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The best Osu! tablets you can buy
Osu! is more than a free rhythm game -- it's a battle of wits and response time while you move to original beat maps. It's not a question of whether to play but how to play, and you certainly have options.
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Created in 2007 for PCs, the game is now available for download on Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Although you can use any of these to play Osu!, the game is best suited for tablets.
It can help if you have the right tablet to optimize your game, and not all devices make sense for Osu! gaming. I rounded up the best tablets for playing Osu! based on build and features, so you can improve your score and enjoy the game even more.
Also: Read more about the best tablets
- Software included
- Great compatibility
- Compact build
- Some hiccups getting started
- Can scratch easily
Tech specs: Pressure sensitivity: 4096 levels | Operating system: Windows, Mac O | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2 MB | Dimensions: 7.87 x 6.3 x 0.35 inches
The Wacom Intuos CTL 4100 is the best tablet for Osu! but its capabilities extend beyond gaming. The tablet is user-friendly and appropriate for beginners, and it's easy to pair with your PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Appropriate for work, school, and play, the Wacom Intuos CTL 4100 has a compact design with an oversized drawing area. The lightweight device measures just 8.8 millimeters thin with 100 lines per millimeter recognition to better track your pen. The included pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, employing Electro-Magnetic Resonance (EMR) technology to ensure responsiveness and accuracy. Plus, there are four customizable ExpressKeys you can use for faster shortcuts.
It runs off the latest version of Google Chrome and comes with three downloadable software programs. Online tutorials are also available.
- Affordable
- Excellent compatibility
- Easily portable
- Smaller drawing area
- Battery-operated stylus
Tech specs: Pressure sensitivity: 2048 levels | Operating system: Windows, Mac OS | Resolution: 4000 LPI | Voltage: 5 volts | Dimensions: 11.81 x 2.36 x 9.84 inches
The Huion H420 is the best Osu! tablet for beginners because it's super easy to handle. The tablet is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems for flexibility no matter your preference. While some advanced tablets have complicated hardware, the Huion H420's plug-and-play design keeps it simple.
Plus, the device is optimized for many programs other than Osu! gaming. Artists are sure to love applications like Corel Painter, CorelDraw, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Other programs include Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, 3D MAX, and Pixologic ZBrush.
The companion pen features a thoughtful design with a middle button for scrolling. Plus, it offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity to ensure accuracy. You can customize the three express keys with options to close the current page or save. Plus, the device has USB connectivity with a plug-and-play design that doesn't require external drivers.
- Linux compatibility
- Compact
- Very user-friendly
- May be too small for some users
- No express key
Tech specs: Pressure sensitivity: 1024 levels | Operating system: Windows, Mac OS | Resolution: 2540 LPI | Dimensions: 11 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
The Wacom Bamboo CTL471 comes stacked with features. I love the black and lime design, and it's compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. The tablet comes with ArtRage Studio, which can simulate different tools and mediums like oil paints, watercolors, and chalk, so it's an excellent choice for artists, too. It also features SketchBook Express, a digital sketchbook with a catalog of custom tools suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Drawing and writing feel lifelike, too. With a 2540-LPI resolution, the display offers a textured work surface that mimics the feel of pen on paper. The Bamboo pen has an ergonomic fit with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen is also battery-free, saving you the headache of charging, and it still manages to deliver accuracy within 0.2 inches. With a pen holder on the side, your tablet is ready for use at all times.
There are also multiple connectivity options, with your choice of either USB-Type A or Micro USB connection.
- User-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
- Fantastic companion pen
- Older technology
- Few controls
Tech specs: Pressure sensitivity: 2048 levels | Operating system: Windows, Mac OS | Resolution: 2540 LPI | Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.75 x 0.34 inches
The Wacom One CTL 472 is a compact Osu! tablet that still offers a generous working area. It's designed with the creator in mind, featuring easy ways to draw, sketch, write, and interact with other creatives. For added convenience, it accommodates both left-handed and right-handed users.
The enclosed digital pen comes from 35 years of development, offering a smooth, interruption-free writing and drawing experience. The battery-free model has 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and it feels surprisingly lifelike, imitating a pen-on-paper experience.
The Wacom One comes with USB connectivity for Chrome, Mac, and Windows operating systems. You also get a ton of software freebies with your purchase. When you register your tablet, you'll receive free access to special EdTech software for exclusive educational tools, plus a three-month free trial of Bluescape, a creative collaboration tool.
