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Wacom’s 2025 Cintiq refresh is a meaningful hardware redesign, not just a cosmetic update. Launched on June 5, 2025, the new Cintiq 16, Cintiq 24, and Cintiq 24 Touch bring slimmer bodies, higher-resolution displays, etched anti-glare glass, direct bonding, faster listed response times, and the battery-free Pro Pen 3 to Wacom’s non-Pro pen-display range. They also cost more than the outgoing models.
The Cintiq 16 is the compact option at a US price signal of $699.95, while the Cintiq 24 and Cintiq 24 Touch are large desktop displays listed at $1,299.95 and $1,499.95 respectively. These are pen displays, not standalone tablets: all three require a compatible Mac or Windows computer.
What Wacom launched
Wacom’s new Cintiq family consists of three models:
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#1 Best Overall
- IMMERSIVE CREATIVE CANVAS: 16" IPS display with 2.5K WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600) delivers sharp, crisp, detailed visuals for digital art and design
- WACOM’S BEST PEN TECHNOLOGY: Pro Pen 3 with 8192 pressure levels responds to your lightest touch; includes tilt support, 3 shortcut keys for tool access, and a holder that mounts to either side of the display with adjustable angle for quick access
- CINEMATIC COLOR DISPLAY: 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage with 8-bit color depth delivers the wide color gamut used in modern displays and digital media - see your artwork as it's meant to be viewed
- READY TO CREATE: Built-in fold-out legs provide a 20-degree working angle or purchase adjustable stand for personalized comfort
- CONNECTION: includes USB-C cable to connect to Windows/Mac computers with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 input (computers without DP Alt or TB 3 or 4 input require additional cables)
| Model | US price signal* | Display | Touch | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cintiq 16 | $699.95 | 16-inch, 2560×1600, 16:10 | No | Smaller desks, students, travel between workspaces |
| Cintiq 24 | $1,299.95 | 23.8-inch, 2560×1440, 16:9 | No | Desktop illustration, design, animation and photo work |
| Cintiq 24 Touch | $1,499.95 | 23.8-inch, 2560×1440, 16:9 | 10-finger multi-touch | Artists who frequently zoom, pan and rotate with gestures |
*Prices were visible on Wacom’s US store during research. Promotions, stock and regional pricing can change; check the live product page before buying. Wacom’s launch announcement dates the refresh to June 5, 2025.
Wacom positions the new range as professional-grade drawing hardware at a lower price than Cintiq Pro. That positioning is reasonable for the core pen-display experience, but the Cintiq models do not match the Pro line in every display and workflow feature.
The biggest physical change: a flatter, slimmer design
The previous Cintiq generation used a noticeably thicker, more rounded chassis. The 2025 models move to a flatter front surface, narrower bezels and a more uniform body. Launch coverage reported the Cintiq 16 at approximately 15 mm thick, compared with about 25 mm for the previous model. The new 24-inch models were reported at just under 21 mm, versus roughly 40 mm for the former Cintiq 22.
That should make the displays easier to reposition and less visually bulky on a desk. It does not make the 24-inch models genuinely portable in the iPad sense. You still have a large screen, stand, power adapter and cables to manage, and the Cintiq remains dependent on an external computer.
The Cintiq 16 has built-in fold-out legs. The Cintiq 24 and 24 Touch include adjustable stands and support 75×75 mm VESA mounting. The standard Cintiq 24 weighs approximately 4.8 kg without its stand; the Touch model is approximately 5 kg without its stand. Plan the desk, arm or stand around the complete setup rather than the bare display alone.
What improved on the displays?
The upgrade is clearest on paper. The previous Cintiq 16 and Cintiq 22 were Full HD-class products at 1920×1080. The new Cintiq 16 rises to 2560×1600, while both 24-inch models use 2560×1440. That is a substantial increase in workspace and sharpness, particularly on a 23.8-inch screen.
