Choosing a Laser Cutter

If you’re interested in purchasing a laser cutter for your home or small business, you’ve probably discovered that there are a multitude of options that vary significantly in price. Laser cutters can start at $100 and go up to $10,000 or more, while ranging in size from small models that fit on a desk to large industrial machines that weigh hundreds of pounds. In this guide, we’ll help you determine what type of laser cutter fits your needs best and which models to consider for your laser cutter purchase.

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Is A Laser Cutter The Right Choice For You?

Laser cutters are capable of cutting and engraving materials in ways that no other tool can match, but they aren’t the right choice for every job. Before you purchase a laser cutter, consider what type of work you plan to do with it and make sure it will meet your needs. We will look at the following tools that address similar needs:

• Laser cutters

• CNC routers/mills

• Cutting machines

What is a laser cutter best for?

It’s best to think of a laser cutter as a two-dimensional machine. Although it’s possible to use a lower power setting on the laser so that it doesn’t burn all the way through the material, it’s difficult to control the depth of the cuts in a precise way. This means that it would be difficult to use a laser cutter to cut a 3D design into a material. A CNC router or mill would be better suited for that type of operation. 

However, for two-dimensional cutting operations, a laser cutter can be a much more appealing choice than a CNC router or mill. Laser cutters are faster, quieter, and generate less mess. They also don’t wear down as many consumable parts such as cutting bits.

The best laser cutters are a great piece of equipment to add to your crafting collection if you’re looking to create new and unique pieces of artwork for your home or business. They come in a range of different sizes and with varying levels of power to suit the needs of everyone from hobbyists to businesses.

We've tested and reviewed a wide range of laser cutting machines, and we've found that many recent products are easier and cleaner to use, and can be as convenient as digital craft cutters like the best Cricut machines. In this guide, we've picked out the best options based on our tests, including the best laser engravers and the best laser cutter for a small business. 

We've included options for large and small projects, for the studio and the home and for materials including metal, plastic, wood and glass. Overall, we rate the xTool P2 as the best option for most people since it's powerful, fast and accurate, and ideal for professional projects and high-end crafting. However, there are more affordable options for beginners. 

For more background, read our guides to the best xTool machines and the best Glowforge machines. If you're creating your own designs you may want one of the best drawing tablets too.

Quick list

We start with a brief overview of top picks of the best laser cutters. Scroll down to browse our full selection.

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The best laser cutters in full

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The best laser cutter overall

(Image credit: Future / xTool)

01. xTool P2

The most power laser cutter for home use

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Wood, acrylic, aluminium, leather and more

Engraving/cutting area:

600 x 308 mm

Power:

55W CO2 laser

Today's Best Deals

View at xToolCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Powerful and fast laser

+

Expandable workspace

+

Can do everything you need

Reasons to avoid

-

Spend extra to get more from the P2

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignLarge, solid and safe design with modern features.★★★★★PerformanceExcellent results with little fuss, app could be better.★★★★★Features55W CO2 laser, passthrough slot, camera auto focus.★★★★PriceCosts less than its Glowforge rival for similar tech.★★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You need large workspace: for an enclosed laser machine the P2 has a large work area and it can be extended.

✅ You need ease of use: this is a powerful one-button plug and go laser cutter and engraver. Super easy to use. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a small desk: this is a large and heavy laser cutter and you need the space and a solid bench to use it.

❌ You you're new to laser cutters: despite being easy to use the P2 is still a pro machine with complex uses, the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura are better beginner machines. 

The bottom line

🔎 The xTool P2 is a large, enclosed, clean and safe laser cutter that can be upgraded with accessories extend its uses. The app isn't quite as good as Glowforge. ★★★★★

Need to know: My top pick as the best laser cutter overall is the xTool P2. It has a 55 watt CO2 laser, which makes it the most powerful laser cutter for home use available today and helps overcome some of the limitations of the xTool M1 laser cutter and engraver (see below) offering both more precision and speed. It also features an automated passthrough slot, two 16MP cameras for high definition accuracy, the ability to engrave curved materials as well as rotary engraving.

I've found this to be very accurate and reliable. There's always some trial and error when using a laser cutter and engraver, but the accuracy of the cameras ensured I was able to rework the same project, going over lines that may not have been cut cleanly or redoing a project with tweaked settings.

Like the Glowforge Pro a number 3 on my list, it has a metal casing with a glass lid and inbuilt extractor fan, but its workspace is larger than its rival (600 x 308mm to the Glowforge Pro's 495 mm by 279 mm). It's designed to be clean and easy to use, and it's speedy too: running at 600 mm/s, it cuts 18mm basswood in one pass with ease.

