Gone are the days when artists had to carry a heavy kit of art supplies with them to paint.
Painting on drawing tablets has become easier and much more efficient than ever. Over the past few years, these products have gained significant popularity on the market because of their ability to provide an exceptional drawing experience for professional art designers.
So, going for a quality drawing tablet would certainly be a good idea if you are into art design. However, with the availability of various brands and models on the market, users find it rather difficult to select the right one that would meet their requirements.
That’s why we’ve decided to help you make a decision by comparing the top two brands – XP Pen and Huion. Plus, we have included some of the top models from both brands to make things interesting.
With all that said, let’s get straight to the good stuff, shall we?
XP Pen vs. Huion
XP Pen Brand Overview
XP Pen is a Japan-based brand that was founded in 2005. With the help of its excellent R&D team, it’s able to deliver some of the best drawing tablets on the market.
Needless to say, this brand enjoys an excellent market share in Europe, North America, and Asia, having built its reputation over the years in the industry.
It has an impressive product line that includes drawing tablets from Artist, Star, Deco Pro, and Deco series. All of them are equipped with the latest features that help bring every user into the digital era with the technology and tools to meet their various drawing needs.
Best XP Pen Drawing Tablets
These are some of the best XP Pen drawing tablets available on the market.
1. XP Pen Artist 13.3 Pro
This XP Pen model is equipped with all the necessary features that work to deliver an immersive and accurate drawing experience. Sporting 8 customizable shortcut keys, the Artist13.3 Pro from the XP Pen allows for more options right at the fingertips of users to suit their work style.
The full-laminated technology is what caught our attention right from the get-go. It combines screen with glass to offer a distraction-free and immersive drawing experience that’s easy on the eyes. Not to mention, it’s parallax-free, which enables users to deliver accurate strokes for better results.
It also supports a tilt function of 60 degrees, allowing it to quickly and easily discern the stylus movement to deliver a more natural and smoother transition between strokes. Naturally, this helps users enjoy a top-notch drawing experience.
Beyond that, it sports a Full HD resolution display with a 178-degree viewing angle that helps produce vivid colors and dazzling details. This allows designers to not just be creative but also colorful.
Plus, it comes with a battery-free stylus that can offer up to 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels for enhanced performance and increased accuracy to create the finest sketches and lines. Overall, it is one of the most sought-after pen displays on the market.
We didn’t like the fact that the pen nib of this model doesn’t have many variations. According to designers, it comes in only the hard-plastic option, which may not provide a natural feel. But other than this, it does a great job.
What We Like
- Offers an immersive drawing experience
- Top-notch display quality
- Helps to deliver accurate strokes
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Pen nib doesn’t have variations
2. XP PEN Artist 12
The XP Pen Artist12 is also a highly functional model that lets you create architecture designs, fashion, animation, and a lot more. It boasts an 11.6 Full HD IPS display that helps deliver stunning details to your artwork. Take a look at the next few sections to learn more about it.
This drawing tablet offers a lot for its price. For starters, it is compatible with both Mac and Windows, so it doesn’t matter which operating system people are using; they can create their artwork all the same.
It is further compatible with major software like Photoshop and Clip Studio, allowing users to carry out a wide range of tasks on it. Apart from this, the battery-free pen sports a unique hexagonal design that delivers high efficiency, comfort, and a technical sense for optimal results. Also, it has 8 replacement pen nibs that users can select as per their needs.
Now, talking about the display, it features a 1080p IPS panel that lets users enjoy extreme details, vibrant colors, vivid images, and exceptional viewing angles for their artwork. Lastly, it is backed by a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support, which means the brand has faith in its products.
Users thinking of buying this drawing tablet must know it works only in portrait mode when set to duplicate display. Moreover, you must set the computer and the device at the same resolution. As such, users having a 4k display on their computers will have to lower the resolution to 1920×1080 before duplicating the drawing tablet’s display.
