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- Which xTool laser should you buy? xTool currently sells eleven laser models plus one unreleased flagship, and picking between them mostly comes down to three questions: what material you’re working with, whether you need a camera for auto-alignment, and how much you’re willing to spend on a machine you’ll use for years.
- The xTool S1 is the best all-around pick for most hobbyists.
- The M2 is the easiest starting point for a complete beginner.
- Need clear acrylic or thick material cut clean? Skip the diode lasers and go CO2 (P2S or P3).
- Buying during the anniversary sale or Prime Day? Check first: only a handful of models are actually discounted right now.
Last updated September 15, 2026.
Table of Contents
- Which xTool Laser Should You Buy?
- At a Glance: xTool Laser Comparison
- How to Pick the Right xTool Laser
- xTool S1: The Best All-Around Desktop Diode Laser
- xTool M2: Best for Beginners and Multi-Craft Projects
- xTool M1 & M1 Ultra: Skip Them, Even at a Discount
- xTool F1: The Cheapest Way Into xTool’s Galvo Lineup
- xTool F2: The Portable Upgrade Pick
- xTool F1 Ultra: Fiber Metal Marking Without the Flagship Price
- xTool F2 Ultra and F2 Ultra UV: When Metal and Glass Aren’t Optional
- xTool P2S: The CO2 Machine for Acrylic and Glass
- xTool P3: Built for Thick Materials and Small-Batch Production
- xTool X1: The Newest Flagship (And Why You Might Want to Wait)
- What About the xTool D1 and D1 Pro?
- Best xTool Laser by Scenario
- When to Actually Buy an xTool Laser: Anniversary Sale vs. Prime Day
- Don’t Buy an xTool Laser If…
- FAQ: xTool Laser Buying Questions
Which xTool Laser Should You Buy?
It shouldn’t take an engineering degree to answer that question, but xTool’s own comparison page makes it feel that way. If you’ve spent even ten minutes on it, you know the feeling: eleven laser models, half a dozen spec columns, and a chart that somehow makes every single one look like the right answer.
That’s by design. A company selling eleven lasers has no reason to talk you out of the expensive one.
You’ve probably also seen the Reddit threads. Someone asks “which xTool is worth it,” and forty replies later you still don’t have a straight answer, just a pile of anecdotes about machines that worked great and a few that didn’t.
This guide isn’t that. It’s independent: hands-on testing on three of these machines, verified specs and pricing on the rest, and real community feedback pulled in from owners (the good and the genuinely annoying parts). By the end you’ll know exactly which xTool laser fits your budget, your materials, and your patience for customer support.
At a Glance: xTool Laser Comparison
Every row here stands on its own: model, laser type and power, camera, current price tier, and who it’s actually for. Work area and current sale status are covered in each model’s own section below.
| Model | Laser Type & Power | Camera | Price Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xTool S1 | 40W diode | No | High-end | All-around desktop use |
| xTool M2 | 10W diode + full-color print | Dual | Mid-High | Beginners, craft/gift makers |
| xTool M1 | 10W diode + blade cutter | No | Mid | Skip unless clearance-priced |
| xTool F1 | 10W diode + 2W IR (galvo) | No | Mid | Cheapest way into the F-series |
| xTool F2 | 15W diode + 5W IR (galvo) | Yes (50MP) | Mid-High | Portable, small-batch business |
| xTool F1 Ultra | 20W fiber + 20W diode (galvo) | Yes | High-end | Metal marking without the flagship price |
| xTool F2 Ultra / Ultra UV | 60W MOPA + 40W diode / 5W UV | Dual 48MP | Premium | Heavy metal work, glass, crystal |
| xTool P2S | 55W CO2 | No | High-end | Clear acrylic, glass |
| xTool P3 | 80W CO2 | No | Premium | Thick materials, small-batch production |
| xTool X1 | 55W CO2 + swappable modules | Yes | Unpriced | Wait and see |
| xTool D1 / D1 Pro | 10-20W diode | No | Discontinued | Don’t buy new |
How to Pick the Right xTool Laser
Four questions decide this: material, portability, camera, and budget. Nothing else on the spec sheet moves the needle as much.
What Material Are You Cutting With Your xTool Laser?