On the downside, Glowforge Pro has a passthrough that works out of the box while P2 requires an add-on, the Automatic Conveyor Feeder, to really make use of its expandable size (3,000 x 500 mm). However, that's also a strength since it fits into xTool's wider ecosystem of add-ons, and you can increase the size of the workspace height using a Riser Base (see my guide to the best xTool accessories). 

Overall, this laser cutter can do pretty much anything, including rotary engraving (purchased separately). After nine months of use, I've found it to be reliable and adaptable. It's large, heavy, and a little more complex than a Glowforge, and I find Glowforge's app easier to use, but the P2 costs less for the amount of power, so overall it just pips ahead.

Price: The xTool P2 costs $4,999 / £4,699 for the basic machine. You can usually get discounts from the xTool site of around $700 / £500. My advice would be to opt for a bundle, ideally the xTool P2 All-in-1 Bundle for $6,955 / £6,349 that includes the RA2 Pro, Automatic Conveyor Feeder, Riser Base and Smoke Purifier. 

Read the full review: xTool P2

The best budget laser cutter

(Image credit: Glowforge)

02. Glowforge Spark

The Glowforge quality at a good price

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Various

Engraving/cutting area:

8.5 x 11 inches

Power:

6W Diode laser

Today's Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Reasons to buy

+

Small and compact

+

Brilliant design app

+

Designed for home crafting

Reasons to avoid

-

Not compatible with clear, white, translucent or blue acrylic

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignSmall, clean design that can fit into any craft room.★★★★★PerformanceQuiet and clean, ideal for home crafters.★★★★FeaturesThe 6W laser is lower power, but offers live camera previews and auto focus★★★PriceA low price for a Glowforge. Excellent value.★★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You need an affordable laser cutter: Glowforge make great laser machines, with a good range of materials and an excellent app - all that for a low price.

✅ You want a good craft laser: the lower wattage diode laser means less smoke, making this a really nice home craft machine.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need more power: the 6W laser isn't too powerful, which means this is slower that Glowforge Aura and Pro, so opt for one of those if speed is important.

❌ Size matters to you: this is one of the smaller laser machines on my list, so you won't be making large projects.

The bottom line

🔎 The Glowforge Spark is the ideal budget laser cutter and engraver for crafters. It's small and affordable but lacks the speed and size of others on my list. ★★★★

Need to know: The Glowforge Spark is about the size of a small home printer and weighs just 10.8 lbs, which in laser cutter terms is lightweight. The Spark is a cheaper and less powerful version of the Aura on my list at No.4. If you're new to laser cutting and engraving, or simply want a machine for small craft projects the Spark is ideal.

The Spark's workspace measures 8.5 x 11 inches and it can cut a maximum material size of 12 x 12 inches, and it's 6W diode laser isn't as powerful as others on my list. But that lack of power really comes down to speed, so expect this to cut and engrave most materials but more slowly and in smaller sizes. The diode laser does have some limitations, for example it can't work with clear, white, translucent or blue acrylic materials.

On the up side, the Spark uses the same excellent design app as all Glowforge laser machines and it's compatible with the brand's range of Proofgrade materials, these have been tried and tested on Glowforge machines and in practice reduce waste. Each Proofgrade material comes with a code the machine reads, so it automatically adjusts power, speed and depth settings.

Despite the low price the Spark still comes with built-in cameras for live previews, material positioning and auto focus - for me this remains the best system. Overall the Spark is a neatly designed laser cutter that comes in sharp white and orange, features a snug lid for clean use and the usual safety features Glowforge is known for - sensors detect any errors and heat anomalies, and it shuts down automatically.

Overall the Spark is a smart laser machine for crafters and anyone who wants to try this hobby for less. It's a one-button machine, which means you simply create your design in the app and send it to 'print'. Don't be misguided by the price either, the Spark offers the same build quality and reliability as Glowforge's more expensive machines.

Price: The Glowforge Spark costs $699 / £568.63.

Read more: Glowforge Spark offers.

