Get Creative with the Best Cheap Laser Engravers Under $500

Lasers engravers are no longer an expensive investment only accessible to large companies. Thanks to advancements in laser technology, hobbyists and small business owners can now purchase an entry-level laser engraver for under $500.

These budget laser engraving machines open up a world of possibilities for creative projects on materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and some metals. You can customize gifts, create one-of-a-kind art pieces, design custom phone cases, and more.

However, with so many affordable laser engraver options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which model will best suit your needs and budget. This guide covers the key factors to consider when shopping for a cheap laser engraver and reviews the top-rated models under $500.

What to Look for in an Inexpensive Laser Engraver

Here are the most important features and specifications to evaluate when choosing a budget laser engraving machine:

Laser Wattage – This determines the engraver’s power and how quickly and deeply it can engrave. For hobbyists, a 5-10 watt laser is a good sweet spot. Higher wattages above 15-20W raise the cost.

Supported Materials – Make sure the laser is designed to engrave the types of materials you want to use. Some are limited to softer substances like wood rather than metals.

Engraving Area – Consider the size of projects you’ll be working on. Entry-level engraver beds range from around 8 x 8 inches up to 12 x 20 inches on larger desktop models.

Software Compatibility – Many inexpensive laser engravers connect to a computer and use free software like LaserGRBL. Some include their own bundled proprietary software.

Safety Features – Look for built-in safety measures like lid locks, emergency stop buttons, and overload protection. Proper ventilation is also a must.

Reviews & Ratings – Check what other buyers have to say about each model’s ease of use, software, customer service and reliability. Well-rated options are your safest bet.

Best Cheap Laser Engravers Under $500

Based on their impressive performance, quality, and value, here are my top picks for budget laser engraving machines:

1. ELEGOO Mercury Plus

The ELEGOO Mercury Plus is one of the best inexpensive laser engravers under $300. It offers a generous engraving area of 12 x 8 inches on its metal platform.

The 5.5W laser can engrave materials like wood, leather, plastic, and some coated metals at speeds up to 600mm/min. Many users find the engraving quality comparable to some professional machines.

It’s compatible with LaserGRBL software for easy importing of designs. The ELEGOO also includes a built-in camera so you can carefully position artwork. Safety features include an emergency stop button and lid key lock.

Overall, this is an excellent entry-level laser with one of the largest beds in its price range. The engraving power and speed make it a great choice for those venturing into laser engraving as a hobby.

Pros

• Large 12 x 8 inch engraving area
• 5W laser neatly engraves wood, leather, plastic
• Compatible with open-source LaserGRBL software
• Built-in camera for aligning artwork
• Emergency stop button for safety

Cons

• Manual bed leveling process can be tricky
• Software setup takes some effort initially
• Can only engrave softer materials, not metal

2. Laser Pecker L1

For those with a smaller budget under $250, the compact Laser Pecker L1 is a great affordable option. It comes in at just $239.

At only 400 grams, it has a portable palm-sized design. The engraving area is 120 x 120mm, best suited for smaller projects like jewelry, smartphone cases, wallets, and customized mini-plaques.

Despite the small size, it packs a punch with a 5500mW laser that can engrave at a speed of up to 5000mm/min. The aluminum alloy shell, cast metal platform and multiple cooling fans keep the laser cool during extended use.

Many reviewers mention great customer service from Laser Pecker as an extra perk. The easy-to-use included software has tools to import images, add text and edit designs.

This tiny but powerful machine makes laser engraving possible on an even tighter budget. Take it along to maker fairs or workshops to create custom goods on the spot!

Pros

• Very affordable at under $250
• Compact and highly portable design
• Can engrave small items very quickly
• Sturdy aluminum and cast metal construction
• User-friendly included software

Cons

• Small 4 x 4 inch engraving area
• Manual bed leveling takes practice
• Lower power laser can’t engrave metals

3. ATOMSTACK A5 Pro

ATOMSTACK is a go-to brand for budget laser engravers, with the A5 Pro being one of their most popular models priced under $500.

It comes equipped with a 7-watt laser suitable for engraving wood, bamboo, leather, acrylic, anodized aluminum, coated metals, PVC, and more.

