Drawing Tablets Under $400! XP-Pen Artist 15.6 / 13.3 Review

[@SirWade]

More Tech Tuesdays? (Posted on a Wednesday) Or back to regular animation content? LET ME KNOW! :)

[@iTechSavvyOfficial]

Sir Wade Neistadt I think you could do videos on both! Definitely animation is where you are unique and have really interesting ideas and experience to share. But you are very fun to watch and I think you could do tech videos as well! Thanks for all your hard work. Have a great day!

[@ericsweetman9973]

I found this to be very informative. I'm on my second WACOM tablet (no screen), and while I'm used to the challenge of drawing while looking at a separate monitor, I'm interested in trying something new. Money is a HUGE issue, so this is a good option.

[@FuzeIt]

I think both works if you can fit it in

[@mikanzui]

Tech Tuesday!!!! Also did they contact you about it or did you contact them. Always wondered how tech companies reach out to people

[@Pumkin117]

Sir Wade Neistadt thanks

[@kkayco]

this guy deserves a cookie for saying ' don't use not having one of these as an excuse for not being creative' instant sub :3

[@mazditzo]

Well because that's the important thing to say from good teacher in creative industry. :) I 'm old skool myself and consider not lucky enough backthere to have even drawing tablet until I earn my first paycheck, lol

[@jmm4099]

Completely agree. Same here- SUB.

[@hhuhhhrd1318]

Same

[@madchantk4330]

Ive used a 3ds for YEARS as a drawing tablet, it works fine with me. and paper is fine with me too :3

[@rileytidmarsh]

Yep

[@cara7405]

I screamed when he threw the tablet at 0:57

[@veganandatheist]

cara more like 0:57 or 0:58 lol.😂

[@cara7405]

Leonardo Palmenio Gonzalez Baez lmao sorry bout that 😂😅

[@veganandatheist]

cara no problem, it's happened to me too so.😂😁😊

[@Hai-fl4gu]

cara lol thought I was the only one, when I saw it getting thrown I cried a little on the inside because I only have a 2015 intuos small

[@vincentdhaese1905]

Yeah like right before he says "they are quiet expensive'"

[@shocknawe]

8:00 - Mate, if you are right-handed, you place the camera onto the left, so that we can seem what you are doing in real time... Besides that, nice vid.

[@musicpatron1693]

Wooowwwwwww....ur the first reviewer to say the lag is due to our slow computers!!!! Love it. I got a i9 and your tablet review was super fast!!!! I’m sold!!!

[@garyhorsman]

Very well done. Only quibble is that not everyone might be aware that there are two classes of in-display drawing tablets. The XP-Pen series are actually computer accessories or interactive displays, meaning you will need a separate desktop or laptop running drawing or painting software. Then there are tablets that are actual computers, like the Wacom MobileStudio Pro, the Microsoft Surface or the Apple iPad Pro which do not require a separate computer. But these are of course much more expensive than pen displays.

[@SirWade]

Very true! I hadn't considered that people may not know which type of tablet this is so good info!

[@garyhorsman]

Thanks. I’ve used an Wacom Intuos 3 and a Bamboo with my Mac until Apple released their iPad Pro. That has been a huge game changer for me. Being able to directly draw on a screen in a light and thin device that you can just throw in a knapsack has really freed up my creativity and allowed to do pro-grade illustration anywhere.

[@kcha479]

Thanks for the info. Am looking for a drawing tablet for my daughter.

[@apaiiyui8488]

I saw it pretty much too, even if it's easy to see and understand here and anywhere else that they are screen or not screen-tablets, there are still people that don't understand it or just don't want to look the video till the end or inform by themselves. For my opinon I wouldn't recommand an Ipad for art... for me a tablet is a tablet not a graphic tablet, it has not the same pen pressure and all. What do you think about it, you really can do everything with an Ipad like on a graphic tablet ? 🤔

[@MaxPenguine]

I use it half year now.... very good item for the price. Express keys are ok, but when you try XP-Pen shortcut remote (9 keys+jog wheel), dont use them any more. Downside some paralax in corners, but dont use the monitor there so not big problem... and pen nibs are wearing fast. All other things are good. Can recommend it for the price... better than no monitor.

