xTool P3 vs P2S vs P2: Comparing the CO2 Flagships
From Smart Features to Industrial Power: Which xTool Laser Fits Your Needs?
xTool P3
xTool P2S
xTool has rapidly evolved its flagship CO2 laser line, consistently setting new benchmarks for what desktop machines can achieve. The journey from the groundbreaking P2 to the enhanced P2S was significant. But the introduction of the xTool P3 is not just an evolution; it’s a revolution, pushing the platform into industrial-grade territory.
As an owner who invested my own money in the xTool P2—a machine that remains central to my workshop—I have watched this progression closely. xTool stands out in this industry by backing rapid innovation with genuine customer support.
If you are trying to decide between the established 55W models and the new 80W powerhouse, or if you are a P2/P2S owner wondering if the upgrade is justified, this comparison breaks down the critical differences.
Defining the xTool Flagship Lineup
It’s essential to understand how xTool now differentiates these machines:
- P2 & P2S (Smart Lasers): 55W machines designed for creative professionals. They focus on intelligent features (like curved engraving and dual cameras) that simplify complex creation.
- P3 (Productivity Laser): An 80W machine built for small business production. It focuses on raw speed, efficiency, and automation (like LiDAR and AutoLift) to maximize commercial output.
Quick Verdict: A Generational Shift
The xTool P3 is the clear winner for users prioritizing production speed, volume, material versatility, and safety. The jump to 80W, 1200mm/s speed, and integrated automation (AutoLift, LiDAR Rotary) makes it a superior industrial tool.
The xTool P2S remains an excellent choice for creative professionals who need advanced features like curved surface engraving but do not require industrial throughput or the 80W power. See how it compares to other popular machines in our xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro comparison.
The xTool P2 offers the core 55W capabilities of the platform at the most accessible price point, making it a strong value option if you don't need the enhanced speed and air systems of the P2S. Learn more about the differences between the P2 and P2S.
The Evolution: P2 to P2S to P3
To understand the significance of the P3, we need to look at the lineage.
P2 vs P2S: The Speed and Air Upgrade
The P2S was an iterative upgrade over the P2. Both share the same 55W tube and 600mm/s max speed. The P2S improved the underlying mechanics and support systems:
- Acceleration: P2S doubled the X-axis acceleration, meaning it reaches top speed faster.
- Air Assist & Exhaust: The P2S significantly improved airflow (33% more air assist, 60% more efficient exhaust) for cleaner cuts.
- AI Camera: Enhanced precision for alignment features.
P2S vs P3: The Industrial Revolution
The P3 is a comprehensive overhaul focused on industrial performance, automation, and safety. It is a fundamentally different class of machine.
- Power & Speed: 80W (vs 55W) and 1200mm/s (vs 600mm/s).
- Automation: Introduction of LiDAR ranging, motorized AutoLift, and integrated conveyor systems.
- Safety: Certified Class 1 (vs Class 4) with built-in fire suppression.
- Versatility: Optional 5W Infrared (IR) module for metal and plastic engraving.
Detailed Specification Comparison: P3 vs P2S vs P2
| Feature | xTool P3 (Productivity) | xTool P2S (Creative) | xTool P2 (Value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 80W CO₂ | 55W CO₂ | 55W CO₂ |
| Max Speed | 1200mm/s | 600mm/s | 600mm/s |
| X-Axis Acceleration | ~19,600 mm/s² | 6,400 mm/s² | 3,200m/s² |
| Working Area | ~36" × 18" | 23.6" × 12.1" | 23.6" × 12.1" |
| Optional Laser Module | 5W Infrared (IR) | None | None |
| Z-Axis Mechanism | Motorized AutoLift | Manual Riser Base | Manual Riser Base |
| Cooling System | Inverter Water Chiller | Standard Water Cooling | Standard Water Cooling |
| Rotary Engraving | Smart RA3 (LiDAR) | RA2 Pro (Manual) | RA2 Pro (Manual) |
| Safety Rating | Class 1 | Class 4 | Class 4 |
| Fire Suppression | Built-in | Optional | Optional |
xTool P3 vs. Glowforge Pro: A Competitive Breakdown
While the P-series from xTool is a family of products, a common comparison point for buyers in this price range is the Glowforge Pro. The P3 should be framed as an "automated productivity powerhouse" that bridges the gap between high-end "prosumer" machines and full-scale industrial lasers.
