The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: iPad Pro (M4)
2. Best value: iPad Air (M1)
3. Most portable: iPad mini (2021)
4. Best price: iPad 10.9 (2022)
5. Best older iPad: iPad Pro (M2)
How to choose
How we test
FAQ
Choosing the best iPad for drawing can be confusing since there are so many models and configurations available. But it's worth making the effort, because modern iPads are a great choice for creating digital art. Slim and portable, they offer a fantastic alternative or compliment to the best drawing tablets, especially considering that you can also use them for other things besides drawing.
So which of the iPad generations is best for artists? The simple answer is the largest, newest iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil 2, but there are other things to consider, including portability and budget. We've reviewed and tested all current iPads on the market, including using them to drawing via various programs. That puts us in a good position to be able to recommend the best options for different needs. If you're primarily going to be using Procreate, then also check out our guide to the best iPads for Procreate.
Quick list
The new 2024 iPad Pro 13 is incredibly thin and fast and has the largest, best quality display on any iPad. We love the drawing on an iPad Pro, and it's just got better with the new Apple Pencil Pro.
Read more below
The mid-range M1 iPad Air is smaller and has a slightly dimmer display and a slower refresh rate, but it's coming in for some great deals now that there are newer models on the market.
Read more below
If you want to draw on the move, the mini is a wonderfully compact option with more than enough power for sketching, and it supports Apple Pencil 2.
Read more below
The 10th-gen standard iPad is a great value introduction to drawing on a tablet offering solid performance and a premium feel. The downside is that it supports Apple Pencil 1, not the second-gen stylus.
Read more below
A great way to get more bang for your buck is to opt for an older iPad model. This 2022 iPad Pro still holds up thanks to its M2 chip and Apple Pencil 2 support, and you might find a good discount.
Read more below
The best iPad for drawing in full
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The best iPad for drawing overall
01. iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the best iPad drawing experience: with its OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate and Apple Pencil Pro support, this is easily the best iPad display for drawing on.
✅ You want plenty of power for other tasks: the M4 chip is capable of much more than drawing, making the new iPad Pro an option for even complex video editing.
✅ You're a professional artist: the latest Pros may be overkill for beginners, but we think the benefits are worth the expense for pros.
❌ You're on a tight budget: This is Apple's most expensive tablet, and drawing on an iPad doesn't require this much power.
❌ You want a compact tablet: The new iPad Pros are very thin, but the 13 incher isn't the most compact for using on the go.
❌ You have an older Apple Pencil: The new iPad Pros aren't compatible with Apple Pencil 1 or 2; only with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C.
🔎 iPad Pro 13 (M4) provides a notable upgrade to the top-of-the range iPad, introducing OLED display technology, a faster processor and support for the new improved stylus, Apple Pencil Pro. It's expensive and more than many people will need for drawing, but the crisp, bright display make it the ultimate iPad for creative professionals. ★★★★★
What you need to know
Released in May 2024, the new iPad Pro 13 (M4, 2024) is a faster, thinner upgrade to Apple's flagship tablet. It features several improvements that offer benefits for drawing specifically: OLED screen technology for improved contrast and compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro. We haven't yet completed our full review, but based on our initial hands-on experience, we think it's the best iPad for drawing you can buy right now if we exclude cost as a variable.
Design and build: The new iPad Pro is thinner than previous iterations, and the 13-inch version also has a very slightly larger screen (there's also an 11-inch iPad Pro, but we think the 13-inch pro is the better size for drawing.). We found that despite being just 5.1mm thick, the tablet feels very robust. The size could be a drawback for anyone who wants a more discreet device (the base iPad or iPad mini is more comfortable for handheld use), but we find the larger screen more comfortable for drawing in most situations.
Display: With these new models, Apple has delivered one of the key things users were asking for: an iPad with an OLED display. Apple's calling it Tandem OLED since it's actually two OLED panels sandwiched together. Apple claims 1,000 nits of standard brightness and 1,600 nits of HDR brightness, the same as with the 2022 model, but based on our initial hands-on inspection, we think the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display looks even crisper than its predecessor, with outstanding contrast between darks and lights.
The refresh rate of up to 120Hz provided excellent responsiveness when we were able to test it drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro. In fact, the support for this new stylus is a reason in itself to choose the new iPad Pro as a tablet for drawing because the Apple Pencil Pro introduces some improvements of its own that can help speed up workflows. These include a new rotating barrel that can quickly changes the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools and the ability to squeeze the stylus to access tools and settings.
