In the ever-expanding universe of digital art, two rising titans – Huion and XP-Pen – are making waves, offering artists top-notch tools without burning a hole in their pockets.
But when it comes down to choosing the better contender, things get a little tricky. In this comprehensive face-off, we’re pitting Huion against XP-Pen, delving deep into their offerings, from the quality of their tablets to customer service, from software efficiency to affordability.
So, if you’re on the brink of choosing your digital art companion, buckle up for a detailed dissection of these budget beasts. Read on to find out who comes out on top in the Huion vs XP-Pen showdown!
Huion vs XP-Pen – An Introduction
Huion
Huion, established in China in 2011 by Henry Xu, is predominantly recognized for its production of drawing tablets, light pads, and pen displays. Their product line caters to a wide spectrum of digital artists, ranging from novices and intermediate learners to seasoned professionals and production studios.
Aside from tablets, Huion also provides bespoke OEM and ODM solutions. They have a global presence with representatives in numerous countries across the globe, including Europe, America, Australia, and the majority of Asian nations.
In the early days of Huion as a digital tablet producer, their products were often dismissed as generic and failed to meet customer expectations.
When pitted against Wacom, a long-standing industry leader, Huion’s tablets didn’t initially stand a chance.
However, the narrative began to shift over time. Today, Huion stands as a formidable adversary to Wacom, with a growing number of artists recognizing the company for its innovative and cost-effective solutions.
XP-Pen
Unlike Huion, XP-Pen’s journey started a bit earlier in Japan in 2005. Buoyed by initial success, XP-Pen quickly grew its global footprint, establishing offices in the United States and China by 2008.
XP-Pen offers a wide range of products including graphics tablets, pen displays, light pads, styluses, and other digital graphics products. Their reliable and cost-effective offerings have helped them build a robust reputation in the industry.
For instance, budding digital artists can find top-tier pen displays from XP-Pen considerably more affordable than comparable products from Wacom or high-end iPad Pros.
In the beginning, similar to Huion, XP-Pen found it challenging to measure up against Wacom. However, they now hold a strong mid-tier status.
While Wacom maintains its position as the high-tier leader, the gap has considerably diminished over time.
Huion vs. XP-Pen – Graphics Tablets
Huion and XP-Pen tablets have empowered digital artists with affordable and portable graphic tablets that deliver reliable performance.
Despite the distinct strategies employed by these brands, their products share many commonalities.
For example, both companies offer affordable and compact tablets. For beginners who seek a tool for rapid learning, these small tablets are essential.
The key differentiating factor between graphic tablets often comes down to functionality, and it’s no different here.
It’s important to note, however, that no one brand consistently outperforms the other. Let’s consider a quick example.
In the case of portable tablets, Huion’s H430P closely resembles XP-Pen’s Deco Fun XS. They both offer 4096 pressure sensitivity levels and comparable functionalities.
However, if forced to choose between the two, the Huion H430P might offer a slight edge as it includes two customizable function buttons, despite having the same size and price as the XP-Pen Deco XS.
This pattern of differentiation may extend to larger tablets as well. For example, the Huion Inspiroy H1060P, XP-Pen’s Deco Pro, and Deco 03 are all 10-inch tablets with similar functionality and a variety of customizable function keys.
If a deeper distinction between the two brands were sought, it might lie in their overarching focus.
XP-Pen has positioned itself as a go-to choice for artists seeking a range of affordable tablets, regardless of size. Huion, on the other hand, places more emphasis on robust build quality and innovation.
For example, the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 doubles as both a graphics tablet and a keyboard.
For a more detailed comparison, the following sections review the two most popular graphics tablets from each brand; the Huion Inspiroy H610X and the XP-Pen DECO L.
Huion Inspiroy H610X
Unveiled in the spring of 2021 alongside the H420X and the H580X, the Huion Inspiroy H610X is the largest of the three devices.
Included with the device are a battery-free digital pen (PW100), a pen holder, eight replacement nibs (conveniently stored in a compartment within the holder), a USB-A to USB-C cable, and an additional USB adapter. The tablet boasts a slim design at just 8mm in thickness and weighs around 515 grams.
