xTool M1 Ultra: How Does it Compare to Cricut?

Over the past year, I’ve done countless crafts with my xTool M1, from laser engraving tumblers to personalizing cutting boards. Still, I kept my Cricut handy to make stickers, decals, and cards. However, the xTool M1 Ultra has completely changed my perspective. It does all the tasks of a Cricut Maker 3 and opens up new possibilities for wood crafting, drawing, and even color printing!

This review is sponsored by xTool, but all opinions expressed are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. See disclosures for details.

When xTool reached out for me to review the M1 Ultra, I wondered how different it could be from the first model, the original M1. (The company has launched innovative products at a rapid pace.)

Some features remained the same, like the diode laser format and combination of blade-cutting and laser-cutting, but the Ultra has far more capabilities than its predecessor. I was eager to see if the new features lived up to the hype, especially compared to the Cricut line of cutting machines.

The xTool M1 Ultra vs. Cricut Maker 3

The xTool M1 Ultra is marketed as the “first 4-in-1 craft machine for almost all crafting needs,” since it combines laser cutting, blade cutting, inkjet printing, and drawing functions. Consider it a hybrid between a laser machine, a cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette), and an inkjet printer.

If the first xTool M1 dipped its toe in the water to compete with Cricut, the M1 Ultra dove in with a big splash. The M1 Ultra competes most closely with the Cricut Maker 3, so I decided to put it to the test as part of this review.

Watch This Tutorial

I’ll share four projects made with the M1 Ultra to showcase where it excels vs. the Cricut Maker 3 and where there are opportunities for improvement.

1. DIY stickers
2. Foil transfer greeting cards
3. Fabric appliques
4. Wooden keychains and bookmarks

The M1 Ultra can still perform all of the operations of the original model, and you can see more project examples in my xTool M1 Review.

You can also check out the Atomm Craft Lab for pre-formatted projects. (I quickly created a DIY cake topper with Atomm’s Name Gift Generator tool.)

To get a full list of materials compatible with xTool M1 Ultra, visit this reference guide.

The xTool M1 Ultra – What’s Included

I received the M1 Ultra 20W Deluxe Bundle, which includes the following:

• 20W Laser Module
• Ink Module
• Blades: Rotary Blade, Foil Transfer Tip, Fine-point Blade, and Cutting Blade
• Fine Point Pens (8)
• Air Assist
• Fire Safety Set
• Riser Base with Honeycomb Panel
• RA2 Pro Rotary Attachment
• Basic materials

The machine has a Basic carriage which holds the fine-point blade and pens, and a slot for a Multi-function carriage, Ink module, or Laser module. You will use the Multi-function carriage for projects involving a rotary blade, cutting blade, or foil transfer tip.

As an additional safety precaution, consider buying the new Desktop Air Purifier for better ventilation.

Safety Reminder: Never leave the machine unattended while operating. You can push the front right button on the machine to stop any operation if needed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety precautions when operating any laser machine.

---

Project #1: DIY Stickers

This project truly showcases the printing and blade-cutting features of the M1 Ultra.

Much like Cricut Design Space, the xTool Creative Space (XCS) software makes it easy to format your images. I used PNG images of butterflies, insects, and flowers for this project.

Sticker Supplies

• Self-adhesive paper or printable vinyl
• LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat
• Ink module
• Fine-point blade

Step 1: Format the design in xTool Creative Space

In the software, you’ll select Multi-Module Processing as your processing mode, which tells the machine to perform more than one function for the project.

In this case, we’re printing the sticker designs with the ink module and cutting around them with the fine-point blade.

Select Inkjet Printing for the images. Then you can create an Outline around each image (like the Offset feature in Cricut Design Space). I like to add a distance of about 2mm around the image to create a white border. For the outlines, you’ll select Fine-Cut telling the machine to use the Fine-point blade.

XCS allows you to select a material with suggested cut pressure and speed settings. I chose “self-adhesive vinyl” as a starting point. It’s easy to adjust these parameters with the software, so you can play with the settings if you want kiss-cut stickers (like a sticker sheet) or die-cut stickers (individual stickers).

