xTool P2S vs F1 Comparison
CO₂ vs Diode: Which Technology Is Right For You?
Choosing between the xTool P2S and F1 involves deciding between two fundamentally different laser technologies: CO₂ and diode. Each excels at different tasks, materials, and price points.
This comprehensive comparison will help you understand which machine is best suited for your specific needs, whether you're a hobbyist, small business owner, or professional maker looking to optimize your workflow and results.
I've spent months testing both machines across a variety of materials and projects to give you the most accurate, hands-on insights to guide your decision-making process.
The Competitors
xTool P2S
PREMIUM
xTool F1
BEST VALUE
Quick Verdict
Choose the P2S if you:
- Need to cut thick materials (up to 20mm)
- Require maximum cutting and engraving speed
- Run a production business where time = money
- Work primarily with wood, acrylic, and leather
- Have a higher budget ($4,499) and adequate space
Choose the F1 if you:
- Need to directly engrave metals without coating
- Work mainly with thin materials (under 10mm)
- Have limited space for your laser setup
- Prefer a more affordable option ($1,499)
- Want a machine that's easier to set up and maintain
Side-by-Side Comparison
We've analyzed the key specifications of both machines to help you compare their capabilities at a glance. Specifications marked 'Better' indicate superior performance in that category.
xTool P2S
xTool F1
CO₂ vs Diode: Understanding the Technologies
CO₂ Laser Technology (P2S)
The P2S uses a 55W CO₂ laser tube that generates an infrared beam by electrifying carbon dioxide gas. This technology has been the gold standard for professional laser cutting for decades.
CO₂ lasers excel at cutting thick materials cleanly and quickly, with minimal charring. They're ideal for deep cutting through wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, and paper. However, they struggle with metals (requiring marking solution) and have limited engraving detail compared to diode lasers.
Diode Laser Technology (F1)
The F1 uses a 10W or 20W diode laser that generates a beam by passing electricity through semiconductor materials. This newer technology offers impressive capabilities in a more compact, affordable package.
Diode lasers excel at direct metal engraving and fine detail work. They can engrave stainless steel, aluminum, and copper without special coatings. While they can cut thin materials effectively, they struggle with materials thicker than 10mm and operate at slower speeds than CO₂ lasers.
Material Capabilities Compared
P2S Excels With
- Thick plywood (up to 20mm)
- Thick acrylic (up to 18mm)
- MDF and hardwoods
- Thick leather (5-8mm)
- Fabrics and paper (clean cuts)
F1 Excels With
- Metals (direct engraving)
- Stainless steel, aluminum
- Glass and mirrors
- Ceramic and stone
- Fine detail engraving
Both Handle Well
- Thin plywood (3-6mm)
- Thin acrylic (up to 5mm)
- Thin leather
- Paper and cardboard
- Cork and foam
Material Performance Insights
After extensive testing with both machines, I found material-specific performance differences that might influence your decision:
Thick Material Cutting
The P2S cuts through 18mm acrylic in a single pass, while the F1 requires multiple passes for materials over 5mm and struggles beyond 10mm. For woodworkers and fabricators regularly cutting thick materials, the P2S offers significant time savings and cleaner results.
Metal Engraving
The F1 can directly engrave onto stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass without any special coatings or marking solutions. The P2S requires marking spray or paste to engrave metals, making the F1 superior for jewelry makers, metalworkers, and trophy/award businesses.
Acrylic Projects
For acrylic signage and projects, the P2S creates crystal-clear, polished edges when cutting, while the F1 tends to produce slightly more frosted edges. However, for engraving on acrylic, both machines perform excellently, with the F1 capable of finer detail work.
Workflow and Software Comparison
xTool P2S Workflow
Software Options
- xTool Creative Space (free, beginner-friendly)
- LightBurn ($60 license, professional features)
- Compatible with offline and online modes
Setup and Operation
- Requires ventilation/exhaust system (included)
- Larger footprint (37.4" × 28.3" × 9.6")
- Dual camera system with AI-assisted alignment
- Auto-focus capability for materials
- Requires more cooling and maintenance
xTool F1 Workflow
Software Options
- xTool Creative Space (free, beginner-friendly)
- LaserBox (proprietary for F1)
- Compatible with offline and online modes
Setup and Operation
- Minimal ventilation needs (smoke extraction recommended)
- Compact footprint (17.6" × 13.6" × 28.1")
- 13MP camera system with good alignment
- Auto-focus capability for materials
- Less maintenance required than CO₂ lasers
Business Applications
Ideal P2S Business Uses
Production Woodworking
For businesses creating wooden signs, boxes, decorations, and architectural elements at scale
Acrylic Fabrication
For creating displays, signage, light fixtures, and promotional items from thick acrylic
High-Volume Production
For businesses where speed and throughput directly impact profitability
Leather Crafting
For cutting and engraving leather goods like wallets, bags, holsters, and decorative items
Ideal F1 Business Uses
Jewelry Engraving
For personalized metal jewelry, rings, pendants, and watches with fine detail work
Trophy & Award Making
For customizing metal trophies, plaques, medals, and recognition awards
Mobile Engraving Service
For on-site personalization at events, markets, or client locations due to compact size
Small-Scale Production
For startups and side businesses with limited space and budget but needing professional results
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about xTool P2S vs F1 lasers
The xTool P2S uses a 55W CO₂ laser that excels at cutting thick materials and delivering high-speed performance, while the F1 uses a 10W or 20W diode laser that's more affordable, more compact, and better at direct metal engraving. The P2S offers faster speeds (600mm/s vs 400mm/s) and can cut thicker materials (up to 20mm vs 10mm), while the F1 costs significantly less ($1,499 vs $4,499) and has a wider working area in one dimension.
The P2S works better with thicker materials (up to 20mm) including wood, acrylic, and leather. It's ideal for rapid cutting of plywood, MDF, and thick acrylic. The F1 excels at direct metal engraving (stainless steel, aluminum, copper) without requiring marking solutions. It also works well with thin woods, leather, paper, and cardboard, but struggles with thick or dense materials.
The P2S is worth the extra cost if you regularly cut thick materials (over 10mm), need the fastest possible working speeds, or run a production business where time savings justify the investment. The F1 offers better value for hobbyists, beginners, and those primarily focused on metal engraving or working with thinner materials.
Both the xTool P2S and F1 can work offline. They connect via USB or Wi-Fi to your computer and work with offline software like LightBurn or xTool Creative Space. Unlike cloud-only lasers like Glowforge, both xTool machines offer flexibility to operate without internet connectivity.
For a small business, the choice depends on your products and volume. Choose the P2S if you: cut thick materials, need maximum production speed, or create large quantities of items. Choose the F1 if you: primarily engrave metals, work with thinner materials, have space constraints, or need to minimize initial investment while still offering professional-quality results.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing of both the xTool P2S and F1, it's clear these machines serve different needs and budgets. The choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements:
P2S is the better choice if...
You regularly work with thick materials, run a production business where time savings directly impact your bottom line, or need the versatility and cutting power of a CO₂ laser for complex projects.
F1 is the better choice if...
You need direct metal engraving capabilities, are on a tighter budget, have limited space, or primarily work with thinner materials and fine detail work.
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