The large engraving area of 410 x 400mm gives you plenty of room for medium-sized projects. It can engrave at speeds up to 10,000mm/min for very fast results.

This laser machine works great paired with LightBurn or LaserGRBL software. The integrated air ventilation system helps control smoke and debris.

For around $430, this is one of the best values for a mid-range hobbyist laser with high engraving power and speed. It’s backed by responsive customer service from ATOMSTACK as well.

Pros:

• 7W laser has good power for detailed engraving
• Large 16 x 15 inch work area
• Engraves quickly up to 10,000mm/min
• Good value pricing under $500
• Compatible with LightBurn and other software

Cons:

• Manual bed levelling takes some tinkering
• No rotary attachment for cylindrical engraving
• Can be noisy when operating at high speeds

4. NEJE Master 2S

The NEJE Master 2S is a best-seller with very affordable pricing starting around $169. For the low investment, it delivers reliable performance.

It operates with a max of 8 watts, but the standard configuration is 5 watts. This provides good engraving abilities on wood, bamboo, acrylic, leather and similar materials. Don’t expect metal engraving at this wattage.

The work area is 400 x 410mm, roomy enough for personalizing coffee mugs, cell phone cases, cutting boards, jewelry boxes and more.

The NEJE Master 2S supports LaserGRBL software for easy importing of fonts, SVG files and images. It comes with safety glasses, air pump and ventilator, and extra laser tube and lines.

For occasional home projects on a tight budget, this little $169 machine gets the job done well. With very little assembly or setup required, it’s one of the most user-friendly options.

Pros:

• Extremely low starting price around $170
• Plug and play with minimal setup needed
• 5W laser powers through wood, acrylic, leather
• Compatible with user-friendly LaserGRBL software
• Includes safety glasses and extra accessories

Cons:

• Low power laser can’t engrave metals
• Small 110 x 110mm engraving area
• Manual bed leveling is hit or miss
• High engraving speeds decrease depth and quality

5. Ten-High Upgraded Version CO2

The upgraded Ten-High laser engraver comes in a bit pricier at $485, but offers top-notch performance for the cost.

It operates with a 7-12 watt laser that can be adjusted in 1 watt increments. At max power, it engraves up to 1/5” in depth even on materials like glass and marble.

The large 400 x 600mm work area allows engraving on full size 13” x 19” sheets for big custom projects. It also has a handy built-in red diode pointer for positioning workpieces.

This laser machine works with LaserGRBL, LightBurn and other common software. The combination of power, engraving depth, and generously-sized work bed make this one of the best engraver values around $500.

Pros:

• Powerful 7-12 watt laser adjustable in 1W increments
• Can engrave up to 1/5” depth even on glass
• 400 x 600mm work area fits full 13” x 19” sheets
• Includes red diode pointer to position workpieces
• Compatible with LaserGRBL and LightBurn software

Cons:

• Manual levelling takes some fine-tuning
• No rotary attachment for cylindrical engraving
• Exhaust fan is a bit loud when running
• Must provide your own LaserGRBL computer

How to Choose the Best Cheap Laser Engraver

Buying a budget laser engraver under $500 is a great way to start experimenting with this fun technology without a huge investment. Follow this checklist to pick the best affordable option for your needs:

• Determine your engraving material requirements. Softer woods, plastics and leather will be easiest for lower power lasers to cut and engrave.
• Compare work area sizes and pick a model with ample room for the typical projects you’ll work on. Around 400 x 400mm is a versatile mid-sized option.
• Look for key safety features like emergency stop buttons and lid locks. Built-in point lasers help align items being engraved.
• Make sure the laser wattage meets your needs. Lasers in the 5-7 watt range work well for beginners on a budget. Max speeds over 10,000mm/min provide fast engraving.
• See if the laser comes bundled with software, or opt for a model compatible with free programs like LaserGRBL. Ease of use is important for beginners.
• Check for helpful extras like air filters and ventilation, spare parts and free online course content to get started faster.
• Read reviews from real owners to learn about reliability, ease of setup, software usability and customer service for each brand.

The right budget laser engraver unlocks almost unlimited creative engraving possibilities, from custom drinkware to jewelry, papercrafts, home decor signs and much more. With a properly equipped under $500 machine, you’ll be amazed at the professional-looking results you can achieve at home.

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