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XP Pen Star G960 Review | 66 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Type: pen tablet
  • Active drawing area: 28,620 mm²
  • Resolution: N/A
  • Pen pressure levels: 8,192
  • Report rate: 130 RPS

XP Pen Star G960 review. Compare 66 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drawing tablets and if it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the drawing tablet's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best drawing tablets on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drawing tablet's technical performance, covering eight key areas: drawing accuracy, pen performance, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, display quality, connectivity, software support, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

50.0%

7.7

Pen & Input

40.0%

4.1

Display & Color

4.0%

6.2

Form Factor

3.0%

2.7

Connectivity

3.0%

3.8

Controls & Extras

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.8
    Kids

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.4

    Weight

    45.0%

    10

    Price

    10.0%

    0.6

    Counted score

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £25

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The XP-Pen Star G960 is a budget-friendly graphics tablet featuring an 8.35 x 5.33 inch active area and a PH3 battery-free stylus that offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Main characteristics include four customizable shortcut keys, a 130 RPS report rate, and a slim 10mm profile that supports 0, 90, 180, and 270-degree rotation for versatile workflows. Key pros are its extreme affordability, simple plug-and-play setup for Windows and macOS, and a papery surface texture that provides a natural drawing feel without requiring pen charging. Notable cons include a non-detachable and relatively short USB cable, the lack of tilt sensitivity compared to the 'S' model, and a thin pen design that some users find less comfortable for long-term use.

Technical Specifications of XP Pen Star G960

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drawing tablet's technical performance, covering eight key areas: drawing accuracy, pen performance, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, display quality, connectivity, software support, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

50.0%

?

Pen & Input

40.0%

?

Display & Color

4.0%

?

Form Factor

3.0%

?

Connectivity

3.0%

?

Controls & Extras

5.9
XP Pen Star G960 has a technical score of 5.94 points, which is lower than 91.8% of drawing tablets.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.0
XP Pen Star G960 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 63.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the drawing tablet's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a drawing tablet with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.2
XP Pen Star G960 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 76.3% of products in this category.
Type
What it is: Identifies whether the device is a screenless pen tablet or a pen display with its own built-in screen.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a screenless setup and direct on-screen drawing, because the device type changes how you position your hand, eyes, and workspace.

Importance: LOW

pen tablet
Display
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet itself includes an integrated screen instead of relying only on an external monitor.
When it matters: When you are deciding whether you want to draw directly on the tablet instead of looking at a separate monitor.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not have a display. 48.5% of drawing tablets have a display.
Compatibility
What it is: Shows which operating systems or platforms the tablet officially supports for drivers, software, and core input functions.
When it matters: When you need the tablet to work reliably with your current computer, phone, or creative software environment without driver problems.

Importance: LOW

Windows / macOS / Linux / Android
Wireless capability
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet can operate without a constant wired connection to the host device.
When it matters: When you want a cleaner desk, easier repositioning, or more flexibility for mobile use without a permanent cable tether.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not support wireless use. 18.6% of drawing tablets support wireless use.
Weight
What it is: Measures the total mass of the tablet, which affects portability, desk stability, and carrying comfort.
When it matters: When you move the tablet between rooms, carry it in a bag, or want it to feel stable without being cumbersome on the desk.

Importance: LOW

790 g
XP Pen Star G960 weighs 790 g, heavier than 52.4% of drawing tablets.
Show more
Active drawing area
What it is: Represents the usable surface where pen input is detected for drawing, writing, or navigation.
When it matters: When you want enough working space for broad arm movements, long strokes, or detailed retouching without feeling cramped.

