Choose F2 when its 15W diode, 5W infrared module, 6,000 mm/s listed ceiling, or 120 mm listed height avoids a known bottleneck in small-object personalization. Choose F1 when the same 115 × 115 mm field fits the work and its 10W diode, 2W infrared, and 4,000 mm/s listed ceiling already meet the job. Neither is the right answer for large work, dependable clear-acrylic cutting, or deep bare-metal production.
The differences that decide this comparison
| Decision factor | xTool F2 | xTool F1 |
|---|---|---|
| Laser modules | 15W blue-light diode + 5W infrared | 10W blue-light diode + 2W infrared |
| Listed maximum processing speed | 6,000 mm/s | 4,000 mm/s |
| Internal working area | 115 × 115 mm | 115 × 115 mm |
| Listed maximum processing height | 120 mm | Confirm the exact usable clearance for the selected F1 configuration and fixture |
| Machine dimensions | 175 × 237 × 334 mm | 179 × 235 × 334 mm |
| Power adapter input | 25 V, 6 A / 150 W | 24 V, 5 A / 120 W |
| Positioning claim | Verify the current configuration's framing and focusing workflow in the F2 guide | Current product page describes live position preview |
Specifications and observed offers checked August 12, 2026. Configurations, bundles, shipping, taxes, stock, and checkout pricing can change.
Choose F2 when
- Your small-object workflow benefits from the 15W diode or 5W infrared module rather than the F1's 10W/2W combination.
- A 6,000 mm/s listed motion ceiling or 120 mm listed maximum processing height removes a documented workflow constraint.
- You will engrave qualifying metal, coated metal, wood, leather, or other supported materials and will select settings for the actual module and material.
- You can operate it under the manufacturer’s professional-use, enclosure, exhaust, supervision, and laser-safety requirements.
Choose F1 when
- The 115 × 115 mm field already fits each item, jig, and margin, and the listed 4,000 mm/s ceiling does not constrain the order flow.
- Its 10W diode and 2W infrared capabilities fit the first products you will actually sell or make.
- You need portable event or in-store personalization but have verified that its configuration, accessories, exhaust plan, and current support terms fit the use case.
- You are comparing a complete configuration rather than assuming a lower advertised machine price covers fixtures, extraction, test material, and safe operation.
Important evidence gaps
BeamBasis has not physically tested either machine. Listed laser power and speed are not evidence that one machine completes every job proportionally faster or produces better output.
Acceleration, artwork, material, marking depth, settings, focus, fixture design, ventilation, and operator workflow determine actual completed jobs per hour. No controlled F2-versus-F1 throughput test supports a blanket productivity claim here.
F1 and F2 packages, accessories, availability, price, support, and usable clearance can vary. Verify the exact configuration in the cart and obtain unresolved support questions in writing before checkout.
Who should buy neither?
- Choose neither for signs, sheet goods, or any job that exceeds the 115 × 115 mm internal area before jigs and margins; compare a suitable gantry or larger-field platform.
- Choose neither for reliable clear-acrylic cutting or larger acrylic work; evaluate an appropriate enclosed CO₂ workflow instead.
- Choose neither for deep bare-metal engraving, high-volume metal production, or color marking where a specified fiber or MOPA system is the actual decision.
- Pause before either if an event, home, school, or shared workspace cannot support the required exhaust, supervision, safe-material process, and manufacturer safety controls.
Complete-cost questions before checkout
- Will every planned item, jig, fixture, and waste margin fit inside 115 × 115 mm without costly re-fixturing or a slide-extension dependency?
- Which products need the diode source, which need infrared, and does the selected machine/module combination support those claims from current primary documentation?
- What does the actual portable setup require for extraction or purification, rotary/fixture support, test stock, power, transport protection, and fire response?
- Does the potential time saved by F2's listed specifications repay the full difference after accessories and operating setup—not only the machine listing?
Primary sources
All decisive specifications above were rechecked against these sources on August 12, 2026.