Laser cutting has revolutionized the DIY, crafting, and small business space. Whether you’re engraving wood signs, cutting acrylic jewelry, or personalizing tumblers, choosing the right laser machine is critical.
Two of the most talked-about brands today are Glowforge and xTool. But which one is right for you?
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll compare Glowforge vs xTool laser cutters based on key categories—laser type, power, material compatibility, software, price, features, and user experience—so you can confidently decide which machine suits your needs.
Overview of the Brands
Glowforge
Glowforge pioneered the consumer CO₂ laser space, launching with sleek machines targeted at creators and small businesses. Its machines are known for user-friendly software, beautiful design, and a simplified experience—though at a higher cost.
xTool
xTool offers a wider variety of laser engravers at various price points. The brand has become a favorite among hobbyists and professionals for its powerful diode and CO₂ laser options, modular upgrades, and aggressive pricing.
Comparing Glowforge Vs xTool Models
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Feature | Glowforge Pro | Glowforge Aura | xTool M1 | xTool P2 | xTool S1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Laser Type | CO₂ (45W) | Diode (6W) | Diode (10W) | CO₂ (55W) | Diode (10/20/40W) |
Cutting Area | 11” x 19.5” | 12” x 12” | 12” x 15” | 23.6” x 12.1” | 19.6” x 12.5” |
Max Material Height | 2” (Pro with passthrough) | 0.75” | 2” (with Riser) | 2.5” (8.5” with Riser) | 2” (4” with Riser) |
Engraves Acrylic? | Yes (all colors) | No (only dark colors) | No (limited colors) | Yes (all colors) | No (limited colors) |
Rotary Capability | No | No | Yes (RA2 Pro) | Yes (RA2 Pro) | Yes (RA2 Pro) |
Price Range | $5,999–$6,995+ | $999-$1,199 | $1089–$1,299 | $4,399–$4,999 | $1,548-$3000 |
Check Price |
Key Differences at a Glance
Size & Portability
- Glowforge Pro is big and heavy (55 lbs), requiring a large desk.
- xTool M1 is compact and light—great for small spaces.
- xTool P2 is similar in size to the Glowforge but with more power.
Laser Power & Capabilities
- Glowforge Pro: 45W CO₂ laser – powerful and fast.
- xTool P2: 55W CO₂ laser – even more powerful.
- xTool M1 / S1 / Glowforge Aura: Diode lasers – more affordable but slower and limited to certain materials (like acrylic colors).
Software & Ease of Use
- Glowforge App: Cloud-based, sleek, but premium features require a subscription.
- xTool Creative Space: Free, offline-capable, continuously improving.
- xTool P2 also supports LightBurn.
Maintenance & Durability
- Diode lasers (xTool M1, S1) typically last longer than CO₂ lasers (Glowforge Pro, xTool P2).
- xTool offers easier self-maintenance, while Glowforge repairs require mailing in your machine.
Safety Features
- Both brands include enclosed designs, auto-pause with lid opening, and air assist options.
- xTool P2 also offers an optional fire safety kit and emergency stop.
What Materials Can They Cut and Engrave?
Material | Glowforge CO₂ | Glowforge Aura | xTool M1/S1 (Diode) | xTool P2 (CO₂) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wood | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Acrylic (Clear) | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Leather | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Metal (Marking) | Coated Only | No | Coated Only | Coated Only |
Glass/Ceramic | Yes | Yes | Engraving Only | Yes |
Fabric/Cardboard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: If cutting clear acrylic or thick wood is important, a CO₂ machine like the Glowforge Pro or xTool P2 is necessary. For budget engraving and cutting simpler materials, xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura will suffice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners
- xTool M1: Compact, hybrid laser, printer, and blade cutter, great for small projects.
- Glowforge Aura: Also beginner-friendly, but less powerful than M1.
Best for Serious Crafters or Small Businesses
- xTool S1: Affordable, powerful diode laser with upgrade paths.
- xTool P2: Best value CO₂ machine—outperforms Glowforge Pro and costs less.
