What To Know
- The Wacom Intuos Pro S comes bundled with a suite of creative software, including Corel Painter Essentials, Clip Studio Paint Pro, and a 2-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
- However, if you require a larger active area, a more affordable price point, and are comfortable with using your own preferred drawing software, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers excellent value for money.
- While the Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a premium experience, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus shines as a more affordable option without compromising performance.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom Intuos Pro S boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller workspaces. Its textured surface provides a comfortable grip, while its sturdy construction ensures durability. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with a larger active area. Its textured surface offers a smooth drawing experience, while its plastic construction feels less premium than the Wacom counterpart.
Active Area and Resolution
The Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a smaller active area of 6.5 x 4 inches, making it suitable for precise line work and detailed illustrations. Its 5080 LPI resolution delivers exceptional accuracy and responsiveness. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, however, boasts a larger active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, providing ample space for sketching, drawing, and even digital painting. Its 5080 LPI resolution matches the Wacom, ensuring a smooth and precise drawing experience.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Both tablets excel in pressure sensitivity, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for subtle variations in line weight and brush strokes, mimicking the natural feel of traditional art tools. The Wacom Intuos Pro S utilizes a passive pen technology, requiring no batteries or charging. Its pen features customizable side buttons and a comfortable grip. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, however, employs a battery-free, passive pen technology with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Its pen offers customizable side buttons and a comfortable grip, similar to the Wacom counterpart.
Features and Software
The Wacom Intuos Pro S comes bundled with a suite of creative software, including Corel Painter Essentials, Clip Studio Paint Pro, and a 2-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. These software programs provide a comprehensive set of tools for digital artists of all levels. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, doesn’t include any bundled software. However, it is compatible with most popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Price and Value
The Wacom Intuos Pro S is priced higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, reflecting its premium brand reputation and bundled software. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers excellent value for its price, providing a larger active area and impressive features.
Wacom Intuos Pro S: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek and compact design
- Excellent build quality
- Precise and responsive drawing experience
- Bundled creative software
- Battery-free pen
Cons:
- Smaller active area
- Higher price point
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Larger active area
- Affordable price point
- Smooth and precise drawing experience
- Battery-free pen
- Compatible with most popular drawing software
Cons:
- Less premium build quality
- No bundled software
Deciding the Winner: Wacom Intuos Pro S vs XP-Pen Star G960S Plus
The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact design, premium build quality, and bundled software, the Wacom Intuos Pro S is an excellent choice. However, if you require a larger active area, a more affordable price point, and are comfortable with using your own preferred drawing software, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers excellent value for money.
The Verdict: A Triumph of Affordability and Performance
While the Wacom Intuos Pro S offers a premium experience, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus shines as a more affordable option without compromising performance. Its larger active area, smooth drawing experience, and compatibility with popular drawing software make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced artists. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus delivers exceptional value for its price, making it a compelling contender in the world of drawing tablets.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Is the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus compatible with macOS?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q: Does the Wacom Intuos Pro S offer driver support for Linux?
A: While Wacom does not officially support Linux, there are third-party drivers available that may offer some functionality.
Q: What is the difference between the XP-Pen Star G960S and the G960S Plus?
A: The G960S Plus features a larger active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, while the G960S has a smaller active area of 7.9 x 4.8 inches.
Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus for photo editing?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is compatible with photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.
Q: Is the Wacom Intuos Pro S a good choice for beginners?
A: While the Wacom Intuos Pro S is a great tablet overall, its higher price point might not be ideal for beginners. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a more budget-friendly option with similar features.