Drawing Tablet With Screen Vs Without Is The Screen Worth The Extra Cost For Beginners

For aspiring digital artists, illustrators, or hobbyists diving into graphic design, choosing the right drawing tablet is one of the first major decisions. A central question often arises: should you invest in a model with a built-in screen, or stick with a more affordable screenless (or \"pen display\") version? The price difference can be significant—sometimes hundreds of dollars—so it's natural to wonder whether that screen is truly worth the added expense, especially when starting out.

The answer isn’t always straightforward. While a screen offers undeniable advantages in terms of visual feedback and workflow, it also comes with trade-offs in cost, portability, and complexity. For beginners, the decision hinges not just on budget but on learning style, long-term goals, and how you plan to use the device. Let’s break down both options thoroughly to help you decide what makes the most sense for your creative journey.

How Drawing Tablets Work: The Basics

Drawing tablets are input devices that allow users to draw directly onto a surface using a pressure-sensitive stylus. Unlike a mouse, which requires indirect movement translation, a tablet mimics the natural motion of pen-on-paper sketching. There are two main types:

• Graphics tablets (without screen): These connect to your computer and function as a secondary input surface. You draw on the tablet while looking at your computer monitor. Examples include Wacom Intuos and XP-Pen Deco series.
• Premium pen displays (with screen): These have an integrated display, allowing you to draw directly on the screen, much like using a digital canvas. Examples include Wacom Cintiq, Huion Kamvas, and XP-Pen Artist Pro.

The key difference lies in where your eyes are focused during creation. With a screenless tablet, your hand moves on the pad while your eyes stay on the monitor—a form of “indirect input.” With a screen-equipped tablet, your hand and eyes align on the same surface, offering a more intuitive, natural experience.

Tip: If you're used to traditional drawing, a screen may feel more familiar at first—but don't assume it's automatically better for learning.

Pros and Cons: Screen vs No Screen

Let’s examine the strengths and weaknesses of each type from a beginner’s perspective.

Table: Comparison of Drawing Tablets With and Without Screens

Feature	With Screen	Without Screen
Price	$300–$1000+	$60–$250
Learning Curve	Lower (direct visual feedback)	Higher (hand-eye coordination needed)
Ease of Use	More intuitive, like paper	Takes practice to adapt
Portability	Bulkier, heavier, needs power	Lightweight, USB-powered
Workspace Setup	Requires desk space and cable management	Compact, easy to integrate
Lag & Responsiveness	Generally excellent, but varies by model	Minimal lag; mature technology
Long-Term Value	Good if you continue creating	Excellent entry point; upgrade path exists

At first glance, screen-based tablets seem superior due to their direct interaction. However, the higher price and setup demands mean they’re not always the best fit for someone just testing the waters.

Is the Screen Worth It for Beginners?

The short answer: sometimes. But more often than not, a screenless tablet is the smarter starting point for beginners.

Here’s why: learning to draw digitally involves mastering several skills simultaneously—software navigation, brush settings, layer management, and stylus control. Adding a high-cost screen into the mix early on increases financial pressure and can lead to disappointment if you later realize digital art isn’t your passion.

Many successful digital artists began with screenless tablets. The initial challenge of coordinating hand and eye across separate surfaces fades with practice. In fact, some professionals argue this separation builds stronger spatial awareness and precision over time.

“Most students I’ve taught started with basic graphics tablets. Within 2–3 weeks, they adapted completely. The screen didn’t accelerate their skill growth—it just made the first few days easier.” — Daniel Reeves, Digital Art Instructor at Minneapolis School of Illustration

That said, if you struggle with hand-eye coordination, have prior experience with traditional media, or are highly motivated to produce polished work quickly, a screen-based model might reduce early frustration and keep you engaged longer.

Real Example: Sarah’s Learning Journey

Sarah, a college student exploring concept art, bought a mid-range Wacom Intuos (screenless) for $120. At first, she found it awkward—drawing on her lap while watching the monitor felt unnatural. She dropped it for two weeks, discouraged.

After watching a tutorial on adapting to indirect input, she committed to 15 minutes of daily line practice. By week three, her strokes became accurate. Six months later, she was creating detailed character sketches and had no desire to upgrade. “I saved enough to buy a Cintiq eventually,” she says, “but honestly, I don’t think I need it yet.”

