In this post, we’ll be digging into the increasingly popular world of laser cutters. If you’re just getting started, finding the right laser cutter can be a game-changer for your projects. For some, it can even open up a small business opportunity. At this point, you’ve likely done a lot of research to find the perfect laser cutter and engraver, just as I have. And trust me, there are tons of options out there! Even if this is your first step in the research process, fear not! We’re going to compare two popular brands and their entry-level machines head-to-head: Glowforge Aura vs. xTool M1, to help you save time and make the purchase that’s right for you.
Glowforge Aura: Specs & Features
First up, let’s take a look at Glowforge. Known for its reliability and user-friendly interface, the Glowforge laser cutter has been a top pick among creators and small businesses alike since 2015. It boasts a powerful laser that can cut through a variety of materials with precision and speed.
They have a great line of products ranging from their newest budget-friendly model, the Glowforge Spark, to their more powerful commercial-use models the Glowforge Pro and Plus.
In this post, we’ll be focusing on the specifics of the Glowforge Aura. This machine places us right in the middle as a great entry-level laser engraver and cutter for the newbies, but can be appreciated by the seasoned pros as well.
With the ability to laser engrave, cut, and score you can create an abundance of projects. This model works with many different types of materials including wood, acrylic, fabric, and more (see list). It has the ability to cut materials up to 1/4-inch thick with the option to engrave objects up to 2-inches.
Glowforge offers their own line of Proofgrade® materials, which are specifically designed and tested to work with their machines. You don’t have to worry about waste with their diverse line of proven to work materials.
The Glowforge Aura can create projects up to 12×12 inches, but the winning feature on this machine, the Passthrough slot, allows you to increase your project width to any length you desire as long as it’s no larger than 12-inches long. Providing you with the ultimate sign making machine. The machine itself is only 20-inches wide by 20.5-inches long and 5-inches tall, so it’s an ideal printer for a small craft room or space. Its compact size also allows for easy transporting to a new space, if needed.
Let’s not forget the wide-angle camera mounted within the machine, developed to give you a birds-eye view of your projects to make for easy placement of your designs within the free Glowforge Print software.
But how does it stack up against its competitor, xTool M1? Let’s find out.
xTool M1: Specs & Features
xTool may not be as well-known as Glowforge, but don’t let that fool you. The brand has a large selection of laser cutters from their newest on-the-go machine, the F1 Dual-Laser, to robust CO2 laser desktop machines. The xTool M1, which launched in June 2022, packs a punch with its advanced features and high-quality construction. From intricate designs to large-scale projects, the xTool M1 laser cutter can handle a lot.
The xTool prides itself on being compatible with over 200 different materials and can also cut, engrave, and score. At it’s basic functionality, the xTool M1 can process materials up to 12×15-inches and laser cut up to 1/4-inch thickness. xTool also has a catalog of selected materials that you can purchase directly from their website.
Although it has many features mirroring its competitor, the M1 has found a way to go above and beyond by adding a higher resolution 16-megapixel camera within the machine, incorporating an open plane mode, and being the first desktop laser and blade cutting machine in the world.
Let’s dig in a bit. What is open plane mode? The M1 has the ability to remove its baseplate to process large-area or thicker materials than it can out-of-the-box. This can be used for projects like custom rolling pins, personalized tools, and much more. xTool offers several add-on accessories such as its risers or rotary tool for working with tumblers.
Does the M1 really include a blade? Yes, the xTool M1 has both a diode laser and blade cutter for vinyl that can be added or removed depending on your project needs. The best part is that it is not an add-on accessory. The machine comes equipped with the blade cutter making it a great tool for vinyl projects. As the first hybrid laser engraver and blade cutter it even competes with the infamous Cricut.
Glowforge Aura vs. xTool M1
The Glowforge Aura and xTool M1 have similar styles and features. Both use a diode laser to cut, engrave, and score. They’re both around 20 pounds and have dimensions that are about 20 x 20-inches, making either one a good option for a desktop laser cutter. These machines are well constructed of quality materials and include a transparent protective lid, inside LEDs for increased visibility, and mounted live cameras. Wifi compatibility is available on both machines for simple wire-free printing.
