Everything is getting digitized daily; with more digitalization comes more challenges for artists to provide the best designs.
Drawing or graphic designing with a mouse is quite a challenging task. For ease of this, drawing or artistic pens and tablets are available in the market.
You might have heard about some of the best brands like Wacom, XP-Pen, Sony, Huion, Samsung, and much more, but the topmost brands are Wacom and XP-Pen.
This article will compare two leading Japanese companies manufacturing graphic tablets, Wacom and XP-Pen, based on various parameters: cheaper, availability, customer service, etc.
Let’s get started.
What is Wacom?
Wacom is a Japan-based digital company that manufactures superfine graphic or art pens and tablets. The company was founded in 1983 and had its headquarters based in Kazo, Japan.
The company launched its first cordless pen tablet in 1983, bringing innovations every day.
Wacom deals in providing the best quality and high-tech pen computers, pen displays, pen tablets, smart pads, Stylus, and three different apps and services that every designer or artist, or professional might need while working with its products.
What is XP-PEN?
XP-Pen is a well-known company in the field of digital graphic tablets. It was founded in 2005 in Japan and started developing digital graphic tablets as a research and development project.
By 2018, the company successfully made its presence in various countries and had an impressive impact, especially on Asian, European, and North American digital markets.
It sold its most popular deco series in more than 100 countries and has gained much popularity amongst artists and creators in the digital market.
We will compare both Wacom and XP-Pen based on the various parameters. Let us have a look.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Web Interface
Both have a user-friendly interface with different shortcuts to help customers or users looking for graphic or artistic tablets.
Users can easily find pictures, designs, or illustrations uploaded by those using graphics tablets on the company’s website.
This feature is available on the “Discover” option on the Wacom website. In contrast, on the XP-Pen website, you can find amazing designs or artwork by the users of XP-Pen graphics tablets and pens under the “Explore” option.
Wacom Discover vs XP-Pen Explore: Wacom’s Discover has a wide number of options where you can discover various designs along with an informative blog about how to make a particular 3d design or how to draw hands or how to do photo editing along with recommendations of the best-related graphics or drawing tablet.
On the other hand, XP- Pen’s Explore option recommends the most suitable graphic tablet and pen you need for a particular work.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Design
Although every model has a different design, the basic design remains the same, whether Wacom or XP-Pen.
The basic design of almost every drawing or graphic tablet model is the same, but you will find some differences in both of the company’s products. Let us compare 2 different models Cintiq 16 by Wacom and Artist 15.6 Pro by XP-Pen.
Cintiq 16 by Wacom is a very simply designed Graphics and drawing tablet with just a clear, simple screen on the front, whereas the other hand, Artistic 15.6 Pro by XP-Pen has front shortcut buttons and a simple, clear screen on the front.
Artistic 15.6 Pro has a fully laminated display with a tablet stand, whereas the other side Cintiq 16, comes with a pen but does not have a laminated display. Cintiq 16 has a 1.9 kg weight, whereas Artistic 15.6 Pro is lighter than 1.5 kg.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Pressure Sensitivity
Pressure sensitivity is the feature that helps digital tablets sense thick or thin lines that you draw.
You might be thinking that if you buy a graphic tablet with more pressure sensitivity, you will get much better results.
But this isn’t true in all cases; you might not notice much difference between the pressure levels unless you are doing highly professional work.
Both Wacom and XP-Pen manufacture graphic tablets with different pressure sensitivity. Let’s compare Wacom Intuos(4096 Pressure levels) with XP Pen Deco 01 V2 (8192 pressure levels).
You will find that Wacom manufactures more products with fewer pressure levels than XP-Pen, but Wacom graphic tablets are more smooth and more effective.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Resistance to Scratches
You can work comfortably only if the tablet and stylus you use are smooth. But a smooth tablet means more scratches after using it for a very long time.
Most graphic tablets are made up of plastic, and so is the stylus nib; while working for hours daily, the nib of the stylus might slip due to friction and moisture.
