xTool vs Glowforge: Which Laser Engraver Brand Is Better?
xTool and Glowforge are the two most-discussed laser engraver brands in the maker community — and they represent fundamentally different philosophies. Glowforge pioneered the “Apple of lasers” approach with a polished, cloud-connected, premium-priced experience. xTool has countered with better specs at lower prices and a more open ecosystem.
We’ve dug deep into real user experiences, community feedback, and hands-on testing data to deliver the definitive xTool vs Glowforge comparison for 2026.
Quick Comparison: xTool P2 vs Glowforge Pro
Since both companies sell multiple products, let’s start by comparing their flagship CO2 desktop lasers head-to-head:
| Feature | xTool P2 | Glowforge Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | CO2 | CO2 |
| Power | 55W | 45W |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 600mm/s | ~300mm/s |
| Work Area | 600 × 308mm | 495 × 279mm |
| Passthrough | Yes (curved slot) | Yes (slot) |
| Camera | Dual cameras (16MP + 8MP) | Single overhead camera |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Operation | Yes | No (cloud only) |
| Software | xTool Creative Space + LightBurn | Glowforge web app only |
| WiFi Required | Optional | Mandatory |
| Price | ~$2,500–$3,500 | ~$6,000–$7,000 |
| Made In | China | China (designed in USA) |
The numbers tell a clear story: the xTool P2 offers 22% more power, double the speed, a larger work area, and offline capability — at roughly half the price. So why does anyone buy a Glowforge?
Where Glowforge Still Wins
1. Ease of Use
This is Glowforge’s real competitive advantage, and it’s significant. The Glowforge experience from unboxing to first cut is genuinely delightful. You plug it in, connect to WiFi, upload a design through the web interface, press the glowing button, and get a professional-looking result.
No software to install. No settings to configure. No learning curve for basic operation. The cloud-based interface handles material detection, power settings, and cut path optimization automatically.
For teachers, small retail businesses, and crafters who want a tool rather than a hobby, this simplicity is worth the premium.
2. Material Detection
Glowforge’s “Proofgrade” material system includes QR-coded materials that the machine reads automatically, setting optimal cut and engrave parameters. While you certainly don’t need to buy Proofgrade materials (any compatible material works), the system eliminates guesswork for beginners.
3. Community and Design Resources
Glowforge has a large, active community of non-technical users who share designs, tips, and projects. The Glowforge catalog includes thousands of ready-to-make designs. For users who don’t want to create designs from scratch, this ecosystem has value.
4. Brand Perception
In the craft and small business world, Glowforge has stronger brand recognition. Saying “I have a Glowforge” carries weight at craft fairs. This is a soft benefit, but it’s real for business-focused users.
Where xTool Dominates
1. Raw Performance
The P2’s 55W laser is simply more powerful than the Glowforge Pro’s 45W. More power means:
- Faster cuts through thick materials
- Higher engraving speeds
- Better performance on challenging materials
“The xTool P2 features a more powerful 55W CO2 laser module with speeds up to 600mm/s.” — xTool specs
At 600mm/s maximum engraving speed vs. Glowforge’s ~300mm/s, the P2 completes jobs in roughly half the time. For business users, this directly impacts revenue per hour.
“It delivers superior power (55W vs 45W), double the speed (600mm/s vs 300mm/s), offline software capability, and a better camera system — all while costing $2,300 less than the Glowforge Pro.” — The Crafty Catsman review
2. Price
This is the elephant in the room. The Glowforge Pro costs $6,000–$7,000. The xTool P2 costs $2,500–$3,500. That’s a $2,500–$4,000 price difference for a machine that’s objectively more powerful.
The price gap becomes even more stark when you factor in Glowforge’s replacement and repair costs:
“They also make you pay to send the machine back and then pay like $1k for a refurbished one to be sent out or something wild.” — Reddit r/lasercutting user
3. Software Freedom
The xTool P2 works with xTool Creative Space (free, offline-capable) AND LightBurn (the industry-standard laser software). This means you have access to the most powerful laser control software available, with full control over every parameter.
Glowforge locks you into their cloud-based web application. You cannot use LightBurn or any other software. If Glowforge’s servers go down, your laser becomes a very expensive paperweight.
“I picked the xTool just because I’d avoid Glowforge for all the reasons others have suggested.” — Reddit r/lasercutting user
4. Offline Operation
The xTool P2 works without an internet connection. Design on your computer, transfer to the machine, and run. This matters for:
- Workshop locations without reliable WiFi
- Users who don’t want cloud dependency
- Business continuity (no reliance on xTool’s servers)
Glowforge requires an active internet connection for every single operation. Every design, every cut, every engrave goes through their cloud servers.
5. Product Range
xTool offers a complete ecosystem spanning every price point:
- xTool D1 Pro (diode, $500–$900) — affordable entry point
- xTool S1 (enclosed diode, $1,200–$2,000) — mid-range enclosed
- xTool P2 (CO2, $2,500–$3,500) — flagship CO2
- xTool F1 (portable, $1,500–$2,000) — portable dual-laser
- Various accessories: rotary, riser, conveyor, extension
Glowforge offers only three models (Basic, Plus, Pro), all CO2, all at premium prices.