In contrast, her friend Mark bought a Huion Kamvas 13 for $380. He loved the immediate visual feedback and produced presentable sketches within days. However, he stopped using it after two months due to software complexity and lack of time. “It felt like I wasted money on something I barely touched,” he admitted.

Their stories highlight a crucial point: motivation and consistency matter more than hardware. A screen can ease the beginning, but it won’t sustain your progress.

When a Screen-Based Tablet Makes Sense

Despite the higher cost, there are legitimate scenarios where a beginner should consider a screen-equipped tablet:

1. You’re pursuing a career in digital art or design. If you’re enrolled in a course, building a portfolio, or freelancing, investing in professional tools early aligns your setup with industry standards.
2. You have physical limitations. Some users find indirect drawing uncomfortable or disorienting due to depth perception issues or motor coordination challenges. A screen eliminates that disconnect.
3. You already own a powerful computer and want an all-in-one solution. If you’re using a desktop or high-end laptop, adding a pen display integrates smoothly and enhances productivity.
4. You learn best through visual immersion. Kinesthetic learners who benefit from seeing their mark-making in real time may adapt faster with a screen.

Even then, consider mid-range models like the Huion Kamvas 13 or XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, which offer screen functionality at lower prices than Wacom’s premium Cintiq line.

Tip: Look for bundle deals that include software (like Clip Studio Paint or Adobe Photoshop). This can offset part of the screen tablet’s higher cost.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Your First Drawing Tablet

Follow this practical process to make a confident decision:

1. Define your goal. Are you doodling for fun, designing logos, or preparing for animation work? Clear intent guides your tool choice.
2. Set a realistic budget. Allocate no more than 20–30% of your total creative setup cost to the tablet unless you’re certain about long-term use.
3. Test hand-eye coordination. Try free apps like Sketchbook or Krita with a mouse. If precise control feels difficult, a screen may help initially.
4. Research models in both categories. Compare specs: active area size, pressure sensitivity (8,192 levels is standard), tilt recognition, and compatibility with your OS.
5. Read user reviews focused on beginners. Look for comments about ease of setup, driver stability, and learning curve.
6. Start without a screen unless you meet specific criteria. Most beginners benefit from the lower cost and simplicity of screenless tablets.
7. Commit to consistent practice. Use your first month to build muscle memory, regardless of tablet type.

This approach prioritizes sustainable learning over instant comfort. You’ll gain technical familiarity while preserving funds for future upgrades or software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from a screenless tablet to one with a screen later?

Absolutely. Most artists do. Skills developed on a screenless tablet transfer seamlessly to pen displays. In fact, many professionals prefer using both—screenless for travel, screen-based for studio work.

Do screenless tablets work with laptops?

Yes. Most modern graphics tablets are plug-and-play via USB or Bluetooth. They pair easily with Windows, macOS, and even some Android devices. Just ensure your laptop has sufficient screen real estate to view your artwork clearly.

Are cheaper screen tablets worth it?

Some budget screen tablets (especially from Huion and XP-Pen) offer impressive value. However, check for common complaints like poor color accuracy, dim displays, or finicky drivers. Read verified buyer reviews and consider warranty support before purchasing.

Final Recommendation: Start Simple, Scale Smart

For most beginners, a drawing tablet without a screen is the optimal starting point. It reduces financial risk, simplifies setup, and teaches foundational skills that remain relevant regardless of future tools. The slight learning curve pays off in adaptability and discipline.

A screen adds convenience, not capability. It doesn’t make you a better artist—it just changes how you see your strokes. Since artistic growth depends on practice, experimentation, and feedback, not hardware luxury, delaying a screen purchase is rarely a setback.

Invest instead in learning resources, software proficiency, and daily sketching habits. Master the fundamentals with an affordable tablet. When you consistently produce work you’re proud of, then—and only then—consider upgrading to a pen display. By that point, you’ll know exactly what features you need, and the investment will feel justified, not speculative.

🚀 Ready to begin? Pick a reliable screenless tablet under $150, install free art software, and draw for 10 minutes every day. That small step matters far more than any screen.