What is the Best iPad for Drawing in 2024?

The iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) is at the top of my list, and can do a lot more, running all the drawing and art apps, and will soon include the 3D sculpting app ZBrush for iPad.

Best iPad for Drawing in 2024

1. iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)

The latest 13-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad for artists. It’s the most powerful tablet Apple has ever made, with a better display, M4 chip, Face ID support, and more. With an OLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and Apple Pencil Pro support, it’s the best iPad display for drawing.

The M4 chip can do a lot more than just drawing, making the new iPad Pro a great option for complex video editing as well. The iPad Pro 13 (M4) offers a notable upgrade to the top-of-the-line iPad, with OLED display technology, a faster processor, and support for the new improved stylus, the Apple Pencil Pro. It’s expensive and more expensive than many people need for drawing, but the sharp, bright display makes it the ultimate iPad for creative professionals.

The new iPad Pro 13 (M4, 2024), released in May 2024, is a faster and thinner upgrade to Apple’s flagship tablet. It has several improvements that benefit drawing in particular. OLED screen technology for improved contrast and compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro. I haven’t done a full review yet, but based on my initial hands-on experience, I think this is the best iPad for drawing right now, cost aside.

The new iPad Pro is thinner than its predecessor, and the 13-inch version has a slightly larger screen (there’s also an 11-inch iPad Pro, but I think the 13-inch Pro is a better size for drawing). At just 5.1mm thick, the tablet feels very solid. The size might be a drawback for those who want a more discreet device (the basic iPad or iPad mini are more comfortable to handhold), but in most situations, the larger screen is more comfortable for drawing.

With this new model, Apple has given users one of the key features they’ve been asking for: an iPad with an OLED display. Apple calls it Tandem OLED, because it’s actually two OLED panels sandwiched together.

Apple claims the same 1,000 nits of standard brightness and 1,600 nits of HDR brightness as the 2022 model, but our initial hands-on inspection suggests that the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display looks sharper than its predecessor, with excellent contrast between dark and bright areas.

The refresh rate of up to 120Hz also provided excellent responsiveness when we were able to test it out while drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro. In fact, support for this new stylus is the very reason why the new iPad Pro is the tablet of choice for drawing, as the Apple Pencil Pro introduces some of its own improvements that help speed up your workflow.

These include a new rotating barrel that lets you quickly change the orientation of the Shape Pen and Brush tools, and the ability to access tools and settings by squeezing the stylus.

The new iPad Pro is the fastest Apple tablet ever released, and it’s not the fastest tablet from any brand. The 2022 model is already fast and passed all our benchmark tests, but the new M4 chip looks set to deliver even more impressive performance.

That’s more than enough power for drawing, and the iPad Pro can easily handle much more demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. With up to 2TB of storage, you don’t have to worry about file sizes.

The only downside is that the iPad Pro 13 is Apple’s most expensive iPad yet, starting at $1,299. I would highly recommend it to professional digital artists, as the Apple Pencil Pro support, OLED screen, and fast refresh rate make it worth the extra cost.

However, unless you’re a professional, it’s probably more than you need. Beginners to digital art are better off opting for the cheaper option.

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2. iPad Air 6 M2 (2024)

The iPad Air 6 is sandwiched between the affordable 10th-generation iPad and the extra screen real estate offered by the iPad Pro lineup. It’s the best iPad for most people. When we reviewed the iPad Air 5, we found that the 10.9-inch screen was a great size for drawing and painting, and it was also great for photo editing.

That will likely continue with the new 6th-generation model, which now offers a choice of 11-inch and 13-inch models, as it has for some time in the Pro tier.

That means artists who might have previously opted for the 13-inch iPad Pro because of its size can now opt for the more affordable 13-inch Air. It doesn’t have the ProMotion OLED display, but it’s still a fantastic display.

For artists, the iPad Air 6 also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, so you won’t miss out on any new features. Unlike the cheaper iPad models (except the latest iPad mini), which only support the first-generation Apple Pencil, the iPad Air 6 has all the benefits of the sensitivity and functionality that the Pro offers.

However, it doesn’t support the first or second-generation Apple Pencil, so if you’re using one of those models, you’ll need to upgrade to the Apple Pencil Pro or a USB-C model. With the iPad Air 6, you get a device that offers a great balance of screen size, performance, and price.

