xTool F2 5W IR & Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How Each Alternative Compares

SCULPFUN G9 Dual Laser Galvo Engraver

The SCULPFUN G9 replaces the xTool F2’s dual-laser setup with a single 10W diode. It gives up the 5W IR capability for metal marking, so you cannot achieve the same vivid, dark colors on stainless steel or titanium. In return, it offers a dedicated enclosure, which the portable F2 Basic lacks. This makes it safer for indoor use without external ventilation. It is smaller and lighter, fitting easily on a desk. Choose this if you prioritize jewelry marking and safety over cutting thick wood or needing the F2’s high-speed galvo system. It is less versatile for mixed-material projects but more focused on small, precise metalwork.

LaserPecker LP2 Plus Portable 10W

The LaserPecker LP2 Plus uses a 10W diode laser, matching the F2’s diode power but lacking the IR module entirely. You lose the ability to mark metals directly. However, it is designed for extreme portability and speed in small batches. The workspace is smaller, limiting large-format engraving. It fits creators who move between locations and need quick setup without an enclosure. The F2 offers a larger working area and metal marking. Pick the LP2 Plus if you value compactness and speed for small items over the F2’s versatility and enclosed safety features. It is a streamlined tool for mobile engraving rather than a comprehensive workshop station.

Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W Enclosed Laser

The Creality Falcon2 Pro features a powerful 60W diode laser, far exceeding the F2’s 15W diode output. It gives up the IR laser for metal marking, focusing solely on wood and acrylic cutting. The 60W power allows it to cut thicker materials faster than the F2. It includes a full enclosure with air assist and a camera, offering superior safety and fume management. It is much heavier and larger, unsuitable for portable use. Choose this if your primary need is cutting thick wood or acrylic rather than metal marking. It is a desktop powerhouse for high-volume production, whereas the F2 is a versatile, lighter tool for diverse materials.

WECREAT Vision 20W Enclosed Laser Engraver

The WeCreat Vision 20W uses a 20W diode laser, offering more cutting power than the F2’s 15W diode but no IR laser for metal. It provides a fully enclosed design with air assist and a camera, similar to the F2’s safety features but in a larger desktop form factor. It lacks the portability of the F2. The auto-lifting bed and HD camera enhance precision for detailed work. Pick this if you need stronger cutting power for wood or acrylic and prefer a stationary, enclosed setup. It is not suitable for metal marking or portable applications. It trades the F2’s dual-laser versatility for dedicated, powerful diode cutting in a safe, fixed environment.

Longer Ray5 Mini 2.5W Laser Engraver

The Longer Ray5 Mini uses a 2.5W laser, significantly lower power than the F2’s 15W diode or 5W IR. It cannot cut thick materials or mark metals with the same depth or speed. It is a portable, high-precision tool for beginners and hobbyists. It lacks an enclosure and advanced features like the 50MP camera. Choose this if you need a lightweight, easy-to-use device for small, detailed projects on wood, acrylic, or glass. It is not for commercial use or metal marking. It trades the F2’s power, speed, and versatility for simplicity, portability, and a lower barrier to entry for new users.

Carverall A1 Pro 5W Enclosed Laser Engraver

The Carverall A1 Pro uses a 5W laser, much lower power than the F2’s 15W diode. It lacks an IR laser for metal marking. It features a Class 1 enclosed design, which is safer than the open F2 for beginners. It includes a camera for alignment. Choose this if you prioritize safety and compactness for paper and small craft projects. It is not suitable for cutting wood or marking metal. It trades the F2’s high speed, power, and material versatility for a simpler, safer, and more focused experience for small-format engraving. It is ideal for hobbyists who need a contained, easy-to-use device for light-duty tasks.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver

Best for: fast metal marking and wood engraving

Laser Type

Diode, IR

Laser Power

15W Diode, 5W IR

Engraving Speed

Up to 6000mm/s

Form Factor

Fully enclosed

Compatible Material

Metal

Features

Camera

View on Amazon: xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver Affiliate link

The xTool F2 combines a 15W diode laser and a 5W IR laser for marking metal and engraving wood. It reaches speeds up to 6000mm/s and includes a 50MP camera for precise alignment. The fully enclosed design ensures safe indoor use. This unit weighs 10 pounds and arrives fully assembled, making it suitable for quick setup in workshops or pop-up markets.

Pros

• Dual 15W diode and 5W IR lasers
• Up to 6000mm/s engraving speed
• Built-in 50MP camera for alignment
• Fully enclosed, leak-proof design

Cons

• 10-pound weight limits portability
• No remote control listed
• Basic size lacks slide extension

Good fit if

• You need to mark metal with IR
• You want fast batch processing
• You prefer a fully enclosed unit

Skip if

• You require a portable device
• You only engrave wood
• You need a large work area

Verdict: xTool F2 15W Diode 5W IR suits users who need metal marking and high speed. It fits workshops where enclosure safety matters. It does not fit those needing lightweight portability.

