Quick Summary: The most popular tablets for Procreate are Apple iPads, particularly the iPad Air and iPad Pro models, due to their powerful performance and seamless Procreate integration. For budget-conscious beginners, the standard iPad is an excellent and affordable choice.

Most Popular Tablets for Procreate: Essential Picks for Beginners

Are you eager to dive into the world of digital art with Procreate but feeling a little lost about which tablet to choose? You’re not alone! With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate the choices and find the perfect tablet. We’ll break down what makes a tablet great for Procreate, especially for beginners, and highlight the top contenders that make creating magic a breeze.

Choosing the right tablet can make a huge difference in your artistic journey. A good tablet ensures a smooth drawing experience, responsive performance, and a comfortable grip, allowing you to focus on your creativity without technical headaches. We’ll cover everything from the powerful, top-tier options to more budget-friendly choices that still deliver fantastic results. Let’s get you set up to start creating!

Why a Tablet is Your Best Friend for Procreate

Procreate is an incredibly popular drawing and painting app, and it’s exclusively available on the iPad. This immediately tells us where to start looking for our “most popular tablets for Procreate” list! Why is Procreate so beloved by artists? It’s designed to be intuitive, powerful, and feel natural, almost like drawing on paper.

• Seamless Integration: Procreate is built specifically for the iPad, meaning it works perfectly with the Apple Pencil and the iPad’s hardware and software.
• Intuitive Interface: Even for beginners, Procreate is relatively easy to learn. Its streamlined interface lets you focus on creating rather than navigating complex menus.
• Powerful Features: Despite its simplicity, Procreate offers a robust set of features, including layers, advanced blending modes, a vast brush library, animation tools, and much more.
• Portability: Take your art studio wherever you go! Tablets are lightweight and can be used anywhere inspiration strikes.

When choosing a tablet for Procreate, especially as a beginner, you’ll want to consider a few key things:

• Screen Size: This is a personal preference, but larger screens generally offer more space to work and can feel more like traditional canvas.
• Performance: Procreate can be demanding, especially with large canvases or complex brushes. A faster processor ensures a smooth, lag-free experience.
• Apple Pencil Compatibility: Procreate works with the Apple Pencil. You’ll need a model that supports the Pencil you choose (1st gen, 2nd gen, or USB-C).
• Storage: Art files, especially high-resolution ones, can take up space. Consider how much storage you’ll need for your projects and brushes.
• Budget: iPads range in price, so finding one that fits your budget is crucial.

The Top Contenders: Most Popular Tablets for Procreate

As Procreate is an Apple-exclusive app, our list of the most popular tablets for Procreate will focus on iPads. Apple’s ecosystem is a perfect match for digital artists, offering a reliable and high-performance platform. Let’s dive into the models that artists love:

1. iPad Air (Latest Generation)

The iPad Air consistently hits a sweet spot for many artists. It offers a fantastic balance of power, features, and price, making it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Why it’s great for Procreate:

• Powerful Chip: Usually equipped with a newer M-series chip (like the M1 or M2), providing ample power for complex Procreate projects.
• Beautiful Display: Features a vibrant and color-accurate Liquid Retina display, essential for seeing your art as it should be.
• Apple Pencil 2nd Gen Support: Pairs seamlessly with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which magnetically attaches and charges on the side.
• Good Screen Size: Typically comes in a 10.9-inch display, offering a comfortable working area without being too bulky.
• Storage Options: Available in various storage sizes, so you can choose what fits your needs.

Pros:

• Excellent performance for the price
• Supports the latest Apple Pencil
• Great display quality
• Sleek, modern design

Cons:

• Can be pricier than the standard iPad
• Storage upgrades can significantly increase the cost

Beginner Tip: The iPad Air is a fantastic “forever tablet” for Procreate. It’s powerful enough to handle almost anything you throw at it, so you won’t feel the need to upgrade too quickly as your skills grow.

2. iPad Pro (11-inch or 12.9-inch)

For those who want the absolute best performance and features, the iPad Pro is unparalleled. It’s the powerhouse of the iPad lineup, designed for demanding creative workflows.

