The Ultimate Showdown: Wacom One vs XP Pen Star G960 for Artists

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960. Both tablets offer a decent drawing experience, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their features, pros, cons, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Wacom One by Wacom Small: This compact tablet is a popular choice for beginners and casual artists seeking a reliable and affordable option. It boasts Wacom’s renowned pressure sensitivity and a comfortable, ergonomic design.

XP-Pen Star G960: The XP-Pen Star G960 is a budget-friendly alternative that packs a punch. It offers a large active area, multiple programmable buttons, and a responsive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Active Area and Size: A Matter of Space

The active area refers to the tablet’s drawing surface where your pen strokes are registered. The Wacom One by Wacom Small offers a compact active area of 6.3 x 3.9 inches, making it ideal for smaller desks and on-the-go use. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960 boasts a larger active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches, providing more room for creative expression and detailed work.

Pressure Sensitivity: Accuracy and Control

Both tablets offer a decent level of pressure sensitivity, allowing you to vary line thickness and brush strokes based on the pressure applied to the pen. The Wacom One by Wacom Small features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Star G960 boasts 8192 levels. This difference might be noticeable for experienced artists, but for beginners, both tablets offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience.

Pen Technology: The Heart of the Drawing Experience

The pen is the most crucial element of any drawing tablet, and both the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 offer comfortable and responsive pens. The Wacom One’s pen is battery-free and features a comfortable grip. The XP-Pen Star G960’s pen also boasts a comfortable grip and comes with replaceable nibs, providing a more customizable experience.

Buttons and Customization: Enhancing Your Workflow

The Wacom One by Wacom Small lacks physical buttons on the tablet itself, requiring users to rely on keyboard shortcuts or on-screen menus. The XP-Pen Star G960, however, offers eight programmable buttons on the tablet, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions and customization to suit your workflow.

Software and Compatibility: Getting the Most Out of Your Tablet

Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS, offering seamless integration with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook. The Wacom One by Wacom Small comes bundled with Wacom’s software suite, including Wacom One Creative Center and Wacom Link, offering additional features and compatibility with mobile devices. The XP-Pen Star G960 also boasts its own software, XP-Pen Artist, which provides a range of customization options and drawing tools.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Wacom One by Wacom Small

Pros:

• Compact size and portability
• Wacom’s renowned pressure sensitivity
• Battery-free pen
• Bundled software suite

Cons:

• Limited active area
• No physical buttons on the tablet
• Higher price point compared to the XP-Pen Star G960

XP-Pen Star G960

Pros:

• Large active area
• Eight programmable buttons
• Affordable price
• Replaceable pen nibs

Cons:

• Less pressure sensitivity compared to the Wacom One by Wacom Small
• Pen requires a battery

The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?

Choosing between the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Wacom One by Wacom Small is ideal for:

• Beginners who are new to drawing tablets
• Casual artists who prioritize portability and affordability
• Users who prefer Wacom’s renowned pressure sensitivity and brand recognition

XP-Pen Star G960 is ideal for:

• Artists who prefer a larger active area for detailed work
• Users who value customizable buttons and a more budget-friendly option
• Those who don’t mind the battery requirement for the pen

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison

While the Wacom One by Wacom Small and the XP-Pen Star G960 are both excellent choices, remember that your choice should align with your individual needs and artistic preferences. Consider your budget, the size of your workspace, the level of pressure sensitivity you require, and the features that are most important for your workflow.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Are these tablets suitable for professional use?

A: Both tablets can be used for professional work, but the Wacom One by Wacom Small might be better suited for casual or beginner-level professionals. The XP-Pen Star G960’s larger active area and customizable buttons can be beneficial for more detailed and intricate work.

Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?

A: The Wacom One by Wacom Small can be connected to mobile devices using Wacom Link, while the XP-Pen Star G960 requires a separate adapter for mobile compatibility.

Q: What kind of software do these tablets work with?

A: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and more.

Q: Can I replace the pen nibs on these tablets?

A: The XP-Pen Star G960’s pen comes with replaceable nibs, while the Wacom One by Wacom Small‘s pen does not.

Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?

A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the Wacom One by Wacom Small might be a slightly better option due to its user-friendly interface and Wacom’s reputation for quality.