Importance: HIGH

28,620 mm²
XP Pen Star G960 offers an active drawing area of 28620 mm², smaller than that of 77.8% of drawing tablets.
212 x 135 mm.
Screen size
What it is: Measures the diagonal size of the built-in display, usually in inches, for pen display models.
When it matters: When you work directly on a pen display and need enough room for menus, canvas space, and hand placement at the same time.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Resolution
What it is: Shows the total number of display pixels available across the panel and defines image detail.
When it matters: When you want interface elements, brush edges, and artwork details to look clean on a built-in display.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Pixel density
What it is: Measures how many pixels are packed into each inch of the display, affecting sharpness and fine detail.
When it matters: When you are sensitive to visible pixels while drawing fine lines, reading small text, or checking detailed artwork.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Typical brightness
What it is: Represents the usual screen luminance the display can sustain in normal operation, usually measured in nits.
When it matters: When you work in bright rooms and need the display to remain clearly visible without washing out.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Stylus included
What it is: Indicates whether a compatible drawing pen is included in the box rather than sold separately.
When it matters: When you want to start drawing immediately and avoid paying extra for a compatible pen after buying the tablet.

Importance: HIGH

yes
XP Pen Star G960 comes with a stylus. This feature is present on 100% of drawing tablets.
Pen technology
What it is: Identifies the stylus input technology used, such as EMR, AES, active, or passive implementations.
When it matters: When you compare drawing feel, charging needs, and compatibility between different pen systems.

Importance: HIGH

EMR (battery-free)
XP Pen Star G960 uses EMR (battery-free) pen technology, more advanced than that of 4.6% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 95.4% of drawing tablets.
Pen pressure levels
What it is: Shows how many distinct pressure steps the stylus can register while drawing or writing.
When it matters: When you vary line weight and brush intensity often, because more pressure steps can give finer control over stroke response.

Importance: HIGH

8,192
XP Pen Star G960 supports 8,192 pen pressure levels, more than 9.3% of drawing tablets and equal to 75.7% of drawing tablets.
Pen resolution
What it is: Measures the positional precision of the pen input system, commonly expressed in lines per inch.
When it matters: When you need accurate cursor placement for detailed illustration, masking, or careful selection work.

Importance: HIGH

5,080 LPI
XP Pen Star G960 supports a pen resolution of 5080 LPI, higher than that of 5.7% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 94.3% of drawing tablets.
Report rate
What it is: Shows how often the pen position is reported to the system, which influences cursor responsiveness.
When it matters: When you want pen tracking to feel snappy during fast strokes, handwriting, or quick gesture-based work.

Importance: HIGH

130 RPS
XP Pen Star G960 has a report rate of 130 RPS, lower than that of 100% of drawing tablets.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet supports Bluetooth for wireless connection to compatible devices or accessories.
When it matters: When you want wireless pairing with accessories or a less cable-heavy setup around the tablet.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not support Bluetooth. 13% of drawing tablets support Bluetooth.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports for high-speed data, charging, or display-related connections.
When it matters: When you want modern high-bandwidth Type-C connections for data, charging, or display-oriented accessories.

Importance: LOW

0
XP Pen Star G960 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports, fewer than 20.6% of drawing tablets and equal to 79.4% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports used for general data, charging, or accessory links.
When it matters: When you need flexible Type-C connectivity for everyday data links, charging, or accessory support.

Importance: LOW

0
XP Pen Star G960 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports, fewer than 68.4% of drawing tablets and equal to 31.6% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for high-speed data transfer and peripheral connection.
When it matters: When you plan to connect fast external storage or peripherals directly and want enough high-speed Type-A ports.

Importance: LOW

0
XP Pen Star G960 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, fewer than 1.3% of drawing tablets and equal to 98.7% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports
What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports for standard high-speed peripheral and storage connections.
When it matters: When you still use standard USB-A devices and want enough direct ports without carrying a hub.

Importance: LOW

0
XP Pen Star G960 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, fewer than 1.9% of drawing tablets and equal to 98.1% of drawing tablets.
Show more
N. of express keys
What it is: Counts the programmable shortcut keys built into the tablet for quick access to commands.
When it matters: When you rely on shortcut-heavy workflows and want more actions accessible on the tablet without reaching for the keyboard.

