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X1 hands-onxTool X1: in our workshop since September 2026 with CO₂, 20W diode and 60W MOPARead the first look
The Crafty CatsmanHybrid workshop field notesStart Here

The maker’s shortlist / 2026

Best CO₂ laser cutters.
Our pick: xTool X1.

A capable CO₂ laser cutter today.
A more versatile workshop as you grow.

From our workshop

The xTool X1 has been in our workshop since September 2026, with 55W CO₂, 20W diode, and 60W MOPA sources installed and weeks of testing so far. xTool supplied this review unit. Testing continues.

Find your fit X1 or P3?
Our xTool X1 with its lid closed on its workshop stand, with the background removed
In-shop photo
In-shop photo: our xTool X1 on its stand. Background removed from our photograph. Photo: The Crafty Catsman.
Workshop proof → your projects → the right machine
By The Crafty CatsmanUpdated October 28, 2026Buying advice + ongoing hands-on work

The short answer

X1 is our top choice for most makers combining wood and acrylic cutting with personalized gifts and room to expand. Its 55W CO₂ source covers a useful craft workload; optional galvo sources broaden the process choices. Choose P3 for a CO₂-focused business with a defined power or work-area requirement: its 80W source and larger bed should solve an actual production need.

This is a fit recommendation, not a controlled head-to-head win. Budget, software requirements and your actual materials can change the answer.

Affiliate disclosure: some product links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them. xTool has no review or approval of our testing, results, or verdict. How we evaluate products.

01 / Start with your work

What will you make most?

Scroll through four ways to workContinue to the 55W guide
Animated design preview · 12 sec
Feather & Find, our birdhouse memory game. This animated design preview shows the shell lifting and four tiles emerging. The X1 cut the real wooden parts; a separate UV printer added the color.

01 / Wood & gifts

Mixed maker work

Start with the X1.

Ornaments, small signs, models, boxes and personalized blanks are the reason 55W deserves a serious look. CO₂ can cut and engrave. Choose the diode configuration when the galvo engraving workflow fits your plans; choose CO₂ alone if you do not need that additional path.

View Feather & Find on Atomm
Official xTool X1 product image with a transparent background
Official xTool product image. It does not demonstrate a material test.

02 / Clear acrylic

Material decides the source

Choose a CO₂ path first.

Clear acrylic is a strong reason to choose CO₂. The X1 gives you that source; its blue diode is not the substitute for clear-acrylic cutting. Check your largest blank, edge-quality target and required cycle time.

Repeated thick-acrylic jobs are a reason to trial the P3. We have not measured an X1-versus-P3 acrylic speed or thickness limit.

Compare X1 and P3
60W source pack mounted on the rear of our X1 with connected cables
Our mounted 60W MOPA pack; an installed source is not a finished metal test. Photo: The Crafty Catsman.

03 / Metal marking

An optional-source decision

Choose the right source, then the machine.

Bare-metal engraving is a reason to investigate the Fiber or MOPA configuration, or a dedicated fiber machine. A CO₂-only X1 is not a bare-metal cutter. Coated-metal marking is a different process.

Our 60W MOPA is installed and testing continues. No controlled metal-production, color-repeatability or return-on-investment verdict is claimed here.

See source choices
Official product image of the xTool P3 CO2 laser cutter
Official xTool P3 product image. Published specifications, not our head-to-head test.

04 / Large cutting jobs

A specific production requirement

A focused CO₂ business? Trial P3.

For a CO₂-focused business, P3’s 80W source and 36 × 18-inch bed deserve a trial when large signs, wider panels or repeated demanding cuts set a specific power or workspace requirement. X1 remains our choice for a varied product mix and source expansion.

Watts and maximum travel speed cannot tell you the finished-job time. Include setup, loading, cutting, cleanup and rejected pieces.

See when the premium makes sense

02 / Enough power, used well

55W is a capable starting point.

You do not need the highest wattage to make useful, detailed products. You do need the right source, suitable stock and a realistic production plan.

Our home recreated as a wooden Halloween miniature with raised shutters and pumpkins, reflected in a glass table
The X1 cut the wooden parts. A separate UV printer added the color. Photo: The Crafty Catsman.

Made in our workshop

Flat wood.
Personal possibilities.

A small house, built layer by layer. This is the sort of detailed project that makes 55W relevant to makers and gift businesses.

Close view of raised wooden porch lamps beside the miniature doorway, with layered pumpkins below
A separate close-up of the cut layers. The porch lamps are decorative wooden pieces. Photo: The Crafty Catsman.

Actual project / not a thickness benchmark

55W, put to useful work.

Our X1 has cut 3 mm basswood parts for the house, train and other workshop projects. Ornaments, models, layered signs and a personalized photo frame all start with this sort of approachable stock. The finished house shows a real project, not a maximum-thickness or cutting-speed result.

For a maker choosing a desktop laser cutter or desktop laser engraver, the useful question is whether the machine meets the finish and turnaround the work needs. Leave room in the budget for extraction, materials, fixtures and learning.

Explore our ongoing X1 workshop record
01

Wood & plywood

Think ornaments, small boxes, models, signs and engraved details. Our 3 mm basswood builds are direct evidence. Species, glue, knots and thickness affect other stock; run a representative test.

