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10 Best Budget Laser Engraver 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver for Tumblers, 23.93" x 15.16" Bed Size, 600mm/s Speed, Laser Engraving Machine, Laser Engraver for Wood and Metal, Acrylic, Big Project - Rotary Bundle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,489
Software Compatibility
Precision and Resolution

Most important from
163 reviews

Software Compatibility
The machine is awesome and very easy to set up and use from xTool’s creative space or Lightburn.
Precision and Resolution
It produces the best quality of my laser machines, with amazing image quality and speed.

The xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver is an impressive option for those looking to dive into the world of laser engraving on a budget. With a powerful 20W laser, it can easily cut through materials like 10mm cherry wood in a single pass, making it suitable for larger projects such as door signs or custom gifts. The spacious bed size of 23.93" x 15.16" allows users to work on multiple items simultaneously, which is a great advantage for anyone looking to maximize efficiency.

One standout feature is the patented Pin-point Positioning technology that offers remarkable precision, enabling detailed engravings on complex shapes, including curved surfaces. The AutoPassthrough Technology is an added bonus, allowing for longer projects without hassle. The xTool Creative Space (XCS) software is user-friendly and designed for beginners, making it easy to start creating without prior design experience. With AI-generated designs and a wealth of project tutorials, it caters well to novice users.

The xTool S1 boasts impressive features but does have drawbacks to consider. The laser power may not be sufficient for very dense materials or larger cutting jobs that exceed its limits. Additionally, despite the safety features like flame sensors and a protective cover, users need to remain vigilant, as any laser equipment poses inherent risks. Finally, the construction, though sturdy, may require careful handling to maintain its longevity over time.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,489
Software Compatibility
Precision and Resolution

Most important from
163 reviews

Software Compatibility
The machine is awesome and very easy to set up and use from xTool’s creative space or Lightburn.
Precision and Resolution
It produces the best quality of my laser machines, with amazing image quality and speed.
#2

LONGER RAY5 Laser Engraver 20000mW Laser Cutter 130W CNC Laser Cutter with 3.5"Touch Screen Laser Engraving Machine DIY Engraver Tool for Metal Glass Wood Leather Laser Class ii

Rating
10.0
Laser Power
Material Compatibility

Most important from
361 reviews

Laser Power
The laser's cut depth on the 10w version surpassed expectations, making it a great choice for beginners.
Material Compatibility
Setup is quick and user-friendly, allowing for engraving on various materials from wood to metal.

The LONGER RAY5 Laser Engraver offers impressive features for a budget-friendly laser engraver. With a powerful 20000mW laser, it can effectively cut through various materials including pine wood, stainless steel, and acrylic, making it versatile for different projects. The engraving area of 400*400mm is spacious enough for most DIY and hobbyist needs. The machine excels in precision with its ultra-fine laser points and 0.01mm engraving accuracy, which is ideal for detailed and intricate designs. The built-in 256-color palette further enhances creative possibilities by allowing colorful engravings and high contrast effects.

The 3.5-inch touchscreen simplifies operation, and the compatibility with software like LaserGRBL and LightBurn offers flexibility in software choice. The added safety features, such as a protective cover and safety glasses, along with emergency shutdown and heat protection, make it safer to use. The hidden active cooling system helps prolong the machine's lifespan. However, the multiple connection modes including USB, WiFi, and APP may be complex for users who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, while it supports continuous operation, the 130W power requirement might be high for some home setups. The installation process is straightforward, and customer support is readily available, which is reassuring for beginners.

The LONGER RAY5 is well-suited for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile laser engraver without breaking the bank.

Rating
10.0
Laser Power
Material Compatibility

Most important from
361 reviews

Laser Power
The laser's cut depth on the 10w version surpassed expectations, making it a great choice for beginners.
Material Compatibility
Setup is quick and user-friendly, allowing for engraving on various materials from wood to metal.
#3

WECREAT Vision 20W Laser Engraver, Auto-Lifting for 5.5" Material, Smart Camera for Easiest Positioning, 600mm/s Speed, Laser Engraving Machine for Tumblers Metal Wood Acrylic DIY Craft Gifts Making

Rating
9.8
Software Compatibility

Most important from
76 reviews

Software Compatibility
The included software is excellent for beginners, offering endless design capabilities.

The WECREAT Vision 20W Laser Engraver is a versatile and powerful option for those looking to explore laser engraving and cutting without breaking the bank. Its 20W power allows for precision work, achieving 0.01mm accuracy, and it can cut through 10mm wood and 8mm opaque acrylic in one pass. This makes it suitable for various projects, whether you're a hobbyist or a small business owner. The engraving area is ample, accommodating materials up to 140mm in height due to its innovative auto-lifting feature, which eliminates the need for manual adjustments.

One of the standout features is the intelligent air assist system, which improves engraving quality by reducing burn marks, ensuring that your projects come out cleanly finished. Additionally, the inclusion of a smart HD camera helps with design positioning, minimizing material waste and enhancing efficiency. The rotary system is also user-friendly, enabling you to engrave cylindrical objects like mugs and cups with ease.

In terms of software compatibility, the engraver works with both WECREAT's proprietary software and Lightburn, offering users plenty of flexibility. The extensive library of editable projects and ready-to-print images makes it approachable for beginners, while still providing depth for experienced users. The WECREAT Vision 20W Laser Engraver appeals to a wide range of users, particularly those seeking an affordable yet feature-rich option for engraving and cutting projects. Its innovative features and solid performance make it a strong contender in the budget laser engraver market.

Rating
9.8
Software Compatibility

Most important from
76 reviews

Software Compatibility
The included software is excellent for beginners, offering endless design capabilities.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Laser Engraver

Choosing the right budget laser engraver can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. Laser engravers are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of projects, from personal crafts to small business applications. When selecting a laser engraver, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a machine that meets your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your requirements.
Laser PowerLaser power, measured in watts, determines the strength and capability of the laser engraver. Higher wattage means the laser can cut through thicker materials and engrave more quickly. For light engraving on materials like paper, leather, or thin wood, a lower wattage (around 20-30 watts) is sufficient. For more demanding tasks, such as cutting through thicker wood or acrylic, you might need a higher wattage (40 watts or more). Consider the types of materials and the depth of engraving you plan to work with when choosing the laser power.
Engraving AreaThe engraving area is the maximum size of the material that the laser engraver can work on. This is typically measured in millimeters or inches. A larger engraving area allows you to work on bigger projects without needing to reposition the material. If you plan to engrave small items like jewelry or keychains, a smaller engraving area (e.g., 300x200 mm) will suffice. For larger projects, such as signs or large art pieces, look for an engraver with a larger working area (e.g., 600x400 mm or more). Match the engraving area to the size of your typical projects.
Material CompatibilityDifferent laser engravers are compatible with different materials. Common materials include wood, acrylic, leather, glass, and metal. Some engravers are versatile and can handle a wide range of materials, while others are more specialized. Consider what materials you will be working with most frequently. If you need to engrave on a variety of materials, look for a machine that supports multiple types. If you have a specific material in mind, ensure the engraver is designed to work with it effectively.
Software CompatibilityLaser engravers require software to design and control the engraving process. The software compatibility refers to the types of design files the engraver can read and the operating systems it supports. Some engravers come with proprietary software, while others are compatible with popular design programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Ensure the software is user-friendly and compatible with your computer. If you are already familiar with certain design software, check if the engraver supports it to make the transition smoother.
Precision and ResolutionPrecision and resolution determine the detail and accuracy of the engraving. This is usually measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI means finer detail and sharper images. For intricate designs and detailed artwork, look for a laser engraver with a high resolution (e.g., 1000 DPI or more). For simpler designs or text, a lower resolution (e.g., 500 DPI) may be sufficient. Consider the level of detail required for your projects when evaluating this specification.
Cooling SystemLaser engravers generate heat during operation, and a cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance. There are different types of cooling systems, such as air cooling and water cooling. Air-cooled systems are generally simpler and require less maintenance, suitable for lower power engravers. Water-cooled systems are more efficient and necessary for higher power engravers to maintain optimal performance. Choose a cooling system based on the power of your laser and the duration of your engraving sessions.

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