CO2 laser comparison · updated October 19, 2026
xTool P2S vs OMTech Polar 2 RF: cameras, cooling and work area
Compare P2S for its camera-placement tools and Polar 2 RF for its air-cooled source and larger desktop bed. We also include P3 for buyers whose work needs a larger bed and its additional automation. These are specification-based recommendations, not results from a side-by-side test.
Quick answer
The listed prices were: OMTech Polar 2 RF was $4,999.99, xTool P2S was $2,999, and xTool P3 was $6,999 when checked on October 11 – October 19, 2026. Shortlist Polar 2 RF for its air-cooled source and larger desktop bed, P2S for camera-led creative workflow, and P3 when production features justify the step up. P2S now also has a LightBurn 2.2 network path, marked Labs; software access alone does not decide the comparison. OMTech also sells a 70W glass Polar 2 version; the spec matrix below includes it so the RF comparison is not mistaken for the whole Polar 2 line.
Disclosure: xTool, OMTech, and Amazon links on this page may be affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Prices are dated observations; check the current package and total before ordering.
The two desktop choices
Which features would you use?
P2S places designs with camera tools. Polar 2 RF combines a larger desktop bed with an air-cooled source. Compare those differences against the work on your bench.
Manufacturer product images over illustrative wood and acrylic texture. These recommendations use published features, not a head-to-head test.
You use camera placement for varied blanks.
We would compare P2S when you frequently place designs on varied or irregular blanks. Try its camera and placement tools with your artwork; this comparison does not establish a measured reduction in waste.
You want an air-cooled RF source
Polar 2 RF combines an air-cooled source, 710 × 360 mm bed, and a package currently listing a LightBurn license and basic rotary. Its longer source-life estimates are conditional manufacturer figures, not a warranty or our test results.
- Polar 2 work area
- 710 × 360 mm
- RF cooling
- Air cooled
Check the software before choosing.
Polar 2 lists LightBurn and RDWorks V8. P2S now has a LightBurn 2.2 network connection marked Labs; we have not tested it. Software access alone no longer decides this pair. If the bed size is the limitation, compare P3 in the machine and price sections below.
The real comparison
Software, camera placement and larger jobs
Check whether your software supports the placement, rotary and camera features you need, then watch it run one of your files.
Software
LightBurn support differs by machine.
- Polar 2
- LightBurn / RDWorks V8
- P2S
- Current firmware + 2.2.00 or later
- P3
- Unsupported
xTool’s October 10 notice and LightBurn’s older June 29 warning both remain published.
Cooling and package
Polar RF cooling and included equipment
- 710 × 360 mm work area.
- LightBurn and basic rotary currently listed.
- Filtration is separate.
Source-life figures are conditional manufacturer estimates.
Larger jobs
P3 bed size and loading features
Compare loading, lift features and the complete job. We have not timed equivalent batches on these machines.
Full software, camera, source-life and growth-path explanation
Software feel
Which software workflow do you need?
Polar 2 lists LightBurn and RDWorks V8. P2S can now use LightBurn 2.2.00 or later over the network with current firmware, according to xTool’s October 10 notice; LightBurn marks the new support as Labs. Its older June 29 warning remains published. P3 remains unsupported. We have not tested the new xTool connection, so compare supported features and setup rather than treating LightBurn as exclusive to OMTech.
Shop behavior
Camera placement, cooling and the work area
Compare P2S camera placement tools with the Polar 2 RF’s air-cooled source and larger 28 x 14 inch work area. Polar 2’s current package lists LightBurn and a basic rotary, but filtration is separate. The manual estimates source life by power band; those figures do not establish operating cost or a guaranteed replacement interval.
Growth path
When to compare the larger P3
For repeated batches, compare the bed layout, loading, lift features and total job time. P3 may be worth considering when its larger bed or automation solves a specific limitation; we have not timed equivalent work on all three machines.
Software checked October 19, 2026 against xTool's firmware notice(paid link) and LightBurn's xTool documentation. Read the current LightBurn compatibility guide before changing firmware.
Spec matrix
Compare the published specifications.
Compare work area, source, cooling, software and safety information below. The separate laser specification table provides the same source notes. Package contents and shipping still need confirmation for your order.
Open the full four-configuration specification comparison
Source checks October 11 – October 19, 2026 · manufacturer data only
xTool P2S vs OMTech Polar 2 RF and Glass vs xTool P3: manufacturer-documented specs
Every number below comes from the manufacturer's own pages, manuals, and support docs — each cell links its source (). Where a manufacturer doesn't document something, we say not documented instead of guessing. Where a manufacturer contradicts itself, we say that too.
| Spec | OMTech Polar 250W RFRF package listed for sale; warehouse stock and delivery not verifiedChecked OMTech Polar 2 guide | OMTech Polar 270W GlassGlass package listed for sale; warehouse stock and delivery not verifiedChecked OMTech Polar 2 guide | xTool P2S55W CO2Pre-order · xTool: "Estimated shipping from late October" (checked October 11, 2026; it said early October on September 22)Checked xTool P2S guide | xTool P380W CO2Current flagship · in stock (xTool: "ships in 3-5 business days")Checked xTool P3 guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Money | ||||
| Price (checked) | $4,999.99 for the 50W RF Package, checked October 19, 2026↗ | $3,699.99 for the 70W CO₂ Package, checked October 19, 2026↗ | $2,999 Standalone (pre-order), checked October 11, 2026↗(paid link) | $6,999 Standalone, checked October 11, 2026↗(paid link) |
| List / compare-at | $7,599.99 vendor compare-at (not verified MSRP)↗ | $5,199.99 vendor compare-at (not verified MSRP)↗ | $4,499 compare-at↗(paid link) | $6,999 (xTool's strikethrough price)↗(paid link) |
| Active promo | not documented | not documented | Ended: xTool's 6th Anniversary Sale ran September 14–October 4, 2026 ($200 off orders over $1,499 at checkout); check the product page for any current offer↗(paid link) | Ended: xTool's 6th Anniversary Sale ran September 14–October 4, 2026 ($700 off orders of $6,999+, $1,500 off $8,899+, at checkout); check the product page for any current offer↗(paid link) |
| Engine | ||||
| Laser source | RF metal CO2 tube, air-cooled↗ | DC glass CO2 tube, closed-loop water-cooled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Glass CO2 tube, closed-loop water-cooled. OMTech's product page and manual both say "Glass Tube" with no further tube-type qualifier↗ | 55W glass CO2 tube, liquid-cooled (built-in tank and pump; user-filled antifreeze)↗(paid link) | CO2 tube (glass/RF construction not documented), 10.6 µm↗(paid link) |
| Power | 50W↗ | 70W↗ | 55W↗(paid link) | 80W↗(paid link) |
| Tube life (as documented) | Manufacturer service-life estimates: 30,000/25,000/20,000 hrs at <40%/40–70%/>70% power; not a warranty or measured replacement interval↗ | Manufacturer service-life estimates: 10,000/6,500/1,500 hrs at <40%/40–70%/>70% power; consumable glass tube, not a warranty or measured replacement interval↗ | 6,000–8,000 hrs (xTool product-page FAQ); tube warrantied 6 months as a consumable↗(paid link) | ~10,000 hrs per FAQ; tube warrantied 6 months as wearing part↗(paid link) |
| Max speed | 2,000 mm/s engrave (X); 500 mm/s Y per manual↗ | 1,200 mm/s engrave (X); 12,000 mm/s² accel claim↗ | 600 mm/s; 6,400 mm/s² X accel↗(paid link) | 1,200 mm/s; 19,600 mm/s² X accel↗(paid link) |
| Spot size | 0.07 mm (marketing copy; not in manual spec table)↗ | not documented | 0.15 × 0.15 mm↗(paid link) | 0.15 × 0.18 mm standard M lens (S/L optional; FAQ lists different values)↗(paid link) |
| Capacity | ||||
| Work area | 28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)↗ | 28 × 14 in (710 × 360 mm)↗ | 23.6 × 12 in (600 × 305 mm)↗(paid link) | 36 × 18 in (915 × 458 mm) — "2.3x larger than P2S"↗(paid link) |
| Max material height | 4.53 in (115 mm)↗ | 4.92 in (125 mm)↗ | 71 mm (2.80 in) without tray; 64 mm with tray; 215 mm (8.46 in) with the separate Riser Base↗(paid link) | 220 mm manual mode / 180 mm auto mode↗(paid link) |
