F1 vs S1 40W Laser Cutter

Technical comparison · Diode laser (405–460 nm)

In brief

F1 and S1 40W Laser Cutter are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.8×). F1 costs less (~€600) and is the entry-level choice; S1 40W Laser Cutter offers more capability at a higher price (~€2250). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.

Parameter
xTool F1 F1 xTool F2 · Intermediate
xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter S1 40W Laser Cutter xTool F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2024 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~550–650 € ~2000–2500 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 17.9 × 23.5 × 33.4 cm 76.5 × 56.1 × 18.3 cm
Weight (kg) 4.6 kg 20 kg
Work area (mm) 115 × 115 mm 498 × 319 mm
Power (W) 84 W
Voltage (V) 24 V
Maximum speed 4000 mm/s 600 mm/s
Declared precision 0.00199 mm 0.01 mm
Category specs
Work area (short side) (mm) 115.0 mm 319 mm
Rated power (W) 10.0 W 40 W
Source technology Diode Diode
Max travel speed (mm/s) 600 mm/s
Max processing speed (mm/s) 4000.0 mm/s 600 mm/s
Max cut depth per material 8mm basswood, 6mm black acrylic
Wavelength (nm) 455 nm
Min resolution (µm) 1.99 µm
Autofocus True
Rotary included/compatible False False
Passthrough True
Supported software Proprietary Proprietary, LightBurn
Ecosystem
Cloud dependency No No
Software notes The xTool F1 Lite is compatible with xTool Studio (proprietary, free, Windows and macOS). The galvo system uses a proprietary protocol: LaserGRBL is not compatible as it requires GRBL firmware on a gantry controller. LightBurn introduced experimental galvo support in version 1.4+, but compatibility with the F1 Lite's specific controller is not officially certified by xTool, making the experience unguaranteed. In practice the user is tied to xTool Studio, which handles core functions but does not offer the flexibility of community profiles, macros, and advanced layers available in LightBurn for GRBL gantry lasers. Device control is primarily managed through the proprietary xTool Creative Space software, an intuitive and constantly updated application ideal for managing graphic workflows and calibrating cutting and engraving parameters. For users requiring professional features or established workflows, the machine guarantees compatibility with LightBurn, the industry standard. The software integration allows for surface mapping and automatic positioning without the need for traditional cameras, simplifying file preparation in both Windows and macOS environments via USB or Wi-Fi connections.

The differences that matter

  • Price: F1 600 € vs S1 40W Laser Cutter 2250 € — F1 wins (+275%)
  • Work area: F1 115×115 mm vs S1 40W Laser Cutter 498×319 mm — S1 40W Laser Cutter wins (+1101%)

Which one to choose

Choose F1 if…

you value price.

See the F1 sheet →

Choose S1 40W Laser Cutter if…

you value work area.

See the S1 40W 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.