One by Wacom vs. Intuos vs. Wacom One: Which one is best?

Dec 2

Written By DAB

Wacom offers a range of pen tablets, from the budget-friendly One by Wacom to the more advanced Wacom Intuos series and Wacom One pen displays.

For many beginners, it’s hard to understand what justifies the price difference — and whether paying more will significantly enhance the drawing experience.

In this comparison, we'll lay out the key differences and share our recommendations up front, so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

Which Wacom tablet is best?

Ultimately, the decision boils down to budget, size, and how often you’ll use the tablet:

If you’re on a tight budget: Go for the One by Wacom.
If wireless is important: The Intuos Small with Bluetooth offers great value.
If you’re drawing daily: Invest in an Intuos Medium for better ergonomics.
If you’re a pro: Only consider the Intuos Pro if you’re sure you don’t want a screen tablet.
If you’re looking for an iPad alternative: Get Wacom One.

Comparison at a Glance
Feature	One by Wacom	Wacom Intuos	Wacom One
Type	Pen Tablet	Pen Tablet	Pen Display
Screen	No	No	Yes (Full HD)
Pressure Levels	2048	4096	4096
ExpressKeys™	No	Yes (4)	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Chromebook	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Android, Chromebook
Best For	Beginners	Intermediate Artists	Advanced Artists & Professionals
Price Range	$40–$80	$80–$200	$200–$400
Shop on Amazon	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices
Shop on Wacom	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices

One by Wacom

If you're new to digital art and need an affordable, no-frills tablet, the One by Wacom is your best bet. It’s functional, durable, and does the job — perfect for beginners or hobbyists who don’t need extra features.

Best for: Tight budgets, beginners, or those who don’t care about wireless connectivity.
Why choose it: The difference between this and the Intuos Small is minor for most users.

Intuos Small with Bluetooth

If wireless connectivity is important to you, consider the Intuos Small with Bluetooth. It adds the convenience of a cordless setup, making it worth the extra cost.

Best for: Those who value wireless functionality but don’t need a larger tablet.

Intuos Medium

If you plan to draw regularly and prioritize comfort, the Intuos Medium is an excellent choice. Its larger size encourages drawing from the shoulder, which is both healthier and more natural for long sessions.

Best for: Frequent use, intermediate artists, and anyone willing to invest a bit more.

Intuos Pro Large

This is for professional artists who are certain they don’t want a screen tablet. The Pro’s larger size, customizable buttons, and superior stylus make it ideal for demanding workflows—but its price tag is steep.

Best for: Professionals with large budgets who prefer screenless tablets.
Why skip it: At this price, many artists would prefer a screen tablet instead.

Wacom One

The Wacom One offers a completely different experience as it’s a pen display, meaning you can draw directly on the screen. It’s ideal for those who want a more natural drawing experience.

Best for: Professionals with larger budgets who prefer drawing on a screen.
Why skip it: You can pay a pretty much the same amount to get an iPad.

Similarities Between One by Wacom, Intuos, and Wacom One

No built-in display:
Both are screenless pen tablets, meaning you draw on the tablet while looking at your computer screen. While this may feel awkward at first, most users adjust within a week of practice. Different from these two, Wacom One has a screen that you draw on.
Solid build quality:
Wacom is known for durable and high-quality products, and both options reflect that reliability.
Spare nibs included:
All come with extra nibs for the stylus, though storage methods vary.
Comparable art quality:
Whether you choose the One by Wacom or an Intuos or Wacom One, the quality of your artwork won’t differ. Features like size, buttons, and pen pressure improve convenience but don’t affect the end result.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each

One by Wacom

Pros:

Affordable: The most budget-friendly tablet Wacom offers.
Simple and sturdy: Great for beginners who just want to get started.

Cons:

No buttons or Bluetooth: Limits workflow efficiency and flexibility.
Short cable: The 1-meter USB cable can be inconvenient, especially for desktop users.
Limited sizes: Only available in Small and Medium, and availability varies by region.

Intuos (Small and Medium)

Pros:

Wireless options: Most Intuos models offer Bluetooth for added flexibility.
Bundled software: Includes free programs like Clip Studio Paint, adding value to the purchase.
Better pen: The Wacom Pen 4K offers higher pressure sensitivity and handy features like nib storage.

Cons:

Higher price: Even the cheapest Intuos model costs significantly more than the One by Wacom.

Intuos Pro

Pros:

Large size available: The Pro Large is ideal for artists who need a spacious workspace.
Enhanced pen and features: Comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2 and customizable texture sheets for a personalized drawing experience.
Improved button layout: Customizable keys are positioned for convenience.

Cons:

Considerably expensive: Prices start at $250, with the Large model costing around $500 — enough to buy a screen tablet instead.

Wacom One

Pros:

Direct on-screen drawing: Offers a natural drawing experience.
Versatile connectivity: Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chromebook via USB-C.
Bonus perks: Includes creative software, tutorials, and access to an art community.

Cons:

No ExpressKeys™: Lacks customizable buttons for quick shortcuts, which could affect workflow efficiency.
No 4K resolution: The Full HD screen is clear but less detailed compared to higher-end displays.
Higher price point: A significant investment compared to pen tablets, which may not suit beginners on a budget.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision boils down to budget, size, and how often you’ll use the tablet:

If you’re on a tight budget: Go for the One by Wacom.
If wireless is important: The Intuos Small with Bluetooth offers great value.
If you’re drawing daily: Invest in an Intuos Medium for better ergonomics.
If you’re a pro: Only consider the Intuos Pro if you’re sure you don’t want a screen tablet.

Comparison at a Glance
Feature	One by Wacom	Wacom Intuos	Wacom One
Type	Pen Tablet	Pen Tablet	Pen Display
Screen	No	No	Yes (Full HD)
Pressure Levels	2048	4096	4096
ExpressKeys™	No	Yes (4)	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Chromebook	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Android, Chromebook
Best For	Beginners	Intermediate Artists	Advanced Artists & Professionals
Price Range	$40–$80	$80–$200	$200–$400
Shop on Amazon	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices
Shop on Wacom	Check Prices	Check Prices	Check Prices

Remember, fancy features won’t improve your art — they just make the process more enjoyable. Whether you choose the One by Wacom or an Intuos or Wacom One, the most important thing is to keep creating!