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xTool P2 vs xTool P2S

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the xTool P2 and the xTool P2S: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

xTool P2 laser engraver by xTool

8.4

xTool P2

xTool · 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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xTool P2S laser engraver by xTool

8.4

xTool P2S

xTool · CO₂

The P2S refines the original P2 with better software and autofocus. Same 55W CO₂ class for acrylic and wood production. Still xTool's main enclosed CO₂ below the P3 flagship: choose P3 if you need 80W and automation; P2S if 55W and budget fit.

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Our verdict

xTool P2

4 spec wins

xTool P2 wins on

Value scorePriceEngravesCuts

xTool P2S

2 spec wins

xTool P2S wins on

Ease of useBuild quality

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

SpecxTool P2xTool P2S
Overview
BrandxToolxTool
Laser typeCO₂CO₂
Main focusHandles everyday engraving and cutting jobsHandles everyday engraving and cutting jobs
Main objectiveProfessional cutting of acrylic, wood & leather for small businessesNext-gen enclosed CO₂ for small businesses cutting acrylic and wood
Best for
  • Small business
  • Acrylic & wood cutting
  • Batch production
  • Etsy sellers
  • Small business
  • Acrylic production
  • Etsy shops
  • P2 upgrade
Scores
Score8.48.4
Value scoreBest7.27.1
Ease of use9.0Best9.1
Capability8.38.3
Build quality9.0Best9.2
Pricing
PriceBest

$3,399 – $6,609

3.127 € – 6.080 €

Price varies with air assist and riser base options

$4,799 – $5,499

4.415 € – 5.059 €

Hardware
Power55W CO₂ glass tube55W CO₂ glass tube
Work area600 × 308 mm600 × 308 mm
Precision0.01 mm0.01 mm
Dimensions970 × 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

~3–5 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

~1–2 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Spot size~0.15 mm CO₂ spot~0.15 mm CO₂ spot
Max speed600 mm/s600 mm/s
Materials
EngravesBest
  • Wood
  • Acrylic
  • Leather
  • Glass
  • Stone
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Wood
  • Acrylic
  • Leather
  • Glass
  • Anodized aluminum
CutsBest
  • Acrylic (up to ~15 mm)
  • Wood (up to ~18 mm)
  • Leather
  • Fabric
  • Paper
  • Acrylic up to ~15 mm
  • Wood up to ~18 mm
  • Leather
  • Fabric
Cannot do
  • Bare metal (marking only on coated/anodized)
  • Thick steel
  • Clear glass engraving (limited without additives)
  • Bare metal marking
  • Zero ventilation
  • Budget hobby use
Software & connectivity
SoftwarexTool Creative Space, LightBurn (compatible)xTool Creative Space, LightBurn
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB, EthernetWi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
Verdict
TL;DRThe 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 P2S refines the original P2 with better software and autofocus. Same 55W CO₂ class for acrylic and wood production. Still xTool's main enclosed CO₂ below the P3 flagship: choose P3 if you need 80W and automation; P2S if 55W and budget fit.
Pros
  • Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
  • Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
  • Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
  • Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
  • Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
  • Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
Cons
  • Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
  • Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
  • Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
  • Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget

“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 xTool P2S?

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 P2 or xTool P2S?

The xTool P2 is the more affordable option, starting around $3,399, versus $4,799 for the xTool P2S.

Which is better for a beginner: xTool P2 or xTool P2S?

The xTool P2S is the easier machine to start with: it scores 9.1/10 for ease of use, versus 9.0/10 for the xTool P2.

What is the main difference between the xTool P2 and the xTool P2S?

The xTool P2 is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting, while the xTool P2S is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.