Which is better? Thunder Bolt vs xTool P2

What is the difference between the xTool P2 and the Thunder Bolt laser? In this video I talk about the main differences between the two and do some side-by-side comparisons between the two lasers. In this xTool P2 vs Bolt video you should better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each machine and see which one is right for you.

I hope you have enjoyed the video and leave a comment to let me know you stopped by. Thanks for watching!

PRODUCT SPECS
Working Dimensions: Bolt - 20" x 12" x 4.3" | P2 - 23.6" x 12" x 2.8" (without riser)
Power: Bolt - 30 watts (60 watt equivalent) | P2 - 55 watts
Product Size: Bolt - 36″ x 27″ x 18″ | P2 - 39.4"×25.1"×10.6" (1000×639×268mm)
Working Speed: Bolt - 1,000mm/s (3G Acceleration) | P2 - 600mm/s (X-Axis Acceleration 3200m/s²)

More product specs can be found using the links below.

Links for machines mentioned in this video:
xTool P2 (Affiliate Links):

If you use any of these links it doesn't cost you any more, and they give me a small commission as thanks.
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- Use MakerStock discount code "VOELTNER10" for 10% off
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Timestamps:
00:00 Thunder Bolt vs xTool P2
00:28 Output power
02:42 Working area
05:27 Speed and accuracy
09:58 Curved engraving
11:04 Engraving quality
15:09 Laser accessories
16:48 Price comparison and final results

#co2lasercutter #laserengraving #co2lasercutter

[keliiwilliams]

Thank you! I have purchased my final Xtool. The smoke, even with the AP2 when on the riser base is a no for me! I find it amazing that no one talks about that. Xtools told me to tape the gap!

[emgomg]

Thanks for this video! I’m new to laser and appreciate how thorough and honest you are. I’m more informed then I was 20 minutes ago. Liked and subbed!

[davidpike]

Great video as always Matt. Honest and thoughtful.

[campfirebear]

Been running an xtool d1 10w for about a year. Time for an upgrade and decided on the Thunder Bolt (before watching this video) thanks for justifying my purchase lol. Great video, new sub

[Lets-Make-Stuff]

Fantastic job on the video! One other major advantage to the Bolt is the amazing customer service you get! 👍😁

[willmartin]

Nice video and honest opinion content. Liked and subscribed!

[liquidswar]

Thanks for the video. Love my bolt. Heavy duty.

[Truth-Matters-ckpb]

Good video, I’m I the process of doing research on a laser. I thought about the XTool, but their customer service is not good. I called to ask questions, they couldn’t answer them. I called thunder, they answered all my questions. BTW, you did perk up more when talking about the P2. Just saying. Good info, thanks.

[boydriver]

great video, id love a thunderbolt but im in the uk

[rgberry]

Great video, though the one thing I think you should have noted was expected life of the laser. My understanding is that a CO2 tube will need to be replaced every couple years. The RF laser has a much, much longer life span.

[deonharris]

Thanks for the video, Live in South Africa and both these are available, need to make a decision as to which one I should get, This has hwlped me a lot and i will get the bolt. I also need something small to engrave or mark knives with tempered carbon and s/steel blades, would the F1 be good or should I get the F1 Ultra, or will none of them engrave on Hardened Carbon steel?

[MakerDaddy]

Voeltner, I genuinely appreciate all of your videos, but in this one, you seem to have missed several key points, and your conclusion feels somewhat misleading. I’m not sure if this is due to sponsorship from XTOOL or not—I’ll reserve my judgment on that, as I understand that internet influencers often rely on commissions for their livelihood.

However, RF ROI, accuracy at different engraving levels, and speed performance were not adequately addressed. In my testing, Bolt’s speed was 2-3 times faster than G-code P2, which clearly indicates that P2 is not designed for serious laser business operations in terms of productivity. It is not a professional desktop laser.

Additionally, weight is a critical factor for any machine, as it represents a significant investment. Durability matters, and the extra strength provided by a solid metal frame and overall build quality plays a key role in maintaining stability at higher speeds—this should not be overlooked. It IS important.

Moreover, XCS software is a complete joke compare with Lightburn. Having used both systems, I can confidently say that P2 failed me quickly, and I ended up reselling it after just two months.

[jaggedoriginals]

Thank you for doing this comparison. I'm getting ready to upgrade from my diode laser and these two machines were on my list. Is the smaller bed a deal breaker? I'm currently using a diode with 18x12. Works for me now, but with unknown growth, I'm worried i might regret going with the Thunder. Even if it's just a matter of a few inches. Or does having the ability of the pass through resolve those concerns.
Looking forward to your response. TIA

[beeet]

Right now with the sale the P2 is hard to beat it’s like $1, 500 off but the bolt seems to just be so much better.

[jo-anndunn]

Does the bolt require any special electrical outlet?

[nicksmith]

Feel; sorry for the P2, I've seen two videos of it against RF Tubes.

[Itslvle]

Sad European noises as the Thunder Bolt isn't CE-accredited so it isn't available here.
Their larger CO2-lasers floor standing units are, but it's not directly comparable of course.

[shrimpinpat]

Thunderbolt accessories are crazy expensive.

[andreeph]

Hes an affiliate but that wont affect his objectivity. 😂