Watching cartoons, playing video games, surfing the internet and the likes have become an absolute part of kids’ days. However, often times kids can often get carried away and you have to give them a slight push towards other activities too. This is where a drawing tablet for kids comes in!
You can get them for your kids who are interested in drawing or who would like to explore another hobby. Drawing tablets can be a great activity for children to enjoy as well as spend their time productively.
They will get a chance to express themselves in different ways and can explore their own selves along the way too. They will also give the kid the feeling of having a tech device to their own self and it will also be less messy as compared to using a pen and paper.
Looking at all the options available in the market can often be intimidating so to ease the shopping process for you, we have compiled a list of the 10 best drawing tablet for kids. You can use this article as a sort of shopping guide that helps you in your pursuit for getting your hands on the best tablet for your child.
Table of Contents
Best Drawing Tablet for Kids – Our Top Picks
Best Feature Packed – Apple iPad Mini 5
“From the world’s leading tech brand, it is a multifunctional device for your kids’s creativity to soar. You will not be disappointed.“
Best Budget Friendly – NewYes 8.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet
“NewYes has brought a remarkable product for kids of all ages to indulge in the joy of art.“
Best Precision – XP-PEN Artist12
“The learning curve may be a little steep for this product, but the rewarding results of it by far outrun that initial effort. Your child will grow up to thank you for this!“
What kind of drawing tablet is available for kids in the market?
There are various ways to categorize a drawing tablet for kids. In this article, we will be distinguishing them into two kinds: display and non-display drawing tablets.
Non-display drawing tablets
These tablets do not have their own display screen and need to be connected with a computer on the screen of which the drawing will show up. They have their own pros and cons. It might be hard for some children to navigate with these tablets at first since they will have to learn how to set them up with the computer connection.
It can also feel like a hard multitasking project because you have to draw on a pad while looking at the screen. So, this might not be the best option for children who are just starting to draw and getting their first exposure to it.
At the same time, once the child gets a hang of it and for more experienced or practiced children, it can be a great option. Non-display drawing tablets are cheaper, easy to carry and very durable if taken care of properly.
Display Drawing Tablets
These drawing tablets, as evident from the name, come with an in-built display which makes it very easy for kids to use even for beginners. These include traditional tablets like the iPad and they can be more expensive to purchase as compared to the non-display tablets.
But they are the more portable option since the tablet itself is the only thing you need to carry, and you do not have to worry about finding a computer to connect it with.
These tablets can also be damaged easily because of the sensitive screen especially when they are under use by kids, however, there are many products like kid-proof tablet cases that help you out with this problem.
What factors should I be focusing on when buying a drawing tablet for my kids?
To ensure that you choose the best possible tablet for your kids, there are certain aspects you should most definitely keep in mind.
1. Usage and User-Friendliness
If your child is a little younger and wants to start learning drawing, then you can opt for a simple kid-friendly option.
But if you have an older child, especially one who is familiar with illustrations and other forms of design, it would probably be more appropriate to get them a traditional drawing tablet for kids. Since that will be of more functional use to them.
In short, the tablet that you get your kid must be appropriate for their age. A younger child probably will not get any use out of a tablet only compatible with advanced software like Photoshop. Similarly, an older child might have no use for a simple, basic, kid tablet.
2. Parental Control in Drawing Tablets
If the tablet gives you the feature to download a wide variety of applications, it is always better to keep check on what your kid is doing with that. Especially with younger children, they can be exposed to a lot of danger while surfing the web unsupervised. So make sure the tablet gives you this option.
3. Size and Weight of Drawing Tablets for Kids
Try to get a tablet that has an adequately sized display as well as drawing area so that it makes it easier for your child. Moreover, since tablets are a device we frequently carry along, look for one that is not so heavy that your child has a hard time travelling with it or even handling it.
4. Battery Life
It is important to consider the battery life of any tablet because devices with flawed batteries or very low battery timing can become very annoying and hard to use after a point.
5. Quality of the Stylus
A poor quality stylus can really impede on your kid’s entire drawing experience. It is best to go for a stylus that is both durable and comfortable in the hand as well. A stylus is an alternative to a pen and should just feel like that.