Why it’s great for Procreate:

• Pro-Level Performance: Features Apple’s most advanced M-series chips (often with more cores than the Air), ensuring lightning-fast performance even with massive canvases and complex brush strokes.
• Stunning Displays: Offers the best displays, with features like ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth drawing) and beautiful color accuracy. The 12.9-inch model provides a truly expansive digital canvas.
• Apple Pencil 2nd Gen Support: Works flawlessly with the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen.
• Advanced Features: May include features like LiDAR scanners for 3D scanning and improved camera systems, though these are less critical for Procreate itself.
• Storage Options: Available in lower storage options up to very high capacities.

Pros:

• Ultimate performance for artists
• Best-in-class display technology
• Large screen option (12.9-inch) is ideal for serious artists
• Future-proof for years to come

Cons:

• The most expensive option
• The large 12.9-inch model can be unwieldy for some
• You might be paying for features you don’t need as a beginner

Beginner Tip: While the iPad Pro is amazing, it might be overkill for someone just starting. If your budget allows and you see yourself as a serious, long-term digital artist, it’s a phenomenal investment. Otherwise, consider the Air or standard iPad.

3. iPad (10th Generation and newer)

The standard iPad is Apple’s most accessible and affordable option, and it has become an excellent gateway device for Procreate users, especially beginners on a budget.

Why it’s great for Procreate:

• Great Value: Offers a superb Procreate experience at a fraction of the cost of the Air or Pro models.
• Good Performance: Equipped with capable A-series chips that handle Procreate well for most beginner and intermediate tasks.
• Decent Screen Size: Usually features a 10.2-inch or 10.9-inch display, providing a good amount of space to draw.
• Compatibility: Supports the Apple Pencil (1st Gen for older models, USB-C for the latest models, and now the 2nd Gen with magnetic pairing on the 10th gen). It’s crucial to check which Pencil the specific model you’re looking at supports.
• Essential Procreate Use: For learning Procreate, practicing, and creating illustrations that don’t require extremely large file sizes or hundreds of layers, it’s more than enough.

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Excellent entry point into digital art with Procreate
• Still offers a good drawing experience
• Widely available and easy to find deals

Cons:

• May lag with very complex canvases
• Display quality and color accuracy might not be as premium as higher-end models
• Pencil charging can be less convenient (1st gen requires plug-in, though the 10th gen improved this)

Beginner Tip: The standard iPad is the absolute best starting point if you’re budget-conscious. Don’t underestimate its power for creating amazing art. You can always upgrade later if your needs evolve!

4. iPad Mini (Latest Generation)

While less common for dedicated Procreate work due to its size, the iPad Mini is a fantastic option for artists who prioritize portability and enjoy sketching on the go.

Why it’s great for Procreate:

• Ultra-Portable: Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry around and draw anywhere.
• Powerful Performance: Despite its small size, it packs a punch with powerful A-series chips, capable of running Procreate smoothly.
• Apple Pencil 2nd Gen Support: Pairs and charges with the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen.
• Great for Sketching: Its size is perfect for quick sketches, note-taking, and detailed work that doesn’t require a vast canvas.

Pros:

• Incredibly portable and lightweight
• Powerful for its size
• Supports Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
• Excellent for on-the-go creativity

Cons:

• Screen size (8.3 inches) is limiting for larger projects
• Can feel cramped for detailed artwork for some users
• Pricier than the standard iPad

Beginner Tip: If your primary goal is sketching and you value extreme portability, the iPad Mini could be a unique and excellent choice for your Procreate journey. It’s perfect for adding quick ideas to your digital sketchbook.

Essential Accessories for Your Procreate Tablet

Once you’ve picked your tablet, there are a few key accessories that will greatly enhance your Procreate experience:

1. Apple Pencil

This is non-negotiable for Procreate. You need an Apple Pencil to draw effectively. The type of Pencil you need depends on the iPad model you choose:

• Apple Pencil (1st Generation): Charges via the Lightning port. Compatible with older iPad models (e.g., 9th Gen and earlier).
• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): Attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing. Compatible with iPad Air, iPad Pro, and newer standard iPads (like the 10th Gen).
• Apple Pencil (USB-C): A more affordable option that pairs and charges via USB-C. Compatible with a wide range of newer iPads.

Recommendation: If your iPad supports the 2nd Generation Pencil, that’s generally the most convenient and preferred option due to its magnetic attachment and charging.

