XP-Pen vs. Huion? This is a question that any creative on a budget can ask themselves, as they are looking for a great drawing tablet that doesn’t require paying the price of a high-end Wacom or iPad Pro.
While Wacom was once the only real name in drawing tablets, there’s a lot more competition these days. Manufacturers like XP-Pen and Huion have cleverly stepped in to fill the gap, offering tablets that are not only well priced, but also offer a competitive drawing experience for the big dogs in the industry.
Our comprehensive guide to the best drawing tablets features a few XP-Pen and Huion models, and they’ve earned their place on that list. But which one is better or, to ask a better question, which one is better for you? After all, everyone is different, so we’ve put together this guide to help you answer this question for yourself.
Before we get started, we’ve divided this guide into sections for the two different types of tablets that XP-Pen and Huion make: graphics tablets and pen displays. Essentially, the main difference between the two is that graphics tablets do not have a screen, so they must be connected to an external monitor or other display device. Meanwhile, pen displays have their own screen, which provides a much more immediate and intuitive drawing experience, but also increases the bulk and cost of the tablet.
While we don’t have space to review every product each brand offers, we’ll compare some similar tablets and their pros and cons to give you an idea of what might be right for you. So, let’s get started: it’s time to introduce XP-Pen vs Huion.
XP-Pen vs Huion: Graphics Tablets
Both manufacturers offer various small and inexpensive graphics tablets. Highly portable, these are great for those who like to draw on the go, or just want something simple that won’t need a lot of technical knowledge to draw (graphics tablets tend to be some of the best drawing tablets for kids for this reason).
Let’s see some examples of Huion and XP-Pen. Both firms offer quite a few graphics tablets in various sizes: you can have a screen size as small as 4 to 5 inches, with options like the XP-Pen Deco Fun XS and the Huion H430P. These tend to be similarly priced and offer very similar functionality, with at least 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. If you go for these absolutely smaller tablets, we’d say the Huion H430P might have the upper hand as it’s around the same price but has the benefit of two customizable function buttons.
But let’s say you want a little more drawing space and jump a few levels up to 10-inch graphics tablets. Both firms offer quite a bit of variety here, with options like the Huion Inspiroy H1060P, the XP-Pen Deco Pro, and the XP-Pen Deco 03. Again, you’ll find plenty of similarities: all of these tablets will tend to give you 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, a number of customizable function keys and so on.
XP-Pen’s stable of cheap graphics tablets is larger: there are generally more options with the company at low prices. However, Huion tends to make products with a bit more robust build quality and also comes up with some innovative ideas in this sector, such as the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200, which combines a graphics tablet and keyboard.
XP-Pen vs. Huion: Pen Displays
Once we get into pen displays, prices start to go up and we start to see serious art tools. These are products essentially designed for those who want a Wacom Cintiq (or iPad Pro) but can’t afford one, and they’re getting better and better.
Let’s compare the company’s 16-inch offerings. XP-Pen recently introduced the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, an update to its Innovator 16, with a new chip in its stylus that allows it to respond to the lightest touch. Provides a beautiful drawing experience with a natural feel, with a good level of “bite” against the drawing surface. It’s also well priced right now: you can get it for $449 or so.
Huion has a somewhat confusing 16-inch tablet offering, with the Kamvas 16, Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K), and Kamvas Pro 16 (4K), costing around $399, $599, and $829 respectively, the main difference being the resolution of your screens. While these are more expensive and don’t have the fancy pen-sensitivity technology that the XP-Pen offers, having this level of choice is very welcome.
Finally, let’s take a look at the flagship offerings: the 24-inch tablets. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 and the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro. Both are hugely impressive tablets, offering functionality close to that of a flagship Wacom Cintiq 24, at a fraction of the price. Both Pro 24 models have 2560 x 1440 (2K QHD) resolution displays, though the Kamvas Pro 24 comes in a 4K version if you don’t mind spending $1,299 instead of $899. The plucky XP-Pen version is also $899.
XP-Pen vs Huion: Our Verdict
Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that both XP-Pen and Huion make fantastic drawing tablets with great styluses. There is no wrong answer to the XP-Pen vs Huion question – it’s just about figuring out your preferences and what works best for your art.
Our recommendations would be the following: If you are on a tight budget and looking for a cheap graphics tablet without a screen, start with XP-Pen. It has a wide selection of cheaper graphics tablets and offers great value for money if you’re just starting out.
However, if you’re looking for a higher quality pen display or graphics tablet, a Wacom Cintiq or Wacom Intuos equivalent without the killer price tags, then we’d say Huion is your best bet. You’ll get a higher quality product, even at a better price than you’d pay for the bigger brands.
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