This is the single biggest factor, and it eliminates most of the lineup instantly. Wood, leather, and dark acrylic only need a diode laser: that covers the F1, F2, M1, M2, and S1. Bare or shiny metal needs a fiber source, which means F1 Ultra or F2 Ultra. Clear acrylic, thick board, or stone need CO2 (P2S or P3), since transparent material just won’t cut cleanly under a diode or fiber beam.
Glass and crystal are a special case. Only the F2 Ultra UV can engrave inside a crystal block or mark glass without pre-treating it first.
xTool Portable Lasers vs. Desktop Models
The F1 and F2 weigh under five kilograms and pack a carry handle. That matters if you’re doing craft fairs or working out of a shared space. Everything else, S1, the Ultra tier, and the CO2 machines, is a desktop commitment. If your F2’s smaller bed starts feeling cramped, the natural upgrade path is the S1.
Does an xTool Laser With a Camera Matter for You?
The S1 and F1 ship without one. You’re aligning materials by eye or with physical jigs. The M2, F2, F1 Ultra, and F2 Ultra all include camera-assisted positioning, and it’s a real quality-of-life upgrade if you’re doing repeat, precision work like jewelry or pre-printed labels.
xTool Laser Budget Reality Check
xTool’s lineup runs from a budget-friendly craft laser up to a premium production machine, and the jump between tiers is steep. Decide your ceiling before you start comparing specs, or the comparison page will talk you into the next tier up every time.
Read our full breakdown of diode, CO2, and IR laser types if you want the underlying physics before committing.
xTool S1: The Best All-Around Desktop Diode Laser
The S1 is the machine most hobbyists graduate to once a portable diode laser stops being enough. It just works.
Specs: 40W diode (20W version also available), 498×319mm work area, fully enclosed, touch-probe auto-focus with curved-surface support.
- Best-reviewed software and firmware in the current lineup according to repeat owners
- Full enclosure means safer operation around kids or in a shared space
- Swappable 20W/40W modules and an optional rotary let it grow with you
- No built-in camera, so material alignment is manual
- Takes up real desktop space, and the fan gets loud under full load
Best For: Anyone who’s outgrown a portable laser and wants one machine that handles most projects without a CO2-level price tag. No surprises.
Reddit users who’ve owned one consistently rank it above the F1 for build quality and software. One long-term owner’s blunt take: don’t expect a diode laser side hustle to replace a day job. The margins on materials, shipping, and your own time are thinner than the hype suggests. That’s honest advice worth hearing before you buy any laser.
- [Unbeatable Power & Productivity] With a powerful 40W (40,000mW) laser, this advanced laser cutter and engraver machine slices through 18mm cherry…
- [Exclusive xTool Patented Technologies] Achieve next-level precision on your precious items with the xTool S1 laser engraver, thanks to xTool’s…
- [Your First Laser Engraver, Easier Than Ever] Ready to use right out of the box. Auto-focus and powerful, intuitive software—xTool Creative Space…
- [Class 1 Safety, Safe with Kids and Pets Around] The protective cover filters 99% of laser light, safeguarding your eyes without the need for goggles…
- [Premium Quality, Built to Last] This laser engraving machine has a 3mm aerospace-grade aluminum frame for exceptional stability and durability. xTool…
xTool M2: Best for Beginners and Multi-Craft Projects
The M2 supersedes the older M1, and it’s the machine to start with if you’ve never touched a laser before.
Specs: 10W diode laser plus a full-color CMYK inkjet head, dual built-in cameras for real-time material preview, enclosed Class 1 design.
- Print-then-cut in one pass, no repositioning between steps
- Dual-camera system makes alignment nearly foolproof (on my own bench test it cut a clean wood cutout with none of the guesswork a camera-less machine would take)
- Handles a wide range of materials: stickers, wood, tile, phone cases, even small metal tumblers with the rotary accessory
- Built for craft projects. For production-volume engraving, look at the F2 or S1 instead
Best For: First-time buyers, gift makers, and anyone who wants color printing and cutting without learning two separate machines.
- NOTE: CMYK Inkjet module and RA3 Lite Rotary are not included in this M2 standalone, available separately as add-ons.