2 Also great

SCULPFUN G9 Dual Laser Galvo Engraver

Best for: Marking metals and small wood items

Laser Type

Infrared (1064nm) & blue diode (455nm)

Laser Power

2W Infrared & 10W Diode

Engraving Speed

up to 5000 mm/s

Software Compatibility

SGD Laser, Lightburn

Form Factor

Enclosed Cover (Class I)

Cutting Capacity

up to 10mm wood, 6mm acrylic

View on Amazon: SCULPFUN G9 Dual Laser Galvo Engraver Affiliate link

The Sculpfun G9 combines a 2W infrared laser and a 10W diode laser in one enclosed unit. It reaches engraving speeds up to 5000 mm/s with a 0.01 mm spot size. This setup handles metals and plastics with the IR source while cutting wood up to 10mm with the diode. It suits you if you need to mark jewelry or metal tags without switching machines. The Class I enclosure keeps the workspace safe and contained.

Pros

• Dual 2W IR and 10W diode lasers for metals and wood
• Enclosed Class I design with automatic lid stop
• Galvo system reaches 5000 mm/s engraving speed
• Compatible with Lightburn and SGD Laser software

Cons

• 2W IR power limits metal marking speed
• No built-in air filtration or smoke extraction
• Requires separate purchase of air purifier

Good fit if

• You need to engrave metals and plastics alongside wood
• You want a safe, enclosed unit for indoor use
• You prioritize high-speed galvo precision for small items

Skip if

• You require high-power cutting for thick materials
• You need a built-in smoke extraction system
• You only work with non-metal materials

Verdict: Sculpfun G9 Dual Laser Engraver fits you if you need a compact, safe machine for marking metals and engraving small wood items. It is not for heavy cutting or large-scale production.

3 Also great

LaserPecker LP2 Plus Portable 10W

Best for: fast portable engraving of small batches

Laser Type

Diode

Laser Power

10W

Engraving Speed

4000 mm/s

Cutting Capacity

Up to 6mm basswood

Compatible Material

Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Leather

Form Factor

Portable

View on Amazon: LaserPecker LP2 Plus Portable 10W Affiliate link

The LaserPecker LP2 Plus is a portable 10W diode laser engraver designed for speed and precision. It reaches engraving speeds of 4000mm/s and cuts up to 6mm basswood in a single pass. Weighing just 3.39kg, it offers high mobility for desktop or on-site work. The unit includes an F-theta lens for sharp 4K results and dual red-dot focus for quick alignment. It suits users who need fast turnaround on small batches or gifts.

Pros

• 10W diode laser with 1.5x stronger cutting power
• Ultra-fast engraving speed of 4000mm/s
• Lightweight 3.39kg portable design
• Dual red-dot focus for instant alignment
• Cuts up to 6mm basswood in one pass

Cons

• No built-in camera for preview or monitoring
• Limited to portable desktop use, not large-scale production
• Basic model lacks extended software or app features

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight tool for travel or small workshops
• You prioritize high engraving speed for batch orders
• You work with materials like wood, leather, and coated metal

Skip if

• You require a large bed size for oversized projects
• You need a built-in camera for precise positioning
• You want to cut thick materials beyond 6mm basswood

Verdict: LaserPecker LP2 Plus 10W Portable is ideal for creators who value speed and portability over large workspace size. It delivers fast, precise engraving for small to medium projects.

4 Best premium

Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W Enclosed Laser

Best for: Thick material cutting and enclosed safety

Laser Type

Diode

Laser Power

60W

Engraving Speed

Exceeding 500mm/s

Form Factor

Fully enclosed (Class 1)

Cutting Capacity

22mm basswood, 30mm black acrylic

Compatible Material

Wood, Acrylic

View on Amazon: Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W Enclosed Laser Affiliate link

The Creality Falcon2 Pro delivers 60W of diode laser power with speeds exceeding 500mm/s. It features a fully enclosed Class 1 design with a built-in camera for intelligent focus. This unit cuts up to 22mm basswood and 30mm black acrylic in a single pass. It suits users needing high throughput and safety in a desktop footprint.

Pros

• 60W diode laser output
• Engraving speeds over 500mm/s
• Fully enclosed Class 1 safety
• Built-in camera for positioning
• Cuts 22mm basswood in one pass

Cons

• Heavy at 41.9 pounds
• Large footprint at 26 inches wide
• No mention of mobile app control

Good fit if

• You need to cut thick materials like 30mm acrylic
• You want a fully enclosed machine for safety
• You require high-speed batch production

Skip if

• You need a portable or lightweight unit
• You only engrave small, low-power items
• You require a compact desktop size under 20 inches

Verdict: Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W Desktop Engraver fits makers who prioritize cutting capacity and enclosed safety. It handles thick materials and fast speeds better than lower-power alternatives.

