Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

xTool P2 vs xTool P3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

xTool P2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.9 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Serious makers needing industrial-grade power for thick material cutting in fixed workshops — read the strengths below before deciding.

xTool P2
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Laser Engravers
xTool P2
6 sources$139as of Oct 1

The xTool P2 delivers high-power 55W CO2 laser cutting capable of slicing through 20mm wood and acrylic in a single pass, as uniquecreationsbyanita found it handles thick substrates cleanly. Its fully enclosed design with a pneumatic lid and 145CFM exhaust fan effectively manages fumes, while dual cameras aid precise positioning. However, the machine is heavy at 45kg, requiring a permanent dedicated workspace that cannot be easily moved or stored away. Additionally, advanced features like curved surface mapping are exclusive to the native xTool Creative Space software, limiting users who prefer third-party tools like LightBurn. This model fits serious makers needing industrial-grade power and safety for fixed workshops, but it is unsuitable for those with limited space or a preference for portable setups.

Strengths
  • — 55W CO2 glass laser tube delivers high power capable of cutting up to 20mm thick wood and acrylic in a single pass, per Unique Creations by Anita.
  • — Fully enclosed safety design with a locked pneumatic lid prevents fume leaks and laser exposure during operation.
  • — Comes standard with built-in air assist and a powerful 145CFM exhaust fan to manage smoke and improve cut quality, per MakerHacks.
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy at 45kg (99 lbs) and large in footprint, requiring a permanent dedicated workspace or heavy-duty table.
  • — Requires manual filling of the water-cooling system with distilled water and antifreeze before initial use, MakerHacks notes.
  • — Exclusive advanced features like curved surface mapping are only available when using the native xTool Creative Space software, per Unique Creations by Anita.
xTool P3
Ranked #3 in Best Laser Engravers
xTool P3
4 sources1 derived$6,299as of Oct 1

The xTool P3 features a massive 915 by 458 millimeter working area that accommodates full sheets of material without splitting batches, according to hobbylasercutters. Its Automated Creation System uses four cameras and LiDAR for automatic bed leveling and autofocus, which Make or Break Shop described as the easiest industrial laser they have ever used due to its streamlined workflow. However, the machine weighs 105 kilograms, making it difficult to move without purchasing an optional mobile work stand. Initial optical path calibration can also be intimidating and time-consuming for beginners who are not familiar with mechanical alignment. This unit fits high-volume producers needing large format cutting but is likely too complex and heavy for casual hobbyists.

Strengths
  • — Massive 915 x 458 mm (36 x 18 inch) working area accommodates full sheets of material without splitting batches.
  • — Automated Creation System (ACS) integrates four cameras and LiDAR for automatic bed leveling, autofocus, and precise alignment.
  • — Interchangeable lens system includes Medium, Small, and Large options to optimize performance for engraving versus heavy cutting.
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy weight of 105 kg (230 lbs) makes the unit difficult to move without purchasing an optional mobile work stand.
  • — Initial optical path calibration can be intimidating and time-consuming, with some users reporting struggles during setup.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

xTool P2

The xTool P2 delivers high-power 55W CO2 cutting capable of slicing through 20mm wood, significantly outperforming the lower-wattage diode lasers in the Xtool S1 40W or Glowforge Aura. However, its heavy 45kg weight and large footprint require a dedicated permanent workspace, making it unsuitable for those seeking the portability of the Wainlux K10.

xTool P3

The xTool P3 features a massive 915 by 458 millimeter working area that accommodates full sheets of material, vastly exceeding the smaller beds of the Xtool S1 40W or Glowforge Aura. Its Automated Creation System simplifies alignment for high-volume production, though its immense 105kg weight makes it far less portable than lighter models like the Wainlux K10.

Specs side-by-side

SpecxTool P2xTool P3
Laser Power55W CO2 Glass Laser Tube80W CO2
Laser TypeCO280W CO₂ laser cutter
Working Area23622 x 12008 in36024 x 18031 in
Max Speed600mm/s1200 mm/s
Machine Dimensions1000 x 639 x 268mm36 × 18 (91.5 × 45.8 cm)
Machine Weight45kg (99 lbs)105 kg (230 lbs)
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB-C, Ethernet—
Engraving Area23.6" x 12"915 x 458 mm
Accuracy0.001 inches0.0079"
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