OMTech Polar Lite 55W vs xTool P3 80W
Verdict
On our scores the xTool P3 80W comes out ahead, 81 to 75. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with a 510 × 300 mm work area; the xTool P3 80W is a 80 W co2 laser with 915 × 458 mm. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W costs about $4,799 less at list price.
The OMTech Polar Lite 55W is best for
Small shops and serious hobbyists who want an all-in-one enclosed CO2 that runs LightBurn offline.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
| OMTech Polar Lite 55W | xTool P3 80W | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | CO2 laser | CO2 laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 55 W | 80 W |
| Work area | 510 × 300 mm | 915 × 458 mm |
| Max speed | 500 mm/s | 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 | Fully enclosed, listed as an FDA Class 1 laser with lid interlock and emergency stop, plus a water temperature alarm | 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 | 41 kg | 105 kg |
| Price | $2,200 | $6,999 |
| Overall score | 75 | 81 |
| Power score | 82 | 90 |
| Speed score | 65 | 78 |
| Ease score | 82 | 88 |
| Safety score | 88 | 92 |
| Value score | 78 | 62 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the OMTech Polar Lite 55W or the xTool P3 80W?
On our scores the xTool P3 80W comes out ahead, 81 to 75. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with a 510 × 300 mm work area; the xTool P3 80W is a 80 W co2 laser with 915 × 458 mm. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W costs about $4,799 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the OMTech Polar Lite 55W or the xTool P3 80W?
At list price the OMTech Polar Lite 55W ($2,200) costs less than the xTool P3 80W ($6,999).
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).