- Ultimate Versatility in One Machine: Innovative dual-mode architecture lets the M2 laser engraver add a CMYK Inkjet module((sold separately) to work…
- Smart Crafting with Dual-Camera: Built-in dual cameras, this M2 laser engraving machine offers a real-time preview of your workspace. Backed by ACS…
- Effortless Software with Customizable Templates: Beginner-friendly xTool Studio offers hundreds of ready-to-use templates and an integrated AI image…
- Power Options for Every Creative Goal: Comes standard with 10W diode lasers. You can add the CMYK Inkjet module or 3W IR laser (both sold separately…
Both current M2 variants are part of xTool’s anniversary sale right now. Check our live Amazon laser deals for current pricing before you buy.
xTool M1 & M1 Ultra: Skip Them, Even at a Discount
Be honest with yourself before chasing a deal on either of these. Both have effectively been discontinued.
The base M1 (10W diode plus a blade cutter for vinyl and paper) no longer has a product page on xTool’s own store. It’s gone from the catalog. As of this month, the only place still selling it is Amazon, and that has the feel of clearance inventory. The M2 replaces it with dual cameras and full-color printing the M1 never had.
M1 Ultra is further gone. No trace of it. Its official product page now redirects to xTool’s homepage, and no current Amazon listing exists under that name.
Buy the M2 instead. Unless you find one used or at a genuine clearance price with a real return window, there’s no reason to buy either machine new in 2026.
xTool F1: The Cheapest Way Into xTool’s Galvo Lineup
The F1 sits between a starter kit and a proper production machine, and it’s built for people who need small, fast jobs more than a big work surface.
Specs: 10W blue diode paired with a 2W infrared source, galvo-based positioning, a compact 115×115mm bed, and a carry handle on a 4.6kg body.
- Fast for its size, up to 4000mm/s
- Genuinely portable, light enough to carry one-handed
- Dual laser source handles both organic materials and basic metal marking
- The 115mm bed is small. Anything larger than a keychain or a business card will bump into its limits fast
Best For: Beginners on a tighter budget who mostly make small, giftable items and don’t need a camera. Keep expectations small too.
- Highest Speed, 10 X Productivity and Efficiency: The industrial-grade metal engraving machine can reach 4000mm/s. The laser engraver for metal can…
- Dual lasers fit 300+ Materials: The xTool F1 2-in-1 laser engraving machine is the world’s first 2W infrared(for all metal materials) and 10W diode…
- Free of Smoke and Odor: The xTool F1 wood engraver comes pre-assembled with an fully enclosed cover that blocks smoke and filters the laser with no…
- Revolutionary Accuracy and HD Resolution: Thanks to the Ultra galvo systems, the mini laser engraver offers 0.00199mm motion accuracy and…
- Beginner-Friendly: The xTool F1 laser marker supports XCS software and Lightburn, and can be used with phones, iPads, and laptops. This laser engraver…
xTool F2: The Portable Upgrade Pick
The F2 is what most people mean when they ask what to buy after outgrowing the F1.
Specs: 15W blue diode plus 5W infrared, galvo positioning, 50MP auto-focus camera, up to 6000mm/s, about 4.6kg with a removable base for curved objects.
- Real speed and precision gains over the F1: independent testing measured 25-33% faster cuts on basswood and acrylic, with card-sized jobs finishing in under a minute
- I’ve run the F2 myself, and it engraved a metal keychain cleanly on the first pass, no fiddling with settings first
- The camera’s alignment accuracy is good enough for jewelry work
- The work area stays galvo-sized and compact. One reviewer’s blunt conclusion after running both machines side by side: if you need a bigger surface, buy the S1 instead of a second F-series unit
Best For: Craft-fair sellers and small-batch makers who need speed, a camera, and portability in one machine.