In the P3 vs. Glowforge comparison, the P3's superior performance metrics are clear. The P3's 80W laser surpasses the Glowforge's 45W laser, and its maximum speed of 1,200 mm/s is significantly faster than Glowforge's approximate 141mm/s. The optional IR module gives the P3 a material compatibility advantage, as it can engrave directly onto metals and plastics that the Glowforge cannot handle.
While the Glowforge may be a better fit for hobbyists or those with a smaller budget due to its affordability and user-friendly web-based software, the P3 is the superior machine for professional applications that prioritize speed, power, and automation.
| Feature | xTool P3 | Glowforge Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 80W CO₂ + 5W IR (Opt.) | 45W CO₂ |
| Max. Speed | 1,200 mm/s | ~141 mm/s |
| Working Area | 915 x 458 mm | 495 x 279 mm |
| Safety Rating | Class 1 Certified | Not Specified (requires safety protocols) |
| Automation | ACS™ (Auto-Positioning, Autofocus, AutoLift Base) | Manual |
| Rotary Features | 360° LiDAR Mapping, Batch Process | Not Available |
| Price | $5,999 (Pre-sale) | $4,995 |
Deep Dive: The Key Differences
The P3 introduces upgrades across the board, but four areas fundamentally change the user experience and capability.
1. Industrial Performance: 80W, Speed, and Cooling
The leap from 55W to 80W is the headline feature. This 45% increase in power allows the P3 to cut thicker materials in a single pass and process standard materials much faster.
Furthermore, the P3 doubles the maximum engraving speed to 1200mm/s (compared to 600mm/s on the P2/P2S). When combined with a workspace that is 2.3 times larger, the P3 is exponentially more productive for batch processing.
The Importance of the Inverter Chiller:
Running an 80W tube requires sophisticated cooling. The P3 includes a built-in Inverter Water Chiller—an active cooling system that ensures the laser remains at optimal temperature for all-day operation. This is far superior to the standard cooling found in the P2/P2S and is essential for industrial reliability.
2. The Workflow Revolution: Automation and AutoLift
The P2 and P2S are powerful but require significant manual intervention for setup. The P3 introduces the ACS™ (Automated Creation System) workflow.
Z-Axis Automation:
This is perhaps the most significant quality-of-life improvement.
- P2/P2S: To engrave tall objects, you must purchase an optional Riser Base and manually configure the slats and baseplate for the correct height—a tedious process.
- P3: The P3 comes standard with a built-in, motorized AutoLift Base. The machine measures the object height, and the base automatically adjusts to the perfect focal point. This saves minutes on every job setup.
3. The LiDAR Game Changer: Rotary Engraving Perfected
Rotary engraving on the P2/P2S (using the RA2 Pro) is a manual process involving measurements, calculations, and trial-and-error. It works, but it's slow and prone to mistakes.
The P3 introduces the Smart RA3 Rotary accessory, which utilizes 360° LiDAR Mapping.
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): The P3 scans the object (e.g., a tumbler or ring) and generates a precise 3D model in the software.
- Perfect Preview: You overlay your design directly onto the 3D model for flawless placement—no manual measurement required.
- Batch Rotary: Crucially, the P3 supports batch rotary engraving, a massive time-saver for businesses, which the P2/P2S cannot do.
4. Certified Safety: The Leap from Class 4 to Class 1
Safety is critical in a business or educational setting. The P2 and P2S are Class 4 laser devices, requiring strict safety protocols as the beam can potentially be exposed during certain operations (like passthrough).
The P3 achieves a certified Class 1 safety rating, the highest tier possible, ensuring the laser is fully contained and interlocked.
- Integrated Fire Suppression: The P3 includes a built-in CO₂ active fire suppression system as standard. This is an expensive optional add-on for the P2/P2S.
