If you are interested or have been thinking seriously about venturing into illustration and digital drawing for some time, surely more than one Facebook group or digital art forum will have told you over and over again that today, having an Best iPad for Drawing is the most recommended option for both beginners and professional artists.
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Logically, there are always very cheap alternatives for the most insecure, but if you are here, it is because you want to know which iPad to buy to draw . And that is precisely the question we will answer today:
We have searched among the cheapest Best iPad for Drawing options (by the standards of the brand that we already know they are not the most affordable) to propose a good option that allows you to start drawing on iPad as soon as possible .
Top 3 Best iPad for Digital Drawing
Let’s find out what each of these Apple tablets offers, and its compatibility with the brand’s stylus, a tool that will be essential for you to live a complete drawing experience with the iPad:
- Cheap Drawing iPad – Entry-level 2021 Model
- iPad Air to draw – 4th model. Generation
- iPad Pro for Drawing – Refreshed 2020 Model
| Feature |
Cheap Drawing iPad (9th Generation) |
iPad Air (4th Generation) |
iPad Pro (3rd Generation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2″ Retina display | 10.9″ Liquid Retina display | 11″ Liquid Retina XDR display |
| Resolution | 2160×1620 | 2388×1668 | 2388×1668 |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | M1 chip | M1 chip |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Camera | 8MP rear-facing camera, 12MP front-facing camera | 12MP rear-facing camera, 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera | 12MP ultrawide rear-facing camera, 10MP wide front-facing camera |
| Battery | 8,750 mAh | 7,656 mAh | 9,930 mAh |
| Operating system | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 15 |
1. Cheap Drawing iPad: Entry-level 2021 Model
We’ve seen our first choice as a good drawing iPad for beginners and students who can’t afford to spend a huge amount on this device.
Its 10.2-inch screen with Liquid Retina technology and True Tone is a true joy that will allow you to pay all the necessary attention to the details of your drawings . On the other hand, the iPadOS 15 system ensures its compatibility with all possible drawing apps for iPad.
This model is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil , which although it might seem like a mishap with a more advanced stylus model, in practice it will save us about 30$.
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Pros
- More than adequate size for drawing.
- Enough storage for art projects.
- USB-C port that allows you to connect a flash drive or external hard drive for extra storage.
- A13 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture for guaranteed performance.
Cons
- Does not include the Pencil with your purchase.
- The 256 GB version is at 520$, as there is no intermediate 128 GB.
2. iPad Air to draw: 4th model. Generation
The second option on our list is a model that barely reaches 11 inches, with a 10.9-inch diagonal screen, with True Tone and P3 color gamut, which translates into a screen with excellent sharpness, brightness and contrast. .
The 2020 iPad Air in its 64 GB version is priced at 607$ , which considering the size of its screen, the A14 Bionic processor and the possibility of editing 4K video (if you animate your creations this can be very convenient!) it is quite successful.
We also have compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil , which despite making the product a bit more expensive (this accessory costs approximately 133$), will save us the need to charge via USB-C, since the model is equipped with magnetic charging , that is, it will charge while in contact with the iPad.
Pros
- 10.9-inch screen of excellent quality.
- 64 GB basic storage, expandable via pen drive or HDD connected to USB-C.
- Compatible with Pencil 2, Smart Keyboard, and Magic Keyboard.
- Supports 4K video editing, thanks to the powerful A14 Bionic processor.
Cons
- Does not include the Pencil with the purchase.
- The model also does not have a 128 GB version.
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3. iPad Pro for Drawing: Refreshed 2020 Model
Lastly, if your desire is to Best iPad for Drawing like a professional, you should seriously consider this product that, despite being renewed, has all of Apple’s guarantees regarding its optimal condition and operation.
Considering that the 11-inch iPad Pro has a much higher price, this 12.9-inch iPad Pro is quite a bargain! For only 912$, you will have a Liquid Retina screen, with Pro Motion and True Tone: great screen size and quality for the best drawings and illustrations .