Strong starting fit
02

Clear & colored acrylic

CO₂ is the relevant source for clear acrylic cutting. Choose acrylic confirmed suitable for laser processing, then test the actual thickness and desired edge. X1’s diode is a separate tool.

Documented CO₂ application
03

Leather, paper & fabric

These can suit CO₂ cutting and surface work when composition and settings are appropriate. Do not treat every synthetic leather or unknown textile as safe. We have not established X1 recipes for these here.

Check the material first
04

Glass, slate & metals

Surface marking is different from through-cutting. Bare-metal engraving points toward Fiber or MOPA; glass marking needs its own source-specific process. Do not read “multi-laser” as “every material.”

Match the process
Find the right source for your material
Wood laser cutter: solid wood, plywood or MDF?
A plywood laser cutter or MDF laser cutter still needs stock with known composition. Adhesives, density and finish change the result. Our direct X1 project evidence is 3 mm basswood, not a universal sheet-material recipe.
Acrylic laser cutter
For clear acrylic, start with the CO₂ configuration. Match the actual sheet, finish and blank size. Choose between X1 versatility and P3’s larger cutting brief after a representative test.
Leather laser cutter
Identify the leather and any coating before buying around it. A product labeled synthetic leather is not enough information; exclude PVC and unsuitable plastics.
Fabric laser cutter or paper laser cutter
Confirm composition, handling and the maker’s approved processing guidance. Thin material does not remove the need for extraction and fire supervision. No X1 production recipe is claimed here.
Glass laser engraver or slate laser engraver
These are surface-marking choices, not through-cutting jobs. Ask for a source-specific sample on the exact glass or slate and judge the finish you intend to sell.
Rubber stamp laser
Specify rubber made for laser processing and confirm the machine maker’s guidance. Unknown rubber is not a substitute. Check detail, odor control and cleanup with a sample before planning orders.

Material-selection questions, not tested X1 settings. Manufacturer material restrictions(paid link).

Thickness is only part of the job. We have not published an X1-versus-P3 pass-count, cutting-speed or maximum-thickness test. Focus, air assist, material composition, optics and acceptable edge quality all matter. A seller’s one-pass limit is not your production recipe. Acrylic process reference(paid link).

03 / The choice that matters

X1 for versatility. P3 for a focused CO₂ business.

X1 is our first choice when the work changes and the upgrade path matters. P3’s 80W source and larger bed suit a business with a specific CO₂ power or workspace requirement. Its premium over the basic X1 configurations should solve that requirement; an X1 with extra sources is a different budget comparison.

Our choice for versatility

xTool X1

Official xTool X1 product image, viewed from the front and right side
Official xTool product image
55W

CO₂ source
Plus source choices

  • Wood and acrylic projects form the core of your work.
  • You also want an engraving path and supported source upgrades.
  • You can work with Studio and confirm the source-specific work area.

The 20W diode is included in the two-source configuration, not the Single CO₂ package. Fiber, MOPA and UV add cost. Do not assume LightBurn support.

Choose an X1 configuration

For a CO₂-focused business

xTool P3

Official xTool P3 80W CO2 laser cutter image
Official xTool image
80W

CO₂ source
36 × 18-inch work area

  • Large signs or panels make work area a hard requirement.
  • A specific cutting workload justifies testing 80W CO₂ power.
  • The installed footprint and complete package fit your shop.

More power does not promise a fixed speed gain. Studio desktop only; no LightBurn. Optional accessories and the operating configuration affect cost and safety requirements.

Read the P3 buyer guide
25W

More rated CO₂ output on P3

≈45%

More rated power than 55W

≠45%

Not a measured speed advantage

Calculated from 80W and 55W. Optical power, movement speed and completed-job throughput are different measures. X1’s published galvo area is not automatically its CO₂ work area; confirm the usable envelope for the selected source.

A defined CO₂ workload: choose P3

If you need a laser for sign making or a laser for a woodworking business built around larger panels and repeated cuts, put P3 on the bench with a real order. A wedding welcome sign may make bed size the deciding factor before wattage matters. This is the case for a professional laser cutter with a defined production brief, rather than buying more power by default.

Ask for the same file, stock and acceptable finish on both machines. Include setup, loading, engraving, cutting, unloading and rework. A larger machine pays its way through completed saleable work, not an impressive maximum travel speed.

Check the P3 package paid link

A changing product mix: choose X1

Choose X1 when custom gifts and personalization take your workshop between materials and processes. Its CO₂ source already suits everyday craft work, while the modular laser cutter approach offers a supported expansion path. For a small business still developing its product range, that flexibility is the reason we start here.

Do not buy an extra source just because it exists. Start with the process you need, validate the work and add supported capability when the next project justifies it. This recommendation does not establish long-term reliability or a guaranteed financial return.

Read xTool’s architecture explanation(paid link)

A laser for Etsy sellers: build around a repeatable product.

Turn Etsy shop ideas into a small collection you can make consistently: a personalized jewelry box, a layered sign or a photo frame. When evaluating laser engraving ideas to sell, cost the sample, finishing, packaging and rejected pieces. A garage business opportunity becomes more credible when buyers want the product and the numbers support making it.

