Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2 vs xTool P2 55W CO2
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 40 W | 55 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 495 × 279 mm | 600 × 308 mm |
| Max Speed | 7,500 mm/min | 36,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $6,999 | $4,999 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Weight | 22 kg | 45 kg |
Pros & Cons
Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2
What we like
- 40W CO2 for clean cuts in wood, acrylic, and leather
- HD camera with Preview Mode for precise placement
- Cloud app for zero-config operation
- Full enclosure — safe for home and business
- $1,000 less than the Pro HD
Watch out for
- High price ($6,999)
- No Pro Passthrough — limited to bed depth
- Requires internet — no offline operation
- No LightBurn support
- Subscription costs for premium designs
- CO2 tube will eventually need replacing
xTool P2 55W CO2
What we like
- 55W CO2 tube cuts thick materials cleanly
- Built-in camera for auto-trace and positioning
- Pass-through slot for oversized materials
- Autofocus and air assist included
- Comprehensive safety features (lid detection, flame sensor)
Watch out for
- Very high price ($4,999)
- Heavy and large footprint
- CO2 tube will eventually need replacing
- Requires proper ventilation setup
Compatible Materials
Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
xTool P2 55W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlassStone
The xTool P2 55W CO2 costs $4,999 (29% less) than the Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2, which is priced at $6,999.
The xTool P2 55W CO2 has 27% more optical power (55W vs 40W).
The xTool P2 55W CO2 offers a 25% larger work area (600 × 308 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The xTool P2 55W CO2 has a 79% higher maximum speed (36,000 mm/min vs 7,500 mm/min).
Feature-wise, xTool P2 55W CO2 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2 does not.