The best premium laser cutter

(Image credit: Future)

03. Glowforge Pro

Accessible, precise and supports a lot of materials but at a cost

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Various

Engraving/cutting area:

27.9 x 49.5 cm

Power:

45W

Today's Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Reasons to buy

+

Fast laser cutter and engraver

+

Supports many material types

+

Effortless to use and good app

Reasons to avoid

-

Ideally needs the Air Filter accessory

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignSturdy and beautifully built, includes honeycomb base as standard.★★★★★PerformanceReliable and clean cuts and engravings; super easy to use.★★★★★Features45W CO2 laser, large and expandable work area, camera auto focus, passthrough slot.★★★★★PriceWell-priced for the quality, a good value beginner machine.★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You need the best laser crafting app: Glowforge's app is the best easiest and best I've used, with few glitches or errors. Now includes AI image generation.

✅ You're need a powerful laser: while technically a step below the xTool P2, you'll be able to do everything on this and it's drop in power often results in cleaner cuts.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a small desk: Glowforge Pro is smaller than the P2, but still one of the larger laser machines on my list, so you'll need a large bench.

❌ Price is an issue: while Glowforge has cut the price this is still a hefty $4,995 / £4,053.43 in the sale but you get a lot of laser machine tech for your money.

The bottom line

🔎 The Glowforge Pro is a personal favourite of mine, and while it's always been costly the tech, build and app is unrivalled. If you can get it reduced, you won't be disappointed. ★★★★★

Need to know: Glowforge Pro is a beautifully designed 'laser printer' that removes the mess and fuss and packages with a clean and approachable device. This is the top model from Glowforge, which also has a medium Plus edition and a slightly less powerful Basic model as well as the Cricut-like Aura (at no. 2) and Spark (below). 

It does the same cutting and engraving as many of the best laser cutters on my list, but its design keeps any mess inside the machine (a filter sucks away any dust and debris into an external air filter). Designs are sent to the machine via a bespoke app, and the Glowforge machines support Windows, Mac and tablet devices.

The Glowforge Pro uses a high-spec Class 4, 45 watt laser which is one of the most powerful you can get outside of an industrial use or the xTool P2 at No.1. (The Plus and Basic use a 40 watt, Class 1 laser, which is still more powerful than most on this list.) When I tested this for my Glowforge Pro review, I was impressed with the machine's speed, ease of use and an excellent design app. It does, however, ideally need to be used with the Glowforge Air Filter accessory.

It's this ease of use and clean approach to laser cutting and engraving that ensures the Glowforge makes it to No.1 on my list. It looks like a standard printer but can engrave everything from metal to wood and tiles to paper and leather – it's perfectly suited to every task that requires accurate cutting too, from costume creation to model work. This Pro model comes with a 'passthrough' slot for large lengths of material, making it an ideal wood laser cutter – you can even make furniture. 

I found the results are always great with the Glowforge Pro, and, again, the app is easy to use. The xTool P2 is cheaper and more powerful (meaning slightly faster) and a little larger, but the ease of use of the Glowforge Pro means it's a great machine for everyone, including small studios or schools. 

Price: The good news is Glowforge is cutting the price of Pro, to focus on Aura and Spark. This means you can now but Glowforge Pro for $6,995 $4,995 / £5,676.42 £4,053.43, which brings it down in price considerably. This offer is only in the Glowforge website.

Read the full review: Glowforge Pro

The best laser cutter for beginners

(Image credit: Glowforge)

04. Glowforge Aura

An accessible laser cutter and engraver for beginners

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Various (not vinyl)

Engraving/cutting area:

30 x 30 cm

Power:

6W 450nm Diode

Today's Best Deals

View at HobbycraftCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Accessible and easy to use

+

Small enough for home use

+

Excellent design app

Reasons to avoid

-

Can't engrave transparent acrylic

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignCompact and elegant, one-button design.★★★★★PerformanceGood results every time, and easy to use.★★★★FeaturesA tight lid for clean cuts, built-in camera for accuracy and ease.★★★★PriceWell-priced for the quality, a good value beginner machine.★★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You're new to laser crafting: well made, reliable and easy to use thanks to its camera positioning and app.

✅ You're a home crafter: the size and versatility of the Aura makes it suitable for home use (I'd recommend buying the Personal Filter). 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You make larger projects: if you make large or multiples of designs then you'll need the bigger xTool P2 or Glowforge Pro.

❌ You want to do it all: this doesn't have the most powerful laser, which means it can't engrave or cut as many materials as the larger laser machines.

The bottom line

🔎 The Glowforge Aura is a small and compact laser cutter aimed at crafters. It's a perfect beginner machine but can't cut or engrave every material. ★★★★½

Need to know: Glowforge Aura is one of a new breed of laser machines targeted at crafters and home users rather than studios and small businesses. The aim of the Aura is to offer a small, clean and accurate laser cutter and engraver to use in the home, which is why this is my recommendation as the best laser cutter for beginners.