The iPad Air 6 is powered by the M2 chip we saw in the previous-generation iPad Pro. This is still a powerful processor, making the iPad Air 6 extremely responsive and fast no matter what you use it for. For many, it’s the perfect mobile artistic platform.

The Air also has a laminated True Tone display, which combines the iPad’s touch layer and LCD display layer into a single piece, with no gap between them. This means better overall quality than a non-laminated display, with better images and a more vibrant color range. True Tone adjusts the temperature of the display to match the lighting in the room you’re sitting in, making it look like the room you’re sitting in is lit up.

It’s not too harsh, which is great for artists, but you can always disable it via Control Center. Another detail missing is Touch ID. Instead of offering Face ID, Touch ID is built into the power button on the top of the iPad. That might be useful for some, but it’ll feel like a step backwards for most people who are used to using Face ID.

The iPad Air 6 also doesn’t have a ProMotion display, so you don’t get the smooth display with a full 120Hz refresh rate like the iPad Pro range. It also doesn’t have the same four-speaker system or updated camera array as the iPad Pro.

Despite these shortcomings, the iPad Air 6 is still a great deal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a ton of money. At $599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model, it’s $400 cheaper than the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro M4, which is easily accessible with the Apple Pencil Pro and more. If you don’t need some of the “pro” features that the iPad Pro offers, the iPad Air 6 is a clear winner for artists. It’s a compelling choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend more than they need.

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3. iPad Pro M4 2024 (11-inch)

The 11-inch 2024 iPad Pro is similar to the larger model as expected, but for artists, it’s a bit different in size, so we’ve split it into two. One of the key advantages of the 11-inch iPad Pro over the 13-inch model is that it offers the same OLED display technology as the new 13-inch Pro while still being portable.

This wasn’t the case with the previous generation iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Apple just started rounding up the numbers) featured a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, while the 11-inch model stuck with the regular Liquid Retina display. Now, the only difference is the size, so HDR content and regular colors and blacks will look just as great on both iPad Pros.

Although it’s less spacious than the 13-inch tablet, the 11-inch iPad Pro is a great size for drawing, editing photos, or other artistic pursuits.

It also has the M4 chip found in the larger model, 8GB of RAM for the 128/256/512GB models, and 16GB of RAM for the 1TB/2TB options. Both models offer the same 10-hour battery life, Center Stage-capable camera, and the same iPadOS experience. For now, the only difference is the size.

In an ideal world, you’d opt for the larger screen, but if portability is your thing, it’s still a great, powerful choice. Naturally, the 11-inch model is cheaper.

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4. iPad Pro 11-inch M2

The 11-inch iPad Pro M2 is one of the fastest, most powerful, and most stylish iPads ever, and that’s a good thing. It’s cheaper than its 12.9-inch sibling, but it’s still big enough to draw with. The smaller display makes it more portable and improves battery life.

You get the incredible performance and efficiency of the M2 processor, and it supports Apple Pencil hover. This incredibly useful feature lets artists preview changes before they’re made. You can bundle the original Apple Pencil or a new version with the tablet for a bundle price, and there are a variety of customization options.

You can add up to 2 terabytes of memory, cellular connectivity, an Apple Care package, and more. If the price tag is going up but you’re missing the features you need, you should consider buying it before adding it to your cart.

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5. iPad Air (M1, 2022)

With the iPad Air (5th generation), you get a powerful processor that can handle your workload as an artist. It uses the same M1 chip found in the iPad Pro and Mac, taking portable work to a new level. It also boasts great battery life and works great on the go.

If you’re a college student who’s constantly on the move or someone who likes to draw during their commute or downtime, this iPad is the one for you. It may not have the most advanced specs, but it’s capable of holding its own and delivering top-notch performance.

Apple also released a new iPad Air for 2024. Powered by the M2 chip, the Air now comes in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—just like its Pro sibling, and both support the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the 2022 M1-based iPad Air is available at a huge discount, so I think it’s a strong contender as the best-value iPad for drawing right now.

Compared to the 13-inch iPad Pro, the 5th-generation iPad Air is a lighter and more portable device, but still feels very solid and premium with its sleek aluminum finish. It has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port that offers speeds of up to 10Gbps (compared to 40Gbps on the Thunderbolt 4 on the Pad Pro), and the front-facing camera is the same 12MP as the Pro.