In addition, the 128 GB storage will allow you to store all your projects , no matter their weight. In any case, not to skimp, you can connect some kind of external storage drive through the USB-C port, or simply use cloud services,
Although this Best iPad for Drawing comes with an A12Z Bionic chip , coupled with iPadOS 12, we doubt that either technology will prevent you from installing all the drawing and illustration apps you want.
Needless to say, this iPad Pro is compatible with the 2nd Pencil. generation, with which you can get a lot out of this high-end tablet.
Pros
- Screen with premium level image quality, sharpness and colors.
- Powerful sound thanks to 4 stereo quality speakers and 5 microphones.
- It has Face ID authentication.
- Compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
Cons
- Does not include any accessories with your purchase.
- The availability of each storage version can vary, and therefore the cost.
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The essential accessory: Apple Pencil + Cheap alternatives
It’s a real shame that neither Apple nor Amazon offer iPad deals with a drawing pen . It will always be necessary to purchase this essential accessory for design and illustration separately.
Next, we will let you know both the characteristics of each of the original models so that you know the difference between Apple Pen 1 and 2, and some alternatives compatible with iPad, which are much cheaper:
| Feature |
Apple Pencil 1 |
Apple Pencil 2 |
Stylus CiSiRun 4 |
KXT Stylus for iPad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | iPad 6th generation or later | iPad Pro (11-inch) 2nd generation, iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 4th generation | iPad 6th generation or later, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad Mini 5th generation | iPad 6th generation or later, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad Mini 5th generation |
| Design | Retractable | Magnetic | Retractable | Retractable |
| Tip | 1.5mm rubber | 1.4mm force-sensing tip | 1.4mm rubber | 1.5mm rubber |
| Tilt support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure sensitivity | 1024 levels | 4096 levels | 1024 levels | 1024 levels |
| Latency | 20 milliseconds | 9 milliseconds | 20 milliseconds | 20 milliseconds |
| Battery life | 12 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours |
Apple Pencil 1
The first-generation stylus model is a slim and robust accessory that has a Lightning connector on the back to charge its battery. This stylus detects pressure levels and the degree of inclination, to vary the thickness of the strokes.
It also has built-in palm rejection technology, so you won’t have to worry about resting your hand on the iPad screen when drawing.
Compatibility
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 1st gen (2015)
- iPad Pro 9.7″ (2016)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 2nd gen (2017)
- iPad Pro 10.5″ (2017)
- iPad 6th gen (2018)
- iPad 7th gen (2019)
- iPad mini5 (2019)
- iPad Air 3rd gen (2019)
- iPad 8th gen (2020)
- iPad 9th gen (2021)
Apple Pencil 2
The 2nd generation model incorporates some improvements, it has a flat part that, in addition to preventing the pen from rolling when you place it on a smooth surface, also has the ability to change the function of the pen with a double tap of the finger :
That is, if you are drawing, the Pencil will alternately switch with each double tap to the function you used before the current one.
And if that wasn’t enough, it has a magnetic charge : in addition to avoiding losses because it will stay stuck to the side of the iPad, while it is there it will charge its battery so that you never run out of the possibility of using it.
Compatibility
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 3rd gen (2018)
- iPad pro 11″ 1st gen (2019)
- iPad pro 11″ 2nd gen (2020)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 4th gen (2020)
- iPad Air 4th gen (2020)
- iPad Pro 11″ 3rd gen (2021)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th gen (2021)
- iPad mini 6th gen (2021)
Stylus CiSiRun 4
For less than 30$, the 4th generation CiSiRun pen is presented as a compatible alternative, made of tempered glass, with Bluetooth connectivity, pressure sensitivity and change of functions with double touch .
It is compatible with all iPad models from 2018 to 2020, which includes:
- iPad 6th gen
- iPad 7th gen
- iPad 8th gen
- iPad 9th gen
- iPad mini5 (2019)
- iPad Air 3rd gen
- iPad Air 4th gen
- iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ (2018-2019-2020-2021)
Now that you know our iPad proposals for drawing, as well as the necessary accessories for your creations, we hope that
t you can already define if this is the type of tablet for drawing that you are looking for.