When it comes to software for creating your projects, they both come with free basic design software. The interface for each of these softwares provides a user-friendly experience with a very small learning curve if you’re new to these types of platforms. These programs work with common file types such as SVGs, PNGs, and JPEGs to easily turn your images into amazing works of art. Each provides the option to use drag-and-drop shapes and objects or the ability to purchase design files and import them into the platform.
But that still begs the question, which one reigns supreme?
Comparison Chart
Glowforge Aura Pros
The xTool M1 is slightly taller by 4-inches and that’s not including the additional riser add-on, which can up the height to a whopping 14.5-inches. However, it provides ample room for materials of various sizes for a variety of projects. If space is a concern of yours, then going with the Glowforge Aura, may make sense.
The Glowforge Aura’s Passthrough slot is unique to this laser engraver. This feature allows you to work with very long materials, which can save you time from having to piece together projects. This is a win for Glowforge.
Glowforge Aura Cons
Although they both have Wifi compatibility, the Glowforge Aura is the only one that requires Wifi to use. If you’re looking to work offline or set up your laser cutter in a spotty basement, this might not be the best option for you.
xTool Pros
With the popularity of tumblers on the rise, the idea of personalizing them may have crossed your mind. In addition to tumblers, ornament engraving, glass etching, and personalizing other rounded objects would benefit from a rotary tool. At this time, the Glowforge does not offer a rotary attachment add-on for their Aura, but the xTool M1 does have this option.
This may be a laser cutter comparison, but if you have ever considered purchasing a vinyl cutter, such as a Cricut or Sisser, then the xTool M1 might be the best bang for your buck. Since you’ll be able to laser cut, engrave, score, and cut vinyl, this machine could be the all-in-one tool you’ve been searching for.
xTool Cons
Although the xTool has additional accessories to make your crafting nearly limitless, they do require a bit of assembly. This may be a turn off for those that just want to plug and play. This isn’t true for the machine itself, but the accessories only.
The Glowforge Aura is built to be “human-proof”, minimizing user-error, and can be appealing for some. However, you won’t find the option of an open plane, air-assist, or a rotary tool like the xTool. It’s not to say that the xTool accessories aren’t worth the extra time to set up, but may require a video tutorial or two.
Price Comparison
Now, let’s talk about price. Glowforge Aura comes in at a slightly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for those just starting out. However, xTool offers more features and capabilities for a slightly higher price. The Glowforge Aura retails for $1,099.00 USD while the xTool M1 has an MSRP of $1,499.00 USD. The best question is whether or not the additional out-of-the-box features the xTool has, such as blade cutting, is worth the extra $400. For some, this might be a no-brainer. However, saving the extra money for materials or a filter might steer you toward the Glowforge Aura.
If you’re leaning toward the xTool M1, but the price is stopping you from making the purchase, keep in mind discounts and promotional periods. The xTool often offers sales for its machines and materials. In fact, with their current Spring Sale promo you can get a Basic Package M1 for as low as $899.00 USD, which is a steal for this tool. With this limited-time offer, it makes the M1 $200 less than the Glowforge Aura.
Conclusion
Whichever brand you choose, investing in a laser cutter can open up a world of possibilities for your projects. So weigh your options and get ready to take your creations to the next level.
Ultimately, I decided to purchase the xTool M1 over the Glowforge Aura because of its open plane and blade cutting features. These machines are quite the investment and it made the most sense for a laser cutter at this price point with all that it encompasses. To get the best bargain, I landed on the xTool M1 Deluxe Package, which comes with two adhesive cuttings mats, a pack of 45º blades, and three packs of various sample materials ranging from self-adhesive vinyl to metal dog tags. I made this purchase during their promotional offer and the air-assist and rotary tool were included as free bonus accessories.
Be sure to check back in for a follow up post on unboxing and reviewing the xTool M1 laser engraver and cutter once I receive it. I’ll also be sharing my first laser cutting and engraving projects, along with tips and tricks.
