xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro
The Ultimate CO₂ Laser Cutter Comparison for 2025
xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro
The Ultimate CO₂ Laser Comparison for 2025
xTool P2S
Glowforge Pro
For years, the Glowforge Pro has been the household name in desktop laser cutting, but xTool's P2S has emerged as a formidable challenger that surpasses the veteran in multiple ways. In this comprehensive comparison, I'll examine whether Glowforge's premium price is still justified in 2025 based on my hands-on testing of both machines.
Quick Verdict
After extensive testing, the xTool P2S emerges as the clear winner with superior power (55W vs 45W), faster speeds (600mm/s vs 300mm/s), larger work area, and better camera system — all while costing $2,300 less than Glowforge Pro.
The Competitors
xTool P2S
WINNER
Glowforge Pro
Side-by-Side Comparison
Hover over each specification to see details highlighted. Items marked "Winner" indicate superior performance.
xTool P2S
Glowforge Pro
Key Features & Differences
Superior Power & Speed
The xTool P2S delivers 55W of cutting power compared to Glowforge Pro's 45W, giving it a 22% advantage. This translates to cutting through thicker materials more efficiently.
Even more impressive is the speed difference — xTool P2S operates at speeds up to 600mm/s, twice as fast as Glowforge Pro's ~300mm/s maximum speed. This means significantly reduced processing times for your projects.
Advanced Camera System
xTool P2S features a dual 16MP HD camera system that enables precision placement and advanced capabilities like:
- AI-assisted object detection
- Auto alignment of materials
- 3D surface scanning for curved engraving
- Batch processing with multiple items
Glowforge Pro uses a single fisheye camera that provides basic visual positioning but lacks advanced features.
Software & Connectivity
The xTool P2S works with LightBurn (professional industry standard) or xTool Creative Space, offering both local and cloud-based options. It connects via WiFi, USB-C, or Ethernet.
Glowforge Pro uses cloud-only software that requires a constant internet connection to function. When internet is down, the machine cannot be used at all.
Value Proposition
At $3,699, the xTool P2S costs $2,300 less than the $5,999 Glowforge Pro while offering superior specifications in almost every category.
The P2S represents significantly better value with higher performance and added capabilities, making it difficult to justify Glowforge Pro's premium price in 2025.
Camera System Comparison
xTool's Dual Camera System Visualization
The panoramic and close-up cameras work together to provide full bed coverage and precision alignment
xTool P2S Camera System
- Two 16MP HD cameras providing full bed coverage
- Wide-angle panoramic camera captures entire workspace
- Close-up camera for fine detail and alignment
- AI-assisted object detection and auto-alignment
- Batch processing capability with auto-detection
- Surface scanning for 3D curved engraving
Glowforge Pro Camera System
- Single lid-mounted camera with fisheye lens
- Workspace preview with ~6mm placement accuracy
- Material recognition for Proofgrade™ materials
- Basic alignment with moderate precision
- Requires calibration to maintain accuracy
- Cannot detect or scan material height/shape
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro
The xTool P2S features a 55W CO₂ laser tube compared to Glowforge Pro's 45W, giving it 22% more power. This translates to faster cutting through thicker materials and the ability to handle tougher materials more effectively.
xTool P2S features dual 16MP HD cameras while Glowforge Pro uses a single camera with fisheye lens. The xTool's dual camera system enables advanced features like 3D surface mapping, AI-assisted object detection, and batch processing capability.
xTool P2S can work without internet connection via USB-C or locally on WiFi, while Glowforge Pro requires a constant internet connection to function as it uses cloud-based software exclusively.
The xTool P2S is priced at $3,699 while the Glowforge Pro costs $5,999. The P2S delivers superior specifications in almost every category (power, speed, working area, features) while costing $2,300 less than the Glowforge Pro.
Material Capabilities
Wood
Acrylic
Leather
Metal Marking
Both machines can cut and engrave similar materials including wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, and cardboard. The xTool P2S offers better results with thicker materials due to its higher power output.
With optional accessories, the xTool P2S can also mark metals with its RA2 Pro rotary attachment, giving it a slight edge in versatility for specialized materials.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison across multiple categories, the xTool P2S emerges as the clear winner versus the Glowforge Pro, offering superior performance, features, and value.
Performance Winner: xTool P2S
With 55W power (vs 45W) and 3× faster engraving speed, the P2S delivers superior cutting depth and drastically reduced processing times.
Value Winner: xTool P2S
At $3,699, the P2S costs $2,300 less than the Glowforge Pro while offering more power, speed, working area, and capabilities.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an affiliate partner with xTool and other brands mentioned, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support our free content while providing you with direct links to purchase the products we review. Our primary goal is to offer valuable, trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions.