Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

xTool F1 Ultra vs Xtool S1 40W

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 S1 40W is the only one of the two with a published score (4.9); xTool F1 Ultra has none, so this is not a close call so much as an unmeasured one. The gap is mostly about Makers who prioritize safety and modular versatility for wood and dark materials — 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 S1 40W
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Laser Engravers
Xtool S1 40W
8 sources1 derived$1,499as of Oct 1

The Xtool S1 40W offers a fully enclosed Class 1 design that ensures safety by containing fumes and preventing laser leakage, while magazine.raspberrypi found this complete enclosure removes the need for protective eyewear during operation. Its interchangeable modules allow users to switch between blue diode cutting and infrared metal engraving, though hobbylasercutters noted that precise physical alignment is critical because the system lacks a visual preview camera. The machine’s primary drawback is its inability to cut clear acrylic or transparent plastics due to the limitations of its blue wavelength laser technology. This model fits makers who prioritize safety and modular versatility for wood and dark materials, but those requiring work with glass or clear sheets should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Fully enclosed Class 1 design provides comprehensive safety against laser leakage, fumes, and fire with automatic shutoff.
  • — Interchangeable laser modules allow switching between 40W blue diode for cutting and 2W infrared for metal engraving without buying new machines.
  • — Pin-point positioning system uses a physical probe to locate workpieces accurately, avoiding the distortion issues common in camera-based systems.
Watch-outs
  • — Cannot cut clear acrylic or transparent plastics due to the blue wavelength limitations of diode lasers.
  • — The included exhaust hose has a small diameter (3.25 inches) and short length, often requiring third-party extensions for garage use.
  • — Lacks an integrated camera for visual previewing, relying instead on physical markers which can miss material if not carefully aligned.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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 S1 40W

The Xtool S1 40W offers interchangeable modules for switching between blue diode and infrared metal engraving, providing versatility similar to the Creality Falcon A1 Pro but with a different motion system. Unlike the xTool F2 Ultra UV which uses cameras for positioning, the S1 relies on a physical probe for pinpoint accuracy, avoiding distortion issues common in camera-based systems.

Specs side-by-side

SpecxTool F1 UltraXtool S1 40W
Laser Power20W40W
Laser Type20W fiber & 20W diode galvo dual laserDiode / IR optional
Working Area220 x 220 mm19.6 x 12.5 in
Max Speed10,000 mm/s600 mm/s
Machine Dimensions273 mm x 373 mm x 492 mm22.5 x 20.5 x 8.5 inches
Machine Weight14.7 kg20 kg
ConnectivityUSB or WifiUSB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Accuracy0.08mm10 times more accurate than single-camera systems
Engraving Area—432 x 406 mm
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