To avoid this, Wacom uses a superfine technique by keeping small waves or jumps on the tablet surface to prevent the stylus from slipping and hence avoid scratches in long-term use.
On the other hand, XP-Pen has no such waves or bump-like texture on its tablet surface. So here, Wacom graphic tablets are more resistant to scratches than XP-Pen drawing or graphics tablets.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Display
The display is crucial when buying a drawing or graphic tablet. Very large or very small displays can both be uncomfortable while working.
Wacom and XP-Pen have a wide range of options available in display and offer 4k HD displays.
Let us compare Wacom Cintiq 16($650) and XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro($400). Now here, if we look at the prices, Cintiq 16 is quite expensive as compared to Artist 15.6 Pro so everyone might be thinking that Cintiq would be more superfine.
But, here is the reality, Artist 15.6 Pro has a laminated 15.6 inches display with 84% Adobe RGB whereas Cintiq 16 also has a 15.6 inches display.
Still, it is a non-laminated display with 75% Adobe RGB coverage, whereas XP-Pen has more color gamete and takes over Wacom.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Working Area
Apart from the display, the working area also plays an equally important role when buying a drawing or graphics tablet.
A very large or very small working area can create problems if you are not experienced; Wacom and XP-Pen have different models with different working areas, also referred to as active areas.
Wacom mostly has three sizes of tablets, small, medium, and large. Sizes range between 7.9”x6.3” to 32”, but not all the models have size options.
On the other hand, XP-Pen has a variety of graphics and drawing tablets ranging between 4.8”x3” to 23.8 inches working area. XP-Pen has more options than Wacom, and you can also find more features with a bigger working area tablet.
We recommend avoiding going with huge or tiny if you’re a newbie unfamiliar with withdrawing or graphic tablets. A moderate drawing or graphic tablet is ideal for most people’s needs.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Performance
Apart from all other aspects, performance stays the topmost priority of every customer. Performance is accurately measured by analyzing how the device works long-term and how much defect resistance it is even after using it for a long time.
Drawing or working on a Wacom tablet gives a super fine and smooth experience. Wacom is an older company with limited variety but focuses on providing the best quality and performance.
Most of the models in Wacom come with smooth anti-glare glass that gives extra protection and smooth working. On the other hand, XP-Pen has a lot of variety in a reasonable price range but lags in performance.
Drawing using an XP-Pen is typically fine but lacks Wacom’s easy premium precision. XP-Pen software is notorious for being unreliable, subject to crashes, and requiring a long time to install.
There’s no getting past the reality that it’s a considerably less pleasant experience overall.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Features
Both XP-Pen and Wacom tablets come with different bunch of features. Both companies make graphics and drawing tablets, each with strengths and weaknesses.
While XP-Pen tablets are typically less expensive and have more functionality than Wacom tablets, Wacom tablets have a more luxurious and robust design and greater brand awareness.
Usually, the XP-Pen stylus is known to have more pressure levels than the Wacom stylus and is much lighter in terms of weight. XP-Pen stylus is known to have more functions and dual buttons as compared to Wacom.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Shortcut Buttons
Shortcut buttons are the most crucial for any drawing or graphics tablet. More shortcut buttons mean more fast and more handy work.
Buttons can be quite attractive for anyone looking to buy a drawing or graphics tablet.
Compared to all Wacom tablets, the XP-Pen tablet has more shortcut buttons. More shortcut buttons imply less effort.
One advantage for the XP-Pen tablet users is that they get dial buttons and wheel rollers in almost all the completely absent models in Wacom tablets.
In the end, the number, kind, and location of shortcut buttons on a tablet define how useful it is. The Wacom tablet usually has four shortcut buttons; on the other hand, the XP-Pen tablet usually has six to eight shortcut buttons and a roller.
Shortcut buttons allow you to depend much less on the keypad and improve your productivity by allowing you to work more quickly. So clearly, in terms of shortcut buttons, XP-Pen wins the race against Wacom.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Pen Holder
A pen holder is not something every company provides, but it is equally necessary for the long life of the stylus or drawing or graphics tablet.