Who is this for?
The Inspiroy H610X is an ideal choice for anyone seeking an affordable, medium-sized graphics tablet. It’s well-suited to both beginner and intermediate digital artists in need of a reliable tool, and professionals seeking a fully customizable platform compatible with major creative apps.
For those with a tight budget not quite ready to invest in a Wacom tablet, the H610X’s performance and features offer exceptional value for money. Equipped with numerous shortcut keys, precise pen pressure levels, and a textured drawing surface, it makes a perfect alternative or travel companion to the Wacom Intuos.
Why we like it
The Huion Inspiroy H610X’s slim 8mm thickness balances portability with a functional USB port. It features a large working area (up to 77% of the tablet’s overall size), and the back includes rubber feet at each corner for stable table placement.
The tablet’s left side houses eight fully customizable express keys, whose settings can be modified using the software easily downloadable from Huion’s website.
Its compatibility with an Android smartphone (ChromeOS) is a noteworthy feature. The tablet also interfaces seamlessly with a variety of devices, and can even be used with Adobe Illustrator Draw on an Android device.
The Inspiroy H610X is compatible with major apps like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Painter, Clip Studio Paint, GIMP, and more. It can also be used with Windows 7 or later, ChromeOS 88, Android 6.0 or later, and macOS 10.12 or later.
The stylus is a 2-button, battery-free pen supporting up to 8192 pressure levels. It offers a 60-degree tilt and over 220PPS report rate. The pen pressure can be adjusted to accommodate all drawing styles, from light to heavy-handed, ensuring variable strokes on the screen.
The pen, which feels both lightweight and sturdy, includes a rubber grip section around the buttons for secure handling. Huion also provides a pen holder with a grooved top for convenient pen placement.
Despite the buttons on the side feeling a bit plastic, they function perfectly and the drawing area feels as smooth as paper.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The Huion Inspiroy H610X isn’t without its flaws, most of which are predictable for a budget tablet. For example, the “plasticky” nature of the buttons may impact their durability over time, especially with heavy use.
We also observed that when connected to an Android tablet, only about a third of the drawing area (the left side) is available, which can be attributed to the portrait orientation of the tablet or Android device.
However, using your tablet this way isn’t recommended unless necessary, in which case some adjustment would be required.
Pros
- Slim and sleek design.
- 10 customizable shortcut buttons.
- Battery-free stylus.
- USB-C connectivity.
- Large working area with 5080 LPI.
- Affordable.
Cons
- No tilt options.
- No customizable dial knob.
- USB-C port on only one side.
XP-Pen DECO
The XP-Pen DECO L and DECO LW are two similar offerings from XP-Pen with one key difference – the DECO LW features Bluetooth connectivity, while the DECO L does not. However, the necessary cables and adapters for the DECO L are included.
Understandably, the DECO LW is slightly pricier than the DECO L due to the additional Bluetooth feature. Now, let’s focus on the more economical option – the DECO L, which misses out on very little even with a $20 savings.
Target Audience
for Deco L The Deco L caters to those who prefer the classic wired connections over the latest wireless alternatives. However, this affordable and highly functional graphics tablet will satisfy anyone in need of a tool for creating high-quality digital art. It may not match the features of a Wacom, but it’s an ideal starter tablet for those with a tight budget.
Why We Recommend It
The Deco L is crafted from robust molded plastic with a rubber padding along the edge, offering protection from bumps and scuffs. As a result, users can focus more on their artwork without worrying about potential damage to the tablet.
The tablet is incredibly slim at only 0.3 inches (8.8mm) thick and weighs about 830 grams, making it highly portable. Four rubber feet at the back enhance the grip on any surface.
It features 8 customizable shortcut keys, with the UI from the driver software allowing you to choose the orientation that best suits your preferences.
The included stylus comes with a customizable rocker button adjacent to the grip. It incorporates X3 smart chip technology, enabling finer control over activation force. This allows for the drawing of smooth, tapered lines and greater control over the pen’s 8192 pressure sensitivity levels. The stylus is sleeker than previous models and mimics the feel of a traditional pen or pencil.