Let the next product earn the upgrade.

When choosing a laser for a jewelry business, separate wooden packaging and keepsakes from bare-metal engraving, which needs an appropriate source. The same applies to an engraving business adding new product ideas: buy capability for the next repeatable process. If your business settles into one demanding CO₂ cutting workload, P3’s focused power and space may be the better investment.

04 / Your shortlist, side by side

Compare your shortlist.

Start with xTool X1 vs P2S, or choose any two machines. Keep X1’s versatility, P3’s focused CO₂ power, and each alternative’s practical trade-offs in view.

Choose two different machines. Compare the work you want to make.

Comparing xTool X1 with xTool P2S.

Official xTool X1 product image, viewed from the front and right side
xTool X1Our pick for versatilityOfficial xTool product image
Official xTool P2S product image
xTool P2SA primarily CO₂ workshopOfficial xTool product image
Best fit
xTool X1: Wood, acrylic and personalized work, with a supported path into other laser sources.
xTool P2S: Mostly wood and acrylic, camera placement, and little need for other laser sources.
CO₂ source
xTool X1: 55W CO₂
xTool P2S: 55W
Work area
xTool X1: Confirm the usable CO₂ area for your configuration. Galvo area is a different measurement.
xTool P2S: 23.6 × 12 in (600 × 305 mm)
Software
xTool X1: xTool Studio. Do not assume LightBurn support.
xTool P2S: Studio; LightBurn 2.2+ network support is marked Labs and depends on firmware.
Before you choose
xTool X1: Single CO₂ does not include diode galvo, Fiber, MOPA or UV laser capability.
xTool P2S: Compare the complete package with X1, including riser, rotary and extraction.
Read the guideRead the guide

Images are not to scale. Published specifications and dated offers are not head-to-head test results.

Trade-offs, prices & sources

xTool X1

Start with the process you need. Additional galvo sources require the supported diode-galvo configuration and cost extra. Confirm source-specific work area and upgrade requirements. Our installed review unit is not the contents of every retail package.

xTool X1 CO₂ + Diode Galvo (55W CO₂ + 20W diode galvo): $3,999 · xTool X1 Single CO₂ (55W CO₂): $3,399.

Previously published reservation-page launch prices, checked October 19, 2026. These are not today’s delivered totals. Additional-source configurations cost extra. Configuration and payment notes.

Manufacturer information(paid link)

xTool P2S

Do not pay for expansion you will never use. Compare the delivered package with X1, including riser, rotary and extraction. LightBurn 2.2+ network support is marked Labs and depends on firmware.

$2,919 · observed October 28, 2026.

Standalone in official search extract; full store page could not be read. Confirm the selected offer and preorder terms. Dated offer source(paid link).

Manufacturer information(paid link) · Compatibility / specification notes

Check xTool P2S paid link

Tax, freight, accessories and final checkout are separate. The guide’s October 28 xTool sale observations came from official search listings; they were not verified checkout totals.

Browse all eight machines

xTool X1

Our pick for versatility. Wood, acrylic and personalized work, with a supported path into other laser sources.

55W CO₂ · Confirm the usable CO₂ area for your configuration. Galvo area is a different measurement.

Software: xTool Studio. Do not assume LightBurn support.

Start with the process you need. Additional galvo sources require the supported diode-galvo configuration and cost extra. Confirm source-specific work area and upgrade requirements. Our installed review unit is not the contents of every retail package.

Read the guideManufacturer source(paid link)

xTool P2S

A primarily CO₂ workshop. Mostly wood and acrylic, camera placement, and little need for other laser sources.

55W · 23.6 × 12 in (600 × 305 mm)

Software: Studio; LightBurn 2.2+ network support is marked Labs and depends on firmware.

Do not pay for expansion you will never use. Compare the delivered package with X1, including riser, rotary and extraction. LightBurn 2.2+ network support is marked Labs and depends on firmware.

Read the guideManufacturer source(paid link)

xTool P3

A focused CO₂ business. A defined CO₂ workload that needs more rated power or a larger bed.

80W · 36 × 18 in (915 × 458 mm)

Software: xTool Studio desktop. No LightBurn support.

Choose P3 when its power or work area solves a specific production requirement. Include setup, loading, cutting, unloading and rework in a representative trial. Its premium over basic X1 configurations is a different comparison from an X1 with extra sources.

Read the guideManufacturer source(paid link)

OMTech Polar 2 RF

Air-cooled RF + LightBurn. An air-cooled RF source and a LightBurn workflow take priority over source expansion.

50W · 28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)

Software: LightBurn workflow; confirm the included license and package.

50W RF and 70W glass are different configurations. Check tube, cooling, accessory and support terms. Filtration is separate; do not buy on an assumed pass-through.

Read the guideManufacturer source

OMTech Polar 2 Glass

A cutting-focused Polar 2. A lower-priced Polar 2 package for a cutting-focused shortlist.

70W · 28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)

Software: LightBurn workflow; confirm the included license and package.

The glass version and RF version share the listed work area but are different configurations. Allow for water cooling and eventual glass-tube replacement. Rated wattage is not a cross-machine speed benchmark or a warranty.

