Glowforge Aura vs xTool M1 – Which Is Better for You?
Today I’m tackling the question: xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura – which is better? In order to answer it, I have to ask you a question.
Because I believe both brands are leaders in their fields, I am breaking down which crafter laser is better for you based on your needs. Having worked with both brands, I hope this helps you make a decision.
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RELATED READING: xTool M1 Review, Starter Guide, and Beginner Projects
What You'll Find On This Page
The Best Laser for Crafters
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, we’ve been working through learning laser engraving, cutting, and maintenance. Having used only a Glowforge Pro and an xTool M1, we were intrigued when the new Glowforge Aura was announced as a ‘crafter’s laser.’
And because of the brand recognition, I was VERY interested in this machine and I’m not the only one. Since publishing my review of the xTool M1 laser and blade cutter machine, I have been asked repeatedly to help people find a laser cutter that is best for their needs.
As mentioned in my xTool M1 vs Glowforge Aura TikTok, the first question you should ask to determine which laser is right for you has NOTHING to do with specs, power, or features.
Your starting point to determine which laser cutter is right for you is to ask yourself, ‘What do I want to make?’
RELATED READING: Can a Diode Cut White Acrylic? Yes, Here’s How
xTool M1 vs Glowforge Aura
With all of the lasers on the market, you might ask why I’m focusing on the Glowforge Aura and the xTool M1. The answer is simple: they are the two “crafter” lasers, born to be
- powerful (enough),
- big (enough),
- safe (enough),
- inexpensive (enough), and
- versatile enough to work with a myriad of materials.
We’re going to briefly talk about the specifications of each laser a little bit but we’ll focus on what you want to make while we do it. I created a comprehensive xTool M1 review and you can find a review of the Aura here. My goal here is not to provide a side-by-sde comparison, but to actually help you decide WHICH LASER TO BUY!
If you want the side by side comparison, here are basics:
RELATED READING: WeCreat Vista Laser Review – A Fun Beginner Laser
Navigating Your First Laser Machine Purchase
If you are new to lasers, the overwhelm is real. It becomes a daunting task when comparing specifications, features, limitations, software, safety, and maintenance. It feels like you’re while waffling back and forth on which laser is “best.”
Having recently been in that place, I am documenting everything about this journey. Thus far, it’s been as equally awesome and frustrating and I’m told most of us will have that experience, so I am in good company.
Again, this article is geared to help you determine which of the crafter lasers are best for you. If you have additional questions, please leave a comment or contact me on social. I’m known for calling things as I see it, so I’ll tell it to you straight.
Have you joined the Laser Group on Facebook yet? It’s a welcoming, friendly, and open space to get ideas, ask questions, and learn from our peers.
What Both Machines Do WELL
Both customer support for the two brands are amazing. Glowforge is known for their stellar support system with fairly quick resolution (for most common issues). And while xTool’s support is on the opposite side of the world, their community group more than makes up for any delay.
I’m beyond impressed with the xTool and xTool M1 groups on Facebook. There are free files, tips, jigs, and some amazing threads with suggestions. Additionally, I check the group at least once daily because the trouble-shooting help provided has exponentially doubled my knowledge on lasers.
Next, both machines cut, score, or engrave a wide range of materials including wood, veneer, MDF, paper, card board, chipboard, foam, leather, and so many more. In that way, both are powerful laser cutters and diode laser engravers.
Additionally, both machines are enclosed (safe) and have decent proprietary software. There is a learning curve to both, but I’ve been able to recreate Adobe Illustrator designs within them once I learned the features. Both softwares also handle multiple file types, so I consider them equal.
And now, to the differences. Remember, keep in mind what you want to make while reading through these sections.
Laser and Blade vs Laser Only
The biggest difference in the Glowforge Aura and the xTool M1 is the variance in their functional design. The Aura is a laser only while the M1 is a a laser AND blade cutter in one.
