Looking at an Xtool? Here's Why You Should Consider Thunder Laser Instead
What Xtool Doesn’t Tell You (Until It’s Too Late)
Many creators don’t realize the true cost of slow jobs, quality, limited software, and delayed support can have on their business – until they hit a wall. That’s why we put their top-of-the-line machine head-to-head with two of ours: the Thunder Bolt and the Nova Plus 35.
SPEED — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Speed isn’t just a spec, it’s the difference between doing five jobs a day or fifteen. If you’re running a business, every minute counts.
Top Speeds:
Xtool P2:
600 mm/s
Thunder Bolt:
1,000 mm/s
Nova Plus 35:
1,200 mm/s
Real-World Example:
Engraving a detailed graphic onto a 12”x18” bamboo cutting board:
Xtool P2:
20-30 minutes
Thunder Bolt:
10–15 minutes
Nova Plus 35:
8–12 minutes
That’s 2x faster and better engraving quality than Xtool
Why it matters:
Spec sheets don't always tell the whole story. Check out this real world example where the Bolt engraved FOUR TIMES faster than the P2.
FOUR TIMES FASTER:
BUILD QUALITY — Built for Business, Not Just Hobby Use
Xtool machines are compact and appealing to beginners, but many owners outgrow them quickly due to design limitations and wear and tear.
Thunder machines are engineered for long-term performance:
Industrial-grade components built to last
Heavy-duty frames reduce vibration and increase precision
Full access to internal parts for easy cleaning and maintenance
Built to run for hours without issue
Why it matters:
Less downtime. Fewer repairs. Lower maintenance costs. A machine that grows with your business instead of holding it back.
Hear Why Build Quality Makes All the Difference
CUSTOMER SUPPORT Real Help, Real Fast
Xtool support is often slow, email-only, and parts can take weeks to arrive.
Thunder Laser USA offers:
- Support responses typically within minutes
- Real-time help via phone, email, and chat
- Parts stocked in Texas for quick turnaround
- A team that knows the machines inside and out
- Troubleshooting and guidance to keep you moving
Why it matters:
When your laser is down, your business is on hold. We help you avoid long delays, expensive parts, and missed deadlines.
Hear Why Support Makes All the Difference:
SOFTWARE — More Control. More Features.
Xtool’s software is simplistic and easy to use, but it quickly reaches it’s limits with real makers.
LightBurn, which comes standard with Thunder Laser machines, puts full control in your hands—with no recurring cost.
| Feature | XCS (Xtool) | LightBurn (Thunder Laser) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription for features | Yes (Xtools Pro) |  No |
| Node editing | Limited | Full control |
| Multiple layers and passes | Limited control | Advanced layering & pass settings |
| Camera alignment | Sometimes inaccurate | Highly accurate with manual or camera support |
| Custom shortcuts & hotkeys | No | Yes |
| Material libraries | Basic (premium only) | Fully customizable |
| Grayscale engraving | Minimal | Full grayscale control |
| Design tools | Very limited | Built-in vector & raster editing |
Why it matters:
Xtool users often deal with:
- Needing a constant internet connection
- Software crashing mid-job due to cloud lag
- Paying extra monthly fees for basic features
- Limited control over job settings and order
LightBurn gives you full control, runs offline, includes powerful design tools, and never locks features behind a paywall. It’s the professional choice for creators who want to work smarter and faster.
Upgrading your Xtool?
Thunder Laser facts you may not know!
Thunder vs Xtool
A collection of videos showcasing Thunder Laser vs other competitors.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve hit the limits of what Xtool can offer—or want to start with something that can keep up with your goals—the Thunder Bolt or Nova Plus 35 is the upgrade you’ve been looking for.
FAQ's
Can Thunder Lasers cut thicker materials than Xtool?
Definitely. With more powerful laser options (60W–130W), Thunder Lasers can handle thicker woods, acrylics, and more in a single pass.
Is Thunder harder to use than Xtool?
Not at all. LightBurn is incredibly intuitive, and we provide live 1:1 onboarding, plus phone/chat/email support.
Can Thunder Lasers handle the same materials as Xtool?
Absolutely. Thunder Lasers can cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather, glass, rubber, fabric, stone, and more — with high precision and clean results.
Is Thunder worth the upgrade?
If you’re ready to go from “just dabbling” to running a serious laser operation — whether it’s for a side hustle or full-time business — Thunder is 100% worth it.