[@rkneegordon6316]

Perfect review. Very clearly laid out if you don’t have $2-$5k laying around, there are “good” devices under $500. Thank You.

[@THEFIRSTCRAZYGAMER]

Rknee Gordon it is good

[@randorific333]

Thank you for this video. I came very close to buying the XP-Pen 16 via your link until I read one of the questions on Amazon re: Bluetooth/wireless availability. If it had wireless capability I'd buy one in a heartbeat because I don't have enough space on my desk for my laptop and a drawing tablet. But I'll definitely subscribe to you because I want so much to go into animation. You are a very fortunate man to be in the industry.

[@leahmaier1272]

I was thinking for my birthday, I would get a art tablet because I'm very inspired with digital art and I'm a young artist. Though, I didn't know what to get because I have a price range of 500 dollars or less. Now I know what to choose from, thanks to your tips and choices.

[@dumbghost3109]

My school has a digital art room and I'm friends with the teacher eso I've gotten the hang of the software I want to use. The only issue was that I couldn't afford a drawing tablet of my own but now I'm definitely eyeing the 13.3.

[@gigimagee928]

GREAT JOB on your first review video! I wouldn't have known if you didn't say that! You did great and your demeanor is very approachable, genuine, and honest! Thank you for your helpful knowledge and opinions! Very very helpful! :)

[@SirWade]

Thank you! I appreciate that!!

[@abhinavgupta8951]

You are my genuine inspiration

[@jennyr4057]

Thank you for this video. It's nice to hear a professional recommending a reasonably priced tablet. of course cintiqs are excellent, but most people don't have thousands to spare! Good to know there's a good quality alternative.

[@derangeddiction5870]

Camera settings when featuring something on the tablet. Birds eye view would be great so we can see what you are writing. Awesome review.

[@meganbell3699]

This review was a lifesaver and gave me an excellent alternative to shelling out the 800-2000 dollars for an iPad Pro or Wacom tablet!

[@Skyliet]

How about the drawing performances? 13.3 vs. 15.6 ... those pressure sensitive gap can be not a problem in the real application

[@socialmedia3986]

You seem so nice and genuine i just want to hug you. Also thank you for your channel cuz it helps everyone here, including me, a lot. Thank you 🙏 :))

[@JC-ov8ko]

Good review man. I actually purchased on Amazon after watching this twice. I was in the fence about getting the Wacom pro medium without a screen for $349 at Best Buy. My budget was $500. This was definitely an upgrade from what I’ve been using.

[@jasmineriski4424]

I am new to this channel. First video ever watched. I have to just point this out. I LOVE YOUR HTTYD TOOTHLESS IN THE BACKGROUND and I mean LOVE!! Also, thank you for this video!

[@terresataylor5700]

New Sub I liked how you were not trying to oversell the product It made me enjoy the review! :) Thank ya.

[@taylove364]

Which is better please help I’m new digital artist. Is iPad with procreate app good or is a drawing tablet better?

[@moohooman]

I have used xp pen for the last two years, and they are great. I had g430 and upgraded to a g640. On the 640 the port for the cable became very loose, and after a couple of emails, I had a new tablet sent from of charge, and it was actually a refined version of the earlier design, with a better cable and tighter port.

[@gabrielagalvez3284]

I'm currently on my senior year of Architecture (actually I deliver my Senior Thesis in just five weeks 😫) but I always loved art and animation and I plan to get at least a minor in Concept Art. I have about a year doing digital art and even if my Intuos Draw works nicely, I'm considering buying a display tablet as a graduation gift for myself. So far the ones I liked the most are those two XP Pen model. I was afraid that maybe the 13.3 would be too small... But thanks to you now I know that it's a great size to take on the go. Not too big, but also not too small. So thanks :D Great channel. And it doesn't hurt that you're very cute too.

