The 10 Best Laser Engravers for Hobbyists and Professionals 

Laser engraving and cutting technology has advanced tremendously in recent years, making these machines more affordable and accessible than ever. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which laser engraver is right for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide examines the top laser engravers and cutters for hobbyists and professionals.

What to Consider When Buying a Laser Engraver

Several key factors should be taken into account when selecting a laser engraver:

Power and Speed – Laser power is measured in watts, with more powerful lasers able to cut thicker materials faster. Most hobbyists will want a machine in the 5-10W range, while commercial users may need up to 100W or more. Speed is impacted by laser power and material being engraved.

Work Area Size – Laser work area sizes range from just a few inches to over 30”. Consider the size of projects you’ll be working on. Smaller machines are more affordable but limit project size.

Supported Materials – Laser engravers can mark, engrave, or cut materials like wood, plastic, leather, glass, acrylic, paper, cardboard, and some metals. Ensure your machine supports your desired materials.

Connectivity and Software – Many engravers include software for creating/importing designs. Some have WiFi/Ethernet for wireless file transfers. Connectivity options affect workflow convenience.

Price – Laser engraver prices span from less than $200 to over $10,000. More power, speed, and features come with higher costs. Beginners should stay under $500.

Safety Features – Laser engravers require proper ventilation and fire prevention. Better machines have thermal runaway protection, door/lid sensors, and fire suppression systems.

With the right laser machine for your needs and skill level, you’ll enjoy creative projects from custom gifts to prototypes and crafts. Read on for our top picks for 2021!

Best Laser Engravers and Cutters

Best Overall: X-Tool D1 Pro

The X-Tool D1 Pro is our top overall pick with its winning combination of performance, safety, and thoughtful design features. This 5.5W engraver can cut material up to 10mm thick at brisk speeds.

Integrated features like air assist, LED lighting, and variable speed help optimize results. It’s also one of the few hobbyist machines with a built-in fire suppression system for added safety. Despite its pro-level features, it remains easy to set up and use.

Best Budget: Ortur Laser Master 2

With its sub-$300 price point, the Ortur Laser Master 2 is a great entry-level laser engraver. It delivers surprisingly good performance for the price with its 7W laser and 32-bit motherboard. An adjustable focus head accommodates a variety of materials.

While speed and power are limited compared to pricier models, it’s more than adequate for most hobbyist needs. It also includes integrated cooling fans, air assist, and a solid metal chassis. Optional accessories like a rotary attachment add functionality for the money.

Best for Cutting: AtomStack X7 Pro

AtomStack makes some of the most powerful laser engravers in this price range, earning the X7 Pro the top spot for cutting performance. Its impressive 22W laser can slice through material up to 20mm thick with ease.

It’s also engineered for efficient cooling, quiet operation, and steady laser focus. Like the X-Tool D1 Pro, it includes great safety features like a metal enclosure with emergency stop buttons and integrated fire extinguisher system. Expect fast job completion when cutting acrylic, wood, and other mid-density materials.

Most User-Friendly: Glowforge Basic

Ease of use comes at a premium with the Glowforge Basic. It removes common pain points of laser engraving with a streamlined design and integrated software. Materials are placed directly into the open front chamber, no tweaking or tapping to focus the laser.

Design and engrave directly from the web-based app. Automatic image processing detects engraving areas and suggests settings. No design experience needed! While it’s pricier than other 40W CO2 lasers, the simplified experience justifies the cost for some.

Best for Precision: Muse 3D

Those seeking ultra-fine precision should look no further than the Muse 3D by Full Spectrum Laser. With high-end galvo laser scanning technology, it can achieve incredible detail down to 1000 DPI. This makes it perfect for producing miniatures, jewelry, incorporations, and other projects requiring extreme precision.

It comes loaded with time-saving features too, like automatic focusing and air assist. Convenient onboard memory lets you prepare your next job while another is running. While costly, it’s the ultimate laser for detail-oriented makers and creators.

Best Open Source: Beamo

The aptly named Beamo by Flux is built to be user-friendly yet infinitely customizable via open-source software integration. It uses high-end optical components normally found on commercial-grade machines.

Yet the friendly touchscreen interface and WiFi connectivity make it approachable for beginners. Under the hood is an open-source module so you can customize functionality and sync the laser with design software. For those who love to tinker and experiment, Beamo is ideal.

Best for Education: Full Spectrum Hobby Series 20×12

Full Spectrum Laser creates some of the safest, most user-friendly laser engravers around, making them a top choice for educational environments. The 20×12 model offers ample work area at a reasonable price point.

Key safety features include lid locks, emergency stop buttons, and even free additional fire extinguishers. The RetinaEngrave software is also intended to be beginner-friendly. For schools and maker spaces seeking a capable, safe laser machine on a budget, this fits the bill nicely.

Most Versatile: Orion Motor Tech 3018-PROVer

The 3018-PROVer engraver from Orion Motor Tech lives up to its name with exceptional versatility for the price. It can laser engrave, mill, and print when converted into a CNC machine. Switch back to a laser engraver on demand.

Other thoughtful features include a rotary attachment, adjustable brackets to hold curved workpieces, and a flexible illumination arm. With some tinkering and DIY modifications, you can expand its capabilities even more. This machine grows with your skill level and project variety.

Best Large Format: Epilog Fusion Edge 132

For larger scale engraving and cutting, the Epilog Fusion Edge 132 is a workhorse. Its hefty 60W laser can slice through material up to 1” thick with precision. The 32×20” work area accommodates oversized projects.

Epilog is also renowned for their easy image engraving software. Features like the camera positioning system, air assist, autorun capabilities, and configurable speed/power settings result in tremendous productivity for commercial shops. It’s a professional machine ready for 24/7 use.

Best for Metal: FiberFox 35W Laser Engraver

Metal presents a unique challenge for laser engravers, often requiring fiber lasers or coated metals. The FiberFox 35W laser is purpose-built for metal engraving with its powerful gen-2 fiber laser technology.

It offers high peak power and consistent beam quality optimized for metals like stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and more. Air cooling and auto-lubrication allow continuous operation. While costly, it’s the top choice for dedicate metal engraving.

Key Considerations When Buying a Laser Engraver

With this wide range of excellent laser engravers on the market, selecting the right one for your needs comes down to a few key factors:

• Price – Budget-friendly choices like the Ortur Laser Master 2 get you engraving for less than $300. Expect to spend $2,000+ for more power and extra features.
• Supported Materials – Consider specializing machines like the FiberFox for metal or Full Spectrum for wider material capacity.
• Work Area Size – Make sure your machine accommodates the size projects you’ll be working on.
• Speed and Power – These factors enable faster job completion, especially with thicker materials.
• Safety Features – For public makerspaces or schools, prioritize extra safety precautions.
• Software and Connectivity – Convenience features like wireless connectivity and intuitive software improve the user experience.
• Special Features – Add-ons like rotary attachments, onboard cameras, and open-source customization distinguish some models.

Once you settle on the right laser engraver for your needs and budget, you’ll be equipped to start creating! With proper precautions, these machines can safely bring your designs to life on incredible materials.