The 2022 tablet has the downside of not supporting the Apple Pencil Pro, but until this new stylus was released, I had no complaints about the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, and it still offers a great drawing experience. In terms of processing power, this Air isn’t the best option for those who want a tablet that can handle more demanding tasks like video editing, but for drawing, the M1 chip is plenty powerful.

In our review, we found that the screen resolution is similar to the previous Pro models, and the backlight is uniform and colors are accurate, making it great for visual creative work, including drawing. The downside is that the brightness level is lower than the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display on the Pro, and the refresh rate is 60Hz (compared to 120Hz on the Pro), which can cause a slight delay in strokes when drawing.

If you’re looking for a tablet with a larger screen and better performance 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 discount, as the new 2024 iPad Air 11 starts at the same price. The cheapest we’ve seen so far is $399 in the US and £524 in the UK (both versions are linked in the price list below).

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6. iPad 10th Generation (2022)

The latest entry-level iPad is still a great choice for artists looking for the best iPad for drawing. While it lacks the performance of the iPad Air or iPad Pro, it has a great feature set for anyone who likes to draw on the go. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous entry-level iPad, but it’s a worthwhile investment.

There’s an A14 Bionic chip under the hood, which gives it more processing power to help with drawing apps. There’s also a bit more RAM and slightly better graphics performance.

The iPad’s biggest upgrade is its larger 10.9-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPad Air, and it’s big, colorful, and bright. Even without the HDR you’ll find on the iPad Pro, your drawings will shine here. It’s not a laminated screen, so colors may be a bit more washed out, but it’s more than enough for general sketching.

Those who notice these things will probably be able to detect the sound of the stylus tapping against the tablet better than they would on a laminated screen.

It’s not compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, but it is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil USB-C.

It’s also a bit more expensive than the previous model, at around $130. It’s not a slouch, but it does come with enough extra features to justify the cost. Either way, it’s an amazing tablet for drawing.

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7. iPad Mini (2021)

The iPad mini can easily fit in your bag or large pocket and be taken out to sketch when inspiration strikes. The iPad mini (2021) has some clear pros and cons for drawing, mainly when it comes to size. It supports the Apple Pencil 2 instead of the 1st-generation stylus, which is great for sketching on the go, but the canvas size can be limited.

The iPad mini hasn’t been updated since 2021, but I still think the 6th-generation model is a great choice for artists who travel a lot or want a portable device for doodling and sketching anywhere. It still has better specs than the entry-level iPad.

The now three-year-old iPad mini is regularly discounted by third-party retailers for around $100/£100 off, bringing the price down to around $399/$499 – which is lower than the sale price we saw for the 2022 iPad Air.

The larger iPad Pro isn’t the most comfortable option if you want to work on the go, such as on public transportation. I found the mini to be very compact and fits neatly into a small bag, making it a great choice for carrying around with you wherever you go (see our guide to the best iPad cases).

The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen offers a sharp resolution of 1488 x 2266 pixels. Of course, the downside to the screen size is that it leaves less room to work. If you’re looking to replace your Wacom drawing tablet, this isn’t the product for you. However, if you need a tablet to doodle or sketch digitally and then transfer those rough ideas onto a larger drawing tablet, this could be ideal.

The iPad Mini hasn’t been updated in a few years, but it’s still a solid performer and offers plenty of power for sketching and more. It’s more powerful than the standard iPad 10 and unlike the standard iPad, it supports the Apple Pencil 2 rather than the 1st-generation Pencil. Our review found that Apple’s claimed 10-hour battery life is accurate, so you’ll have no trouble drawing for hours before needing to find a power socket on the go. There’s up to 256GB of built-in storage, so you’ll have plenty of room for drawing.

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How to choose the best iPad for drawing?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best iPad for drawing, including whether it supports Apple Pencil 2.

Ultimately, the best iPad for drawing will depend on the individual needs of the artist, and there is no objective right or wrong answer. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an iPad for drawing:

Screen size

A larger iPad naturally offers more space because of its larger screen, but it also makes the tablet harder to carry and heavier, defeating the purpose of having a portable drawing tool. However, if you leave your iPad at home or in your studio, portability is not a concern. Personally, I prefer an 11-inch or 12.9-inch display. The standard 9th-generation iPad at 10.2 inches is too small for my tastes, but I know artists who like to use an iPad mini for sketching.

