Comparison
Glowforge Aura vs xTool S1: Which Enclosed Laser to Buy?
Two enclosed Class 1 diode lasers for home use compared: laser power, bed size, cutting, cameras, software, the internet requirement and price.
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Our pick
xTool
xTool S1 40W
8.1/10 research score40W, a 498 × 319 mm bed, flame detection and LightBurn support, for $1,699.
Glowforge
Glowforge Aura
6.6/10 research score6W with two cameras and Glowforge's web app, for $1,199 list.
The short answer
The xTool S1 for most people: 40W against 6W, a much bigger bed, passthrough, LightBurn support and no internet requirement, for $1,699. Choose the Glowforge Aura ($1,199 list, $999 on sale) only if you value the simplest app, camera placement and Proofgrade presets over power.
Both are enclosed Class 1 blue diode lasers for crafting at home, but they come from different philosophies: Glowforge optimises for simplicity, xTool for power and flexibility. We compared their published specs and what reviewers found; prices are from the brand stores on October 18, 2026. We have not tested them ourselves; see how we research.
Specs compared
| Spec | xTool xTool S1 40W | Glowforge Glowforge Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Research score | 8.1/10 research score | 6.6/10 research score |
| List price | $1,699 | $1,199 |
| Laser | ||
| Laser power | 40 W (best) | 6 W |
| Laser source | 40W blue diode (2W 1064 nm infrared module available as an add-on kit) | 6W blue diode (450 nm) |
| Wavelength | Not published | 450 nm |
| Spot size | 0.08 × 0.10 mm (40W) | Not published |
| Work area and speed | ||
| Work area width | 498 mm (best) | 305 mm |
| Work area length | 319 mm (best) | 305 mm |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | Not published |
| Maximum material height | 42 mm (best) | 19 mm |
| Thickest wood cut | Not published | 6 mm |
| Safety | ||
| Fully enclosed | Yes | Yes |
| Laser safety class | Class 1 | Class 1 (embedded Class 4 laser) |
| Flame detection | Yes | Not published |
| Emergency stop | Yes | Not published |
| Features | ||
| Camera | Not published | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Air assist | No | Not published |
| Rotary support | Yes | Not published |
| Pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| Software and connectivity | ||
| Software | xTool Creative Space (xTool Studio), LightBurn | Glowforge web app (internet connection required) |
| LightBurn support | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi required (2.4 GHz) |
| Size and warranty | ||
| Weight | 44.1 lb | 19 lb (best) |
| Dimensions | 765 × 561 × 183 mm (268 mm tall with the riser base) | 22 × 20.5 × 5 in |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Where to buy | Check price at xTool (opens in a new tab) | Check price at Glowforge (opens in a new tab) |
The big differences
| Feature | xTool S1 40W | Glowforge Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Laser power | 40W | 6W |
| Work area | 498 × 319 mm | 305 × 305 mm |
| Cutting | Not published; reviewers cut wood and opaque acrylic easily | Material up to 1/4 in |
| Camera | None | Lid and head cameras |
| Software | xTool Creative Space / Studio, LightBurn; works offline | Glowforge web app; Wi-Fi required |
| Flame detection | Yes | Not stated |
| Price | $1,699 | $1,199 ($999 on sale) |
Power and size: the S1 wins clearly
Forty watts against six means faster engraving and far thicker cuts. Glowforge itself limits the Aura to 1/4 in material and advises against medium plywood, while Maker Hacks found the S1 cut birch and opaque acrylic easily and black acrylic "like butter". The S1's bed is also about 70% larger.
Ease of use: the Aura wins
Reviewed found the Aura "surprisingly easy to use—even for beginners": the lid camera shows your material in the app, and Proofgrade QR codes set power and speed. The S1 has no camera, and Maker Hacks found its autofocus probe can miss small items.
Software and internet
The S1 runs from xTool's desktop software over USB or Wi-Fi, and supports LightBurn for basic operations. The Aura runs only in Glowforge's web app and needs Wi-Fi and Glowforge's servers to print; if your internet is down, see Glowforge showing Offline.
Who should buy which
- xTool S1: you want to cut real wood projects, signs and opaque acrylic, value offline software and LightBurn, and can live without a camera. Read the S1 review.
- Glowforge Aura: you mostly make paper crafts, cards and thin wood gifts, and want the gentlest learning curve. Read the Aura review.
Neither suits clear acrylic; see diode vs CO2 vs fiber. For more options, see Glowforge alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is the xTool S1 harder to use than the Glowforge Aura?
Which is safer?
Can either cut clear acrylic?
Sources
Specs, prices and claims in this article come from these sources.
- xTool S1 product page · xTool · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Glowforge Craft Series tech specs · Glowforge · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Glowforge Aura product page · Glowforge · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- xTool S1 review · Maker Hacks · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Glowforge Aura review · Reviewed · accessed Oct 18, 2026
Written by
Research and editing
The LaserEngravers editorial team researches laser engravers from manufacturer documents, published measurements and owner reports.
