The Best iPad for Drawing in 2023

What is the Best iPad for Drawing? iPads have really improved into very powerful multipurpose devices in recent years.

They have set themselves apart as multipurpose gadgets that artists can use to highly improve their user experience and overall output.

Due to the powerful improvements on the iPads, most professional artists tend to prefer iPads over traditional drawing tablets as the best for their work.

These are only a few areas that Apple has focused on to make sure the iPads are not only unique but also top of the food chain.

The reason for the iPads dominance is the fact that you can use it as a standalone tablet without using a computer connection.

Additionally, high-end features such as the liquid Retina display screens that are crisp and clear or the fast processing M1 chip that makes the tablet run super fast are some of the main features that set them apart.

Apart from drawing, Apple iPads are also perfect for a host of other professional tasks which we have covered before such as iPads for Cricut design space and general graphic design.

In this guide, we will review the best iPad for drawing picks, helping you to choose which one will elevate your design skills and artistry.

What is the The Best iPad for drawing?

Product	Rating	Price
iPad Pro 12.9	Best Overall	Check Price
iPad Mini	Cheap iPad for Drawing	Check Price
iPad Air 5	Best Budget	Check Price

1. iPad Pro 12.9 Best iPad for Drawing – Best Overall
2. iPad Mini – Best cheap iPad for Drawing
3. iPad Pro 11 (M1 2021) Best 11 inch iPad for drawing
4. iPad Air 5 – Best budget iPad for drawing
5. iPad Pro 12.9 2020 – An affordable Drawing iPad

iPad Pro 12.9 – Overall Best iPad for Drawing

• Stylus- Apple Pencil 2
• Screen size; 12.9 inches
• Screen resolution; 2048 by 2732 pixels
• CPU; Apple M1 chip
• Storage; 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• RAM; 16GB
• OS; iPad OS

If we were talking of the cheapest iPad for Drawing, we definitely would not mention the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch, but we are talking of the best.

The iPad dominates the market, as it is considered the best compact gadget in the Drawing tablet and iPad world.

As the name suggests, it boasts an impressive 12.9-inch diagonal size, providing an adequate working area without the expense of portability and mobility.

Processing speeds are achieved courtesy of an Arm-based M1 chip combined with an effective 16GB RAM. The M1 chip is the first of its kind, an Apple-designed system on a chip, and since its incorporation in early 2021, the reviews have been to the roof based on the speed and performance of the iPad.

Moreover, the iPad comes in different models when the internal storage is concerned and they vary from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB,1 TB, and even 2TB for larger storage areas.

A combination of the touchscreen feature and the Apple Pencil 2 makes the drawing experience lovely.

The Apple Pencil 2 is the best Pencil at Apple’s disposal. From the elegant classy design to the authentic drawing capability, it surely won’t disappoint.

Although Apple does not specify the exact level of pen pressure sensitivity, the pencil produces authentic strokes for a natural quality experience.

It also supports tilt sensitivity, exposing you to a similar pen brush and shading option.

The display is well taken care of, with visuals made sublime by 2048 by 2732 pixels of Screen resolution. Multiple technologies make the screen better with Liquid Retina XDR enhancing your colors with a vibrant touch.

Other technologies include the Promotion, True Tone, P3 wide color, and a mini LED backlight. All this combines to make the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch the best iPad for Drawing in 2022.

iPad Mini -The Best Portable iPad for Drawing

• Stylus- Apple Pencil 2
• Screen size; 8.3 inches
• Screen resolution; 1488 by 2266 pixels
• CPU; Apple A15 Bionic
• Storage; 64GB/256GB
• RAM;4GB
• OS; iPad OS 15

Most people go for the larger-sized iPad and find themselves downsized on portability and working on the move. The iPad Mini 2021 is a small-sized iPad that offers just that, with 8.3-inch diagonal size.

By this, you enjoy working on the go, making authentic designs with a natural feel to them, with minimal portability problems.