6. Warranty
It is always nice to get a product with a good warranty on it because that way you know you are in the safe zone if anything were to go wrong.
7. Price
Lastly, price is obviously one of the most important factors to think about. You can find extremely cheap as well as extremely expensive tablets in the market. What matters is that you ensure you get the right value for the amount of money that you pay.
At the same time, trying to cut corners from everywhere and getting the cheapest possible alternative might also not be the best idea as that raises questions about the quality of the product as well.
After clearing out some of these points mentioned above, here is the list of products that we have researched for you!
Drawing Tablet for Kids – A Detailed Guide
1. Osmo – Creative Starter Kit For iPad
This is a starter kit that is compatible with the iPad. It comes with many things to provide that complete experience to your children.
The kids can learn to draw, play, solve creative story problems among other things. The kit comes with 4 dry erase markers, microfiber eraser pouch, 3 game apps, creative board, and Osmo Reflector and Base for iPad.
A product like this can be really helpful for a kid to not only learn drawing but also work on their problem solving abilities. All you have to do is install the Osmo application on your iPad and then attach the reflector and base with the iPad for the product to start working.
This kit has a lot of innovative ways to encourage learning in kids. It not only improves the drawing itself but also the speed of it. To find other products like this in the market can be very hard and we think that this might be interesting for many kids!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Osmo
- Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 12 x 9.6 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Compatible OS: iOS
| Pros | Cons |
| Great as a gift | Not the best customer service |
| Innovative | Cannot work without the iPad |
| Teaches the children many different things |
Bottom Line: An innovative product like this can be highly attractive for younger children and can keep them engaged in a wide variety of informative yet fun activities.
2. XP-PEN Artist12 11.6 Inch FHD Drawing Monitor Pen
This digital drawing tablet for kids has to be connected to a computer for its working and it is compatible with a wide range of digital drawing software. It can be used for multiple things such as drawing, animation, editing and so on.
The stylus with this is comfortable to hold and is designed to give you the feel of a traditional pencil – so it also comes with an eraser on one end!
Not only does this product with a one-year warranty but it also has a lifetime technical support option, so it is a win-win situation.
This might not be the best option for young kids who are just starting out, but works perfectly for more learned artists. They can use this tablet to create masterpieces utilizing multiple techniques. The tablet comes with 6 express keys and also a touch bar that you can use to access certain features quickly.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: XP-PEN
- Product Dimensions: 14.33 x 8.58 x 0.31 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Active drawing area: 11.6 inches
- Pen pressure sensitivity: Yes
- Connections: USB A or HDMI port
- Compatible OS: Windows 7 and higher/ macOS 10.10 and higher
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable pen | A little complicated for beginners |
| Easy to use | Bulky setup – not too portable |
| Precise |
Bottom Line: This is a great option for kids who are already accustomed with digital drawing and want to spend their time using a range of advanced software.
3. Iskn Slate 2+
This is a very unique graphics drawing tablet for kids that digitizes the experience of drawing on a paper. You connect the slate to a device like an iPad or a laptop, and then draw using a paper and pen. The drawing then gets replicated on the screen! This allows you to use your favorite type of pen or pencil.
It also comes with the Repaper studio app that you can use to enhance your drawings in multiple ways. You can also use the slate as a simple graphic design tablet for other desktop software such as Photoshop and Illustrator – it really aims to give you that 2-in-1 experience. A child would be so excited to try out a unique product like this.
For children who are always doodling away on notebooks, who like to have that raw artistic feel, this can be a great product for them that they can also easily carry around wherever they want!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Iskn Inc
- Product dimensions: 10.5 x 7.3 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Active drawing area: 210 x 148mm
- Pen pressure sensitivity: No
- Connections: Micro USB, Bluetooth
- Compatible OS: Windows/macOS/Android
- Suitable for ages: 10 and older
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique experience | Sketches are less precise as compared to other drawing tablets |
| Free Repaper Studio App | Some users have trouble connecting it with another device |
| Easy for kids to use | |
Can be used in different ways |
Bottom Line: The innovation of this product is one of the biggest reasons it might be amazing for kids – as they love unique and creative stuff and are fascinated by it. With practice, your child can become amazing at using this product.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
This tablet comes with many storage options and also has the slot to insert an SD card. This tablet can be used by your child for multiple things apart from drawing. You can download whatever apps you need form the Play Store and then utilize your tablet for different purposes. It also comes with a specific kids’ mode for your children.