Read the guideManufacturer source

Thunder Bolt

An established RF workflow. Known-size blanks, a LightBurn package and a local support relationship.

30W RF; 60W option listed · 20 × 12 in (508 × 305 mm)

Software: LightBurn package. Confirm the exact source and support terms.

The current US offer has 30W and 60W choices. Check the exact source and support package; published US and global speed claims disagree. Confirm shipping and lead time before planning production.

Read the guideManufacturer source

Glowforge Pro HD

A guided browser workflow. A shared studio that values browser controls and material guidance.

45W CO₂ · Up to 19.5 × 11 in printable area; settings can reduce it.

Software: Glowforge’s browser-based cloud service; internet required.

The current Pro HD and older Certified Rebuilt Pro are different offers. Do not compare a rebuilt price as if it buys a new Pro HD. Confirm warranty, subscription needs, working area and internet requirements. This is a cloud-service commitment rather than a LightBurn choice.

Read the Glowforge comparisonManufacturer source

Gweike Cloud Pro II

An exact-package budget check. A delivered-price and software comparison, after checking regional availability.

55W CO₂ listing · 510 × 300 mm processing area in the checked listing.

Software: Offline software / LightBurn listed; confirm the exact model.

Cloud, Cloud Pro II and regional NOX listings must be matched to the exact machine you would receive. Confirm source, cooling, support, returns, parts and stock in your country. An unavailable or regional package is not a universal bargain.

Explore the MCore, M3 and G3 guidesManufacturer source

05 / Compare the details

Keep specifications in their lane.

Compare dated package offers first, then open the detailed source-linked hardware table. X1’s configurations follow below; missing X1 specifications stay unfilled.

Latest existing table check: October 19, 2026. Dates and conflicts remain attached to the machines they describe. A table entry is not a recommendation or a performance test.

October 28, 2026 · USD offer observations · tax, freight and final checkout excluded
MachineObserved offerWhat the figure means
xTool P3$6,599Standalone Halloween offer in official search extract; final offer and delivery unverified. Offer source(paid link)
xTool P2S$2,919Standalone in official search extract; full store page could not be read. Confirm the selected offer and preorder terms. Offer source(paid link)
OMTech Polar 2$3,699.99 / $4,999.9970W glass / 50W RF packages. LightBurn and basic rotary listed; filtration separate. Offer source
Thunder Bolt$5,795 / $7,99530W RF / 60W choices. Shipping and lead time need confirmation. Offer source
Glowforge Pro HD$7,999New 45W model. Up to 19.5 × 11-inch printable area; internet-dependent workflow. Rebuilt offers differ. Offer source · Technical source
Gweike Cloud Pro II$1,749 · sold outExact 55W-with-rotary listing. 510 × 300 mm processing area. Offline software / LightBurn listed; availability unresolved. Offer source · Technical source

The two xTool sale figures were visible in official search listings, not a verified checkout. They need confirmation before comparing final order totals. The table below keeps earlier dated records rather than silently replacing them with these observations.

Open the detailed hardware, software and source comparison

Source checks September 22 – October 19, 2026 · manufacturer data only

Desktop CO2 laser comparison — manufacturer-documented specs

Every number below comes from the manufacturer's own pages, manuals, and support docs — each cell links its source (). Where a manufacturer doesn't document something, we say not documented instead of guessing. Where a manufacturer contradicts itself, we say that too.