What We Like
- Supports all the required software
- Pen nibs are replaceable
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Can be used for a range of drawing tasks
What We Don’t Like
- Duplicate display works only in portrait mode
3. XP-PEN Artist 22E Pro
Next, let us introduce you to the XP-PEN Artist22E Pro, which is a good option for users looking for a drawing tablet that’ll help expand their creativity intuitively. Equipped with 16 customizable express keys, it works perfectly for both right and left-handed users. So, let’s find out what more this product has to offer.
One of the key highlights of this product has got to be its massive 21.5″ display, which offers vibrant colors and rich details. Hence, it is ideal for newbies and professionals alike. What’s more, it sports 16 customizable keys that help users improve their work efficiency and express ideas without any hassle.
Furthermore, you will be quite impressed by its build quality, which is durable and ergonomic. The drawing tablet comes with a stand that prevents it from sliding and shaking, thereby offering a comfortable drawing experience. On top of that, users can attach it to a 75 x 75 mm VESA mount to make the experience even better.
It is compatible with all the necessary software to allow people to edit, draw, sketch, and a lot more. Plus, the stylus offers an RPS of 266, enabling you to create artwork with stunning fluidity and superior control.
Overall, it is one of the top-rated drawing tablets available out there.
The stylus that has been provided is not battery-free, which is a bummer, given the price of the device. However, this doesn’t comprise the results, so we’d say it’s worth going for.
What We Like
- Durable build quality
- Offers a comfortable drawing experience
- Display is quite vibrant
- Offer top-notch fluidity and control
What We Don’t Like
- Pen provided isn’t battery-free
4. XP-PEN Star G640
The XP Pen StarG640 is an affordable option that is designed for a wide variety of work, including photo editing, remote work, online teaching, sketching, and digital drawing. Keep reading to learn more about this drawing tablet.
One of the best things about this product is its battery-free stylus, which allows for an uninterrupted experience for users working for extended periods. Not only that, it makes lines flow smoother and quicker, enhancing the drawing performance.
Thanks to its one-click toggle, you can switch between eraser and pen in a matter of seconds. Apart from this, the drawing tablet has 8,192 pressure sensitivity levels, providing users with unmatched fluidity and control for creative output.
At 0.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest drawing tablets on the market, allowing people to carry it easily on the move. And like most other XP Pen models, this one, too, is backed by a warranty.
Finally, it comes at a budget-friendly price, which ensures that it delivers true value for money.
It doesn’t come with a display, so it might not be an ideal choice for professionals.
What We Like
- Enhances the drawing performance
- Lightweight and compactly designed
- Offers good value for money
- Compatible with important software
What We Don’t Like
- Not durable
Huion Brand Overview
Founded in 2011 in China, Huion helps artists realize their creative ideas with their range of drawing tablets and offers a top-notch user experience to help fulfill their targets.
This brand ensures that all its products go through 28 rigid tests before they enter the market. Plus, an innovative R&D team helps it produce models that offer robust performance.
Huion has over 2.2 million users across the globe, and its manufacturing hubs are located in almost all the major countries. Over the years, with its quality and highly functional products, it has established itself as the go-to brand for graphic tablets.
Best Huion Drawing Tablets
Below are some of the best Huion drawing tablets.
1. Huion Kamvas 13
As you know, Huion is well known for its quality drawing tablets, and this model from the brand is one of the best in its repertoire. It features full-lamination technology to provide a seamless combination of glass and screen for a natural drawing experience.
To begin with, it comes with a scratch-resistant anti-glare display that ensures users don’t get distracted by unwanted reflections. Coupled with it are a 1080p display and a 178-degree viewing angle that presents designers with vibrant colors and rich details of their creations.
Apart from this, the stylus that comes with the device, is equipped with a capacitive pressure sensor for ultra-responsive pen movement, free from any lag whatsoever. Additionally, it has a report rate of 266pps, which ensures it delivers a realistic pen performance with better accuracy.
Besides Mac and PC, this product can be connected to Android devices such as tablets and smartphones. That’s why, it is an ideal companion if you need an extended display for working from home, remote learning, or video conferences.
There is no real way of tweaking the brightness, or other display presets with this product, which could be an issue for some people.
What We Like
- Prevents distracting reflections
- Ultra-responsive pen movement
- Top-notch display
- Offers a natural drawing experience
What We Don’t Like
- Brightness can’t be adjusted
2. Huion Kamvas 20
The Huion Kamvas 20 is a great option for those looking for an eye-catching display that aids the user’s journey as an illustrator. Sporting a whopping 19.5″ display, it provides ample drawing area to create and explore the details of the artwork.
Firstly, users will love its high-quality display, which can effortlessly produce 16.7 colors irrespective of the color or shade of the artwork. Rest assured that the full HD display will give you what you want. Plus, the anti-glare glass deserves mention as it effectively minimizes unwanted glare, thereby allowing for a better drawing experience.
On top of that, it comes with an adjustable stand that gives users ergonomic and flexible working positions so that they can work for extended periods without discomfort. What’s more, as far as compatibility is concerned, it can run on both Windows and Mac for seamless performance.
This device doesn’t work right out of the box; users need to install drivers to make it work, which is a major disappointment.
What We Like
- Massive high-quality display
- Minimizes unwanted glare
- Comes with an adjustable stand
- Offers a good drawing experience
What We Don’t Like
- Works only after installing drivers
3. Huion Kamvas Pro 16
Next, let’s take a look at the HUION KAMVAS Pro 16, which is as good as the other Huion models that we have previously mentioned. With a top-quality screen, users are able to create the artwork of their choice using this tablet.
It sports an exceptional 15.6″ fully-laminated screen with a 1080p resolution, which allows for immersive viewing in fine detail and top-notch clarity. Not to mention, it keeps the parallax to a bare minimum so that the cursor can be controlled easily. Coupled with anti-glare glass and an IPS panel, this device is able to produce 178-degree viewing angles quite conveniently.
Furthermore, it sports 6 express keys and a touch bar that allows users to easily access essential operations such as adjusting brush size and zooming in and out. This makes the creation process more enjoyable and productive.
Lastly, it weighs just around 3 pounds; hence it’s easy to carry while traveling.
According to some users, the pen feels weird when pressed firmly, which can affect the results. The pressure is sudden and jumpy, which can be distracting while working.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Immersive viewing experience
- The cursor can be controlled easily
- High-quality display
What We Don’t Like
- Pen is not that good
4. Huion Kamvas Pro 24
Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is another quality display pen that needs to be mentioned. Boasting a massive screen of 23.8″, it enables users to view every detail of their work vividly and clearly. Keep reading to know more.
Straight off the bat, it comes with a multi-angle adjustable stand that offers users a reliable and sturdy operation.
Plus, it features an upgraded version of pen technology that enables the applied pressure to be captured properly in an organic fashion for a lifelike drawing experience. Plus, it has a 60-degree natural tilt recognition and an 8192 pen pressure to make the experience even better.
Beyond that, it comes with 20 customizable press keys and a dual touch bar that helps in providing a smooth workflow for both right-handed and left-handed people. The full-laminated screen not only improves the display quality but also increases the durability of the product.
Overall, it is one of the best graphic tablets that any art enthusiast can hope to get their hands on.
Just like the Huion Kamvas 20, users will need to install the drivers first to use this device.
What We Like
- Comes with an adjustable stand
- High pen quality
- Sports a durable construction
- Offers a lifelike drawing experience
What We Don’t Like
- Need to install drivers for using it
XP Pen Vs Huion: Product Comparison
Here is a comparison among the products mentioned above to help you understand which brand has more to offer.
1. XP Pen Artist13.3 Pro Vs Huion Kamvas 13
A. Display
Both the models do exceptionally well in terms of the display, as both of them feature a 1080p full HD display that offers vivid and vibrant colors. However, with Huion Kamvas 13, the brightness can’t be adjusted, which makes the XP Pen Artist13.3 Pro a better option as far as display is concerned.
