Verdict
All guidesResearchOpen dataMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

xTool P3 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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

Xtool S1 40W comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.9 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Makers who prioritize safety and modular versatility for wood and dark materials — read the strengths below before deciding.

xTool P3
Ranked #3 in Best Laser Engravers
xTool P3
4 sources1 derived$6,299as of Oct 1

The xTool P3 features a massive 915 by 458 millimeter working area that accommodates full sheets of material without splitting batches, according to hobbylasercutters. Its Automated Creation System uses four cameras and LiDAR for automatic bed leveling and autofocus, which Make or Break Shop described as the easiest industrial laser they have ever used due to its streamlined workflow. However, the machine weighs 105 kilograms, making it difficult to move without purchasing an optional mobile work stand. Initial optical path calibration can also be intimidating and time-consuming for beginners who are not familiar with mechanical alignment. This unit fits high-volume producers needing large format cutting but is likely too complex and heavy for casual hobbyists.

Strengths
  • — Massive 915 x 458 mm (36 x 18 inch) working area accommodates full sheets of material without splitting batches.
  • — Automated Creation System (ACS) integrates four cameras and LiDAR for automatic bed leveling, autofocus, and precise alignment.
  • — Interchangeable lens system includes Medium, Small, and Large options to optimize performance for engraving versus heavy cutting.
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy weight of 105 kg (230 lbs) makes the unit difficult to move without purchasing an optional mobile work stand.
  • — Initial optical path calibration can be intimidating and time-consuming, with some users reporting struggles during setup.
$6,299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
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.
$1,499 · Buy at xtool.comFull review →

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 P3

The xTool P3 features a massive 915 by 458 millimeter working area that accommodates full sheets of material, vastly exceeding the smaller beds of the Xtool S1 40W or Glowforge Aura. Its Automated Creation System simplifies alignment for high-volume production, though its immense 105kg weight makes it far less portable than lighter models like the Wainlux K10.

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 P3Xtool S1 40W
Laser Power80W CO240W
Laser Type80W CO₂ laser cutterDiode / IR optional
Working Area36024 x 18031 in19.6 x 12.5 in
Max Speed1200 mm/s600 mm/s
Machine Dimensions36 × 18 (91.5 × 45.8 cm)22.5 x 20.5 x 8.5 inches
Machine Weight105 kg (230 lbs)20 kg
Engraving Area915 x 458 mm432 x 406 mm
Accuracy0.0079"10 times more accurate than single-camera systems
Connectivity—USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
← See the full ranking of best laser engravers