The Deco L requires a wired connection using a USB-C to USB-A cable. To connect it with your Android device, you’ll need the included USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Flaws but Not Deal Breakers
Like many budget-friendly tablets, the Deco L has a few shortcomings. Notably, XP-Pen does not provide a nib holder, a feature often included by other brands, even the more affordable ones.
Instead, the nibs are stored in a small plastic bag, which cannot be resealed once opened. If you’re an artist who frequently replaces nibs, you’ll need to find an alternative storage method to avoid misplacing them.
Pros
- Available in four colors.
- High-quality, customizable express keys.
- Large working area.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable construction.
Cons
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity.
- No provided storage for the nibs.
Huion vs. XP-Pen – Pen Displays
When it comes to pen displays, the focus shifts from budget-friendliness to artistic innovation.
Prospective buyers, having ruled out the pricier options like Wacom Cintiq or iPad Pro, will find compelling alternatives in Huion and XP-Pen’s offerings.
With rapidly advancing pen display technology, both brands promise impressive specs. The difference becomes noteworthy when comparing their latest releases. XP-Pen’s Artist Pro 16, a successor to the Innovator 16, introduces a faster, more responsive stylus, offering a natural drawing experience at a fraction of the cost of a Wacom Cintiq or the latest iPad Pro.
Huion offers a series of 16-inch display devices to rival the Artist Pro, including the Kamvas 16, Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5k), and Kamvas Pro 16 (4k), with the main difference being screen resolution and price.
Graphics Tablets Vs Drawing Tablets (Pen Displays) Choosing between these brands depends on your specific needs. The Artist Pro 16 is more cost-effective and boasts superior specs compared to the Kamvas 16, Huion’s cheapest offering.
A more balanced comparison can be made between the 24-inch displays from both brands – the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 24. Both offer impressive functionality, rivaled only by the Wacom Cintiq 24, but at a more affordable price. While both support 2K QHD displays, Huion offers a slightly more expensive 4K version.
Huion Kamvas Pro 16
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 provides affordable, portable, high-quality performance. Like the XP-Pen Artist Pro, it targets those in need of portable performance without breaking the bank.
Target Audience for Huion Kamvas Pro 16
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is the second most affordable option among the three Kamvas models, differentiated only by resolution and price. It’s slightly pricier than its counterpart from XP-Pen, but it provides excellent value for those seeking a cost-effective, high-quality drawing tablet.
Why We Recommend
It This remarkable 16-inch pen display offers a sizeable workspace. While it isn’t the lightest device available, it delivers excellent performance for its cost.
The tablet’s IPS LCD screen is equipped with anti-glare etched glass, providing a 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution, a 1200:1 contrast ratio, and a 14/ms response time. It also has a reasonable color gamut of 145% sRGB.
Its stylus features 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and a 60-degree tilt, and offers up to 5080 LPI and a 300PPS report rate. The tablet is compatible with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, Android 6.0 or later, and it also supports a bit of Linux.
The pen interface closely resembles the high-end Wacom Cintiq displays in terms of accuracy and responsiveness. While its pressure sensitivity range doesn’t quite match Wacom’s, it still delivers a smooth and precise drawing experience.
The display features 8 programmable buttons on the left side, each of which has a unique texture. These different textures help artists easily identify each button without having to look away from their work, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
Flaws but Not Deal Breakers
Despite its impressive features, the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 does have some drawbacks. One glaring issue is the messy cable situation. The USB-S to USB-C cable will likely be the only one needed by most users. However, the tablet also comes with a dual cable featuring a male HDMI port and a USB-A cable, a power adapter, and another USB-C to USB-A power cable. While it may seem excessive, we appreciate Huion’s thoroughness in providing all necessary connectivity options.
Pros
- Thin display at only 11.5mm thick.
- Reasonably priced.
- Features 8 programmable keys.
- Supports USB-C display and power connectivity via a single cable.
- Includes a stand.
Cons
- Build quality could be improved given its $600 price tag.
- Messy cabling.
