Wacom · Updated June 2026
Wacom Intuos S: price, specs & release date
Wacom Intuos S, released 2018. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: estore.wacom.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Customizable ExpressKeys and pen buttons streamline workflow; Pressure-sensitive pen speeds up brush-based editing work.
- Skip if Real learning/adjustment curve switching from a mouse is a dealbreaker.
Is the Wacom Intuos S a good buy?
At $80, the Wacom Intuos S is #3 cheapest of the 18 drawing tablets we track, where the median is $275. On the spec sheet, its pressure levels of 4096 is the lowest of the 18, its express keys of 4 is below the median of the 18, and its release year of 2018 is below the median of the 18.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 2 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Wacom Intuos S
Two whitelisted testers gave hands-on impressions of Wacom's 2018 Intuos entry line, but neither used the exact wired CTL-4100: Tom's Guide ran the Bluetooth Intuos Small for a week as a mouse replacement, while Digital Trends tested the Medium. Both praise the battery-free pressure pen, customizable ExpressKeys and affordable build; both flag a real learning curve switching from a mouse. No lab measurements were reported.
Based on 2 reviews · 2 lab-tested · 2020-01-02–2022-12-17
Tested by Digital Trends, Tom's Guide
Consistently praised
- Customizable ExpressKeys and pen buttons streamline workflow · 2 sources
- Pressure-sensitive pen speeds up brush-based editing work
- Comfortable, ergonomic pen grip eases hand strain versus a mouse
- Well-built and affordable for an entry-level tablet
Commonly flagged
- Real learning/adjustment curve switching from a mouse · 2 sources
- Surface picks up scratches and finger smudges with use
- Scrolling and right-click behavior is awkward for general desktop use
Where reviewers disagree Not a true same-unit consensus: neither outlet tested the wired CTL-4100 specifically (Tom's Guide used the Bluetooth Intuos Small, Digital Trends the Medium), and the Tom's Guide piece is a mouse-replacement experiment rather than a drawing review, so their emphases differ. The build, pen and pressure observations apply across the size trims since the hardware is otherwise identical.
The sources (2)
While constructed from plastic, the Intuos feels well-built for the price.
The biggest edge the Intuos has over using a mouse is the pressure sensitivity.
We did find that with enough use, the pen will leave tiny scratch marks in the surface of the tablet and it is prone to finger smudges.
The cramping in my right hand disappeared almost immediately and I was finally writing with a pen again after years of typing on a computer.
these keys are completely customizable and can be programmed any way you like.
Transitioning from a mouse to using a pen and tablet was harder than I thought it would be
Specifications
| Price (US) | $79.95 Launch MSRP for Bluetooth variant (CTL-4100WLK0); current street price ~$64-79 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Wacom |
| Released | 2018 |
| Form | pen_tablet |
| Active area (in) | 6.0 x 3.7 |
| Display resolution | — |
| Pressure levels | 4096 |
| Tilt support | No |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Express keys | 4 |
Source: estore.wacom.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by bhphotovideo.com. Re-verified: active area 152 x 95 mm (6.0 x 3.7 in), 4096 pressure levels, 4 ExpressKeys, no tilt recognition (the non-Pro Intuos line lacks tilt), 2018 release. Bluetooth variant launch MSRP $79.95; current street price is lower (~$64-79). Draft entry was accurate; corroboration swapped to B&H (CTL4100) for a stable topical listing.
Is the Wacom Intuos S worth it vs cheaper drawing tablets?
Wacom Intuos S against its closest cheaper and pricier drawing tablets on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 18 ranked
| Product | Price | Form | Active area (in) | Pressure levels | Tilt support | Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wacom Intuos S this | $79.95 | pen_tablet | 6.0 x 3.7 | 4096 | No | Yes |
| XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 | $46.99 | pen_tablet | 10.0 x 6.25 | 8192 | Yes | No |
| XP-Pen Deco Pro MW | $129.99 | pen_tablet | 11.0 x 6.0 | 8192 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Wacom Intuos S?
Two whitelisted testers gave hands-on impressions of Wacom's 2018 Intuos entry line, but neither used the exact wired CTL-4100: Tom's Guide ran the Bluetooth Intuos Small for a week as a mouse replacement, while Digital Trends tested the Medium. Both praise the battery-free pressure pen, customizable ExpressKeys and affordable build; both flag a real learning curve switching from a mouse. No lab measurements were reported. Praised: Customizable ExpressKeys and pen buttons streamline workflow; Pressure-sensitive pen speeds up brush-based editing work; Comfortable, ergonomic pen grip eases hand strain versus a mouse; Well-built and affordable for an entry-level tablet. Flagged: Real learning/adjustment curve switching from a mouse; Surface picks up scratches and finger smudges with use; Scrolling and right-click behavior is awkward for general desktop use. (From 2 tester reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
How much does the Wacom Intuos S cost?
The Wacom Intuos S has a US price of $79.95 (Launch MSRP for Bluetooth variant (CTL-4100WLK0); current street price ~$64-79), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Wacom Intuos S compare on price?
At $80, the Wacom Intuos S is #3 cheapest of the 18 drawing tablets we track, where the median is $275.
When was the Wacom Intuos S released?
The Wacom Intuos S was released 2018.
What are the Wacom Intuos S's key specs?
Wacom Intuos S (Wacom): form pen_tablet, active area in 6.0 x 3.7, pressure levels 4096, tilt support No, wireless Yes. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $79.95 at estore.wacom.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Wacom Intuos S on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar drawing tablets
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Compare with
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- XP-Pen Deco 01 V2 $46.99
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Step up
- XP-Pen Deco Pro MW $129.99
- Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 $159.99
- Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium $224.99
- Huion Kamvas 13 $239
- Huion Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) $249
- XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) $249.99
More from Wacom
- Wacom Intuos Pro Medium (2025) $379.95
- Wacom One 13 Touch $599.99
- Wacom Cintiq 16 (2025) $699.95
- Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2021) $1499.95
- Wacom Intuos Pro Medium $379.99
- Wacom One 12 $299.95
Part of the Tablets & e-readers cluster
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