I found that a pressure of 36g was perfect for kiss-cut sticker sheets, and the default of 60g worked for die-cut stickers. Results may vary for your brand of sticker paper.

Step 2: Load the paper or printable vinyl

Once you’ve formatted the sticker designs in XCS, place your sticker sheet material on the blue LightGrip cutting mat that comes included.

Step 3: Check the positioning of the material

The new M1 Ultra does not include a built-in camera like the original model, but you can use Snapshot Preview (with a mobile phone) or Pin-point Positioning (on the machine) to align your material for printing and cutting (see below).

Note: It’s important to calibrate the ink module during the setup process.

Step 4: Process the design

When you’re ready to begin, simply hit Go to Process in the software. Make sure you follow the prompts to remove the bottom cover of the Ink Module before you begin.

I increased the intensity of inkjet printing to 90 for a more vibrant result, and I was amazed at how well the stickers came out. It took about 20 minutes to complete the entire process.

It’s amazing that the machine automatically puts the bottom cover back on the ink module when it’s done.

How do stickers on the M1 Ultra compare with Cricut Maker 3?

With the Cricut Maker 3, you would first print your sticker images on a home printer. Then you would load the printed sheet into the machine. Cricut uses registration marks to determine where to cut out the images.

In my experience, sticker alignment is always challenging with a Cricut, even after calibrating. However, printing on my home printer takes less time than the M1 Ultra, which is understandable given the compact size of the Ultra’s ink module.

The main area for improvement with the M1 Ultra would be having a black ink cartridge to achieve a true black. (Currently, the cartridge only has Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow.)

However, you’ll still get impressive results using saturated images with vibrant colors and a higher-intensity setting. I was pleased!

Keep in mind you can also print on a home printer and use the Snapshot Preview or Pin-point Positioning to complete your project on the M1 Ultra.

One clear benefit of the Ultra is the print area. You can print on a maximum size of 11.25 x 11.65 inches (286 x 296mm) whereas a Cricut Maker 3 is limited to 7.44 by 9.94 inches, assuming the printer uses standard letter paper.

---

Project #2: Foil Transfer Greeting Card

This greeting card design would be difficult to perform with the Cricut Maker 3 because it combines four different processes. We’re putting this xTool machine to the test!

Foil Transfer Supplies

• Cardstock
• Foil sheets
• Fine-point pen
• Masking tape
• LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat
• Foil transfer tip
• Ink module
• Fine-point blade

Step 1: Format the design in xTool Creative Space

I used the same PNG designs from the first project to make small foiled greeting cards. After choosing Multi-Module Processing, I set the PNG image to Ink module, the decorative border to Foil transfer tip (Regular), the text to Drawing pen, and the outer rectangle to Fine-point blade.

For the foil transfer tip, I chose Regular, Fill transfer, with a pressure of 300g at 20 mm/s. The material was set to “cardboard,” which is a proxy for cardstock.

Step 2: Apply foil to the cardstock

The XCS software will try to process the printing, drawing, and cutting first, but I like to start with the foil transfer. This prevents the cardstock from lifting after cutting.

Place the blue LightGrip cutting mat inside the machine and lay a piece of cardstock on top (as shown below). Use the tape provided with foil transfer sheets to secure the foil piece to the card stock with the shiny side up.

Tip: Processing Layers in a Specific Sequence

To process layers in a specified order, you can toggle off the Output button for each non-foil layer.

Another option is to move the other processes to a different color layer, then click the menu options next to Go to process and select Process by layer under Task Planning (as shown below). View the order of layers by clicking the Layers button in the lower lefthand corner, and rearrange the layers in your preferred order.

Processing by layer is handy for complex projects that combine multiple carriages. In the Cricut world, this is similar to cutting images by color and using unique mats for each color.

Step 3: Preview and process the foiled design

You can use Snapshot Preview to view the design on the cardstock and make any necessary adjustments. Then, click Go to process and follow the instructions to load the foil transfer tip in the Multi-function carriage.

Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can remove the foil transfer sheet, or you can repeat the process if necessary.

Avoid moving the cardstock or mat when removing the foil transfer sheet.

Step 5: Process the printing, drawing, and cutting

Follow the steps in the software to load the appropriate carriage when prompted. The pen and fine-point blade will go in the Basic carriage, and the Ink module will go in the other carriage slot.

I would definitely use the M1 Ultra to create unique gift tags, cards, or invitations requiring extra details. These turned out so beautifully! I especially love the foil transfer letters that match the border details.

How do greeting cards on the M1 Ultra compare to the Cricut Maker 3?

Built-in Printing vs. Print Then Cut

To do this type of project on the Maker 3, you would need to print your images on an inkjet printer via Print Then Cut. (You may be limited on the size of the final cards due to the Print Then Cut size limitations.)

Then you would use Cricut’s SnapMat feature (only on iOS) to photograph your mat and determine the placement of your foil and pen design. Needless to say, it’s more complicated than using the M1 Ultra, and you couldn’t do it without a separate printer.

xTool Pens vs. Cricut Pens

The quality of xTool’s pens is on par with Cricut‘s, and the M1 Ultra has a unique ability to fill in text rather than drawing only outlines.

xTool currently offers 8 pens with the M1 Ultra Deluxe package, but I expect the company to release many more options in the coming months and years. I’d love to see a line of metallic pens and markers.

Foil Transfer Tips

The M1 Ultra offers three foil transfer tips (bold, regular, and thin), but I only tested the regular tip. I think the bold tip would give even better results for text and “fill transfer” designs.

The foiling results were as good as I’ve experienced with Cricut, and the snapshot preview feature makes placement much easier.

Card-specific Mats

At this time, xTool doesn’t offer a specific mat for cutting cards as Cricut does. However, I could easily see this product innovation on the horizon.

---

Project #3: Fabric Applique

Sticking with the butterfly theme, I wanted to create a fabric applique to place on a small tote bag.

For this project, I used a bonding material to give the fabric more weight and then tested how well the rotary tool cut out my design.

Fabric Supplies

• Cotton or denim fabric
• Heat-activated fusible interfacing
• FabricGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat
• Rotary blade
• Household iron or heat press

Step 1: Prepare the fabric

In my test, I prewashed my fabric and added fusible interfacing since I wanted to create an iron-on applique for a mini canvas tote bag.

Then I placed the fabric on the pink FabricGrip mat inside the machine.

Step 2: Format the design in xTool Creative Space

I set the processing mode as Blade cut in the XCS software and then chose the Rotary blade module with the parameters for mixed denim fabric sheets (as a proxy).

This gave a default pressure of 1500 and a speed of 20 mm/s with one pass. However, I increased the pressure to about 1650 with two passes for a deeper cut.

I strongly suggest you perform a few test cuts to find the best pressure, speed, and pass combination, which will vary based on your fabric.

In XCS, I used Snapshot Preview to determine where to place my butterfly design. Remember, you can switch from mm to inches (or vice versa) in the xTool Creative Space settings menu.

Step 3: Insert the Rotary blade and process the design

Click Go to process and follow the screen prompts to insert the Rotary blade into the Multi-function carriage, aligning the arrow on the blade with the arrow on the carriage.

I found that the rotary blade didn’t completely cut some parts of the bonded fabric, but I was still pleased with the results. I will definitely experiment more with different pressure and speed settings on various fabrics in the future.

After pressing the butterfly appliqué with an iron, this mini tote bag looks perfect for gifting!

How does cutting fabric on the M1 Ultra compare to the Cricut Maker 3?

The results of cutting fabric with the M1 Ultra rotary blade are similar to those using the Cricut Maker 3. You’ll get the best outcome when cutting simple shapes.

With the M1 Ultra, you also have the option of cutting many types of fabrics (even felt) with a laser. You just need to verify that the fabric is laser-compatible.