When it comes to performance, the A15 Bionic processors are effective and fast. The only setback might be the 4GB RAM, but working on the iPad is quite effective and wonderful.

As for internal storage, the iPad comes in two models and you can store your files and documents in either the 64GB model or upgrade to the larger 256GB model.

Apart from being touchscreen, the screen offers a lovely resolution of 1488 by 2266 to bring your display to life for an HD visual. Additionally, the screen is formed with Liquid Retina technology, enhancing your display for richer and crisper colors.

The iPad supports artists and designers courtesy of the Apple Pencil 2 which not only has a classy touch to it but also is well-equipped for drawing and producing quality strokes.

Moreover, the pencil is comfortable for the hands, allowing longer fatigue-free working sessions for enhanced productivity.

iPad Pro 11 (M1 2021) – Best 11 inch iPad for drawing

• Stylus- Apple Pencil 2
• Screen size; 11 inches
• Screen resolution; 1668 by 2388 pixels
• CPU; Apple M1 chip
• Storage; 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• RAM; 8GB/16GB
• OS; iPad OS 14

A smaller version of the iPad Pro 12.9 2021 is the iPad Pro 11 (M1 2021) and though some features may be a little different, the main one is in size.

The 11-inch diagonal-sized iPad offers you a quality 1668 by 2388 pixels for a quality display of colors and visuals.

Although it lacks the mini LED screen featured in the Pro 12.9 iPad, all other screen features enhance the visuals for a lovely display. They include the Liquid Retina Screen, True Tone, Pro Motion, and an anti-reflective coating.

The introduction of the M1 Chip has improved performance and speeds in the iPad which has incorporated the technology. When the iPad Pro 11 (M1 2021) combines this with either the 8GB RAM or the 16GB RAM models, running programs and rendering files is made fast and effective.

Drawing on the iPad combines a sensitive touchscreen and the Apple Pencil 2 stylus for an impressive seamless experience.

As stated before the other iPad that uses the Pencil 2, is elegantly classy and comfortable to use for long fatigue-free sessions.

Similar to RAM, the iPad comes with varying internal storage from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB to even 2TB. This allows you to save vast amounts of files and documents for a long period. Additionally, the difference is storage and RAM offer options to fit every user’s needs.

iPad Air 5 – Best budget iPad for drawing

• Stylus- Apple Pencil 2
• Screen size; 10.9 inches
• Screen resolution; 2350 by 1640 pixels
• CPU; Apple M1 chip
• Storage; 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• RAM; 8GB
• OS; iPad OS 15.4

The iPad Air 5 poses a lovely size of 9.75 by 7.03 by 0.24 inches easing portability and mobility. This allows a screen size of 10.9 inches with quality touchscreen features combined with display features that bring colors to life.

Another iPad that incorporates the new M1 chip enhances the processing speeds and efficiency of your iPad. This is made better by a quality RAM level of 8GB allowing you to also run multiple programs simultaneously with minimal lags.

Internal storage on the other hand comes in different sizes, ranging from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. By this, you are offered quality space to save your files and documents.

When it comes to the screen, the visuals are clear and detailed, courtesy of the 2350 by 1640 pixels screen resolution.

Additionally, a combination of the Liquid Retina screen and the IPS LCD delivers a screen-paper effect and enriches the colors on your display. This in turn enhances the pixels per inch to an impressive 264 PPI.

To minimize reflection, the screen is incorporated with an anti-glare coating that allows you to work even in bright conditions.

The touchscreen is used with the Apple Pencil 2 to deliver quality drawing sessions. It is not specified how much pressure sensitivity the Pencil holds but it is very much accurate and precise with a natural feel to it.

Moreover, the Apple Pencil 2 is comfortable for the hand and lightweight for long working hours with minimal fatigue.