- Lacks touch support.
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP
The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP serves as a close alternative to a Wacom device but at a much more affordable price. Its standout feature, the 4K display, makes it a fantastic investment! More details on this device are provided below.
For Whom is This Intended?
This device is an ideal pick for those seeking an affordable pen display that includes 4K graphics and multi-touch options. Catering to all experience levels, this is XP-Pen’s premier product that offers 4K graphics, coupled with several powerful features that make drawing more enjoyable.
What We Love About It
If you’re transitioning from a previous XP-Pen tablet, this device will offer a seamless switch while delivering the benefit of a 4K ultra HD display. Its affordability and feature set make it a significant progression in the realm of reasonably priced digital tablets.
It might be a competitor to watch out for in the Wacom realm. It also matches up closely with the Kamvas Pro 16 (4K), albeit at a slightly higher price.
XP-Pen has retained the salient features of its previous models in this iteration as well. For instance, the color gamut stands at 92% Adobe RGB and 124% sRGB.
The screen size is retained at 15.6 inches, similar to the innovator and the Artist Pro 16. The included stylus leverages X3 smart chip technology, and offers 8192 pressure sensitivity levels with a 60-degree tilt.
While the device does come with a substantial number of cables, the main ones, including a USB-C to USB-C connection and a USB-C to HDMI connection, are included. The device also supports a USB-A connection for compatibility with older computers. A security slot is available, although a lock needs to be procured separately.
Room for Improvement
The only significant downside of this tablet is the number of cables that come with it. If you have limited desk space, the cables can be cumbersome.
For instance, if you use the HDMI/USB-A connection, you have to handle the hefty HDMI cable, leaving very little room in the adjacent ports. While you can extend the USB-A to reach another port, it would mean more wires cluttering your workspace.
Pros
- Impressive and vibrant color gamut.
- Features a 4K screen at a budget-friendly price.
- Minimal parallax.
- Connectivity to both older and newer devices.
- Lightweight stylus.
Cons
- An abundance of wires could clutter your workspace.
- Limited touch-screen support on macOS.
- No kickstand included.
Huion vs. XP-Pen – Brand Differences
Having reviewed both the Huion and XP-Pen devices, it’s time to delve deeper into their distinctive features.
Build Quality
It’s important to highlight that both XP-Pen and Huion offer more budget-friendly options compared to leading brands in digital art such as Wacom and iPad Pro.
Both brands manufacture tablets in a range of sizes. Some are directly comparable while others are not. For the purposes of this comparison, we’ll base our analysis on the models we’ve previously discussed.
The main goal of XP-Pen and Huion is to offer high-quality drawing tablets at a more affordable price. Therefore, in terms of quality, there isn’t a clear winner between the two – it largely depends on personal preferences and specific needs.
However, it’s worth mentioning that XP-Pen seems to provide a wider array of affordable pen tablets (those without a display), thus offering tremendous value for money.
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a premium pen display (comparable to Wacom Cintiq or Intuos), Huion appears to be the brand of choice. They offer superior pen displays at lower prices.
Score:
- Huion: 1
- XP-Pen: 0
Software and Drivers
Both brands offer software and drivers downloadable from their websites. Once you acquire your tablet, you can download the necessary software to customize various settings for the stylus and the tablet itself.
The software from both brands generally performs well across multiple devices. However, discrepancies arise when connecting with Android devices, especially pen tablets.
The XP-Pen software supports connectivity to your Android tablet, but only in portrait mode. In contrast, the Huion software functions well with other devices but tends to reduce the drawing area’s size when connected to Android devices.
While both brands could work on improvements in this area, we give this round to XP-Pen. Their software offers more customization freedom for your tablet, allowing you to modify how shortcut buttons appear, catering to both left-handed and right-handed users.
Score:
- Huion: 0
- XP-Pen: 1
Customer Service
Customer care experiences vary widely among users. In addition to our experiences, we sought others’ opinions about these two brands regarding their treatment and asked some of our colleagues in the digital art world.
Both brands tend to respond promptly to support tickets. Huion often asks for extensive details if there are multiple issues, and you’ll typically need to ship the faulty component at your own expense before they’ll replace it.