For more intricate designs, it’s best to try cutting with the laser module or cutting blade. The versatility in choosing the right tool for the material is a step above Cricut‘s blade-only cutting, in my opinion.

---

Project #4: DIY Wooden Keychain and Bookmark

To test out both the laser cutting option and inkjet printing on wood, I designed keychains and a bookmark with printed designs.

Wood Craft Supplies

• Basswood (3mm)
• Triangular prisms insert
• Ink module
• Laser module (20W or 10W)

Step 1: Format the design in xTool Creative Space

For this project, I used the same graphics as before and added an offset. I then combined various shapes in the software using the Unite button to create the keychain and bookmark designs.

For the bookmark, I overlaid a few flowers to give you a sense of the laser engraving capabilities.

You’ll want to select Multi-module processing and then choose Inkjet printing for the images, Engrave for the flowers, and Cut for the outer bookmark and keychain shapes. Set the material to 3mm Basswood Plywood.

Step 2: Place the wood on the triangular prisms

The triangular prisms protect the base plate from getting scratched by the laser. Place the prism insert on the base plate, and insert enough prisms to hold your material.

Once you place the wood on the triangular prisms, secure the wood with painter’s tape. Be sure to avoid taping any areas where the ink module or laser module will process your design.

Why use tape? After my first trial run, I realized the ink module sometimes bumps the wood and causes it to slide across the triangular prisms. This can result in blurred lines or misaligned images, as seen above.

Step 3: Process the design

Hit Go to process, and follow the prompts in XCS to insert the ink module and print the images.

After printing, replace the ink module with the laser module, and process the engraving and cutting operations.

I’m amazed at how beautifully the bookmark and keychains turned out. I love that the new M1 Ultra has default settings for Air Assist in the software, which helps to achieve cleaner engraving and cutting with a laser.

These will make great stocking stuffers for Christmas!

How does cutting wood with the M1 Ultra compare to a Cricut Maker 3?

The Cricut Maker 3 can cut Balsa and Basswood up to 2.4mm (3/32 of an inch) with a knife blade. By comparison, the M1 Ultra can cut materials up to 2.5mm with a cutting blade and up to 10mm thick for Basswood with a 20W laser.

I can imagine making many more custom puzzles, ornaments, and keepsakes using the xTool M1 Ultra. It would have taken a Cricut Maker 3 much longer to cut through wood of this thickness with a knife blade, and you wouldn’t have the option of printing on wood with ink.

With a Cricut Maker 3 knife blade, you need to make 14 or more passes to cut through the basswood completely, while the laser makes one pass to cut through the wood. The laser easily has the advantage.

In addition, the xTool M1 Ultra with the Riser Base can process materials up to 125mm thick (4.9 inches). Since you’re not limited to using cutting mats, this is a clear advantage over Cricut machines.

---

The Final Verdict: M1 Ultra vs. Cricut Maker 3

There’s no question the M1 Ultra is a great all-in-one crafting machine, especially compared to the Cricut Maker 3 series and other diode laser machines.

The M1 Ultra excels in printing and cutting stickers, foiling and debossing, and laser cutting and engraving. It would be an excellent machine for anyone who wants to craft as a hobbyist or start a small-scale business.

With the Riser Base, you can also process thicker materials, including round objects like wine glasses, tumblers, and cutting boards. You can see examples of this in my video on how to engrave tumblers and my xTool M1 Guide.

The ability to cut opaque acrylic with a laser is another advantage of this machine vs. cutting machines like Cricut. When combining various materials like acrylic, wood, felt, leather, and paper, you can dream up nearly any project you desire.

Sample M1 Ultra Projects

I can’t wait to experiment with other materials, like foiling leather, making leather earrings, and transferring photographs to wood. Stay tuned for more projects as I continue experimenting with the M1 Ultra!

If you’re looking for a smaller yet powerful laser machine, check out the xTool F2. You can see beginner laser projects made with this machine to get a sense of the possibilities.

Pin it for later!

You Might Also Like…