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xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the xTool F1 and the xTool F1 Ultra: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

xTool F1 laser engraver by xTool

8.4

xTool F1

xTool · Hybrid

The F1 started the compact dual-laser category. Slower than F1 Ultra but often cheaper on sale. Still a metal-marking specialist with small bed: not a general workshop laser.

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xTool F1 Ultra laser engraver by xTool

8.4

xTool F1 Ultra

xTool · Hybrid

A compact desktop machine combining a 20W fiber laser and 20W diode. The fiber module marks bare metal: stainless steel, aluminum, brass: without spray. Ideal for jewelry, knives, and metal gifts. Premium price for a small work area.

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Our verdict

xTool F1

2 spec wins

xTool F1 wins on

Value scorePrice

xTool F1 Ultra

5 spec wins

xTool F1 Ultra wins on

Ease of useBuild qualityPowerPrecision+1

Overall, it's a tie — both score 8.4 in our database.

SpecxTool F1xTool F1 Ultra
Overview
BrandxToolxTool
Laser typeHybrid (fiber + diode)Hybrid (fiber + diode)
Main focusBest for marking, logos, and detail workBest for marking, logos, and detail work
Main objectiveCompact metal marking plus light diode engraving for small itemsDirect bare-metal marking for jewelry, tools & personalization
Best for
  • Metal tags
  • Jewelry
  • Portable marking
  • Budget vs F1 Ultra
  • Metal marking
  • Jewelry
  • Knives & tools
  • Portable setup
Scores
Score8.48.4
Value scoreBest7.67.2
Ease of use8.8Best9.0
Capability8.48.4
Build quality8.8Best9.0
Pricing
PriceBest

$2,499 – $2,999

2.299 € – 2.759 €

$3,499 – $3,999

3.219 € – 3.679 €

Hardware
Power10W fiber + 10W diodeBest20W fiber + 20W diode
Work area100 × 100 mm100 × 100 mm
Precision0.01 mmBest0.00199 mm
Real-world performance
Sample engrave

Filled logo on stainless steel plate

~4–8 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Filled logo on stainless steel plate

~3–6 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Sample cut

Laser cutting

Not a cutter

Laser cutting

Not a cutter

Spot size~0.03 mm fiber spot~0.02 mm fiber spot
Max speed10,000 mm/s15,000 mm/s
Materials
Engraves
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Wood
  • Leather
Best
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Gold-plated items
  • Wood
  • Leather
Cuts
  • Thin wood/leather (diode, limited)
  • Thin wood/leather (diode only, limited)
Cannot do
  • Large signs
  • CO₂ acrylic cutting
  • Thick material production
  • Thick material cutting
  • Large signage (work area too small)
  • Clear acrylic (diode)
  • Deep CO₂-style cuts
Software & connectivity
SoftwarexTool Creative Space, LightBurnxTool Creative Space, LightBurn
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USBWi-Fi, USB
Verdict
TL;DRThe F1 started the compact dual-laser category. Slower than F1 Ultra but often cheaper on sale. Still a metal-marking specialist with small bed: not a general workshop laser.A compact desktop machine combining a 20W fiber laser and 20W diode. The fiber module marks bare metal: stainless steel, aluminum, brass: without spray. Ideal for jewelry, knives, and metal gifts. Premium price for a small work area.
Pros
  • 10W on xTool F1: engraving-first: photo fills and leather at moderate speeds
  • Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
  • Everyday engrave and light cut mix: typical 6 mm basswood in several passes
  • Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
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: xTool F1 or xTool F1 Ultra?

They are tied in our database: both score 8.4/10 overall. The right pick depends on which specs matter most for your projects — the table above breaks it down.

Which is cheaper: xTool F1 or xTool F1 Ultra?

The xTool F1 is the more affordable option, starting around $2,499, versus $3,499 for the xTool F1 Ultra.

Which is better for a beginner: xTool F1 or xTool F1 Ultra?

The xTool F1 Ultra is the easier machine to start with: it scores 9.0/10 for ease of use, versus 8.8/10 for the xTool F1.

What is the main difference between the xTool F1 and the xTool F1 Ultra?

The xTool F1 is a Hybrid laser geared toward engraving, while the xTool F1 Ultra is a Hybrid laser geared toward engraving. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.