B. Pen
The pens offered by both models are battery-free and let users enjoy a perfect drawing experience. So, in this aspect, both the pens are equally great.
C. Compatibility
The XP Pen Artist13.3 Pro is compatible with Mac and Windows, while the Huion Kamvas 13 is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android. This gives it an edge over The XP Pen Artist13.3 Pro in terms of connectivity.
2. XP PEN Artist12 Vs Huion Kamvas 20
A. Display
The XP PEN Artist12 features an 11-inch full HD IPS display with a 72% NTSC color gamut that helps the product deliver stunning details to the artwork. The Huion Kamvas 20, on the other hand, sports a big 19.5″ display that is able to produce 16.7 million colors regardless of the color or shade of the artwork.
Naturally, this makes the Huion Kamvas 20 a better deal than the XP PEN Artist12.
B. Pen
The XP PEN Artist12 comes with a battery-free pen that sports a unique hexagonal design, which can deliver a technical sense, comfort, and high efficiency for optimal results. Now, as far as the Huion Kamvas 20 is concerned, it too comes with a battery-free pen and delivers the desired results. So, in terms of pens, both the tablets perform equally well.
C. Compatibility
Both the models work on Mac and Windows, but for using the Huion Kamvas 20, you will have to install the drivers. As such, we’d have to side with the XP PEN Artist12 as far as compatibility goes.
3. XP-PEN Artist22E Pro Vs Huion Kamvas Pro 16
A. Display
Both models offer a 1080p full HD display. However, the difference lies in size; the XP-PEN Artist22E Pro sports a 21.5″ display, while the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 features a 15.6″ panel. Naturally, this makes the former a better choice, as a big display means more vibrant colors and rich details.
B. Pen
As far as the pens are concerned, the XP-PEN Artist22E Pro comes with a rechargeable pen, whereas the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 comes with a battery-free pen. Even though both pens offer 266 RPS, the Huion model wins this battle since it offers a battery-free pen, which allows for an uninterrupted drawing experience.
C. Compatibility
The XP-PEN Artist22E Pro drawing tablet is compatible with Mac and Windows, whereas the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 works on Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS. As such, the latter gets an edge in terms of compatibility.
4. XP PEN StarG640 Vs Huion Kamvas Pro 24
A. Display
The XP PEN StarG640 doesn’t come with a display; it has to be connected to a computer so that users can get an idea of what they are drawing. On the other hand, the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 boasts a QHD display that makes every detail of the user’s work presented vividly and clearly. Needless to say, the Huion display tablet is the winner here.
B. Pen
Both the drawing tablets come with a battery-free pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity levels that deliver a natural drawing experience.
C. Compatibility
The XP PEN StarG640 is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS, while the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is only compatible with Mac and Windows. Hence, the former drawing tablet is a notch ahead as far as compatibility is concerned.
XP Pen Vs Huion Detailed Comparison
In this section, we have provided a detailed comparison between both brands so that you can get an idea of which one does a better job.
1. Key Features
Both these brands offer drawing tablets that are loaded with functional features. They can be used for performing a wide range of tasks, including 3D modeling, handwriting, sketching, picture editing, and of course, drawing. Plus, they have a broad range of products designed to serve the needs of both professional artists and beginners.
As far as the differences are concerned, Huion drawing tablets feature square-shaped shortcut buttons, whereas XP Pen tablets usually sport round-shaped buttons.
Although drawing tablets from both brands come with a minimum of 6 customizable buttons, it’s important to note that some XP Pen models don’t feature any button. Such tablets can only be used for e-signatures and as a piece of paper.
Other than the customizable buttons, XP Pen graphic tablets boast two other buttons located on the side for adjusting the display’s brightness. Plus, many XP Pen models are equipped with LED lights placed on each corner of the screen that help users draw under poor lighting conditions.