Wacom vs XP-Pen in terms of pen holder is a win-win situation for XP-Pen because Wacom doesn’t have a pen holder in any of its models at all.
XP-Pen Deco series has an extra advantage of a pen holder that helps to get the stylus in place and saves it from rolling or sliding when placed on any surface to avoid damage.
Not only does this XP-Pen pen holder come with inbuilt nibs in it that make it very easy to change or replace a nib whenever you want.
So clearly here, XP-Pen takes over Wacom concerning Pen Holder.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Driver Software
While using the tablet for the first time, driver software is the utmost priority, as you can only use it after the drivers are installed properly.
Driver software is one of the most crucial things when working on a drawing tablet.
Wacom is known to provide easy-to-install and update driver software. On the other hand, XP-Pen sometimes gets glitches when someone tries to install a driver for the first time or update.
Wacom tablets have a clear win over XP-Pen in terms of driver software and are known to be handy and easy to update and install driver software.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Warranty
Both Wacom and XP-Pen provide a minimum 1-year product warranty to their customers. Wacom offers different product warranties and depends on region and market.
Wacom offers more warranty on some products than XP-Pen and is also compatible with more systems and software than XP-Pen.
Although both Wacom and XP-Pen are on some pages regarding the warranty, somewhat Wacom takes over XP-Pen.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Build Quality
The overall quality of the product is something that matters the most. Wacom has been known to provide superior superfine quality for years and is a much more experienced and older brand than XP-Pen.
XP-Pen also makes good quality products that last longer. Still, Wacom is known to provide superior and premium build quality and has much heavier products. So build quality is much heavier on Wacom’s side compared to XP-Pen.
XP Pen vs Wacom – Cost
Everyone has their budget and wants pocket-friendly devices. Wacom has superior, heavy-range drawing tablets that might cost you much and look expensive.
On the other hand, XP-Pen manufactures more pocket-friendly or cost-effective products with more features than Wacom.
You can get a much more effective stylus sensitivity and a good quality display at a reasonable price in XP-Pen, but to get the same, you might have to spend around $500-$600 in Wacom.
So clearly, here, XP-Pen is more cost-effective as compared to Wacom.
XP-pen vs Wacom vs huion:-
Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen, and other firms produce graphic tablets and accompanying gear for digital art and design. The ideal option for you will rely on your unique needs and preferences among the goods offered by all three firms, which range in features and pricing points.
Wacom is a well-known company for creating high-quality graphics tablets and other gear. Most professionals in digital art and design utilize Wacom products, which are frequently regarded as some of the best in the business. Wacom’s products, however, are typically more expensive than those made by some other companies.
A few more recent businesses, Huion and XP-Pen, are well known for making high-quality graphics tablets and accompanying gear at more reasonable prices. Both businesses provide a wide choice of goods with various features and pricing points, and their goods are typically regarded as being good buys.
Your particular needs and financial situation will ultimately determine whether Wacom, Huion, or XP-Pen is your best option.
Finding the product that is best suited to your needs requires investigation and comparison of the features and costs of the various items supplied by these companies.
XP-pen vs huion:-
In general, XP-Pen and Huion are renowned for creating premium graphics tablets and other gear at lower prices than certain other brands.
You should be able to select a product from either firm that suits your demands and budget because both companies provide a large range of items with various features and pricing ranges.
The accessibility of their items is one possible distinction between the two businesses. Huion’s goods could be more challenging to locate in some areas, whereas XP-Pen has a bigger distribution network and is more widely available in many countries.
Your particular needs and financial situation will ultimately determine whether XP-Pen or Huion is the better option for you.
Finding the product that is best suited to your needs requires investigation and comparison of the features and costs of the various items supplied by these companies.
XP-pen vs Wacom one:-
A specific model of graphics tablet made by Wacom is called the Wacom One. It is a mid-range tablet that is intended for usage by beginners and amateurs and is often regarded as offering good value for the money.
A wide drawing surface, good pressure sensitivity, and a battery-free pen are just a few characteristics that the Wacom One offers that consumers might find appealing.
