xTool vs Glowforge: A Comprehensive Guide

2026 Update: This comparison has been updated to reflect xTool's current CO2 lineup and Glowforge's latest Performance Series (including HD models). xTool now offers two tiers: the P2S (55W) for value-focused businesses and the P3 (80W) as the flagship powerhouse. Meanwhile, Glowforge's Performance Series has shifted toward its HD models (Pro HD and Plus HD), which command premium pricing. Before purchasing, please check each product's official website for the actual availability and pricing of the specific model you plan to buy.

If you're choosing between xTool and Glowforge for a small business or side hustle in 2026, here's the short answer: xTool P2S is the better CO2 laser for most business users. It offers 55W laser power versus Glowforge Pro's 45W and Glowforge Plus' 40W, a larger cutting area, LightBurn support, USB/Type-C operation without WiFi through xTool Studio or LightBurn, and stronger production add-ons. For businesses seeking the ultimate in performance, the xTool P3 delivers 80W power, 2.3x larger work area, 8x faster speeds, and Class 1 safety—at the same price as Glowforge Plus HD ($6,999), or $1,000 less than Glowforge Pro HD ($7,999), while decisively outperforming across every metric SMBs care about: power, speed, work area, and reliability.

Laser cutting isn’t just for industrial applications anymore. Thanks to compact desktop lasers, heavy-duty machines are now within reach of DIY enthusiasts and home crafters.

Laser cutting is no longer confined to industrial workshops. Glowforge pioneered the adoption of laser technology for consumer-grade desktop devices and sparked this industry shift. As the market evolves at a rapid pace, xTool has emerged as the world’s largest and fastest-growing brand in desktop laser cutting, continuously empowering creators to push creative boundaries.

This guide takes an in-depth look at today’s market leader xTool and industry trailblazer Glowforge, with a focus on their flagship CO2 laser cutters.

xTool vs Glowforge: 2026 Product Lineup Overview

The journey of Glowforge began nearly a decade ago with the launch of its CO2 laser machine, now known as the Glowforge Pro. Glowforge calls the product a 3D laser printer, but technically it is a laser cutting and engraving machine. Besides CO2 laser models such as Glowforge Pro and Glowforge Plus, the company has also offered diode laser machines such as Glowforge Spark and Glowforge Aura.

Glowforge was an early pioneer in the consumer laser space, yet the market has seen massive shifts.

xTool is currently the globe’s largest and fastest-growing desktop laser engraver brand. Its CO2 product line has become an industry benchmark. The flagship xTool P2S is celebrated as a masterpiece of desktop laser technology, featured on the best product lists of TechRadar, Tom's hardware and other leading tech media. Building on this foundation, the xTool P3 sets a new standard as the best large format laser cutter—awarded by CNET for its exceptional 80W power, industrial-grade 36"×18" work area, and Class 1 safety in a desktop form factor. For businesses prioritizing maximum throughput, scalability, and professional-grade capabilities, P3 represents the pinnacle of desktop CO2 laser technology.

Understanding Product Tiers

xTool's 2026 CO2 lineup is structured into two clear tiers:

Glowforge's Performance Series spans three tiers:

The key shift in 2025-2026: Glowforge has repositioned its HD models as the premium flagship offerings. The HD series features Preview Mode, enhanced HD cameras, and improved optics—but at significantly higher price points. This makes the comparison straightforward: P2S vs Pro/Plus at the value tier, and P3 vs Pro HD/Plus HD at the flagship tier.

Quick Comparison: Full Product Line

Here's how all four key models stack up:

Value Tier (~$2,000-3,000)

Flagship Tier (~$6,000-8,000)

Key Takeaway: At the flagship tier, xTool P3 delivers 2x the power, 2x the work area, and 8x the speed of Glowforge HD models—at the same price as Plus HD ($6,999) or $1,000 less than Pro HD ($7,999).

Note: Prices may change due to official discounts. Please check the official website for the latest price at the time of purchase.

Value Tier: xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro/Plus

The following sections compare P2S against Glowforge Pro and Glowforge Plus at the value tier.