While the xTool M1 below is a neat laser solution for crafters, as it uses a blade and laser which means you can use vinyl (lasers can cut or engrave vinyl as it releases toxins), the Glowforge Aura focuses on a laser, but a low-powered 6W diode for cleaner use and less fumes, as well as offering eco-friendly vinyl alternatives.

We found that the lower powered laser does mean this is a cleaner machine to use, though it still need regular cleaning for best results. It also makes it a safer laser cutter for the home, and the Aura is smaller squarer and shorter than the xTool S1, for example.

Another aspect of the Aura I love is its software; the Glowforge Print web app is free and incredibly stable and easy to use. It offers free guides and projects, connects to a wider community and is the closest laser app I've used to Cricut Design Space, and includes easy layers, design tools and more. It even includes a generative AI now for quick image creation (these are rendered as laser-ready files not simply flat images).

The cons against the Aura can come down to personal taste and use. You may need a more powerful laser (the 6W diode here can't, for example, score or engrave transparent or reflective materials), in which case the xTool S1 would be preferable. A further caveat is that you will need the Glowforge Personal Filter, which costs extra, but this would be a recommendation for every encased laser cutter on my list.

Price: The Glowforge Aura costs $1,199 / £972, but I'd advice buying the Personal Filter for an extra $399.99 / £323.79 to extract and clean the air from inside the machine.

Read more: Glowforge Aura

The best small desktop laser cutter

(Image credit: xTool)

05. xTool F1

A fast, small and desktop laser cutter

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Over 300 materials

Engraving/cutting area:

11.5 x 11.5 cm

Power:

10W diode laser, 2W infrared laser

Today's Best Deals

View at xToolView at xToolCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

4000 mm/s engraving speed

+

Good app, supports many file formats

+

Incredible 0.00199mm accuracy

Reasons to avoid

-

Small workspace, expandable with add-on

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignSmart desktop style with full enclosure★★★★PerformanceOne of the fastest laser engravers.★★★★FeaturesThe 10W dual diode laser expandable workspace. ★★★PriceNot the cheapest, but has a specific use.★★★

Buy it if

✅ You need a desktop laser engraver: the F1 fulfils a specific need to have a desktop laser engraver to hand, and it has a large-ish workspace.

✅ You want a speedy engraver: don't let the size and 10W dual-laser setup fool you, the F1 is quick and quiet for specific, small projects.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You a larger workspace: if you have the room and want to create larger projects, there are bigger enclosed laser machines on my list.

❌ Price matters: despite the size and using diode lasers, the F1 is still a costly machine. considering you can get the excellent Glowforge Aura for less.

The bottom line

🔎 The xTool F1 is the ideal budget laser cutter and engraver for crafters. It's small and affordable but lacks the speed and size of others on my list. ★★★★

Need to know: The xTool F1 is a smart little laser engraver and cutter that can sit on your desk, enabling you to create engraved tags, signs and coasters or gifts with ease. This is xTool's answer to the portable laser machines pioneered by LaserPecker. The xTool F1 is a good choice for beginner engravers but it's also an excellent portable, handheld device for experienced laser engraver users who want the flexibility of a smaller desktop / handheld device.

There are some eye-catching specs, including 0.00199mm accuracy, a 4000 mm/s engraving speed (more than enough for small projects) and its 115 x 115 mm workspace can be upgraded to a 400 x 115 mm with a tray accessory (purchased separately). 

In comparison to the larger xTool P2, Glowforge Pro and Gweike laser cutters the F1 is small and somewhat limited, but it is a great device for those who want a second laser engraver for small projects (I would say the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura and Spark are the ideal starter machines).

The big advantage of the F1 for me is how little space it takes up (I have a Glowforge Pro, xTool P2 and xTool M1 and let me say, space is getting tight). The F1 can sit on your desk next to your Mac or PC and it doesn't look out of place. If you're looking to get into laser engraving and want to make small gifts for friends, to be sold on Etsy or tags for your craft products, the F1 is a handy addition to have.

Its closest rival is the LaserPecker 4 (below) and its a close call on which is the best in terms of tech; they bother include dual-lasers but the F1 has a super-quick engraving speed of 4000 mm/s while the LaserPecker 4 is 2000 mm/s and it can cut to a 6mm depth as opposed to LaserPecker 4's 5mm. In practice this is marginal but the F1 does feature better, more stable design software and a fuller protective casing which makes it more of an encased but portable laser cutter.

