Which Ipad Is Best for Graphic Designers
When you're an artist, having the right tools to bring your creations to life is essential. To do that, the right technology can take things a long way and the iPad from Apple is one of the best tools for drawing anywhere.
We thought, being the artists that we are, that it was beyond time that we shone a light on the best iPads for drawing. There are more options out there than you think and that means that there is a good option for just about everyone.
If you're ready, let's jump right in!
7+ Best iPad for Drawing in 2021
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) — The best iPad for drawing overall (Editor's Choice)
- iPad 10.2 (2019) — The best budget iPad for drawing
- iPad Air 4 (2020) — The best value iPad for drawing
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) — The best 11-inch iPad for drawing
- iPad Mini (2021) — The best portable iPad for drawing
- iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) — The best professional iPad for drawing
- iPad Mini (2019) — The best compact iPad for drawing
If you're interested in the iPad or Apple products, be sure to check out our posts on the best accessories for MacBook Pro and the best accessories for iPad.
If you're into Procreate, see our features on the best Procreate brushes, the best Procreate courses and the best Procreate fonts.
What is the best iPad for Drawing?
In our minds, there is only one iPad that stands above the rest – the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The combination of power and specs puts it above any other options we're featuring here. If you're looking for an in-depth look at the options on our list, check out the table below.
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Best Overall
Best Budget
Best Value
Best Portable
Best Professional
Best Compact
Title
2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray
(Renewed) Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray
2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Sky Blue (4th Generation)
2021 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray
2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (4th Generation)
2019 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Gold
Storage
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Best Overall
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2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray
Storage
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Best Budget
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Title
(Renewed) Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray
Best Value
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Title
2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Sky Blue (4th Generation)
Best Portable
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Title
2021 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray
Best Professional
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Title
2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (4th Generation)
Best Compact
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Title
2019 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Gold
What are the must-have accessories for iPad?
If you're serious about buying an iPad for your drawing, you should also get the right tools and gear to get the most out of your new device. While there are many options out there, these are the items that we feel are essential to your new iPad. If you're looking for more, you can check out our article on the 24 Best Apple iPad Accessories for 2021.
Apple Pencil
There are so many different styluses on the market that you'd think that they're all the same. Unfortunately, you'd be wrong and the Apple Pencil is the reason why. While the newest version, the 2nd Gen, works with the iPad Pro and many other versions, the 1st generation Pencil is still a handy tool to have and there are still some iPads that use it. Plus, it's more affordable. See here for feature on Apple Pencil alternatives.
Magic Keyboard
While we are talking about using an iPad for drawing, it's only inevitable that you may want to do other things as well and the Magic Keyboard is great for that. With an intuitive trackpad, front and back protection, plus a USB-C port for pass-through charging, you'll wonder why you considered using anything else.
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
While the Magic Keyboard might be just that, it is also kind of expensive and that's why the Smart Keyboard Folio from Apple is a great alternative. With premium typing keys, a lightweight design, and a sophisticated finish, the Folio is a perfect option. Sure, it won't make your iPad look like the Force is making it float but you'll still have money in your pocket.
7+ Best iPads for Drawing in 2021
1. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) (Editor's Choice)
The best iPad for drawing overall
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2 | Screen size: 12.9-inch | Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels |OS: iPadOS 14 | CPU: Apple M1 chip | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
The best iPad for drawing is easily the newest version of their largest offering, the iPad Pro. A gorgeous 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display that also included ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color gamut support puts it so far ahead of other iPads it's laughable.
At its high end, the iPad Pro comes with 2TB of storage, giving you more than enough space to save all of your artwork and anything else you are working on. Not one to let the premium features stop there, Apple has also included a fantastic 12MP camera on the front and rear of the tablet. Powered by Apple's M1 chip, the iPad Pro is a sight to behold, if you can afford it that is. If there is one thing the iPad Pro is not, is cheap.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Premium display | ➖ Uber-expensive |
| ➕ Huge storage options |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale
2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
2. iPad 10.2 (2019)
The best budget iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 1 | Screen size: 10.2-inch | Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels |OS: iPadOS 13 | CPU: A10 Fusion | Storage: 32GB/128GB
iPads are a great tool for anyone to use but as evidenced by the iPad Pro, they don't come cheap. For some, choosing a model that's a tad older but still capable is a viable option and that's why the iPad 10.2 (2019) finds a home on our list. While it may be a great budget option, it is a basic iPad without many of the features you'll find on newer models.
While the 10.2-inch screen is a good size, the iPad only comes with support for the Apple Pencil 1 and has a camera that only manages a basic 1.2MP, and the processor is nowhere near the level of the M1 chip currently being offered. The iPad provides a good resolution, making it perfectly fine for drawing, bringing out the finer details of your work. Plus, battery life of 10 hours can keep you drawing long into the night.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent price point | ➖ Pretty basic tablet |
| ➕ Good battery life | ➖ Only supports Apple Pencil 1 |
Latest Price on Amazon:
(Renewed) Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray
- The 10.2" touch screen LED-backlit display and 2048 x 1536 resolution will have playing all day!
- The 10.2" touch screen LED-backlit display and 2048 x 1536 resolution will have playing all day!