Processing power

Newer iPads have faster processors and can handle more complex tasks without stuttering or slowing down. Drawing is not the most intensive task an iPad can perform, so this isn’t necessarily a factor. However, if you’re working with very high-resolution files or plan on using your iPad for other creative tasks in addition to drawing, you’ll want to make sure your tablet has enough power to efficiently load and display files.

Stylus Compatibility

Different iPads are compatible with different versions of the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil 2 is a better stylus with pen control, but it’s more expensive and compatible with more expensive iPads, so whether you can justify the cost is up to you. For more information, read our guide to the Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 here.

Battery Life and Charging Options

All the latest generation iPads are rated by Apple for the same 10-hour battery life. However, actual battery life varies greatly depending on what you’re doing. The latest M1 and M2 processors are very efficient, but the extra power means that sustained heavy loads will drain the battery faster than sporadic, light tasks on older iPad designs.

You should also consider your charging cable. All newer iPads use a standard USB-C port for charging, so they’re compatible with other USB-C smartphone chargers and Thunderbolt accessories. Older iPads, however, use Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning connector and have plenty of chargers handy, this might not be a big deal, but if you’re trying to move all your devices to USB-C, it’s not.

Price

Price and budget considerations: The latest generation of high-end iPads can cost well over $1,000, and some can cost over $2,000 with the most storage available. Apple charges a lot for internal storage, so consider buying the base configuration and upgrading it with a large, fast external drive.

Or you can get an iPad for much less. For example, the 9th-generation iPad costs just a few hundred dollars. That’s a sacrifice you’ll have to make to get that lower price, which may or may not be important to you.

Other considerations

The tech world moves quickly. When choosing an iPad, consider its potential to adapt to upcoming software and hardware upgrades. For example, the nano-texture display on the premium iPad Pro models suggests that Apple is considering improving the drawing experience, which could impact app development in the future.

FAQs

Which iPad is best for drawing?

If price isn’t an issue, the latest iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) is ideal. It has the perfect screen size, plenty of storage and RAM, and can run all the apps you need for digital art, including the upcoming Procreate Dreams animation app.

How do I find my iPad generation?

You can find your iPad generation by looking at the model number on the back of your iPad, which starts with an ‘A’. Then visit the Apple Support website to find your model number.

Do professional artists use iPads?

Yes, of course. Many professional artists and animators use iPads, but they may use them differently. Some artists use iPads exclusively and use Procreate to create their art. However, many artists add an iPad to their best Wacom tablet and work between the two. This may mean using the iPad to sketch and create ideas before finalizing them in Photoshop or one of the best digital art software.

Why would you want an iPad specifically for drawing?

The iPad is generally one of the best tablets for drawing, and it’s great for that. The iPadOS platform has a variety of interesting and useful creative apps, some of which aren’t available anywhere else. The iPad also supports Apple’s excellent Pencil and Pencil 2 styluses, which are among the best ways to draw on any type of tablet.

Some Apple tablets also feature the powerful M1 and M2 processors, which offer great performance and battery life—a combination that’s hard to find on Android or Windows-based tablets. If you haven’t decided to buy an iPad yet, check out our list of the best tablets for 2024.

Which iPad generation is best for drawing?

The best iPad generation for drawing is the iPad Pro 13. Its M4 chip, OLED screen, and advanced stylus support make it one of the best iPads on the market for drawing and art. However, if you’re looking at your budget and needs, the iPad Air (2024) and iPad (2022) are also great options.

Which iPad do most digital artists use?

The iPad Pro series is favored by many professional digital artists. Its massive display, pressure sensitivity, and other advanced features make it a perfect fit for demanding workflows. However, the iPad Air is also popular with those who value a balance of portability and performance.

What kind of iPad do I need for Procreate?

Surprisingly, Procreate is compatible with all existing iPad models thanks to the enhanced iPadOS. However, the experience varies depending on the iPad model. This is why the iPad Pro or iPad Air are ideal for the best Procreate experience, as they can handle larger projects with their faster processors and faster RAM.

Is the iPad Pro better than the iPad for drawing?

Generally speaking, yes. The iPad Pro line is aimed at professionals and has options that help make drawing easier. The 120Hz ProMotion display reduces latency, so your strokes appear instantly. The M-series chips also handle resource-intensive tasks with ease, while improved stylus support provides more delicate control. However, the iPad Air closes the gap considerably.

Is a 128GB iPad Pro enough for digital art?

