xTool M1 Ultra Review: Is This 4-in-1 Crafting Machine Worth Buying?

Yup, it’s true—there’s a new crafting tool in town and it certainly has a lot to offer! Today I’m introducing you to the xTool M1 Ultra, which is a laser machine, die cutting machine, printer, and a drawing robot, all in one powerhouse package!

If you are a fellow DIY fan, there is so much to be excited about here—the possibilities are truly endless (as you’ll see in this post!). But…is it the right machine for you? Let’s take a deep dive into all this machine can (and can’t) do, and find out!

Disclosure: xTool provided me the M1 Ultra as well as several accessories in exchange for this review. All opinions are 100% my own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you find this information helpful, and decide to purchase, please consider doing so through my link! Use discount code RADIANCE100 for exclusive savings if you spend $1699 or more!

I wasn’t kidding when I said we’d take a deep dive. There is a LOT to cover here! Feel free to read the entire post or use the table of contents to skip ahead to the section you’re interested in, whichever suits you best!

Before we get started, however, I want to mention that I’m no stranger to the world of xTool.

This is my 3rd laser review I’ve written, and I have spent hundreds of hours over the last year studying lasers and learning how to use them. If you’d like to check out my other two reviews, you can find them here:

• xTool M1 Review
• xTool P2 Review

Now, onto the xTool M1 Ultra!

xTool M1 Ultra at a Glan

The M1 Ultra is the newest offering in the xTool line up. And it’s a good one! This is the world’s first 4-in-1 machine, with four distinct separate functions: laser, blade, pen, and inkjet(!).

More on that below, but for now just know that this is a highly versatile machine that’s great for the home crafter or even small business owner.

Size

Granted, this machine isn’t exactly teeny. But, xTool managed to pack a ton of function into a manageable size. The exterior of the M1 Ultra is 24.5″ wide, 19.5″ deep, and 7″ tall.

While the laser bed is 20″ by 14″, the actual working area for the modules is 11.8″ x 11.8″ (or 300 x 300 mm). That extra bed size definitely comes in handy, though! For example, you could put a large cutting board with a handle in the machine to engrave.

The exception to the working area size is the inkjet module, which offers a slightly smaller working space of 294 x 298 mm.

Just keep in mind that you are limited on height to just under 1″ (25 mm) for the laser module, unless you purchase the riser base. You are also limited to 20 mm height for the inkjet module.

Set Up

One thing I really appreciate about xTool is how easy they make the set-up for the machines. I timed it and it took me 19 minutes to unbox and set up the machine, then another 10 minutes to download and set up Creative Space (xTool’s native design software).

My goal was to be up and running in under 30 minutes, and I did it! I think most people will be able to do it even faster, but I stopped here and there to document and photograph, which added a bit of time.

Safety

As a mom to young children, safety is always top of mind. While I love crafting, I love my family more, haha. I have used xTool lasers for months, and have never felt unsafe—and this machine is no exception!

There are a slew of safety features on this machine. First of all, it is a designated class one laser, which means that the laser beam poses no more harm to your eyes than typical light (although it’s much more fun to watch!). The xTool M1 Ultra has an orange transparent lid that acts as a light filter—no need to wear goggles, thankfully!

It also has a nifty safety mechanism that automatically stops the machine if the lid is opened—so any curious kiddos can stay safe.

There are also warnings and automatic shut downs that can occur in the event of flame detection, movement, or uneven footing for the machine.

Keep in mind that this laser, like all others, does produce fumes that you don’t want lingering in your home. Because of this you’ll need to either vent your Ultra out the window with the included exhaust pipe, or use an air purifier.

I opted for the desktop air purifier, and it is small but mighty! I haven’t had any issues with fumes or dust.

What exactly does the M1 Ultra do?

Now, let’s chat about what this machine can do! I quickly mentioned the 4 functions above, but there are functions within functions (fun!) so let me break it down even further.