[@GabsGee]

Wow. Your voice is so peaceful. Such a great review

[@AvelardoLopez]

This was a very helpful video. I am trying to decide what to get my son. And these are great options to consider.

[@jamesbullo]

A mostly honest review. No compensation just two free tablets lol. I think it would be helpful in addition to recording your hand on the screen to record the actual screen so we can see the menus more clearly maybe a side by side simultaneous shot. Anyway good review!

[@Druxll]

How about the stand for this specific tablet?

[@paulal5816]

thanks a lot for the information my daughter draws everyday she's 14 years old and she's been drawing since she was 5 and her drawings are actually getting better and better everyday but now she's asking me for one of these drawing tablets and I'm actually a little short on money so I was looking at your clip to see if I can find something

[@xandelta5306]

Thats so sweet, hope you find something for her!

[@RedLegBlazer]

I cashed out 40 hours of vacation to get a similar tablet for my daughter. (Also 14, and been drawing since she could hold a pencil). She loves it, and it's opened a lot of possibilities. I used a primitive version of these in art school... In 1999. I prefer paper. Lol.

[@purealex9948]

The Xp-pen artist 15.6 on amazon is $300 now

[@dustnut1]

I own an xp pen artist 16 pro, and for a headsup to anyone whos looking to purchase an xp pen display tablet. The screen cover is questionable. The "matte" texture is all well and good, but it burns your nib to a cinder. The friction will erode it within weeks with heavy use. The texture on the cover also gets worn down, and most importantly, it washes out the colour on the display and xp pen dont sell replacements. I personally highly recommend taking it right off when you begin. Youll see the true colours (which are actually very good) and as long as you arent an idiot, you wont damage the glass surface(the nib is made from a softer material).

[@JC-ov8ko]

dustnut1 Hi there, did the 16 come with the screen protector? Also, does removing the protector (other than improving colors) impact your drawing any way, negatively or positively?

[@dustnut1]

@@JC-ov8ko Hi, the tablet arrived with a matte cover. The cover did naturally protect the screen, but the texture burned down the nib and the texture also washed out the displays colours. Removing the cover showed me the true colours, and the plastic nib cannot scratch the glass screen. Removing the cover has positively affected my experience with the device. Just make sure ti keep it spotless and make sure nothing hard enough to scratch glass gets near it.

[@emmcmahan5769]

Is it a stand alone tablet? Or do you have to plug it into a computer?

[@apaiiyui8488]

Emma McMahan you need to plug it. If you want a standalone like a mini-pc-graphic-tablet, you should watch de wacom's tablets

[@misssincere5762]

Do you work for wacom ? I haven't had a problem with my XP Pen ?

[@molinatwinsart]

Thank you for taking the time to make and for sharing your review, very insightful! :D :D

[@SavvyArtz]

I've been thinking about investing in a new tablet, so this video came at a great time! :D Thanks for the input!

[@SirWade]

Ooh glad I could help! Lemme know if you have any questions :)

[@jacobgrant8284]

Love this! Cant wait to see further episodes. Keep it up

[@CrazyTeddyBearFilmz]

One of these tablets will 10/10 be on my Christmas list. Thank you so much!^^ Could you maybe do a tutorial video as well? Either tablet is fine.

[@carlesv7219]

Hey I just found your awesome channel! I'm wondering if the 15.6 is enough to use it daily on Maya (animation) or it's a bit small with all the interface thing. Would you buy it if your main purpose is to use it for this?

[@goo6]

very high quality video, nice

[@iTechSavvyOfficial]

Hey! So glad to see a new video! Love all your videos. Have a great day!!

