A great desktop laser engraver can let you engrave different materials with great finishing while being portable enough to move it around.
This article lists and reviews the best desktop laser engravers you can get in 2023.
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Best Desktop Laser Engravers
1. xTool D1 Pro (20W) – Best Value
| D1 Pro 20W | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 20W |
| Laser Spot | 0.08 x 0.1mm |
| Laser wavelength | 450nm |
| Laser Type | Diode laser |
| Engravable area | 16.9″ x 15.3″ (430 x 390 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
| Focusing Type | Fixed focus |
| Warranty | 12 months |
The xTool D1 Pro is the latest launch from Xtool. It is an upgraded version of their previous model, xTool D1.
Comparatively, D1 Pro uses a more powerful laser module, fast transmission, redefined focus adjustment, color engraving capability, and its all-metal build gives it an edge over other laser machines.
D1 Pro 20W model has a 16.9″ x 15.3″ (430 x 390 mm) work area, and it weighs around 11 lbs. It can safely house up to 2″ (50mm) thick workpieces.
With their optional leg risers, you can house thicker materials and work with their rotary module (RA2 Pro).
xTool offers D1 Pro with 5W, 10W, and 20W output power options, 20W being the most powerful option.
With the 20W module, you can engrave a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, stone, and glass.
It combines the laser beams of four 5W diode lasers to give out a 20W laser output.
This powerful laser cutter can cut 0.39″ basswood and 0.31″ black acrylic in a single pass. The D1 pro can achieve a maximum engraving speed of 942 ipm (400mm/s).
It can also engrave colors by oxidizing the stainless steel surfaces. Colors vary depending on the laser settings used.
D1 Pro uses belt drives on the XY axes to transmit the laser head. This, together with sturdy aluminum plates and steel timing pulleys, allows D1 Pro to achieve an engraving or cutting accuracy of 0.004″.
It has a 4-way limit switch setup on the XY axis for positioning the laser. These switches are linked to an alarm system that notifies the extreme movement of the laser head along the axes.
D1 Pro will work seamlessly with xTool Creative Space and LightBurn software.
xTool provides a 12-month warranty for the D1 Pro laser engraver. For support, you can contact them via email.
I tested and reviewed X7 in the xTool D1 Pro Review Article and the following video.
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2. Atomstack X7 Pro – Best in Offline Control
| Atomstack X7 Pro | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 10W |
| Laser Spot | 0.06 x 0.06mm |
| Laser wavelength | 445 ± 5nm |
| Laser Type | Diode laser |
| Engravable area | 16.1″ x 15.74″ |
| Footprint | 22.44″ x 23.62″ |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs. |
| Focusing Type | Fixed focus |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Atomstack X7 Pro is a good choice for engraving jobs. It’s powered by a 10W diode laser.
X7 Pro has an effective engraving area of 16.14″ x 15.75″ (410 mm x 400 mm) and its footprint measures 22.44″ x 23.62″ (570 mm x 600 mm).
Atomstack recently released a new model, X20 Pro. Its laser head is powered by a 20W laser module, which is double the power of the X7 Pro.
Another difference is that the X20 Pro has a 0.08 x 0.1mm laser spot while the X7 Pro has a smaller laser spot size of 0.06 x 0.06mm.
Note that with a high-powered laser you can perform the same job at a faster speed.
Also, with a smaller laser spot, you can engrave at a high pixel density. This allows you to engrave high-resolution images on the workpiece.
Looking at the transmission, X7 Pro is belt driven by NEMA 17 stepper motors along the XY axes. These axes have limit switches integrated into them.
Along the Z-axis, you have to manually adjust the laser module to set the focus as it uses a fixed focus laser.
The tight transmission, together with its rigid extruded aluminum profiles, provides Atomstack X7 Pro with an engraving accuracy of 0.01mm.
X7 Pro comes with a touch screen controller, allowing offline operation without connecting to a computer. It can also work with LaserGRBL and LightBurn software.
Atomstack also has many upgrades like a universal rotary roller, support columns, honeycomb worktable, air assist pump, extension kit, etc., that you can integrate on X7 Pro.