It really depends on your work style. If you regularly export and archive your work, a 128GB iPad Pro should be plenty. However, high-resolution or multi-layer electronic art files can be large. Apps like Procreate can also take up a lot of space. For professionals or those working on multiple projects simultaneously on one device, 256GB or more is recommended. Fortunately, the iPad Pro’s 2TB option is a great fit for those who need a lot of storage.

How do I set up my iPad for drawing?

Setting up your iPad is pretty simple. If it’s brand new, just charge it, turn it on, and follow the on-screen instructions to get it ready to go. If you want to use an Apple Pencil or another stylus, turn it on and plug it in, or pair it using Bluetooth like any other Bluetooth accessory.

How much does an iPad cost for drawing?

iPads range in price from a few hundred dollars for an entry-level model to over $2,000 for a flagship model with plenty of storage. Still, you can get a really nice iPad for around $600, especially if you’re considering a refurbished or refurbished model. Apple has a wide selection of its own first-party refurbished products in its stores.

You can also save money by configuring your iPad with less internal storage. An iPad Pro with only a few hundred gigabytes of storage costs about $1,000 less than the same model with 2TB of storage.

How do I connect my iPad to another device to draw?

To connect another device to your iPad, simply connect it with a cable or pair it using Bluetooth. To interact with both devices over a local network, connect your iPad and the other device to your local Wi-Fi network using the same password.

How do I protect my iPad for drawing?

First, set a strong password or use biometric authentication to make sure that only you have access. Turning on Find My iPad will make it easier to track your iPad if someone steals it. When logging into websites or online services, use “Sign in with Apple,” a passkey, or a strong password created with a password manager. If possible, use two-step authentication. It’s also a good idea to purchase a case and screen protector.

Is Procreate only available for iPad?

Yes, Procreate was developed to run exclusively on the Apple iPad, so it will run on every generation of iPad released in the last 10 years (though the newer iPads work better these days). Check out my 5 Procreate tips and tricks right now for a Procreate tutorial. A new animated edition is coming November 22nd. For more information, check out my guide Procreate Dreams: Everything You Need to Know .

Can you make your iPad better for drawing?

Some of the best Pad accessories can enhance your drawing experience on your iPad. My personal favorite is the Astropad Slate, a large drawing stand that props up your iPad to expand your workspace, and a close second is the Rock, Paper, Pencil (also from Astropad). This textured display cover provides a paper-like feel, protects your iPad screen, and comes with a durable Apple Pencil 2 nib.

How much GB is ideal for drawing on your iPad?

For many artists, your drawing files won’t be huge, but you’ll be creating a lot of them, so unless you know you’ll always be saving them to the cloud, most people will want a reasonable amount of storage. You’ll also need storage for all the apps you use. We recommend at least 128GB.

Can an iPad replace a drawing tablet?

Yes, an iPad can replace a drawing tablet, but remember that an iPad only runs iPad OS apps. On the other hand, a drawing tablet can be connected to a laptop and run desktop software, including the best Adobe software. Some, like the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13, run Windows by default.

There are apps that allow you to connect your iPad to a computer and mirror the display so you can use desktop software.

Which Apple Pencil Should I Get?

Depending on the iPad model you purchase, you can choose an Apple Pencil. There are four Apple Pencils to choose from, each compatible with a different model. The Apple Pencil will cost between $79 and $129.

Which iPad is best for drawing?

All of the iPads listed here can function as art tablets, but which one is best depends on your needs. If you want something that you can use as a full-time art tablet, you’ll want to invest in a newer model. If you want a smaller tablet to use when traveling, the iPad Mini is a good choice.

Which iPads are compatible with Procreate?

Most iPads are compatible with Procreate, but the app currently states that it’s compatible with iPadOS 15.4.1 or later.

What’s the best iPad for drawing with a pen?

Technically, the iPad doesn’t come with a pen stylus. You’ll need to add it at checkout or purchase it separately. All recent iPads support the Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2, and the newer iPads also support the new, affordable USB-C Apple Pencil. For more information, read our guide to the best tablets for drawing with a pen and stylus.

Conclusion

So which iPad is better for drawing artists? Remember, the iPad that’s perfect for you is the one that complements your artistic style, budget, and workflow. Whether you’re creating 3D digital paintings, sketching ideas on the go, or just starting out on your artistic journey, the iPad of 2024 is ready to fulfill your vision. We hope this article will help other digital artists on their creative journey.