Best for Education or Learning Environments
- Glowforge Pro: User-friendly, built-in safety course, sleek software.
- xTool M1: More features (like blade cutting), but slightly steeper learning curve.
Head To Head: Glowforge Aura Vs xTool M1
Here’s a detailed head-to-head comparison of the Glowforge Aura vs. xTool M1, two popular diode laser machines aimed at hobbyists, small businesses, and DIY creators. If you’re trying to choose between them, this guide will help you decide which laser cutter is the better fit for your needs.
Glowforge Aura vs. xTool M1: Overview
Feature | Glowforge Aura | xTool M1 (10W) |
|---|---|---|
Laser Type | Diode (6W) | Diode (10W) |
Cutting Area | 12″ × 12″ | 12″ × 15.1″ |
Passthrough Slot | Yes | No |
Max Cutting Thickness (Wood) | ~1/4″ | Up to 8mm (10W model) |
Acrylic Cutting | Only some opaque colors | Limited to dark-colored acrylics |
Engraving Depth | ~0.25″ | Up to 2″ object height |
Camera Preview | Single top-down camera | Top-down camera with live preview |
Blade Cutting | No | Yes (hybrid blade tool) |
Rotary Tool Support | No | Yes (with RA2 Pro) |
Software | Glowforge App (cloud-based) | xTool Creative Space (free) |
Offline Use | No (internet required) | Yes (USB or Wi-Fi) |
Subscription Required? | Yes (for full features) | No |
Approx. Price | $999 | $1089 (often on sale) |
Ease of Use | Extremely beginner-friendly | Beginner-friendly with more features |
Ventilation | Requires filter or window vent | External vent or xTool air purifier |
Material Library | Proofgrade recommended | Built-in + customizable settings |
Check Price |
Key Differences
xTool M1 Advantages:
- Hybrid Machine: Includes a blade cutter for vinyl, stickers, and HTV.
- More Powerful (10W): Cuts thicker wood than Glowforge Aura.
- Offline Capabilities: Can run without an internet connection.
- Rotary Compatibility: Engrave tumblers and round objects with RA2 Pro.
- No Subscription Needed: Full access to design features and material settings.
Glowforge Aura Advantages:
- Sleek and Simple Software: Glowforge App is intuitive and polished.
- Built-in Cloud Ecosystem: Design library and auto-material recognition (if using Proofgrade).
- Passthrough Slot: Can process longer materials for signs and projects.
Who Should Choose What?
If You Want… | Choose |
|---|---|
Maximum versatility (blade, rotary, deeper engrave) | xTool M1 |
Sleek design and very simple operation | Glowforge Aura |
No ongoing subscription fees | xTool M1 |
A passthrough slot for longer material cuts | Glowforge Aura |
Working offline or with USB | xTool M1 |
Working in the Glowforge design ecosystem | Glowforge Aura |
Best Overall Value: [xTool M1 (10W)]
With hybrid functionality, higher cutting power, rotary support, and no required subscription, the xTool M1 offers much more functionality for the price—especially for serious hobbyists or small business owners.
Best for Simplicity: [Glowforge Aura]
If you’re brand new to laser crafting and want a clean, out-of-the-box experience with minimal learning curve, the Glowforge Aura is a solid pick—just know its capabilities are more limited.
Head To Head: Glowforge Pro Vs. xTool P2
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the Glowforge Pro vs. xTool P2 — two high-performance desktop CO₂ laser cutting machines designed for serious crafters, makers, and small business owners.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Glowforge Pro | xTool P2 |
|---|---|---|
Laser Type | CO₂ Laser (45W) | CO₂ Laser (55W) |
Laser Power | 45W | 55W |
Max Work Area | 19.5″ x 11″ (cutting) | 23.6″ x 12.1″ |
Passthrough Slot | Yes (Pro only) | Yes (with Automatic Conveyor Feeder) |
Max Material Height | 2″ (with tray removed) | 2.5″ (up to 8.5″ with Riser Base) |
Camera System | Single wide-angle camera | Dual 16MP cameras (wide + close-up) |
Engraving Speed | Up to 340 mm/s | Up to 600 mm/s |
Material Capability | Wood, acrylic, leather, some metals | Wood, acrylic, leather, slate, rubber, more |
Software | Glowforge App (cloud-based, paid tiers) | xTool Creative Space + LightBurn (offline) |
Offline Use | No (cloud access required) | Yes |
Rotary Attachment | Not supported | Supported (RA2 Pro) |
Air Assist | Optional upgrade | Included standard |
Safety Features | Auto-stop lid, light-blocking enclosure | Emergency stop, auto-lock lid, optional fire safety kit |
Check Price |
Power & Performance
- Winner: xTool P2
With 10W more laser power, the P2 cuts faster and deeper than the Glowforge Pro. It’s better for high-throughput jobs, thicker materials (like 20mm acrylic), and professional-grade engraving.
