Best xTool Laser Engraver: Top Models Compared

The best xTool laser engraver for most makers is the xTool S1 40W because it combines strong cutting power, a large enclosed workspace, straightforward software, and enough versatility for home workshops and small businesses.

However, xTool now offers machines for very different jobs. The P3 targets high-volume CO₂ cutting, while the F2 Ultra focuses heavily on metal. Meanwhile, the new M2 makes more sense for beginners who want laser engraving, cutting, and optional full-color printing in one craft system.

So, choosing the best xTool laser engraver depends mainly on the materials you plan to use and the production capacity you need.

Which xTool Laser Engraver Is Best Overall?

For most users, the xTool S1 40W offers the strongest balance of power, workspace, safety, and price.

Its 40W diode laser handles wood, leather, cardboard, dark acrylic, slate, coated metal, and many other common engraving materials. Moreover, the approximately 498 × 319 mm working area gives makers enough room for signs, wall decorations, cutting boards, and batch production.

The S1 can reach 600 mm/s. Additionally, its enclosed Class 1 design makes it considerably more practical for a home workshop than an open-frame diode laser.

However, it does not include a built-in camera. Instead, xTool uses a precise multi-point positioning system.

Therefore, buyers who value camera-based visual placement above everything else may prefer another model.

Best xTool Laser Engravers at a Glance

Different xTool machines specialize in different jobs.

xTool Model	Best For	Laser Type	Maximum Speed
S1 40W	Best overall	40W diode	600 mm/s
M2	Beginners and colorful crafts	10W/20W diode, optional IR	600 mm/s
P3	High-volume business use	80W CO₂, optional IR	1,200 mm/s
P2S	Value-focused CO₂ work	55W CO₂	600 mm/s
F2 Ultra	Metal and mixed materials	60W MOPA + 40W diode	15,000 mm/s
F2 Ultra UV	Glass and fine engraving	5W UV	15,000 mm/s

So the most expensive machine doesn’t automatically become the best choice. A jewelry engraver, for example, needs very different capabilities from someone making plywood signs.

Why Is the xTool S1 40W the Best All-Round Choice?

The S1 succeeds because it sits between entry-level craft lasers and expensive professional CO₂ machines.

First, 40W of diode power gives it serious cutting capability. It can handle substantial wood projects while still producing detailed engravings.

Moreover, buyers can add accessories such as a rotary attachment, automatic conveyor feeder, riser base, air assist, and infrared laser module.

The conveyor can dramatically extend the processing length, which helps with long signs and decorative panels.

Additionally, the S1 supports both xTool software and LightBurn. That way, beginners can start with xTool’s simpler workflow while experienced users keep access to more advanced laser-control software.

Its biggest disadvantage remains the lack of an integrated camera.

Nevertheless, for woodworkers, Etsy sellers, gift makers, and general-purpose workshops, the S1 remains exceptionally well balanced.

Is the xTool M2 Better for Beginners?

The new xTool M2 may actually make more sense for first-time users.

Released in 2026, the M2 focuses on simplifying everyday creative work rather than maximizing raw laser power.

It uses dual cameras for automatic positioning and offers 10W or 20W diode laser configurations. Users can also swap in a 3W infrared module for engraving metal and certain plastics.

The most unusual option, however, is the CMYK inkjet module.

As a result, the M2 can add full-color printing to projects before cutting. That makes it attractive for ornaments, signs, personalized gifts, paper crafts, decorated wood, and small-business products.

Additionally, its enclosed Class 1 design and automated workflow reduce the learning curve.

Therefore, choose the M2 over the S1 when ease of use, camera positioning, and color crafting matter more than maximum diode cutting power.

What Is the Best xTool for a Serious Business?

For production work, the xTool P3 currently stands at the top of xTool’s desktop CO₂ range.

Its 80W CO₂ laser provides substantially more power than a typical diode machine. Moreover, the 915 × 458 mm working area offers considerably more space than the P2S.

The P3 can reach 1,200 mm/s and can cut basswood up to about 20 mm in one pass under xTool’s specified conditions. It can also cut clear acrylic, a material blue diode lasers generally cannot process effectively.

The machine also uses cameras, LiDAR ranging, autofocus, and an automated lifting base.

Therefore, businesses producing signs, acrylic displays, wedding decorations, large batches, or custom merchandise can more easily justify the additional investment.

