Quick summary
- Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960.
- The Wacom One by Wacom Small is priced at a lower price point compared to the XP-Pen Star G960.
- The Wacom One by Wacom Small offers excellent value for money, while the XP-Pen Star G960 provides premium features for a slightly higher price.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options from different brands. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960. Both offer a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
The Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are both entry-level drawing tablets that cater to aspiring artists, illustrators, and designers. They offer a compact form factor, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with popular drawing software. However, their subtle differences in design, performance, and features can sway the decision towards one over the other.
Design and Build Quality
Wacom One by Wacom Small: The Wacom One by Wacom Small boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black plastic construction. Its compact size makes it highly portable, perfect for taking on the go. The active area measures 6.5 x 4 inches, providing ample space for drawing. The tablet’s surface offers a smooth, textured feel, mimicking the feel of paper.
XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960 adopts a more utilitarian design with a black and silver color scheme. It’s slightly larger than the Wacom One, with an active area of 8 x 5 inches. This larger active area provides more room for intricate drawings and broader strokes. The tablet’s surface is smooth and slightly glossy.
Verdict: Both tablets offer a solid build quality, but the Wacom One by Wacom Small edges out with its sleek design and compact size, making it more portable.
Pen and Pressure Sensitivity
Wacom One by Wacom Small: The Wacom One by Wacom Small comes bundled with a battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen. The pen offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and responsive drawing experience. It also features two customizable buttons that can be programmed to perform various functions.
XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960 also includes a battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen. However, it boasts a higher pressure sensitivity level of 8192, offering greater nuance and control. The pen features eight customizable buttons, offering more flexibility in assigning shortcuts.
Verdict: The XP-Pen Star G960 wins this round with its higher pressure sensitivity and greater button customization, providing more control and flexibility for artists.
Compatibility and Software
Wacom One by Wacom Small: The Wacom One by Wacom Small is widely compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices. It also features Wacom‘s proprietary driver software, which offers customization options for pen settings and shortcuts.
XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960 also enjoys broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android devices. It comes with XP-Pen’s driver software, which provides similar customization options as Wacom’s.
Verdict: Both tablets offer excellent compatibility and software support, making them suitable for various platforms and operating systems.
Performance and Accuracy
Wacom One by Wacom Small: The Wacom One by Wacom Small delivers a smooth and responsive drawing experience, thanks to its 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The pen’s accuracy is commendable, allowing for precise linework and detailed drawings.
XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960’s higher pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels provides even greater control and accuracy. The pen’s responsiveness is excellent, translating brush strokes and pressure variations with precision.
Verdict: The XP-Pen Star G960 takes the lead in performance and accuracy due to its higher pressure sensitivity and responsiveness.
Price and Value
Wacom One by Wacom Small: The Wacom One by Wacom Small is priced at a lower price point compared to the XP-Pen Star G960. This makes it a more affordable option for budget-conscious artists.
XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960 is slightly more expensive than the Wacom One by Wacom Small. However, it offers a larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and more customizable buttons, justifying its higher price tag.
Verdict: The Wacom One by Wacom Small offers excellent value for money, while the XP-Pen Star G960 provides premium features for a slightly higher price.
Pros and Cons
Wacom One by Wacom Small
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Affordable price
- Smooth and responsive drawing experience
- Wide compatibility with various platforms
Cons:
- Smaller active area compared to XP-Pen Star G960
- Lower pressure sensitivity than XP-Pen Star G960
- Fewer customizable pen buttons
XP-Pen Star G960
Pros:
- Larger active area
- Higher pressure sensitivity
- More customizable pen buttons
- Excellent performance and accuracy
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than Wacom One by Wacom Small
- Less portable due to larger size
Final Verdict: Which Drawing Tablet Wins?
Both the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are excellent drawing tablets that cater to different needs and preferences. The Wacom One by Wacom Small shines with its affordability, compact size, and portability, making it ideal for beginners and artists on the go. The XP-Pen Star G960, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with its larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and greater button customization, making it a better choice for professional artists and those who require more control and precision.
The Ultimate Choice: It Depends!
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a portable and affordable option, the Wacom One by Wacom Small is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and more customization options, the XP-Pen Star G960 is the superior option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which drawing tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both Wacom One by Wacom Small and XP-Pen Star G960 are good choices for beginners. The Wacom One by Wacom Small is more affordable, while the XP-Pen Star G960 offers more features.
Q: Which drawing tablet is better for professional artists?
A: The XP-Pen Star G960 is a better choice for professional artists due to its larger active area, higher pressure sensitivity, and more customizable buttons.
Q: Can I use these drawing tablets with my smartphone?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with Android devices. However, you may need an OTG adapter to connect them to your smartphone.
Q: Which drawing tablet is better for digital painting?
A: Both tablets are suitable for digital painting. The XP-Pen Star G960’s higher pressure sensitivity and larger active area might be preferred by some artists for digital painting.
Q: What is the difference between the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the Wacom One Creative Pen Display?
A: The Wacom One by Wacom Small is a drawing tablet, while the Wacom One Creative Pen Display is a pen display. The pen display features a built-in screen, allowing you to draw directly on the display.