- Dual-Laser Versatility, Endless Creation: Our 15W Diode & 5W IR dual-laser combo makes this laser engraver truly versatile, unlocking more…
- 50MP Camera and Precise: With a built-in 50MP camera, this laser engraving machine fully visualizes the workspace and delivers up to 0.1 mm alignment…
- Ultra-Fast & Unmatched Efficiency: Achieve industry-leading speeds up to 6000mm/s, completing a card engraving in just 3 seconds. The enhanced dual…
- Best On-Site Customization Machine: Safely operate in workshops or stores thanks to the fully enclosed, leak-proof design. The built-in fan and…
- User-Friendly, Ready in Minutes: Arrives fully assembled for a quick start. The 50MP camera ensures precise positioning, while built-in material…
Check the full F2 vs F2 Ultra breakdown if you’re weighing whether the jump to fiber power is worth it.
xTool F1 Ultra: Fiber Metal Marking Without the Flagship Price
The F1 Ultra sits between the F2 and the F2 Ultra in both price and power, and it exists specifically for people who need real metal work without the full production-scale investment.
Specs: 20W fiber plus 20W diode, galvo positioning, up to 10000mm/s, compatible with LightBurn and xTool’s own software.
- Real dual-source flexibility: wood and leather on the diode side, deep metal marking and engraving on the fiber side
- A workflow one independent reviewer called their favorite in the current lineup
- Premium pricing for a galvo-sized work area
- The automated conveyor for longer stock costs extra
Best For: Shops with steady metal-marking work who aren’t ready to jump straight to the F2 Ultra’s price tier.
- NOTE: This is xTool F1 Ultra, with 16mp camera, 20w fiber laser, support 3D emobossing engraving.
- Support Almost All Materials Ultra-Fast: Introducing the world’s first 20W fiber and diode dual lasers, achieving speeds up to 10,000mm/s. The fiber…
- 3D Embossing and Deep Engraving: With 20W power in both fiber and diode lasers, the F1 Ultra laser engraving machine handles intricate, multi-level 3D…
- Factory-Level Productivity: xTool’s exclusive Auto Streamline Production, powered by the Auto Conveyor (available separately) and a 16MP SMART CAMERA…
- Revolutionary Working Area and HD Resolution: The F1 Ultra boasts the largest desktop fiber laser engraver working space at 220mm x 220mm, expandable…
See how the F1 Ultra compares to Creality’s Falcon T1 if you’re cross-shopping brands for small-batch metal work.
xTool F2 Ultra and F2 Ultra UV: When Metal and Glass Aren’t Optional
The F2 Ultra is the machine to buy once “good enough” metal marking stops being good enough, and the UV variant exists for one job nothing else in the lineup can do.
Specs: Standard F2 Ultra runs 60W MOPA fiber plus 40W diode, dual 48MP cameras, up to 15,000mm/s, with an optional conveyor extending the work area to 220×500mm. The separate F2 Ultra UV variant swaps in a 5W ultraviolet laser instead.
- The MOPA source produces over 100 stable color variations on metal, something the F1 Ultra’s fiber module can’t match
- In one independent side-by-side test, the UV variant marked visible white text on green PLA where infrared light left nothing at all
- UV is the only xTool laser that engraves inside solid crystal
- This is a serious small-business investment. The standard unit weighs enough that the box literally says “team lift.”
- Don’t confuse the two variants. MOPA+diode is for metal. UV is for glass and specialty materials. They’re not interchangeable
Best For: Small businesses doing volume metal engraving (standard F2 Ultra) or anyone working with glass, crystal, or colored plastics that other lasers can’t mark (F2 Ultra UV).
- Ultimate Dual-Laser Powerhouse: Equipped with a 60W MOPA fiber laser and a 40W diode laser, the xTool F2 Ultra masters all materials…
- All-Metal Capability: The 60W MOPA fiber laser engraver handles diverse metal tasks—3D embossing, deep engraving, color engraving, and cutting 2mm…
- Engraving 100+ Consistent Colors on Metal: This 60W MOPA laser engraving machine delivers over 100 vibrant and consistent colors on metals, thanks to…
- AI-Powered Precision & Simplicity: Equipped with dual 48MP AI cameras, increasing positioning accuracy to 0.2mm and boosting 60% precision compared to…
- Industrial-Grade Productivity: Operating at speeds up to 15,000mm/s, the 60W MOPA laser completes jobs with both speed and accuracy, reducing 3D…
xTool P2S: The CO2 Machine for Acrylic and Glass
The P2S exists because diode and fiber lasers share one hard limit: neither can cut clean through clear acrylic, and the P2S can.
Specs: 55W CO2 laser, desktop footprint, xTool’s mid-tier CO2 offering (the older standalone P2 has been folded into this product line).