Here is how you can use the xTool M1 Ultra:

1. Laser Module

xTool is known for their user-friendly laser machines, and the M1 Ultra is no exception. This diode laser comes in either 10W or 20W of power.

I received the 10W which is more than enough to engrave on materials such as:

• leather
• wood
• glass
• rocks
• paper
• metal

You can also use the laser function to cut through up to 6 mm of materials such as:

• wood (my fav!)
• cardboard
• corkboard
• felt
• certain types of opaque acrylic

While you can also cut through up to 3 mm of some acrylic, please note that because this is a diode laser, it will only cut through certain colors and types of acrylic. If working with acrylic is important to you, you will need to consider a CO2 laser like the xTool P2 (read my complete xTool P2 review here!).

2. Blade Module

Similarly to the original xTool M1, this machine also has a blade module. But unlike the basic M1, the xTool M1 Ultra uses the blade housing for multiple functions.

First of all, you have several different blades to choose from. Simply pick your blade and swap the one you want into the housing!

The first one we’ll talk about is the fine-point blade, which is similar to the M1’s blade. With this blade you can cut light and thin materials such as:

• paper
• cardstock
• stickers
• vinyl (including HTV)

Next up is the cutting blade. This tool is used for cutting thicker materials including:

• leather
• felt
• very thin pieces of wood (under 2mm)
• chipboard
• craft foam

If you want to work with fabric, you’ll love this—the M1 Ultra also boasts a roatary fabric blade. Using this blade you can cut:

• cotton fabric
• denim
• linen

Last but not least, there is also a foil transfer tip. You can use it with craft foil to create pretty designs on:

• cardstock
• 3mm basswood

It can also emboss cardstock if you use it without the foil.

I was excited to try this feature out, but it had a malfunction and I am waiting on a replacement from xTool! I will update this post when I have had a chance to give it a try.

3. Inkjet Module

Wait, what? Did you read that? The xTool M1 Ultra has a freaking PRINTER module. I didn’t quite imagine what I would do with it at first, but it is now my favorite part of the entire machine I think!

This super cool module allows you to print designs out onto:

• wood
• paper
• fabric
• canvas
• inkjet compatible sticker sheets
• inkjet compatible transfer HTV transfer paper

It’s also important to know what it can’t print on. In short, inkjet printers cannot print on anything glossy/shiny because the ink can’t penetrate the surface. So glossy paper is out here. It also isn’t waterproof ink, so don’t print on anything that may get wet!

All that being said, I seriously had a blast using the inkjet module – you can see all the fun things I made throughout this post.

And, spoiler alert, it’s this inkjet module that made me fall in love with this machine. The crafting possibilities are endless here!

4. Pen Module

Last, but not least, we have our 4th module, which is a drawing pen. While xTool does have their own pens for the machine available, you aren’t limited to just using theirs. As long as the pen fits in the module’s pen holder, you can use it!

While the exact function depends on the pen/marker you choose, generally you can draw on:

• paper
• cardstock
• wood
• fabric

I personally had fun creating a reading bullet journal by using a combination of the inkjet and pen modules. I may just tell people it’s my real handwriting. 😉

Okay, so how do the interchangeable Easy Swap Modules work?

In my opinion, what makes this machine super exciting is that it has interchangeable modules, called Easy Swap™ Modules. This means you can swap out the laser module for the inkjet module in about 2 seconds (literally!)

All you have to do is select your module, unlatch the gray bar, line up the pins, and push it down until you hear a click.

Once you do, you latch the gray bar back to lock it in place, and you are ready to go! It’s a very cool system.

It’s especially exciting because this type of technology will make it easy for xTool to continue to offer new modules in the future. So, rather than having to buy another machine for your already cluttered craft room (anyone else?!) you can just purchase a module that can easily fit in your drawer.

It’s actually BRILLIANT. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next! Stay tuned. 😉

Positioning Accuracy

Now, let’s talk about accuracy. Being able to cut and laser all those materials is well and good but if the laser isn’t accurate, it’s all for show.

