Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

xTool F1 Ultra vs xTool F2 Ultra UV

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

xTool F2 Ultra UV is the only one of the two with a published score (4.5); xTool F1 Ultra has none, so this is not a close call so much as an unmeasured one. The gap is mostly about Makers prioritizing thermal-free precision on delicate items like glass and paper — read the strengths below before deciding.

xTool F1 Ultra
Ranked #8 in Best Laser Engravers
xTool F1 Ultra
Unrated3 sources$2,599as of Oct 1

The xTool F1 Ultra combines a 20W blue diode laser and a 20W infrared fiber source in one compact galvo machine, enabling it to engrave wood, leather, and metals at speeds up to 10,000 mm per second. hobbylasercutters found that this dual-source architecture allows the device to cut thick materials like acrylic and thin metal sheets effectively. The integrated camera simplifies alignment on irregular items, while momsandcrafters demonstrated its ability to create detailed 3D relief engravings using embossing mode. However, the solid bottom plate makes it harder to create custom jigs compared to previous models, and initial setup requires accessing a hard-to-see screw for laser alignment. This machine fits users needing high-speed versatility in a stationary workshop but may frustrate those requiring easy jig construction or frequent transport.

Strengths
  • — Combines a 20W blue diode laser and a 20W infrared fiber laser in one compact machine, per HobbyLaserCutters.
  • — Features a large 220mm x 220mm working area, expandable to 500mm with the optional conveyor accessory.
  • — Includes an integrated camera for autofocus and framing, allowing precise alignment on various materials, per Make magazine.
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks a removable bottom plate, making it harder to create custom jigs compared to previous models, per Make magazine.
  • — Aligning the dual lasers requires accessing a hard-to-see screw during initial setup, per Make magazine.
xTool F2 Ultra UV
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Laser Engravers
xTool F2 Ultra UV
6 sources$7,311.58as of Oct 1

The xTool F2 Ultra UV utilizes 355nm cold-processing technology to engrave heat-sensitive materials like chocolate and paper without charring or melting, while its interchangeable lens system enables embedded 3D crystal work. Hobbylasercutters highlighted this unique inner engraving capability as a standout feature for the machine. However, the device operates exclusively within the closed xTool Studio ecosystem, which lacks compatibility with third-party tools like LightBurn, and its material preset library is incomplete, requiring manual tuning for many substrates. Hackster.io noted that this software restriction may be a dealbreaker for some users. This laser suits makers who prioritize thermal-free precision on delicate items over open-source workflow flexibility.

Strengths
  • — Cold-processing UV technology at 355nm enables photochemical ablation that engraves without burning, charring, or melting heat-sensitive materials like chocolate and paper.
  • — Capable of embedded 3D inner crystal glass engraving using a specialized interchangeable lens and precision pedestal stand included in the package.
  • — Features dual 48-megapixel internal cameras that provide accurate positioning down to approximately 0.2 mm and support auto-focus workflows.
Watch-outs
  • — The xTool Studio software ecosystem is closed, offering no compatibility with third-party tools like LightBurn which many makers prefer.
  • — The material preset library in the software is incomplete, requiring users to manually dial in settings for many specific materials not listed by default.

How they stack up

xTool F1 Ultra

The xTool F1 Ultra combines dual lasers and galvo technology to reach engraving speeds of 10,000 mm/s, far exceeding the Creality Falcon A1 Pro's 600 mm/s CoreXY speed. While it offers high versatility for metals and wood in a compact form factor, its solid bottom plate makes custom jig construction harder compared to machines with removable plates like some traditional diode cutters.

xTool F2 Ultra UV

The xTool F2 Ultra UV uses cold-processing UV technology to engrave heat-sensitive materials like chocolate without charring, a capability the standard diode lasers in the Glowforge Aura or Creality Falcon A1 Pro lack. Although it offers precise 0.2mm positioning via dual cameras, its closed software ecosystem restricts third-party tool compatibility unlike the open workflows preferred by many makers.

Specs side-by-side

SpecxTool F1 UltraxTool F2 Ultra UV
Laser Power20W5W
Laser Type20W fiber & 20W diode galvo dual laser5W UV laser
Working Area220 x 220 mm7874 x 7874 in
Max Speed10,000 mm/s15,000 mm/sec
Machine Dimensions273 mm x 373 mm x 492 mm294 mm × 429 mm × 520 mm
Machine Weight14.7 kgaround 50 pounds
ConnectivityUSB or WifiWindows and macOS
Accuracy0.08mm—
Engraving Area—200 mm × 200 mm
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