xTool S1 vs. M1 Ultra: Which Laser Engraver Fits Your Workshop?

Introduction

If you’re shopping for a laser engraver that can handle tumblers, large wood panels, acrylic sheets, and metal marking, two xTool models likely appear on your shortlist: the xTool S1 40W and the xTool M1 Ultra Premium Bund. Both are powerful, versatile machines, but they target different workflows and shop spaces.

The S1 is a dedicated laser cutter and engraver with a large bed and high-speed capability, built for users who need to process big projects and cylindrical items like tumblers. The M1 Ultra is a desktop 4-in-1 craft machine that adds inkjet printing, blade cutting, and pen drawing to its laser engraving function—ideal for mixed-media creators who want one machine for multiple tasks.

Below, I break down where each machine excels so you can decide which one belongs in your workshop.

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At a Glance

Note: Prices and ratings are based on verified listings at the time of writing. Always check current pricing.

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Where the xTool S1 40W Wins

1. Larger Work Area for Big Projects

The S1’s bed measures 23.93″ x 15.16″ , giving you generous space for oversized pieces like large wooden signs, acrylic panels, or multiple smaller items in a single pass. If your projects regularly exceed standard desktop dimensions, the S1 is the clear choice.

2. Higher Laser Power (40W)

With 40W of laser output, the S1 cuts and engraves faster through thicker materials. This power makes it suitable for deeper engraving on wood and acrylic, and for marking metal surfaces. While the M1 Ultra’s 20W laser is capable for many tasks, the S1’s extra wattage reduces pass times on dense materials.

3. Faster Engraving Speed

The S1 reaches 600mm/s , which is among the higher speeds in its class. For production runs—whether you’re engraving dozens of coasters, cutting multiple acrylic shapes, or batch-processing tumblers—this speed translates to real time savings.

4. Dedicated Rotary for Tumblers

The S1 includes rotary support specifically for tumblers and cylindrical objects. If you plan to engrave drinkware, bottles, or other round items regularly, the S1’s integrated rotary system is designed for that exact use case.

5. Stronger User Feedback

With 180 reviews and a 4.4 average rating, the S1 has a larger base of user experience backing it. While ratings are only one data point, a larger sample size often indicates consistent performance across varied use cases.

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Where the xTool M1 Ultra Wins

1. 4-in-1 Versatility

The M1 Ultra is not just a laser engraver—it’s a desktop 4-in-1 craft machine. It combines:

• 20W laser engraving
• Inkjet printing
• Blade cutting
• Pen drawing

For creators who make stickers, cards, labels, mixed-media art, or prototypes that require multiple finishing steps, the M1 Ultra eliminates the need for separate machines. You can laser-engrave a wooden base, then inkjet-print a design onto paper, blade-cut the paper shape, and draw fine details with a pen—all on one device.

2. Compact Desktop Footprint

The M1 Ultra is designed for smaller workspaces. If your workshop is a corner of a home office, a spare room, or a craft table, the M1 Ultra’s all-in-one design saves valuable bench space compared to running a separate laser, printer, and cutter.

3. Inkjet Printing Integration

This is a unique feature among laser engravers. The M1 Ultra can print full-color designs onto materials like paper, cardstock, or vinyl, then switch to laser engraving or blade cutting in the same workflow. For projects that combine color graphics with engraved elements, this integration is a major time-saver.

4. Pen Drawing Capability

The pen drawing function allows you to create precise line art, calligraphy, or technical drawings on paper or other flat media. This expands the machine’s use beyond engraving and cutting into illustration and drafting.

5. Competitive Pricing

At ~$1,889 , the M1 Ultra is priced nearly identically to the S1 (~$1,899) but offers three additional functions. For users who need those capabilities, the value proposition is strong.

6. Rotary for Tumblers

Like the S1, the M1 Ultra supports rotary engraving on tumblers. You don’t lose that functionality by choosing the multi-function model.

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Verdict by Use Case

Choose the xTool S1 40W if:

• You work primarily with large materials. The 23.93″ x 15.16″ bed is essential for oversized wood panels, acrylic sheets, or batch processing.
• Speed is a priority. At 600mm/s, the S1 is built for production efficiency.
• You need higher laser power. 40W handles thicker materials and deeper engraving with fewer passes.
• Your focus is laser-only work. You don’t need printing, blade cutting, or drawing functions.
• You value a proven track record. With 180 reviews, the S1 has more community feedback.

Choose the xTool M1 Ultra Premium Bund if:

• You want a multi-function craft station. The 4-in-1 capability (laser, inkjet printing, blade cutting, pen drawing) replaces several machines.
• Your workspace is limited. The compact desktop design fits smaller shops, home offices, or craft rooms.
• You create mixed-media projects. Combining color prints with laser engraving or blade-cut shapes is seamless.
• You need pen drawing for illustrations or technical drawings. This is a rare feature in a laser engraver.
• You want tumbler engraving plus other functions. The M1 Ultra supports rotary engraving without sacrificing its other capabilities.

Final Thought

Both machines are high-quality xTool products with strong features for their respective niches. The S1 is a dedicated, powerful laser system for users who prioritize speed, bed size, and laser-only production. The M1 Ultra is a versatile creative hub for makers who want one machine that does laser engraving, printing, cutting, and drawing.

Consider your typical project size, material types, and whether you need additional crafting functions. If you primarily cut and engrave large items, the S1 is the better fit. If you want a single machine that handles multiple creative processes in a small space, the M1 Ultra delivers unmatched versatility.