> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/brands/brand-reliability.md).

# Brand reliability and longevity

## Overview

A common question: "I hear Wacom tablets last longer. Is that true?"

Short answer: yes, Wacom has the longest track record. But Huion and XP-Pen tablets made since 2021 have been pretty good for reliability, and whichever brand you buy, the practical advice is the same - buy from a retailer that makes returns easy.

## Wacom

Wacom has been making tablets for 40 years. I have recently used Wacom tablets built 30, 25 and 20 years ago. So yes, they last - the reputation is real.

* Wacom tablets have a support lifetime of about a decade and can often be used even longer.
* Older Wacom tablets can still work today with the appropriate driver. More here: [Older Wacom drivers](/drawtab/guides/drivers/older-wacom-drivers.md)

Longevity is a large part of what you pay for with Wacom.

## Huion and XP-Pen

There is simply less evidence. Huion and XP-Pen have been around for a shorter time than Wacom, and their passive EMR tablets - where the pens do not use batteries - have only been around since the late 2010s.

* Reliability has been improving.
* Their tablets since 2021 have been pretty good for reliability and lifetime.
* The latest models still trail Wacom a little on reliability specifically - but they have come a long way on performance and quality.

I expect them to match Wacom eventually. That will take roughly one more technology generation, plus the time it takes for evidence to accumulate.

More here: [Huion and XP-Pen](/drawtab/brands/huion-and-xppen.md)

## "Will it last" is not the same as "is it good"

These two questions often get mixed together. A tablet with a shorter track record is not a bad tablet. Some recent Huion and XP-Pen tablets are very good, and some Wacom tablets are ones I would not recommend.

For specific tablets, go here: [Recommendations](/drawtab/recs.md)

## Watch out for older non-Wacom models

Non-Wacom brands release a lot of products, and older models stay on sale next to newer ones. If reliability matters to you, make sure you're buying a current model, not just a current brand. More here: [Switching brands](/drawtab/buying/switch-brands.md)

## For every brand, Wacom included

* Buy from a retailer that makes returns easy.
* Know the warranty terms before you buy. More here: [Buying tips](/drawtab/buying/buying-tips.md)

Every brand eventually ships some defective units. An easy return is what protects you, whichever brand you choose.