- CO2 power handles clear and colored acrylic, thicker wood, and glass engraving that diode lasers simply can’t touch
- The accessible entry point into CO2. No P3-sized commitment
- Trades portability and desk space for that cutting power. No small footprint here
- A bigger commitment than anything in the F or M series
Best For: Makers who keep running into “sorry, can’t cut that” with a diode laser and need real CO2 capability without going flagship-sized.
- Enhanced Performance: The xTool P2S provides stronger airflow with more powerful exhaust fans and a dual-cylinder air pump, delivering sharper…
- Supercharged Productivity: With engraving speeds of up to 600mm/s and upgraded smart fill batch processing, the xTool P2S easily handles serial…
- Expandable Working Area: xTool P2S features a large 26″ x 14″ bed, Auto-Passthrough for materials up to 118” long, and a Riser Base for engraving…
- Effortless Cutting & Precise Engraving: With industry-leading 55W output and a custom CO2 laser tube, the xTool P2S cuts through all colors of acrylic…
- Safety First: xTool P2S ensures safety with AI fire detection, automatic lock, and emergency stop. Its enclosed design, adjustable air assist, and…
xTool P3: Built for Thick Materials and Small-Batch Production
The P3 is xTool’s answer to “I need to cut something a desktop laser normally can’t handle,” and independent testing backs that claim up with real numbers.
Specs: 80W CO2, xTool’s largest work area at roughly 91×46cm, built-in water cooling, automatic focus and material height sensing.
- One reviewer cut half-inch black acrylic in about a minute and three-quarter-inch walnut clean through. A diode laser can’t do either job
- A batch-processing feature copies a design across the full bed automatically, useful for anyone making multiples of the same item
- Premium pricing and a large footprint
- The conveyor, rotary, and IR marking module all cost extra on top of the base unit
Best For: Small-batch production, furniture-scale projects, and anyone who’s already hit the material-thickness ceiling on a diode or fiber machine. Go big or skip it.
- Flagship 80W CO2 Laser Power for Industrial-Grade Cutting: Unleash powerful performance. This professional-grade xTool P3 CO2 laser engraver…
- Revolutionary Automated Creation System: Experience a true “Place & Go” workflow. ACS integrates LiDAR ranging for perfect autofocus, dual HD cameras…
- Largest Desktop Area & Dual-Cam Precision: Command a massive 36″ × 18″ workspace. The Evolved Dual HD Camera system (16MP SkyView + close-range…
- Streamlined Pro Workflow: Maximize efficiency & minimize waste. AI-powered Smart Nesting achieves 98.7% material utilization. Use Variable Batch Fill…
- Class 1 Safety & Multi-Layered Protection: Work with total peace of mind. Features a fully enclosed Class 1 safety-rated design with lid interlocks…
xTool X1: The Newest Flagship (And Why You Might Want to Wait)
xTool revealed the X1 in late August 2026 as its most ambitious machine yet: a 55W CO2 base with swappable fiber, UV, and diode modules that attach like a backpack.
The pitch is one machine replacing eight to ten single-purpose lasers, and the “flying galvo” positioning system is new territory for xTool. That’s the manufacturer’s framing. Independent testing hasn’t confirmed it yet.
Here’s the catch: as of this writing, xTool hasn’t announced pricing, a release date, or how it stacks up against the P2S or F2 Ultra on real-world speed. If you’re deciding between an existing model and waiting for the X1, wait only if your current project can sit for months. Those answers don’t exist yet.
Track the latest confirmed X1 details as they land.
What About the xTool D1 and D1 Pro?
Skip these too, and the evidence for that isn’t a guess. xTool’s own comparison chart mentions the D1 and D1 Pro a combined 26 times, against 84 to 240 mentions for every other current model, a strong signal they’re being phased out of the catalog. Independent owners on Reddit report the same thing: xTool has scaled back parts and accessory support for the D1 line. Buy a currently supported model instead.
Best xTool Laser by Scenario
- Best Overall: xTool S1, for the widest range of projects without CO2-level cost or footprint.
- Best for Beginners: xTool M2, because the dual cameras make mistakes hard to make.