Price: The xTool F1 is priced at $1,999 / £1,699 but the xTool site usually sells this for around $400 / £200 less.

The best laser cutter for crafters

(Image credit: Future)

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignDual blade and laser combo is unique and award-winning.★★★★★PerformanceExcellent for general arts and crafts, pros will want more.★★★★Features2-in-1 10W laser and bade, camera auto focus and expandable workspace.★★★★★PriceThe new reduced price feels right.★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You need the best of both worlds: this is essentially a Cricut machine with a laser as well, making it great for most arts and crafts.

✅ You want ease of use: everything is handled in the xTool design app, the machine itself is a simple one-button and go device.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need cleaner crafting: the laser can scorch and it will leave a mess if using cheap wood. 

❌ You don't need a blade: sounds obvious, but there are better dedicated laser cutters and engravers on my list (and better specialist blade cutters).

The bottom line

🔎 The xTool M1 is the ideal craft machine as it features bother a traditional blade cutter (like Cricut) and a laser for engraving. ★★★★

Need to know: The xTool M1 laser cutter is something quite different to the other machines on my list as it features both laser and a blade cutting technology inside its curved, neatly designed box of tricks. No wonder it's a Red Dot Award-winning design. The combination of tools plus a compact design means the xTool M1 really stands out. That makes it the best laser cutter for crafter we've used to date. 

Essentially, the M1 allows you to do what the best Cricut machines can, and make use of a laser to engrave, cut and score. The blade can cut cleaner than some lasers, with no scorching, and means you needn't spend time masking materials ahead of cutting. When I tested it for my xTool M1 review, I found that you need the enclosed metal risers and ideally you'll the Air Filter too (see my guide to the best xTool accessories).

The downside is that the laser in the xTool M1 has been surpassed in terms of power, ease of use and design by the new Glowforge Aura, which is a cleaner and simpler machine. Also, I find the Glowforge design app much easier to use and create in than the xTool software, so if you're new to laser machines the Aura is a slightly better choice. 

The blade in the M1, while a nice feature, means you can do more with this machine that the Aura, but it isn't a rotary blade as you'd find in a Cricut Maker 3, but is similar to that found in the best Silhouette machines and it's prone to 'snagging'. As such xTool M1 is a novel do-all craft machine that neither specialises in laser or blade cutting, but if you have neither it makes for a great overall craft machine, while the Glowforge Aura or Spark are good companion machines for anyone who has a Cricut or Silhouette machine.

If you don't have a craft machine already, the xTool M1 is a good option as it blends the abilities of a Cricut with those of a decent laser cutter and engraver, and you can extend the height and attach rotary device. You can find out more in my guide to the best xTool machines.

Price: The xTool retails for $1,499 / £1,149 but the brand's own site now has it for $999 / £899, which is a good price for his blade-laser craft combo machine.

Read the full review: xTool M1

The best handheld laser engraver

(Image credit: Future / LaserPecker)

07. LaserPecker 4

A large handheld laser engraver and cutter

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Wood, leather, paper, acrylic

Engraving area:

16 cm x 12 cm

Power:

10W Blue Diode Laser, 2W Infrared Laser

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Very fast and clean machine

+

Excellent engraving results

+

Cuts plenty of materials

Reasons to avoid

-

Takes a lot of trial and error

-

Unstable design software

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignCan be used as a handheld engraver.★★★PerformanceSuper fast and clean engraving.★★★★FeaturesDual-laser setup for fast engraving and cutting in one go.★★★★PriceQuite steep considering the workspace size.★★★

Buy it if

✅ You want a fast and quiet engraver: despite its size, the tech inside the LaserPecker 4 is excellent, resulting it fast and quiet engraving.

✅ You need a handheld machine: this is the only proper handheld laser engraver on my list, and it works nicely.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want an enclosed machine: while the LaserPecker 4 isn't messy, it's not as fully encloses as others on my list, so you will get smoke and debris. 

❌ You're making large projects: the LaserPecker 4 is designed for creating small signs, coasters and tags, anything larger and you'll need a different machine.

The bottom line

🔎 The LaserPecker 4 has some superb tech and is well made, but I found the app harder to use than other devices, so you'll need to pay for LightBurn. ★★★½

Need to know: The LaserPecker 4 is an eye-catching handheld laser engraver and cutter that has a lot of similarities to the xTool F1 (above) but differs in some ways that mean if you're considering which to get, I can help. 

