xTool M2 vs. xTool S1 40W
Both lasers compared directly. The better value is marked in green, where this can be said objectively.
The key differences
- The xTool M2 is in a lower price class (€500 to €1,000) than the xTool S1 40W (€1,500 to €3,000).
- The xTool S1 40W has the more powerful main source (40 W optical).
- The xTool S1 40W has the larger work area (498 × 319 mm).
- Only the xTool M2 has a built-in camera for positioning.
- Air assist is included with the xTool M2; on the xTool S1 40W it is only available as an accessory.
| xTool M2 | xTool S1 40W | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | €500 to €1,000 | €1,500 to €3,000 |
| Price in the manufacturer's shop | from €549.01 (As of 26 Oct 2026) | €1,779, Basic Bundle (As of 26 Oct 2026) |
| Laser type | Diode laser | Diode laser |
| Laser source | blue diode 10 W or 20 W optical; optional 3 W infrared 1064 nm; optional CMYK inkjet module | Diode 40 W optical; optional 2 W infrared 1064 nm |
| Power (optical, main source) | 10 W | 40 W |
| Work area | 426 × 320 mm | 498 × 319 mm |
| Dimensions | 610 × 569 × 180 mm | 765 × 561 × 183 mm |
| Weight | 12.3 kg | 20 kg |
| Construction type | Gantry | Gantry |
| Enclosure | enclosed | enclosed |
| Laser class | Class 1 | Class 1 |
| Speed (max.) | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Cutting according to the manufacturer | Basswood up to 8 mm (10 W) or 10 mm (20 W), black acrylic up to 3 mm or 8 mm in one pass | up to 18 mm cherry wood, 15 mm linden plywood, 15 mm black acrylic in one pass; stainless steel up to 0.1 mm |
| Air Assist | built-in (air pump, no external connection) | optional (Smart Air Assist) |
| Camera | yes, 5 MP overview camera and 2 MP close-up camera | no (snapshot via smartphone photo) |
| Fume extraction | no filter integrated, desktop air purifier or SafetyPro AP2 optional | integrated exhaust fan with exhaust hose, air purifier optional |
| Rotary attachment | optional, round engraving up to 100 mm diameter without riser | optional (RA2 Pro) |
| Software | xTool Studio | xTool Studio (XCS), LightBurn (basic functions) |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Materials (according to the manufacturer) | Wood, MDF, Acrylic (opaque), Paper, Cardboard, Foam, Leather, Felt, Fabric, Cork, Rubber, Glass, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal (with IR module) | Wood, MDF, Paper, Leather, Felt, Acrylic (opaque), Bamboo, Fabric, Glass (dark), Ceramic, Stone, Slate, Cork, Stainless steel (marking), Painted/coated metal, Plastic (with IR module) |
Who is which one suitable for?
xTool M2
Hobbyists and beginners who want to combine laser engraving with colour printing on paper, wood and fabric.
- affordable entry into an enclosed class 1 laser
- Air Assist and two cameras as standard
xTool S1 40W
Makers and small businesses who mainly cut wood and opaque acrylic and want an enclosed diode laser.
- high cutting power for a diode laser (up to 18 mm wood according to the manufacturer)
- Class 1 enclosure with fume extraction
Facts, not a buying recommendation. This page summarises manufacturer specifications and our assessment. If we recommend a device, it is explicitly marked “Our recommendation”. Figures marked ◇ do not come from the manufacturer; the source is linked. How we work