Sadly, Huion pen display models don’t feature any such lighting. As far as its key features are concerned, the brand provides a locking function with its pen displays to prevent them from turning on due to unexpected button pressing.
A few models feature multimedia keys that enable users to control playback and tweak the volume level, enhancing the video editing experience. Also, it is a great feature for all those who love tuning in to music while drawing.
Overall, we’d have to say that XP Pen does a better job than Huion when it comes to key features.
2. Connectivity
Both XP Pen and Huion graphic tablets are compatible with Android, PC, and Mac and offer a Type-C USB cable that lets users connect their tablets easily to their PCs. Also, most models from both brands sport HDMI and USB ports.
However, XP Pen beats Huion in the connectivity battle as some of its tablets can offer wireless drawing through a 2.4G USB receiver.
3. Software
As far as software is concerned, both brands do a decent job of equipping their products with all the important and latest drivers. This allows users to customize their tablets and keep them updated with the newest versions of software and operating systems. However, with some Huion models, the drivers need to be installed separately for the tablets to work.
So, in terms of software and driver compatibility, XP Pen takes the edge.
4. Pen/Styluses
XP Pen and Huion both offer pens that sport a flexible and non-slip grip. Users can adjust them to make them work like a marker, chalk, or a brush.
Not to mention, all of them feature 60-degree tilt support and top-notch pressure sensitivity. All these features enable users to draw the thinnest of lines and shades without breaking a sweat. XP Pen tablets offer a stylus that’s thin and long in size, just like a pencil.
On top of that, they sport two buttons and a one-click toggle switch, which changes the pen into an eraser. It’s also worth mentioning that all pens from XP are made of eco-friendly products.
Now, coming to Huion, all its pens utilize electromagnetic resonance as their power source instead of batteries, thereby allowing for a smooth drawing experience. They are a tad shorter and thicker than pens from XP Pen; hence, they are a better choice for users who prefer pens to pencils for drawing.
With all that said, keep in mind that all XP Pen styluses are not battery-free, for example, the pen that comes with Artist22E Pro.
5. Pressure Sensitivity
As far as pressure sensitivity is concerned, it ranges between 200 and 266 RPS for models from both brands. That said, it’s worth mentioning that usually drawing tablets from XP Pen feature lower pressure sensitivity than what’s mentioned by the brand. Therefore, in terms of pressure sensitivity, Huion models are a notch ahead of XP Pen models.
6. Screen
Both XP-Pen and Huion offer a variety of devices with screen sizes ranging between 4 inches and 22 inches. The brands ensure that they are able to deliver top-notch color production, vivid images, and high display quality. Needless to say, most of their drawing tablets sport a Full HD IPS panel that offers a 178-degree viewing angle.
Displays of XP Pen models come with top-quality glass designs, which protect the screens from dust accumulation. Additionally, they feature an anti-glare optical film that prevents glare and allows people to use the drawing tablets outdoors without worry.
Both brands utilize a full-laminated parallax-free display technology that enables their products to deliver natural-looking images that are not too harsh on the eyes. However, Huion models utilize this technology in nearly all its pen displays, whereas XP Pen utilizes it only in high-end models.
So, again, Huion tablets do a slightly better job than XP Pen tablets.
7. Resolution
There’s not much difference in the screen resolution of both the brands’ drawing tablets. They always ensure that even their cheapest models help users to draw in the best way possible.
Conclusion
With that, it brings us to the end of this article. So, which brand should you go for?
Honestly, both XP Pen and Huion offer some of the most efficient and affordable drawing tablets on the market. As such, going for a product from either one of these brands would be a wise move if you are on a tight budget.
However, if you are looking for a model with loads of features, you might want to go with XP Pen. But if you need a better screen, Huion would be the more suitable choice as it utilizes its full laminated display technology in almost all its drawing tablets.
That’s all for today. We hope this article helps you in choosing the right product based on your requirements.
Until next time, keep drawing!
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