Having an Android store means that your kids get to choose from almost an unlimited array of apps. They get a huge amount of drawing apps available to them and they can pick and choose which one they would want to work with. This is a great all-in-one kind of a tablet that can work great for your children.
The only thing you need to do is research a little bit to see which type of stylus will work the best with this tablet because one is not included in the package.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung Electronics
- Product Dimensions: 0.3 x 5.88 x 9.65 inches
- Weight: 3.87 ounces
- Type: Tablet computer
- Active drawing area: 200mm x 120mm
- Resolution: 1280 x 800
- Connections: USB, Bluetooth
- Compatible OS: Android
| Pros | Cons |
| Has a lot of storage | Need to purchase a stylus separately |
| Multi-functional | Screen quality is not the best |
| Can connect to WiFi |
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to buy a multi-functional tablet that can be used both by you and your kids – or that your kids can utilize for different purposes, then this is a great option to look into!
5. RAYPHON Writing Tablet
This 10-inch LCD tablet comes with a large display on which colors show up very brightly. The battery is advertised to last almost 8 months and the board can be repeatedly used around 10,000 times.
To erase the drawings, all you need to do is press a button. You can easily remove the battery as well.
The battery consumes low power and there are the added kid-friendly features of lock protection and an ultra-lightweight design. The glare of the screen is such that it protects your eyes from excessive damage due to constant starting at a screen. The colors on the LCD show up very bright which is an attractive feature for kids since they can witness their art in all its glory.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pilipada
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Display: 10 inches
- Pressure sensitivity: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Erase in a single press | Easy to lose the stylus |
| Smart Lock | |
| Bright colors |
Bottom Line: This device is designed as such that it gives you the feel of writing on an actual paper using a pen – which is something many kids might enjoy!
6. Crayola Ultimate Light Board Drawing Tablet for Kids
This device comes with 6 mini washable markers that also have a built-in storage along the device for portability. There is a lightboard attached with the device that kids can use to light up their little masterpieces. The kids can also remove the back panel if they wish to do so.
The mini gel markers are very easy to use and give a smooth application of color. Children can use this tablet to not only create but also display their artistic pieces. The area of the drawing board is also wide enough for children to get comfortable with their creative expression.
Let your child use this tablet to draw whatever comes to heart and then display it while its lit up by lights. Such a feature is not available in many other tablets and that is what makes this specific product unique and one of its kind.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Crayola
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 18.25 x 12 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- 3 AA batteries required. Not included in package.
- Suitable for ages: 6+
| Pros | Cons |
| Light-up board | Batteries not included |
| Easy to store and use | A little hard to clean |
| Portable | Some report receiving defective products |
| Drawing area has a good size |
Bottom Line: This is the perfect drawing board for children of ages 6-15 years. It can make them feel very artistic and the light up board is definitely an added benefit!
7. Mafiti 8.5 Inch
Like the previous one, this is also a simple writing tablet that is extremely easy to use for kids. it comes with easily replaceable batteries. There is a built-in stylus dock for storing the stylus when not in use, so you never have to risk losing it. It is extremely light and portable as well.
One of the best things about this tablet especially for kids is that they can erase whatever they want to in a single click. Your child’s moodiness has now the best option available for it. Children get fascinated by such simple devices and often spend a long time riling up their creativity and trying to see what masterpieces they come up with.
Devices like these work best because they are simple and easy to use, affordable and yet provide the complete drawing experience to young children so they do not feel left out.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mafiti
- Product dimensions: 9.06 x 5.98 x 0.39 inches
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Active drawing area: 8.5 inches
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Not very durable |
| Affordable | |
| Easy to use | |
| Can be used for multiple things | |
| Portable |
Bottom Line: This is a simple option to look into for your younger kids who are a beginner at drawing.
8. NewYes 8.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet
This pressure sensitive and ultra-lightweight tablet is designed to provide your child a perfect learning experience. It comes with nice child-friendly features like battery safety, lock protection and so on. The back also has an attached magnet that you can stick to any magnetic surface to keep the device upright.