In this category, we award the point to XP-Pen.
Score:
- Huion: 0
- XP-Pen: 1
Warranty and After-Sales
Service Neither of us has needed to replace any pen nibs or other accessories with our current XP-Pen and Huion tablets. However, based on feedback from other users, it seems easier to get a nib replacement for an XP-Pen tablet than for a Huion tablet, as Huion often appears to be out of stock.
XP-Pen’s website features a dedicated page for nibs where you select the specific stylus you need the nibs for. Their nibs are also extremely affordable – you can purchase 100 nibs for just $9.99. Huion, on the other hand, seems to mix up the nibs, making it hard to discern which one suits your stylus. XP-Pen wins this round as well.
Score:
- Huion: 0
- XP-Pen: 1
Accessories
Having a well-equipped device can save both money and effort. For instance, including a tablet stand with the device eliminates the need to purchase one separately. Both brands include a variety of accessories with different devices, such as replacement nibs, power chargers, styluses, USB cables, and more.
However, despite the similar array of accessories from both brands, we prefer Huion’s offerings. They even include hand gloves to prevent your fingers from smudging the stylus, which is quite considerate!
Score:
- Huion: 1
- XP-Pen: 0
Price
Both brands cater to a wide range of budgets, with an aim to make digital art accessible to enthusiasts. Whether you’re nurturing a hobby or pursuing a career in digital art, both Huion and XP-Pen offer affordable tablets.
Both Huion and XP-Pen offer a variety of pen tablets at different price points. However, XP-Pen has a wider range of affordable graphics tablets. That being said, Huion’s products are generally better built.
Huion also tends to be more innovative, as evidenced by their Keydial KD200, which combines a graphics tablet and a keyboard. While we appreciate XP-Pen’s wide variety of affordable tablets, considering the quality, we would give this round to Huion for offering better value for money.
Score:
- Huion: 1
- XP-Pen: 0
Instructions
Both brands strive to provide clear and comprehensive instructions. The instruction manuals are not only for device usage but also for the utilization of provided accessories and information on obtaining replacements.
While we didn’t encounter any issues comprehending the instructions from either brand, Huion’s instructional manuals impressed us with their well-structured content. Many customers also seem to agree that Huion’s instructions are more straightforward than XP-Pen’s.
Score:
- Huion: 1
- XP-Pen: 0
Compatibility
Both XP-Pen and Huion are compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome devices, and Android devices. However, some issues arise when attempting to use some models with different Android devices.
While some Android devices may not connect at all, and even when they do, the user experience may not be as smooth as it is with Windows and Mac devices. This is an area where both brands could make improvements.
However, it’s worth noting that more Huion devices are compatible with Android devices than XP-Pen’s. The difference may not be significant enough to raise a red flag, but in this category, we’d choose Huion due to its broader compatibility with Android devices.
Score:
- Huion: 1
- XP-Pen: 0
Huion vs. XP-Pen: Whats the verdict?
Deciding between Huion and XP-Pen is a challenge, as the ideal choice depends largely on individual preferences for pen tablets and pen displays.
Huion offers a broad range of affordable, highly functional pen tablets that are designed to stand the test of time. Meanwhile, XP-Pen provides an array of inexpensive pen tablets, perfect for beginner artists on a tight budget.
In terms of pen tablets, our verdict leans towards quality over quantity, thereby giving Huion the edge!
When it comes to pen displays, it’s tempting to declare a tie. Before XP-Pen introduced their 4K device, Huion would have been an easy pick.
However, we’d still argue that the pen display most comparable to a Wacom is produced by Huion. Although XP-Pen comes out strong in this area, longevity and consistent high-quality output are crucial, giving Huion the upper hand with their pen displays!
Finally, regarding overall brand performance, the scores speak for themselves:
Huion: 5
XP-Pen: 3
Once again, Huion emerges victorious!
As always, we welcome your questions and feedback. If comments are closed, don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact page. And of course, if you disagree with our verdict, we’d love to hear your reasons!