Importance: LOW

4
XP Pen Star G960 has 4 express keys, fewer than 59.4% of drawing tablets and equal to 9.4% of drawing tablets.
N. of dials
What it is: Counts the physical dials or rotary controls available for shortcuts, zoom, brush size, or similar functions.
When it matters: When you want physical rotary controls for zoom, brush size, timeline scrubbing, or other actions you repeat constantly.

Importance: LOW

0
XP Pen Star G960 has 0 dials, fewer than 22.8% of drawing tablets and equal to 77.2% of drawing tablets.
Stand included
What it is: Indicates whether a separate stand is included to support the tablet at adjustable working angles.
When it matters: When you want an ergonomic drawing angle right away and do not want to budget for a separate stand after purchase.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not come with a stand. 29.1% of drawing tablets come with a stand.
Fold-out legs
What it is: Indicates whether the tablet has built-in fold-out legs for basic angle adjustment on a desk.
When it matters: When you want a quick built-in way to tilt the tablet without buying a separate stand first.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not have fold-out legs. 7.3% of drawing tablets have fold-out legs.
Pen stand included
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated holder or stand for the stylus is included in the package.
When it matters: When you want the stylus stored safely on the desk instead of rolling around or getting misplaced between sessions.

Importance: LOW

no
XP Pen Star G960 does not come with a pen stand. 59.6% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
Show more

XP Pen Star G960 vs the average drawing tablet

  • 39.6% lighter pen
    XP Pen Star G960 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (8 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.
    What it is: Measures the mass of the stylus itself, which affects long-session comfort and handling feel.
    When it matters: When hand comfort matters during long drawing sessions and you are sensitive to how heavy a stylus feels over time.

    Importance: HIGH

    XP Pen Star G960 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (8 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.8 g vs 13.25 g
  • 6.4x cheaper
    XP Pen Star G960 is cheaper than the average drawing tablet (£25 vs £160).
    XP Pen Star G960 is cheaper than the average drawing tablet (£25 vs £160).£25 vs £160
  • 38 mm slimmer body
    XP Pen Star G960 is narrower than the average drawing tablet (319.5 mm vs 357.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 357.5 mm wide.
    What it is: Measures the tablet body from side to side and helps define the desk space it occupies.
    When it matters: When you are checking whether the tablet will physically fit on your desk, beside a keyboard, or inside a carrying sleeve.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 is narrower than the average drawing tablet (319.5 mm vs 357.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 357.5 mm wide.319.5 mm vs 357.5 mm
  • 38 mm slimmer body
    XP Pen Star G960 is narrower than the average drawing tablet (319.5 mm vs 357.5 mm). The average drawing tablet is 357.5 mm wide.
  • 39.6% lighter pen
    XP Pen Star G960 includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (8 g vs 13.25 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.25 g.

Total
Overall
Form Factor
Pen & Input
  • Older release
    XP Pen Star G960 was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    December 2019.
  • 12144 mm² smaller work area
    XP Pen Star G960 has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (28620 mm² vs 40764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40764 mm².
    212x135 mm.
  • 44.2% lower report rate
    XP Pen Star G960 has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (130 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
  • Fixed cable
    XP Pen Star G960 does not have a detachable cable, while the average drawing tablet does. 96.9% of drawing tablets have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports
    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports than the average drawing tablet (0 vs 1). The average drawing tablet has 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports.
  • No pen stand included
    XP Pen Star G960 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
  • 2 fewer express keys
    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer express keys than the average drawing tablet (4 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.
  • 44.2% lower report rate
    XP Pen Star G960 has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (130 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
    What it is: Shows how often the pen position is reported to the system, which influences cursor responsiveness.
    When it matters: When you want pen tracking to feel snappy during fast strokes, handwriting, or quick gesture-based work.

