Glowforge Pro HD vs xTool P3 80W
Verdict
On our scores the xTool P3 80W comes out ahead, 81 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the xTool P3 80W is a 80 W co2 laser with 915 × 458 mm. The xTool P3 80W costs about $1,000 less at list price.
The Glowforge Pro HD is best for
Small businesses, schools and makerspaces that will pay a large premium for the easiest browser-based CO2 workflow.The xTool P3 80W is best for
Small businesses cutting and engraving wood and acrylic in volume who want a large, highly automated Class 1 CO2 machine and have the floor space for it.Specs and scores side by side
| Glowforge Pro HD | xTool P3 80W | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | CO2 laser | CO2 laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 45 W | 80 W |
| Work area | 495 × 279 mm | 915 × 458 mm |
| Max speed | n/a | 1,200 mm/s engraving, 400 mm/s vector cutting (maker figures) |
| Air assist | Built in | Built in |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Safety | Enclosed with lid and rear door interlocks, but rated Class 4 because of the passthrough slot; UL certified, no emergency stop button | Class 1 enclosure with lid and baseplate interlocks, emergency stop, access key, eight flame sensors, a temperature sensor and side cameras; a built-in CO2 fire suppression module that needs a 0.6 L cylinder xTool ships separately (currently a free gift with the Standalone); Class 4 when the conveyor feeder slots are in use |
| Weight | 25 kg | 105 kg |
| Price | $7,999 | $6,999 |
| Overall score | 66 | 81 |
| Power score | 76 | 90 |
| Speed score | 60 | 78 |
| Ease score | 93 | 88 |
| Safety score | 82 | 92 |
| Value score | 38 | 62 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Glowforge Pro HD or the xTool P3 80W?
On our scores the xTool P3 80W comes out ahead, 81 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the xTool P3 80W is a 80 W co2 laser with 915 × 458 mm. The xTool P3 80W costs about $1,000 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the Glowforge Pro HD or the xTool P3 80W?
At list price the xTool P3 80W ($6,999) costs less than the Glowforge Pro HD ($7,999).
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).