xTool P2 vs Glowforge Pro
Spec-by-spec breakdown of the xTool P2 and the Glowforge Pro: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.
8.4
xTool P2xTool · CO₂
The xTool P2 is a 55W enclosed CO₂ laser with a large work area and camera alignment. It cuts acrylic and wood far better than any diode laser. Expensive, but the closest thing to a 'set up and run a small shop' desktop machine.
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8.6
Glowforge ProGlowforge · CO₂
The Glowforge Pro adds passthrough slot for long materials and stronger CO₂ performance vs Aura. Still cloud-dependent with subscription pressure. Best for design-focused crafters who refuse to touch LightBurn: not for cost-sensitive makers.
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xTool P2
5 spec wins
xTool P2 wins on
Glowforge Pro
4 spec wins
Glowforge Pro wins on
Overall, the Glowforge Pro takes it: 8.6 vs 8.4 in our scoring.
| Spec | xTool P2 | Glowforge Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Brand | xTool | Glowforge |
| Laser type | CO₂ | CO₂ |
| Main focus | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs |
| Main objective | Professional cutting of acrylic, wood & leather for small businesses | Pass-through CO₂ crafting for long materials with zero-config software |
| Best for |
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| Scores | ||
| Score | 8.4 | Best8.6 |
| Value score | 7.2 | Best8.1 |
| Ease of use | 9.0 | Best9.5 |
| Capability | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Build quality | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Pricing | ||
| Price | $3,399 – $6,609 3.127 € – 6.080 € Price varies with air assist and riser base options | Best $2,999 2.759 € Pro vs Pro+ passthrough depth; subscription extra |
| Hardware | ||
| Power | Best55W CO₂ glass tube | 45W CO₂ |
| Work area | Best600 × 308 mm | 279 × 483 mm with passthrough |
| Precision | Best0.01 mm | 0.025 mm |
| Dimensions | 970 × 510 × 320 mm | — |
| Weight | ~45 kg (99 lbs) | — |
| Real-world performance | ||
| Sample engrave | Filled photo or logo on birch plywood ~4–6 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) | Filled photo or logo on birch plywood ~5–8 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) |
| Sample cut | Simple square cut-out from 3 mm acrylic ~1–2 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) | Simple square cut-out from 3 mm acrylic ~2–4 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) |
| Spot size | ~0.15 mm CO₂ spot | ~0.18 mm CO₂ spot |
| Max speed | 600 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Materials | ||
| Engraves | Best
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| Cuts | Best
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| Cannot do |
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| Software & connectivity | ||
| Software | xTool Creative Space, LightBurn (compatible) | Glowforge web app |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | Wi-Fi |
| Verdict | ||
| TL;DR | The xTool P2 is a 55W enclosed CO₂ laser with a large work area and camera alignment. It cuts acrylic and wood far better than any diode laser. Expensive, but the closest thing to a 'set up and run a small shop' desktop machine. | The Glowforge Pro adds passthrough slot for long materials and stronger CO₂ performance vs Aura. Still cloud-dependent with subscription pressure. Best for design-focused crafters who refuse to touch LightBurn: not for cost-sensitive makers. |
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| Cons |
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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: xTool P2 or Glowforge Pro?
In our scoring, the Glowforge Pro comes out ahead with 8.6/10 overall versus 8.4/10 for the xTool P2. The detailed table above shows exactly where each machine wins.
Which is cheaper: xTool P2 or Glowforge Pro?
The Glowforge Pro is the more affordable option, starting around $2,999, versus $3,399 for the xTool P2.
Which is better for a beginner: xTool P2 or Glowforge Pro?
The Glowforge Pro is the easier machine to start with: it scores 9.5/10 for ease of use, versus 9.0/10 for the xTool P2.
What is the main difference between the xTool P2 and the Glowforge Pro?
The xTool P2 is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting, while the Glowforge Pro is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.