Fundamentally the LP4 and F1 share the same dual-laser approach, offering both a 10W Blue Diode Laser and 2W Infrared Laser for cutting and engraving. As mentioned above the LP4 is slower and cuts 1mm less deep, but for many uses you won't notice. But the LP4 also has an excellent automatic mode for raising and lowering its laser head.

In my LaserPecker 4 review this device breezed through engraving a complex illustration into wood, was clean and left little of the smoke and debris you get from larger laser machines. Importantly, the built-in extractor fan worked perfectly and the device is very quiet. 

One issue I found in my review is with the LP4's design software; it can be a little unstable and hard to use, particularly on iPad and Android phones. It does work with specialist laser software LightBurn with good results, but this is a paid-for software while Glowforge and xTool offer excellent free-to-use apps.

So, those real world differences – the LaserPecker 4 has a slightly larger workspace than the F1 (16 x 12 cm as opposed to the xTool's squarer 11.5 x. 11.5 cm) and is more of a portable handheld device even with this larger size. The LP4 is designed to be used as a handheld, with protective googles included so it's easier to use. 

If you're looking for a handheld the LaserPecker 4 is the best device on my list, and your choice is really between this and and the older but cheaper LaserPecker 2, as in my view xTool F1 is best used a compact desktop device.

Price: The LaserPecker 4 costs $1,999 / £1,799 but you can find deals that bring it in around $1,799 / £1,583 - head to the official LaserPecker website for the latest discounts.

Read the full review: LaserPecker 4

The best open-frame laser engraver

(Image credit: Future / IKIER)

08. IKIER K1 Pro Max

A fast open-frame laser engraver

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Wood, metal, acrylic, leather

Engraving area:

41 x 41cm

Power:

48W

Today's Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Reasons to buy

+

900mm/s engraving

+

Easily switch between modes

+

Auto-sinking feature

Reasons to avoid

-

Flakey software

Swipe to scroll horizontally

AttributesNotesRatingDesignOld fashioned open frame but has its advantages.★★★PerformanceFast, quiet and adaptable.★★★★FeaturesSwap from 48W to 24W lasers, automatic sinking, air assist.★★★★PriceExpensive but fast and pro level results.★★★

Buy it if

✅ You want a open frame laser: closed laser cutters are new, and some still prefer the older open-frame style for versatility.

✅ You want total control: this is best used with LightBurn and offers a more manual level of control that newer enclosed laser machines like the P2 and Aura.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a one-button and go machine: this takes time to setup and there's a lot of trial and error, even if the results are excellent. 

❌ You want a good free design app: the IKIER app isn't very good, so unlike Glowforge and xTool you'll need to pay for LightBurn.

The bottom line

🔎 The IKIER K1 Pro is a large open-frame cutter and engraver with a powerful, fast laser but lacks the ease-of-use of Glowforge and xTool, making it a good pro machine. ★★★½

Need to know: If you're looking to do a lot of engraving in a short space of time, the IKIER K1 Pro Max has much to offer. The engraving speed of IKIER K1 Pro Max can reach up to 900mm/s, which is significant faster than other machines on the market. 

It's versatile, too, thanks to the 48W to 24W Gear Switching Module. When you need to cut, you can use the 48W gear, and the laser power is fully turned on. This allows you to cut 25mm wood, 19mm black acrylic, and 0.3mm stainless steel sheet with one pass. When you need to engrave, switch to the 24W laser gear, and the engraving is more precise. It can directly carve coloured patterns on mirror stainless steel, ceramics and opaque glass.

Usefully, IKIER’s intelligent Z-axis features helps you achieve autofocus by automatically measuring the distance to the object and automatically adjusting the focus. An automatic sinking feature helps you to cut thicker materials. And the K1 Pro Max also boasts an advanced automatic power failure recovery system that remembers the engraving position. When the power comes back on, it uses an algorithm to quickly continue engraving from where it left off. 

Being an open-frame laser device has its advantages, as you can get more manual with setup and position items for engraving in a large, open space. It's an older fashioned approach, but the air assist diminishes scorching and mess, but it's not a device to use in the home like the Glowforge Aura or Spark.

When I reviewed the IKIER K1 Pro Max I found the brand's own app to be fairly useless so had to use LightBurn, which comes with a subscription cost. Unlike Glowforge and xTool models that use bespoke apps, the IKIER needs more experience to get the best from it - this is not a laser engraver for beginners.

Price: The IKIER K1 Pro Max costs $1,999 / but it's currently reduced to $1,499.

