If you’re looking to buy the best tablet for 3D modeling and sculpting, this guide will help you make the right choice.
We’ve recommended tablets perfect for 3D modelling, texture painting, sculpting, and more. Whether you are modeling in Maya, ZBrush, or Blender, you’ll find these tablets helpful for 3D work.
Let’s look at the best tablets for 3D modeling and sculpting in detail.
Best Tablets for 3D Modeling at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Wacom Cintiq 22 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | XP Pen Artist 15.6 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Wacom Intuos Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Huion Kamvas Pro 16 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Wacom Kamvas Pro 13 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 (Editors’ Choice)
Our Editors’ Choice for the best tablet for 3D modeling is the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16.
The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is for digital creatives, and graphic artists who need a solid drawing slate that just works without issues.
Using the tablet’s super responsive pen is a joy. It has a pen-on-paper feel.
The tablet pairs an Intel Intel Core i7-8559U processor with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. As for graphics, it is powered by NVIDIA Quadro P1000 GPU. With these powerful components, the tablet can handle demanding artistic tasks with aplomb.
It’s worth noting, as well, that the 512GB of storage can be upgraded to a maximum of 2TB. Need more RAM? You can get an extra 16GB of RAM.
Unlike the Wacom Cintiq 22 and Cintinq 16, the MobileStudio Pro 16 can run all of its apps and programs. Best of all, it has full multi-touch capabilities.
In terms of physical size, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 has a 10.20 x 16.45 x 0.84-inch footprint. All the units weigh in at 4.6 pounds (2.09 kg).
The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16’s 4K resolution display can’t go unnoticed.
There are four customizable buttons on each side of a circular Windows Home key which doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
Every port you could reasonably expect is on the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16. On the top, there are three USB-C ports (two has Thunderbolt 3 capability, a Kensington Security Slot, and a USB 3.1 port. The bottom holds the rest of the goodies, like an SD card reader, and an audio-combo jack.
If you are on a strict budget, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 isn’t for you. You should probably lean toward the Wacom Cintiq 22, or Cintinq 16.
The one major flaw with the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16, though, is the battery life. It is decidedly average. Another minor but here — and it’s not unique to Wacom — is that the tablet gets warm.
Even with its tiny weakness, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is a strong buy. It remains the best tablet for 3D modeling.
PROS
- Super responsive pen
- Portable
- Excellent 4K screen
- Compatible with many demanding programs
CONS
- Pricey
- Battery life could be better
Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch, 4K (UHD), 3840 x 2160 pixels
CPU: Intel Core i7-8559U
GPU: Nvidia Quadro P1000, 4GB GDDR5
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Size: 10.20 x 16.45 x 0.84 inches (259.1 x 417.8 x 21.3 mm)
Weight: 4.6 pounds (2.09 kg)
2. Wacom Cintiq 22
Good pen integration, impressive colour accuracy, large screen for drawing, and affordability are some of the Wacom Cintiq 22’s selling points.
It ships with a super responsive pen, the Wacom Pro Pen 2 stylus. Using the Pro Pen 2 is a joy – you won’t have problems. The Wacom Pro Pen’s pressure sensitivity is spot on – Wacom nailed it!
This is not where the good news ends. The cheery on top of this, is that you will never have any need to charge the stylus because it does not use a battery. It is powered by electro-magnetic resonance technology.
Just know: Unlike the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16, the Wacom Cintiq 22 cannot run all of its programs. If you’ve got deep pockets, you may consider buying the MobileStudio Pro 16.
The Wacom Cintiq 22 has its drawbacks. First, the tablet lacks multi-touch capabilities. Second its screen resolution and brightness aren’t particularly the best you’d find on the best tablets for 3D modeling.
Wacom’s Cintiq Pro 24 has multi-touch capabilities, so consider it if the Cintiq 22’s lack of full multi-touch capabilities for gesture-based finger control does not sit quite well with you.
Again, if you don’t like the Cintiq 22’s large screen, you may lean toward a smaller version, the Wacom Cintiq 16, which sports similar features as the Wacom Cintiq 22, however, with a 16-inch display.
Despite its drawback, the Wacom Cintiq 22 remains one of the best tablets for 3D modeling and is highly recommended.
PROS
- Excellent colour representation
- Very comfortable to use
- Responsive pen
- Great bang for the buck
- Impressive screen
CONS
- Lacks multi-touch integration
- Brightness could be better
Wacom Cintiq 22 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch, IPS, Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Colour Gamut: 72% NTSC (CIE1931) (typ), 96% sRGB (CIE1931) (typ)
OS: Windows, macOS
Pen: Wacom Pro Pen 2
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Ports: HDMI, USB-A
Size: 22.4 x 14.1 x 1.6 inches (570 x 359 x 40 mm)
Weight: 12.3 pounds (5.6 kg)
3. XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro boasts a colourful display with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a gamut of about 75 per cent RGB.
Like the Wacom Cintiq 16, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro comes equipped with a good stylus for drawing and painting. The stylus has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is powered by electro-magnetic resonance technology, so it does not use a battery.
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro ships with spare nibs, a built-in stand, a glove, and replaceable screen covers.
With regard to performance, you may notice a slight lag when drawing on the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. Nonetheless, the tablet runs without issues.
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro has customizable buttons on the side of the tablet. The buttons can be customized to zoom in and out. You can also tweak brush sizes.