Real User Experiences: What the Community Says
Glowforge Users
The Glowforge community is passionate but divided. Happy users love the simplicity; frustrated users rage about reliability and repair costs:
“Glowforge is more user friendly but the machine is crap. Her first one broke within 8 months and 2nd one is stuck on aligning print head and she has to wait till Monday to see what can be done.” — Reddit r/lasercutting user
“My wife has 2 Glowforge Pros and the xTool D1. Glowforge is more user friendly.” — Reddit r/lasercutting user
The recurring complaints are:
- Reliability issues — cooling problems, alignment failures, sensor errors
- Expensive repairs — out-of-warranty repairs can cost $1,000+
- Cloud dependency — if Glowforge shuts down their servers, every machine becomes useless
- No offline capability — internet outages = no work
xTool Users
xTool users generally praise the hardware value but have more mixed feelings about the learning curve:
“Love my P2 so far — came from a Full Spectrum Muse Core which died after 3 years.” — Reddit r/lasercutting user
“XTool P2 seems a bit more reasonable for what I want to do.” — Reddit r/lasercuttingbusiness user
Common xTool complaints:
- Software polish — Creative Space is good but not as intuitive as Glowforge’s app
- Customer support — inconsistent quality (though improving)
- Firmware updates — occasional issues after updates
“Initially, the engraver worked well. However, after about 30 days, I have been having nothing but problems with the device and support from xTool.” — Reddit r/xToolD1 user
The Honest Pattern
Looking across hundreds of user reports, a clear pattern emerges:
- Glowforge users who never have hardware issues love their machines unconditionally
- Glowforge users who experience problems are often devastated by repair costs and cloud dependency
- xTool users generally get good value but may need to be more technically savvy
- xTool users who use LightBurn rarely go back to any proprietary software
Diode Laser Comparison: xTool D1 Pro vs Glowforge Aura
For users not ready for CO2 pricing, let’s compare the entry-level options:
| Feature | xTool D1 Pro 10W | Glowforge Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-frame diode | Enclosed diode |
| Power | 10W | 6W |
| Work Area | 432 × 406mm | 305 × 292mm |
| Enclosure | No (DIY required) | Yes (built-in) |
| Software | Creative Space + LightBurn | Glowforge web app |
| Offline | Yes | No |
| Price | ~$500 | ~$1,200 |
The pattern repeats: xTool offers more laser power, a larger work area, and software freedom at less than half the price. Glowforge counters with a prettier package and easier setup.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Glowforge If:
- You value simplicity above all else — Glowforge is genuinely the easiest laser to use
- Budget isn’t a primary concern — You can absorb the higher upfront and ongoing costs
- You want an enclosed, designed-for-home experience — It looks nice and manages fumes
- You’re not technically inclined — No interest in learning LightBurn or adjusting settings
- You mainly use standard materials — Proofgrade system simplifies material selection
Buy xTool If:
- You want the best performance per dollar — At every price point, xTool specs are superior
- You value software freedom — LightBurn support is a massive advantage
- You want offline capability — Workshop reliability matters to you
- You plan to grow your skills — Open ecosystem allows more advanced techniques
- You’re comfortable with some technical learning — Not quite plug-and-play
Our Verdict
For most users, xTool is the better choice in 2026. The xTool P2 delivers better performance at roughly half the price of the Glowforge Pro, with the added benefits of offline operation and LightBurn compatibility. The D1 Pro provides an excellent entry point for diode laser users at a fraction of the Glowforge Aura’s cost.
Glowforge remains the right choice for a specific user: someone who wants maximum simplicity, doesn’t mind the premium, and doesn’t need offline operation. If that describes you, you’ll probably be happy with a Glowforge.
But if you’re reading a detailed comparison article like this one, you’re probably technically curious enough to thrive with xTool’s more open ecosystem.
For our complete recommendations across all brands and price points, see our best laser engravers of 2026 guide. And if budget is a factor, don’t miss our best laser engravers under $500 roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glowforge going out of business?
Glowforge has faced financial challenges and layoffs, which raises legitimate concerns about the cloud-only business model. If Glowforge’s servers ever shut down permanently, all Glowforge machines would lose functionality. This is the single biggest risk of buying a Glowforge. xTool machines work offline, so they continue functioning regardless of the company’s status.
Can I use LightBurn with Glowforge?
No. Glowforge uses a proprietary cloud-based system that doesn’t accept connections from third-party software. This is one of the most common frustrations voiced by experienced laser users.
Is the xTool P2 really as good as the Glowforge Pro?
Based on specifications, user reviews, and community feedback, the xTool P2 matches or exceeds the Glowforge Pro in virtually every measurable category — power, speed, work area, software flexibility — at roughly half the price. The one area where Glowforge retains an edge is initial ease of use.
Which brand has better customer support?
Neither brand has stellar customer support by consumer electronics standards. Glowforge support is generally responsive but solutions often involve expensive repairs or replacements. xTool support quality varies — some users report excellent experiences, others report frustrating back-and-forth. Both brands are improving over time.
Can I switch from Glowforge to xTool?
Yes, and many users have. Your design files (SVG, PNG, etc.) work with any laser. The main adjustment is learning new software (xTool Creative Space or LightBurn). Most Glowforge-to-xTool converts report a short learning curve followed by appreciation for the added control.
Is the xTool D1 Pro good enough to skip CO2?
For many users, yes. If you primarily work with wood, leather, and dark acrylic, a 20W diode laser handles most projects capably. The main things you’d miss without CO2 are clear acrylic cutting, glass engraving, and fabric cutting. Read our full diode vs CO2 comparison for details.