Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: For most crafters, the xTool M2 or S1 is the best place to start. If you sell at markets and events, look at the portable F2. For metal and color engraving, the F2 Ultra is the one to beat, and for cutting thick wood and acrylic, go with a CO2 laser like the P2S or the bigger P3.
xTool’s lineup has changed a lot since I first wrote this guide, so I’ve updated it for 2026 with every current machine in one chart. I own the xTool P2, so I’ll keep adding what I learn from using it in my own business.
A laser is one of the best machines you can add to a craft business. You can personalize products, cut your own shapes, and make things your customers can’t buy anywhere else. The trick is picking the right one for what you make and sell.
xTool Black Friday Deals
xTool’s Black Friday sale is on, and the discounts apply automatically at checkout.
- Up to $1,500 off machines and accessories: $200 off $1,299+, $400 off $3,999+, $700 off $6,999+, $1,500 off $8,899+
- 20% off refurbished machines
- 20% off xToolcare
- 10–30% off materials when you buy 3 or more
- 60-day price protection
The X1, C1 and P2S (and their bundles) aren’t part of this sale.
xTool Comparison Chart (2026)
Here’s every current xTool laser side by side. Scroll the table on your phone to see every column.
| Machine | Laser | Work area | Max cut (basswood / acrylic) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xTool M2 | 10W or 20W diode plus full-color CMYK inkjet (optional 3W IR) | 16.8 x 12.6 in | Thin wood, acrylic, paper and fabric | Crafters who want to print in color, then cut stickers, keychains and patches |
| xTool S1 | 20W or 40W diode (optional 2W IR) | 19.6 x 12 in (40W), longer with conveyor | 15 mm / 15 mm (40W, black acrylic) | Side businesses that want a big enclosed diode |
| xTool F2 | 15W diode + 5W IR | 4.53 x 4.53 in, 15.75 x 4.53 in with extension | 15 mm / 12 mm, multiple passes | Portable engraving at markets and events |
| xTool F1 Ultra | 20W diode + 20W fiber | 8.6 x 8.6 in, 8.6 x 19.6 in with conveyor | 15 mm / 12 mm, multiple passes | Small businesses engraving metal and more |
| xTool F2 Ultra | 40W diode + 60W MOPA fiber | 8.6 x 8.6 in, 8.6 x 19.6 in with conveyor | 23 mm / 20 mm, multiple passes; thin metal cutting | Color on metal, jewelry and pro production |
| xTool F2 Ultra UV | 5W UV (cold laser) | 7.9 x 7.9 in, 7.9 x 19.7 in with conveyor | Engraving-focused | Glass, crystal and heat-sensitive materials |
| xTool P2S | 55W CO2 | 23.6 x 12 in, up to 118 in with conveyor | 18 mm / 20 mm in one pass (clear acrylic too) | Small businesses cutting wood and acrylic |
| xTool X1 (new) | 55W CO2, plus optional 20W galvo diode and add-on fiber, MOPA or UV sources | Galvo area 24.2 x 12.6 in | CO2 cutting like the P2S; see xTool for final specs | Sellers who want one machine for wood, acrylic, metal and color |
| xTool P3 | 80W CO2 (optional 5W IR) | 36 x 18 in, longer with conveyor feeder | 20 mm / 25 mm in one pass | Production studios and high-volume shops |
Which xTool Laser Should You Buy?
Best xTool for Beginners
- xTool M2: a color craft laser that prints full color with inkjet, then cuts. Perfect for stickers, keychains and patches, and an easy step up from a Cricut.
- xTool S1 (20W): a fully enclosed diode laser with a big work area, so it’s a safer, roomier first laser.
- xTool F2: small and portable, with a smart camera and autofocus, if you want to engrave on the go.
Best xTool for a Growing Craft Business
- xTool X1 (new): a 55W CO2 laser you can add a fast galvo diode, fiber, MOPA color or UV laser to later, so one machine grows with your product line. Shipping starts in late October 2026.
- xTool S1 (40W): cuts much faster and thicker than the 20W, and you can add a conveyor for long pieces.
- xTool F1 Ultra: fiber plus diode, so you can engrave metal tumblers, jewelry and wood in one machine.
- xTool P2S: a 55W CO2 that cuts clear and colored acrylic and thick wood in one pass. It’s the newer version of my P2. See my xTool P2 review.
Best xTool for Production and Pros
- xTool P3: an 80W CO2 with a 36 x 18 in bed for big signs and batch work. I compare it with other CO2 machines in my best CO2 laser cutter guide.