Atomstack ships X7 Pro as a DIY kit that needs to be assembled by the user. You can assemble everything in about 20 minutes.
They have a large and active community that you can connect with. They also offer good customer support. For queries, you can contact them via email or WhatsApp.
If your engraving application requires a low-powered laser, their basic model X7 has a 5W module that will do the job.
I tested and reviewed X7 in the Atomstack X7 review article and the following video.
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Its laser spot is smaller than ordinary lasers.
Comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
Its laser spot is smaller than X7.
Comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
3. Comgrow COMGO Z1 – Most Affordable
| Comgrow COMGO Z1 | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 5W / 10W |
| Laser Spot | 0.08 x 0.08 mm |
| Laser wavelength | 445 nm |
| Laser Type | Diode laser |
| Engravable area | 15.75″ x 15.75″ |
| Footprint | 22.64″ x 22.65″ x 8.07″ |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
| Focusing Type | Fixed focus |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Comgrow COMGO Z1 is one of the best, most affordable desktop laser engravers you can get.
It comes with two laser options. You can get COMGO Z1 with a 5W or 10W diode laser operating at a wavelength of 445nm.
Atomstack uses FAC (Fast Axis Collimating) lenses on X7’s laser module, which allows it to obtain a small laser focus spot of 0.08 x 0.08 mm.
When comparing Z1 with Atomstack X7, having a similar laser spot, X7 costs $250 more than COMGO Z1.
The machine has a work area of 15.75″ x 15.75″ x 4.13″ (400 x 400 x 105 mm) and its footprint measures 22.64″ x 22.65″ x 8.07″ (575 x 575 x 205 mm).
COMGO Z1 has aluminum construction, and the machine weighs around 11 lbs.
It ships as a semi-assembled kit, and you can assemble everything in about 15 minutes.
The transmission is belt-driven along the XY axes with the help of three NEMA 17 stepper motors.
While two motors are used to drive the Y-axis, the X-axis is driven by one.
The Z-axis is not motorized, and you’ll have to adjust the laser focus manually. It has a Z-travel of 4.13″.
COMGO Z1 has limit switches on the XY axes, and you can use them to home the machine.
Z1 connects with LaserGRBL and LightBurn software. LaserGRBL only runs on Windows OS, whereas LightBurn is compatible with Windows, Mac, or Linux OS.
Comgrow offers additional accessories like the enclosure, honeycomb laser bed, rotary axis, etc., that you can use to upgrade the COMGO Z1 laser engraver.
They provide good support to their customers and offer a 1-year warranty. You can reach out to Comgrow through email or the contact us form on their website.
I have tested and reviewed the Comgrow COMGO X7 in detail. You can refer to the Comgrow Z1 laser engraver review article or watch the following video to check the test results.
4. FSL Muse Core – Best CO2 Laser Engraver
| FSL Muse Core | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 40W or 45W (optional) |
| Laser wavelength | 10,640nm |
| Laser Type | CO2 laser |
| Engravable area | 20″ x 12″ |
| Footprint | 32.3″ x 20.3″ x 8.5″ |
| Weight | 54 lbs |
| Focusing Type | Autofocus |
| Warranty | 1-year |
FSL Muse Core is a class 3 CO2 desktop laser machine from Full Spectrum Laser (FSL). It can engrave images at a maximum resolution of 1,000 DPI.
In addition to engraving, it can also cut up to 1/4″ thick materials like wood, acrylic, leather, rubber, etc.
FSL allows you to customize Muse Core with a 40W or 45W laser module, air assist, rotary module, water pump, powerful lenses, etc.
Muse Core has an enclosed setup, its work area measures 20″ x 12″ x 2.5″ and its footprint is 32.3″ x 20.3″ x 8.5″.
On the top frame of Muse, it has a 7″ touch control screen. You can use it to set laser parameters, select and run jobs, etc.
FSL has its own in-house software RetinaEngrave v3.0 which controls Muse Core. It is a browser-based software that can run offline on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
The software is locally hosted on the laser machine. You can interface it to the computer through WiFi or ethernet.
FSL provides good customer support to its users. They provide Muse Core with a 1-year warranty. You can even upgrade the warranty for one more year.
For queries, you can contact them through phone, email, or by filling out the message us form. FSL is headquartered in Las Vegas, USA.
5. Flux beamo
| Flux beamo | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 30W |
| Laser wavelength | 10,640nm |
| Laser Type | CO2 laser |
| Engravable area | 11.8″ x 8.2″ |
| Footprint | 24.21″ x 17.52″ |
| Weight | 48.5 lbs |
| Focusing Type | Autofocus |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Flux beamo is a 30W CO2 desktop laser machine that can cut and engrave various materials.
It can engrave on wood, acrylic, rubber, leather, glass, cement, stones, cardboard, fabric, stainless steel, and anodized metals. Its engraving resolution is 1,000 DPI.
The footprint measures 24.21″ x 17.52″ and it has a work area of 11.8″ x 8.2″. It can safely house materials of up to 1.7″ thickness.
For transmission, Flux beamo uses belt drives along XY axes. The Z-axis is not motorized, so you’ll have to adjust the laser focus manually.
Flux beamo works with their software Beam Studio. It is free-to-use software compatible with systems running on Windows, Mac, and Linux OS.
The software allows you to make designs with basic shapes. You can also run jobs by importing files like DXF, SVG, PNG, and JPG.
Flux offers optional accessories like a rotary module, autofocus module, etc., for beamo that you can use to upgrade the machine.
They offer a 1-year warranty for beamo, but the CO2 laser module on the machine only gets a 3-month warranty.
For queries, you can reach out to them by raising a support ticket on their website. Most solutions are available on their support website.
6. Glowforge Basic
| Glowforge Basic | |
|---|---|
| Laser Power | 40W or 45W |
| Laser Spot | 0.008″ (0.2 mm) |
| Laser wavelength | 10,600 nm |
| Laser Type | CO2 laser |
| Engravable area | 20″ x 18″ |
| Footprint | 38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25″ |
| Weight | 55 lbs |
| Focusing Type | Autofocus |
| Warranty | 6-months |
Glowforge Basic is the most affordable laser machine from Glowforge.
The Basic model is an excellent choice for engraving and cutting thin workpieces. It is powered by a 40W CO2 laser tube.
Glowforge can engrave on most materials, including glass, titanium, anodized aluminum, ceramic, and stones like marble, granite, etc.
The machine comes with an inbuilt air assist system that prevents the focus lens from fume clouding during the engraving process.
It has an engravable area of 20″ x 18″ and can safely house up to 2″ thick workpieces in its work area.
The footprint measures 38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25″, and the machine weigh about 55 lbs.
Glowforge Basic has a built-in camera that faces its work area. It allows you to track the workpiece and use it as a reference to place designs within the software.
The machine works with the Glowforge Print software. It has free and paid versions available.
Glowforge provides a 6-month warranty for their Basic model. For support, you can contact them via phone or email.
Its 40W laser power and excellent support makes Glowforge an ideal choice for small business owners.
If the primary requirement of your application involves laser cutting of different materials, you can check out Glowforge Pro, which offers a comparatively higher laser power output.
7. Snapmaker 2.0 – Best 3-in-1 Laser Engraver
| Snapmaker 2.0 | |
|---|---|
| Laser power | 1.6W, 10W (Add-on) |
| Laser wavelength | 450 nm |
| Laser spot | 0.05 mm × 0.2 mm on 10W |
| Laser Type | Diode laser |
| Engravable area | 12.59″ x 13.77″ x 10.82″ (max) |
| Footprint | 19.48″ x 19.92″ x 22.83″ (max) |
| Focusing type | Autofocus |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Snapmaker 2.0 is a 3-in-1 CNC machine capable of performing laser engraving, CNC carving, and 3D printing operations.
It is an upgraded version of Snapmaker Orginal, which is also a 3-in-1 machine.