Rank #2
- Creative Pen Display: Animation tablet features optimized display and premium pen technology ideal for creative hobbyists, enthusiasts, or students for use on campus, in the studio, or at home
- Precision Pen Performance: Included Pro Pen 2 features tilt recognition, virtually lag-free tracking, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 2 customizable switches for easy access to shortcuts
- Vibrant Color Display: Windows and macOS tablet features LCD display with HD resolution and showcases uniform brightness, high resolution, and true to life color quality
- Fingertip Control: Relaxed parallax gives you full control with your fingertips, and combined with the super responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2, makes creating feel as natural as drawing on paper
- Includes: Wacom Cintiq 22 digital drawing pad, Pro Pen 2, 3 replacement nibs, nib remover, 3-in-1 connectivity cable, AC adapter, power cable, and quick start guide
- More workspace: additional pixels leave more room for a canvas, tool panels and animation timelines.
- Sharper detail: text, interface elements and fine line work should look more defined than on a 1080p display.
- Better large-screen resolution: 2560×1440 is a more useful fit for a 24-inch drawing display than Full HD.
The practical benefit depends on viewing distance, operating-system scaling and how an application lays out its interface. Resolution improves sharpness and workspace; it does not automatically make a panel more color-accurate or better calibrated.
Direct bonding and anti-glare glass
Wacom says the new displays use directly bonded glass, which reduces the gap between the pen surface and the underlying panel. In principle, that reduces perceived parallax—the apparent offset between the nib and cursor. Calibration, viewing angle, pen position and software still affect how aligned the display feels.
The surface is anti-glare etched glass. Wacom presents the treatment as offering a more paper-like drawing surface and reducing reflections. Those are useful design goals, but the available specifications do not establish a measured improvement in texture, glare rejection or image quality across different lighting conditions.
Response time and color specifications
Wacom lists a 12 ms response time for the Cintiq 16 and both Cintiq 24 models. That is a panel specification, not a measurement of total pen-to-screen latency. It also does not prove that every user will see no ghosting or that drawing will feel lag-free.
The 24-inch models list an IPS panel with typical specifications of 100% sRGB coverage, 350 cd/m2 brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Wacom’s current US Cintiq 16 page advertises 99% DCI-P3 coverage. That means the models should not be treated as having identical display characteristics.
Gamut coverage is not the same as color accuracy. A claim such as “100% sRGB” or “99% DCI-P3” does not by itself tell you about factory calibration, white-point accuracy, uniformity or suitability for print-critical production. Buyers doing color-sensitive commercial work should compare the relevant Cintiq Pro models and consider independent measurements.
Rank #3
- Featuring 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 3 side switches, and the ability to customize by swapping the included grips or adjusting the weight and center of balance, the Wacom Pro Pen 3 is Wacom’s most advanced pen yet.
- The beautiful 27” display features 4K UHD resolution (3840X2160 pixels), exceptional 10-bit color, 99% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3, and twice the refresh rate of any previous model,120 Hz, allowing the user to be fully immersed in their creation.
- With the conveniently placed 8 customizable ExpressKeys, easy-to-adjust on-screen menus, and improved multi-touch and pen gestures, you can find what works best for you and easily set things up to work the way you want them to.
- We integrated 4x standard ¼ inch mount options so It’s easy to attach another mount for your phone or camera or even add the Wacom extension table so your reference materials are in easy reach. Plus, the pen tray makes sure all your nibs and grips are to hand, whenever you need them.
- Bonus software: Register your Cintiq Pro & receive a 3-month trials of Capture One, Clip Studio Paint EX, Toon Boom Harmony & Storyboard Pro, and MASV file transfer service; Offer available for customers located in the Americas
Cintiq 16 vs. Cintiq 24 vs. Cintiq 24 Touch
Choose the Cintiq 16 for space and flexibility
The Cintiq 16 is the least expensive route into the refreshed range and the easiest model to accommodate in a small studio, classroom or shared workspace. Its 16:10 aspect ratio gives it a little more vertical space than a conventional 16:9 screen, and its built-in legs make temporary repositioning straightforward.
Its compromises are equally clear: the drawing area is smaller, there is no touch support, and the launch price was higher than the approximately $649 price associated with the outgoing Cintiq 16. It is a good fit if you value a smaller footprint more than a large, immersive canvas.
