5 mn read

Looking to slice through materials with precision or create intricate engravings? The world of laser cutters and engravers has evolved significantly, offering solutions for both hobbyists and professionals. We’ve thoroughly tested both CO2 and diode laser machines to reveal their true capabilities and limitations. After months of hands-on testing, we’ll help you understand which technology actually delivers for your needs.

Quick Technology Overview

Key Findings at a Glance

• CO2 Lasers: Superior for thick materials and professional production
• Diode Lasers: Better for beginners and portable applications
• Price Range: $219 to $4,999
• Best CO2 Value: xTool P2
• Best Diode Value: Two Trees TTS-55

Detailed Product Reviews

1. xTool P2

The P2 comes with all the bells and whistles, and is priced accordingly. At $4999 it may not be in the budget for the average hobbyist, but is definitely a good investment for a small business. The only downside of this “desktop” machine is its size. Weighing in at 99 pounds and taking up 39 inches of counter space, this laser cutter practically needs its own workshop.

xTool offers plenty of support for budding entrepreneurs with a website full of advice and a shop stocked with unbranded materials to engrave. Sure, you could source all your own materials, but everything that xTool sells has a preset profile in the laser’s custom software to make engraving and cutting effortless.

Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and all acrylic.

2. Glowforge Aura

The Aura represents Glowforge’s entry into the home crafting market, offering their renowned quality at a more accessible price point of $1,199. This fully enclosed 6-watt diode laser is designed specifically for family crafters who want professional results without the complexity of industrial machines. The lightweight design and WiFi connectivity mean you can set it up anywhere – even your dining room table.

What sets the Aura apart is its intuitive software and QR-coded materials system. While Glowforge’s proprietary materials may cost more, they essentially turn the laser into a plug-and-play device, perfect for crafters transitioning from paper cutting to laser work.

Materials: Thin wood, leather, faux vinyl and paper.

3. xTool F1

The F1 breaks new ground as a truly portable laser solution, featuring both diode and IR Galvo lasers in a compact package the size of a toaster. At $1,799, it’s positioned perfectly for craft fair vendors and small business owners who need to customize products on-the-go. The enclosed design achieves Class 1 laser safety rating, making it safe to operate around customers.

The standout feature is its harmless blue preview system, allowing precise positioning without test burns. While the 4.5-inch work area might seem limiting, it’s ideal for common items like jewelry, ornaments, and small decorative pieces.

Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, metal.

4. Two Trees TTS-55

At just $219, the TTS-55 proves that quality laser cutting doesn’t have to break the bank. This 5.5-watt diode laser delivers surprisingly dark, clean engravings and can handle basic cutting tasks with ease. While it doesn’t include a base plate, the machine can be easily upgraded with various accessories like a honeycomb work surface or air assist.

The machine comes with basic safety features including a tinted acrylic shield and safety glasses. For those wanting more protection, Two Trees offers an optional enclosure for $129 that also helps with smoke management.

Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.

5. xTool S1

The S1 brings CO2-level cutting power to the diode laser market with its impressive 40W system. Priced at $2,369, it offers an excellent middle ground between hobby and professional machines. The fully enclosed design and large work area make it perfect for small businesses looking to scale up production.

What truly sets the S1 apart is its innovative probing system for precise material alignment. While it lacks a camera, this physical measurement system actually provides more accurate positioning for complex projects.

Materials: Cardboard, wood, bamboo, rubber, leather, stone, some acrylic, painted glass.

6. Creality CR Laser Falcon

The Creality CR Laser Falcon offers an excellent entry point at $199for those wanting to experiment with laser cutting. This open-frame 5-watt diode laser impresses with its built-in exhaust fan and carbon filter system – features often missing from budget models. The manual focusing system is straightforward, and the machine can handle materials up to 5mm thick.

While it lacks WiFi connectivity, the machine works well when tethered to a computer or using the SD card option. The optional $79 enclosure adds value and safety to this already capable machine.

Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.

7. SnapMaker Artisan

The Artisan is a unique 3-in-1 solution combining laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC milling in one package. At $2,499, it’s a significant investment, but it essentially provides three machines in one. The 10-watt laser module delivers solid performance, and the quick-release tool heads make switching between functions surprisingly simple.

The included Luban software handles all three functions seamlessly, while the camera-guided material placement system ensures accurate results. For makers wanting a complete digital fabrication solution, the Artisan offers exceptional versatility despite its substantial footprint.

Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.