However, the P3 costs far more and occupies considerably more workshop space.

For occasional hobby engraving, it’s simply excessive.

Is the xTool P2S Still Worth Buying?

Yes, especially for buyers who want CO₂ capability without paying P3 prices.

The P2S uses a 55W CO₂ laser and provides a 600 × 305 mm working area. It can also process clear acrylic, wood, leather, glass, and many other materials that make CO₂ machines popular with sign makers.

It reaches speeds up to 600 mm/s.

As a result, the P2S sits between the S1 and P3 in both performance and intended audience.

The P3 clearly offers more power, space, and automation. However, not every small business needs an 80W flagship.

Therefore, the P2S remains a compelling value-oriented CO₂ option.

What Is the Best xTool Laser Engraver for Metal?

Choose the xTool F2 Ultra if metal forms a major part of your business.

The dual-laser version combines a 60W MOPA infrared laser with a 40W blue diode laser.

As a result, it can process metals while still handling wood, leather, dark acrylic, paper, and other non-metal materials.

The MOPA laser can engrave stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, gold, silver, platinum, and several other metals. Moreover, it supports color marking on suitable metals and deeper engraving than lightweight infrared modules.

Its maximum processing speed reaches 15,000 mm/s.

However, the working area measures only 220 × 220 mm.

Therefore, the F2 Ultra makes much more sense for jewelry, tags, tumblers, tools, nameplates, personalized products, and batch marking than for large wooden signs.

What Is the Best xTool for Glass?

The F2 Ultra UV provides the strongest specialist option for glass and delicate surfaces.

Instead of using a blue diode, fiber, or CO₂ source, it uses a 5W 355 nm ultraviolet laser.

As a result, it can create fine marks on glass, crystal, plastics, ceramics, and many other sensitive materials.

Even more unusually, the machine supports internal 3D engraving inside compatible transparent materials.

The surface engraving area measures 200 × 200 mm, while internal engraving uses a smaller 70 × 70 mm area.

Moreover, processing speeds can reach 15,000 mm/s.

Therefore, businesses producing crystal gifts, premium glassware, awards, perfume bottles, or detailed personalization should consider the F2 Ultra UV.

For ordinary wood crafting, however, the extra specialization offers little benefit.

Diode vs CO₂ vs Fiber vs UV: Which Laser Do You Need?

Laser type matters more than the brand name printed on the machine.

Diode lasers such as the S1 work extremely well for wood, leather, paper, dark acrylic, and general crafts. They also offer a relatively affordable entry point into powerful laser cutting.

CO₂ systems such as the P2S and P3 add excellent acrylic performance, including clear acrylic, while also cutting organic materials quickly.

Fiber and MOPA lasers excel on metal. Therefore, the F2 Ultra makes sense for jewelry, tools, plates, and industrial-style marking.

Meanwhile, UV lasers create exceptionally fine results on glass, plastics, and sensitive materials.

Consequently, start with your materials before comparing wattage.

What Features Should You Compare?

Power attracts the most attention, but it shouldn’t drive the decision alone.

Consider working area, enclosure design, camera positioning, autofocus, software, rotary compatibility, extraction, conveyor support, and available accessories.

Moreover, think about production volume.

A small engraver that finishes one personalized necklace extremely quickly may outperform a much larger machine for a jewelry business. Conversely, a sign shop needs a large bed and powerful cutting capability.

Safety also matters.

Even enclosed machines require proper ventilation, suitable materials, supervision, and fire precautions. Therefore, never treat automation as permission to leave an active laser unattended.

Best xTool Laser Engraver: Final Verdict

The xTool S1 40W remains the best xTool laser engraver for most users because it delivers the strongest combination of power, workspace, safety, expandability, and everyday versatility.

However, other xTool models win specific categories.

Choose the M2 for beginner-friendly crafts and color printing. Meanwhile, choose the P3 for demanding commercial CO₂ production and the P2S for a more affordable CO₂ setup.

For metal engraving, the F2 Ultra far outperforms general-purpose diode machines. Likewise, the F2 Ultra UV makes more sense for premium glass and highly detailed surface work.

Ultimately, no single xTool machine dominates every material and workflow.

Start with what you want to make, how large those products will be, and how many you expect to produce. Then match the laser technology to those requirements.

For the widest group of makers, though, the answer remains straightforward: the xTool S1 40W offers the best overall balance.