Choose the Cintiq 24 for the value sweet spot
The standard Cintiq 24 is likely the strongest choice for serious desktop artists who do not need gestures. It provides the same 2.5K-class resolution as the Touch version, the same listed 12 ms response time, the same 100% sRGB claim, and the Pro Pen 3—without the additional $200 for touch.
The larger surface is useful for illustrations, animation timelines, photo-editing interfaces and designs that require several panels to remain visible. The trade-offs are cost, desk space, external power and the absence of multi-touch.
Choose the Cintiq 24 Touch only for a touch-based workflow
The Cintiq 24 Touch adds 10-finger multi-touch for gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, panning and rotating artwork. It is not a general display-quality upgrade over the standard Cintiq 24: the two models share the principal listed screen specifications.
The $200 premium makes sense if you regularly manipulate the canvas with your fingers and your operating system and creative applications handle those gestures well. If you already rely on keyboard shortcuts or an ExpressKey Remote, the standard Cintiq 24 may deliver better value. Touch can also create accidental inputs when your hand rests on the screen, so it is a preference and workflow decision rather than an automatic recommendation.
Rank #4
- EXPANSIVE CREATIVE WORKSPACE: Immersive 23.8" IPS display with 2.5K WQHD resolution (2560 x 1440) provides a spacious canvas for pro-level projects
- INTUITIVE MULTI-TOUCH CONTROL: 10-finger touch capacity enables natural gestures for rotating, zooming, and panning artwork
- WACOM’S BEST PEN TECHNOLOGY: Pro Pen 3 with 8192 pressure levels responds to your lightest touch; includes ±60° tilt support, 3 shortcut keys for tool access, and a holder that mounts to either side of the display with adjustable angle for quick access
- READY TO CREATE: Comes with fully adjustable stand for optimal positioning or use the 75x75 VESA mount for flex arm compatibility
- CONNECTION: includes USB-C cables and power adapter to connect to Windows/Mac computers with DisplayPort Alt or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 input (computers without DisplayPort Alt or TB 3 or 4 input require additional cables)
What Pro Pen 3 changes
All three new Cintiqs include Wacom’s battery-free Pro Pen 3 rather than the previous-generation Pro Pen 2. Wacom lists 8,192 pressure levels, up to 60 degrees of tilt support, three side switches and 5,080 lpi pen resolution on the Cintiq 24 product information.
The three switches provide more direct access to shortcuts than a simpler two-button stylus, and the lack of a battery means there is no charging routine. The pen is an important upgrade in specifications and ergonomics, but pressure-level counts alone do not prove a superior drawing experience. Nib friction, pen shape, driver behavior, calibration, parallax and application support all matter.
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Nor does using the same Pro Pen 3 make a Cintiq 24 equivalent to a Cintiq Pro. The display panel, color tools, resolution and other workflow features remain part of the product distinction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compared with the older Cintiq 22
The older Cintiq 22 can become attractive when heavily discounted. Wacom’s US lineup page surfaced it at a promotional $999.95, reduced from a listed regular price of $1,299.95 at the time represented by the research. That promotion should be checked again before purchase.
An older Cintiq 22 may be the rational choice for a beginner, occasional hobbyist or budget-conscious buyer who prioritizes a large screen. It is not equivalent to the new models: you give up the slimmer chassis, 2.5K resolution, direct bonding, newer etched-glass design, faster listed response specification and Pro Pen 3.
The comparison is therefore not simply “new versus old.” It is screen size and price versus resolution, ergonomics and updated pen technology. If the discount is small, the new Cintiq 24 is easier to justify. If the older model is substantially cheaper and your work is not limited by 1080p resolution, the Cintiq 22 can still make sense.