Snapmaker 2.0 is available in three different sizes, each offering a different work area. Following is the work area of the laser module.
| A150 | A250 | A350 |
|---|---|---|
| 6.29″ x 6.29″ x 5.7″ (160 × 160 × 145 mm) | 9.05″ x 9.84″ x 9.25″ (230 × 250 × 235 mm) | 12.59″ x 13.77″ x 10.82″ (320 × 350 × 275 mm) |
Laser Engraving work area comparison of Snapmaker 2.0 models
Snapmaker also offers 2.0 in three models A, AT, and F. Models A and AT comes with a laser module, but F only comes with a 3D printing module.
The laser module that comes with Snapmaker 2.0 has an output power of 1.6W (1600mW).
It is capable of engraving soft materials like leather, plastic, fabric, opaque acrylic, paper, and wood.
Snapmaker also provides an optional 10W laser module which can enhance its ability to cut and engrave different materials.
It has an upgraded camera capture feature, and its Fast-axis Collimating (FAC) lenses provide a laser spot of 0.05 mm × 0.2 mm.
Snapmaker has a touchscreen controller using which you can operate the machine offline. You can also link the controller to Luban software to work online.
3-in-1 machines like Snapmaker 2.0 are a great option for hobbyists. It provides the functionality of three machines in a compact design, eliminating the need for separate machines.
It has many add-on accessories like a rotary module, enclosure, air purifier, E-stop switch, etc., which can be used to upgrade the Snapmaker.
Snapmaker 2.0 comes in parts, and you have to assemble them. The assembly process can take anywhere between 3 to 4 hours.
The machine is covered under a 1-year warranty. For support, you can contact them via phone or email.
I have tested and reviewed Snapmaker 2.0 in detail. You can refer to the Snapmaker 2.0 Review article or watch the following video to check the test results.
Things to look for in a laser engraving machine
When purchasing a laser engraving machine you have to consider the following factors.
Work Material
The laser type, its power, and the required work area depend upon the material you plan to work with.
Generally, working with plywood sheets or other sheet form materials requires a large work area, whereas working with thick workpieces requires enough Z-travel.
Moreover, as the laser power increases, the ability to perform deeper engravings with a quick cycle time also increases.
Therefore, it is recommended to identify your requirements before selecting the laser engraver for your application.
Most materials can be engraved using a high-powered diode laser engraver, but if you want to engrave intricate patterns like bar codes, part numbers, etc., on metals, a fiber laser machine will be your best bet.
Accuracy and Repeatability
The accuracy and repeatability of a laser engraver will depend on the laser spot, transmission, and the rigidity of the frame that supports the machine’s components.
Accessories
Different laser accessories, like rotary axis, air assist, work bed, enclosure, etc., can greatly influence the workflow and the output.
For example, if you are working on materials that produce smoke, it’s important to have an air assist and an exhaust set up as they help minimize burns and facilitate easy disposal of smoke away from the workpiece.
Upgrades
If you are planning to get a laser engraver, check if the manufacturer has the upgrades that you might need in the future.
For example, you might only want a laser engraver now, but in the future, you may also want to cut the workpieces with the same machine.
In such a situation, if the manufacturer has a powerful laser available, you can effortlessly upgrade your machine.
Support
The support you get from the manufacturer and the community surrounding your machine is also an important factor.
With good support, you can easily troubleshoot errors without spending too much time finding the solutions all by yourself.
Price
Price has a larger say in the features you get with your machine. Note that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better machine.
While buying a laser engraver, check similarly priced machines from different manufacturers and compare them to know where you are losing the money.
I suggest you get a future-proofed machine, as you can easily upgrade it without looking for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a laser cutter the same as a laser engraver?
Yes, a laser cutter is the same as a laser engraver. The only difference is that laser cutters have enough power to cut through a material. In contrast, laser engravers generally have a low-powered laser that can only engrave on different workpieces. In common, a laser cutter/engraver uses a high-energy beam of light to vaporize the material from the workpiece.
How much does a laser engraver cost?
A standard laser engraver can cost anywhere around $250 to $5,000. Comparatively, laser engravers with a diode laser cost less than ones with a CO2 or fiber laser module.
Can you use your laser engraver to make money?
Yes, you can use your laser engraver to make money by establishing a laser engraving business and selling creative products that most people are looking for. Festive seasons like Christmas, Halloween, etc., and events like weddings, office parties, etc., are some additional areas you can try.