- xTool F2 Ultra: a 60W MOPA fiber laser plus a 40W diode. It makes over 100 colors on stainless steel and titanium and cuts thin metal, which makes it a great fit for custom jewelry and gifts.
- xTool F2 Ultra UV: a cold UV laser for glass, crystal and heat-sensitive materials, for luxury gifting.
New From xTool: the C1 Color Cutter
xTool’s newest machine isn’t a laser. The xTool C1 Color Cutter is a print-and-cut machine that prints full-color stickers and apparel designs, scans your material, and cuts without registration marks. It also cuts paper, sticker material and thin wood with a blade. It launches on November 5, 2026, and xTool says US orders start shipping in early to mid-November. If you make stickers or print-then-cut projects, keep an eye on this one.
Also New From xTool: the X1 All-in-One Laser
The X1 is xTool’s newest machine. It starts as a 55W CO2 laser for cutting wood and acrylic, and you can add a 20W galvo diode for very fast engraving (up to 6,000 mm/s), plus a 30W fiber, 60W MOPA or 5W UV source when you’re ready to engrave metal, add color to stainless or mark glass. It’s on pre-order now, with shipping starting October 29, 2026.
Who it’s for: sellers who want to offer more kinds of products without buying a separate laser for each material. Fully kitted it costs well over $5,000, and it hasn’t shipped yet, so I’ll update this once real-world reviews are in. See the xTool X1 at xTool
What to Look For in an xTool Laser
Laser Type
xTool makes four kinds of lasers, and each one is good at different materials:
- Diode: the most affordable. Great for wood, leather, paper and dark acrylic, and for engraving coated metal.
- Fiber (IR) and MOPA: made for metal and some plastics. A MOPA laser can also create color on stainless steel and titanium.
- CO2: the workhorse for cutting thick wood and acrylic (including clear acrylic) quickly.
- UV: a “cold” laser for glass, crystal and materials that would burn or melt with heat.
Several xTool machines combine two lasers, like the F1 Ultra and F2 Ultra, so you can switch materials without switching machines.
Power
Power is measured in watts. More watts means faster cutting and thicker material in fewer passes, but it can also leave more scorch marks on delicate materials, so you’ll adjust your settings. Think about the thickest material you plan to cut most often.
Speed
Speed is measured in millimeters per second. Faster machines get more done in a day, which matters a lot once you’re filling orders. Slower settings still give you the most detail on fine engraving.
Work Area and Size
A bigger bed lets you make larger signs and run batches. A smaller, portable machine like the F2 is easier to take to markets and events. If you have a craft room and don’t need to move it, a desktop machine like the S1 or P2S gives you more room to work.
Camera and Autofocus
A camera lets you see your material on screen and drag your design right where you want it. Autofocus sets the right height for you. Both save time and wasted blanks, especially when you’re personalizing products.
Software
Every current xTool works with xTool Studio, xTool’s free software. Many models also work with LightBurn, which a lot of laser crafters already know.
Safety and Ventilation
Lasers create smoke and fumes. Enclosed machines like the S1, P2S and P3 add protection and make venting easier. Whatever you buy, plan to vent outside or use an air purifier, and never laser PVC vinyl. Here’s why you can’t laser cut vinyl.
Before you buy, make sure your prices cover the machine. My guide on how to price handmade products walks you through it.
xTool Laser FAQ
Which xTool laser is best for beginners?
The xTool M2 is the easiest switch if you’re used to a Cricut, since it prints in full color and then cuts, just like Print Then Cut. If you just want a laser, the S1 20W gives you an enclosed machine with a big work area.
Which xTool laser can engrave metal?
Fiber and MOPA lasers engrave metal best: the F1, F1 Ultra, F2 and F2 Ultra. The F2 Ultra’s MOPA laser can also make colors on stainless steel and titanium.
Which xTool laser cuts clear acrylic?
You need a CO2 laser for clear acrylic, so that’s the P2S or the P3. Diode lasers only cut dark, opaque acrylic.
Is the xTool P3 worth it?
If you run production, make large signs or cut thick material all day, the P3’s 80W tube and 36 x 18 in bed save real time. For most home studios, the P2S is plenty.
Looking For Laser Cutting Crafts To Try?
Okay, I know you’re probably itching to get crafting now! Well, here are some of my favorite laser crafts to make!
- Acrylic Laser Cut Earrings | Hey Let’s Make Stuff
- How To Make A Laser Cut Wood Signs | Color Me Crafty
- Easy Laser Cut Keychain Tutorial | Color Me Crafty
Also, it’s important to know what file types you need for laser crafts. You can check out my full guide which walks you through how to do this, step-by-step!
Have a question about which xTool fits what you make? Leave it in the comments and I’ll help you decide.
