Main points
- This entry-level drawing tablet boasts a compact design, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with Windows and macOS, making it a great choice for beginners and casual artists.
- 3 Pro offers a larger active area, a vibrant display, and a battery-free pen, making it a more versatile option for those seeking a more immersive drawing experience.
- 3 Pro boasts a more sophisticated design, with a black metal frame and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
- Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: This entry-level drawing tablet boasts a compact design, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with Windows and macOS, making it a great choice for beginners and casual artists.
- XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: Designed for both beginners and professionals, the Artist 13.3 Pro offers a larger active area, a vibrant display, and a battery-free pen, making it a more versatile option for those seeking a more immersive drawing experience.
Design and Build Quality
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 features a sleek, minimalist design, with a black plastic casing that feels sturdy and lightweight. The tablet is compact, measuring 9.8 x 6.3 inches, making it easy to transport and use on a desk with limited space. The drawing surface is smooth and offers a comfortable drawing experience.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro boasts a more sophisticated design, with a black metal frame and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The tablet is larger than the RTS 300, measuring 13.3 inches diagonally, providing a more expansive drawing area. The display is laminated, reducing parallax and offering a more natural drawing experience.
Active Area and Resolution
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 offers a smaller active area of 6.3 x 4 inches, which might feel cramped for some users, especially those accustomed to larger tablets. The resolution of 2540 LPI provides decent accuracy, but it’s not as precise as the Artist 13.3 Pro.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro features a larger active area of 11.6 x 6.5 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. The 5080 LPI resolution offers exceptional accuracy, delivering a more responsive and precise drawing experience.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 comes with a battery-free pen that offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen is comfortable to hold and offers good responsiveness, allowing for nuanced line variations and brush strokes.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro also boasts a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen features a more ergonomic design, with a textured grip that enhances comfort during extended drawing sessions. The pen nibs are replaceable, offering flexibility and longevity.
Display and Color Accuracy
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 lacks a display, relying on a monitor for visualization. This can be a drawback for some users, as it requires constant switching between the tablet and the screen, potentially affecting workflow and immersion.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro features a vibrant 13.3-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, offering a crisp and detailed drawing experience. The display boasts a wide color gamut and accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for professional-level work.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 connects to your computer via USB cable, offering a reliable and straightforward connection. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro also connects via USB cable, providing a stable and consistent connection. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring seamless integration.
Software and Features
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 doesn’t come with dedicated software, relying on system drivers for functionality. However, it’s compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro includes XP-Pen’s proprietary software, which offers customization options for pen settings, shortcut keys, and other features. It also supports popular drawing software, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
Price and Value for Money
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: The RTS 300 is priced significantly lower than the Artist 13.3 Pro, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. It offers a decent set of features for the price, making it a good value for money.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: The Artist 13.3 Pro is priced higher than the RTS 300, reflecting its more advanced features and capabilities. While it’s a more expensive option, it offers exceptional value for money, especially for professionals and serious artists.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
Huion Inspiroy RTS 300: If you’re a beginner or casual artist looking for an affordable and portable drawing tablet, the RTS 300 is a great choice. Its compact design, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with popular software make it a solid entry-level option.
XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro: For professional artists, aspiring illustrators, or anyone seeking a more immersive drawing experience, the Artist 13.3 Pro is the superior choice. Its larger active area, vibrant display, and comprehensive features make it a powerful tool for creative endeavors.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 and the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro are excellent choices, the market offers a wide range of drawing tablets to suit different needs and budgets. Consider exploring other options like the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro or the **Wacom Intuos Pro** for more advanced features and capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Huion Inspiroy RTS 300 or the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro with my smartphone?
A: Both tablets are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with smartphones.
Q: Do these tablets require drivers to function?
A: Yes, both tablets require drivers to be installed on your computer for proper functionality.
Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?
A: The terms “drawing tablet” and “graphics tablet” are often used interchangeably. They both refer to input devices that allow you to control a computer cursor using a pen or stylus. However, “drawing tablet” is often used to emphasize its use in creative applications like drawing, sketching, and painting.
Q: What is the minimum system requirement for these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with Windows 7 and macOS 10.10 or later operating systems.
Q: Can I use these tablets for digital painting?
A: Yes, both tablets are suitable for digital painting. The pressure sensitivity and pen technology allow for nuanced brush strokes and realistic effects.