| Pass-through | FAQ says no openings; manual safety text mentions pass-through doors. Usable pass-through is not confirmed↗ | FAQ says no openings; manual safety text mentions pass-through doors. Usable pass-through is not confirmed↗ | None on the base machine; 118 in (3 m) lengths need the separate Automatic Conveyor Feeder plus rail kits (the Riser Base is required); max 14 mm thick↗(paid link) | No manual pass-through documented; the optional Intelligent Conveyor Feeder feeds stock through a front inlet: 60 in standard, up to 5 m with seven extra rail sets; conveyor use makes P3 Class 4↗(paid link) |
| Workflow | ||||
| Camera | 16MP, ±1 mm positioning, full-bed view↗ | 16MP, ±1 mm positioning, full-bed view↗ | Dual 16MP (close-range + panoramic), 0.3 mm positioning↗(paid link) | 4-camera stack: 16MP SkyView panoramic + close-range + 2 side flame cams↗(paid link) |
| Autofocus | Yes — one-touch↗ | Yes — one-touch↗ | Yes — LiDAR ranging; xTool's older P2/P2S LightBurn setup had no autofocus, and LightBurn says its 2.2 release (October 19, 2026) adds autofocus for P2 and P2S lasers with IR rangefinders as a Labs feature↗(paid link) | Yes + LiDAR ranging + motorized AutoLift base (16 kg capacity)↗(paid link) |
| Software | FREE LightBurn license included; RDWorks V8 compatible↗Maker's page now says (checked ): OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item; RDWorks V8 compatible↗ | FREE LightBurn license included; RDWorks V8 compatible↗Maker's page now says (checked ): OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item; RDWorks V8 compatible↗ | xTool Studio (free); Windows / macOS↗(paid link) | xTool Studio (PC) ONLY↗(paid link) |
| LightBurn | Yes — free license bundled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Yes — OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item↗ | Yes — free license bundled↗Maker's page now says (checked ): Yes — OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item↗ | LightBurn 2.2.00 or later on current firmware — xTool's notice (updated October 10, 2026) says the P2S connects to LightBurn 2.2.00 or later over the network after its latest online firmware, and LightBurn made 2.2.00 its official release on October 19, 2026 with P2S support marked as a Labs feature; LightBurn's notice dated June 29, 2026 still advises holding off on firmware updates. xTool lists 40.22.011 as the P2S update threshold and 40.22.010.03 as its USB downgrade version↗(paid link) | No — "Lightburn and XCS (mobile and iPad versions) are not supported"↗(paid link) |
| OS support | Windows/macOS/Linux via LightBurn↗ | Windows/macOS/Linux via LightBurn↗ | Windows / macOS↗(paid link) | Windows 10 64-bit / macOS 11+; no Linux/ChromeOS↗(paid link) |
| Connectivity | USB / U-disk / Ethernet / Wi-Fi↗ | USB / U-disk / Ethernet / Wi-Fi↗ | USB-C / Wi-Fi (Ethernet appears only in xTool's comparison data and troubleshooting docs)↗(paid link) | USB / Wi-Fi (2.4G+5G) / BLE 5.1; no Ethernet documented↗(paid link) |
| Shop reality | ||||
| Air assist | Built-in pump, 14–17 L/min↗ | Built-in pump, 14–17 L/min↗ | Built-in dual-cylinder pump, up to 200 kPa, software-adjustable↗(paid link) | Built-in dual-cylinder pump, 30 L/min, 200 kPa↗(paid link) |
| Cooling | Air-cooled — no water loop at all↗ | Integrated closed-loop water cooling, 4.3 L tank, auto-shutoff protection↗ | Built-in water cooling; user fills antifreeze + purified water↗(paid link) | Built-in water cooling + chiller, 1.2 L tank, user-filled↗(paid link) |
| Exhaust / filtration | Duct fan and two 1.5 m pipes included (vent outdoors); filtration is separate. Confirm an appropriate exhaust or filtration setup for the actual workspace↗ | Duct fan and two 1.5 m pipes included (vent outdoors); filtration is separate. Confirm an appropriate exhaust or filtration setup for the actual workspace↗ | Built-in dual-fan exhaust (14,000 RPM); filter screens need cleaning every 4 hrs of continuous use; AP2 purifier separate↗(paid link) | No built-in fan — SafetyPro IF2 2.0 inline fan INCLUDED in box↗(paid link) |
