Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W vs xTool S1 20W
Spec-by-spec breakdown of the Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W and the xTool S1 20W: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.
8.0
Sculpfun E1 Pro 21WSculpfun · Diode
The Sculpfun E1 Pro puts a 21W diode on a CoreXY gantry inside a Class 1 enclosure with a 400 × 320 mm work area, built-in camera, air pump and honeycomb bed. Sculpfun claims 600 mm/s engraving and 12 mm wood in one pass. A Dual bundle adds a swappable 3W 1064 nm IR module for metal. Launched June 2026; no in-depth independent review yet.
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8.0
xTool S1 20WxTool · 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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Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W
5 spec wins
Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W wins on
xTool S1 20W
3 spec wins
xTool S1 20W wins on
Overall, it's a tie — both score 8.0 in our database.
| Spec | Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W | xTool S1 20W |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Brand | Sculpfun | xTool |
| Laser type | Diode | Diode (diode + IR) |
| Main focus | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs |
| Main objective | Enclosed diode engraving and wood cutting on a mid-size bed at an open-frame price | Everyday engraving plus reliable light cutting on wood, leather, and dark acrylic |
| Best for |
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| Scores | ||
| Score | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Value score | Best8.1 | 7.2 |
| Ease of use | 8.3 | Best9.2 |
| Capability | Best7.6 | 7.2 |
| Build quality | 8.0 | Best9.0 |
| Pricing | ||
| Price | Best $849 – $1,149 781 € – 1.057 € $849 single 21W, $1,149 Dual with 3W IR module (Sculpfun store, Oct 2026) | $1,299 – $2,599 1.195 € – 2.391 € Official xTool store, Oct 2026: $1,299 to $2,599 depending on bundle |
| Hardware | ||
| Power | Best21W diode (enclosed) | 20W diode (enclosed) |
| Work area | 400 × 320 mm | Best498 × 330 mm |
| Precision | — | 0.01 mm |
| Dimensions | 590 × 500 × 205 mm | — |
| Real-world performance | ||
| Sample engrave | Filled photo or logo on birch plywood ~7–11 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 ~3–5 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 × 0.08 mm | ~0.07 mm spot |
| Max speed | 600 mm/s (36,000 mm/min) | 600 mm/s |
| Materials | ||
| Engraves | Best
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| Cuts |
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| Software & connectivity | ||
| Software | Sculpfun Space, LightBurn | xTool Creative Space, LightBurn |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi (app) | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Verdict | ||
| TL;DR | The Sculpfun E1 Pro puts a 21W diode on a CoreXY gantry inside a Class 1 enclosure with a 400 × 320 mm work area, built-in camera, air pump and honeycomb bed. Sculpfun claims 600 mm/s engraving and 12 mm wood in one pass. A Dual bundle adds a swappable 3W 1064 nm IR module for metal. Launched June 2026; no in-depth independent review yet. | 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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“Best” highlights the strongest spec on paper for that row only — not an overall buying recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W or xTool S1 20W?
They are tied in our database: both score 8.0/10 overall. The right pick depends on which specs matter most for your projects — the table above breaks it down.
Which is cheaper: Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W or xTool S1 20W?
The Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W is the more affordable option, starting around $849, versus $1,299 for the xTool S1 20W.
Which is better for a beginner: Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W 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 8.3/10 for the Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W.
What is the main difference between the Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W and the xTool S1 20W?
The Sculpfun E1 Pro 21W is a Diode laser geared toward engraving & 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.