Read the full review: IKIER K1 Pro Max

The best value laser cutter

(Image credit: Gweike)

09. Gweike Cloud Pro II (50W)

The best affordable, powerful laser cutter

Our expert review:

Specifications

Materials:

Acrylic, wood, rubber, leather, select metals

Engraving/cutting area:

30 x 51 cm

Power:

50W

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Reasons to buy

+

A 50W CO2 laser at an affordable price

+

Fast and accurate

+

Lots of power

Reasons to avoid

-

Steep learning curve

-

A poor app

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AttributesNotesRatingDesignxxx★★★Performancexxx★★★Features50W CO2 laser, software focus, air assist, passthrough slot★★★Pricexxx★★★★★

Buy it if

✅ You want a open frame laser: closed laser cutters are new, and some still prefer the older open-frame style for versatility.

✅ You want total control: this is best used with LightBurn and offers a more manual level of control that newer enclosed laser machines like the P2 and Aura.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a one-button and go machine: this takes time to setup and there's a lot of trial and error, even if the results are excellent. 

❌ You want a good free design app: the IKIER app isn't very good, so unlike Glowforge and xTool you'll need to pay for LightBurn.

The bottom line

🔎 The IKIER K1 Pro is a large open-frame cutter and engraver with a powerful, fast laser but lacks the ease-of-use of Glowforge and xTool, making it a good pro machine. ★★★½

Need to know: The Gweike Cloud Pro II (50W) is a cheap(er) but powerful encased laser cutter and engraver that, on paper, is a match for both the xTool P2 and the Glowforge Pro. This 50W CO2 laser cutter from Gweike offers exceptional value, but there are a few catches that push it down my list. 

The Gweike Cloud Pro II features a powerful 50W CO2 laser boasts an engraving speed of up to 600mm/s on the X axis, but in tests this is only for single line speed, more complex engraving is slower. However, it lacks the ease of use of Glowforge Pro or Aura, or xTool P2 or S1, or the other laser machines at the top of my list. For example there's no camera auto focus and instead it uses a software approach similar to the xTool S1, which is a pain after using the likes of the xTool P2. A more expensive 55W model does include autofocus (and for the $300 more I'd opt for this model).

The Gweike Cloud Pro II comes with cloud-based laser software but it's not particularly good, for example respected craft machine reviewer Samcraft really didn't rate the app and had issues connecting to his laptop. YouTuber James Dean Designs also found issues connecting the Gweike Cloud software and both advise to use LightBurn instead, which is okay but it's a less approachable design software that either Glowforge or xTool's bespoke apps, and it's not free. 

There's a pre-configured and fully editable material settings library on board, and a built-in 5MP camera for positioning your material precisely (though it loses connection when you begin engraving and then needs reseting afterwards, and many people on the Gweike user-group have similar issues). 

Along with this laser cutter, you get a material pack, including laser plywood, acrylic and corrugated card, an extractor fan and a tool kit, including lens cleaning cotton swabs, Allen key set and laser alignment targets to assist with routine maintenance.

The lack of an autofocus is an issue, as well as the camera problems and lack of a good bespoke app is a major problem. There's also a lack of instructions or guidance for how to use the Gweike Cloud Pro II, which means there's quite a steep learning curve. If you can spend the extra time getting used to its quirks, and costing $2,599, this is a good value CO2 laser machine.

Overall the Gweike Cloud Pro II has a lot of eye-catching features and apes the designs of Glowforge and xTool, and even includes the same styled passthrough slot, but it's a harder laser machine to wrangle results from, which puts it in a weird position - as the price and specs scream 'entry machine' but the poor app ensures its better suited to those who have used laser machines before. Overal  

Price: The Gweike Cloud Pro II (50W) costs $2,599, which is a reduction on its RRP of $3,499. You'll pay around $300 more for the 55W model with camera positioning and auto focus, which is worthwhile. 

How to choose the best laser cutter

The best laser cutter for you will depend on what you want to use it for. You'll need to decide if you want a diode or CO2 laser, as both of these types of laser cutters work on different materials to different degrees. Diode lasers are more affordable, but the cheapest can only engrave organic material like wood and paper. CO2 lasers can etch any organic material and all acrylics, including clear acrylic, but they're more costly. 

As a rule CO2 laser machines like the xTool P2 and Glowforge Pro are designed for large, often complex or multiple projects and are aimed at professionals and studios, while diode laser machines like the Glowforge Aura or xTool M1 are smaller, cleaner and good for the home, making them excellent for crafters.

The kind of laser your machine uses will determine what it can cut and engrave.