    Importance: HIGH

    XP Pen Star G960 has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (130 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.130 RPS vs 233 RPS
  • 12144 mm² smaller work area
    XP Pen Star G960 has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (28620 mm² vs 40764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40764 mm².
    212x135 mm.
    What it is: Represents the usable surface where pen input is detected for drawing, writing, or navigation.
    When it matters: When you want enough working space for broad arm movements, long strokes, or detailed retouching without feeling cramped.

    Importance: HIGH

    XP Pen Star G960 has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (28620 mm² vs 40764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40764 mm².28620 mm² vs 40764 mm²
  • Fixed cable
    XP Pen Star G960 does not have a detachable cable, while the average drawing tablet does. 96.9% of drawing tablets have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Indicates whether the cable can be unplugged and replaced instead of being permanently attached.
    When it matters: When you want easier cable replacement, simpler transport, or less risk if the original cable gets damaged.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 does not have a detachable cable, while the average drawing tablet does. 96.9% of drawing tablets have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports
    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports than the average drawing tablet (0 vs 1). The average drawing tablet has 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports.
    What it is: Counts the available USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports used for general data, charging, or accessory links.
    When it matters: When you need flexible Type-C connectivity for everyday data links, charging, or accessory support.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports than the average drawing tablet (0 vs 1). The average drawing tablet has 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports.0 vs 1
  • No pen stand included
    XP Pen Star G960 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated holder or stand for the stylus is included in the package.
    When it matters: When you want the stylus stored safely on the desk instead of rolling around or getting misplaced between sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
  • Older release
    XP Pen Star G960 was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    December 2019.
    What it is: States the month and year when the drawing tablet model was officially launched or became available.
    When it matters: When you care about buying a more recent model with newer hardware, longer software relevance, or a fresher pen generation.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.2,019 vs 2,021
  • 4.45x less popular
    XP Pen Star G960 has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1 vs 4.45).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
    When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
    XP Pen Star G960 has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1 vs 4.45).1 vs 4.45
  • 2 fewer express keys
    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer express keys than the average drawing tablet (4 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.
    What it is: Counts the programmable shortcut keys built into the tablet for quick access to commands.
    When it matters: When you rely on shortcut-heavy workflows and want more actions accessible on the tablet without reaching for the keyboard.

    Importance: LOW

    XP Pen Star G960 has fewer express keys than the average drawing tablet (4 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.4 vs 6
Total
Overall
Form Factor
Display & Color
Pen & Input
Connectivity
Controls & Extras

Graphic comparison of XP Pen Star G960 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about XP Pen Star G960?

  • Highly affordable, offering great value for beginners and online tutors
  • Generous 9x6 inch active drawing area provides ample working space
  • Battery-free stylus requires no charging or batteries to operate
  • Smooth surface with a pleasant, subtle paper-like grain texture
  • Easy and quick driver installation and setup across multiple operating systems
  • Four customizable shortcut express keys provide good tactile clicky feedback
  • Reliable pressure sensitivity performance without noticeable inconsistencies

What customers dislike about XP Pen Star G960?

  • The attached USB cable is non-removable, non-replaceable, and relatively short
  • The stylus is very thin and lacks a rubberized grip, which can feel less comfortable for prolonged use
  • Lacks advanced pen features like a built-in digital eraser or tilt sensitivity (unless stepping up to the 'S Plus' variant)
  • Pen nibs tend to wear down relatively quickly with heavy or heavy-handed usage
  • The smooth surface of the tablet is prone to showing fingerprints easily
  • Lacks a dedicated pen holder or a loop attached to the tablet to prevent losing the stylus

Expert reviews

F
faz.net
03/12/2025
Summary of the review
The Best Graphics Tablet | Review 04/2026 | F.A.Z. Kaufkompass
(Translated)Show original
N
note.com
26/11/2021
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Star G960S Drawing Tablet Review
(Translated)Show original

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