Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I expected the XP-Pen Pilot Pro to be one of those interesting creative accessories that feels good for a few minutes, then ends up back in the box. But after using it properly for video editing in Premiere Pro, I’ve been more impressed than I expected.
Check it out: xppen.pxf.io/5k1BQ1
And at Amazon: amzn.to/4afmG9D
In this video I test the Pilot Pro as a one-handed editing controller, with its haptic dials, joystick, shortcut buttons and custom presets. I show how I set it up for my editing workflow, where it genuinely helped, where it frustrated me, and whether it makes sense compared with sticking to a keyboard and mouse.
It is not a real analogue joystick, and it is not going to magically replace years of keyboard shortcut muscle memory overnight. But for fine timeline edits, trimming tiny pauses, scrubbing through footage and working in a more tactile way, it has been surprisingly enjoyable.
Thanks to XP-Pen for sending the Pilot Pro out for review. They have had no input into my conclusions.
----0:00 Introduction
0:39 First impressions
1:54 Connection options
2:08 My editing workflow
3:22 Price and specs
3:39 Does it actually work?
4:29 Getting used to it
5:05 My Premiere Pro setup
6:23 Setup and frustrations
6:41 Battery life
6:53 What it isn’t good for
7:50 Making custom presets
9:38 Preset switching issue
10:13 Compared with Shuttle Express
11:31 Editing on the move
11:42 Who it is for
12:57 The learning curve
13:31 Driver software gripe
14:28 Final thoughts----Check out my *website* at evaluateeverything.co.uk(Links are affiliate links. I receive small commissions from sales made through them. Kind thanks for supporting the channel at no extra cost to you.) :-)
See the XP-Pen Pilot Pro review before you buy. I walk through the full unboxing and workstation setup to test its performance.If you are researching the XP-Pen Pilot Pro, this walkthrough breaks down exactly what comes in the box and how the device functions at a real workstation. I demonstrate the hardware components and show the device in action so you can determine if it fits your current workflow.Whether you are upgrading your current setup or looking for a new digital art tablet, this XP-Pen Pilot Pro demo covers the essential details. You will see the physical unit, cables, and manual, along with a practical look at how the device handles daily tasks.Subscribe for weekly tech reviews and setups, and let me know in the comments if you want to see a deep dive into the software features next.
I expected the XP-Pen Pilot Pro to be one of those interesting creative accessories that feels good for a few minutes, then ends up back in the box. But after using it properly for video editing in Premiere Pro, I’ve been more impressed than I expected.
Check it out: xppen.pxf.io/5k1BQ1
And at Amazon: amzn.to/4afmG9D
In this video I test the Pilot Pro as a one-handed editing controller, with its haptic dials, joystick, shortcut buttons and custom presets. I show how I set it up for my editing workflow, where it genuinely helped, where it frustrated me, and whether it makes sense compared with sticking to a keyboard and mouse.
It is not a real analogue joystick, and it is not going to magically replace years of keyboard shortcut muscle memory overnight. But for fine timeline edits, trimming tiny pauses, scrubbing through footage and working in a more tactile way, it has been surprisingly enjoyable.
Thanks to XP-Pen for sending the Pilot Pro out for review. They have had no input into my conclusions.
----0:00 Introduction
0:39 First impressions
1:54 Connection options
2:08 My editing workflow
3:22 Price and specs
3:39 Does it actually work?
4:29 Getting used to it
5:05 My Premiere Pro setup
6:23 Setup and frustrations
6:41 Battery life
6:53 What it isn’t good for
7:50 Making custom presets
9:38 Preset switching issue
10:13 Compared with Shuttle Express
11:31 Editing on the move
11:42 Who it is for
12:57 The learning curve
13:31 Driver software gripe
14:28 Final thoughts----Check out my *website* at evaluateeverything.co.uk(Links are affiliate links. I receive small commissions from sales made through them. Kind thanks for supporting the channel at no extra cost to you.) :-)
See the XP-Pen Pilot Pro review before you buy. I walk through the full unboxing and workstation setup to test its performance.If you are researching the XP-Pen Pilot Pro, this walkthrough breaks down exactly what comes in the box and how the device functions at a real workstation. I demonstrate the hardware components and show the device in action so you can determine if it fits your current workflow.Whether you are upgrading your current setup or looking for a new digital art tablet, this XP-Pen Pilot Pro demo covers the essential details. You will see the physical unit, cables, and manual, along with a practical look at how the device handles daily tasks.Subscribe for weekly tech reviews and setups, and let me know in the comments if you want to see a deep dive into the software features next.