Laser Type & Power

Both the xTool P2S and Glowforge models are equipped with CO2 laser modules, but their optical power varies. The Glowforge Pro model features a 45W CO2 laser, whereas the Glowforge Plus operates with a 40W laser. This allows the machines to cut through materials up to ½ inch thick (12.7mm) in a single pass. The exact top engraving speed of the Glowforge isn’t officially stated, but discussions from their community forums suggest it is around 141mm/s.

In comparison, the xTool P2S features a more powerful 55W CO2 laser module. This increased power enables the P2S to cut up to 20mm thick acrylic in one pass and achieve a top engraving speed of 600mm/s. xTool's product data also states that P2S can cut 3mm basswood at 35mm/s, about 3 times faster than a 40W diode laser.

Working Area

At first glance, the xTool P2S and Glowforge might appear similarly sized, but there are notable differences. The P2S offers a slightly larger working area of 600×305mm compared to Glowforge's 495×279mm.

Furthermore, the P2S’s workspace is expandable, both in terms of length and height. Thanks to its automated passthrough slot and conveyor feeder, it can process sheets up to 118 inches long. An additional riser base elevates the machine to accommodate materials up to 8.5 inches tall.

The Glowforge Pro also includes a passthrough slot, which enables it to handle long sheets. However, it can only accommodate materials up to 2 inches high, and that's after removing the internal tray. The Glowforge Plus has no passthrough slot and cannot be extended for longer materials.

Positioning Precision & Autofocus

This is one of the areas where P2S is far ahead of Glowforge in terms of tech. We see that most desktop laser machines have a dual camera: one panoramic camera for overall workspace preview. And another close-range camera on the laser head for the auto-focusing. The two-camera setup is necessary as most panoramic cameras have blind spots due to their positioning.

On standard Glowforge Pro/Plus models, the wide-angle camera provides full work-area preview accuracy of about 0.25", while the macro head camera supports fine-detail alignment at about 0.004". The HD series is marketed as a camera/optics upgrade with clearer visual precision, but Glowforge still does not disclose exact camera resolution numbers.

Conversely, the xTool P2S enhances this concept with its dual 16MP camera setup, comprising a 180-degree panoramic camera and a close-range camera. This 16MP resolution is unparalleled in the smart cutting machine market, significantly outshining competitors like OMTech Polar, which typically feature only 5MP cameras. To put it into perspective, a 16MP camera provides 16 million pixels, dwarfing the 5 million pixels of a 5MP camera and even surpassing the roughly 8 million pixels of 4K resolution.

Besides the camera, xTool’s autofocus technology uses LiDAR ranging and camera positioning. According to xTool product specifications, P2S has 0.3mm camera positioning precision, 0.3mm camera ranging precision, and 0.015mm motion accuracy.

Compatible Materials

Both xTool P2S and Glowforge support broad material cutting and engraving as CO2 laser platforms. xTool P2S is rated at 55W and explicitly claims one-pass cutting up to 20mm acrylic and 18mm wood, while Glowforge rates Pro at 45W and Plus at 40W. Based on published specs, P2S is positioned for stronger thick-material single-pass cutting, though outcomes in real use vary by material and settings.

These laser cutters can process materials such as wood, paper, fabric, leather, rubber, acrylic, and cardboard. They also support engraving on stone, glass, and coated metals. However, it’s important to note that neither machine can engrave bare metals.

Uneven Surface Engraving

Engraving on flat surfaces is standard across desktop laser engravers. Glowforge does support that but xTool P2S is one of the rare machines to support uneven/curved surface engraving. This capability is attributed to its CurveAce™ Technology, which creates a 3D model of the surface. The machine's z-axis laser head then automatically adjusts its focus to accurately engrave over the contours.

Furthermore, P2S also supports rotary engraving on cylindrical objects like tumblers, spherical balls, and rings. This functionality requires the use of a separate attachment, the RA2 Pro.

Software

The software component is crucial as it helps in transferring designs to the laser machine and managing its operations. Glowforge operates exclusively through its proprietary software, Glowforge Print. This web application is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. It allows users to scan drawings and place them onto materials. Additionally, Glowforge offers an online catalog of ready-made designs and templates.

In contrast, the xTool P2S is compatible with the popular laser control software LightBurn, in addition to its own custom software, xTool Studio. xTool Studio supports Windows and macOS and connects to P2S via USB or Wi-Fi. It enables users to drag and drop designs onto materials, perform batch engraving on multiple objects, and create new design ideas with xTool generative art, known as AImake. xTool Studio also provides access to design resources for users. Besides, Atomm offers more than 60,000 ready-made files that can be used directly or serve as great sources of inspiration.