| Laser class | Manual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table↗ | Manual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table↗ | Class 4 on xTool's spec table; the same product page says P2S comes in Class 1 and Class 4 variants, and xTool's safety FAQ says Class 1 conditions apply only without the Riser Base; interlocks + AI fire detection↗(paid link) | Class 1 standalone (Class 4 with conveyor); 8 flame sensors + built-in CO2 fire suppression (gas cylinder sold separately)↗(paid link) |
| Rotary | Basic rotary axis INCLUDED in box↗ | Basic rotary axis INCLUDED in box↗ | Not included — separate rotary (RA3 for P2S/P2); rotary diameter 3–50 mm without the Riser Base, 0–180 mm with it↗(paid link) | Not included — RA3 separate; autofocus only works with RA3↗(paid link) |
| Footprint | 46.4 × 27.3 × 14.3 in↗ | 46.4 × 27.3 × 14.3 in↗ | 39.4 × 25.1 × 10.6 in↗(paid link) | 49.2 × 30.7 × 19.5 in (1250 × 780 × 496 mm); xTool's support FAQ lists 808 mm deep↗(paid link) |
| Weight | 220.5 lb (100 kg) net (manual)↗ | 216.1 lb (98 kg) net (manual)↗ | 99.2 lb (45 kg)↗(paid link) | 231.5 lb (105 kg); ships freight↗(paid link) |
| Warranty | 2-yr machine; the product page lists a 24-month RF tube warranty (OMTech's warranty policy says 6 months for 40–60W tubes)↗ | 2-yr machine; glass tube only 12 months↗ | Main parts 12 mo; laser tube 6 mo (xTool's after-sales policy); reflector and focusing mirror 3 mo in xTool's 2023 P2 warranty article↗(paid link) | Main parts 12 mo; tube/filter/silencer 6 mo↗(paid link) |
Provenance: compiled exclusively from manufacturer sources (product pages, spec tables, user manuals, official support docs). Each machine column shows the date its manufacturer sources were last checked. Prices are launch/promo-era signals — check the maker's current store price before purchase. Every page on this site reads these numbers from the same data, so they don't drift between articles.
The three machines
Compare the source, work area and placement tools.
Start with the size of your blanks and how you place each design. Then compare cooling, software and the accessories needed for your work.
RF / LightBurn
OMTech Polar 2 RF
Shortlist it for the air-cooled RF source, larger bed and currently included LightBurn license and basic rotary. Source-life figures are manufacturer estimates.
- Power
- 50W
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Manual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table
- Consider for
- Shop seeking an air-cooled RF source
Price check and full feature notes
- Price check
- $4,999.99 OMTech store price for the RF, checked October 19, 2026
- Power
- 50W
- Workflow
- OMTech's current package lists "LightBurn Software" as an included item; RDWorks V8 compatible
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Manual: Class I product when used as instructed; embedded laser listed as Class 4 in its specification table
- Consider for
- Shop seeking an air-cooled RF source
Creative workflow
xTool P2S
Compare it for camera placement on varied blanks, then check the software and accessories needed for your jobs.
- Power
- 55W
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Class 4 on xTool's spec table; the same product page says P2S comes in Class 1 and Class 4 variants, and xTool's safety FAQ says Class 1 conditions apply only without the Riser Base; interlocks + AI fire detection
- Consider for
- Creative shop
Price check and full feature notes
- Price check
- $2,999 standalone price, checked October 11, 2026
- Power
- 55W
- Workflow
- Dual 16MP (close-range + panoramic), 0.3 mm positioning
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Class 4 on xTool's spec table; the same product page says P2S comes in Class 1 and Class 4 variants, and xTool's safety FAQ says Class 1 conditions apply only without the Riser Base; interlocks + AI fire detection
- Consider for
- Creative shop
Production step-up
xTool P3
Compare its larger bed, automation and standalone enclosure configuration when those features meet a specific workshop need.
