The best laser cutters and engravers

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best laser cutters; two small laser cutters machines

(Image credit: Glowforge / xTool)

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1. Best overall: xTool P2
2. Best for beginners: Glowforge Aura
3. For small studios: Glowforge Pro
4. Best mid-range: xTool S1
5. Accessible mid-range: Glowforge Basic
6. Best small desktop: xTool F1
7. Best for crafters: xTool M1
8. Best large handheld: LaserPecker 4
9. Best open-frame overall: xTool D1 Pro
9. Best cheap handheld: LaserPecker 2
10. Fastest open-frame: IKIER K1 Pro
11. Best best value: Gweike Cloud Pro II
FAQs
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How we test

I've been using the best laser cutters and engravers for around two years now, and it all started because I wanted to try and etch my digital paintings onto wood to create new and unique artwork for my home. The new breed of laser cutting machines you can get now are easier to use, cleaner and some can be used in the home just like a digital craft cutter, such as the best Cricut machines.

In this guide you can find some of the best laser machines around at the moment, including the best laser engravers and the best laser cutter for a small business. These machines are designed for large and small projects, for the studio and the home. Whether you want to cut materials like metal, plastic, wood, and glass or engrave and score your own designs as I have done, these devices are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable.

I've reviewed, used, researched and rated the laser and engraving machines in this guide to help you find the correct machine for your needs, whether that's a laser wood cutter or craft machine. Read my reviews below to consider whether price, software, size, and use is what really matters to you. Glowforge and xTool are the two big new brands going head-to-head, so for more background read my guides to the best xTool machines and the best Glowforge machines. If you want more equipment for your office, then you may also like our best laminator guide.

Quick list

We start with a very brief overview of top picks of the best laser cutters. Scroll down further to browse our full selection or click on the links to jump down to read more about any specific option.

The best laser cutters in full

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best laser cutter overall

xTool P2 review; a large laser cutter and engraver in a tableCreative Bloq endorsed

(Image credit: Future / xTool)
The best laser cutter overall

Specifications

Materials: Wood, acrylic, aluminium, leather and more
Engraving/cutting area: 600 x 308 mm
Power: 55W CO2 laser

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

xTool won a Red Dot Design Award for its xTool M1 laser cutter and engraver, and it deserves its No.7 place on my list. But it does have some limitations; for example, its 10 watt diode laser can't match the speed and accuracy of a CO2 laser. So the release of the P2 is big news.

The headline news is that the new xTool P2 offers a 55 watt CO2 laser, making it the most powerful laser cutter for home use available today. 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.

In my xTool P2 review I 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.

Similar to the Glowforge Pro (at No. 4), it has a metal casing with a glass lid and inbuilt extractor fan. It's designed to be clean and easy to use. Its workspace is larger than its rival (600 x 308mm to the Glowforge Pro's 495 mm by 279 mm). And it's speedy too: running at 600 mm/s, it cuts 18mm basswood in one pass with ease.

After nine months of use, I've found the xTool P2 to be reliable, adaptable, and easy to use

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, what could be seen as P2's weakness is actually one of this laser cutter's strengths. xTool has a history of offering interesting add-ons, and the P2 is no different. You can increase the size of the workspace height using a Riser Base.

One thing of note, P2 has a precision of 0.3mm while Glowforge has a macro camera that can reach 0.1mm levels. With P2 the advantage is it fits into xTool's wider ecosystem of add-ons (see my guide to the best xTool accessories), ensuring that overall, this laser cutter can do pretty much anything, including rotary engraving (purchased separately).

After nine months of use, I've found the xTool P2 to be reliable, adaptable, and easy to use. It's large, heavy, and a little more complex than a Glowforge - if I'm honest I prefer Glowforge's app, which is easier to use, but the P2 costs less for a more powerful machine, so overall it just pips ahead.

The best laser cutter for beginners

Best laser cutters and engravers; a white craft machine with a transparent orange lid

(Image credit: Glowforge)

02. Glowforge Aura

The best laser cutter and engraver for beginners

Specifications

Materials: Various (not vinyl)
Engraving/cutting area: 30 x 30 cm
Power: 6W 450nm Diode

Reasons to buy

+
Accessible and easy to use
+
Small enough for home use
+
Excellent design app

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't engrave transparent acrylic

Glowforge Aura is one of the newest laser cutters and engravers on the market having launched in 2023. It's also one of the new breed of laser machines that are 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 to laser machine beginners.