[@mehehe717]

Thank you so much! This was actually super helpful and you were so very through with reviewing these tabs and it actually has helped me to decide what I need in a tablet! Thank you so much!

[@SirWade]

So glad I could help!! :) I'm going to be reviewing this company's newest tablet in a week or two, hopefully that one is helpful as well!

[@JessVideoDude]

Great review and message at the end, I'm glad KZbin recommended your channel! :-)

[@ChrischoBoardgaming]

Premium audio quality!

[@FuzeIt]

Awesome review, keep it up ;D

[@iresolver]

I'm been using a huion canvas pro 13 and love it , just wish they made a wireless version

[@SSteelification]

Assuming its using huion's tech which is good, also love how they give a usb stick with the drivers instead of a CD anymore.

[@2free2snakes]

I bought Artist 15.6 for 235 eur from the EU xp-pen store, it's on sale for one more day as of writing. Incredibly cheap.

[@ashagreen4373]

I love your review,….new sub here,……since I don’t have a desktop or a laptop I wonder if the Xp pen could work with my iPad Air,….. thanks

[@YellowNotThe]

Thanks For This Full And Honest Review

[@sharon9270]

Great review, very well executed and very informative.

[@polarfox5454]

Madagascar 4 it's a thing ?

[@devinhills2058]

what about that usb thumb drive in the box when he dose the unboxing whats in the thumb drive

[@cgfrogsquid4427]

hi do you know that for artist 15.6 and 13.3 you can just plug both of the usb on your pc and it will work!. this make it a lot more easier for travelling

[@marcthenarc868]

Hi. I bought my first digital tablet lately (Artist 15.6) and I was surprised how little protection there was on the screen while using the pen. In fact, I am afraid to scratch it, after trying it a few times. Some use a film to protect it; other just say it's the price of using - and loving - your tablet. What's your opinion?

[@catarinarodrigues5362]

Same question right here xD

[@egeneskop]

Will you make a review for deco 3

[@cutthroattruthnews4766]

Did well on the review! Can I have a tablet for my son you don't need 2 right?

[@soraheiwana8000]

Its a bit late,but Im prrtty sure if he was doing a giveaway he wpuld have said something. Plus some companies ask for their testers back.

[@laura-ti1kv]

Your videos are so informative! And I really like your voice :3

[@kalinastas939]

I got a drawing tablet for €80 (I am european) without a screen but i am verry happy whit it.

[@Virtual_Maid_Miyu_Full_Menu]

no pen tilt, get the pro models (hope they have a pro 13' soon)

[@shannonmulqueen6494]

Hey, does this brand provide multi-touch like the wacom cintiq? I'd prefer to have the gesture actions for the display rather than having to zoom with the pen or keyboard commands. Thanks! Overall super helpful video in showing that there are more options other than wacom.

[@7Bytez]

Great video! I'm trying to learn animation/modeling/illustration on the side of my MIS degree. It's really time consuming, and expensive. I'm doing the Adobe Creative Cloud student deal. Are there companies, or tablets, with student discounts? Anyways, I subscribed. I really like your vibe and have a nice welcoming tone. Thanks!

[@Guilty404]

Nice To see you again!!! Can you do a full tutorial from modeling to animation series?

[@SirWade]

I'm actually working on one now for the Guardians from BotW- but it's going to take me awhile. I'm a very slow modeler and it'll be tough to texture and time-consuming to rig and animate- but when it's done it'll be awesome!! In the meantime I may do some shorter Maya Training videos on those topics if that's helpful?

[@Guilty404]

That's will be great!!!

[@jacobgrant8284]

Anouar Maazaz thatd be a great idea! Especially for us 'aspiring' modelers and animators

[@dyanamite330]

CAN U PLEASE DO VERSION 2 OF 13.3

[@spectremanLIVE1]

Aren't these called, "pen displays"?

