If you're new to UV printing or considering jumping in, the xTool O1 Omni is a desktop uv printer not to miss.
I've spent the weeks printing on almost nothing but the xTool O1 Omni. Not one Omni, but two - 78 prints on one model and 65 on the other, across three versions of the software.
I don't love giving reviews this soon, because a machine like the Omni is so versatile you really have to put it through extensive use an testing to fairly evaluate it. But I've printed on it every single day, and I have a real list of what I love and what drives me crazy. Here it is.
Click the image to watch the full review video - you'll see the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The short answer
Do I think the Omni is worth it? Yes. A resounding yes...with an asterisk. The pros are big and the cons are mostly about specific parts of the system, not the core machine.
Pros
The print quality and color are excellent. The versatility, the color and the sheer number of ways you can build this into your business put it right up there with my Roland BN2, my Brother SE2000 and my xTool P2. If I could only keep a handful of machines in my office, the Omni is on that list for the sheer versatility and print quality.
The UV + DT Fabric model does something nothing else does right now. DTF and DTG on the same printer that also prints on acrylic and wood. It's completely wild, and I haven't seen anything else like it on the market.
The Dual is faster in certain situations. Before I had either machine, I honestly thought the Single UV would be enough, and xTool wasn't pushing the Dual UV model as faster. After testing, I do find the Dual significantly faster in certain situations - I timed it in a separate speed video.
xTool Studio is getting close to "no other software needed." If you're importing images or designs, you really don't need a separate design program. There are some genuinely advanced features in there, like variable design, that are super helpful.
The UV print head is low drama. The issues I talk about below with the DT head are not something I've experienced with the UV print head.
Cons
The DT model isn't built for a t-shirt business. If I were running a shirt business, I don't think it could keep up. And I'm still not a fan of hand powdering. Also keep in mind that for DTF you'll need a heat press at a bare minimum, and ideally a curing oven too. Compared to the dedicated xTool DTF printer, it's easy to see why for shirt businesses the Apparel Printer wins hands down.
The garment tray base needs a redesign. With small and medium shirts, it's nearly impossible to thread the shirt without wrinkles because of where the base sits. I even had a shirt start flat and wrinkle during a print from the pressure and tension.
The DT print head is needy. And I do not like needy printers. Every single time I've printed with the DT head, I've had to run cleanings first. I've had some banding and some issues with the white. The good news is that one or two cleanings has resolved it every time, so it's more of an annoyance than a deal breaker.
xTool Studio has some obvious gaps. I can't replicate a design and space the copies by a specific distance, which is really helpful when you're setting up batch prints. Tracing/vectorizing seems like it's taken a step backwards from earlier versions. I'd also love to be able to create my own ink modes, and fluorescent ink currently works only as a spot color - you can't blend it with the regular colors, which is a shame because it could really expand the color range. I've shared my wish list with xTool. None of these make the machine not worth it, but they'd take it to the next level.
The accessories: the roll feeder, laminator and rotary
The xTool Omni accessories are a mixed bag as far as pros and cons and I detail them in my review video so I'd encourage you to check that out before you decide if the Omni and all the bells and whistles are worth it for you!
Which model would I pick?
If I could only have one, I'd go with the Dual UV. That's a change from where I started, and the speed difference is the reason.
But what's right for me isn't always what's right for you. If you're trying to decide, start with my xTool O1 Omni buyer's guide or the video on which Omni model makes sense for which kind of business.
Shop the xTool O1 Omni models (current pricing is on each product page):
Who shouldn't buy the Omni
If you're mainly buying it for DTF and want to do a little UV on the side, this probably isn't the best option for you. Not sure a UV printer is even the right printer for what you make? I built a free tool that walks you through it - no purchase and no pressure.
But if you're sold on the Omni, you're not going to be disappointed.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
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