xTool S1 Review: The Enclosed 40W Diode Laser for Home Workshops

The xTool S1 was the first fully enclosed 40W diode laser, and it is still the reference for a safe, big-bed diode machine at home. It costs $1,699 for the 40W Basic Bundle on xtool.com (the 20W version was sold out when we checked). We compared xTool's specifications with what hands-on reviewers found. We have not tested it ourselves; see how we research.

Key specs

From xtool.com, October 18, 2026.

Safety: why the S1 suits a house

Most powerful diode lasers are open frames certified Class 4, which means everyone in the room needs laser safety glasses. The S1 is certified Class 1: the beam stays inside the closed case, and xTool lists five-direction flame detection, an emergency stop, a lid-open stop and a laser key lock. Maker Hacks' Chris Garrett found the enclosure, air assist and fume extraction make it "safer and quieter". You still need to vent the fumes outside or through a purifier; see laser engraver safety.

Cutting and engraving

xTool doesn't publish a maximum cutting depth on the S1 page, so we rely on reviewers. Maker Hacks cut birch, poplar and opaque acrylic without trouble and found "It cuts black acrylic like butter", but clear and sparkly acrylic and ABS did not work, as expected from a blue diode. The Gadgeteer called it "the world's first 40W enclosed diode laser cutter" and highlighted the quick-change laser modules.

With the optional 2W infrared module, the S1 marks bare metal and plastics; Maker Hacks engraved dog tags with it and found positioning very accurate.

What reviewers didn't like

• No camera. Placement relies on framing and a crosshair.
• Autofocus on small items. Maker Hacks found the touch probe can miss small workpieces and drop into the honeycomb, so place the crosshair carefully.
• A short, narrow exhaust hose. The reviewer noted "the exhaust tube is an unusually small diameter and short length"; a garage install may need a bigger extension.
• Air assist is extra. xTool sells it as an Air Assist Set.
• LightBurn is partial. xTool says LightBurn handles the basics but not every S1 feature.

Who should buy it

Buy the S1 if you want to cut and engrave wood, leather and opaque acrylic indoors, near family or pets, on a large bed. Skip it if you need clear acrylic or 18 mm one-pass cuts (choose the xTool P2S), or if a camera matters (the Creality Falcon A1 Pro and WeCreat Vision have one). For a head-to-head with the most common rival, see Glowforge Aura vs xTool S1.

If an error code appears, our xTool error codes guide lists the S1's M222, M363 and M53 codes.