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XP Pen Star G960S Review | 66 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Type: pen tablet
  • Active drawing area: 34915 mm²
  • Resolution: N/A
  • Pen pressure levels: 8192
  • Report rate: 220 RPS

XP Pen Star G960S review. Compare 66 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drawing tablets and if it is worth buying.

6.4

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%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

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%

8.4

Pen & Input

40.0%

4.3

Display & Color

4.0%

6.4

Form Factor

3.0%

6.0

Connectivity

3.0%

3.9

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

  • 9.0
    Kids

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    45.0%

    10

    Price

    10.0%

    0.6

    Counted score

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £55

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 G960S is a versatile, budget-friendly graphics tablet featuring a generous 9 x 6 inch active working area and a battery-free PH3 stylus that supports 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and ±60 degrees of tilt recognition. It includes four customizable shortcut keys for enhanced workflow efficiency and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS, making it suitable for digital art, online teaching, and remote work. Main pros include its responsive 'paper-like' surface texture, lightweight and portable design, and the inclusion of various USB adapters for mobile connectivity. However, some users have noted cons such as the loud clicking sound of the shortcut keys, a flush pen button that can be difficult to press, and the lack of a visible cursor when used with some Android devices.

Technical Specifications of XP Pen Star G960S

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

6.4
XP Pen Star G960S has a technical score of 6.44 points, which is lower than 63.4% 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 G960S 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%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.5
XP Pen Star G960S has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 43.3% 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 G960S 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 / ChromeOS / 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 G960S 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

500 g
XP Pen Star G960S weighs 500 g, lighter than 72.7% of drawing tablets.
Tablet only; separate stand excluded.
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

34,915 mm²
XP Pen Star G960S offers an active drawing area of 34,915 mm², smaller than that of 70.4% of drawing tablets.
228.8 x 152.6 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
Show more
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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S supports a pen resolution of 5,080 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

220 RPS
XP Pen Star G960S has a report rate of 220 RPS, lower than that of 55.8% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 21% 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 G960S 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 G960S 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

?
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

?
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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S 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 G960S does not come with a pen stand. 59.6% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
Show more

XP Pen Star G960S vs the average drawing tablet

  • 39.6% lighter pen
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S 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
  • 33.8% lighter design
    XP Pen Star G960S is lighter than the average drawing tablet (500 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.
    Tablet only; separate stand excluded.
    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

    XP Pen Star G960S is lighter than the average drawing tablet (500 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.500 g vs 755 g
  • 38 mm slimmer body
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S 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
  • 33.8% lighter design
    XP Pen Star G960S is lighter than the average drawing tablet (500 g vs 755 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 755 g.
  • 38 mm slimmer body
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S 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
Form Factor
Pen & Input
  • Older release
    XP Pen Star G960S was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    April 2020.
  • 5,849 mm² smaller work area
    XP Pen Star G960S has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (34,915 mm² vs 40,764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40,764 mm².
    228.8x152.6 mm.
  • 5.6% lower report rate
    XP Pen Star G960S has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (220 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
  • No pen stand included
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S has fewer express keys than the average drawing tablet (4 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.
  • 5.6% lower report rate
    XP Pen Star G960S has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (220 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 G960S has a lower report rate than the average drawing tablet (220 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.220 RPS vs 233 RPS
  • 5,849 mm² smaller work area
    XP Pen Star G960S has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (34,915 mm² vs 40,764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40,764 mm².
    228.8x152.6 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 G960S has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (34,915 mm² vs 40,764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40,764 mm².34915 mm² vs 40764 mm²
  • No pen stand included
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S does not come with a pen stand, while the average drawing tablet does. 59.3% of drawing tablets come with a pen stand.
  • 4.45x less popular
    XP Pen Star G960S has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1.00 vs 4.450).
    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 G960S has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1.00 vs 4.450).1 vs 4.45
  • 2 fewer express keys
    XP Pen Star G960S 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 G960S has fewer express keys than the average drawing tablet (4 vs 6). The average drawing tablet has 6 express keys.4 vs 6
  • Older release
    XP Pen Star G960S was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    April 2020.
    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 G960S was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.2,020 vs 2,021
Total
Overall
Form Factor
Display & Color
Pen & Input
Controls & Extras

Graphic comparison of XP Pen Star G960S and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about XP Pen Star G960S?

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as better than base Wacom models for beginners.
  • Satisfying drawing surface with a matte, paper-like texture that provides natural friction.
  • Highly portable and lightweight design while remaining physically solid.
  • Easy setup process and reliable drivers for Windows, Mac, and Android.
  • Support for up to 60 degrees of pen tilt, a premium feature in this budget range.
  • Battery-free stylus (PH3/PH2) that is lightweight and requires no charging.

What customers dislike about XP Pen Star G960S?

  • Pen buttons can feel low-quality, with reports of them falling off or being hard to locate by touch.
  • Non-detachable or non-replaceable USB cable in some versions, which can be inconveniently short.
  • The pen is thinner than standard tablet styluses, which may cause hand fatigue for some users.
  • Shortcut keys produce a loud, audible clicking sound that might be distracting.
  • Pen nibs may show signs of wear relatively quickly, though many replacements are included.

Expert reviews

T
tabletsforartists.com
08/06/2020
Summary of the review
XP-PEN Star G960S Review: graphics tablet with tilt
D
drekitech.com
01/07/2020
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Star G960S Graphics Tablet Review - drekitech
T
the-gadgeteer.com
29/06/2020
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Star G960S PlusGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Digitizer Tablet review
T
tablettegraphique.fr
21/06/2020
Summary of the review
Star G960S Plus: A powerhouse of technology in a portable tablet
(Translated)Show original
N
note.com
26/11/2021
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Star G960S Graphics Tablet Review
(Translated)Show original

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