Thinking of getting either the Wacom One or the Wacom Intuos?
Then this comparative review is for you!
First of all, the most notable difference between Wacom One and the Wacom Intuos product line is that Wacom One has a display screen, whereas all Intuos drawing tablets do not.
Further notable differences include:
- Different pen pressure sensitivity
- Express keys
- Size of the display/working area
For beginners and hobbyists, either drawing tablet is fine but for those who prefer a more intuitive drawing experience, the Wacom One would serve you better.
Note: “Wacom One” and “One By Wacom” are not the same. Click here if you are actually looking for One By Wacom Vs Intuos.
Continue scrolling down for a more detailed breakdown of the differences in the products and my recommendation.
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The Wacom One and Wacom Intuos Comparison
FYI: Wacom Intuos is a product line wherein there are various models which vary with their features and specifications. Wacom One is a single product.
Wacom One has 4096 pen pressure levels. The initial Intuos (not pro) products all have 4096 pen pressure sensitivity and 4 express keys while all Intuos Pro products have 8192 pen pressure sensitivity and 6-8 express keys.
All Intuos products also have express keys which the Wacom One lacks. The Wacom Intuos Pro M which is one of the best in the Intuos line has 8 customizable express keys.
Wacom One has a 13-inch working area, whereas the Intuos’ working area varies for each size variant. In the entire Intuos line, the Wacom Intuos Pro L’s 12.1 x 8.4-inch active working area is the most similar to Wacom One.
Wacom Intuos Pro M (medium) has an active working area of 8.7 x 5.8 inches.
When it comes to the most important features of a drawing tablet such as pen pressure sensitivity, the Wacom Intuos Pro M, as well as the other Pro variants features 8192 pressure levels which beat Wacom One’s 4096 levels.
Of all the products in the Intuos line, we think that the Wacom Intuos Pro M is the best among the others because it is equipped with 8192 pen pressure level, a reasonable active area of 8.7 x 5.8 inches, and a lot more features that makes it an outstanding deal for its price.
To make it simpler, we will focus on comparing Wacom One and the best in the Intuos line- Wacom Intuos Pro M.
A drawing tablet with a display and a drawing tablet without a display.
See the table below comparing the most important features and differences between the two drawing tablets.
| Wacom One | Wacom Intuos Pro M | |
| Display Screen | NTSC 72% (CIE1931)(typ) | None |
| Size and Active Area | Size: 8.9 x 14.1 x 0.6 inches Active Area: 11.6 x 6.5 inches |
Size: 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches Active Area: 8.7 x 5.8 inches |
| Pen Pressure Sensitivity | 4096 | 8192 |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 1.54 lb |
| Express Keys | None | 8 express keys |
| Compatibility | Windows 7 & later Mac OS 10.13 & later Chromebook Android |
Windows® 7, 8.1 and 10 (32 and 64-bit) macOS 10.12 or later |
| Price | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Other notable features | Multi-touch feature |
Pros of Wacom Intuos Pro M:
- Higher pen pressure sensitivity (8192 levels) – this means that you can create more detailed drawings and achieve thinner or thicker lines with the amount of pressure applied with the stylus pen.
- Lighter weight – it is less heavy to carry around which makes it more portable
- Express Keys – it has 8 express keys that are customizable according to your preference
- Multi-touch feature – multi-touch feature means that the drawing tablet recognizes the touch of your fingers to navigate around drawings, not just the stylus pen
Cons of Wacom Intuos Pro M:
- No display screen – although a display screen is not necessary to create high-quality drawings, it is more advantageous since it elevates the drawing experience and makes it easier for the artist.
- Smaller drawing area – in comparison to the Wacom One, it has a smaller drawing area which means you’ll have to put in a bit more effort to complete your drawings. But generally, this drawing area is reasonable for its price.
Pros of Wacom One:
- Display screen – having a display screen means you can draw directly on the screen without having to look back and forth between your monitor and the drawing tablet. It requires less hand-to-eye coordination which makes drawing easier and faster.
- Larger drawing area – in most cases, a larger drawing area is better because you can view and draw on more details clearly. It is also healthier for your wrists if you are drawing in a larger area especially if you draw frequently.
- Chromebook and Android compatibility – For those who use Chromebooks and Androids, Wacom One is compatible with these operating systems.
Cons of Wacom One:
- Lesser pen pressure sensitivity (4096 levels) – this level of pen pressure is actually already acceptable for beginners and hobbyists. But for professionals and artists who produce highly detailed illustrations, it may become a bit disadvantageous.
- No express keys – express keys come in handy so that actions that are frequently used such as undo and redo can be done effortlessly without moving back and forth from the drawing tablet to the keyboard frequently.
Which one do I recommend? Wacom One vs Intuos
For beginners and hobbyists, either one is fine but for those who prefer drawing directly on a display screen, the Wacom One would better serve you since it has a screen. Drawing directly on a screen requires less hand-to-eye coordination which makes drawing a bit easier and may make your process faster.
For the convenience of drawing directly on a screen and having a large drawing area, you will have to settle for 4096 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and the absence of express keys.
While the absence of express keys may be a bit inconvenient, it’s not really necessary. 4096 levels of pen pressure is more than enough for beginners and hobbyists.
For professionals, the Wacom Intuos Pro M would be better since it has a higher pen pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels which is important for professionals who frequently create detailed drawings. Having a display screen does not always mean that you can create better drawings with it.
Its express keys and multi-touch feature also make drawing more convenient. However, you will have to settle for a smaller, but a reasonable drawing area as compared to the Wacom One.
For professionals with a larger budget, the Wacom Intuos Pro L (large) would be another great choice so you can enjoy the features of the Intuos Pro at its largest drawing area available.
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