Desktop CO2 laser comparison — manufacturer-documented specs. Specs as documented by each manufacturer, checked September 22 – October 19, 2026 (dates per machine). "Not documented" means the manufacturer does not publish that spec.
SpecOMTech Polar 250W RFRF package listed for sale; warehouse stock and delivery not verifiedChecked OMTech Polar 2 guideOMTech Polar 270W GlassGlass package listed for sale; warehouse stock and delivery not verifiedChecked OMTech Polar 2 guidexTool P2S55W CO2Pre-order · xTool: "Estimated shipping from late October" (checked October 11, 2026; it said early October on September 22)Checked xTool P2S guidexTool P380W CO2Current flagship · in stock (xTool: "ships in 3-5 business days")Checked xTool P3 guideGlowforge Pro45W CO2No longer sold new — Certified Rebuilt only; the Pro HD ($7,999) is the current new 45W modelChecked Glowforge Pro guideThunder Laser Bolt30W RF (60W option)Current · in stockChecked
Money
Price (checked)$4,999.99 for the 50W RF Package, checked October 19, 2026↗$3,699.99 for the 70W CO₂ Package, checked October 19, 2026↗$2,999 Standalone (pre-order), checked October 11, 2026↗(paid link)$6,999 Standalone, checked October 11, 2026↗(paid link)$2,999 Certified Rebuilt, checked September 22, 2026↗$5,795 for 30W / $7,995 for 60W, checked September 22, 2026↗
List / compare-at$7,599.99 vendor compare-at (not verified MSRP)↗$5,199.99 vendor compare-at (not verified MSRP)↗$4,499 compare-at↗(paid link)$6,999 (xTool's strikethrough price)↗(paid link)$5,999 Glowforge reference price on its Certified Rebuilt page ("Save 50%"); not a current new-machine price↗Same as current price when checked↗
Active promonot documentednot documentedEnded: xTool's 6th Anniversary Sale ran September 14–October 4, 2026 ($200 off orders over $1,499 at checkout); check the product page for any current offer↗(paid link)Ended: xTool's 6th Anniversary Sale ran September 14–October 4, 2026 ($700 off orders of $6,999+, $1,500 off $8,899+, at checkout); check the product page for any current offer↗(paid link)With a referral: $2,499; $150 of Proofgrade materials included↗No discount when checked; financing from $114/mo shown on the shop page↗
Engine
Laser sourceRF metal CO2 tube, air-cooled↗DC glass CO2 tube, closed-loop water-cooled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Glass CO2 tube, closed-loop water-cooled. OMTech's product page and manual both say "Glass Tube" with no further tube-type qualifier↗55W glass CO2 tube, liquid-cooled (built-in tank and pump; user-filled antifreeze)↗(paid link)CO2 tube (glass/RF construction not documented), 10.6 µm↗(paid link)Custom CO2 glass tube, continuous operation at 10,600 nm↗RF metal CO2 tube (SPT on the 30W; tube maker not stated for the 60W option), air-cooled↗
Power50W↗70W↗55W↗(paid link)80W↗(paid link)45W↗30W standard / 60W option↗
Tube life (as documented)Manufacturer service-life estimates: 30,000/25,000/20,000 hrs at <40%/40–70%/>70% power; not a warranty or measured replacement interval↗Manufacturer service-life estimates: 10,000/6,500/1,500 hrs at <40%/40–70%/>70% power; consumable glass tube, not a warranty or measured replacement interval↗6,000–8,000 hrs (xTool product-page FAQ); tube warrantied 6 months as a consumable↗(paid link)~10,000 hrs per FAQ; tube warrantied 6 months as wearing part↗(paid link)not documented10,000+ hrs (global comparison table only)↗
Max speed2,000 mm/s engrave (X); 500 mm/s Y per manual↗1,200 mm/s engrave (X); 12,000 mm/s² accel claim↗600 mm/s; 6,400 mm/s² X accel↗(paid link)1,200 mm/s; 19,600 mm/s² X accel↗(paid link)not documented1,500 mm/s (Thunder's US shop page and user manual); 2,000 mm/s (Thunder's global site comparison table)↗
Spot size0.07 mm (marketing copy; not in manual spec table)↗not documented0.15 × 0.15 mm↗(paid link)0.15 × 0.18 mm standard M lens (S/L optional; FAQ lists different values)↗(paid link)not documentednot documented
Capacity
Work area28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)↗28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)↗23.6 × 12 in (600 × 305 mm)↗(paid link)36 × 18 in (915 × 458 mm) — "2.3x larger than P2S"↗(paid link)11 × 19.5 in cutting area; 20 in wide material↗20 × 12 in (508 × 305 mm)↗
Max material height4.53 in (115 mm)↗4.92 in (125 mm)↗71 mm (2.80 in) without tray; 64 mm with tray; 215 mm (8.46 in) with the separate Riser Base↗(paid link)220 mm manual mode / 180 mm auto mode↗(paid link)2 in tray removed / 0.5 in with tray↗4.33 in (110 mm); 6.3 in with the included rotary tray↗
Pass-throughFAQ says no openings; manual safety text mentions pass-through doors. Usable pass-through is not confirmed↗FAQ says no openings; manual safety text mentions pass-through doors. Usable pass-through is not confirmed↗None on the base machine; 118 in (3 m) lengths need the separate Automatic Conveyor Feeder plus rail kits (the Riser Base is required); max 14 mm thick↗(paid link)No manual pass-through documented; the optional Intelligent Conveyor Feeder feeds stock through a front inlet: 60 in standard, up to 5 m with seven extra rail sets; conveyor use makes P3 Class 4↗(paid link)Yes — Pro Passthrough: 1/4 in thick, 20 in wide, unlimited length↗Front pass-through door, unlimited length (513 mm width)↗
Workflow
Camera16MP, ±1 mm positioning, full-bed view↗16MP, ±1 mm positioning, full-bed view↗Dual 16MP (close-range + panoramic), 0.3 mm positioning↗(paid link)4-camera stack: 16MP SkyView panoramic + close-range + 2 side flame cams↗(paid link)Dual cameras: lid wide-angle (±6 mm) + head macro (±0.1 mm); HD live view reserved for Pro HD↗Integrated bed camera (5MP per global site)↗
AutofocusYes — one-touch↗Yes — one-touch↗Yes — LiDAR ranging; xTool's older P2/P2S LightBurn setup had no autofocus, and LightBurn says its 2.2 release (October 19, 2026) adds autofocus for P2 and P2S lasers with IR rangefinders as a Labs feature↗(paid link)Yes + LiDAR ranging + motorized AutoLift base (16 kg capacity)↗(paid link)Yes — laser height measurement, internal lens travel↗Yes — touch-pin autofocus + red dot↗
