If you're a creative professional or enthusiast, finding the right tablet can be a game-changer for your work. Whether you're sketching, designing, editing photos, or animating, today’s tablets aren’t just powerful tools but also portable creative studios, designed to bring your ideas to life. But with so many options available, how do you know which tablet is right for you? Fear not—we've compiled a list of the top tablets for creatives in 2024.

What to Look for in a Tablet as a Creative

Before we jump into our top recommendations, here are some essential features to keep in mind when choosing a tablet for creative work:

  • Display Quality: A vibrant, high-resolution screen is crucial for bringing your designs to life. Look for options with high color accuracy and support for wide color gamuts (e.g., DCI-P3).
  • Stylus Capability: The best tablets for creatives come with stylus support. Pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and precision are what you need for fine-tuning details in your art or designs.
  • Performance: Creative apps like Procreate, Photoshop, and Premiere Rush demand a lot of processing power. Choose a tablet with high processing speed and sufficient RAM.
  • Portability and Build: Lightweight tablets with long battery life are perfect for creatives on the go.
  • App Ecosystem: Creativity apps vary from platform to platform. Make sure your tablet supports the apps you rely on.

Now that you know what to look for, here’s our roundup of the best tablets for creatives this year.

1. Apple iPad Pro M2 (12.9-Inch & 11-Inch)

Apple's flagship tablet remains one of the top choices for professionals in design, illustration, and animation.

Why It Stands Out

  • The Liquid Retina XDR display (12.9-inch version) delivers impeccable HDR and true-to-life color precision, ideal for photo editors and graphic designers working in detailed environments.
  • Powered by the M2 chip, it handles demanding creative apps like Photoshop or 4K video rendering in LumaFusion with ease.
  • Apple Pencil 2 is a game-changer, offering remarkable pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and features like double-tap for switching tools seamlessly.
  • A vast creative app ecosystem, including Procreate and Affinity Designer, ensures you’re never short of resources.

Pricing

From $799 for the 11-inch version, $1,099 for the 12.9-inch. Apple Pencil 2 sold separately ($129).

Ideal for professionals who want top-tier performance and versatility.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

A powerhouse for Android users, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a strong contender in the creative tablet market.

Why It Stands Out

  • 14.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for vibrant visuals and smooth animations.
  • Comes with the S Pen included, offering robust stylus capabilities rivaling Apple Pencil, from pressure sensitivity to ultra-low latency.
  • Multi-window support on Android allows effortless multitasking, great for simultaneous sketching and note-taking.
  • Water and dust resistance (IP68 rating), making it durable for creatives who work outdoors or travel frequently.

Pricing

Starts at $1,199 (including the S Pen).

Ideal for Android users who want unparalleled screen real estate and premium design.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

For creatives who need the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet, the Surface Pro 9 offers the best of both worlds.

Why It Stands Out

  • Full-fledged Windows 11 enables access to desktop-grade creative apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Blender.
  • Vibrant 13-inch PixelSense display ensures true colors and sharpness, ideal for editing detailed visuals.
  • The Surface Slim Pen 2 offers haptic feedback, adding a more natural feel while sketching or writing.
  • Its Keyboard Type Cover (sold separately) transforms it into a laptop, making it ideal for multitasking creatives who need to switch between admin tasks and design work.

Pricing

Starts at $999. Surface Slim Pen 2 and Keyboard sold separately.

Ideal for creatives seeking laptop-grade performance in tablet form.

4. Wacom Cintiq 16

Long revered by digital artists, Wacom combines unmatched precision with ease of use. While technically not entirely portable (unlike other tablets on this list), it earns its spot for its specialized drawing capabilities.

Why It Stands Out

  • Full HD 15.6-inch touchscreen with 72% NTSC guarantees vivid colors and smooth responsiveness.
  • The Pro Pen 2 offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, each stroke feeling like real ink or paint.
  • Plug-and-play usability makes it an excellent secondary tool for illustrators and animators working in tandem with laptops or PCs.

Pricing

Starts at $649.99. Requires connection to a computer.

Ideal for digital artists seeking precision and professional-grade tools.

5. Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus

This affordable alternative to Wacom packs a punch for artists looking for high-quality tools on a budget.

Why It Stands Out

  • 4K UHD display with exceptional sharpness and 120% sRGB color gamut.
  • Battery-free stylus offers tilt functionality and high pressure sensitivity, perfect for intricate designs.
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android devices, making it highly versatile.

Pricing

Starts at $899.

Ideal for budget-conscious creatives who don’t want to compromise on quality.

6. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

Lenovo’s Tab P12 Pro brings great features and flexibility to the table for an affordable price.

Why It Stands Out

  • 12.6-inch AMOLED display with Dolby Vision support for gorgeous visuals.
  • Includes the Lenovo Precision Pen 3, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, much like Apple’s Pencil.
  • Competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for creators dipping a toe into tablet-based work.

Pricing

Starts at $659 (including the Precision Pen 3).

Ideal for creatives who need a capable Android device at a reasonable price point.

Which Tablet Is Right for You?

Your perfect tablet boils down to your creative needs and workflow. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Get the iPad Pro M2 for unmatched versatility, speed, and app support.
  • Opt for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if you want a stunning display and Android flexibility.
  • Choose the Surface Pro 9 for desktop-level apps in a portable design.
  • For professional illustrators, the Wacom Cintiq is your dream tool.
  • On a budget? The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus and Lenovo Tab P12 Pro deliver impressive results without breaking the bank.

No matter what you choose, tablets have redefined how creatives bring their visions to life. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to switch or upgrade, the answer is a resounding yes.

Whatever your creative process looks like, there’s a tablet out there to support and enhance it. Take the time to assess your specific needs, whether it’s portability, screen quality, or stylus precision. Then, watch how the right tool transforms your workflow.

Which one are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!