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Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W vs xTool S1 20W

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W and the xTool S1 20W: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W laser engraver by Creality

7.7

Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W

Creality · Diode

Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W is the 40W SKU on the Creality creality falcon2 pro line. Creality's top open-frame diode at 60W combined (22W optical class). Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.

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xTool S1 20W laser engraver by xTool

8.0

xTool S1 20W

xTool · Diode

The 20W S1 is the value pick in xTool's enclosed diode line: same cabinet and filters as the 40W, but less cut depth on thick wood. Buy this if safety matters and you mostly engrave.

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Our verdict

Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W

3 spec wins

Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W wins on

Value scorePricePower

xTool S1 20W

4 spec wins

xTool S1 20W wins on

ScoreEase of useBuild qualityWork area

Overall, the xTool S1 20W takes it: 8.0 vs 7.7 in our scoring.

SpecCreality Falcon2 Pro 40WxTool S1 20W
Overview
BrandCrealityxTool
Laser typeDiodeDiode (diode + IR)
Main focusBuilt mainly for cutting shapes and partsHandles everyday engraving and cutting jobs
Main objectiveMaximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speedsEveryday engraving plus reliable light cutting on wood, leather, and dark acrylic
Best for
  • Maximum cuts in line
  • Speed-focused hobby
  • Thick soft woods
  • Cut-heavy weeks
  • Mixed engrave & cut
  • Hobby side business
  • Signs & boxes
  • Small-batch gifts
Scores
Score7.7Best8.0
Value scoreBest7.47.2
Ease of use8.0Best9.2
Capability7.27.2
Build quality8.0Best9.0
Pricing
PriceBest

$799 – $1,099

735 € – 1.011 €

40W optical module: verify SKU before buying

$999 – $3,049

919 € – 2.805 €

20W enclosed SKU

Hardware
PowerBest40W diode20W diode (enclosed)
Work area400 × 415 mmBest430 × 390 mm
Precision0.01 mm0.01 mm
Real-world performance
Sample engrave

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~12–18 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~9–14 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Sample cut

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~6–10 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~5–8 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Spot size~0.06 mm spot~0.07 mm spot
Max speed417 mm/s400 mm/s
Materials
Engraves
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Stainless steel (color and dark mark)
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Slate
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Slate
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Stainless (with spray)
Cuts
  • Basswood (up to 10 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Basswood (up to 8 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
Cannot do
  • Clear acrylic
  • CO₂-level acrylic production
  • Deep metal engraving
  • Large business throughput without upgrades
  • Clear acrylic
  • CO₂-level acrylic production
  • Bare metal without spray
  • Thick hardwood in one pass
Software & connectivity
SoftwareCreality Laser, LightBurnxTool Creative Space, LightBurn
ConnectivityUSBWi-Fi, USB
Verdict
TL;DRCreality Falcon2 Pro 40W is the 40W SKU on the Creality creality falcon2 pro line. Creality's top open-frame diode at 60W combined (22W optical class). Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.The 20W S1 is the value pick in xTool's enclosed diode line: same cabinet and filters as the 40W, but less cut depth on thick wood. Buy this if safety matters and you mostly engrave.
Pros
  • Strongest cut headroom in the line: about 10 mm basswood-class stock in benchmarks
  • 40W: the most cut-focused head in the Creality Falcon2 Pro line
  • Open-frame: plan laser glasses, exhaust, and workspace rules from day one
  • Software on the profile: trial your workflow on scrap before production
  • Everyday engrave and light cut mix: typical 8 mm basswood in several passes
  • Swappable head on the same chassis: upgrade power without replacing the whole machine
  • Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
  • Software on the profile: trial your workflow on scrap before production
Cons
  • Clear cast acrylic and thick production cutting still favor CO₂, not diode power alone
  • Confirm optical wattage on the listing before you buy
  • Clear cast acrylic and thick production cutting still favor CO₂, not diode power alone
  • Confirm optical wattage on the listing before you buy

“Best” highlights the strongest spec on paper for that row only — not an overall buying recommendation.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W or xTool S1 20W?

In our scoring, the xTool S1 20W comes out ahead with 8.0/10 overall versus 7.7/10 for the Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W. The detailed table above shows exactly where each machine wins.

Which is cheaper: Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W or xTool S1 20W?

The Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W is the more affordable option, starting around $799, versus $999 for the xTool S1 20W.

Which is better for a beginner: Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W or xTool S1 20W?

The xTool S1 20W is the easier machine to start with: it scores 9.2/10 for ease of use, versus 8.0/10 for the Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W.

What is the main difference between the Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W and the xTool S1 20W?

The Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W is a Diode laser geared toward cutting, while the xTool S1 20W is a Diode laser geared toward engraving & cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.