KXT Stylus for iPad
The KXT pen costs only 35$, and offers compatibility with a wide variety of iPads. Its construction is made of aluminum, and despite not having pressure sensitivity, it does have a tilt sensor that will allow the thickness of the strokes to be varied depending on the angle that we adopt with the hand.
On the other hand, it includes palm rejection and will adhere magnetically to the tablet, although charging is done via USB. Connectivity is via Bluetooth, although it will also work as a generic pen if it runs out of charge.
Its compatibility is guaranteed with the following models:
- iPad mini 5th
- iPad mini 6th gen
- iPad 6th gen
- iPad 7th gen
- iPad 8th gen
- iPad 9th gen
- iPad Air 3rd gen
- iPad Air 4th gen
- iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ (2018-2019-2020-2021)
Frequent Questions
We cannot leave without first answering the most frequently asked questions from users seeking information about the possibilities of an iPad for drawing:
What is the best iPad for drawing 2023?
Without a doubt, the best iPad for drawing in 2021 would be the basic iPad model, due to its excellent value for money. Now, if you can afford a higher investment, we would not hesitate to recommend the iPad Pro 2020, which, although it reaches 900 $, will ensure an artistic experience like no other.
What iPad is used to draw?
In general, any iPad will do for drawing, as long as it’s compatible with the Apple Pencil. Clearly, we do not recommend models from before 2015, since it is the moment from which the stylus that we mentioned emerged.
Our recommendation would be to choose the same for a Mini model or previous years if you have a tight budget, or go for a larger screen Air model, which will always be cheaper than an iPad Pro.
What is the cheapest iPad for drawing?
The cheapest iPad for drawing right now is the 2023 Apple iPad, which has a top price of $380, with a larger screen than the iPad Mini 5 (8.3-inch), which currently costs $550.
What is the iPad that comes with the pencil?
No iPad comes with a stylus included, it is always necessary to purchase the brand’s pencil or a compatible alternative separately. Now, all iPads from 2015 are compatible with one of the 2 existing Pencil models.
What is better for drawing iPad or tablet?
Determining which is better for drawing, whether iPad or tablet is very complicated: while the iPad is sure to provide an excellent drawing experience, the truth is that there are Android and Windows tablets that will also do it. A clear example is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Tab S7, or S7+ tablets, which together with the brand’s S-Pen provide an experience very similar to that of the iPad. On the other hand, Surface tablets with Windows and a compatible pen will be an ideal option if you prefer to use programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Corel Draw.
What do I need to use Procreate?
Procreate is by far the favorite iPad drawing app for beginners and professionals when it comes to illustrating, designing, or, in general, creating any type of image. It’s only compatible with iOS, Mac, and iPad, so you’ll need an iPad running iPadOS 14.4 or higher, or an iPhone running iOS 10 or higher.
What functions does the Apple Pencil have?
Apple Pencil has so many amazing features—from writing, selecting, and editing handwritten text, to turning it into digital text, to drawing with precision and pressure levels, and easily simulating the experience with paper and pen or brushes.
What to use if I don’t have Apple Pencil?
If you don’t have the Apple Pencil, don’t worry! You can use iOS-compatible styluses that, although they don’t have all the functions of the original model, will undoubtedly allow you to get much more out of it than drawing with your finger.
How to know which Apple Pencil I have?
The easiest way to determine your Apple Pencil model is by looking at the type of charge: if it has a Lightning USB port, it is version 1, while if it has a magnetic charge, it is version 2.
What iOS is needed for Procreate?
The latest version of Procreate is compatible with iOS 10.1 onwards, and iPadOS 14.4 onwards.
How much does the Procreate program cost?
Procreate has a one-time cost of $9.99, with a lifetime subscription. With this, you will access all the tools of the application, although there is also the option to make purchases within the app.