- Lighten your load with this light weight tablet and entertain your down time with its long lasting battery.
3. iPad Air 4 (2020)
The best value iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2 | Screen size: 10.9-inch | Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels |OS: iPadOS 14 | CPU: A14 Bionic | Storage: 64GB/256GB
Finding a great balance between performance and cost can be tricky, especially when it comes to an iPad but we think that we've found one just for you. The iPad Air 4 (2020) is a high-quality tablet at a decent price. Already in its 4th generation, the iPad Air is very different than previous iterations thanks in large part to Apple giving the line a revamp. While it looks similar to the new iPad Pro, the price point is much lower.
Inside the tablet is where the magic happens and the 60Hz response rate is great for drawing, making sure that every line you create shows up in perfect clarity every time. Along with good battery life, performance, and a wonderful screen resolution, the iPad Air is a great value iPad for any artist.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Apple Pencil 2 support | ➖ Screen response rate could be better |
| ➕ Great value |
Latest Price on Amazon:
4. iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021)
The best 11-inch iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2 | Screen size: 11-inch | Resolution: 1668 x 2388 pixels |OS: iPadOS 14 | CPU: Apple M1 chip | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Being in the shadow of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is enough to give its 11-inch little brother a complex. Don't worry though, the 11-inch version of the iPad Pro has carved out a nice niche for itself. While it is a small step down from its big brother, the Liquid Retina display does come with an anti-reflective coating, True Tone, ProMotion, and a P3 wide color gamut which is nice even if the display isn't a Mini LED like the 12.9-inch version.
Outside of the inevitable comparison to the other iPad Pro, the 11-inch version is an excellent choice in terms of overall value as you're getting most of what is being offered by the larger version, at a lower price. This includes the super-powerful M1 chip, vast amounts of storage, a great camera, and support for the Apple Pencil 2. All in all, the slightly smaller size may be preferred by some.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Super fast processor | ➖ The screen is inferior to the 12.9 version |
| ➕ More portable than the 12.9 version | ➖ Expensive |
Latest Price on Amazon:
2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) - Silver
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
5. iPad Mini (2021)
The best portable iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2 | Screen size: 8.3-inch | Resolution: 1488 x 2266 pixels |OS: iPadOS 15 | CPU: A15 Bionic | Storage: 64GB/256GB
Portability is one of the great things that the iPad offers consumers. Being able to use it anywhere makes it preferable to some laptops, however, some iPads can even be a bit big and that's why the iPad Mini (2021) is such a great option if you're on the go all the time.
While the 8.3-inch screen may be too small for some, others will find it to be a perfect option for drawing on the go. The Liquid Retina screen offers a great resolution of 1488 x 2266 pixels. Add in support for the Apple Pencil 2 and 10 hours of battery life and you'll be able to create incredible things all day long. The Mini uses the A15 Bionic chip that keeps every program running fast and smooth while the 256GB of storage helps you save all of your masterpieces.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Extremely portable | ➖ A smaller screen isn't for everyone |
| ➕ Beautiful screen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
2021 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color
- A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Available in purple, starlight, pink, and space gray
6. iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)
The best professional iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2 | Screen size: 12.9-inch | Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels |OS: iPadOS 13.4 | CPU: A12Z Bionic | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
While it may be last year's model, the iPad Pro from 2020 is a great tablet at a more affordable tablet when compared to the newest iPad Pro. While it doesn't come with a lot of the upgrades that the newest version does, this doesn't mean that it isn't a great tablet that can meet your needs.
To start, it already includes a massive 12.9-inch screen and amazing resolution. it also includes support for the Apple Pencil 2. While it doesn't use the new M1 chip, the A12Z Bionic chip offers great performance. Plus, with its lower price, last year's model may still be preferable to some artists looking to save a few dollars.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ High-res screen | ➖ Doesn't come with an M1 chip |
| ➕ Large display |
Latest Price on Amazon:
7. iPad Mini (2019)
The best compact iPad for drawing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 1 | Screen size: 7.9-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels |OS: iPadOS 14 | CPU: A12 Bionic | Storage: 64GB/256GB
Not every artist looks for the largest iPad they can get. Whether it's the size or the cost, some prefer something a little more compact but still offer a great experience. Enter the iPad Mini – a great iPad in its own right at a miniature size when compared to Apple's other iterations.
Perfect for carrying with one hand, the Mini offers a high-quality 7.9-inch screen that works great with the Apple Pencil 1. Beneath its case is the A12 Bionic chip that is the perfect level of speed for the price. With storage options of 64GB and 256GB, you can have more than enough room to save all of your artwork. If you're looking for a great, compact iPad, the Mini is a great choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Very portable | ➖ Not as powerful as later models |
| ➕ Great value | ➖ No support for Apple Pencil 2 |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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7+ Best iPads for Drawing in 2021
When you're an artist, having the right tools for drawing can mean the difference between bringing your imagination to life and feeling like it will never go anywhere. The right tech, like the iPad from Apple, can help make your drawings come alive. Our list of the 7+ Best iPads for Drawing in 2021 will hopefully help you reach your dreams.
Which Ipad Is Best for Graphic Designers
Source: https://justcreative.com/best-ipad-for-drawing
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