SoftwareFREE LightBurn license included; RDWorks V8 compatible↗Maker's page now says (checked ): OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item; RDWorks V8 compatible↗FREE LightBurn license included; RDWorks V8 compatible↗Maker's page now says (checked ): OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item; RDWorks V8 compatible↗xTool Studio (free); Windows / macOS↗(paid link)xTool Studio (PC) ONLY↗(paid link)Web-based Glowforge app; internet needed to start every print (a print in progress finishes if the connection drops)↗LightBurn INCLUDED (tier not stated); RDWorks/LaserMaker compatible↗
LightBurnYes — free license bundled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Yes — OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item↗Yes — free license bundled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Yes — OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item↗LightBurn 2.2.00 or later on current firmware — xTool's notice (updated October 10, 2026) says the P2S connects to LightBurn 2.2.00 or later over the network after its latest online firmware, and LightBurn made 2.2.00 its official release on October 19, 2026 with P2S support marked as a Labs feature; LightBurn's notice dated June 29, 2026 still advises holding off on firmware updates. xTool lists 40.22.011 as the P2S update threshold and 40.22.010.03 as its USB downgrade version↗(paid link)No — "Lightburn and XCS (mobile and iPad versions) are not supported"↗(paid link)No — machine control only through the Glowforge app; replacing its software or firmware voids the warranty↗Yes — license included↗
OS supportWindows/macOS/Linux via LightBurn↗Windows/macOS/Linux via LightBurn↗Windows / macOS↗(paid link)Windows 10 64-bit / macOS 11+; no Linux/ChromeOS↗(paid link)Runs in a web browser (internet required)↗not documented
ConnectivityUSB / U-disk / Ethernet / Wi-Fi↗USB / U-disk / Ethernet / Wi-Fi↗USB-C / Wi-Fi (Ethernet appears only in xTool's comparison data and troubleshooting docs)↗(paid link)USB / Wi-Fi (2.4G+5G) / BLE 5.1; no Ethernet documented↗(paid link)Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz only; no Ethernet port↗Ethernet / USB cable / USB disk (global site); 1GB onboard memory↗
Shop reality
Air assistBuilt-in pump, 14–17 L/min↗Built-in pump, 14–17 L/min↗Built-in dual-cylinder pump, up to 200 kPa, software-adjustable↗(paid link)Built-in dual-cylinder pump, 30 L/min, 200 kPa↗(paid link)Internal, no external compressor↗Dual-stage air assist, pump included, digital flow meter; flow rate not published↗
CoolingAir-cooled — no water loop at all↗Integrated closed-loop water cooling, 4.3 L tank, auto-shutoff protection↗Built-in water cooling; user fills antifreeze + purified water↗(paid link)Built-in water cooling + chiller, 1.2 L tank, user-filled↗(paid link)Closed-loop internal cooling with solid-state thermoelectric cooling; operates at 60–81°F (16–27°C)↗Air-cooled — no chiller↗
Exhaust / filtrationDuct fan and two 1.5 m pipes included (vent outdoors); filtration is separate. Confirm an appropriate exhaust or filtration setup for the actual workspace↗Duct fan and two 1.5 m pipes included (vent outdoors); filtration is separate. Confirm an appropriate exhaust or filtration setup for the actual workspace↗Built-in dual-fan exhaust (14,000 RPM); filter screens need cleaning every 4 hrs of continuous use; AP2 purifier separate↗(paid link)No built-in fan — SafetyPro IF2 2.0 inline fan INCLUDED in box↗(paid link)4-in hose included (8 ft max run); Performance Filter $1,295 + $249 cartridges for windowless use↗Integrated exhaust; no filtration (Thunder Air 700 sold separately)↗
Laser classManual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table↗Manual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table↗Class 4 on xTool's spec table; the same product page says P2S comes in Class 1 and Class 4 variants, and xTool's safety FAQ says Class 1 conditions apply only without the Riser Base; interlocks + AI fire detection↗(paid link)Class 1 standalone (Class 4 with conveyor); 8 flame sensors + built-in CO2 fire suppression (gas cylinder sold separately)↗(paid link)Class 4 because of the passthrough slots; Glowforge says the Pro Shields and in-app training create "Class 1 conditions"↗Class 1 fully enclosed; "FDA Class 1, CE" per global table; laser class with the pass-through door in use is not documented↗
RotaryBasic rotary axis INCLUDED in box↗Basic rotary axis INCLUDED in box↗Not included — separate rotary (RA3 for P2S/P2); rotary diameter 3–50 mm without the Riser Base, 0–180 mm with it↗(paid link)Not included — RA3 separate; autofocus only works with RA3↗(paid link)None — Glowforge does not sell a rotary; round objects fit only if 2 in or shorter lying on their side↗Rotary tray included; rotary attachment separate↗
Footprint46.4 × 27.3 × 14.3 in↗46.4 × 27.3 × 14.3 in↗39.4 × 25.1 × 10.6 in↗(paid link)49.2 × 30.7 × 19.5 in (1250 × 780 × 496 mm); xTool's support FAQ lists 808 mm deep↗(paid link)38 × 20.75 × 8.25 in↗37.0 × 28.5 × 19.6 in↗
Weight220.5 lb (100 kg) net (manual)↗216.1 lb (98 kg) net (manual)↗99.2 lb (45 kg)↗(paid link)231.5 lb (105 kg); ships freight↗(paid link)not documented77 kg (169.8 lb)↗
Warranty2-yr machine; the product page lists a 24-month RF tube warranty (OMTech's warranty policy says 6 months for 40–60W tubes)↗2-yr machine; glass tube only 12 months↗Main parts 12 mo; laser tube 6 mo (xTool's after-sales policy); reflector and focusing mirror 3 mo in xTool's 2023 P2 warranty article↗(paid link)Main parts 12 mo; tube/filter/silencer 6 mo↗(paid link)Certified Rebuilt: 90-day manufacturer's guarantee (product page and Glowforge's April 2, 2026 post); the same page's details still say 12 months↗2-yr machine + lifetime US-based support↗

