Glowforge
Glowforge is cloud-software-only — you upload SVG to the web app, set materials and cut depths, hit run. Cut and engrave layers map to stroke colors. Lazrit's SVG export imports cleanly because the layer separation is preserved as color groups.
xTool
xTool ships with XCS (their proprietary app) but also supports LightBurn on D1, M1, and P2. XCS imports SVG fine; LightBurn imports SVG with full fidelity. For most projects, the LightBurn route gives you more control over the cut.
Power and bed size
Bed size and laser power matter for what you can actually cut. Glowforge Plus/Pro: 40W CO2, ~28×20cm bed. xTool P2: 55W CO2, ~60×30cm bed. xTool D1: 10–40W diode, smaller bed. For anything industrial-sized, you're looking at OMTech or Monport.
Cuttable materials
Glowforge Pro and most xTools handle wood, acrylic, mylar, paper, leather. Neither cuts metal (without the fiber-laser add-on for xTool). Lazrit's material profiles cover both — same SVG output works on either.
Software lock-in
Glowforge's cloud-only requirement is the biggest lock-in concern. xTool's LightBurn support gives you a standard workflow that survives switching machines.