5 Best 20w

WECREAT Vision 20W Enclosed Laser Engraver

Best for: Safe, precise enclosed diode engraving

Laser Type

Diode

Laser Power

20W (20,000mW)

Engraving Speed

600mm/s

Software Compatibility

LightBurn, WeCreat proprietary software

Form Factor

Fully enclosed (Class 1)

Cutting Capacity

10mm wood, 8mm opaque black acrylic

View on Amazon: WECREAT Vision 20W Enclosed Laser Engraver Affiliate link

The WeCreat Vision 20W is a fully enclosed Class 1 diode laser engraver. It features 20W power, 600mm/s speed, and a built-in HD camera. The auto-lifting bed handles materials up to 140mm thick. It includes rotary and air assist capabilities. This unit suits users who want high precision and safety without extra enclosures. It works with LightBurn software.

Pros

• 20W diode laser cuts 10mm wood in one pass
• Fully enclosed Class 1 design filters 99% of laser light
• Auto-lifting bed adjusts from 1mm to 140mm height
• Built-in HD camera with quick view matrix
• Compatible with LightBurn and proprietary software

Cons

• Proprietary software included alongside LightBurn
• No mention of mobile app control
• 20W power is lower than 40W competitors

Good fit if

• You need a fully enclosed machine for safety
• You engrave varied heights up to 140mm
• You require precise 0.01mm accuracy

Skip if

• You need to cut thicker than 10mm wood
• You prefer a machine without an enclosure
• You want a 40W or higher power unit

Verdict: WeCreat Vision 20W Desktop Laser is a safe, precise choice for users who need an enclosed diode system. It fits those who value auto-lifting beds and HD camera integration over raw cutting power.

6 Also great

Longer Ray5 Mini 2.5W Laser Engraver

Best for: beginners needing portable, high-precision engraving

Laser Power

2500mW

Working Area

130x130mm (5.1" x 5.5")

Engraving Speed

Up to 12,000mm/min

Software Compatibility

LightBurn, LaserGRBL

Cutting Capacity

Up to 6mm for wood, 2mm for acrylic

Compatible Material

Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Glass

View on Amazon: Longer Ray5 Mini 2.5W Laser Engraver Affiliate link

The Longer Ray5 2.5W is a compact, portable laser engraver designed for beginners. It features a 0.04 x 0.04mm spot size for high-precision, photo-realistic engravings. The working area measures 130x130mm, offering a balance of detail and workspace. With speeds up to 12,000mm/min and Wi-Fi connectivity, it supports LightBurn and LaserGRBL software. This unit requires no assembly, making it ideal for users seeking a straightforward, space-saving desktop solution.

Pros

• 2500mW laser output for detailed engraving
• 0.04 x 0.04mm spot size for precision
• 130x130mm working area fits most tasks
• No assembly required for immediate use
• Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for flexibility

Cons

• Lower 2.5W power limits cutting thickness
• Smaller 130x130mm area restricts large projects
• No built-in camera for real-time monitoring

Good fit if

• You need a portable, space-saving engraver
• You are a beginner wanting easy setup
• You prioritize high-precision detail over speed

Skip if

• You require large format engraving capabilities
• You need to cut thick wood or acrylic
• You want a built-in camera for tracking

Verdict: The Longer Ray5 2.5W Portable Laser Engraver is a practical entry-level tool for hobbyists who value precision and portability over raw power. It suits users who want a ready-to-use device for small, detailed projects without the hassle of assembly.

7 Best budget

Carverall A1 Pro 5W Enclosed Laser Engraver

Best for: compact paper and small-format craft engraving

Laser Power

5W

Working Area

3.94" x 3.94"

Engraving Speed

12,000 mm/min

Software Compatibility

CutLabX, LightBurn, LaserGRBL

Form Factor

Fully Enclosed (Class 1)

Cutting Capacity

4mm plywood, 3mm acrylic

View on Amazon: Carverall A1 Pro 5W Enclosed Laser Engraver Affiliate link

The Carverall A1 Pro Enclosed Laser Engraver provides a 5W diode laser inside a fully enclosed Class 1 housing. You get an integrated HD camera for drag-and-drop design positioning, a 3.94 by 3.94-inch work area, and speeds up to 12,000 millimeters per minute. It suits makers who need a compact, safety-focused desktop machine for engraving paper, leather, and small craft items.

Pros

• Fully enclosed Class 1 chassis with tilt and cover-open auto shutoff
• HD camera alignment for precise drag-and-drop design positioning
• Built-in air assist and exhaust fan included in the enclosure
• Compatible with CutLabX, LightBurn, and LaserGRBL

Cons

• Small 3.94 by 3.94-inch working area restricts sheet and item size
• 5W diode output limits single-pass cutting on dense materials

Good fit if

• You need an enclosed desktop engraver with built-in tilt and lid safety shutoffs.
• You focus on small items like paper goods, bookmarks, and pet tags.
• You want camera-assisted visual placement for quick alignment on thin stock.

Skip if

• You need to engrave or cut workpieces larger than 3.94 by 3.94 inches.
• You require higher baseline laser wattage for fast cutting through thick boards.

Verdict: Carverall A1 Pro Enclosed Laser Engraver fits hobbyists who prioritize an enclosed Class 1 safety design and camera alignment for compact paper and small-format craft jobs.

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