Have you been scouring every corner of the internet to compare each xTool laser? Or maybe you’ve only looked around a little bit?
Either way, I’ve got you covered. Because in this blog post, I will make a head-to-head comparison of every xTool laser available so that you can make the best buying decision!
A laser cutter is a great craft machine for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike. You can use these machines to engrave your handmade products, cut through various materials, and so much more.
When I first started using a laser machine with my crafts, I was able to make so many cool, new things. I really love it!
The xTool lasers also work great for small businesses. Whether you’re an online handmade business owner like me, or if you have a store, the xTool laser is a great tool to add to your workspace!
Okay, great, but which machine should you buy?
Which features are the most important to consider, or will any machine do what you want it to do?
Let’s jump straight into the comparison!
xTool Comparison Chart
Before I get into the nitty-gritty details, I thought it would be helpful to include an overview comparison chart for you on the features of each xTool laser.
Feel free to scroll through!
I hope this will help break down all the key differences for you so you can make a good buying decision.
| xTool M1 (5W & 10W) | xTool D1 (5W, 10W, & 20W) | xTool F1 | xTool P2 | |
| Machine Weight | 9.8KG | 5.5KG | 4.6KG | 45KG |
| Machine Size | 557*453*230mm | 600*590*150mm | 179*235*334mm | 1000*639*268mm |
| Laser Type | Diode Laser + Blade Cutting | Diode Laser | Diode Laser + 1064nm Infrared Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Laser Output | 5W or 10W Diode Laser | 5W, 10W, or 20W Diode Laser | 10W: Diode Laser 2W: 1064nm Infrared Laser | 55W CO2 Laser |
| Up To Working Speed | 250mm/s | 400mm/s | 400mm/s | 600mm/s |
| AI Camera | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Focus Mode | Auto | Manual | Manual/Auto | Auto |
| Software | XCS | XCS & Lightburn | XCS & Lightburn | XCS & Lightburn |
| Working Area | 15*11.8inches | 16.93*15.75 inches Expandable to 36.61*16.93 inches with xTool Extension Kit | 4.53*4.53inches rounded rectangle Expandable to 15.75*4.53inches with accessories | 23.6*12.1inches Bed Size 26.7*14.1inches |
| Connection | USB/Wi-Fi | USB/Wi-Fi/TF Card | USB/Wi-Fi | USB/Wi-Fi/Ethernet |
| Maximum Cutting Thickness – Basewood | 3mm | 3mm | 6mm(10W Diode Laser) | 18mm |
| Maximum Cutting Thickness – Transparent Acrylic | N/A | N/A | N/A | 20mm |
| Cuttable Materials | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Felt, Some dark opaque acrylic Blade: Paper, Fabric, Vinyl, Leather | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Felt, Some dark opaque acrylic | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Felt, Some dark opaque acrylic | CO2 Laser: Paper, Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, MDF, Felt, Rubber |
| Engravable Materials | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Stainless steel, Some dark opaque acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Dark glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated metal, Painted metal | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Stainless steel, Some dark opaque acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Dark glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated metal, Painted metal | Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Stainless steel, Some dark opaque acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Dark glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated metal, Painted metal 1064nm Infrared Laser: Metal, Plastic, Black Acrylic | CO2 Laser: Paper, Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, MDF, Felt, Rubber, Bamboo, Fabric, Glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated metal, Painted metal |
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The Best xTool Laser Machines For Beginners
If you’re a beginner just getting started with laser cutting and engraving, then you don’t need the fanciest one to get started.
So, here is a list of the top 3 machines beginners should consider purchasing.
- M1 5W Desktop Laser and Blade Cutting Machine
- M1 10W Desktop Laser and Blade Cutting Machine
- D1 Pro 5W Desktop Laser Engraving Machine
The Best xTool Laser Machines For Intermediates
On the other hand, if you’re not a complete beginner but not using this machine professionally either, you’ll likely want something more powerful that can confidently handle a variety of materials.
Here are the top three xTool lasers for intermediate users.
- M1 10W Desktop Laser and Blade Cutting Machine
- D1 Pro 10W Desktop Laser Engraving Machine
- D1 Pro 20W Desktop Laser Engraving Machine
- F1 Handheld Laser Engraving Machine
The Best xTool Laser Machine For Pros
Lastly, here is a list of the best machines for the pros who want the most powerful machine, or close to the most powerful machine, that xTool has to offer.