Software
- Winner: xTool P2
Glowforge’s software is user-friendly but cloud-dependent and requires a subscription for advanced features. xTool Creative Space is free, works offline, and supports LightBurn for pro users.
Workspace & Material Flexibility
- Winner: xTool P2
The P2 not only offers a larger cutting area, but also accepts taller materials (especially with the Riser Base) and has advanced features like curved surface engraving and rotary support.
Safety & Maintenance
- Winner: xTool P2
Both are enclosed and safe, but the xTool P2 edges ahead with its emergency stop, auto-locking lid, and optional fire safety system.
Price & Value
- Winner: xTool P2
Despite being more powerful and feature-rich, the P2 is $2,000+ cheaper than the Glowforge Pro and includes extras like air assist, camera upgrades, and modular expandability.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose Glowforge Pro if you:
- Want a plug-and-play experience with slick cloud-based software
- Are loyal to Glowforge’s ecosystem and Proofgrade materials
- Value simplicity over power
- Choose xTool P2 if you:
- Want more power, faster cutting, and a larger engraving space
- Plan to engrave on curved/tall objects or use a rotary tool
- Want offline access, free software, and better value for money
Overall Winner: xTool P2 — It’s the more powerful, versatile, and cost-effective machine for serious makers and small business use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which machine is better for beginners: Glowforge or xTool?
Glowforge Aura is better for those who want a super simple, plug-and-play setup with minimal learning curve. The cloud-based software is easy to use, and the Aura is very approachable.
xTool M1 offers more features (like blade cutting and offline use) but has a slightly steeper learning curve. It’s ideal for beginners who want room to grow.
Verdict: Glowforge Aura for simplicity, xTool M1 for versatility.
Does Glowforge or xTool have better software?
Glowforge App is beautifully designed, cloud-based, and very beginner-friendly. But advanced features (like custom shapes and premium designs) require a monthly subscription.
xTool Creative Space is 100% free, works offline, and supports SVG uploads and LightBurn for advanced users (with the P2 or S1 models).
Verdict: Glowforge wins on simplicity, xTool wins on freedom and no fees.
Which machine is more cost-effective in the long run?
xTool M1 is typically more cost-effective:
Lower upfront cost (often under $1,000 on sale)
No mandatory subscription fees
Compatible with third-party materials and accessories
Modular add-ons like the rotary and air assist extend its capabilities affordably
Glowforge’s higher pricing and dependence on their Proofgrade materials and optional software subscriptions make it more expensive over time.
Which laser cutter is better for selling products on Etsy or at craft shows?
If you plan to start or grow a craft business, the xTool M1 or P2 is the better choice:
xTool M1 gives you engraving, blade cutting (for vinyl and HTV), and rotary engraving for tumblers.
xTool P2 (CO₂) offers even more power for faster cutting and thicker materials—perfect for high-volume or complex projects.
Glowforge Aura is suitable for casual crafting or personal gifts but is limited in materials and speed for small business production.
Final Verdict: Is xTool Better Than Glowforge?
In terms of:
- Price-to-performance → xTool wins.
- Laser power → xTool P2 beats Glowforge Pro.
- Beginner friendliness → Both M1 and Aura are solid.
- Flexibility and upgrades → xTool’s ecosystem has more to offer.
My recommendation: