Wacom and XP Pen are household names for many digital artists as the best drawing tablets in the market.
It comes as no surprise that the two brands, sometimes with Huion, usually get compared on which could be the better one: for beginners, professionals, and for budget availability.
Here are just some things to consider in choosing either of the two drawing tablets:
Wacom is More Beginner Friendly
If you are just starting out on digital art and animation, nothing can go wrong with a Wacom tablet.
Despite the higher price than its competitors, Wacom drawing tablets are built to last long and regularly update their drawing models for beginners and hobbyists to practice from.
Wacom's "industry standard" label also ensures that its main functions are effective for animation, graphic design, and digital drawing.
It is recommended to buy the non-screen models before transitioning to those with display screens to avoid pricier models.
The non-screen version also helps with the hand-eye coordination needed in digital art since you would constantly be looking at the computer screen rather than the drawing tablet.
XP-Pen Offers More Aftersales Bonuses
Despite being a much cheaper alternative to Wacom, it does not mean XP-Pen tablets are inferior to its rival brand in almost everything.
XP-Pen has been gaining recognition over the past years for its wide selection of optional items in addition to its drawing tablets.
These include helpful tools like stand, case, pens, cables, and protective films. Other accessories can also be purchased as an addition for a much lower price.
Users also report that XP-Pen's support services are better than Wacom's for the help it provides to customers regarding warranty services.
More recent models released by Wacom can sometimes even be inferior to XP-Pen tablets as it continues to make its model ergonomic.
Meanwhile, Wacom is often being accused of "being lazy" after the minimal changes it added to its latest products compared to the features introduced per release nearly a decade ago.
Policies on AI Use
If you are reading this, you might have also known the recent case of Wacom posting an AI-generated dragon for one of its New Year's promotional images.
Both had a history with AI-generated images but each company had a different reaction after people started to notice their blunder.
XP-Pen experienced the backlash earlier and immediately apologized for the incident, announcing they cut off all connections with the commissioned artist who gave them the AI-generated image.
Wacom also denied intentionally using AI assets in its promotional images, stating that the digital assets were bought online.
Many users, however, cast doubt on the company's apology as it usually commissions artists for its promotional campaigns, not to mention the big issue of not checking a digital image with obvious indications of being AI-generated.
It is worth noting that XP-Pen has not condemned the use of AI but rather views it as a "tool for creative experimentation," recommending human artists to "explore new avenues to differentiate themselves."
XP-Pen is also a subsidiary Ugee, a drawing tablet and drawing monitor retailer that promotes AI images in its marketing campaign.
