Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

xTool P2 vs Xtool S1 40W

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 and Xtool S1 40W score essentially the same (4.9 vs 4.9). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

xTool P2
Ranked #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 S1 40W
Ranked #1 in Best Laser Engravers
Xtool S1 40W
8 sources1 derived$1,499as of Oct 1

The Xtool S1 40W offers a fully enclosed Class 1 design that ensures safety by containing fumes and preventing laser leakage, while magazine.raspberrypi found this complete enclosure removes the need for protective eyewear during operation. Its interchangeable modules allow users to switch between blue diode cutting and infrared metal engraving, though hobbylasercutters noted that precise physical alignment is critical because the system lacks a visual preview camera. The machine’s primary drawback is its inability to cut clear acrylic or transparent plastics due to the limitations of its blue wavelength laser technology. This model fits makers who prioritize safety and modular versatility for wood and dark materials, but those requiring work with glass or clear sheets should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Fully enclosed Class 1 design provides comprehensive safety against laser leakage, fumes, and fire with automatic shutoff.
  • — Interchangeable laser modules allow switching between 40W blue diode for cutting and 2W infrared for metal engraving without buying new machines.
  • — Pin-point positioning system uses a physical probe to locate workpieces accurately, avoiding the distortion issues common in camera-based systems.
Watch-outs
  • — Cannot cut clear acrylic or transparent plastics due to the blue wavelength limitations of diode lasers.
  • — The included exhaust hose has a small diameter (3.25 inches) and short length, often requiring third-party extensions for garage use.
  • — Lacks an integrated camera for visual previewing, relying instead on physical markers which can miss material if not carefully aligned.

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 S1 40W

The Xtool S1 40W offers interchangeable modules for switching between blue diode and infrared metal engraving, providing versatility similar to the Creality Falcon A1 Pro but with a different motion system. Unlike the xTool F2 Ultra UV which uses cameras for positioning, the S1 relies on a physical probe for pinpoint accuracy, avoiding distortion issues common in camera-based systems.

Specs side-by-side

SpecxTool P2Xtool S1 40W
Laser Power55W CO2 Glass Laser Tube40W
Laser TypeCO2Diode / IR optional
Working Area23622 x 12008 in19.6 x 12.5 in
Max Speed600mm/s600 mm/s
Machine Dimensions1000 x 639 x 268mm22.5 x 20.5 x 8.5 inches
Machine Weight45kg (99 lbs)20 kg
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB-C, EthernetUSB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Engraving Area23.6" x 12"432 x 406 mm
Accuracy0.001 inches10 times more accurate than single-camera systems
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