- Best Budget Entry: xTool F1, if you mainly make small items and can live with the small bed.
- Best for Metal Marking on a Mid Budget: xTool F1 Ultra.
- Best for Heavy Metal Production: xTool F2 Ultra.
- Best for Glass and Crystal: xTool F2 Ultra UV, the only model built for it.
- Best for Acrylic and Glass Cutting: xTool P2S.
- Best for Thick Materials and Small-Batch Production: xTool P3.
When to Actually Buy an xTool Laser: Anniversary Sale vs. Prime Day
xTool is running two separate sale windows right now, and they don’t overlap in what they discount.
The anniversary sale on xTool’s own site runs September 14 through October 4. Amazon’s Prime Day event runs October 6-7, a separate window with its own pricing. As of today, only four models are actually discounted on Amazon: both M2 variants, the S1 40W bundle, and the F2. Everything else in the lineup, including the F2 Ultra UV and the P2S, is sitting at regular price no matter what a promotional email might imply.
If the model you want is one of those four, buying now makes sense. The current Amazon discount already matches or beats what most Prime Day laser deals typically offer.
If you want anything outside that list, there’s no live discount to chase yet. Check today’s live Amazon laser deals before you buy anything, since these prices update daily and any promotional email is only a snapshot in time.
- Dual-Laser Versatility, Endless Creation: Our 15W Diode & 5W IR dual-laser combo makes this laser engraver truly versatile, unlocking more…
- 50MP Camera and Precise: With a built-in 50MP camera, this laser engraving machine fully visualizes the workspace and delivers up to 0.1 mm alignment…
- Ultra-Fast & Unmatched Efficiency: Achieve industry-leading speeds up to 6000mm/s, completing a card engraving in just 3 seconds. The enhanced dual…
- Best On-Site Customization Machine: Safely operate in workshops or stores thanks to the fully enclosed, leak-proof design. The built-in fan and…
- User-Friendly, Ready in Minutes: Arrives fully assembled for a quick start. The 50MP camera ensures precise positioning, while built-in material…
Don’t Buy an xTool Laser If…
Most buying guides skip this part because it doesn’t come from xTool’s own marketing. It’s not flattering.
Customer service is the most consistent complaint across independent xTool owners on Reddit. It shows up far more often than any complaint about a specific machine’s performance.
Multiple buyers report slow replies, shipping delays, and return processes that drag on for weeks, and xTool’s own support team has had to step in publicly on community threads to resolve specific cases.
One frequently repeated piece of advice: buy through Amazon. Its return policy gives you an easy exit if a unit arrives defective, and diode laser DOA rates aren’t as rare as you’d hope.
Don’t buy any diode laser expecting a reliable side income. Most don’t get one. The market’s crowded. The material costs, your own time, and a genuinely crowded market eat into margins faster than most first-time buyers expect.
And don’t buy a diode or fiber laser if clear acrylic is a core part of your plan. It’s a hard limitation across the entire non-CO2 lineup. No exceptions. Go CO2 (P2S or P3) instead, or you’ll be disappointed on day one.
FAQ: xTool Laser Buying Questions
Which xTool laser engraver is the best?
There’s no single best model, only a best fit. Which xTool laser should you buy depends on your material and budget, but for most hobbyists doing varied projects, the S1 is the strongest all-around pick. If you need metal marking, that’s the F1 Ultra or F2 Ultra. If clear acrylic or glass matters, only the CO2 or UV models will actually do the job.
Which xTool do I need?
Figure out whether you’re cutting wood and leather (diode), marking metal (fiber), or need to cut clear acrylic or glass (CO2 or UV). Then pick the cheapest xTool model in that category that fits your work area.
Which is better, xTool Creative Space or xTool Studio?
xTool Creative Space (XCS) is the free software most current xTool models ship with, and reviewers consistently call it approachable for beginners. Experienced users often prefer LightBurn instead once they outgrow XCS’s built-in templates, and most xTool galvo and CO2 machines support LightBurn as an alternative.
What are the pros and cons of xTool?
The hardware itself gets consistently solid reviews, especially the camera-assisted models and the newer galvo lasers. The recurring downside isn’t the machines, it’s customer service and shipping reliability, which multiple independent xTool owners describe as the weakest part of owning one.
