S9 Laser Engraver vs S1 20W Laser Cutter

Technical comparison · Diode laser (405–460 nm)

In brief

S9 Laser Engraver and S1 20W Laser Cutter are not direct competitors: very different prices (~5.6×). S9 Laser Engraver costs less (~€259) and is the entry-level choice; S1 20W Laser Cutter offers more capability at a higher price (~€1450). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.

Parameter
Sculpfun S9 Laser Engraver S9 Laser Engraver Sculpfun F2 · Intermediate
xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter S1 20W Laser Cutter xTool F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2021 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) 259 € ~1300–1600 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 57 × 60 × 27 cm 76.5 × 56.1 × 18.3 cm
Weight (kg) 3 kg 20 kg
Work area (mm) 410 × 415 mm 498 × 330 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 42 mm
Power (W) 30 W
Maximum speed 600 mm/s
Declared precision 0.01 mm 0.01 mm
Category specs
Work area (short side) (mm) 410 mm 330 mm
Rated power (W) 5.5 W 20 W
Source technology Diode Diode
Max travel speed (mm/s) 600 mm/s
Max processing speed (mm/s) 600 mm/s
Max cut depth per material Wood: 15mm, Acrylic: 10mm 10 mm wood
Wavelength (nm) 450 nm 455 nm
Min resolution (µm) 10 µm
Autofocus False True
Rotary included/compatible False False
Passthrough True
Supported software LightBurn, Other Proprietary, LightBurn
Ecosystem
Cloud dependency No No
Software notes Fully compatible with LightBurn and LaserGRBL (Windows only), operating via standard GRBL firmware without proprietary restrictions. The machine is managed through dual software compatibility that expands the user's operational possibilities. The proprietary program, developed directly by the manufacturer, provides an accessible interface and simplified positioning functions via sensors, facilitating workflow management even for less experienced operators. For professional contexts or advanced customization needs, the unit fully supports LightBurn, the industry standard for laser cutting. This integration allows the management of detailed parameters, complex vectorization, and customized material libraries. The machine operates primarily in local mode via USB connection or Wi-Fi network, reducing dependency on external cloud services and ensuring operational continuity even in the absence of a stable internet connection.

The differences that matter

  • Price: S9 Laser Engraver 259 € vs S1 20W Laser Cutter 1450 € — S9 Laser Engraver wins (+460%)

Which one to choose

Choose S9 Laser Engraver if…

you value price.

See the S9 Laser Engraver sheet →

Choose S1 20W Laser Cutter if…

it shows no measurable advantage over S9 Laser Engraver on the available specs: consider it on price or availability.

See the S1 20W Laser Cutter sheet →

MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.