Workshop comparison

xTool P2S vs F2 Comparison

CO2 production power or portable diode speed?

The P2S is the larger enclosed CO2 machine for cutting thicker stock and repeat work. The F2 is the portable diode and infrared route for metal marks, small objects, and on-site personalization.

Bigger material routeCO2 production

xTool P2S

Power: 55W CO2
Speed: 600 mm/s
Best for: Thick stock

Portable dual-laser routePortable detail

xTool F2

Power: 15W diode + 5W IR
Speed: 6,000 mm/s
Best for: Metal marks

Quick Verdict

The xTool P2S ($2,999 sale price, regular $4,499, when checked October 3, 2026) is a 55W CO₂ laser with a 600×305mm bed that cuts 20mm acrylic and 18mm basswood in one pass — choose it for cutting thick materials and production work. The xTool F2 ($1,499 list price when checked October 3, 2026) is a 4.6kg portable 15W diode + 5W infrared laser with a 115×115mm working area that marks bare metal — choose it for metals, small items, and portability. On current firmware, both need xTool Studio rather than LightBurn.

2026 UPDATED

RESEARCH-BASED

DETAILED COMPARISON

Choosing between the xTool P2S and F2 involves deciding between two fundamentally different laser setups: a CO₂ laser, and a portable pair of diode and infrared lasers. 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.

This is a research-based comparison, not a hands-on test: I have not used the P2S or the F2. It draws on xTool's published specifications and documentation. I own and use an xTool P2, the P2S's predecessor, which gives me context for the P2S but is not a test of it.

Updated October 3, 2026: this page used to compare the P2S with the xTool F1. xTool's US store no longer sells the F1 new (only refurbished units when checked October 3, 2026) and sells the F2 in its place, so the comparison now covers the F2.

🚀 The Next Level: The xTool F2 Ultra

If the F2's capabilities intrigue you but you need industrial-grade power, xTool has released the F2 Ultra. It's a massive leap forward, combining a 60W MOPA Fiber Laser with a 40W Diode Laser.

The F2 Ultra is designed for deep metal engraving, color marking, and cutting thick materials, making it a desktop factory. It's not just an upgrade; it's in a different class.

Is the F2 Ultra worth the investment? Read our in-depth review →

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.

P2S store

Comparison prices use U.S. listings. Check your selected store for local pricing and availability.

Preparing P2S store links.

The Competitors

Comparison pick

xTool P2S

PREMIUM

Laser Type: CO₂ Laser
Laser Power: 55W
Engraving Speed: 600mm/s
Work Area: 600 × 305mm
Focus: Auto-focus
Camera: Dual 16MP HD
Price: $2,999 sale price (regular $4,499) when checked October 3, 2026

Comparison pick

xTool F2

PORTABLE

Laser Type: Diode + Infrared
Laser Power: 15W diode + 5W infrared
Engraving Speed: Up to 6,000mm/s
Work Area: 115 × 115mm (400 × 115mm with Slide Extension)
Focus: Auto-focus or manual
Camera: 50MP
Price: $1,499 list price when checked October 3, 2026

When checked October 3, 2026, xTool's anniversary sale also took $200 off each machine at checkout through October 4, 2026 ($2,799 for the P2S, $1,299 for the F2).

Quick Verdict

Choose the P2S if you:

Need to cut thick materials (up to 20mm)
Need to cut sheet stock in one pass
Run a production business where time = money
Work primarily with wood, acrylic, and leather
Have a higher budget ($2,999 sale price when checked October 3, 2026) and adequate space

Choose the F2 if you:

Need to mark bare metals without coating
Work mainly with small items and thin materials
Want a portable machine (4.6kg) for limited space, markets, and events
Prefer a more affordable option ($1,499 list price when checked October 3, 2026)
Want a machine that's easier to set up and maintain

Side-by-Side Comparison

These are xTool's published specifications for both machines, checked October 3, 2026. Specifications marked 'Better' indicate superior performance in that category.

Option A

xTool P2S

Option B

xTool F2

xTool P2SCO₂ Laser

Laser TypeComparable

xTool F2Diode + infrared dual laser

xTool P2S55W CO₂Advantage

PowerxTool P2S edge

xTool F215W diode + 5W infrared

xTool P2S600mm/s

Max SpeedxTool F2 edge

xTool F26,000mm/sAdvantage

xTool P2S600 × 305mmAdvantage

Work AreaxTool P2S edge

xTool F2115 × 115mm (400 × 115mm with Slide Extension)

xTool P2S18mm basswood, 20mm acrylic in one passAdvantage

Max Cutting ThicknessxTool P2S edge

xTool F215mm basswood, 12mm dark opaque acrylic in multiple passes

xTool P2S16MP close-range + 16MP panoramic cameras

Camera SystemComparable

xTool F250MP camera

xTool P2SRequires coating/marking solution

Metal EngravingxTool F2 edge

xTool F2Marks bare metal with the 5W infrared laser (no metal cutting)Advantage

xTool P2S45kg (99.2lb)

WeightxTool F2 edge

xTool F24.6kg (10.1lb)Advantage

xTool P2SxTool Studio (LightBurn on older firmware only)

SoftwareComparable

xTool F2xTool Studio only (no LightBurn support)

xTool P2S$2,999 sale price (regular $4,499) when checked October 3, 2026

PriceComparable

xTool F2$1,499 list price when checked October 3, 2026

CO₂ vs Diode + Infrared: Understanding the Technologies

Material Capabilities Compared

P2S Excels With

Thick basswood (up to 18mm in one pass)
Thick acrylic, clear included (up to 20mm in one pass)
MDF and hardwoods
Thick leather (5-8mm)
Fabrics and paper (clean cuts)

F2 Excels With

Bare metals (infrared marking)
Stainless steel, aluminum, brass
Gold, silver, and platinum
Plastics (infrared marking)
Fine detail engraving

Both Handle Well

Thin plywood (3-6mm)
Thin dark opaque acrylic
Thin leather
Paper and cardboard
Felt

Material Performance Insights

Based on published specifications and how CO₂ and diode lasers generally behave, these material-specific differences might influence your decision:

Thick Material Cutting

xTool rates the P2S at 20mm acrylic and 18mm basswood in a single pass. It rates the F2 at 15mm basswood and 12mm dark opaque acrylic, both in multiple passes, and lists no metal cutting for it. For woodworkers and fabricators regularly cutting thick materials, the P2S offers significant time savings and cleaner results.

Metal Engraving

The F2's 5W infrared laser marks stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, gold, and silver without any special coatings or marking solutions. The P2S requires marking spray or paste to engrave metals, making the F2 the better fit for jewelry makers, metalworkers, and trophy/award businesses.

Acrylic Projects

For acrylic signage and projects, the P2S cuts clear and colored acrylic up to 20mm thick in one pass. xTool lists only some dark opaque acrylic as cuttable with the F2's diode laser, so clear acrylic cutting belongs on the P2S.

Workflow and Software Comparison

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 F2 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 F2 lasers

The xTool P2S uses a 55W CO₂ laser over a 600 × 305mm bed and, by xTool's figures, cuts 20mm acrylic and 18mm basswood in one pass. The F2 pairs a 15W diode laser with a 5W infrared laser in a 4.6kg portable body with a 115 × 115mm working area (400 × 115mm with the Slide Extension). Its infrared laser marks bare metal, and xTool lists it at up to 6,000mm/s against the P2S's 600mm/s, but it cuts no metal and needs multiple passes for its thickest cuts. The P2S is the sheet-cutting machine; the F2 is the small-item and metal-marking machine. On xTool's US store the F2 was $1,499 and the P2S was $2,999 on sale (regular $4,499) when checked October 3, 2026.

The P2S works better for cutting thicker sheet stock: wood, acrylic (clear included), leather, and fabric, up to 18mm basswood and 20mm acrylic in one pass by xTool's figures. The F2's infrared laser marks bare metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, gold, and silver, plus plastics, without marking solutions. Its diode laser engraves and cuts thinner wood, leather, MDF, felt, paper, and some dark opaque acrylic. xTool lists no metal cutting for the F2, and clear acrylic is not on its cutting list.

The P2S is worth the extra cost if you regularly cut thick materials (over 10mm), need a large 600 × 305mm bed, or run a production business that cuts sheet stock. The F2 offers better value for hobbyists, beginners, and sellers focused on marking metal and personalizing small items, especially at markets and events.

Both are run from xTool Studio, xTool's desktop app for Windows and macOS, over a USB or Wi-Fi connection (xTool also lists an IP connection for the F2), unlike cloud-only lasers like Glowforge. Do not plan on LightBurn: xTool says current P2S firmware (40.22.011 and later) no longer works with LightBurn or xTool Creative Space and needs xTool Studio newer than version 1.6 (updated September 16, 2026), and xTool's F2 page says the F2 works only with xTool Studio and does not support LightBurn. LightBurn's notice dated June 29, 2026 lists both machines.

For a small business, the choice depends on your products and volume. Choose the P2S if you: cut thick materials, need a large bed, or make large quantities of cut parts. Choose the F2 if you: mark metals, personalize small items, sell at markets or events, have space constraints, or need to minimize initial investment.

Final Verdict

PREMIUM

PORTABLE

Comparing the published specifications of the xTool P2S and F2, 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.

F2 is the better choice if...

You need to mark bare metal, are on a tighter budget, have limited space or want to engrave on site at events, or primarily work with small items, thinner materials, and fine detail work.

Shop xTool P2SCheck xTool F2 price Compare All Laser Cutters