[@saint7958]

Yeah, they have a lot of names

[@keykey1401]

Every tattoo artist needs it

[@elizabethh4855]

Can you review the XP-Pen Artist Pr 16? I'm considering that because I can't afford the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16.

[@nashineworks8318]

Do you need a PC for those tablets to run I have no idea how they tether to a PC

[@Aspen_Husky]

You do. You download a driver from their website and then it connects to yout pc via a cable :)

[@siftheadshacker01]

I am a traditional artist and planning to try digital art. I’ve been looking for tablets like these where you can just draw directly on the screen and so far this is the best video I’ve seen. I understand that these tablets need a computer to work. But, does the performance of a tablet depend on the computer specs?

[@SirWade]

Yes and no, the computers sorrrrt of impact tablet performance, but it's more about your computer's ability to handle A) The Software, and B) The additional input from the tablet. So it's less about the computer handling the tablet specifically, and more about the computer's ability to handle and run the software and other peripherals in general. Pretty much any computer or laptop can handle the tablets no problem. The question is which tools are you using, and how heavily will you be using them? Just getting started I think you have very little to worry about :)

[@aleph-tav]

Good videos mate!

[@xxxxxnzjsgshbwh]

this is very helpful and well explained, tysm

[@vilya9296]

So I have a question. What if my laptop is really crap but I can't afford a new one? I still haven't figured out why exactly I need a pc for using a tablet, I thought the purpose of it was to be able to draw without carrying a whole computer?

[@Starganderfish]

No mention of Parallax on most of these tablet reviews. Is it a laminated screen? Parallax is the distance between the touch screen and the pen nib when drawing. Most tablets have a layer of glass over the touch component so there is a gap of often several millimetres - so when you draw, the line appears several mm's away from the nib. Takes a LOT of getting used to. WACOM tablets are a laminated screen with very low parallax so the line draws exactly where the pen nib is pointing, I believe Huion tablets are also now featuring this benefit. From what I have read both of these tablets have parallax fo 1-1.5mm. May not seem like much but when drawing, if the line appears that far away from where the pen is, it's hard to get details accurate. Also, neither tablet supports tilt or rotation, which is valuable for shading, brush work etc.

[@silvitrine954]

I had a question about the matte coating. Some have said that it's prone to scratching and to be careful, some tell me the matte coating is more like a screen protector. Have you had any issues in terms of scratching the matte coating?

[@justinweeks6608]

Amazing review!

[@maribabette7077]

Thanks Sir Wade for filling us in on this Info. Im gunna get one. the Wacom's are way to pricey

[@divyanikashiva2614]

Your review was very helpful! Thanks!!

[@alyzhiabonney1752]

Looking for a tablet with a screen. Great video. The only question I have do you have to use either one of them alongside a computer or can you just connect to wifi when out and about or even use it without wifi and connect it to your computer later. Thank you

[@SirWade]

Alongside a computer- think of these basically as computer monitors with drawing capabilities- it's a display tablet but not like a wireless standalone tablet. Those kinds of tablets are super expensive haha

[@brb8407]

Hey, I've been looking at tablets lately specifically because I want to be able to draw wherever I am, and my number one need is that I can just use the tablet by itself so it's more portable. Like, I don't want to have to plug it in to a computer to use it, so does anybody know if these products need to be hooked up to another device in order for them to work?

[@celinesarchiv]

yes, you need another device. it's just like a 2nd monitor for ur screen c:

[@brb8407]

@@celinesarchiv thanks homie c:

[@MeBMan]

I love it! More tech videos please.. Also some animation contents like animating a simple pantomime act. I have problems animating the facial expressions . :(

[@SirWade]

Great ideas!! I'm working on some animation contests for the summer, I'm hoping that those help out! I also plan on doing a video on facial animation too :)

[@MeBMan]

That will be so much kind of you. Waiting for those videos. And can i join the contest or is it for particular group

[@SirWade]

The contest will be open to everyone! :D

[@MeBMan]

Awesome!