Thankfully, the M1 Ultra is super accurate. So much so that I easily engraved a bunch of pencils in just minutes!

While this machine does not have a built in camera (like the M1 does), it offers 2 methods of positioning the laser for the most accurate cuts possible. I have to admit, I was missing the camera at first, but once I learned these other two methods, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they work!

1. Snapshot Preview

Instead of having a built-in camera, the M1 Ultra utilizes smartphone technology via an app that allows you to snap a photo of your laser bed, then send it to your computer for processing.

To use this method, you’ll need to download the xTool app and connect your machine. You’ll also need to be logged in under the same user name for both the app and the desktop program.

Then, you’ll navigate in the app. At the bottom, hit the plus mark and choose new project.

Then on the bottom left, select “snapshot preview”.

From here, the app will use your phone’s camera to get a live view of the laser bed. When you take the photo, it’s super important that the phone is parallel to the laser bed, and all the markings in the baseplate are in the viewfinder.

Don’t worry, if you do it wrong, it will tell you! 🤣

Hit “send to computer” and head to your desktop!

By the way, you can totally design projects on the app—I haven’t tried it yet but that’s what the “insert canvas” option is for.

From here, the app will prompt you to scan a QR code to send it to your computer. You can generate the QR code in the right side pannel of XCS. Make sure you select “processing” at the top, then “shoot background” at the bottom under Snapshot Preview.

Once you scan, your laser bed image will pop up into your computer like magic! You can then use this to design and position your files.

2. Pin-Point Positioning

The second method you can use to align your design is this cool technology called Pin-Point Positioning™.

This uses your laser’s red positioning cross beam to come up with a super accurate outline of your item in the laser bed.

To use this technology, you’ll navigate to the processing tab on the right panel of XCS, then click the button towards the bottom that says “Mark”. From here, you’re prompted to choose the shape of your item.

In this case, I wanted to engrave some pencils, so I selected a rectangle.

XCS prompts you to navigate the laser crossbeam to the top right of your rectangle (aka pencil), then the bottom left. Once you hit each point, you’ll hit the silver plus button at the front of the machine.

When you are done marking, simply hit the green “end marking” button at the bottom.

You are then left with a highly accurate outline of where to position your design elements.

Final verdict: Between the two methods, you are practically guaranteed accuracy. I like to have a visual of what I’m working on, so I will use a combination of both methods. But, if I were to choose one, it’d be the Pin-Point Positioning, hands down.

Honestly, I was kind of blown away at how well this worked! I definitely foresee engraving more tiny objects in my future. 😉

M1 vs M1 Ultra

If you are debating between the M1 and the M1 Ultra, there are definite differences to each machine. Here’s the highlight reel!

	xTool M1	xTool M1 Ultra
Exterior Size	21.9″ x 17.8″ x 9″	24.4″ x 19.6″ x 7″
Working Bed Size (Laser)	15.1″ x 11.8″	11.8″ x 11.8″
Laser Power	10W	10W or 20W
Capabilities	laser cut, laser engrave, blade cut	laser cut, laser engrave, blade cut, foil transfer, rotary blade, inkjet printing, pen drawing
Positioning	built-in camera	pinpoint positioning, mobile app
Pricing for machine only	$899	$1199

To me, each of these machine has a solid advantage. I really love the extra functionality of the M1 Ultra, particularly the inkjet module.

But, I did miss the built-in camera that the M1 has. As I tend to create files and designs on my desktop vs my phone, getting up to take a photo with the app added an extra step. Not a huge deal, but just my personal preference!

The trade off for Pin-Point Technology is definitely worth it, but in an ideal world, I’d have both. 😆

My Personal Experience with the M1 Ultra

I was lucky enough to receive the M1 Ultra before it went live to the general public. So while I got to play with it before pretty much anyone else, I also didn’t have google to rely on when I had questions.

