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- Best overall: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
- Best budget: XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen)
- Best premium: Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K)
- Best for a large screen-free workspace: Wacom Intuos Pro Large
- Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is a compact, screen-free drawing tablet with 8,192 pressure levels.
- XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro adds a 23.8-inch QHD drawing display and 20 shortcut keys.
- Choose Wacom Intuos Pro for a separate monitor setup; choose XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro for drawing directly on screen.
- The guide compares seven pen tablets and drawing displays for different budgets, desk sizes and workflows.
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium and XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro suit different artists: one is a screen-free pen tablet, while the other is a 23.8-inch drawing display. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends on whether you value a compact desk setup or drawing directly on a large screen. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the difference clear.
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is my pick for most people who already own a monitor and want a responsive, portable workspace. XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is the better fit for illustrators who want a large QHD canvas and physical shortcut controls. The guide also compares five alternatives, including larger Wacom tablets, compact XP-Pen displays and Huion 4K options, so shoppers can match features to their setup.
How We Picked
- Compared each model’s active area or screen size, resolution and pen pressure rating.
- Reviewed shortcut keys, dial controls, connections and other workflow features.
- Considered whether each tablet needs a computer and separate display to work.
- Used owner feedback and product specifications to identify common strengths and trade-offs.
- Included compact, large-screen and high-resolution options at different levels of complexity.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display size | Resolution | Pen pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wacom Intuos Pro Medium | Monitor-based illustration and a compact desk | Screen-free | Uses computer display | 8,192 levels |
| XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro | Large-screen illustration and shortcut-heavy workflows | 23.8 inches | 2560 x 1440 | 8,192 levels |
| Wacom Intuos Pro Large | Large gestures and monitor-based professional work | Screen-free | Uses computer display | 8,192 levels |
| XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) | Compact direct-on-screen drawing | 15.4 inches | 1920 x 1080 | 8,192 levels |
| Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) | Detailed artwork and 4K display workflows | 23.8 inches | 3840 x 2160 | 8,192 levels |
| Wacom Cintiq 22 | Large-screen drawing with Wacom pen input | 21.5 inches | 1920 x 1080 | 8,192 levels |
| Huion Kamvas 22 Plus | Full HD drawing on a larger display | 21.5 inches | 1920 x 1080 | 8,192 levels |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
The Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is the best screen-free drawing tablet for artists who already have a monitor and want a compact workspace, with 8,192 pressure levels.
Best for: Monitor-based illustration and a compact desk
- Active area
- 8.7 x 5.8 inches
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- ExpressKeys
- 8
- Connection
- USB and Bluetooth
- Compact active area fits a smaller desk.
- Eight ExpressKeys support custom shortcuts.
- Bluetooth supports a cable-free desk setup.
- No built-in display; drawing takes place on a separate screen.
Is the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is worth considering for artists who prefer drawing on a screen-free tablet while viewing a separate monitor. The Wacom Intuos Pro Medium's 8,192 pressure levels, Bluetooth and eight ExpressKeys make it a capable option for illustration and photo editing.
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#2
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro
The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is the best large drawing display for illustrators who want a direct-on-screen workflow, with a 23.8-inch QHD panel.
Best for: Large-screen illustration and shortcut-heavy workflows
- Display size
- 23.8 inches
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1440
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- Shortcut keys
- 20
- QHD resolution gives a large, detailed drawing surface.
- Twenty shortcut keys help speed up repetitive tasks.
- The pen works directly on the display.
- Requires a computer and substantial desk space.
Is the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is worth considering for artists who want a large display tablet rather than a screen-free surface. The 23.8-inch QHD screen, 8,192 pressure levels and 20 shortcut keys support detailed illustration and a customizable workflow.
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#3
Wacom Intuos Pro Large
The Wacom Intuos Pro Large is the best screen-free option for artists who need more drawing room, with a 12.1 x 8.4-inch active area.
Best for: Large gestures and monitor-based professional work
- Active area
- 12.1 x 8.4 inches
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- ExpressKeys
- 8
- Connection
- USB and Bluetooth
- Large active area supports broad pen movements.
- Eight ExpressKeys provide customizable shortcuts.
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity adds desk flexibility.
- The large surface needs more desk space than the Medium.