- Advanced Sensors: The P3 uses a robust array of IR sensors, temperature sensors, and cameras for hazard detection, superior to the P2/P2S system.
Which xTool Laser Should You Buy?
The Small Business Power User
Winner: xTool P3
If your revenue depends on volume and speed, the P3 is the only choice. The 80W power, 1200mm/s speed, automated workflow, and revolutionary LiDAR rotary system will increase your throughput exponentially compared to the P2S. The added Class 1 safety is also a benefit for commercial environments.
The Creative Professional
Winner: xTool P2S
If your work focuses on intricate designs, unique materials, and features like curved surface engraving, the P2S remains a top-tier machine. If you don't need the raw industrial power of the P3, the P2S offers the best balance of smart features and 55W performance.
The Serious Hobbyist
Toss-up: P3 or P2S
The P2S is more affordable and incredibly capable. However, the quality-of-life features of the P3—especially the motorized AutoLift and the Class 1 safety—make the entire laser experience significantly smoother and more enjoyable. If your budget allows, the P3 is the superior machine.
The Value Buyer
Winner: xTool P2
If you want the core 55W performance and smart features of the xTool platform but want the best price, the original P2 is still an excellent machine. It lacks the enhanced acceleration and airflow of the P2S but delivers professional results.
A P2 Owner’s Perspective: The Upgrade Decision
As someone who loves their xTool P2, the decision to upgrade is never easy. My P2 is reliable, powerful, and a joy to use.
However, the xTool P3 is undeniably a game-changing piece of technology from a company known for its innovation and support.
Should you upgrade from a P2 or P2S?
- If your business supports it: Yes. The productivity gains of the P3 (speed, power, automation) will pay for themselves if you are running high-volume jobs. The time saved by the AutoLift and LiDAR rotary system is substantial.
- If you are a hobbyist: It depends on your budget. The P3 is the new technological benchmark. If you find the manual Z-axis adjustments of the P2/P2S tedious, or if you prioritize the highest safety standards, the P3 is a worthy upgrade, especially if you can sell your current machine to offset the cost.
I am personally debating the upgrade, as the automation features of the P3 solve several workflow bottlenecks I encounter regularly in my workshop.
Final Verdict: Smart vs. Industrial
The choice between the P2/P2S and the P3 comes down to your primary use case: complex creation or commercial production.
The P2 and P2S remain powerful "Smart Lasers" that offer incredible versatility for creative work.
The P3 establishes a new category: the automated "Productivity Laser." It bridges the gap between desktop machines and industrial systems, offering unprecedented power, speed, and automation.
- For Maximum Productivity, Power, and Safety: Choose the xTool P3.
- For Advanced Creative Features and 55W Performance: Choose the xTool P2S.
- For Core 55W Capability at the Best Value: Choose the xTool P2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Yes, dramatically. The P3 has a maximum speed of 1200mm/s, double the 600mm/s speed of the P2 and P2S. Combined with its 80W power (vs 55W), the P3 completes jobs in a fraction of the time.
A: The main advantages are industrial performance (80W, 1200mm/s, larger work area), automation (motorized AutoLift, LiDAR ranging, integrated conveyor), and safety (Class 1 certification, built-in fire suppression).
A: The P3 offers an optional 5W Infrared (IR) laser module specifically designed for directly engraving metals (like stainless steel and aluminum) and plastics. The P2/P2S can only mark metal using specialized compounds.
A: The P2S offers faster acceleration (it reaches top speed quicker), significantly better air assist, and a more efficient exhaust fan compared to the P2. They both use the same 55W laser tube.
A: It doesn't need one. The P3 comes standard with a built-in, motorized AutoLift Base that provides 8.66" (220 mm) of vertical space and automatically adjusts the height, eliminating the need for the manual riser required by the P2/P2S.
A: Yes. The P3 is a Certified Class 1 laser device, meaning it is fully enclosed and interlocked for maximum safety. The P2 and P2S are Class 4 devices.
(Affiliate Disclosure) As an affiliate partner with xTool, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I (The Crafty Catsman) purchased my xTool P2 with my own funds and provide authentic perspectives. Our goal is to offer trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions.