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10 Best Budget Laser Engraver 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser Cutter, Smart Desktop CO2 Laser Engraver and Cutter Machine, Dual Smart 16MP Cameras, 3D Curved Cylinder Engraving, Create with Wood and Metal Acrylic Glass Fabric Leather

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,151
Laser Power
Engraving Area
Material Compatibility

Most important from
98 reviews

Laser Power
This laser offers one of the fastest cutting speeds available in its price range, paired with a large working area that supports versatile project sizes.
Engraving Area
This laser offers one of the fastest cutting speeds available in its price range, paired with a large working area that supports versatile project sizes.
Material Compatibility
The Auto-Passthrough and conveyor feeder accessories greatly expand material handling capabilities, enabling work on longer pieces with flexible layout options.
Software Compatibility
The included software is very beginner-friendly, making it easy to load files and start projects quickly without complicated workflows.
Precision and Resolution
Dual 16MP cameras and precise LiDAR focusing deliver highly accurate cuts, demonstrated by perfectly aligned engraving on multi-part projects.
Cooling System
The advanced cooling and exhaust system effectively controls odors and fumes, even when cutting acrylic, ensuring a comfortable workspace environment.

The xTool P2S is a budget-friendly CO2 laser engraver featuring a strong 55W laser capable of cutting thick materials such as acrylic up to 20mm and black walnut up to 18mm, which is impressive for its price. It offers a large 26" x 14" working area and includes an Auto-Passthrough feature that allows it to handle long materials. Additionally, it can work with taller objects up to 8.4" high when using an optional riser base, making it versatile for various projects ranging from flat sheets to curved items like mugs or rings when paired with additional accessories.

This engraver is compatible with an extensive range of materials including wood, metal-coated surfaces, acrylic, glass, fabric, and leather, enabling creative applications. It features dual 16MP cameras that provide real-time previews and a LiDAR system that ensures very precise focusing, helping to achieve detailed and error-free engravings. The software supports batch processing to speed up production of multiple custom designs, making the machine suitable for small businesses or hobbyists seeking efficiency.

The xTool P2S is equipped with an enhanced cooling and exhaust system offering strong airflow, alongside safety features such as AI fire detection and an emergency stop button for safer operation in home or workshop environments. Some useful accessories like the conveyor feeder and riser base are sold separately, requiring additional investment for full functionality. Although relatively large and heavy, it fits well on a desktop but might need a dedicated workspace. This combination of power, precision, safety, and user-friendly design makes the xTool P2S a solid choice for those entering laser engraving without overspending, especially if they need a machine capable of handling a wide variety of materials and project sizes.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,151
Laser Power
Engraving Area
Material Compatibility

Most important from
98 reviews

Laser Power
This laser offers one of the fastest cutting speeds available in its price range, paired with a large working area that supports versatile project sizes.
Engraving Area
This laser offers one of the fastest cutting speeds available in its price range, paired with a large working area that supports versatile project sizes.
Material Compatibility
The Auto-Passthrough and conveyor feeder accessories greatly expand material handling capabilities, enabling work on longer pieces with flexible layout options.
Software Compatibility
The included software is very beginner-friendly, making it easy to load files and start projects quickly without complicated workflows.
Precision and Resolution
Dual 16MP cameras and precise LiDAR focusing deliver highly accurate cuts, demonstrated by perfectly aligned engraving on multi-part projects.
Cooling System
The advanced cooling and exhaust system effectively controls odors and fumes, even when cutting acrylic, ensuring a comfortable workspace environment.
#2

xTool M1 Ultra Laser Cutter and Engraver Machine, 4-in-1 Craft Machine with 10W Laser Engraver, Inkjet Printing, Blade Cutting, Pen Drawing, Easy to Use on 1000+ Materials - Basic Bundle

Rating
9.7
Laser Power
Cooling System

Most important from
84 reviews

Laser Power
Despite maintenance challenges, the 10W laser delivers satisfying results, though some users wish they had opted for the more powerful 20W model.
Cooling System
The included ventilation fan is functional but insufficient, often causing filter errors and poor fume extraction.

The xTool M1 Ultra is a versatile 4-in-1 crafting machine that combines laser engraving, vinyl cutting, inkjet printing, and pen drawing, making it an excellent choice for creative hobbyists seeking multiple functions in one device. Its 10W laser power handles a wide range of materials effectively, and the 12x12 inch engraving area suits most personal projects. A major advantage is its compatibility with over 1000 materials, including soft, hard, and 3D curved surfaces, which is impressive for a budget-friendly machine.

It arrives pre-assembled and is easy to use right out of the box, featuring user-friendly software with AI-assisted settings that simplify the engraving process. This makes it suitable even for beginners aiming for professional-looking results without a steep learning curve. The quick module swapping system adds convenience for switching between tasks like engraving and cutting without hassle. However, its relatively large size and weight at 54 pounds may limit portability or require a dedicated workspace.

xTool M1 Ultra delivers excellent value for those seeking a multi-purpose, beginner-friendly laser engraver that supports diverse materials and crafting methods. Users should expect to invest some time to fully explore and master all the creative features offered.

Rating
9.7
Laser Power
Cooling System

Most important from
84 reviews

Laser Power
Despite maintenance challenges, the 10W laser delivers satisfying results, though some users wish they had opted for the more powerful 20W model.
Cooling System
The included ventilation fan is functional but insufficient, often causing filter errors and poor fume extraction.
#3

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

Rating
9.4
Software Compatibility

Most important from
121 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
9.4
Software Compatibility

Most important from
121 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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