Performance: The new iPad Pros are simply the fastest Apple tablets yet, if not the fastest tablets from any brand. The 2022 models were already fast, blazing through all of our benchmark tests, but the new M4 chip looks to provide even more impressive performance. This power is much more than what you'll need for drawing alone, and the iPad Pro can easily handle much more demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D modelling. And with up to 2TB of storage available, there's no need to worry about file sizes.
Pricing: The only real downside is that the iPad Pro 13 is Apple's most expensive iPad to date, starting at $1,299 / £1,299. We highly recommend it for professional digital artists since we think the Apple Pencil Pro support, OLED screen and fast refresh rate all make it worth the extra outlay. However, if you're not a professional it's probably more than you need. Newcomers to digital art may be better going with the more affordable.
Read more: hands on with the new iPads
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | Sleek and super slim. | ★★★★★ |
| Display | The best display on an iPad for drawing and anything else... | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Super fast and supports Apple Pencil Pro. | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | The most expensive iPad. | ★★★★ |
The best value iPad for drawing
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're on a tighter budget: We're seeing some great deals on the 2022 iPad Air now that Apple has released new models for 2024.
✅ You want a more compact tablet: At 11in, the M1 Air is just that little bit more discreet and portable than the larger of the iPad Pros.
✅ You're happy with Apple Pencil 2: The new Apple Pencil Pro introduces handy time-saving features, but we have no complaints about the drawing experience with the second-gen pencil.
❌ You want the best display for drawing: The brighter OLED displays on the new Pros are noticeably crisper.
❌ You want Apple Pencil Pro: If you want the features of the afforded by the new stylus, you'll need a 2024 iPad Pro or Air.
❌ You want to replace your laptop: The M1 chip still has way more power than you need for drawing, but the 2022 Air isn't the best tablet if you also want to use heavier creative software.
🔎 iPad Air (M1) closed the gap on the previous generation of Pros thanks to the incorporation of Apple's M1 chip. With a compact design and Apple Pencil 2 support, it remains a great option for drawing at a more accessible price. ★★★★½
What you need to know: Apple also has new iPad Airs for 2024. Powered with the M2 chip, the Air now comes in two sizes 11 inches and 13 inches like its Pro sibling, and they both support Apple Pencil Pro. However, we think the 2022 M1-powered iPad Air is currently a strong contender as the best value iPad for drawing since it's coming in for some steep discounts.
Design and build: Compared with the 13-inch iPad Pro, the 5th gen iPad Air is a lighter, more portable device that still feels very robust and premium with its sleek aluminium finish. It has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port for max speeds of 10Gbps (that compares to 40Gbps on the Pad Pro's Thunderbolt 4) while the front camera is 12MP like the Pro.
Display: In our review, we noted that screen resolution is comparable to previous Pro models while backlighting is even and colour-accurate, making it a great choice for visual creative work, including drawing. The drawbacks are lower brightness levels compared to the Pro's Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, and a refresh rate of 60Hz (compared to the Pro's 120Hz), which may cause some delay in the display of strokes when drawing.
Performance: The 2022 tablet has the disadvantage of not supporting Apple Pencil Pro, but we should point out than until the appearance of this new stylus, we had no complaints with the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, which continues to deliver an exceptional drawing experience. In terms of processing power, this Air isn't the best option for those who want a tablet that they can also use for more demanding tasks such as video editing, but for drawing, the M1 chip is plenty powerful.
Pricing: If you're looking for a tablet with a larger screen and more power than the iPad mini, but without the hefty price tag of the iPad Pro, the 2022 iPad Air is definitely worth considering. However it's only worth it if you get a deal because the new 2024 iPad Air 11 has the same starting price. The best prices we have seen so far were $399 in the US and £524 in the UK l (we've linked to both iterations in the price list below).
Read more: iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | Sleek and super slim | ★★★★★ |
| Display | Not as bright or responsive as the new iPad Pro but still looks great. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | The M1 chip is enough for drawing software. | ★★★★ |
| Pricing | Well priced with discounts available. | ★★★★★ |
The best iPad for sketching on the move
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Portability is paramount: The iPad mini is easy to carry in a bag or even a large pocket and whip out for sketching when inspiration strikes.
✅ You're not bothered about the latest features: The mini hasn't been updated since 2021 and it doesn't support the new Apple Pencil Pro.
✅ You're looking for a bargain: Since it's getting on a bit, you'll almost definitely be able to find a discount on the recommended retail price.
❌ You want lots of space to draw: A small tablet is great for sketching on the go, but a small screen can be more difficult to draw on.
❌ You want the best display: At 520 nits, the mini is considerably less bright than the latest Pros, and it doesn't have the improved contrast of Tandem OLED tech.
