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xTool F2 vs xTool F1

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the xTool F2 and the xTool F1: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

xTool F2 laser engraver by xTool

8.6

xTool F2

xTool · Hybrid

xTool F2 (2025) upgrades the F1 formula with more power, a 50MP alignment camera, and up to 6,000 mm/s galvo speed. Dual-source (diode + infrared) for metal marking and organics in a compact box: xTool Studio only, no LightBurn.

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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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Our verdict

xTool F2

9 spec wins

xTool F2 wins on

ScoreValue scoreEase of useCapability+5

xTool F1

0 spec wins

Overall, the xTool F2 takes it: 8.6 vs 8.4 in our scoring.

SpecxTool F2xTool F1
Overview
BrandxToolxTool
Laser typeHybrid (diode + IR)Hybrid (fiber + diode)
Main focusHandles everyday engraving and cutting jobsBest for marking, logos, and detail work
Main objectiveFast portable dual-laser for on-site customization and small-batch metal + woodCompact metal marking plus light diode engraving for small items
Best for
  • Market vendors
  • Jewelry & tools
  • Metal marking
  • Portable pro setup
  • Metal tags
  • Jewelry
  • Portable marking
  • Budget vs F1 Ultra
Scores
ScoreBest8.68.4
Value scoreBest8.07.6
Ease of useBest9.08.8
CapabilityBest8.58.4
Build quality8.88.8
Pricing
PriceBest

$1,799 – $2,199

1.655 € – 2.023 €

$2,499 – $2,999

2.299 € – 2.759 €

Hardware
PowerBest15W diode + 5W IR (1064 nm)10W fiber + 10W diode
Work areaBest220 × 220 mm100 × 100 mm
Precision0.01 mm0.01 mm
Real-world performance
Sample engrave

Filled logo on stainless steel plate

~3–6 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Filled logo on stainless steel plate

~4–8 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Sample cut

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~8–12 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Laser cutting

Not a cutter

Spot size~0.08 mm diode / IR marking spot~0.03 mm fiber spot
Max speed6,000 mm/s10,000 mm/s
Materials
EngravesBest
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Plastics
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Wood
  • Leather
CutsBest
  • Thin wood
  • Paper
  • Thin leather
  • Thin wood/leather (diode, limited)
Cannot do
  • Large signage
  • CO₂ acrylic production
  • Simultaneous dual-laser firing
  • LightBurn at launch
  • Large signs
  • CO₂ acrylic cutting
  • Thick material production
Software & connectivity
SoftwarexTool StudioxTool Creative Space, LightBurn
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USBWi-Fi, USB
Verdict
TL;DRxTool F2 (2025) upgrades the F1 formula with more power, a 50MP alignment camera, and up to 6,000 mm/s galvo speed. Dual-source (diode + infrared) for metal marking and organics in a compact box: xTool Studio only, no LightBurn.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.
Pros
  • 15W IR: metal marking on the same chassis as other modules
  • Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
  • 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
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 F2 or xTool F1?

In our scoring, the xTool F2 comes out ahead with 8.6/10 overall versus 8.4/10 for the xTool F1. The detailed table above shows exactly where each machine wins.

Which is cheaper: xTool F2 or xTool F1?

The xTool F2 is the more affordable option, starting around $1,799, versus $2,499 for the xTool F1.

Which is better for a beginner: xTool F2 or xTool F1?

The xTool F2 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 F2 and the xTool F1?

The xTool F2 is a Hybrid laser geared toward engraving & cutting, while the xTool F1 is a Hybrid laser geared toward engraving. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.