Safety Features

Given the powerful lasers both the xTool P2S and Glowforge utilize, safety is a significant consideration. Glowforge incorporates basic safety sensors to warn users of unexpected movements or temperature increases.

However, the xTool P2S adopts a more comprehensive approach to safety. It is fully enclosed, featuring a laser light filtering lid, an emergency stop button, an automatic lock to secure the machine during operations, and a multi-warning system to monitor the safety of interior components. xTool also offers a fire safety kit for laser cutters, which is designed to detect and extinguish flames within seconds.

Add-Ons

Add-ons are additional attachments introduced to enhance the working capabilities of a machine. In this aspect, the xTool P2S surpasses Glowforge due to a broader range of available attachments.

xTool provides several useful add-ons, including a riser base to accommodate taller objects, a smoke purifier for indoor work environments, a rotary attachment for cylindrical objects, a conveyor feed for processing long sheets, and a fire safety kit to extinguish fires.

Flagship Tier: xTool P3 vs Glowforge Pro HD/Plus HD

The following sections compare P3 against Glowforge Pro HD and Plus HD at the flagship tier.

What Are Glowforge HD Models?

Before comparing, it's important to understand what Glowforge's HD series offers—and where it falls short. Glowforge HD models (Pro HD $7,999, Plus HD $6,999) represent Glowforge's premium offerings with these upgrades:

The HD upgrade primarily adds Preview Mode (see your design on material before printing) and HD camera quality. However, the core specifications—laser power (40-45W), work area (18-20"), and speed (~141mm/s)—remain unchanged from non-HD models.

In essence, Glowforge HD = faster cameras + preview feature + premium price. But even with these upgrades, HD models cannot match xTool P3's fundamental capabilities.

Laser Type & Power

The xTool P3 delivers industrial-grade 80W power—nearly 2x the power of Glowforge's flagship HD models. The Glowforge Pro HD features a 45W CO2 laser, while the Glowforge Plus HD operates with a 40W laser. Both HD models allow cutting through materials up to approximately 12.7mm (½ inch) thick in a single pass, with a top engraving speed around 141mm/s.

In comparison, the xTool P3's 80W CO2 laser enables it to cut up to 25mm thick acrylic in one pass—nearly double Glowforge HD's capacity—and achieve a top engraving speed of 1200mm/s, over 8x faster than Glowforge HD's ~141mm/s. The P3 also handles 20mm basswood in a single pass, compared to Glowforge HD's ~9.5mm maximum.

Working Area

The P3 offers a workspace of 915×458mm (36"×18"), nearly double the size of Glowforge Plus HD's 508×305mm (20"×12") and Glowforge Pro HD's 495×279mm (19.5"×11").

Furthermore, the P3's workspace is expandable in both length and height. With the optional conveyor feeder, it can process materials of virtually unlimited length. The built-in motorized AutoLift base accommodates materials up to 220mm tall—more than 4x Glowforge's 50mm maximum. Glowforge Plus HD has no passthrough capability at all, while Glowforge Pro HD includes a passthrough slot but is still limited to 50mm material height.

Positioning Precision & Autofocus

Glowforge HD models feature dual HD cameras with approximately 0.025mm motion accuracy and camera-based autofocus. While an improvement over standard models, this remains limited compared to dedicated LiDAR systems.

Conversely, the xTool P3 enhances this concept with a comprehensive LiDAR + triple camera system. The 16MP SkyView panoramic camera, close-range camera, and two side cameras provide complete workspace coverage. P3's LiDAR ranging system offers more accurate distance measurement than camera-only systems, achieving ±0.01mm motion accuracy—2.5x finer than Glowforge HD's ~0.025mm.

Compatible Materials

Both P3 and Glowforge HD models support broad material cutting and engraving as CO2 laser platforms. The P3's 80W power enables one-pass cutting up to 25mm acrylic and 20mm wood, significantly more than Glowforge HD's ~12.7mm acrylic and ~9.5mm wood.