If you don’t want to go with the Wacom Cintiq 16, then the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is a good alternative. The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro has a smaller version, XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro, with a 13.3-inch IPS display.
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is strongly recommended as one of the best tablets for 3D modeling.
PROS
- Good screen
- Decently priced
- Portable
- Easy to use and setup
CONS
- Pen sensitivity could be better
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch, Full HD, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Colour Gamut: 88% NTSC, 120% sRGB
Pen: Battery-free stylus
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Size: 17.4 x 11 x 0.50 inches (443 x 280 x 12.6 mm)
Active Area: 13.6 x 7.6 inches (344.2 x 193.6 mm)
Weight: 10 pounds (4.56 kg)
4. Wacom Intuos Pro
The Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition is one of the best tablets for 3D modeling deserving of note.
It is shipped with a stand, a Wacom Pro Pen 2, four coloured pen rings and a cable.
With regard to performance, the Wacom Intuos Pro delivers. There is really no annoying lag when painting or drawing. The battery-free, electromagnetic Pro Pen 2 which has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity works well, too. You can tweak the Pro Pen 2 to suit your needs.
The Wacom Intuos Pro is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small size weighs 0.99 pounds with dimensions 10.6 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches (269 x 170 x 8.45 mm). The medium size is 1.54 pounds and has a 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3-inch footprint. The Large size weighs in at 2.86 pounds with a 16.8 x 11.2 x 0.3-inch footprint.
As for the many features of the Wacom Intuos Pro, they come with a bit of a learning curve. If you’re willing to put the time in, however, they pay dividends.
The Wacom Intuos Pro’s battery life is very impressive, so expect its runtimes to stretch into the double figures without taking a booster pack along for the ride.
Our only qualm with the Intuos Pro, and this remains minor, is that the Pen’s stand does not grip the Pro Pen 2 firmly.
All in all, the Wacom Intuos Pro remains one of the tablets for 3D modeling.
PROS
- Large screen for drawing
- Excellent value for money
- Decent display
- Affordable
CONS
- Pen stand won’t win awards
Wacom Intuos Pro Key Specifications
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Pen: Wacom Pro Pen 2
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Size: 16.8 x 11.2 x 0.3 inches (430 x 287 x 8 mm)
Active Area: 12.1 x 8.4 inches (311 x 216 mm)
Weight: 2.86 pounds (1.3 kg)
5. Huion Kamvas Pro 16
If you are on a budget, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is an affordable tablet for 3D modeling.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is a bigger version of the Kamvas Pro 13. This simple tablet sports a decent 15.6-inch display which highlights every detail a creative connoisseur needs to see.
The tablet is slim at 11.5mm, and weighs 2.98 pounds (1.35 kg). So, lugging it around shouldn’t be a problem.
You’ll find three customizable buttons on both sides of the Kamvas Pro 16’s panel. Additionally, there’s a power button and a function button.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 ships with a stylus. It is responsive enough to make sculpting, designing, drawing, and painting a pure joy. Like the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 and the Wacom Cintiq 22, the stylus works with a battery-free technology and has an 8192 level of pressure sensitivity.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 remains a good buy and one of the best tablets for 3D modeling.
PROS
- Excellent display quality
- Affordable
- Perfect for sculpting and drawing
- Fast and responsive
CONS
- Customizable keys too close to power button
Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch, IPS, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Colour Gamut: 120% sRGB
OS: Windows, macOS
Pen: Battery-free digital pen
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Ports: USB -C
Size: 17.24 x 9.89 x 0.45 inches (437.8 x 251.2 x 11.5 mm)
Weight: 2.98 pounds (1.35 kg)
Notable Mentions
The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 and Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 are good tablets for 3D modeling and sculpting worth mentioning.
6. Huion Kamvas Pro 13
PROS
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Good for 3D modeling and sculpting
- Durable
CONS
- Bright power LED button
Huion Kamvas Pro 13 Key Specifications
Display: 13.3-inch, IPS Screen, 1920 x 1080
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Colour Gamut: 120% sRGB
OS: Windows, macOS
Pen: Battery-free stylus
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Ports: USB-C and HDMI
Size: 15.28 x 8.62 x 0.43 inches (388.1 x 218.9 x 10.9 mm)
Weight: 2.01 pounds (0.91 kg)
7. Wacom Cintiq Pro 24
PROS
- Outstanding stylus
- Perfect for 3D modeling, sculpting and drawing
- Excellent colour gamut
CONS
- Pricey
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Key Specifications
Display: 23.6-inch, IPS UHD, 3840 x 2160 pixels
Tilt Recognition: ±60°
Colour Gamut: 97% sRGB
OS: Windows, macOS
Pen: Battery-free Wacom Pro Pen 2
Pen Pressure Levels: 8192
Ports: USB–C, HDMI or Mini/DisplayPort
Size: 26.65 x 15.50 x 1.90 inches (676.9 x 393.7 x 48.3 mm)
Weight: 15.8 pounds (7.2 kg)
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Wacom Cintiq 22 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | XP Pen Artist 15.6 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Wacom Intuos Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Huion Kamvas Pro 16 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Wacom Kamvas Pro 13 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 | Check Price on Amazon |
Bottom Line
The best tablets for 3D modeling we’ve recommended are perfect for modeling, texture painting, sculpting. They provide the best bang for your buck and are worth owning.