- Very affordable
- Linux compatibility
- Excellent for beginners
- Some connectivity issues reported
- Some software hiccups
Tech specs: Pressure sensitivity: 8192 levels | Operating system: Windows, Mac OS | Resolution: 5080 LPI | Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.5 x 0.1 inches
As the best thin Osu! tablet, the XP Pen Star G640 is lightweight and portable. It works for Osu! gaming but is also recommended for online education that involves drawing, sketching, painting, and photo editing.
The tablet comes with USB connectivity for Windows, Mac, and Chrome operating systems. It's also compatible with Microsoft Office applications like PowerPoint, OneNote, Word, Zoom, and Xsplit, making it perfect for professional and educational projects.
The battery-free pen delivers uninterrupted use with 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity. It's matched with a six-inch screen only two millimeters thick, making it perfect for life on the go. For Osu! gaming, the tablet has an active area of 6 by 4 inches.
What is the best Osu! tablet?
The Wacom Intuos CTL 4100 is a fantastic Osu! tablet for affordability and performance. It's easy to set up and has a compact design that doesn't skimp on the size of its drawing area. The included pen is a bonus that helps ensure speed and efficiency.
Having a thin, lightweight, and incredibly responsive tablet can make your Osu! gameplay more fun. To see how my favorite picks compare, these are the best Osu! tablets.
Best Osu! tablet | Cost | Pressure sensitivity | Resolution |
Wacom Intuos CTL 4100 | $58 | 4096 levels | 1920 x 1080 |
Huion H420 | $30 | 2048 levels | 4000 LPI |
Wacom Bamboo CTL471 | $140 | 1024 levels | 2540 LPI |
One by Wacom CTL 472 | $50 | 2048 levels | 2540 LPI |
XP Pen Star G640 | $29 | 8192 levels | 5080 LPI |
Which is the best Osu! tablet for you?
It can be challenging to identify the best Osu! tablet for your needs. After a while, they can all begin to blend, and it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.
Based on my research, these recommendations can help you find the best Osu! tablet for your needs.
Choose this Osu! tablet... | If you want... |
Wacom Intuos CTL 4100 | Performance and value all in one |
Huion H420 | A user-friendly option perfect for beginners |
Wacom Bamboo CTL471 | To use your tablet with other programs |
One by Wacom CTL 472 | A budget-friendly Osu! tablet |
XP Pen Star G640 | A thin, lightweight build |
How did we choose these best Osu! tablets?
When shopping for the best Osu! tablets, consider these key factors that can help with your search.
- Active area: A large tablet won't necessarily have a large drawing area. Before you choose the best Osu! tablet for your gameplay, consider how large you'd like the active area to be. Too large of an area can interfere with your gaming by making it more difficult for your fingers to cover a bigger space.
- Pen: Look for an Osu! tablet pen that is battery-free. You'll experience smoother motion on-screen that can improve your gameplay without interference from a draining battery.
- Resolution: A higher resolution can also improve your Osu! gameplay by allowing for smoother transfers of your motions to the game.
- Cost: The cost of the best Osu! tablets can vary significantly depending on the size, features, and software included. The best Osu! tablets cost under $150, making them a far more affordable option than your average laptop or PC.
What is Osu!?
Osu! is a rhythm game that requires you to tap and slide circles in time to music. The more you play, the more complicated it gets with advanced beat maps. Choose your difficulty level and watch the music -- and your circles -- move faster in response.
Osu! boasts more than 20.5 million users in a wildly popular format that quickly becomes addictive. It's also free to play, a thoughtful gift from creator Dean "peppy" Herbert. You can also access the game from multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Why do I need an Osu! tablet?
Playing Osu! with a tablet and pen is much easier than playing with a traditional mouse and computer screen. The pen makes your gameplay more accurate and responsive, and you'll be able to continue with more fluid motion. The pen is significantly lighter and makes for easier movement than one would have with a bulky mouse. The result? Your skills and overall performance will improve.
How much do the best Osu! tablets cost?
Tablets can run the gamut in cost based on size, features, and build. They can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. However, not all tablets are best for Osu! gameplay, with some tablets better geared toward everyday use for checking emails and surfing the web. Based on our search, the best Osu! tablets range in cost from $29 to $140, depending on factors like resolution and pressure sensitivity.
Are there alternative best Osu! tablets worth considering?
For other options, consider these best picks that almost made our list.
Want a different type of device? Consider our picks for the best computers, the best phones, and the best gaming PCs!