This is one of the easiest products for children to use. They can use this to put their creative ideas to life, they can come up with artistic drawings or even use it to take mini notes or doodle. It doesn’t include any complicated features that your child has to get a hang of but rather is a simple device for the child to operate on their own if they want to.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: NEWYES
- Product dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.2 inches
- Weight: 3.84 ounces
- Active drawing area: 8.5 inches
- Pressure sensitivity: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely affordable | Some users reported the writing to be faint |
| Easy to use | |
| Thin |
Bottom Line: This is a very simple, basic and easy to use product, especially for younger kids who are just starting out with drawing and would like to steer clear of any complicated features. It is also extremely affordable as compared to some of the other tablets on this list!
9. Apple IPad Mini 5
This is a very sleek, portable and lightweight tablet for your kids to use. it is also pretty multi-functional since they can use it to draw, take notes and engage in many other activities such as reading, writing and much more, by downloading apps.
It can also be used for capturing HD quality pictures and videos. It is compatible with the Apple Pencil stylus pen.
This tablet is amazing when being used for drawing, the display is designed in a way that gives you incredible precisions when drawing. You have to purchase the stylus separately but it comes with pressure sensitivity and that also adds to the whole drawing experience for your child.
The battery life is 10 hours so you can travel long distances with it. Furthermore, you can even protect the device using various types of password protection so all in all, this tablet, although a little expensive, it is a great option for your kids.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Product dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.24 inches
- Weight: 0.66 pounds
- Active drawing area: 7.9 inches
- Compatible OS: iOS
| Pros | Cons |
| All the functions of a tablet | You need to purchase the Apple Pencil separately |
| Multifunctional | A little expensive as compared to other options |
| Reliable |
Bottom Line: Everyone knows what the iPad can do – it is, without a doubt, a great all-rounder tablet for your kids that they can use for multiple things.
10. Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
This is a tablet that is specifically designed to suit a kid’s needs. It is colorful and has all the features that a child might want in his tablet, even apart from drawing. So they can use it for multiple things! They can read, write, watch shows, play games and so much more.
This device comes with a 2-year warranty as well as a whole year of free Amazon Kids+ subscription! It has 32 GB of internal storage and you can stream content online as well as download apps into your tablet. You can even add an SD card into it.
The drawing part of this isn’t for expert or advanced artists, but for little kids and beginners it is perfect. You’ll just need to get your hands on a stylus and then your kid will have a huge range of drawing apps to choose from.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Amazon
- Product dimensions: 11.5 x 8.1 x 1.0 inches
- Weight: 27.4 ounces.
- Type: Tablet computer
- Active drawing area: 10 inches
- Connections: USB, Bluetooth
- Compatible OS: Amazon Fire OS
- Suitable for ages: 3-12
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used for multiple things apart from drawing too | Reliance on wifi |
| Comes with a kid-proof protective case | Some of the content is deemed inappropriate by some users |
| Good warranty |
Bottom Line: This device is specifically curated to suit the needs of children. Your young kids can use it for many educational and entertainment purposes apart from just drawing so it is a good multi-use option.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one answer to this question as the ultimate best tablet for you will depend on your preferences. After going through the factors we have listed above in our buying guide, you can make a more informed decision as to what features you or your child would like to have in the product and hence, that will help you understand which tablet is the best for your children.
As soon as your child starts to draw or scribble you can introduce him/her to a drawing tablet (usually when kids start preschool), however for very young kids, it would actually be beneficial to give them the simple drawing tablets in the beginning rather than the multi-functional and expensive ones.
A stylus is what replaces the pen in a digital drawing experience. Your kid might be able to draw using fingers on certain tablets but having a stylus will make the process much easier and more precise for them.
Conclusion
Getting a drawing table for your kids can be extremely beneficial for the kid and very rewarding for you as well – once you see your kid making up cute artistic pieces that they would then love to display. It is a great way to hone a child’s artistic abilities while giving them an avenue for expression.
We hope that our list of the 10 best drawing tablets for kids in 2022 was beneficial for you and managed to clarify certain things.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Be sure to check that any device you give your young children has parental controls on and the content they stream goes by your eyes. Also take care to not let your children spend so much time on it that it strains their eyes. Happy shopping!