- D1 Pro 20W Desktop Laser Engraving Machine
- F1 Handheld Laser Engraving Machine
- P2 Desktop Laser Cutting Machine
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Understanding The xTool Laser Machine Features & Settings
Now that you know the different types of xTool laser machines available, let’s review some of the features and settings you’ll want to consider before purchasing!
Power
The power of an xTool laser machine is measured in watts (W). Higher wattage generally means higher power.
But is higher power always a good thing?
Well, it’s complicated! Let’s walk through it more here.
Sure, higher power lets you cut through thicker materials in a single pass. This is good if you plan to use thick wood, PCB board, etc.
However, you may find more burn or scorch marks left behind on the material due to this extra power.
Lower power will have the exact opposite effect. You won’t be able to cut or engrave thicker materials, but you will have fewer burn marks left on your material which might be best for your crafts.
So, when choosing how much machine power you want, it will be crucial to think about what different materials you plan to use when crafting!
Speed
In addition to the power of the machine, speed is also essential and can affect the type of materials you use.
The xTool laser machines measure the speed in millimeters per second (mm/s). The higher the number, the faster speed you will get.
But again, just because a machine has high speeds doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
High speeds mean you get faster cutting and engraving. However, the depth or detail of the work may not be as good.
With a slower engraving speed, you can make crafts that require high accuracy, but you won’t be able to use the same materials.
So, as you can see, it’s all about what kind of crafts you’ll be making and the materials you’ll be using. Knowing what you plan to use beforehand can help you pick a suitable machine.
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Size & Weight
While you might not think size matters, it can greatly impact the kinds of crafts you can make. After all, a large working area means you can do bigger projects!
Will you be working in a craft room? Then a desktop laser engraver would be your best option.
Even though they are larger, it won’t matter as much if you don’t have to move your xTool laser around. Plus, these machines are more extensive, enabling you to create larger things.
If portability is important to you, you’ll want to look at one of the machines that are either lighter in weight or can be moved around easily.
Something like the F1 machines, which have a modular design, is very easy to move around.
Laser Type
Next up on the list of important features to consider is the type of laser head each machine has. After all, different lasers have different effects on the materials.
For example, the xTool laser machines have three different laser types – CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers, infrared lasers, and diode lasers.
CO2 lasers are significantly more powerful but take up more space and require more maintenance.
Diode lasers provide plenty of power at a reasonable price but won’t be as effective on thicker materials.
Lastly, infrared lasers are the cheapest option but have less power.
Most xTool lasers have a single laser, but machines like the F1 have two, thanks to their innovative dual laser technology.
Again, understanding what materials you plan to use will be extremely helpful when picking which xTool laser you want to purchase.
Cutting Board Size
If you plan to use a wide range of materials with different sizes, choosing a machine with a large work area will also be important.
When choosing the best machine for your needs, look at the maximum sizes for both width and length.
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Additional xTool Laser Features To Consider
In addition to these key features, crafters should keep some other things in mind before making a buying decision!
Offline Use & Connectivity
Do you plan to use your machine online at all times, or would you like to work offline occasionally?
Depending on where you craft in your home, consider what connection options will work best for you.
Some crafters prefer a Wi-Fi connection, while others keep their machine close enough to their computer to connect it with a USB cable.
Materials
Meanwhile, not every xTool laser can handle every type of material. Be sure to look at the materials list in the comparison chart to make sure what you’re using is included.
Compatible Software
You’ll notice all of the xTool lasers work with xTool Creative Space, but only three work with Lightburn. Take some time to learn which software you prefer to use before making any buying decisions.
Attachments
Lastly, know what attachments will work with the machine you plan to buy.
For example, the rotary attachment is great for engraving on rounded objects or the air assist, which can cool the area being cut or engraved, giving you a much better result!
But, you can rest assured that no matter which xTool laser cutting and engraver machine you choose, you will find they all produce clear lines, deep cuts, and high-quality results.
You really can’t beat it when you compare them to the plastic steel of other laser machines that don’t typically last as long!
And now that you know what to look for in an xTool laser cutter, you can decide which machine best fits your needs. They are the perfect first brand for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.
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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!
Happy crafting!
