide a superb, child-friendly experience for a reasonable price, then we definitely recommend the Wacom Intuos Draw. Striking a peerless balance between performance and price, this is a baby cousin to the big professional tablets Wacom sells, and is an ideal first step on an artistic journey.
The tablet comes equipped with everything an artist needs to get started. It comes with the handy Wacom Intuos Pen, which offers 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. It's a drawing tablet and not a pen display, meaning it needs to be connected to a computer so a user can see what they're doing. This is easy enough, and any kid of 12 or older can be expected to get the hang of it pretty quickly.
This isn't one for little kids. It probably costs more than you'd spend on a tablet if you don't believe your child will use it a lot, so scroll down if you're looking for more casual options. If, however, you're looking to nurture a spark that could turn into a lifelong passion, this is your best bet.
06. Huion Inspiroy H1060P
The best cheap tablet for young artists looking to grow
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 254 x 159mm
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels
Connections: Micro USB, USB-C
OS: Windows/macOS/Android
Suitable for ages: 12 and older
Reasons to buy
+Highly sensitive +Excellent price
Reasons to avoid
-No built-in screen -No iPhone compatibility
Huion tablets provide great functionality at hugely affordable tablets, and this means that a Huion tablet is the ideal gift for a child who wants to draw!
Out of the Huion stable, which is pretty extensive, we'd pick the Huion Inspiroy H1060P as one of the best drawing tablets for kids. It doesn't cost too much, but still manages to pack in features that wouldn't look out of place on a professional tablet, such as 8,192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity, and 16 customisable ExpressKeys that let the user tailor the experience precisely to their taste.
This is one for teenagers rather than really little kids (if you are buying for a toddler or kid under 10, scroll down for some recommendations on that score). It's an excellent choice for a child with a budding artistic skill; the main thing to be aware of is that the tablet doesn't have its own screen, just like the Wacom Intuos Draw. This means it needs to be plugged into a computer, or an Android tablet or smartphone, to allow the user to see what they're drawing.
For more Huion options, also read our best Huion drawing tablets roundup.
07. Apple iPad Mini (2019)
An expensive option, but offers impressive depth for keen artists
Specifications
Type: Tablet computer
Active drawing area: Approx 190mm x 120mm
Resolution: 2048 x 1536
Connections: Lightning, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
OS: iPad OS
Suitable for ages: 12+
Reasons to buy
+Pixel-perfect drawing +Impressive processing power
Reasons to avoid
-Pencil costs extra -No 'kid-proofing'
While it's the most expensive option on this list, if you want the best of the best when it comes to drawing tablets for kids, Apple's latest iPad Mini is very hard to beat. Its 7.9-inch display is nicely kid-sized, and once it's paired with the Apple Pencil, offers an amazingly precise and tactile drawing experience. Great both for sketching and for more advanced work with dedicated drawing apps, the iPad Mini is ideal for a kid who's starting to get serious about their drawing.
The price means it's not one for toddlers or any kid who stands a reasonable chance of pouring a carton of juice over it. Plus, you do also have to factor in the extra cost of the Apple Pencil, which doesn't come bundled in like the styluses do with other tablets on this list. However, if you're prepared to eat the cost, the iPad Mini does tick all the boxes. It's portable, easy to use, has great battery life, and will provide many hours of distraction for any budding artist. You can also set parental controls, for that bit of extra peace of mind.
08. XP-Pen Deco01 V2
A tablet for kids offering fantastic value
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 10 x 6.25-inch
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192
Connections: USB, Bluetooth
OS: Windows/macOS/Android
Suitable for ages: 12 and older
Reasons to buy
+Fantastic price +Supports pen-tilt +And plentiful pressure sensitivity
Reasons to avoid
-Pen feels slightly cheap
One of the best things about XP-Pen's tablets is that they offer tremendous value for money, so you don't have to stress quite so much about giving a tablet to a kid who might not take care of it as assiduously as an adult.
We rate the XP-Pen Art Deco01 V2 as a drawing tablet that's not only fantastically affordable but also offers a great drawing experience, with full connectivity that includes Android as well as Windows and Mac. Having 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity is a boon for any artist, and the tablet also supports pen tilt detection, meaning it can detect the angle at which the stylus is held. This gives it a level of flexibility and depth that many cheaper tablets lack.
The affordability of the tablet does show itself in some ways; the stylus and the general build both feel pretty flimsy and plasticky, lacking the solidity and premium finish of more expensive tablets. Still, the fundamentals are solid, and that's ultimately what counts.
