Xtool S1 vs M2: Which One Should You Buy?
The S1 side arrives as a rotary accessory for cylindrical work, while the M2 side arrives as enclosed diode machines with dual cameras and color printing options.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver for Tumblers9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
xTool M2 20W Color Craft Laser Engraver9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
xTool M2 20W Laser Engraver9.7/10View on Amazon - 4
xTool M2 40W Color Craft Laser Engraver and CutterView on Amazon - 5
xTool M2 CleanCut PanelView on Amazon - 6
xTool CMYK Inkjet Printing Module for xTool M2View on Amazon - 7
xTool RA3 Lite Rotary Attachment for xTool M2View on Amazon - 8
xTool S1 Automatic Conveyor FeederView on Amazon - 9
Honeycomb Laser Bed for XTool S1 Laser Engraver and CutterView on Amazon
Making a gift or a small batch of goods starts with a shape in mind: a sign for a wall, a patch for leather, a tumbler for a friend, a card for a shop shelf. The work changes when the shape curves, when color joins the cut, or when a flat piece becomes a round object. That split is the heart of xtool s1 vs m2, where a rotary accessory on the S1 side meets enclosed diode machines on the M2 side.
LaserEngraveHQ earns a commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Verdict: Pick the M2 side for a complete enclosed machine: the Deluxe bundle for color printing and rotary work in the package, and the plain M2 40W for laser work without bundle extras. Pick the S1 side, shown here by the RA2 Pro, only with a compatible machine already in place for cylindrical work.
Machines on the list
xTool M2 40W Color Craft Laser Engraver
An enclosed Class 1 diode machine with dual cameras, a CMYK inkjet module and a RA3 Lite rotary in the bundle, for color print-and-cut work on wood, leather, felt and cardstock.
Pros
- 10W/20W/40W diode laser options with 40000mW output stated
- CMYK inkjet module included in the bundle for full-color printing and print-and-cut work
- Dual built-in cameras with a real-time preview of the workspace
- Class 1 fully enclosed design with real-time monitoring and a 1 Year warranty
Cons
- Workspace dimensions are Not stated in the listing
- 3W IR module is sold separately, so infrared marking needs an extra module
- No cut depth stated in the listing
- Material list is broad at 400+ materials, with no per-material settings stated
xTool M2 40W Color Craft Laser Engraver and Cutter
An enclosed Class 1 diode machine with dual cameras and switchable laser power, for craft work on wood, leather, felt, fabric and paper, with color printing as a separate module.
Pros
- 10W/20W/40W diode laser options with 40000mW output stated
- Dual built-in cameras with a real-time preview of the workspace
- xTool Studio with ready-to-use templates and an AI image generator
- Class 1 fully enclosed design with real-time monitoring and a 1 Year warranty
Cons
- Workspace dimensions are Not stated in the listing
- CMYK inkjet module is sold separately
- 3W IR module is sold separately
- No cut depth stated in the listing
xTool RA2 Pro for xTool S1, F1, F1 Ultra, P2
A 4-in-1 rotary attachment for cylindrical engraving on compatible laser engravers, with roller, chuck, sphere and ring modules and an anodized aluminum alloy build.
Pros
- 4-in-1 rotary attachment: roller rotary, chuck rotary, sphere-engraving module and ring-engraving stud
- 360°/s maximum vector engraving speed with a 0.45° minimum angle stated
- Anodized aluminum alloy build with a corrosion-proof coating
- Compatible with Laserbox Basic, LaserGRBL and LightBurn software
Cons
- No laser of its own: it is an accessory, not a complete engraving machine
- Listing notes a riser is needed for use
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- Stated dimensions of 7.4 inches x 3.7 inches x 18.0 inches need bench space
Other machines to compare
xTool M2 40W Color Craft Laser Engraver and CutterCheck price on Amazon
xTool M2 CleanCut PanelCheck price on Amazon
xTool CMYK Inkjet Printing Module for xTool M2Check price on Amazon
xTool RA3 Lite Rotary Attachment for xTool M2Check price on Amazon
xTool S1 Automatic Conveyor FeederCheck price on Amazon
Honeycomb Laser Bed for XTool S1 Laser Engraver and CutterCheck price on Amazon
xtool s1 vs m2 side by side
| Spec | xTool M2 Deluxe Bundle | xTool M2 40W | xTool RA2 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Score | 78 | 75 | 56 |
| Laser | 40W diode, 40000mW output | 40W diode, 40000mW output | No laser, rotary accessory |
| Dimensions stated | Not stated | Not stated | 7.4 inches x 3.7 inches x 18.0 inches |
| Cameras | Dual built-in cameras | Dual built-in cameras | Not stated |
| Software | xTool Studio | xTool Studio | Laserbox Basic, LaserGRBL, LightBurn |
| Materials stated | 400+ materials | 300+ materials | Cylindrical objects |
| Included and add-ons | CMYK inkjet and RA3 Lite rotary included | CMYK inkjet sold separately, 3W IR sold separately | Roller, chuck, sphere and ring modules |
| Laser class | Class 1, fully enclosed | Class 1, fully enclosed | Not stated for the accessory |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 1 November 2026.