[@andotzkurenai2883]

is there a parallax effect you noticed just like ugee? or huion?

[@Nina-nz9jl]

Hi..can i use display tablet without connected to the laptop?

[@asianaaron3143]

Im new to drawing tablets. Do they depend on the hardware of a pc u r connected to in some sought of way (wirelessly of via a cable).

[@gaminghood849]

Yes

[@vanezcha]

What i think you haven’t mentioned: can the tablet be used with the side buttons on the right (for lefties)? And thats my only question.

[@SirWade]

Yep! You just click the button in the software for "lefty mode" and you're good to go!

[@ThePhreakass]

What pad do I use if I don't have arms

[@pullbale9355]

Thank you, especially for the last advices!

[@Retro-2-now]

So, do you need a computer to hook up to this? Or can you draw and animate on the tablet?

[@floatingboar1099]

I dont know if you will still be looking at this video comments but do you need a computer or laptop for the smaller tablet

[@SirWade]

Yes, you do for both :) These are monitors with pen input, not standalone devices

[@marwanofal4580]

Is this tablet work with auto cad and art cam?

[@michellegilbert2417]

Sir wade Firdt time viewing one of your videos ( love it by the way ) and will be following. Thanks for all the info on these tabs. Really needed a direction of what to buy for my first one. Question tho can you draw while your hand is on top of the tablet just like a regular sketch book. Or will it make lines?

[@SirWade]

Thanks for watching!! :D Yeah you can totally rest your hand on the screen while drawing- it only senses the pen tip so your hand won't interfere with your creativity!

[@HendriksPim]

Good video man

[@KimJImagery]

So the 15.6 can't be used for travel or fit in a laptop bag?

[@fictionalrealityartsllc6112]

Awesome review thanks !

[@LadiesofHipHop]

Super cool and helpful!

[@statsgopher7604]

Hi Sir Wade- it looks like this tool would be good for online tutoring as well. In your opinion would this be efficient for tutoring, or are there more affordable options that serve the same purpose? Being able to see (on the writing surface) what I am writing is a requirement for me. Thanks.

[@SirWade]

I don't know many other options for one with a screen, as affordable as this :) I use it to give drawover notes all the time!

[@lyra9376]

just wanted to know, does Paint Tool Sai work on this as well?

[@dkalambokis78]

Hi WN, I'm not an illustrator but I do sketch, so I don't want mediocre results. Shall I spend 1500$ for the Cintiq OR 400$ are just enough for my case?

[@SirWade]

Start with what you can afford and work your way up. Start at like $200 if you can handle not having a screen first

[@dkalambokis78]

​@@SirWade Thanks man, I'm really looking for a screen so I'll make a try with your video recommentations. I have the feeling that Cintiqs are kind of overrated and not 100% there yet

[@MartinSorensen3d]

i find myself reinstalling the drivers alot. stops working, contact the xp-pen crew, they tell me to reinstall, it works for that sesh, then i turn off my comp and come back the next day and have to start all over again.

[@subpop2005]

Hello Does this tablet 13.3 works ''stand alone'' you say that it's useful when you travel. Do i need to plug it to a computer to use it ? Thx cheers from Paris France

[@SirWade]

Needs a computer :)

[@rhiannondewar]

If i buy this tablet, do i have to uninstal any other tablets im currently using like with other brands?

[@sandrogarcia396]

hello, great video! do you know if the pressure sensitivity works with illustrator?

[@SirWade]

I haven't tried! But I imagine so, since it works in Photoshop!

[@bogsgwaps193]

Uhm.. I just want to ask? What can you recommend for a beginner? Since when i was a kid i love to draw. I would love to give it a go again even i dont have talent. I am thinking of getting xp-pen 10s or should i just go for 15.6 instead? Thank you.

[@iEatClayArt]

My laptop has a micro hdmi port. Can I use an adaptor?