Both systems can process wood, paper, fabric, leather, rubber, acrylic, and cardboard. They support engraving on stone, glass, and coated metals. However, the xTool P3 offers an optional 5W IR module for direct metal marking—something no Glowforge model offers. The P3 also supports CurveAce™ curved surface engraving and RA3 rotary engraving, capabilities that Glowforge HD models entirely lack.

Software

The software component is crucial for transferring designs to the laser machine and managing operations. Glowforge HD models operate exclusively through Glowforge Print, a proprietary web application requiring constant WiFi connectivity. While it offers an online catalog of ready-made designs, it's locked to the Glowforge ecosystem with no LightBurn support.

In contrast, the xTool P3 supports xTool Studio software. xTool Studio connects via USB or Wi-Fi and includes AImake, an AI-powered generative design feature. P3 works offline via USB connection—no WiFi required. While P3 does not support LightBurn (unlike P2S), it offers a powerful proprietary software with AI capabilities.

Safety

Given the powerful lasers both P3 and Glowforge HD models utilize, safety is a significant consideration. Glowforge Plus HD achieves Class 1 certification, meaning no special training or safety goggles required. However, Glowforge Pro HD remains a Class 4 laser device, requiring users to complete safety training and wear protective eyewear during operation.

The xTool P3 achieves Class 1 certification with a fully enclosed design, built-in fire suppression system, and comprehensive monitoring. It features real-time temperature, airflow, and water flow monitoring with automatic shutdown protection. The integrated inverter water chiller maintains optimal operating temperature for extended use. This means P3 delivers Class 1 safety with 80W power—the highest power level available in a Class 1 desktop CO2 laser.

Add-Ons & Production Ecosystem

Add-ons enhance a machine's working capabilities, and P3 offers a superior ecosystem compared to Glowforge HD models.

Glowforge HD models support basic add-ons like the Performance Laser Filter ($1,295). However, they offer no rotary attachment, no conveyor feeder, and no curved surface capability.

The xTool P3 includes a motorized AutoLift base—no additional purchase required. Its intelligent conveyor feeder enables unlimited-length processing for mass production. The RA3 rotary attachment handles cylindrical items up to 200mm diameter. The optional 5W IR module adds metal marking capability. Built-in fire suppression provides automatic protection. Smoke purifier integration works seamlessly with xTool's filtration systems.

Which is Better for a Small Business or Side Hustle?

Choosing the right laser cutter depends on your business stage and growth trajectory. Here's the progression from entry-level to production-ready:

For an Etsy side hustle that specifically needs CO2 power: xTool P2S still has the stronger ROI path if you plan to cut thicker acrylic, larger wood pieces, or higher-value products. If budget is the main constraint and you do not need CO2 acrylic performance yet, also consider xTool S1 40W as an enclosed diode alternative for side hustlers. For broader planning, see the best laser engraver for small business 2026.

For full-time commercial CO2 cutting / serious small business: Once you're ready to commit to laser cutting as your primary business, the P3 is the clear choice. With 80W power, it cuts 25mm acrylic in a single pass. The 36"×18" work area handles larger projects and batch layouts. At 1200mm/s max speed, production runs complete faster. Class 1 safety means no training or goggles required. Rotary and curved surface engraving open product lines flat-bed machines cannot touch.

For high-volume production / scaling operations: xTool P3 with conveyor feeder: The P3's conveyor feeder transforms it into a production powerhouse for unlimited-length processing. Combined with 80W power and 1200mm/s speeds, this setup handles mass production runs that desktop lasers typically can't manage. The built-in fire suppression and water chiller support extended operation—critical for businesses fulfilling wholesale or retail orders.

How Fast Can You Make Back Your Investment?

Price is only half the ROI story. The other half is how many paid orders it takes to recover your machine cost. Here is a side-by-side break-even estimate for every model mentioned in this guide, using two common Etsy product categories and current official pricing (prices may change with promotions).

Custom wood engraving (one of the top-selling Etsy laser categories)

• Materials cost per piece: ~$2–3 (3mm basswood blanks)
• Typical sale price on Etsy: $15–25 per piece
• Gross profit per piece: ~$12–20 (using $16 as a realistic midpoint below)

Break-even pieces = machine price ÷ $16 gross profit per piece:

At 25 pieces per week, the refurbished xTool P2S pays for itself in ~7 weeks (170 pieces), while the Glowforge Pro needs ~7.5 weeks (187 pieces). The P2S requires 17 fewer orders to break even.

