If you want a professional, plug-and-play experience that keeps your workshop clean, the xTool M2 is the winner. For those who want raw cutting power without the fancy enclosure, the Longer B1 is the best value, provided you have your own safety gear.
An open-frame workhorse that prioritizes raw power and cutting depth. You will need your own safety gear and ventilation setup.
What We Liked 👍
Excellent raw cutting power
Large working area
Compatible with LightBurn software
What Could Be Better 👎
Open frame lacks safety
Requires external safety gear
Real power vs painted plastic
In this shop, we care about how long a tool lasts. The xTool M2 is a heavy piece of equipment that feels like it belongs on a workbench rather than a toy shelf. It is fully enclosed, which is the only way I recommend running a laser if you want to keep your lungs healthy and your workshop from smelling like a bonfire.
The Creality machines are fast, no doubt about it. They have the specs that look great on a screen, but the Falcon A1 struggles with the same build-quality robustness as the xTool. The Longer B1 is a different beast entirely. It is a classic open-frame design that delivers raw power, but it lacks the containment that makes the M2 or the Falcon A1 Pro so user-friendly.
The toll of the setup
If you are looking for a machine that you can just plug in and start making money or art, the xTool M2 is the winner. The software is actually decent, which is a rare miracle in this industry. If you prefer to tweak every variable and want the cheapest price per watt, the Longer B1 will serve you well, but remember you will be doing the heavy lifting on safety and smoke extraction yourself.
The final cut
If you value your workshop's safety and want a machine that does not require a degree in engineering to operate, get the xTool M2. It is a buy-it-for-life kind of machine.
If you are on a budget and don't mind an open-frame setup, the Longer B1 is your best value for pure performance. Just do yourself a favor and buy a proper fume extractor to go with it.