Procreate: the iPad drawing standard, bought once
Procreate is what people mean when they say "drawing app for tablet" — but it is Apple-only and costs money. We look at what the one-time purchase buys.
Procreate is the answer people give when asked what to draw with on a tablet. For $12.99 you get the whole thing: no subscription, no in-app purchases, no crippled free tier.
What it gives you
Canvas speed. The engine is written for Apple hardware, and it shows on large canvases with dozens of layers, where rivals start lagging behind the stylus. The delay between your hand moving and the line appearing is what separates drawing from fighting the app.
Apple Pencil support as designed. Tilt, pressure, double-tap to switch tools — all working without setup.
A one-time purchase. Two years of a competitor's subscription costs more, and more importantly it never turns into losing access to your own work when you stop paying.
What it costs
Being tied to Apple. There is no Android version and none is planned. This is a decision by the developer, not a temporary state, so do not count on switching platforms later.
A separate app for iPhone. On the phone you run Procreate Pocket — a different product at a separate price. Buying one does not give you the other.
Money up front. There is no trial.
Who it is not for
Android owners — the question is closed here.
And anyone drawing with a finger. Half of what Procreate offers rests on the stylus; without one the gap to free Sketchbook nearly disappears while the price does not.