- Power
- 80W
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Class 1 standalone (Class 4 with conveyor); 8 flame sensors + built-in CO2 fire suppression (gas cylinder sold separately)
- Consider for
- Production shop
Price check and full feature notes
- Price check
- $6,999 standalone price, checked October 11, 2026
- Power
- 80W
- Workflow
- Yes + LiDAR ranging + motorized AutoLift base (16 kg capacity)
- Manufacturer laser classification
- Class 1 standalone (Class 4 with conveyor); 8 flame sensors + built-in CO2 fire suppression (gas cylinder sold separately)
- Consider for
- Production shop
Price check
Compare the package prices and included equipment.
Prices and bundles move, so treat these as prices observed on the dates shown. The links below go to the live brand offers.
RF / LightBurn
OMTech Polar 2 RF
$4,999.99OMTech store price for the RF, checked October 19, 2026$7,599.99 vendor compare-at (not verified MSRP)No separate promotion was verified at our last price check. Filtration is not included.
Check current OMTech Polar 2 RF offerCreative workflow
xTool P2S
$2,999Standalone price checked October 11, 2026$4,499 compare-atUse the live xTool offer before checkout because bundles and accessories move quickly.
Check current xTool P2S offerProduction step-up
xTool P3
$6,999Standalone price checked October 11, 2026$6,999 (xTool's strikethrough price)Confirm the delivery date and included accessories for the package you order.
Check current xTool P3 offerPricing checked October 11 – October 19, 2026 from official OMTech and xTool pages. Shipping, coupons, bundles, financing, accessories, and regional availability can change before checkout.
Related guides
Where to go after this comparison.
FAQ
P2S, Polar 2 and P3 questions
Is the xTool P2S or OMTech Polar 2 RF better for beginners?
Shortlist P2S when its visual placement tools fit your projects. Shortlist Polar 2 RF when you want an air-cooled RF source, larger bed and its current license/rotary package. Both have LightBurn paths, with P2S’s new 2.2 support marked Labs. This is a source-based comparison, not a head-to-head test of setup time or cut quality.
Is LightBurn now supported on xTool P2S?
xTool’s October 10, 2026 notice lists P2S network connection with LightBurn 2.2.00 or later on current online firmware. LightBurn’s new xTool support is marked Labs, and its older June 29 firmware warning remains published. The Crafty Catsman has not tested that connection. P3 remains unsupported; check the current LightBurn guide for model and firmware details.
Why include the xTool P3 on a P2S vs OMTech Polar page?
P3 is worth comparing when its larger bed and automation suit work that does not comfortably fit P2S or Polar 2. Its standalone Class 1 rating applies to the specified configuration. We have not timed the same jobs on all three machines.
Can the OMTech Polar 2 RF or xTool P2S engrave bare metal like a fiber laser?
No. CO2 lasers can mark some coated or treated metals, but bare-metal engraving belongs to fiber, IR, or MOPA-style tools. If metal is the main job, compare machines like the xTool F2 Ultra instead of forcing a CO2 laser into the wrong role.
Which one is best for a small laser business?
Choose by the work you need to do. Compare P2S for visual placement, Polar 2 RF for its air-cooled source and larger bed, and P3 for its documented production features. Include software, rotary, ventilation and consumables in the cost. Peak motion figures and manufacturer tube-life estimates are not measured production output.
Amazon Support Gear
CO2 Laser Support Gear
Whether you land on xTool or OMTech, the support gear decision is mostly about exhaust, wavelength-specific eye protection, and dusty shop cleanup.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- - Match wavelength and optical density to your exact laser.
- - Eyewear does not replace a proper enclosure and interlocks.
- - Confirm duct diameter, run length, and local venting requirements.
- - Use as part of a complete fume plan, not as the whole plan.
- - Not a laser-fume or solvent-vapor solution.
- - Fit and seal matter; follow the respirator instructions.
- - Use laser-rated eyewear for laser wavelengths.
- - Replace scratched lenses.