For higher-tier models, the xTool P3 breaks even at ~437 pieces, vs. ~500 pieces for the Glowforge Pro HD. At the same weekly volume, the P3 recovers costs about 2.5 weeks faster.

Always check current offers, as pricing can shift break-even timelines.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Glowforge is a legacy pioneer in the laser cutter industry. That said, xTool P2S has now emerged as the market leader, boasting superior overall performance.

The P2S offers greater work area, faster speed, higher precision, and a wider array of attachments, enhancing the scope of projects one can undertake. Therefore, for those entering the crafting business or looking to expand their creative capabilities, the xTool P2S is a highly recommended option.

For businesses seeking the absolute best desktop CO2 laser available, the xTool P3 represents the pinnacle of desktop laser technology—delivering industrial performance with 80W power, Class 1 safety, and a 2.3x larger work area than competitors at a price point that undercuts Glowforge Pro HD by $1,000.

FAQs

Is xTool P2S or P3 better for starting a laser cutting business?

It depends on your stage:

• Starting out (Etsy, small batches, testing the market): P2S is the better entry point. At ~$3,319, it delivers professional CO2 capabilities without full investment. LightBurn support, rotary attachment options, and 55W power handle most small business needs.
• Full-time / serious commercial operation: P3 is the clear choice. The 80W power, 1200mm/s speed, and 36"×18" work area provide production-grade performance that scaling businesses require. At $6,999, it matches Glowforge Plus HD's price while dramatically outperforming it.

Is xTool P2S better than Glowforge Pro for a small laser business?

For most small businesses, yes. xTool P2S offers more wattage, a larger working area, LightBurn support, rotary add-ons, curved surface engraving, and a strong business-focused accessory ecosystem. It also has a lower learning curve and simpler setup process than Glowforge Pro.

What do Glowforge HD models offer over standard Pro/Plus?

Glowforge HD models (Pro HD, Plus HD) feature enhanced HD cameras for clearer preview, Preview Mode (see your design on material before printing), and improved optics. However, core hardware specs—laser power, work area, and speed—remain largely unchanged. The HD upgrade is primarily about camera/software quality rather than fundamental capability improvements.

Is xTool P3 worth the upgrade over P2S for production businesses?

For businesses requiring maximum throughput, the P3's 80W power (vs P2S's 55W), 1200mm/s speed (vs 600mm/s), and 2.3x larger work area justify the higher investment. The Class 1 safety rating eliminates the need for safety training and eyewear. However, for most small businesses, the P2S remains the best value at its price point

How does xTool P3 compare to Glowforge Plus HD at the same price?

At the same price ($6,999), xTool P3 delivers: 2x power (80W vs 40W), 2x work area (36"×18" vs 20"×12"), 8x speed (1200mm/s vs 141mm/s), plus rotary engraving, curved surface support, and offline operation—all capabilities that Glowforge Plus HD simply doesn't offer.

Does xTool P2S work with LightBurn?

Yes. xTool P2S supports LightBurn workflows for design creation and machine control. However, xTool notes that camera preview and autofocus are not supported inside LightBurn, so you will need to frame the job manually and enter material thickness yourself. For camera-guided placement and autofocus, use xTool Studio instead.

Can xTool P2S be used offline?

Yes. xTool states that P2S can be used without WiFi by connecting the machine to your computer with a Type-C cable. This works with both xTool Studio and LightBurn, so you can send and run jobs over USB when your network is unavailable or when you prefer a direct wired connection.

How do the work areas of xTool P2S and Glowforge Pro compare?

Based on official specs, Glowforge Pro has a cutting area of about 19.5" x 11" (495 x 279 mm), while xTool P2S offers about 23.6" x 12" (600 x 305 mm). Both support long-material processing through passthrough features. If you need more room for larger designs or batch layouts on the main bed, xTool P2S gives you more working space.

Can xTool P2S and Glowforge engrave metal?

Both CO2 lasers can engrave coated metals and mark some treated surfaces, but neither is a direct substitute for a fiber laser when engraving bare metal deeply or efficiently. For jewelry, metal tags, and bare metal personalization, a fiber laser is usually the better tool.