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- EXPANSIVE CREATIVE WORKSPACE: Immersive 23.8" IPS display with 2.5K WQHD resolution (2560 x 1440) provides a spacious canvas for pro-level projects
- WACOM’S BEST PEN TECHNOLOGY: Pro Pen 3 with 8192 pressure levels responds to your lightest touch; includes ±60° tilt support, 3 shortcut keys for tool access, and a holder that mounts to either side of the display with adjustable angle for quick access
- DIGITAL-FIRST COLOR ACCURACY: 100% sRGB coverage with 8-bit color depth ensures your artwork displays exactly as intended across all digital platforms - no color shifts from screen to screen, device to device
- READY TO CREATE: Comes with fully adjustable stand for optimal positioning or use the 75x75 VESA mount for flex arm compatibility
- CONNECTION: includes USB-C cables and power adapter to connect to Windows/Mac computers with DisplayPort Alt or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 input (computers without DisplayPort Alt or TB 3 or 4 input require additional cables)
Where Cintiq Pro still fits
The new Cintiq range sits below Cintiq Pro rather than replacing it. Cintiq is the lower-cost option for direct on-screen drawing with modernized hardware. Cintiq Pro is aimed at buyers who need a higher-end display, broader or more advanced color workflows, larger professional models and additional productivity features.
Launch coverage cited the Cintiq Pro 17 at approximately $2,500 starting price, but that should not be treated as a current price without checking Wacom’s live listings. The premium is substantial, yet it may be justified when the display is a revenue-generating production tool or color-critical work is central to the job.
For many students, hobbyists and illustrators, the new Cintiq models provide the more sensible balance. For print production, demanding photography, high-end animation or other workflows where panel capability matters as much as pen input, investigate Cintiq Pro before deciding that the standard Cintiq is sufficient.
Connectivity: check the computer before buying
These are external displays and input devices, not independent drawing computers. Your computer must provide the required video, USB and power connections.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Wacom says the Cintiq 24 can connect over USB-C when the computer supports DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3 and later. A USB-C connector alone does not guarantee video output. The Cintiq 16 is promoted around a simplified single-USB-C setup, but that also depends on the capabilities of the particular port.
Before ordering, check:
- Whether the computer’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt.
- Whether that port can provide sufficient power for the intended setup.
- Whether an HDMI-based computer needs separate video, USB and power cables or an adapter.
- Whether the computer supports the target resolution and expected refresh behavior.
- Whether Wacom provides a current driver for your operating system.
Using an adapter can work, but compatibility depends on the adapter, computer and display path. A “single cable” claim should be understood as conditional on the computer’s port capabilities, not as a guarantee for every laptop or desktop.
Who should buy the new Cintiq?
- Beginners and students: the Cintiq 16 is the least expensive new model, provided a 16-inch canvas is large enough. A discounted older Cintiq may offer better screen-per-dollar.
- Hobbyists: choose based on desk space and discount level. You do not need to pay for Touch unless you will actually use gestures.
- Professional illustrators: the Cintiq 24 offers the best balance of drawing area, resolution and price in the new family.
- Animators and designers: the 24-inch canvas is more comfortable when timelines, palettes and reference panels compete for space.
- Photographers: examine the panel and color requirements carefully; gamut figures alone do not establish color accuracy.
- Existing Cintiq owners: upgrade if thinness, sharper resolution, reduced parallax or Pro Pen 3 address a real limitation. A working older Cintiq may not need replacement solely because the new chassis is slimmer.
- People seeking a standalone tablet: do not buy a Cintiq for this purpose. Consider an iPad Pro with Apple Pencil or a pen-capable Surface device instead; those are different all-in-one product categories.
- People who already have a good monitor: a non-display tablet such as Wacom’s Intuos Pro can cost less, reduce desk clutter and improve portability, though it requires drawing while looking at a separate screen.
Verdict
Wacom’s 2025 Cintiq refresh is substantial where it matters most: the bodies are less bulky, the displays move to 2.5K-class resolutions, the glass is etched and directly bonded, and the Pro Pen 3 brings updated hardware to the mainstream Cintiq tier. Those are meaningful improvements over the previous generation on paper.
The value is less universal because prices rose and the Cintiqs remain computer-dependent pen displays. The standard Cintiq 24 is the most convincing all-round choice for desktop artists who do not need touch. The Cintiq 24 Touch is worth the premium for gesture-heavy workflows, not because it is automatically a better display. The Cintiq 16 is the practical choice for limited desks and lower entry cost.
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Buyers who find a deeply discounted Cintiq 22 may reasonably prioritize screen size and price over newer specifications. Buyers who need advanced color and premium professional features should look higher in the Cintiq Pro range. In every case, confirm current pricing, regional availability, included cables and USB-C compatibility before checkout.
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