The blade system on the M1 can be SO helpful when cutting machines are in use or if you have a small craft space and don’t want to shuffle things around. I’ve cut PU leather, felt, faux suede, card stock, and chipboard on the M1 so far and have not yet been limited. As mentioned in my review of the M1 from xTool, I’d REALLY like to see swappable blades.
WHY THIS MATTERS: If you have a small space or do not want two machines, the xTool M1 is a great option. The Glowforge Aura is only a laser; there is no blade.
Laser Types and Power
Both the Aura and M1 have diode lasers which means they are fairly easy to maintain, will last longer than some other types of lasers on the market, and are “powerful enough” to cut or engrave items crafters would want to work with.
The BIG difference in the two lasers with regard to power is that the M1 comes in a 10 watt (which I have) and a 5 watt but the Aura is a 6 watt. This means whatever you make will take longer with the Aura than the M1.
WHY THIS MATTERS: Some laser tasks (like engraving) take a long time and the xTool M1 10W will be faster. You cannot walk away from either laser, so processing time matters.
Material Size and Set Up Differences
The good news here is that the processing material sizes are not too different. The Glowforge Aura can handle flat items up to 11.5″ on its 12 x 12 inch bed and the xTool M1’s working space can accommodate 12 x 15 inch material.
Ask yourself: what do I want to make? If you want to only focus on flat holiday ornaments or tags, either machine will work. If you want to work with door signs, cutting boards, porch leaners, etc., this matters.
The Aura has a “pass through” feature and it is VERY cool. It is limited in that it only takes thin materials (up to 1/4″ thick) so if making a porch sign, you’ll likely use a much thicker material than this can accommodate. If making an indoor sign, it will work nicely.
Though it has no pass through, the M1 has the ability to go “open plane.” This means that you can run long boards through the M1 or even put it on a dining room table and engrave the entire thing (someone did and shared it in the xTool group).
WHY THIS MATTERS: If you want to work on larger projects, consider the items you will make. The M1 has open plane to accommodate large items while the Aura has a cool ‘pass-through,’ which maxes out at 1/4″.
Versatility / Circular Object Processing
Here is where the limitations of one machine solidified my choice, but again ask yourself what you want to create. As of yet, there are no attachments for the Aura (like the xTool fire suppression kit) and there is no circular object processing like the M1 has.
Ask yourself: Do I want to engrave cups, glasses, mugs, tumblers (so popular), bowls, curved bar bracelets, shot glasses, etc.? If yes, your decision is made. If no, both machines are still options.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The xTool M1 can work on curved items with the rotary set up; the Aura has NO OPTION for anything other than thin, FLAT items.
Comparison Between Glowforge Aura and xTool M1 Projects
I hope the highlighted points above helped to narrow things down for you. Here are a few items I’ve made that will hopefully provide some “real world” comparison.
If you are interested in picking up the xTool M1, I do recommend the full xTool M1 bundle which comes with everything you need to get started.
I’m making 2 to 3 projects a week as I learn, so this is just at the time of publishing. Be sure to subscribe to get the new projects, free files (for all lasers), and more.
Please Save or Share This Laser Machine Comparison
I hope this look at how to compare the Glowforge Aura and the xTool M1 helped you to narrow down your choice in crafter’s lasers. Please use the sharing buttons to share this to Facebook or save it to a pin board so we can help others.
Want to Make Something? Try this Wood Door Hanger DIY with Free Laser SVG File
Meet the Creator
Hi there, I’m Sarah Nenni-Daher. I’m a crafty gal and always have at least 14 projects going at once. I am a crafter, designer, DIYer, and pattern maker. I share my creations here and in the Ruffles and Rain Boots® Shop.
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots®, you’ll find DIY gnomes, crafts, gifts, cupcakes, laser crafts, and so much more. I love sharing video tutorials over on YouTube and chatting with other crafters in my Facebook groups. We’d love to have you!