Glowforge vs. xTool: Which is Better for Laser Engraving Wood?

Laser engraving wood has become increasingly popular for crafters, hobbyists, and small business owners. From personalized signs and cutting boards to intricate artwork and home decor, CO2 laser engravers excel at producing clean, detailed results on wood. Two leading brands in the desktop CO2 laser space are Glowforge and xTool, with flagship models like the Glowforge Pro (45W) and the xTool P2/P2S (55W). Both machines are fully enclosed, user-friendly, and capable of excellent wood engraving, but they differ in power, speed, features, and value.

Glowforge Pro (left) and xTool P2 (right) – two premium desktop CO2 lasers.

Key Specifications Comparison

Performance on Wood

Both machines produce stunning engravings on wood types like birch plywood, basswood, walnut, and cherry. CO2 lasers (used in both) are ideal for wood because they vaporize material cleanly, creating high-contrast dark engravings with minimal charring when using air assist.

• Engraving Quality: Excellent on both. The higher power of the xTool P2 allows for faster passes without sacrificing detail, reducing heat buildup and potential burning on sensitive woods.
• Cutting Wood: xTool’s 55W laser cuts thicker wood in fewer passes (e.g., 18mm solid wood vs. Glowforge’s ~12mm). This is a big advantage for projects like wooden signs, boxes, or ornaments requiring clean edges.
• Speed: xTool is significantly faster, making it better for batch production (e.g., multiple wooden coasters or nameplates).

Examples of detailed laser-engraved wood projects achievable with either machine.

Ease of Use and Software

• Glowforge: Known for its beginner-friendly, browser-based interface. It shines with “Proofgrade” materials (pre-calibrated for perfect settings) and a vast catalog of ready-made designs. However, it requires constant internet and processes files in the cloud.
• xTool: Uses free xTool Creative Space software (works offline) and supports LightBurn for advanced control. Dual cameras provide precise alignment, and features like automatic batch processing speed up repetitive wood jobs.

For wood engraving, Glowforge’s simplicity appeals to absolute beginners, but xTool offers more control and reliability without internet dependency.

Other Considerations

• Safety and Maintenance: Both are Class 1 enclosed lasers with good ventilation options. xTool accessories (e.g., riser base for thicker wood, rotary for curved items) are more affordable and versatile.
• Community Feedback (2025): Users praise Glowforge for ease but criticize its higher cost and reliance on subscriptions/cloud. xTool is often recommended for better performance-per-dollar, especially for wood-focused work.
• Warranty and Support: Both offer solid support, but xTool’s offline capability avoids downtime from internet issues.

Which is Better for Laser Engraving Wood?

xTool P2/P2S is the better choice for most users focused on wood engraving. Its higher power, faster speed, larger work area, and superior cutting depth make it more efficient and versatile for wood projects—whether hobby or small business. It delivers professional results at a lower price, with fewer limitations.

If you’re a complete beginner prioritizing plug-and-play simplicity and don’t mind the premium cost or cloud dependency, the Glowforge Pro remains a solid, reliable option with excellent wood results.

Ultimately, for wood-specific tasks in 2025, xTool provides better performance and value without compromising quality. Test materials and settings on either to achieve beautiful, charred-contrast engravings that highlight wood’s natural grain.