However, trial by fire really is the best way to learn, and I’m thankful I got the opportunity to be thrown into the world of the Ultra. I definitely had a few challenges along the way, but that’s the case with learning any new machine!

What I Loved

While there is plenty to love about this tool, here’s what stood out to me:

1. Easy Swap! I loved being able to swap between each of the modules, and it really did take me just seconds to do it. I also love the possibilities it allows for even more accessories in the future. I’m crossing my fingers for a sublimation module!
2. The inkjet module. I LOVED the inkjet functionality! It worked SO well and was so much fun to use. I know there are inkjet transfer papers and such out there that allow you to print and transfer to wood or canvas, but this was so easy and quick to use right on the material!
3. Blade cutting. The original M1 also had a blade function, but it didn’t always work as smoothly or easily as I wanted. The M1 Ultra blade is awesome and I was able to cut all kinds of vinyl and HTV with ease and accuracy.
4. Positioning accuracy. Trust me, it’s not a great feeling when you spend time and effort making a design, only for the entire thing to be off center. 😵‍💫 Thanks to a combo of the Snapshot preview and Pin Point Positioning, it’s SO easy to make things accurate!
5. FUN! I honestly just had fun playing with this machine and trying out all the things. Crafting is supposed to be fun, but when it’s also your job, lines can easily get blurred. I genuinely enjoyed working with the M1 Ultra and making projects.

What’s on My Wishlist

While I overall really liked this machine, there were a couple of things that are on my wishlist.

1. No built-in camera. One of my favorite features of the M1 and the P2 is the built-in camera. The M1 Ultra forgoes the camera and instead uses an app on your smartphone for positioning accuracy.
   
   Since I create files almost exclusively on my computer, I missed being able just to hit the refresh button vs getting up and taking a new photo each time. Even though it works well and is accurate, I still miss the built-in camera!
   
   That being said, Pin-Point Positioning is incredibly accurate, more so than cameras, which can be slightly distorted. So it’s a good trade off, but it takes getting used to if you are used to the built-in camera.
2. No built-in air assist. If you read my xTool M1 review, you’ll know that I am a huge fan of air assist! The M1 Ultra does not have air assist included, so it’s something you need to purchase separately. Some of the items I created had slight charring around the edges and back, and I think air assist would have given me a smoother cut in general.
   
   If you opt for the M1 Ultra’s Deluxe Bundle, Air Assist is include. Personally, I’m eyeing the Smart Air Assist because I haven’t tried this new technology yet!

Final Verdict: Do I recommend the xTool M1 Ultra?

So, all of the above considered….do I recommend the xTool M1 Ultra?

Yes!

This machine is fun, easy to use, and offers more versatility than pretty much anything else out there in one sleek package.

However…that recommendation comes with a caveat. If you are primarily looking for a laser, and have no intentions of working with fabric or vinyl, you may be fine with the standard M1. That is particularly true if you don’t see yourself using the inkjet or additional blades.

Additionally, if your primary goal is to work with acrylic, you’ll want to look at CO2 lasers, like the xTool P2, rather than diode lasers like the M1/M1 Ultra.

Personally, after testing the M1 and M1 Ultra both extensively, and crafting with both, I am giving the M1’s spot to the M1 Ultra. I only have so much space in my office for crafting tools, and I feel great about giving it to the Ultra. Don’t worry, the P2 isn’t going anywhere!

Buy the xTool M1 Ultra ✨

So, there you have it – my super honest review of the xTool M1 Ultra.

If, after reading this post, you have decided the M1 Ultra is right for you, I would love it if you consider purchasing through one of the affiliate links in this post (like this one here!). It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and the small commission I receive allows me to continue creating content like this.

💰 xTool was kind enough to also give me an exclusive discount code to share with you all! Use promo code RADIANCE100 to save off your xTool purchase! 💰

So, what questions do you have about the Ultra? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!