XPPen Artist 22 Plus 21.5 in Drawing Tablet - Large, Color Accurate

In this review the XPPen Artist 22 Plus is presented as a midrange drawing display best suited to illustrators, animators and creative students who want a large, coloraccurate canvas without breaking the bank. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a true 21.5 in workspace and the X3 Pro stylus with industryleading pressure sensitivity, which together make detailed, natural strokes and fine shading far easier than on smaller pen displays. Setup and everyday use proved straightforward and the device works well as both a dedicated art display and a secondary monitor.

Key Features

• 21.5 in Spacious Canvas: The 16:9, edgetoedge display gives a broad, immersive workspace that feels much larger than most laptop screens and helps with multipanel layouts and animation timelines.
• 1920 x 1080 Clarity: Full HD resolution presents details clearly for sketching and painting, balancing image fidelity with responsive drawing performance.
• 16K Pressure X3 Pro Stylus: The included X3 Pro pen delivers an ultrahigh pressure range for smooth, nuanced line variation and precise control during detailed work.
• 130% sRGB Color Gamut: A wide color range and 8bit depth render vibrant, lifelike colors useful for digital painting and design that must translate to other displays.
• Multiplatform Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux and Android, and supports major creative apps so it integrates into most workflows.
• Desktop and Entertainment Use: The screen doubles as a secondary monitor for video, games or remote meetings, giving extra versatility beyond drawing.

Who It's For

The Artist 22 Plus is aimed at hobbyists, students and freelance creators who need a roomy pen display for illustration, concept art and animation. Its combination of a large 21.5 in viewing area and the precise X3 Pro pen makes it especially useful for tasks that require long strokes and fine pressure control.

Professionals who require the absolute highest resolution or color calibration for print work may want to consider specialty reference monitors instead, while users who need a smaller, highly portable tablet should look at compact pen displays or standalone drawing tablets without a screen.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 21.5 in canvas provides an expansive workspace that improves workflow for detailed art and animation.
• Very high stylus pressure sensitivity with the X3 Pro pen yields smooth, expressive lines and subtle shading control.
• Wide 130% sRGB color gamut and 16.7 million colors make colors feel vibrant and useful for most digital art projects.
• Broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux and Android and support for popular creative software.

Cons

• While the 1920 x 1080 resolution is clear for most tasks, some users report that display sharpness and perceived quality are mixed compared with higherresolution panels.
• Large size requires a dedicated desk area and is less portable than smaller drawing tablets.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The XPPen Artist 22 Plus is a strong value for creators who want a large drawing surface and a very sensitive pen without spending at the top end. It pairs a roomy 21.5 in screen with an impressive 16K pressure stylus and wide color range, making it ideal for illustrators, animators and students who need a capable, affordable pen display. If you need extreme resolution or absolute color reference accuracy, consider a higherend monitor, but for most digital art workflows this tablet delivers excellent bang for the buck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pen require batteries?
The X3 Pro stylus uses a smart chip design and does not require batteries for operation.

Which software is supported?
The display supports common creative apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, GIMP, Krita, MediBang, Toon Boom, Maya and Blender.

Can it be used as a second monitor?
Yes, the Artist 22 Plus can extend or mirror your desktop for video, games or remote meetings as well as for drawing work.