Provenance: compiled exclusively from manufacturer sources (product pages, spec tables, user manuals, official support docs). Each machine column shows the date its manufacturer sources were last checked. Prices are launch/promo-era signals — check the maker's current store price before purchase. Every page on this site reads these numbers from the same data, so they don't drift between articles.

06 / Buy the process you need

One platform. Different configurations.

The machine in our workshop has CO₂, 20W diode and 60W MOPA installed. That is our review setup, not the contents of every retail X1.

The installed 60W MOPA source pack at the back of our X1, with ventilation and cables visible
Our installed MOPA pack. Photo: The Crafty Catsman.

Separate the source from the motion.

The 55W CO₂ head does the CO₂ cutting and engraving. The galvo path uses the diode or a supported external laser source. xTool’s public Hybrid Motion and LaserSwap explanations describe coordinated gantry/galvo movement and supported source changes.

That is the upgrade path that makes X1 our first stop for a varied workshop. It does not mean that every source is included, all sources fire together, or an unannounced future module will work. Additional galvo sources require the supported diode-galvo configuration; confirm the exact upgrade requirements before ordering.

UV laser ≠ UV printing. A UV laser marks material. The colors in our project photos came from a separate printer that deposited ink.

How xTool describes LaserSwap(paid link)

Previously published X1 prices

Choose the starting configuration first.

$3,999xTool X1 CO₂ + Diode Galvo (55W CO₂ + 20W diode galvo)

$3,399xTool X1 Single CO₂ (55W CO₂)

These are xTool’s public reservation-page launch-price figures, visually verified October 19, 2026. They are not today’s delivered checkout totals. Additional-source prices and package contents are separate decisions. Read the dated configuration and payment reference.

Publicly documented X1 source choices · optional sources are not all included
Configuration or optionLaser sourceWhy consider it
Single CO₂55W CO₂Wood and suitable acrylic cutting and engraving. Match the stock, finish and job size.
CO₂ + Diode Galvo55W CO₂ + 20W diodeAdds the diode galvo engraving workflow. CO₂ alone can also engrave; the difference is the process path.
Supported Fiber source30W FiberInvestigate bare-metal marking and engraving. Requires the supported galvo configuration; not included in Single CO₂.
Supported MOPA source60W MOPAInvestigate metal engraving and controlled color marking. Our installed source remains under test.
Supported UV source5W UV laserInvestigate fine laser marking. This is not UV ink printing or proof of every material’s compatibility.

Source families establish different processes, not a universal materials list. We have not measured an X1/P3 throughput advantage or completed controlled metal-color repeatability tests. Check xTool’s current public X1 information(paid link).

07 / Price the whole workshop

The machine is only one line item.

A more affordable laser can become the more expensive installation. Make these decisions before choosing a package.

Measure the installed machine

Include the open lid, source pack, duct bends, access for maintenance, loading and any long-stock accessories. Outside dimensions and usable processing area are different measurements.

Confirm the software path

Try your files and your operating system. Studio-only, experimental LightBurn support and a cloud application are different commitments. Do not assume the cameras or automation transfer to third-party software.

Budget for the complete job

Extraction or filtration, appropriate cooling, fixtures, support, materials and rejected pieces belong in the budget. Price rotary and conveyor accessories only if the work calls for them.

Material and operating limits still apply. Identify the material before processing it; avoid PVC, vinyl and unknown compositions. Follow the exact machine and accessory instructions, ventilate as required and stay with an operating laser. An enclosure, camera or fire accessory does not make unattended cutting acceptable. Manufacturer material-safety reference(paid link).

Estimate a job’s economics Check software compatibility Explore our photographed projects

08 / Before you decide

Useful questions, plain answers.

What is the best CO₂ laser cutter for most makers in 2026?

X1 is our leading shortlist for makers who combine wood or acrylic cutting with personalization and want a supported path into other laser sources. That is a fit recommendation based on our workshop use and documented features, not a measured victory over every alternative. P3 is the more focused choice for a CO₂-based business with a specific need for its 80W source or larger work area.

Is 55W enough for a small laser business?

It can be. Many products start with thin wood, acrylic blanks and engraved details. What matters is the actual material, acceptable edge quality, batch layout and total job time. Our 3 mm basswood projects demonstrate practical X1 use; they do not prove a maximum thickness, pass count or daily production capacity. Test a representative order before committing to a machine.

What does a hybrid, modular laser platform actually give me?

Think of X1 as a multi-laser platform: its supported configurations combine different sources for different jobs. A hybrid laser cutting machine can bring CO₂ cutting and galvo engraving into one workflow, while a modular laser design offers a supported source-change path. An upgradeable laser still needs the right configuration, software, accessories and usable work area. “All-in-one laser platform” does not mean every source is included or every material works.

