Pen Tablet vs. Pen Display: Which Drawing Tablet Is Right for You?

Pen Tablet: Drawing Tablet Without a Screen

A pen tablet is basically a big touchpad with no display. You draw on the tablet with a pressure-sensitive pen, and the image shows up on your computer or laptop screen.

That means when you draw, you look at the monitor, not at the pen tip. This "hand-eye split" feels odd at first. But because you use a regular monitor, you can take advantage of a larger screen. That often reduces eye strain during long sessions.

Pen tablets are usually simple in build and hard to break. They don't have fragile glass screens. With basic care, they last a long time. Many people use them for five or even ten years.

Pros:

Affordable: Pen tablets cost a fraction of pen displays. Entry-level graphics tablets can be only a few dozen dollars. Even mid-range pen tablets are much cheaper than drawing tablets with a screen. That makes them very friendly to beginners on a tight budget.
Durable and Portable: No display means less to break. They're usually thin and light, so easy to carry and store.
Better Posture: When you draw on a pen tablet, you look up at a monitor. Your neck stays more upright, so there's less strain. Some artists find this more comfortable than bending over a small screen.
Flexible Pen Options: Many pen tablets work with a range of pressure pens. You can pick a pen that fits your budget and needs.

Cons:

Hand-Eye Split: The main downside is drawing on the tablet while watching another screen. New users often feel the pen and the on-screen cursor don't match. It takes time to get used to. Most people adapt after a few weeks of practice.
Needs a Computer: A pen tablet has no display, so it needs to be connected to a computer or laptop. If you don't have one, or want to draw anywhere, this can be limiting.
No Direct Visual Feedback: Because you're not drawing on the image itself, the process feels less intuitive. Beginners may need to keep lifting their hand to check the monitor, which can slow learning.

In short, a pen tablet is a high-value, low-cost way to try digital art. If you're on a budget, it's a great place to start.

what is pen tablet

Pen Display: Drawing Tablet with a Screen

A pen display is a monitor you can draw on directly. Popular brands include Wacom Cintiq, Huion Kamvas, and XP-Pen Artist. The screen shows what you draw under the pen tip in real time.

With a pen display, your eyes, hands, and the artwork line up. It feels a lot like drawing on paper.

Pros:

Very Intuitive: Because you see immediate results, pen displays are easy to learn. New users often feel like they're drawing on paper. There's little to no"offset" between your pen and the image.
Precise Pen Control: Many pen displays offer high-pressure sensitivity (8,192 levels or more) and tilt detection. That captures subtle changes in pressure and angle, so lines and shading feel natural.
Professional Speed: Looking at the same screen you draw on gives instant visual feedback. That saves time and helps the workflow. Higher-end pen displays usually have adjustable stands, shortcut keys, and on-screen buttons that speed up work in professional apps.
Hardware Flexibility: Most pen displays connect to a computer, letting you choose your PC specs. A powerful computer plus a pen display can handle large files and complex work. Some all-in-one models include a built-in computer, so they work standalone.

Cons:

Expensive: Pen displays cost much more than pen tablets. Even entry-level models can be pricey, and top models cost several times more. For budget shoppers, this is a big hurdle.
Size and Weight: Pen displays are heavier and larger. Big screens (20–24 inches or more) add weight and take more desk space. The glass can create a small parallax (a slight gap between the pen tip and the actual line). They aren't very portable.
Ergonomics: Many people find they need to look down at a pen display, which can cause neck strain over long sessions. Even with adjustable stands, your arm may be raised more than with a pen tablet. Artists often take breaks to stretch the neck and shoulders.
Accessory Cost: Replacement pens and nibs for pen displays often cost extra. If you lose a pen, replacing it can be expensive.

Overall, a pen display is a pro tool. It's the best choice if you want a natural, professional drawing experience and can afford it.

what is pen display

iPad Drawing: a Portable, All-in-One Alternative

Many artists use an iPad with an Apple Pencil as a mobile drawing platform instead of a drawing tablet. An iPad is a full device with a bright screen and smooth touch. Apps like Procreate, Sketchbook, and Photoshop for iPad work well.

The biggest advantage is portability. You can draw anywhere — coffee shops, buses, parks. The iPad is also a general tablet for browsing, reading, and work.

Pros:

Very Portable: You can carry an iPad easily. It's perfect for travel sketching or quick studies.
Fast and Easy: iPads wake quickly and respond smoothly. Gestures and touch controls make zooming and rotating the canvas simple. Many drawing apps have user-friendly controls.
Multi-Use Device: An iPad is not only a drawing tool. It's also a tablet for learning, watching videos, and staying connected.

Cons:

Pricey: A high-end iPad (like iPad Pro) can cost over a thousand dollars. Add the Apple Pencil, and the price can match a mid-range pen display. Budget-minded artists should think it through.
Different Pen Feel: The iPad's glass screen is smooth. Even with a matte screen protector, many artists say the pen feels slippier than on a pen display or paper. The tactile feedback is different and can feel less precise.
Software Limits: iPad drawing apps are powerful, but they don't always match desktop apps in features. Photoshop, Clip Studio, and other pro tools still have fuller versions on desktop. Handling huge files or advanced filters can be tougher on an iPad.
Battery and Accessories: iPads and Apple Pencils need charging. If you forget to charge, you can't draw. Also, losing a Pencil can be costly.

The iPad is a great mobile sketchbook. But it's not always a full replacement for a pen tablet or a pen display when it comes to pro-level work.

Many drawing tablets now include shortcut keys. That's one reason the iPad can feel less convenient for drawing. But you can boost your iPad workflow by adding a TourBox Elite Plus.

TourBox Elite Plus

Bluetooth Controller for iPad and PC

Learn More

Map the shortcuts you use in your favorite iPad apps to the Elite Plus. Control them with one hand to speed up repetitive tasks and make actions more intuitive. With an Elite Plus, your iPad can feel as smooth and efficient as a PC setup.

TourBox Creative Console

What Is TourBox

Learn More

You can also use the Elite Plus with a computer. Paired with a drawing tablet, it gives you deeper customization and a more ergonomic workflow. For artists who create often, TourBox is a great companion.

How to Choose: Match the Tool to Your Needs and Budget

Each drawing device has clear strengths. For most beginners who already have a computer, a drawing tablet without a screen is the best first step. It's low-cost, reliable, and lets you learn digital workflows.

If you value a direct drawing feel and want to go pro, invest in a drawing tablet with a screen plus a capable computer. That setup gives the most natural experience and the best productivity.

The iPad works great as a portable sketch tool or a second device. Many artists pair a pen display or pen tablet at home with an iPad for drawing on the go.

The thing is, tools help, but practice matters most. Pick a device that fits your budget and lifestyle. Then draw regularly. You'll improve faster than any gadget can.

Like this article