While the xTool M1 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 choice to focus on a laser, but a low-powered 6W diode for cleaner use and less fumes, as well as offering eco-friendly vinyl alternatives, is a smart one.

An aspect of the Aura I love is its software; the Glowforge Print web app is free and incredibly stable and easy to use

The lower powered laser does mean this is a cleaner machine to use, though it still need regular cleaning for best results, and it makes it a safer laser cutter for the home. It also means the Aura is a smaller encased laser cutter and engraver overall, 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 agains the Aura can come down to personal taste and use - you may want a more powerful laser (the 6W diode here can't, for example, score or engrave transparent or reflective materials), which case the xTool M1 or S1 is preferable. A further caveat is you will need the Glowforge Air Filter and it costs extra, but that would be a recommendation for every encased laser cutter on my list.

The best laser cutter for small studios

Glowforge Pro; a photo of a laser cutter on a tableCB

(Image credit: Future)
Accessible, precise and supports a lot of materials

Specifications

Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 27.9 x 49.5 cm
Power: 45W

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

Glowforge Pro does for laser cutters what Cricut has done for craft cutters. This is a beautifully designed 'laser printer' that removes the mess and fuss and packages it all in a clean and approachable device, making it easily the best laser cutter around at the moment (for a price). This model is the top Glowforge laser cutter, while the brand has a the medium Plus edition and a slightly less powerful Basic model. 

The Glowforge 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.

I was impressed with the machine's speed, ease of use and an excellent design app

The Glowforge Pro uses a high-spec Class 4, 45 watt laser which is the most powerful you can get outside of an industrial use. (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 it has a better app than rival xTool, so why is it lower on my list? Because xTool is cheaper and more powerful (meaning slightly faster). However, the ease of use of the Glowforge Pro means it's a great machine for everyone, making this the best laser cutter for small studios or schools. 

The best mid-range laser cutter

xTool S1; front of a laser cutter

(Image credit: xTool)

04. xTool S1

The best mid-range laser cutter

Specifications

Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 49.8 x 31.9 cm
Power: 20W / 40W

Reasons to buy

+
A 40W encased laser on a budget
+
Fast and accurate results
+
Can be used in the home

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of cameras not for everyone

The new xTool S1 sits between the xTool P2 and Glowforge Aura, as it's a smaller laser cutter and engraver aimed at crafters and home uses but also has a 40W laser, which means its slightly larger but more powerful than the Aura but smaller and less powerful than the S1. So, it's complicated and really shows how there is a laser cutter and engraver for everyone now.

Firstly, the 40W diode laser means this trumps the Aura for speed and power, but it still can't cut or score transparent acrylic (though opaque material works fine). The 40W laser (created from multiple lower wattage lasers combining) can cut and engrave 3mm acrylic, and in tests works well on solid coloured materials. That extra power does mean it's larger, about 20cm wider than the Aura, and more powerful lasers scorch and burn more, and release more fumes. Generally this is a 'dirtier' machine than the Aura. 

My full xTool S1 review is in progress, but I have found this is accurate and unlike the larger xTool P2 or the Glowforge machines that use cameras for live autofocus, this uses an algorithm. Overall I find the cameras of the other encased machines on my list just more accessible, and if you're a newcomer to these craft machines a camera autofocus and material setup system is definitely more accessible. 

But lack of cameras is one way in which xTool is able to keep the cost down - the S1 is £1,799 / £1,799 for a 40W encased laser cutter, the comparable Glowforge Basic (below) is around $5,045 / £3,495. I also do prefer Glowforge's app and accessibility, but as with the xTool / Glowforge CO2 laser machines, the lower cost matched with good technology can't be overlooked. If money is no issue, the Glowforge Basic (or Plus) is my preferable machine in this mid-range category, but taking it into account I've put xTool just slightly ahead for value.

The best accessible mid-range laser cutter

The best laser cutters; a photo of the Glowforge Basic with its lid open

(Image credit: Glowforge)

05. Glowforge Basic

A very accessible mid-range laser cutter

Specifications

Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 30 x 49.5 cm
Power: 40 watt, Class 1 laser

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful 40 watt CO2 laser
+
Easy to use and very clean
+
Good brower-based app

Reasons to avoid

-
Not Chromebook compatible

The Glowforge Basic offers the same design and approachable use of the more powerful Glowforge Pro, number 3 on my list, but it has a number of changes to bring the price down, for example, it has a slower cooling system and a 40-watt laser rather than a 45-watt beam.