Is the Wacom Intuos Pro Large worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Wacom Intuos Pro Large is worth considering for artists who want a generous screen-free drawing area and already work with a separate monitor. The Wacom Intuos Pro Large's 12.1 x 8.4-inch active area offers more room for broad strokes than the Medium model.
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#4
XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen)
The XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) is the best compact drawing display for students and traveling creators, with a 15.4-inch Full HD screen.
Best for: Compact direct-on-screen drawing
- Display size
- 15.4 inches
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- Shortcut keys
- 10
- Smaller display is easier to place than a 24-inch model.
- Full HD resolution suits everyday illustration.
- Ten shortcut keys offer quick access to common tools.
- The drawing surface is smaller than a 24-inch display.
Is the XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) is worth considering for artists who want direct-on-screen drawing without committing to a 24-inch display. The XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen)'s 15.4-inch Full HD panel, 8,192 pressure levels and 10 shortcut keys make it a compact computer-connected choice.
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#5
Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K)
The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) is the best high-resolution drawing display for detail-focused artists, with a 23.8-inch 3840 x 2160 screen.
Best for: Detailed artwork and 4K display workflows
- Display size
- 23.8 inches
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- Color depth
- 1.07 billion colors
- 4K resolution offers a detailed workspace.
- Large screen supports full-size artwork and panels.
- Pen input supports pressure-sensitive drawing.
- Needs a capable computer and a large desk.
Is the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) is worth considering for artists who prioritize a high-resolution screen and a large drawing surface. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K)'s 23.8-inch 4K panel displays detailed artwork, while 8,192 pressure levels support pressure-sensitive pen work.
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#6
Wacom Cintiq 22
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is the best straightforward large Wacom drawing display for artists who want a familiar pen workflow, with a 21.5-inch screen.
Best for: Large-screen drawing with Wacom pen input
- Display size
- 21.5 inches
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- Touch
- No
- Large screen provides room for a full drawing view.
- Wacom Pro Pen 2 supports pressure-sensitive input.
- Simple layout keeps focus on drawing.
- Full HD resolution is lower than QHD and 4K alternatives.
Is the Wacom Cintiq 22 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Wacom Cintiq 22 is worth considering for artists who want a large Wacom pen display and do not need 4K resolution or touch controls. The Wacom Cintiq 22's 21.5-inch Full HD screen and 8,192 pressure levels support a straightforward drawing workflow.
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#7
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus
The Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is the best mid-size drawing display for artists who want a generous screen at Full HD resolution, with a 21.5-inch panel.
Best for: Full HD drawing on a larger display
- Display size
- 21.5 inches
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Pen pressure
- 8,192 levels
- Color gamut
- 120% sRGB
- Large Full HD screen suits general illustration.
- Pen input supports pressure-sensitive strokes.
- Wide stated color gamut suits colorful artwork.
- Full HD provides less detail than QHD or 4K displays.
Is the Huion Kamvas 22 Plus worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is worth considering for artists who want a larger pen display without prioritizing 4K resolution. The 21.5-inch Full HD panel, 8,192 pressure levels and stated 120% sRGB gamut cover common illustration and design needs.
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Which is better, Wacom Intuos Pro or XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium and XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro are better for different setups: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium has a screen-free surface, while XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro has a 23.8-inch QHD display. The Wacom is easier to fit into a compact desk and suits artists who already look at a separate monitor.
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is the more immersive choice for direct-on-screen drawing. Its 2560 x 1440 resolution and 20 shortcut keys suit artists who want a large canvas and quick access to tools. The trade-off is desk space and the need to connect a computer.
Choose Wacom Intuos Pro Medium for portability, a clean monitor-based workflow and eight ExpressKeys. Choose XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro for a large display and more physical controls. Neither product is a standalone computer, so check the computer connection and software requirements before choosing.
Do Wacom Intuos Pro and XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro need a computer?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium and XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro both need a computer to run drawing software, but only XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro includes a drawing screen. Wacom Intuos Pro Medium sends pen input to the computer while the artwork appears on a separate monitor.
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro connects as a pen display, letting the artist draw on the screen while the computer runs the application. That setup takes more desk room and usually involves display and data connections, depending on the computer and cable arrangement.
Before buying either model, check operating-system support, available ports and the required cables. Artists who want a standalone tablet that runs apps without a computer need a different category of device.
Is a 24-inch drawing display better than a screen-free tablet?