2. Screen Protector

A good screen protector is vital. For digital artists, a “paper-like” or “matte” screen protector is highly recommended. They provide a slightly textured surface that mimics the feel of drawing on paper, offering more friction and control than a glossy glass surface. This not only makes drawing feel more natural but can also reduce screen glare.

3. Protective Case

Your tablet is an investment, so protect it! A case will safeguard your device from bumps and scratches. Many cases also offer stand functionalities, which can be very helpful for comfortable drawing angles.

4. Drawing Glove (Optional)

A simple drawing glove (usually made of two fingers) can help reduce accidental touches and allow your hand to glide more smoothly across the screen. It’s a small comfort that many digital artists find useful.

Procreate Performance: What to Expect by iPad Model

While Procreate runs on all compatible iPads, performance can vary. Here’s a general idea:

iPad Model	Procreate Performance (General)	Best For
iPad Pro (Latest M-series)	Exceptional: Handles massive canvases, hundreds of layers, complex brushes, and 4K video rendering with ease. Minimal to no lag.	Professional artists, complex workflows, 3D rendering, and those who need the absolute best.
iPad Air (Latest M-series)	Excellent: Can handle large canvases and many layers. Very smooth performance for most creative tasks. Occasional minor slowdowns with extremely demanding files.	Enthusiasts, advanced hobbyists, and professionals looking for a strong balance of power and value.
iPad (10th Gen+)	Good: Handles most 1080p or 2K canvases with a decent number of layers (e.g., 20-30) very well. May show lag with very large canvases or an excessive number of complex layers.	Beginners, students, hobbyists, and casual users who are learning or creating less complex artwork.
iPad Mini (Latest A-series)	Good: Similar performance to a standard iPad for its chip generation. The smaller screen size is the main limitation, not processing power, for creating large artworks.	On-the-go sketching, artists who prioritize portability, and users who prefer a smaller form factor.

It’s worth noting that Procreate’s performance is also heavily influenced by your canvas settings. If you select a very large canvas size (e.g., 16,000 x 16,000 pixels) and use a high DPI (e.g., 600 DPI), you will push the limits of even the most powerful iPads. For most digital art, especially for beginners, standard web or print resolutions (like 300 DPI) at reasonable sizes (e.g., 2000-4000 pixels on the longest side) will perform admirably on most compatible iPads.

Choosing an iPad: Key Factors for Beginners

When you’re just starting out with Procreate, it’s easy to get swayed by the most expensive or feature-rich option. However, focusing on the essentials will help you make a confident decision.

1. Budget is Key

Be realistic about what you can spend. The standard iPad offers incredible value for money and has been the entry point for countless digital artists. Don’t feel pressured to buy an iPad Pro if a standard iPad meets your needs and budget. You can always find incredible deals on previous generation models of any iPad line, which are still perfectly capable.

2. Screen Size Matters for Comfort

Think about where and how you’ll be using your tablet.
For traditional artists transitioning to digital, a larger screen (11-inch or 12.9-inch) might feel more comfortable and intuitive.
If you plan to draw primarily on the go or in tight spaces, a smaller screen (like on the iPad Mini or standard 10.2/10.9-inch iPads) might be more practical.
The 10.9-inch screen on the iPad Air and some standard iPads offers a great middle ground for most users.

3. Performance Needs: Start Realistic

As mentioned, Procreate is designed to run efficiently. Unless you plan on creating massive murals with thousands of layers from day one, a standard iPad or an iPad Air will more than suffice. The faster chips in the Air and Pro are wonderful, but the standard iPad’s chip is still incredibly competent for learning and creating art.

4. Storage: Don’t Underestimate It

Art files can consume a surprising amount of space. Procreate brushes, saved projects, and even the app itself will fill up your storage.
Standard iPads often come with 64GB or 256GB.
iPad Air and iPad Pro offer higher options, sometimes going up to 1TB or 2TB.
For beginners, 64GB is usually manageable if you’re diligent about managing your files and occasionally offloading them to cloud storage. 256GB provides much more breathing room and is often a sweet spot for many artists.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 128GB if your budget allows, but 64GB can work if you’re mindful of file sizes and have a cloud backup strategy. For more information on Apple’s storage options and recommendations, check out Apple’s official storage page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Procreate Tablets