Looking for the perfect laser engraver or cutter? Here, we take laser engraving seriously. We've tested all of the best laser engravers on the market and published detailed review articles for each one so you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you. We test diode, CO2 and fiber lasers.
Our Favorite Laser Engravers
Below we'll take a look at a few of our personal favorites. Whether they are cheap or expensive, weak or strong, we like them either for their functionality, ease of use, or good value for money.
However, that doesn't mean other machines are bad, as different people have different definitions of what is a good laser engraver for their needs. With that said, let’s take a look at some laser engravers and accessories that we think deserve your attention.
40W eight diode laser engraving machine recommended
Development is pushing the diode laser engraving machine farther and farther! This year, we will witness the first eight-diode laser engraver! These monsters have eight 5W laser sources combined into one very powerful 40W laser beam! Their performance is comparable to CO2 laser cutters and deserves to be taken seriously!
These are state-of-the-art laser cutters with the highest prices, yet their performance is unmatched in the world of diode laser engravers!
20W four diode laser engraving machine recommended
The 20W machine is one of the fastest, most feature-rich and powerful diode laser engravers on the market today. They have a four-diode laser head that combines the output of four individual laser diodes into one laser beam using spot compression technology. Due to their high power, they are very fast at laser engraving and laser cutting very thick wood and plastics that weaker machines cannot cut.
But performance and great build quality come with a hefty price tag. While 20W laser engravers aren't cheap, for those who need to do a lot of engraving or cutting, whether for personal needs or to run a small business, their features are worth the investment as these lasers are more than enough to use for commercial use. These 20W workhorses can handle any job you throw at them, making them the perfect choice for anyone who needs a powerful and reliable machine that can cut through large amounts of material quickly.
10W dual diode laser engraving machine recommendation
The 10W laser engraver is perfect for anyone looking for a balance between price and performance. They feature dual laser diode technology, ideal for combining the laser beams of two different laser diodes into one powerful beam.
10W laser engravers are also feature-rich, just like their 20W brethren. But they take more time to do the same job due to their lower output power. This makes them a great choice for serious DIY laser engraving or small business owners who don't need mass production. If you're looking for an affordable, full-featured router, look no further than the 10W!
5W diode laser engraving machine recommendation
The 5W router is one of the most popular machines on the market, and for good reason. Affordable, versatile, and easy to use, they're a great choice for hobbyists, DIYers, and casual users. The 5W laser engraver is capable of engraving wood, plastic, and many other materials, and can even cut quite thick materials.
Most 5W lasers cost less than $300, which is great value. Due to the lower power, 5W laser engravers are slower than larger laser engravers and require more than one pass to cut something, but they are still very capable. If you are looking for an engraving machine that can get a lot done at a low price, then the 5W laser engraver is the best choice for you.
Laser Engraver Upgrades and Accessories
If you have specific needs, you can further enhance your laser engraving capabilities with the right accessories. There are many options to choose from, from extension kits for extending the work surface to rotating drum attachments for engraving cylindrical objects. If you want to improve your laser cutting, an air assist kit can help too!