❌ You want massive power: While it's more powerful than the entry-level iPad, the mini isn't a device for running the most demanding creative software.
🔎 iPad mini (2021) has clear pros and cons for drawing mainly related to its size. It supports Apple Pencil 2 rather than the 1st gen stylus and it can be great for sketching on the go, but the canvas size can feel limiting. ★★★★½
What you need to know
The iPad Mini hasn't been updated since 2021, but we think the 6th generation model remains a great choice for artists who travel a lot or just want a portable device that lets them doodle and sketch wherever they find themselves. It still offers higher specs than the entry level iPads.
Design and build: The big iPad Pros aren't the most comfortable option if you want to work on the move, such as on public transport, for example. We found the mini to be wonderfully compact, suitable for carrying anywhere since it can fit neatly into a small bag (read our guide to the best iPad cases)
Display: The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen offers a crisp resolution at 1488 x 2266 pixels. Of course, the downside of the screen size is less space to work with. If you're looking to replace your Wacom drawing tablet then this isn't for you. But, if you want a tablet to doodle on or sketch digitally, and then transfer those rough ideas to a large drawing tablet, it could be ideal.
Performance: The iPad Mini hasn't been updated for a few years now, but it still performs well, providing more than enough power for sketching and more. It's more powerful than the base iPad 10 (see below), and, unlike the standard iPad, it supports Apple Pencil 2 rather the first-gen Pencil. In our review, we found that Apple's claims of 10 hours of battery life were accurate, so you should have no problem drawing for several hours while on the move before needing to find a power socket. There's up to 256GB of native storage space, which is probably more than enough if for drawing.
Pricing: Now three year's old, the iPad mini is regularly discounted with around $100 / £100 knocked off the price at third-party retailers. That takes the price down to around $399 / $499. That's less than the sale prices that we've been seeing on the 2022 iPad Air.
Read more: Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | Great size for using on the go but a bit small for drawing. | ★★★ |
| Display | Responsive display is compatible with Apple Pencil 2. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Still more powerful than the base iPad. | ★★★★ |
| Pricing | Reasonable price if you find a discount. | ★★★★ |
The best budget iPad for drawing
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're getting started: If you're new to digital drawing, the entry-level iPad combined with the first-gen Apple Pencil is everything you need to get started.
✅ You don't need the newest features: Even if you're not a newbie, the Pros and Airs may be more than you need if you only draw for a hobby.
✅ You're on a tight budget: The entry-level iPad has an attractive price and remains a solid device for general browsing and entertainment.
❌ You want the smoothest drawing experience: a lower refresh rate means the drawing response can sometimes lag slightly.
❌ You want a more advanced stylus: The 10th-gen iPad supports Apple Pencil 1, which lacks some of the enhancements and time-saving features of Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro.
❌ You want to do other work on your device: The basic iPad is fine for general browsing and office tasks, but it's not going to hack professional creative apps.
🔎 iPad 10 (2022) is a great introduction to drawing on a tablet. We were disappointed that it only supports the older first-gen Apple Pencil, which means missing out on some more advanced features, but it's a great value tablet for anyone who draws as a hobby. ★★★★½
What you need to know
Apple gave the basic iPad a refresh in 2022, upgrading the chipset for better performance and adding an improved rear camera. The result is a reasonably priced iPad that has a more premium feel than its predecessor and great colour options too.
Design and build: The 10th-generation iPad is slightly larger than the 9th-gen iteration, and that extra 0.7 inches can make all the difference for a comfortable drawing experience. It also comes in a variety of bright colours. When we reviewed it, we thought it felt more premium than its predecessor, with the robust build standing up to some enthusiastic colouring from our reviewer's young son.
Display: The display is notably dimmer than the Pros, but we still found it to be a pleasure to draw on even outside. We do wish Apple could have found room to include Pencil 2 support. The first Apple Pencil is a fine stylus and does the job well enough, but the lack of built-in controls makes it less efficient to use when copared to the second-generation model, while the introduction of USB-C charging ports on this iPad means that you need to buy an additional adapter to charge it (note that Apple has since launched a USB-C Apple pencil, but this cheaper stylus has no pressure sensitivity, which is desirable for drawing).
Performance: Like the more expensive iPad models, this tablet includes True Tone support, which is Apple's technology that adjusts colour balance depending on the quality of light in the room. When we reviewed it, we found that battery life was generally good too, while the new A14 chip provides a small but noticeable speed boost in operation.