How should I compare a high-speed laser cutter?

Time a representative finished job. A laser cutting machine can have a high advertised movement speed without cutting your stock at that speed. Include engraving, cutting, setup, loading and rework. The best laser engraving machine for repeated personalization may be a different configuration from the best CO₂ laser engraver for large flat pieces. We have not published a controlled X1-versus-P3 throughput comparison.

Do I need a 4 axis laser engraver for tumblers?

Start with the object and the exact supported rotary setup. For a laser engraver for tumblers, confirm diameter, available clearance, fixture compatibility, surface coating and the selected laser source. We have not verified X1 here as a four-axis rotary system. Do not turn a motion-axis description into that purchase assumption; ask for the exact rotary configuration and a sample on your blank.

Does X1 replace a fiber laser, MOPA or UV printer?

The CO₂-only configuration does not. Fiber, MOPA and UV laser capability requires the relevant supported source configuration. A UV laser marks material; a UV printer deposits ink. The color on our photographed wooden projects came from a separate UV printer, not an X1 UV laser.

Can I use LightBurn with X1 or P3?

Do not plan an X1 purchase around unverified LightBurn support. Our X1 workflow uses xTool Studio. xTool lists P3 as Studio desktop only, without LightBurn. P2S has a LightBurn 2.2+ network path marked Labs with firmware-specific limits; OMTech Polar 2 and Thunder Bolt are other LightBurn-oriented options. Read the current LightBurn compatibility guide →

Does catsman50 take another $50 off the launch price?

We have an owner-supplied $50 xTool machine code, catsman50. X1 eligibility, regional terms, sale-price compatibility and stacking are not verified. Do not subtract it from a launch price until the merchant shows the accepted saving at checkout.

Where does the new Bambu Lab R1 fit?

R1 is another 55W CO₂ candidate with a different software ecosystem. Keep its current configuration and delivery terms separate from the machines here. Our dedicated R1 comparison explains its role and outstanding questions. Read the Bambu Lab R1 comparison →

Can these CO₂ lasers cut bare metal?

Do not buy these desktop CO₂ configurations for bare-metal cutting. Coating removal or marking a prepared metal surface is a different job. For bare-metal engraving, investigate an appropriate fiber or MOPA system and test the actual alloy and desired finish.

Where we would start

Put your projects first.
Put X1 on the shortlist.

For the maker moving between wood, acrylic and personalized work, X1 is the most compelling starting point here. Choose its configuration deliberately. For a CO₂-focused business with a defined power or work-area requirement, compare P3 on that work. If software, RF cooling or a lower entry cost is non-negotiable, keep the alternatives in play.

See what we have made with X1

What this recommendation rests on

Our X1 installation and photographed projects are first-hand evidence. Manufacturer specifications and dated offers establish the other machines’ published capabilities. Our recommendation interprets that evidence for a mixed maker workshop; it is not a scored laboratory comparison. We have not published controlled cutting-speed, accuracy, durability, cost-per-part or ROI tests across this field.

The X1 starting configurations use the previously published reservation-page price record, checked October 19. The detailed established-machine table retains its own earlier check dates. Public offer and specification sources were revisited October 28; conflicting or unavailable details stay explicit.

  1. Our X1 workshop record and first lookPhotographed projects, supplied review unit and unfinished tests.
  2. xTool: X1 Hybrid Motion(paid link)55W CO₂, optional diode galvo and coordinated movement; manufacturer explanation.
  3. xTool: X1 source choices and Laser Swap(paid link)Source options and architecture, not proof that all are included.
  4. xTool: current X1 announcement page(paid link)Still carried deposit framing during our October 28 check; live purchase page not verified.
  5. xTool: P3 product and package(paid link)80W, 36 × 18-inch work area and dated US package price.
  6. xTool: P3 FAQ and software(paid link)Studio desktop; no LightBurn support.
  7. xTool: P2S product and package(paid link)55W CO₂ and desktop work area.
  8. LightBurn compatibility: current source notesP2S 2.2+ network support is marked Labs; follow firmware-specific instructions.
  9. OMTech: Polar 2 RF and glass packagesSeparate source/cooling choices, bed size and package contents.
  10. Thunder Laser USA: Bolt30W or 60W RF choices; 20 × 12-inch work area.
  11. Glowforge: Pro HDCurrent HD model is distinct from Certified Rebuilt Pro offers.
  12. Gweike: Cloud Pro IIVerify exact regional model and fulfillment before ordering.
  13. Gweike: exact 55W packageThe October 28 sale listing was sold out; it is not an available-price promise.
  14. Glowforge: actual printable areaPrintable area is different from material capacity; some settings reduce it.
  15. xTool: CO₂ material context (P2 FAQ)(paid link)Material/process context only; no P2 thickness result is borrowed as an X1 result.
  16. xTool: material restrictions (P2 FAQ)(paid link)Identify composition; PVC and unsuitable plastics do not belong in a laser.

Photography: The Crafty Catsman for workshop and project images; xTool, OMTech, Thunder Laser, Glowforge and Gweike for identified product images. No generated machine photography. Explore the xTool guide hub · Editorial policy.