xTool M2 review: This sleek laser cutter and engraver is an easy recommendation from me

The xTool M2 is priced at the entry level of the company’s fully enclosed machines, but as ever there’s no mistaking it for anything other than an xTool laser engraver.

As I got into using the machine, I could see just how finely tuned it is.

Whilst it’s lighter weight than many of its more expensive siblings, the laser engraving power, even from the 10W laser in my review sample, was exceptionally good.

Having reviewed these laser engravers for a few years now, there are several essentials I look for in any laser engraver for TechRadar Pro , and one top priority is that it's fully enclosed.

While I might’ve looked at fully open designs earlier on, these days there’s really no excuse for an open-frame design other than cost.

When it comes to running a business, safety is obviously paramount, so it makes sense to look for a fully enclosed rather than open-frame design.

Beyond the physical design, I've found a few extras that really help with the review process, simplifying the cutting, engraving, and placement of materials such as cameras.

Then there are added features, such as air assist, that are essential for creating clean, crisp lines and reducing scorching.

What’s surprising for a machine of this price is that the M2 ticks all the boxes.

It has dual cameras, one that gives you a good view of the entire workspace and a second that gives you a close-up view, air assistance built in, and, as ever, there’s a vent at the back that you can attach to your air filtration system.

But it goes even further by adding more head module options, so you can not only laser cut and engrave but also print and cut.

Of course, coming from xTool, it also has a range of accessories that can further expand what you can do with this machine.

I’ve had the M2 for a couple of months and have really been able to give it a more extensive test than I usually would with these machines, partially because I’m interested in getting some of these for use within an educational establishment, and making sure that it’s easy, secure and robust enough is a major focus.

I’ve also been asked by several friends who have been looking at laser engraving machines and which option they should go for.