M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter vs S1 20W Laser Cutter

Technical comparison · Diode laser (405–460 nm)

In brief

M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter and S1 20W Laser Cutter are two diode laser (405–460 nm) in a similar class. Choose M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter if price matters more; choose S1 20W Laser Cutter if work area matters more.

Parameter
xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter S1 20W Laser Cutter xTool F2 · Intermediate
Identity
Launch year 2022 2023
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~600–800 € ~1300–1600 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 55.7 × 45.3 × 23 cm 76.5 × 56.1 × 18.3 cm
Weight (kg) 10 kg 20 kg
Work area (mm) 385 × 300 mm 498 × 330 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 22 mm 42 mm
Power (W) 150 W
Maximum speed 250 mm/s 600 mm/s
Declared precision 0.01 mm 0.01 mm
Category specs
Work area (short side) (mm) 300 mm 330 mm
Rated power (W) 5 W 20 W
Source technology Diode Diode
Max travel speed (mm/s) 250 mm/s 600 mm/s
Max processing speed (mm/s) 250 mm/s 600 mm/s
Max cut depth per material 4 mm basswood 10 mm wood
Wavelength (nm) 455 nm 455 nm
Min resolution (µm) 10 µm
Autofocus True True
Rotary included/compatible False False
Passthrough False True
Supported software Proprietary Proprietary, LightBurn
Ecosystem
Cloud dependency No No
Software notes Device control relies exclusively on the proprietary xTool Creative Space (XCS) software. This application manages both laser engraving and cutting operations, alongside path planning for the integrated blade cutter. The software incorporates visual alignment features assisted by the internal high-resolution camera, facilitating precise design placement on materials. There is no native support for universal third-party applications like LightBurn, restricting users to the manufacturer's ecosystem. The application is compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms, requiring an initial connection for updates but supporting offline operation. 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: M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter 700 € vs S1 20W Laser Cutter 1450 € — M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter wins (+107%)
  • Work area: M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter 385×300 mm vs S1 20W Laser Cutter 498×330 mm — S1 20W Laser Cutter wins (+42%)

Which one to choose

Choose M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter if…

you value price.

See the M1 5W Laser & Blade Cutter sheet →

Choose S1 20W Laser Cutter if…

you value work area.

See the S1 20W Laser Cutter sheet →

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