(Image credit: Future)

Another thing to consider is speed and accuracy, especially if your aim is to mass produce a product to sell within a limited time. And you'll need to consider how much physical space you have for a machine. Open-frame laser cutters can often be placed on top of large items, while fully enclosed lasers usually demand a dedicated space. You'll also need to consider if the enclosed laser you opt for has a pass through door for working on larger projects.

Also bear safety in mind. A laser that can burn wood can burn your skin and damage your sight. Open-frame laser cutters can be cheaper, but an encased machine is safer. Often safety devices, such as ventilation, are sold as optional extras to keep prices down. There are some accessories that can be shared between tools and some can be picked up at hardware store or solved with DIY.

It's not just about the machine, those with the best design apps and positioning tech are better than all out power.

(Image credit: Future)

Software is another selling point. Cheaper laser cutters often require free or paid third-party software like LaserGRBL, which is quite basic, or LightBurn, which is excellent and is the standard software but costs $60 for an annual licence. Brands like xTool and Glowforge have their own software for free, and from my experience Glowforge has the best app of all the laser machine brands I've tried.

Another consideration should be the tech used to position and focus on materials. The easies to use are enclosed machines that use built-in cameras for auto-focusing as well as positioning. If you're using an open-frame laser cutter you can attach a camera and link this to LightBurn. Some new machines, like the xTool S1, use new software algorithms for positioning and focusing, but it's not quite as good as using cameras. 

You'll also need to consider you budget. If you're going to be monetising this skill, then pushing your budget as high as possible makes sense to get the best end product in the fastest time, and with the lowest usage costs. It is vital to consider the cost of replacement parts – you don't want to find yourself unable to keep the machine running.

How we tested the best laser cutters

To choose my picks of the best laser cutters and engravers, I tested and reviewed the products just like you'd use them. First I surveyed the market and the specs of the various laser cutters available from reputable brands. I then brought in the best machines for hands-on testing, creating projects as well as using the same designs across all machines for engraving and cutting - in my case it's the Creative Bloq logo as well as complex Christmas decorations (which everyone makes).

For my tests, I used the machines to cut, engrave and score a variety of materials over a number of days, testing out all of the capabilities promised by manufacturers to make sure there are no false promises. We evaluated the machines for accuracy, speed and support for materials. 

As well as using the same project files, like the Creative Bloq logo, I also like to create personal projects from my art.

(Image credit: Future)

I also considered ease of use, size and value for money in order to provide options for different needs, including more economical laser cutters and options that can fit on a desk. 

When I ask a freelance writer to review for us they are tasked with reviewing using the same criteria so we have a standard across all reviews. If we've not directly reviewed a laser machine, because it's new and we're waiting on a model to rate, then we turn to our sister sites like TechRadar for guidance.

For more details of our processes, see our guide to how we test and review at Creative Bloq.

FAQs

What is a laser cutter?

A laser cutter is a device that creates patterns, shapes and designs in materials such as wood, glass, paper, metal and plastic, by cutting into them with a high-power laser. The precision of a laser makes for a clean cut and smooth finish. Laser cutting has been used for many decades in large-scale manufacturing, but more recently laser cutters have become more affordable and are increasingly used by hobbyists, schools and small businesses.

What are the different types of laser cutter?

There are three main types of laser cutter. CO2 laser cutters use electrically-stimulated CO2, and are typically used for cutting, boring and engraving. This is the most common laser cutter to be used by hobbyists and makers. Crystal laser cutters use nd:YVO and nd:YAG, and are high powered, so they can cut through thicker materials. Fibre Laser Cutters use fibreglass and can work with both metal and non-metal materials.

Do I need to spend a lot of money on a laser cutter?

Not so much any more. The new Glowforge Aura is regularly below $1,000 on the Glowforge website; while the rival, xTool M1 is also often around $999. Both are excellent machines, aimed at home crafters. 

One thing of note too, is xTool has a new machine trade-in system so you can replace your old xTool laser cutter and engraver and upgrade to a new one for up to $500 / £500 less. You needn't send back your old diode laser machine either, just proof of ownership.

Can you cut anything with a laser cutter?

There are certain materials that you should never cut with a laser cutter. These include PVC vinyl, pleather or faux leather, and ABS polymer, which is commonly used in 3D pens and 3D printers. Both emit chlorine gas when cut. You should also not laser-cut polystyrene foam, polyprylene foam or HDPE (a plastic used to make milk bottles), as these will all catch fire. There are many other materials that should not be laser-cut, so always read the instructions carefully. You might also want to see our pick of the best vinyl cutter machines.