Pricing: Despite the missed opportunity to provide support for Apple Pencil 2, we think the 10th-gen iPad is a solid value tablet for drawing and for more general use too. Depending on the deals available, the price is sometimes very close to the iPad mini above, in which case your choice really comes down the size you prefer and whether you want to go with the mini for Apple Pencil 2 support.
Read more: iPad 2022 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | An improvement on the base iPad with a few quirks. | ★★★★ |
| Display | Perfectly good enough for beginners. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Won't handle demanding creative apps, but drawing presents no problem. | ★★★ |
| Pricing | Great price. | ★★★★★ |
The best last-gen iPad for drawing
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You have the time to hunt for a deal: New M4 iPad Pros for 2024 mean there's potential for some good discounts on the last generation, particularly on higher configurations.
✅ You want a bright screen: Although it's not OLED, the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9 boasts the same peak brightness as this year's new model.
✅ You're not bothered about the features of Apple Pencil Pro: The previous generation iPad Pros support Apple Pencil 2, so you don't get to use the new stylus with its rotating barrel.
❌ You want Apple Pencil Pro: Apple's newest stylus features time-saving features such as it squeeze function and rolling barrel.
❌ You want the best display possible: The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro had the best screen on an iPad but it's been beaten by this year's devices which provide even better contrast.
❌ You can't find a deal: We think it's only worth going for the older iPad Pro over this year's new model if you find a saving of around $200 / £200.
🔎 iPad 12.9 (M2) is a still a very powerful tablet, second only to this year's new M4-chipped iteration. It can easily power much more than drawing, but it's only worth buying over the new model if you find a significant saving (see prices below). ★★★★½
What you need to know
If you fancy a 13-inch iPad Pro for that big, bright screen for drawing on, but don't like the price tag of the new M4-chipped 2024 devices, there's always the option of looking out for a good deal on the 2022 M2 iPad Pro. You miss out on the OLED screen and Apple Pencil Pro, but the performance of the M2 chip vs M4 probably won't to be noticeable for drawing.
Design and build: When we did our original review of this tablet on release, we gave the device 4.5 stars, and we think it's still a fantastic machine worth of any creative. Build-wise, the tablet pretty is thicker than the new model and very slightly heavier. It has the front-facing camera on the portrait side rather than the landscape side of the device, which we found to be awkward for video calls since it's not conducive to use docked in a keyboard. Again, if you're looking for a smaller display, there's also an 11-inch iPad Pro M2. However, I personally prefer the larger screen for artwork and think it's the main advantage of going for a Pro.
Display: Until the release of this year's Pros, this was the best screen on an iPad, boasting what Apple called Liquid Retina XDR technology. This provided improved brightness and detail in dark areas, and indeed this provides the same peak brightness of the new model at 1600 nits. That said, the newer iPad's Tandem OLED display provides for still better contrast, and it supports Apple Pencil Pro with the advantages that come with that (see our top pick above). I
Performance: It's not the M4, but the M2 chip is still very fast by today's standards, and can easily handle drawing, as well as much more intensive creative work, such as video editing and motion design. We found stylus performance to be excellent, providing a smooth and efficient drawing experience thanks to the 2nd generation Apple Pencil's touch controls.
Pricing: Going for an older iPad doesn't always make sense since since the starting price of new models tends to be around the same as the previous generation. However, in the case of the iPad Pro 13 there was a $200 / £200 jump in the starting price for the 2024 iteration because the cheapest configuration (128GB SSD) has been dropped, with storage now starting at 256GB. We think that for the older device to be worth buying over this year's model, you need to hold out for a saving of around $200 on top of that since there's every change the new iPad Pro could have discounts of up to $100 in its first year. Some third-party retailers do sometimes still have stock of new models, and going for a renewed device is also an option for further savings.
Read more: iPad Pro 2022 (M2) review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | Thicker than the new Pro, but it's hardly bulky. | ★★★★ |
| Display | The display is looks fantastic. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Plenty of power for drawing software and much more besides. | ★★★★ |
| Pricing | Only makes sense if you find a discount that makes it significantly cheaper than the new M4 models. | ★★★★ |
How to choose the best iPad for drawing
Ultimately, the best iPad for drawing is going to depend on the individual needs of the artist, and there's no objectively right or wrong answer. Here are some key factors to think about when selecting your iPad for drawing.
Screen size: How much screen do you need when drawing? Larger iPads naturally have larger screens, which gives you more space but also makes the tablet less portable and heavier to carry around, which arguably defeats the purpose of having a portable drawing tool. Then again, if you're going to leave the iPad at home or in the studio, portability doesn't matter. Personally, I prefer the 11 or 12.9-inch displays ideal. At 10.2 inches, the 9th-gen standard iPad is too small for my liking, but I also know artists who love using the iPad mini for sketching.