Another firm that provides various graphics tablets with various capabilities and price points is XP-Pen. While XP-Pen doesn’t directly compete with the Wacom One with a product, it does sell several tablets with features and comparable costs.
Your particular needs and financial situation will ultimately determine whether the Wacom One or an XP-Pen tablet is better for you. Finding the product that is best suited to your needs requires investigation and comparison of the features and costs of the various goods supplied by these companies.
📗FAQ
Is Wacom Better Than XP-Pen?
Wacom is a well-known company for creating high-quality graphics tablets and other gear. Most professionals in digital art and design utilize Wacom products, which are frequently regarded as some of the best in the business.
XP-Pen is a more recent business with a solid reputation for creating high-quality graphics tablets and associated devices at more reasonable prices. Products from XP-Pen are well-liked by many customers and are typically considered good value for the money.
The user’s particular demands and preferences will ultimately determine which pen is “better,” Wacom or XP-Pen.
Finding the company best suited to your needs requires researching each, and comparing the features and costs of their products.
Is The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP Worth It?
In general, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP is a reputable graphics tablet with many characteristics that may be interesting to users, such as a sizable drawing area, a high-resolution display, and good pressure sensitivity.
Compared to other competing graphical tablets on the market, it is inexpensive.
There are other graphical tablets out there, though; they might provide different features or greater performance for specific customers.
Finding the graphics tablet best suited to your needs requires some research and comparison of the features and costs of several graphics tablets.
Is The XP-Pen A Chinese Company?
Indeed, XP-Pen is a Chinese business with its main office in Shenzhen. XP-Pen, a pioneer in the production of graphics tablets and other tools for digital art and design, was established in 2005. Professionals and fans frequently utilize the company’s items because of their high quality and low prices.
How Long Does A Wacom Pen Nib Last?
The longevity of a Wacom pen nib is affected by several variables, including the pen’s particular model and usage.
In general, Wacom pen nibs are made to be strong and ought to last a very long period under normal use.
It is important to remember that pen nibs are a consumable good and will ultimately wear out with use. The tablet’s surface, the pressure applied to the pen, and how frequently the pen is used can all affect how quickly a pen nib wears out.
With typical use, some users may discover that their pen nibs last for several years or more, but others may discover that they need to change their nibs more frequently. If your pen nib needs to be replaced because it has worn out, keeping a stock of replacement nibs on hand is a good idea.
Overall, how long a Wacom pen nib lasts depends on the particular usage conditions. To guarantee a fluid and responsive sketching experience, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the state of your pen nib and replace it as required.
Is Huion Or XP Pen Better?
In general, Huion and XP-Pen are both renowned for creating premium graphics tablets and other gear at more competitive prices than some other brands.
You should be able to select a product from either firm that suits your demands and budget because both companies provide a large range of items with various features and pricing ranges.
Does XP-PEN Need Screen Protector?
To prevent scratches and other damage to the screen of a graphics tablet or other device with a display, it is generally a good idea to install a screen protector.
This can be particularly crucial for graphics tablets that are frequently used or transported in bags or other protective cases.
It’s a good idea to consider using a screen protector to safeguard the display screen of your graphics tablet, even if XP-Pen often does not include one with its products.
Many screen protectors available are made expressly for use with graphics tablets and provide high levels of protection against scuffs and other damage. Some screen protectors can have other advantages, such as lowering glare or enhancing the display’s overall aesthetic.
Overall, your requirements and tastes will determine whether or not you require a screen protector for your XP-Pen graphics tablet.
It is a good idea to consider applying a screen protector if you are worried about safeguarding your tablet’s screen from scuffs or other damage.
Wacom vs XP-Pen: The Verdict
Wacom and XP-Pen are the most known companies for drawing or graphics tablets. From the above comparison, it’s clear that in some aspects, Wacom takes over XP-Pen, and in some aspects, it proves superior to Wacom.
In our view, if you are looking for a good quality product with high performance and are ready to sacrifice some features, then you must choose Wacom, and if you are looking to buy a drawing tablet with more features and budget-friendly, then XP-Pen is the right choice for you.