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro has a 23.8-inch screen, while Wacom Intuos Pro Medium has an 8.7 x 5.8-inch active area and no display. The larger screen gives artists a direct view of the pen tip and more room for artwork and application panels.
A screen-free tablet keeps the display separate and can support a smaller, lighter desk setup. Many artists value the hand-eye coordination of looking at a monitor while drawing on a tablet, while others prefer seeing the pen touch the image.
The XP-Pen display makes sense when workspace and direct drawing matter most. Wacom Intuos Pro Medium makes sense when portability, a separate monitor or a screen-free workflow matters more. The best choice is a workflow decision, not simply a screen-size contest.
What features matter most when comparing pen tablets?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium and XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro each offer 8,192 pen pressure levels, so screen type, workspace and shortcut controls are stronger differentiators than that shared number. Screen-free tablets are judged by active area; pen displays are judged by screen size and resolution.
Shortcut keys can speed up common tasks, but their value depends on whether an artist uses keyboard commands or custom controls. XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro has 20 shortcut keys; Wacom Intuos Pro Medium has eight ExpressKeys and a compact footprint.
Also compare connection options, computer compatibility, included accessories and desk ergonomics. A display tablet needs a comfortable viewing angle and enough room for its stand, while a screen-free tablet needs a monitor positioned for easy viewing.
Which tablet should you choose for Black Friday 2026?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is the practical pick for a compact screen-free setup, while XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is the better fit for artists who want a 23.8-inch drawing display. Both offer 8,192 pressure levels, so prioritize the work surface and workflow that suit your routine.
For a smaller display tablet, XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) gives artists a 15.4-inch Full HD drawing area. For higher resolution, Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) brings a 23.8-inch 4K screen. Wacom Intuos Pro Large expands the active area without adding a display.
Set a shortlist by desk space, display preference, computer ports and drawing software. Compare the exact model and included accessories when shopping, since similar product names can refer to different configurations.
Buying Guide
Choose screen-free or on-screen drawing
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is a screen-free tablet with 8,192 pressure levels, while XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is a 23.8-inch display. Pick based on whether you want to draw on a separate tablet surface or directly on the artwork.
Match the active area to your desk
Wacom Intuos Pro Large has a 12.1 x 8.4-inch active area, while Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is smaller at 8.7 x 5.8 inches. Larger pen displays also need room for the screen, stand and computer connections.
Compare screen resolution
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro has a 2560 x 1440 panel; Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) has a 3840 x 2160 panel. Higher resolution helps show fine detail, while Full HD can suit artists who prefer a simpler display setup.
Check shortcuts and connections
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro provides 20 shortcut keys, compared with eight ExpressKeys on Wacom Intuos Pro Medium. Confirm computer ports, supported software and cable needs before choosing a tablet for your workspace.
Consider portability and accessories
XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) has a 15.4-inch screen, a more compact option than a 23.8-inch display. Check whether the product listing includes the stand, pen, cables and other accessories needed for your intended setup.
FAQ
Is Wacom Intuos Pro better than XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is better for artists who want a compact screen-free tablet, while XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is better for direct-on-screen drawing. Both offer 8,192 pressure levels; the main difference is the display and workspace.
Does XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro work without a computer?
XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro needs a computer to run drawing software; its 23.8-inch screen is a pen display, not a standalone computer. Check computer compatibility and connection requirements before pairing the display with your setup.
Is Wacom Intuos Pro Medium good for beginners?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium suits beginners who want a screen-free drawing tablet and already have a computer and monitor. Its 8.7 x 5.8-inch active area and eight ExpressKeys provide a compact workspace, though drawing appears on a separate screen.
What is the best 24-inch drawing tablet for 4K?
Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) is the 4K option in this guide, with a 23.8-inch 3840 x 2160 display and 8,192 pressure levels. XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro has a similarly large screen but uses QHD resolution.
Should I choose a 16-inch or 24-inch drawing display?
XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) is a compact 15.4-inch Full HD display, while XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro offers a 23.8-inch QHD screen. Choose the smaller model for limited desk space and the larger model for a more expansive canvas.
Which Wacom Intuos Pro size should I buy?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium has an 8.7 x 5.8-inch active area for compact desks, while Wacom Intuos Pro Large has a 12.1 x 8.4-inch area for broader pen movements. Choose according to desk space and preferred drawing gestures.