# xTool S1 vs xTool P2S (2026): 40W Diode vs 55W CO2 > xTool S1 40W vs P2S 55W: an enclosed Class 1 diode vs a desktop CO2. Clear acrylic, cutting, cameras, upkeep, safety, real prices and which one fits your… - Source: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/xtool-s1-vs-xtool-p2s/ - Markdown version: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/xtool-s1-vs-xtool-p2s.md - Last updated: 2026-10-30 --- - [Home](https://laserengraversguide.com/) - [Guides](https://laserengraversguide.com/guides/) - xTool S1 40W vs xTool P2S 55W: Enclosed Diode or Desktop CO2? Head-to-head # xTool S1 40W vs xTool P2S 55W: Enclosed Diode or Desktop CO2? Updated October 30, 2026 By [Laser Engravers Guide Editorial Team](https://laserengraversguide.com/about/) [How we research](https://laserengraversguide.com/how-we-research/) Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy. ## Key takeaways - This is the **diode vs CO2** decision in one pair: both are enclosed, autofocusing xTool machines that claim **18 mm wood in a single pass**. - The **P2S** cuts and engraves **clear acrylic** and glass, adds dual 16 MP cameras and built-in air assist, and has a bigger bed, for about $1,100 more. - The **S1** is **Class 1**; the P2S we track is Class 4 with a lid. The S1 also has no glass tube, water loop or mirrors to maintain, and weighs 44 lb instead of 99 lb. - Amazon's only S1 listing is a "Rotary Bundle" and xTool's Canadian store lists the S1 under clearance. Confirm box contents and stock. - Verdict: the **P2S** if you can vent outside and want the widest material range; the **S1** for a home office, classroom or shared room. ## Our top picks - 1![xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p2s.Pf-kujUy_ZUoQPB.webp)Best overall if you can vent: 55 W CO2, clear acrylic, dual cameras, about $2,919[xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/)55 W co2 · Enclosed · 600 × 305 mm8.7**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 2![xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-s1-40w.BYUVEG1P_uSsS4.webp)Best Class 1 cutter for shared spaces: 40 W diode, 498 × 319 mm bed, about $1,819[xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/)40 W diode · Enclosed · 498 × 319 mm8.5**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 3![xTool P3 80W Flagship CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p3.DDJ_t47w_27DoVi.webp)CO2 with Class 1 certification: 80 W, 36 × 18 in bed, about $6,299–7,899[xTool P3 80W Flagship CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/)80 W co2 · Enclosed · 915 × 458 mm8.6**$$$$**ProPrice tier: Pro[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMJLMNF8?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 4![OMTech K40+ 45W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/omtech-k40-plus-45w.BEOGj9sl_2oxI3U.webp)Budget CO2 for clear acrylic: about $760–800, for tinkerers[OMTech K40+ 45W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/omtech-k40-plus-45w/)45 W co2 · Enclosed · 300 × 200 mm7.0**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFM5L5MD?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 5![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_oxTpc.webp)Cheaper Class 1 diode: 20 W, autofocus and camera, about $1,099[Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/)20 W diode · Enclosed · 358 × 268 mm8.2**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) ### On this page 8 sections - [The specs, side by side](#the-specs-side-by-side) - [The real difference: wavelength](#the-real-difference-wavelength) - [Where the P2S wins](#where-the-p2s-wins) - [Where the S1 wins](#where-the-s1-wins) - [Ventilation applies to both](#ventilation-applies-to-both) - [Who should buy which](#who-should-buy-which) - [Verdict](#verdict) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Before you choose - [Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Do You Actually Need?](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/) - [The Best Laser Cutter for Wood in 2026: CO2 and High-Power Diode Picks](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/) - [The Best Enclosed Laser Engravers of 2026: Which Are Really Class 1?](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-enclosed-laser-engravers/) If you want one xTool box that cuts thick wood and you have about $2,000–3,000 to spend, it comes down to these two. The [xTool S1 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) is the most powerful enclosed diode we track, and the [xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) is our best overall laser, a 55 W desktop CO2. Both autofocus, both run LightBurn, and xTool claims both cut 18 mm wood in a single pass. Under the lid, though, they’re different kinds of laser, and this pair is the clearest way to see the diode-or-CO2 trade-off. For the full background, read [diode vs CO2 vs fiber](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/). Prices are the lowest we saw on Amazon on October 29, 2026; check today’s price before you buy. ## The specs, side by side | | [xTool S1 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) | [xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) | | --- | --- | --- | | Price (Amazon) | About $1,819 (“Rotary Bundle” listing) | About $2,919 | | Laser | 40 W blue diode (455 nm, output) | 55 W CO2 glass tube (10.6 µm, xTool rating) | | Work area | 498 × 319 mm; 470 × 3,000 mm with conveyor | 600 × 305 mm; passthrough for 3,000 mm stock | | Height clearance | 42 mm; 125 mm with riser | 215 mm object height with riser | | Max speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s | | Laser class | Class 1 | Class 4 (enclosed lid) | | Camera | No (laser-pointer positioning) | Dual 16 MP | | Autofocus | Yes (multi-point probe) | Yes (LiDAR) | | Air assist | Optional add-on | Built in | | Wood cutting (maker claim) | 18 mm cherry, single pass | 18 mm basswood, single pass | | Clear acrylic | No | Yes (20 mm in one pass, maker claim) | | Metal | Marks bare metal slowly; optional 2 W IR | Coated metal only | | Software | xTool Creative Space / Studio, LightBurn | xTool Studio / Creative Space, LightBurn | | Weight | 44.1 lb | 99.2 lb | | Our score | 8.5 | 8.7 | ## The real difference: wavelength The S1’s 455 nm beam is visible blue light. Wood, leather and dark acrylic absorb it well, but transparent material doesn’t. [xTool’s own material guide](https://support.xtool.com/article/1963) notes that clear acrylic transmits visible-wavelength lasers. [MakerHacks](https://www.makerhacks.com/xtool-s1-review) warns that the S1’s 40 W rating may lead buyers to expect CO2 results: it cut black acrylic easily but couldn’t cut clear or glitter acrylic. The P2S’s 10.6 µm beam is absorbed by almost every non-metal. [The Gadgeteer](https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/01/05/xtool-p2s-55w-desktop-co2-laser-cutter-review-a-laser-cutting-and-engraving-dream-machine) singled out its ability to cut every acrylic it tried, from clear and colored to glitter and mirrored. It also etches glass. If acrylic signs, earrings, cake toppers or lamps are part of your plan, this alone decides it. Check any material in the [material checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=acrylic-clear). Metal goes the other way. Neither machine is a metal marker, but the S1’s blue diode leaves a slow, dark mark on bare stainless, and its optional 2 W IR module handles bare metal properly. The P2S’s CO2 beam marks only coated or anodized metal, or bare metal with marking spray. ## Where the P2S wins Material range. Clear acrylic, glass, and every acrylic color, plus everything the S1 does with wood, leather and paper. Cutting. Both carry an 18 mm single-pass claim, but in our research the 55 W CO2 gets through thick stock faster than the 40 W diode, and the P2S’s claim covers 20 mm acrylic too. Its built-in dual-cylinder air pump comes standard, while the S1’s air assist is an extra. Ease of use. Dual 16 MP cameras let you place designs on scrap and batch-fill a sheet, and LiDAR autofocus handles curved surfaces. The Gadgeteer found the wide-view camera’s image quality poor, but positioning still works. The S1 has no camera at all. You position with a red crosshair and jog controls, which MakerHacks found accurate but expects to put some buyers off. Bed and height. 600 mm wide versus 498 mm, and up to 215 mm object height with the riser versus 125 mm. ## Where the S1 wins Safety class. The S1 is Class 1, so nobody in the room needs goggles with the lid shut. The P2S we track is rated Class 4 despite its enclosed lid. That’s fine in a garage or studio where you control the room, but it’s a harder sell in a classroom or a shared office. xTool’s product page mentions a Class 1 variant of the P2S. If that’s what you want, confirm which version a listing is before you order. Upkeep. The S1’s diode module has no gas tube, water loop or mirrors. The P2S beam comes from a water-cooled glass tube: setup includes filling its tank with distilled water and antifreeze, then running the optical path alignment, per The Gadgeteer. [xTool says](https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-p2s-55w-desktop-co2-laser-cutter-amz) the tube lasts 6,000–8,000 hours, fading to about 95% power at 1,000 hours and about 70% by the end, and mirrors need periodic cleaning. xTool has made that easier with an alignment indicator and quick-install mirrors, but it’s still more to look after. Size and price. At 44.1 lb, the S1 fits on an ordinary sturdy desk. The P2S weighs 99.2 lb in a box about a meter wide, so plan a sturdy bench. The S1 also costs about $1,100 less. Metal option. The S1’s optional 2 W IR head adds proper bare-metal marking. The P2S has no such option; in xTool’s lineup, that’s the [P3](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/). The S1 comes with two buying caveats. Amazon’s only S1 listing is titled “Rotary Bundle”, and we couldn’t confirm the RA2 Pro rotary is in the box, so check before you count it. And xTool’s Canadian store listed the S1 under clearance in October 2026, so stock may thin. ## Ventilation applies to both Neither machine is smoke-free. Both need their exhaust hose run outside, ideally with a duct fan like the [AC Infinity Cloudline S4](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JB292JC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) and [VIVOSUN 4-inch ducting](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUURUVM?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) for longer runs, or a purifier. xTool pairs both with the [SafetyPro AP2](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCJQS1J?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) when you can’t vent outdoors. Cutting thick wood and acrylic makes heavy smoke, and some acrylic fumes are harmful, so take this seriously. See the [ventilation guide](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-ventilation-guide/) and keep an [ABC extinguisher](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084P5PPNC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) beside either machine. Worthwhile add-ons: the [S1 Riser Base](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKYY7GQ?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) keeps the S1 Class 1 with rotary and tall items. For the P2S, the [P2 Honeycomb Panel 2.0](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D472GG2D?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) stops small parts dropping through, and [clear cast acrylic sheets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHSCPS3K?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) are the material that justifies buying it. ## Who should buy which Buy the xTool P2S if you can vent a laser outdoors in a garage, workshop or studio; you want to cut acrylic of any color or etch glass; and you’d like cameras to make placement easy. It’s the most versatile laser for the money in our guide, and the [P2S Versatile Bundle](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYNZC9TC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) adds the rotary, riser and conveyor if you’ll use them. Buy the xTool S1 40W if the laser lives in a home office, classroom or shared space where Class 1 matters; you mainly cut and engrave wood, leather and dark acrylic; you want the option of bare-metal marking; or you don’t want to look after a tube and water loop. Consider something else if you want CO2 and Class 1: the [xTool P3](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/) is certified Class 1 but costs about $6,299–7,899 and weighs 231.5 lb. For clear acrylic on a tight budget, the [OMTech K40+](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/omtech-k40-plus-45w/) costs about $760–800 but has a small 300 × 200 mm bed, manual focus and mirror alignment. For a cheaper Class 1 diode, the [Creality Falcon A1 Pro](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) has 20 W and a camera for about $1,099. ## Verdict If you can vent it and don’t need Class 1, the xTool P2S is the better machine. It handles everything the S1 does plus clear acrylic and glass, with cameras and stronger air assist, and that’s why it’s our best overall pick. The xTool S1 40W is the right answer when the room decides: it’s the strongest cutter you can run in a shared space without goggles, and it’s simpler to own. For more options, see the [best laser cutters for wood](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/) and the [best enclosed laser engravers](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-enclosed-laser-engravers/). ## Don't guess. Calculate. - [🎯 Laser Matcher](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/): which lasers fit your projects - [🧪 Material Checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/): what each laser can cut - [💰 Profit Calculator](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/profit-calculator/): cost, price and payback - [📊 Compare every laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/): sortable spec table ## Frequently asked questions ### Can the xTool S1 cut clear acrylic? No. The S1 is a ~455 nm blue diode, and clear acrylic lets that light pass straight through. MakerHacks notes it cuts black acrylic easily but not clear or glitter acrylic. The P2S's 10.6 µm CO2 beam cuts clear acrylic; xTool claims 20 mm in one pass. ### Is the xTool P2S safe to use at home? It can be, with precautions. The version we track is rated Class 4 despite its enclosed lid, so don't defeat the lid interlock. It needs to be vented outdoors or run with a purifier such as xTool's SafetyPro AP2, and like any laser it should never run unattended. xTool's product page mentions a separate Class 1 variant; confirm which one you're buying. ### How long does the P2S laser tube last? xTool quotes 6,000–8,000 hours. Power fades gradually, to about 95% at 1,000 hours and about 70% by 6,000–8,000 hours. Diode modules like the S1's don't use a gas tube or water cooling. ### Which cuts wood faster, the S1 or the P2S? xTool claims 18 mm wood in a single pass for both (cherry for the S1, basswood for the P2S), but CO2 generally cuts thick stock faster with cleaner edges. The P2S also has stronger built-in air assist, while air assist is an add-on for the S1. ## Sources - [xTool P2S 55W desktop CO2 laser product page](https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-p2s-55w-desktop-co2-laser-cutter-amz) · checked 2026-10-30 — Cuts 20 mm clear acrylic in one pass; tube life 6,000–8,000 hours with power falling to about 95% at 1,000 hours and about 70% at end of life; optical path alignment indicator; Class 4 and Class 1 variants offered. - [MakerHacks: xTool S1 review](https://www.makerhacks.com/xtool-s1-review) · checked 2026-10-30 — Can't cut clear or glitter acrylic despite 40 W; cuts black acrylic easily; no camera, red-crosshair positioning; touch-probe autofocus occasionally missed small items; no tube to maintain; LightBurn supported. - [The Gadgeteer: xTool P2S review](https://the-gadgeteer.com/2025/01/05/xtool-p2s-55w-desktop-co2-laser-cutter-review-a-laser-cutting-and-engraving-dream-machine) · checked 2026-10-30 — Cuts all types of acrylic including clear, glitter and mirrored; setup includes filling the water tank with distilled water and antifreeze and running optical path setup; wide-view camera image quality is poor. - [xTool Support: Material Processing Guide](https://support.xtool.com/article/1963) · checked 2026-10-30 — Transparent acrylic transmits visible-wavelength lasers; most non-metals absorb 10.6 µm CO2 light well. ## Get new guides by e-mail One short e-mail when Laser Engravers Guide publishes a new guide. No spam, no sharing your address, and you can unsubscribe in one click. E-mail address New posts only · Unsubscribe anytime · [Privacy](https://laserengraversguide.com/privacy/) Our #1 pick Best overall if you can vent: 55 W CO2, clear acrylic, dual cameras, about $2,919 ![xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p2s.Pf-kujUy_EYMdl.webp) ### [xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) 8.7 - 55 W co2 - Enclosed - 600 × 305 mm Makers and small businesses who want to cut thick wood and every kind of acrylic, engrave glass, and still have camera-guided, autofocus convenience. $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) [🎯 Not sure which fits? Match a laser to your materials, space and budget in 30 seconds.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/)[🧪 Can it cut that? Check any material against diode, CO2 and fiber lasers.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/) ## Keep reading [Laser types ### Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Do You Actually Need? Diode vs CO2 vs fiber lasers explained: how wavelength decides what each cuts and marks, plus speed, upkeep, cost and safety, plus our picks of each type. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/)[Wood ### The Best Laser Cutter for Wood in 2026: CO2 and High-Power Diode Picks The best laser cutters for wood in 2026: the xTool P2S CO2, the Class 1 xTool S1 40W, the Longer Ray5 40W on a budget and more, with honest cut-depth claims. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/)[Enclosed ### The Best Enclosed Laser Engravers of 2026: Which Are Really Class 1? The best enclosed laser engravers of 2026, and which are actually Class 1. Falcon A1 Pro, xTool S1, M2, P3 and more, plus lidded lasers that are still Class 4. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-enclosed-laser-engravers/) Best overall if you can vent: 55 W CO2, clear acrylic, dual cameras, about $2,919 xTool P2S $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)