Laser power and cutting
The M2 listings state 10W/20W/40W diode laser options and a laser output power of 40000mW. The RA2 Pro listing does not state a laser for the accessory itself.
Workspace
Neither M2 listing states workspace dimensions. The RA2 Pro listing states product dimensions of 7.4 inches x 3.7 inches x 18.0 inches, and those dimensions describe the rotary, not a bed for flat work.
Materials
The plain M2 40W title names wood, leather, felt, fabric and paper, and both M2 listings name cardstock, felt, leather and wood: 300+ materials for the plain M2 40W and 400+ materials for the Deluxe bundle. The RA2 Pro works on cylindrical objects such as wine glass, tumbler and mug with handle. Cut depth is Not stated for either M2 listing.
Software and ecosystem
xTool Studio runs the M2 listings, with ready-to-use templates and an AI image generator. The RA2 Pro listing names Laserbox Basic, LaserGRBL and LightBurn.
Safety and enclosure
The M2 listings state Class 1 safety with a fully enclosed design and real-time monitoring. No interlock, flame sensor or filter is named in the M2 listings. The RA2 Pro listing does not state safety features for the accessory itself.
Ventilation
Smoke from laser work needs a path out of the room, and neither M2 listing names a filter or vent kit. Vent outdoors or use a filter designed for laser fumes for M2 work; see the fume extractor guide. Never laser PVC or vinyl.
Add-ons and growth
The Deluxe bundle lists a CMYK inkjet module and a RA3 Lite rotary in its title scope. The plain M2 40W states the CMYK inkjet module and the 3W IR module as sold separately. The RA2 Pro is growth for a compatible machine.
Support and warranty
The M2 listings state a 1 Year warranty for both the plain machine and the Deluxe bundle. The RA2 Pro listing states no warranty term.
Choose the xTool M2 Deluxe Bundle if
- Color printing and rotary work in the package.
- A 400+ material count with dual cameras.
- A 1 Year warranty in a complete machine.
Choose the xTool M2 40W if
- Core M2 laser work without bundle extras.
- Color printing or infrared marking can wait.
- A 300+ material count for planned craft work.
Choose the xTool RA2 Pro if
- A compatible machine is already in place.
- Cylindrical objects are the goal.
- A riser is available for use.
Stay with the machine while it runs, ventilate, and never laser PVC or vinyl.
Project Match
- Flat craft on wood, leather and felt: M2 listings.
- Full-color print-and-cut on cardstock: Deluxe bundle, with CMYK inkjet included.
- Cylindrical objects such as wine glass, tumbler and mug with handle: RA2 Pro.
- Stickers, tattoos, home decor and personalized gifts: M2 listings.
- Infrared marking: needs the 3W IR module, sold separately for the M2 listings.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
What does the S1 side cover in xtool s1 vs m2?
The S1 side in this set is the RA2 Pro rotary accessory, not a S1 machine listing. It adds cylindrical engraving to a compatible machine, while the M2 side lists complete enclosed machines.
Can the plain M2 40W do full-color printing?
Not as listed: the plain M2 40W states the CMYK inkjet module as sold separately. The Deluxe bundle lists CMYK inkjet in its scope. For dedicated metal work, see best laser engraver for metal.
What materials do the M2 listings state?
The plain M2 40W states 300+ materials and the Deluxe bundle states 400+ materials. The plain listing names wood, leather, felt, fabric and paper, and both listings name cardstock, felt, leather and wood. Cut depth is Not stated for either M2 listing.
Does the RA2 Pro work with the M2 listings?
The RA2 Pro listing names xTool S1, F1, F1 Ultra, P2, D1 Pro and M1 Ultra, and most laser engravers in general language. It does not name the M2 listings.
Related: how to choose a laser engraver, best laser engraver for beginners, xTool S1 review and how to use xTool rotary attachment.