Processing power: Newer iPads have faster processors and are capable of handling more complex tasks without stutter or slowdown. Drawing is not the most intensive task that an iPad can perform, so this is not necessarily a very important factor. However, if you are working with very high resolution files, or if you want to use you iPad for other creative work as well as drawing, then it's going to be very important that your tablet has enough power to load and display files efficiently.
Stylus compatibility: Different iPads are compatible with different versions of the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil 2 is the superior stylus, with on-pen controls, but it's also more expensive and works with the more expensive iPads, so it's up to you whether you can justify the outlay. Read our guide to Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil 2 for more details here.
Price: iPads are expensive, especially the Pros. Your budget may dictate what you have to choose from to an extent. A good way to expand your options is to keep an eye out for the latest sales and offers. We're currently updating our guide to the best iPad deals, which is a good place to start.
How we test the best iPads for drawing
We test and review all the latest Apple products here at CreativeBloq, which means we have a lot of experience in using Apple devices for creative work, including for drawing. Our reviewers are experts in their field. Many of them are working creatives and have years of experience reviewing iPad and other tablets (for more details, see How we test and review on CreativeBloq.)
The iPads on this list have been tested and rated by our team of expert reviewers, after weeks of use. We put them through a series of benchmark tests but also real-world situations, using them for a range of tasks, including drawing via different iPad art apps, including Procreate.
We evaluated the drawing experience using an Apple stylus, and compared specs, including screen size and resolution, RAM and storage size. We considered the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet and factored in the cost to make recommendations for a range of budgets.
The best iPads for drawing: FAQ
Which iPad is best for drawing?
If price is no object, then the latest iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) is ideal. The screen size is perfect, it's packed with storage and RAM and can run any app you'll need for digital art, including the upcoming Procreate Dreams animation app.
If price is an issue, I'd recommend the older iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021), which is still more than fast enough for drawing and has the same large, bright display and Apple Pencil 2 support. It's sometimes possible to find good discounts.
How do I find my iPad generation?
You can find your iPad generation by looking on the back of the iPad for an etched model number starting with 'A'. Then visit the Apple support website and look up your model number.
Do professional artists use iPads?
Yes, absolutely. Many pro artists and animators use iPads, but how they use them can differ. Some artists only use iPads and create art using Procreate. But many complement their best Wacom tablets with an iPad, working between the two. This may mean using an iPad to sketch and create ideas before finishing in Photoshop or one of the best digital art softwares.
Is Procreate exclusive to iPad?
Yes, Procreate has been developed exclusively to run on Apple iPads, meaning it runs on all iPad generations released in the last ten years. (obviously the newer iPads work better these days). Start now by reading our Procreate tutorials and our quick advice feature, 'My 5 Procreate tips'. On 22 November a new animation edition releases, read our guide 'Procreate Dreams: everything you need to know' for more.
Can I make my iPad better for drawing?
Some of the best Pad accessories can improve your experience drawing with an iPad. My personal favourites are the Astropad Slate, a large drawing stand that the iPad sits into to give it a larger work area, and secondly is Rock, Paper, Pencil (also from Astropad), this textured display cover offers a paper-like feel, protects your iPad screen and comes with hard-wearing Apple Pencil 2 nibs.
What is the ideal GB for drawing on iPad?
For many artists, their drawing files won't be huge, but they may create a lot of them, so most people will want a reasonable level of storage unless you know that you'll always be saving to the cloud. You'll also need storage space for whatever apps you use. I'd suggest at least 128GB as a minimum.
Can iPad replace a drawing tablet?
Yes, your iPad can replace a drawing tablet but you need to remember that iPads only run iPad OS apps. A drawing tablet, meanwhile, can be connected to a laptop to run desktop software, including the best Adobe software. Some, like the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13, even run Window natively.
That said, there are apps that enable you to connect your iPad to a computer and mirror the display in order to use desktop software. Read our guide, How to use an iPad as a drawing tablet with a PC for advice on this, and see our piece on iPad Vs drawing tablets for a full comparison.
What's the best drawing iPad with a pen?
Technically, none of them as iPads don't come with an pen stylus; you need to add it on at checkout or buy one separately. All recent iPads support either Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2, and newer iPads also support the newly released cheaper USB-C Apple Pencil. Read our guide to the best tablet for drawing with pen and stylus for more details.
There are also some excellent Apple Pencil alternatives. My picks would be the Logitech Crayon (2023), which was designed and developed for digital artists.
