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Maker Atlas

xTool D1 Pro 40W vs xTool S1 40W

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the xTool D1 Pro 40W and the xTool S1 40W: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

xTool D1 Pro 40W laser engraver by xTool

8.3

xTool D1 Pro 40W

xTool · Diode

The 40W D1 Pro module swaps onto the same frame as 5W–20W heads. Best cut headroom in the line; verify optical power on the listing.

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xTool S1 40W laser engraver by xTool

8.1

xTool S1 40W

xTool · Diode

The 40W S1 is xTool's high-power enclosed diode. Still not CO₂, but the extra optical power helps on thicker basswood versus the 20W cabinet.

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Our verdict

xTool D1 Pro 40W

5 spec wins

xTool D1 Pro 40W wins on

ScoreValue scoreCapabilityEngraves+1

xTool S1 40W

2 spec wins

xTool S1 40W wins on

Ease of useBuild quality

Overall, the xTool D1 Pro 40W takes it: 8.3 vs 8.1 in our scoring.

SpecxTool D1 Pro 40WxTool S1 40W
Overview
BrandxToolxTool
Laser typeDiodeDiode (diode + IR)
Main focusBuilt mainly for cutting shapes and partsBuilt mainly for cutting shapes and parts
Main objectiveMaximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speedsMaximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speeds
Best for
  • Maximum cuts in line
  • Speed-focused hobby
  • Thick soft woods
  • Cut-heavy weeks
  • Maximum cuts in line
  • Speed-focused hobby
  • Thick soft woods
  • Cut-heavy weeks
Scores
ScoreBest8.38.1
Value scoreBest7.57.2
Ease of use8.8Best9.2
CapabilityBest8.07.6
Build quality8.8Best9.0
Pricing
Price

$999

919 €

40W optical module

$999 – $3,049

919 € – 2.805 €

40W enclosed SKU

Hardware
Power40W diode40W diode (enclosed)
Work area430 × 390 mm430 × 390 mm
Precision0.01 mm0.01 mm
Real-world performance
Sample engrave

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~7–10 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~6–9 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Sample cut

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~4–6 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~3–5 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Spot size~0.08 mm spot~0.08 mm spot
Max speed400 mm/s400 mm/s
Materials
EngravesBest
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Slate
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Stainless steel (with coating spray)
  • Ceramic
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Slate
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Stainless (with spray)
CutsBest
  • Basswood (up to 10 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Felt
  • Basswood (up to 10 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
Cannot do
  • Clear acrylic cutting (diode light passes through)
  • Thick hardwood in one pass
  • Bare metal without marking spray
  • Glass (engraving only with specialized methods)
  • Clear acrylic
  • CO₂-level acrylic production
  • Bare metal without spray
  • Thick hardwood in one pass
Software & connectivity
SoftwarexTool Creative Space, LightBurnxTool Creative Space, LightBurn
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USBWi-Fi, USB
Verdict
TL;DRThe 40W D1 Pro module swaps onto the same frame as 5W–20W heads. Best cut headroom in the line; verify optical power on the listing.The 40W S1 is xTool's high-power enclosed diode. Still not CO₂, but the extra optical power helps on thicker basswood versus the 20W cabinet.
Pros
  • Strongest cut headroom in the line: about 10 mm basswood-class stock in benchmarks
  • 40W: the most cut-focused head in the xTool D1 Pro line
  • Swappable head on the same chassis: upgrade power without replacing the whole machine
  • Open-frame: plan laser glasses, exhaust, and workspace rules from day one
  • Strongest cut headroom in the line: about 10 mm basswood-class stock in benchmarks
  • 40W: the most cut-focused head in the xTool S1 line
  • Swappable head on the same chassis: upgrade power without replacing the whole machine
  • Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
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 D1 Pro 40W or xTool S1 40W?

In our scoring, the xTool D1 Pro 40W comes out ahead with 8.3/10 overall versus 8.1/10 for the xTool S1 40W. The detailed table above shows exactly where each machine wins.

Which is cheaper: xTool D1 Pro 40W or xTool S1 40W?

The xTool D1 Pro 40W is the more affordable option, starting around $999, versus $999 for the xTool S1 40W.

Which is better for a beginner: xTool D1 Pro 40W or xTool S1 40W?

The xTool S1 40W is the easier machine to start with: it scores 9.2/10 for ease of use, versus 8.8/10 for the xTool D1 Pro 40W.

What is the main difference between the xTool D1 Pro 40W and the xTool S1 40W?

The xTool D1 Pro 40W is a Diode laser geared toward cutting, while the xTool S1 40W is a Diode laser geared toward cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.