09. Huion H640P
The best compact drawing tablet for kids
Specifications
Type: Graphics tablet
Active drawing area: 6.3 x 3.9in
Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels
Connections: USB
OS: Windows or macOS
Suitable for ages: 12 and older
Reasons to buy
+Small and light +Good drawing experience +Pen doesn't need a battery
Reasons to avoid
-Might be a bit too small for some
The Huion H640P is an excellent drawing tablet for kids. It's small and portable, making it perfect for little hands – and also easy to carry around in a backpack. At just 10.2 x 5.8 inches, this option is no thicker than a smartphone, but offers a handy set of shortcut keys, which makes up for its compact size.
The pen that comes with the Huion H640P is comfortable and easy to use. Unlike more sophisticated styluses such as the Apple Pencil, it's a battery-free pen, so a drawing session won't be prematurely stymied if someone forgot to plug their pen in the previous night. Happily, the H640P pretty competitively priced as well, which makes it an ideal choice for young beginners.
10. Apple iPad 10.2-inch (2020)
The best premium drawing tablet for kids
Specifications
Type: Computer tablet
Screen: 10.2-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with Retina IPS technology
Resolution: 2160x1620-pixel resolution at 264 ppi
OS: iPadOS
Suitable for ages: 16 and older
Reasons to buy
+Brilliant screen +Fantastic performance
Reasons to avoid
-Apple Pencil costs extra -... and it's already pricey
If you're going to buy an iPad for a kid, it makes sense for it not to be one of the high-ticket, mega-bucks options. The iPad 10.2 is just the ticket, a smaller and more affordable iPad designed for more casual users. This 2020 refresh has a new faster-than-ever chipset, and like all other iPads, it works with the Apple Pencil (although you'll have to buy that separately – you'll find the best Apple Pencil deals here). This means that it's a terrific get for artists of all shades. The drawing experience is sublime and creations look fantastic on the high-quality Retina display. The fact that the tablet can do lots of other things as well makes it fantastic choice, and one of the best drawing tablets for kids you can buy.
Best drawing tablets for kids: what to look for
When you're buying a drawing tablet for kids, it's worth thinking about exactly what you need in order to narrow down your options. Below, we've aimed to elucidate some of the specs above by providing you with a little more information about the main things to look for when tablet shopping.
Age suitability
This is the main thing to think about, but it is a little more complex than it first appears. You're not going to give an expensive 10-inch iPad to a two-year-old, in the same way that you're not going to get a simple tablet that's little more than an Etch-a-Sketch for a teenager. However, there will of course be some overlap between categories, and you may want to think about future-proofing, especially if you have a young child, or the little one you're buying for has younger siblings.
We've included age guides on the tablets we've included here as a rough guide, and divided our list into sections to make it easier for parents to navigate. But don't be afraid to colour outside the lines (pardon the pun) – if you think your child may benefit from a tablet aimed at older kids, consider taking the plunge. Worst case scenario, it takes a couple of years before they really start using it.
Scroll on past the jump where we look at the different types of tablet for kids you can buy.
- Also read: The best iPad deals
Types of drawing tablets for kids
There are plenty of different types of best drawing tablets for kids. These tablets tend to offer touchscreen surfaces that make them intuitive to use, while some will be capable of interfacing with your kid's other Windows/Mac/Android devices, either remotely or via a physical connection like USB, which will allow them to safely store their creations. Bear in mind that there are a few different types of drawing tablets for kids:
Drawing tablets for kids: key features
Different tablets will offer different features. The more of these the better, but of course, more sophisticated tablets are more expensive, so it's a balancing game. Here are some key features you may want to look out for.
Pressure sensitivity: You'll see this term banded around here and there when shopping for tablet, often with reference to number of 'levels'. What does this mean? It refers to whether the tablet and stylus can detect the level of pressure being applied to the surface, and modify the thickness of the line accordingly. While this is absolutely essential on professional drawing tablets, it matters less on sketch pads and tablets that are meant for doodling. If you're buying for a serious artist, look for pressure sensitivity, but otherwise don't worry.
Tilt sensitivity: Similar to pressure sensitivity, this refers to whether a tablet can detect the angle at which a stylus is being held, and vary the shape of the line accordingly. Once again, this is an essential feature for serious artists, and much less so for casual sketching.
Screen size: The size of the display is important not only for viewing content, but is also the effective drawing area your kid has to work with. Obviously a bigger screen is generally more desirable, but it'll also mean an overall larger tablet, which for little kids may be simply too large to handle.
Parental controls: This only really applies to tablet computers, but if you've got a little one who's going to be using the tablet unsupervised, it's worth thinking about parental controls to make sure they don't access inappropriate content. Most tablet computers will offer these in some form; they can also be used to set screen time limits, and some can even prevent your child from accessing playtime apps before they're done with their learning tasks.
Also read: The best cheap 4K monitor deals | The best cameras for creatives | Top keyboards for creatives | The best mouse | The best office chair | The best desk
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Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/features/the-best-drawing-tablet-for-kids
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