The iPad Air 5’s price is quite friendly and when you look at the features, they are closely similar to the Pros.

iPad Pro 12.9 2020 – An affordable Drawing iPad

• Size: 12.9-inch
• Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels Liquid Retina Display
• OS: iPadOS 16.1
• RAM: 6 GB
• CPU: Apple M1 chip
• Storage Space: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB
• Battery Life: 10 hours
• Pencil: Apple Pencil 2 Compatible
• Weight: 0.682 Kg

We have already taken a look at the newer version of this iPad, but the 2020 version is also one worth mentioning and you will save some cash compared to the iPad Pro 12.9 2021.

As the name suggests, the iPad screen measures 12.9 inches for a large working area with minimal portability problems.

One difference the iPad Pro 12.9 2020 has from its predecessor is the processing unit. The iPad Pro 12.9 2020 uses the A12Z Bionic chip, and although it is not as powerful as the newer M1 chip on the iPad Pro 12.9 2021, the speeds are impressive and iPad efficient.

Additionally, the 6 GB RAM levels are lower but it would be unfair to compare the two since the point of a successor is to enhance the predecessor’s cons and features.

Ideally, the iPad is fast and effective when it comes to running single programs as well as running multiple programs simultaneously.

Internal storage however is similar as it comes differently with models harboring either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. This allows a large storage unit for files and documents.

A screen resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels maintains a clear display and when combined with the Liquid Retina Display the colors are crisp and richer.

Additional technologies like the TrueTone and ProMotion technology enhance the screen visuals and the anti-glare coating reduces reflection.

The screen is a touchscreen and this allows you to improve drawing when you bring in the Apple Pencil 2.

The Apple Pencil 2 is accurate and precise and with this, you attain authentic strokes for a natural drawing experience.

Additionally, the pencil is comfortable and light on the hand, ensuring longer working hours for more productivity.

How can you choose the best iPad for drawing?

Choosing the best iPad for drawing largely depends on personal preference. There are however some key features that almost every pro or beginner artist considers on an iPad. Here are some.

Screen size

Larger screens are considered to be more comfortable and overall provide a better user experience, compared to smaller ones.

However, when the screen is too large, the tablets portability is highly limited. Most artist prefer a well planned balance between size and portability.

Portability

When considering portability, an artist will look at the overall tablet size, weight, battery life and brightness levels. Size and weight affect the ability to easily carry your iPad around.

Brightness and battery life will affect the ability to work away from a power source and in bright outdoor light.

Overall a small lightweight iPad with battery life up to 10 hours plus 300 nits brightness and above will be easily portable.

Processing Power

How powerful your iPad is will be determined by the kind of processor in the iPad. M1 and M2 chips are the most powerful currently.

Still on the power, large RAM memory will help avoid unnecessary lags even when running powerful applications. 8 GB RAM and above is recommended.

Pricing

iPads are not cheap. Your budget will surely influence the kind of iPad you will go for. Additionally, their accessories do not come cheap. You will have to spend extra for additional accessories such as the Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Magic Keyboard.

Conclusion

Although some artists prefer Android-based tablets, Apple is one of the most-rated producers of phones, computers, and iPad. They focus on quality and efficiency and when it comes to their drawing iPad, it is not any different.

On this list of the best iPad for Drawing, most of the products harbor similar features including Pencil and screen technologies.

While budget can be quite a hassle for most, the iPad Air 5 2022 is quite friendly compared to the rest with features almost similar to the rated PRO.

If you prefer to work on the go, and require a portable drawing iPad, then you can go for the 8-inch iPad mini 2021.

Whether you are on public transport or want to work on the iPad in an open garden, the tablet is both lightweight and small-sized to serve you just right.

Related Content:

1. How to use an iPad as a Drawing Tablet with a PC

Which is the Best iPad for Drawing?

1. iPad Pro 12.9 Best iPad for Drawing – Best Overall
2. iPad Mini Best Portable iPad for Drawing
3. iPad Pro 11 (M1 2021) Best 11 inch iPad for drawing
4. iPad Air 5 Best budget iPad for drawing
5. iPad Pro 12.9 2020 – An affordable Drawing iPad