Animation tablets have become essential tools for digital artists and animators, offering precision and control that traditional drawing methods simply can’t match. Whether you’re working on 2D animation, 3D modelling, or graphic design, the right device can significantly enhance your workflow. In this guide, we’ll review what we believe are the best animation tablets available in India for 2024, focusing on key factors like pressure sensitivity, screen size, and compatibility with popular software. Let’s explore the top picks for both beginners and professionals.
XP-Pen Deco01 V2 Digital Graphics Drawing Pen Tablet
Best For: Beginner animators and digital artists
Features:
- 10″ x 6.25″ working area
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Battery-free passive stylus
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android
Price: ₹5,990
Why It Stands Out: In our opinion, the XP-Pen Deco01 V2 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price and responsive pen. The large working area and high levels of pressure sensitivity allow for accurate strokes, making it a versatile option for animation and design projects.
HUION Inspiroy 2 Large Drawing Tablet
Best For: Versatility and customizable controls
Features:
- 10″x6″ working area
- 8 customizable keys and a scroll wheel
- Battery-free stylus
- Compatible with Mac, PC, Android, and Linux
Price: ₹6,098
Why It Stands Out: We believe the HUION Inspiroy 2 is perfect for artists who require more customization in their workflow. The scroll wheel and express keys speed up the animation process by allowing you to set shortcuts for frequently used functions. Plus, its compatibility with multiple devices makes it a versatile choice for those switching between platforms.
XP-Pen Deco L Graphic Tablet with X3 Chip Stylus
Best For: Intermediate animators seeking precision
Features:
- 10″x6″ working area
- X3 Chip stylus for enhanced pressure sensitivity
- 8 shortcut keys
- Compatible with Chrome, Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android
Price: ₹6,490
Why It Stands Out: In our review, the XP-Pen Deco L stands out for its precise control, thanks to the X3 chip stylus, making it ideal for more intricate animation projects. The shortcut keys also help streamline your work, making it great for intermediate users.
XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2 Drawing Tablet with Screen
Best For: Professional animators and digital artists
Features:
- 14-inch full-laminated anti-glare screen
- 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity
- X3 Pro battery-free stylus with tilt support
- 123% sRGB color accuracy
Price: ₹63,179
Why It Stands Out: In our opinion, the XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2 is the best choice for professional animators due to its high color accuracy and a large, high-resolution screen. The anti-glare display and tilt support provide an almost paper-like drawing experience, essential for intricate and detailed animation work.
Parblo Intangbo X7 Drawing Tablet
Best For: Mid-range option for digital art and animation
Features:
- 7.2″x4.5″ working area
- 6 customizable keys
- Battery-free stylus with 8192 pressure levels
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android
Price: ₹12,852
Why It Stands Out: We found that the Parblo Intangbo X7 offers a solid mid-range option for animators who need a compact, efficient drawing tablet with customizable options. The small size is perfect for artists who need portability without sacrificing functionality.
Verdict
- Best Overall Animation Tablet: Based on our review, the XP-Pen Deco01 V2 is the top choice for most beginner animators, offering a great balance between price, functionality, and ease of use.
- Best for Versatility: In our opinion, the HUION Inspiroy 2 is ideal for artists who need customizable controls and a device that works seamlessly across platforms, making it a highly versatile tool.
- Best for Professionals: For professional animators looking for the ultimate precision and display quality, we believe the XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2 stands out with its top-notch features and display, perfect for high-level animation work.
Click here to see the list of all animation tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What tablet is good for animation?
The XP-Pen Deco01 V2 is a great choice for beginners, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a large working area at an affordable price. For professionals, the XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2 with a built-in screen and advanced features is highly recommended.
2. What drawing tablet do animators use?
Many animators use tablets from brands like XP-Pen, Wacom, and Huion. Tablets like the HUION Inspiroy 2 and XP-Pen Deco L are commonly used for both 2D and 3D animation due to their customizable features and stylus sensitivity.
3. Which device is good for animation?
The XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2 is one of the best devices for animation, particularly for professionals, thanks to its full-laminated screen, 16384 pressure levels, and color accuracy. For beginners, the XP-Pen Deco01 V2 is a reliable and budget-friendly option.
4. Is Wacom good for animation?
Yes, Wacom is highly regarded in the animation industry. While not mentioned in our specific recommendations, Wacom tablets such as the Wacom Cintiq are known for their accuracy and build quality, making them ideal for both 2D and 3D animators.
5. Do animation tablets need a computer?
Most animation tablets, like the XP-Pen Deco01 V2 and HUION Inspiroy 2, require a computer to function. They act as input devices and need to be connected to a PC or laptop for running animation software. Some tablets with built-in screens, like the XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2, also need a computer but provide a more immersive experience with on-screen drawing.
6. What drawing tablets do Disney animators use?
Disney animators typically use high-end devices like Wacom Cintiq tablets that feature a large display and excellent pressure sensitivity for detailed animation work. Similar high-performance alternatives include the XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2.
7. Do 3D animators need a drawing tablet?
While 3D animators primarily work with 3D software, a drawing tablet can enhance workflows, especially during the concept art and texturing phases. Devices like the HUION Inspiroy 2 or XP-Pen Deco L are suitable for 3D animators who prefer using a stylus for sculpting or painting textures.
8. Which PC is good for animation?
For animation, you need a PC with a powerful processor (Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 and above), a minimum of 16GB RAM, and a good graphics card like NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or better. A solid state drive (SSD) is also recommended for faster load times.
9. Is animation good for the future?
Yes, animation is a growing industry with increasing demand across entertainment, gaming, advertising, and even education. Skills in 3D animation and motion graphics, in particular, are highly sought after as the use of visual content expands globally.
10. What do Youtubers use for animation?
Many YouTubers use tablets like the XP-Pen Deco01 V2 or Huion tablets for creating animation content. Popular animation software includes Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and free options like Blender for 3D animation.
11. Can I animate on a Samsung tablet?
Yes, you can animate on a Samsung tablet using apps like FlipaClip, RoughAnimator, or Adobe Fresco. However, for professional-level animation, a dedicated graphic tablet like the XP-Pen Deco L paired with animation software on a PC would offer more advanced features.
12. Is Huion good for animation?
Yes, Huion is a trusted brand in the animation community. Devices like the HUION Inspiroy 2 offer excellent features such as customizable keys, a large working area, and a highly responsive stylus, making it a solid choice for animators.
13. How much RAM is enough for animation?
For animation, a minimum of 16GB RAM is recommended. For more complex projects, especially in 3D animation, 32GB or more will ensure smoother performance, especially when multitasking or working with high-resolution files.
14. Do animators need a graphics card?
Yes, a dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX series is essential for 3D animation, rendering, and video editing. It helps to accelerate rendering times and ensures smoother workflows when handling complex visual effects.
15. What is the number 1 animation app?
The most powerful and widely used professional animation software is Toon Boom Harmony for 2D animation. For 3D animation, Blender is highly popular due to its free access and professional-level capabilities. Both are compatible with animation tablets like the XP-Pen Deco L and XPPen Artist Pro 14 Gen2.