But don't let the word 'basic' in the name put you off, the Glowforge Basic remains an incredibly powerful and fast laser cutter. Its CO2, 45-watt Class 1 laser is more powerful than the xTool M1 and the new xTool S1 (above), which means it's a little quicker to work with. It also lacks the Pro Passthrough slot of the Glowforge Pro so you're restricted to smaller projects or designing projects around the space.

The extra money could be worth spending on what I believe is a more accessible mid-range laser cutter and engraver

However, in use, it offers the same fast and clean approach as the higher-spec Glowforge Pro and uses the same app and workflow. So you just need to set up your design, wait for the laser cutter to focus and push the glowing 'print' button. Easy. The advantage of the Basic over the Pro is you won't need the Glowforge Air Filter too, as its slower laser doesn't produce as much smoke and dust. That's roughly a $1,000 / £1,000 saving.

If you want a high-end laser cutter for a little less, the Glowforge Basic is one of the best around at the moment. And Glowforge's ecosystem of laser-primed materials, app and support is welcome.

So why is the xTool S1, which on paper is a less powerful machine and has a less intuitive app, above this laser cutter? That comes down to price, value and relative tech; while the S1 has a slightly less powerful laser the speed difference is marginal. But on the plus side, the Glowforge Basic has the better design software, so if you're new to laser cutters the extra money could be worth spending on what I believe is a more accessible mid-range laser cutter and engraver.

The fastest small desktop laser cutter

Product image of the best laser cutter for speed, the xTool F1; a small transparent green box

(Image credit: xTool)

06. xTool F1

A fast, small and desktop laser cutter

Specifications

Materials: Over 300 materials
Engraving/cutting area: 11.5 x 11.5 cm
Power: 10W diode laser, 2W infrared laser

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

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). 

If you're looking to get into laser engraving and want to make small gifts the F1 is a handy addition to have

In comparison to the larger xTool P2, Glowforge Pro and Gweike laser cutters the F1 is small and somwhat limited, but it is a great device for beginners (though I would say the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura 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.

The best laser cutter for crafters

xTool M1 review; a white laser cutter, a large box, on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)
Both laser and blade cutting in one handy machine

Specifications

Materials: Various
Engraving/cutting area: 38.5 x 30 cm
Power: 5 and 10 watt models, diode laser

Reasons to buy

+
Features laser and blade cutters
+
Compatible with over 300 materials
+
Red Dot Winner 2022

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks pure laser power of the Glowforge

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 designl 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 size, easy 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. Also the blade, while a nice feature and means you can do more with this machine that the Aura, 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'.

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.

The best large handheld laser engraver

LaserPecker 4 review; a laser machine in a wooden table

(Image credit: Future / LaserPecker)
The best large handheld laser engraver and cutter

Specifications

Materials: Wood, leather, paper, acrylic
Engraving area: 16 cm x 12 cm
Power: 10W Blue Diode Laser, 2W Infrared Laser

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

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. 

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.

The best laser cutter for hobbyists

Product image of the best laser cutters for hobbysists the xTool D1 Pro

(Image credit: xTool)

09. xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver

A fast and easy laser cutter for hobbyists

Specifications

Materials: Wood and metal
Engraving/cutting area: ‎43 x 39 x 5 cm
Power: 20W

Reasons to buy

+
Colour your engravings
+
Fast and easy to use
+
Upgradable with accessories

Reasons to avoid

-
Extras sold separately

The xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver is one of many laser cutters and engravers xTool makes. Coming in either red or grey, this machine makes use of new laser tech that sends four beams through the reflector to combine into one 20W laser. An upshot of this is it oxidises metallic surfaces in an instant meaning you can create over 300 colours from your metal engravings. It does this at a respectable speed of 400 mm/s.

When it comes to xTool laser cutters and engravers, the S1 on my list a more modern encased device with higher specs, but the xTool D1 Pro is still a neat device made from all-aluminium for a sturdy base. It's an older style design compared to encased S1, and with an open top which means it's a messier and more manual device (no cameras for alignment, for example). 

Good software when using a laser cutter really matters and xTool's app is much better than IKIER's

However, the xTool D1 Pro is an approachable laser cutter and engraver that comes with a good app to help your designs and its size, slightly greater than A3, means large designs are doable on this machine. It's one reason why the xTool D1 Pro comes in above the more powerful IKIER K1 Pro 48W; good software when using a laser cutter really matters and xTool's app is much better than IKIER's.

The real downside to the xTool D1 Pro is its open-frame approach which many beginners won't get on with, and honestly after using an encased machine like the Glowforge Aura and xTool S1, it's hard to go back to this kind of device. And yet, you get a 20W laser device for around $1288 / £959.

The best cheap handheld laser engraver

Best laser cutters and engravers; a grey and orange laser device

(Image credit: LaserPecker)

10. LaserPecker 2

The best cheap handheld laser engraver and cutter

Specifications

Materials: Wood, leather, paper, acrylic
Engraving area: 10 x 10cm
Power: 5W diode

Reasons to buy

+
Small, light and portable
+
Excellent engraving results
+
Cuts variety of materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Small engraving area

Need a laser cutter you can carry about easily from place to place? The LaserPecker 4 is a great choice for a home crafter or DIYer. Compact and handheld, the laser head unit measures just 241 x 82.1 x 139.7 mm, and weighing just 2.2kg and with a useful handle, it's lovely and portable. 

This machine can cut wood, paper, acrylic and leather that's 5mm thick or less, and offers a maximum engraving size of 100 x 2000mm. It's packed with safety features, too, including a protective shield, goggles, over-heating protection, password lock, motion detection, laser indicator and overheat shut down.

I own a LaserPecker 2 and find it handy to create quick tags and small craft projects, but compared to some on this list it's a little underpowered. However, this is a fun laser engraver and a good starting point. 

It's worth noting LaserPecker 4 has overtaken this model in terms of power, speed and features and I've used the newer device (see my detailed review above). LaserPecker 4 is a huge leap above this model, but this means the older LaserPecker 2 has been discounted and at $699.99 / £629 it's over half the price of the newer LaserPecker 4, making it a good cheap laser cutter.

The fast open-frame laser engraver

IKIER K1 Pro Max review; a laser machine on a table

(Image credit: Future / IKIER)
A fast open frame laser engraver

Specifications

Materials: Wood, metal, acrylic, leather
Engraving area: 41 x 41cm
Power: 48W

Reasons to buy

+
900mm/s engraving
+
Easily switch between modes
+
Auto-sinking feature

Reasons to avoid

-
Flakey software

If you're looking to do a lot of engraving in a short space of time, the iKier K1 Pro 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 colored 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. 

The best value laser cutter

Product shot of Gweike Cloud 50W, one of the best laser cutters

(Image credit: Gweike)

12. Gweike Cloud Pro II (50W)

The best affordable, powerful laser cutter

Specifications

Materials: Acrylic, wood, rubber, leather, select metals
Engraving/cutting area: 30 x 51 cm
Power: 50W

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

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 autofocus 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.)

This 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. 

This comes with cloud-based laser software but it's not particularly good

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 $3,499, this is a good value CO2 laser machine.

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?

What's the best laser cutter?

In my opinion, the best laser cutter you can buy today is the Glowforge Pro. A powerful, fast and accurate laser cutter, it's ideal for professional projects and high-end crafting. The addition of the Pro Passthrough slot means you can make large projects, and the Glowforge app is excellent and easy to use. It is expensive, though, and perhaps provides too much power for most crafters, in which case other models on our list above may be better suited to your needs. 

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.

How to choose the best laser cutter

First, you'll need to set yourself a budget. Remember that 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. Another thing to consider is speed, especially if your aim is to mass produce a product to sell within a limited time. Accuracy is also important so you may want to focus on that when narrowing down your options.

Size, weight and power usage are further considerations, since you may have a space that simply won't fit one of these beasts, or they may be too power hungry for you to run. That said, if you want speed you may need to use more power for a more powerful cutting laser that gets your final result faster. You will also need to check the cutting plate size to make sure it's big enough to suit whatever it is that you're cutting.

How we tested the best laser cutters

To choose our picks of the best laser cutters and engravers, we tested and reviewed the products just like you'd use them. That means using the machines to cut, engrave and score a variety of materials over a number of days and 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. We 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. For more details of our processes, see our guide to how we test and review at Creative Bloq.

Ian Dean
Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creativebloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and leading video game title Official PlayStation Magazine. In his early career he wrote for music and film magazines including Uncut and SFX. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on AI, digital art and video game art and tech, and more to Creative Bloq, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5. He's also a keen Cricut user and laser cutter fan, and is currently crafting on Glowforge and xTools M1.

With contributions from