10 Best Budget Laser Engraver 2025 in the United States

The xTool S1 40W is a powerful laser engraver featuring a 40W laser capable of cutting through materials such as 18mm cherry wood, making it suitable for a wide range of projects from wood to metal and acrylic. Its large engraving bed, nearly 24" by 15", accommodates bigger designs or multiple small items simultaneously, which is advantageous for larger or batch projects. The machine’s patented positioning technology enhances precision, including the ability to engrave on curved surfaces—an uncommon feature in budget models. Software-wise, it is user-friendly with auto-focus and an AI tool that assists in creating designs, making it accessible for users with little experience.

Safety is well considered with an enclosed design that blocks harmful laser light and smoke, coupled with flame sensors and an emergency stop feature, making it safer for use around children and pets. The build quality is robust, utilizing aerospace-grade aluminum for stability and durability, and it has undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability.

The machine is fairly heavy, weighing nearly 80 pounds, which may necessitate a dedicated workspace and limits portability. Although categorized as a budget model, its advanced features and large size position it toward the higher end of budget engravers in terms of price. For those seeking a reliable, versatile laser engraver that balances power, ease of use, and safety—especially suitable for medium to large projects—the xTool S1 is a strong option. However, if portability or a very low price is a priority, simpler models might be more appropriate.

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.

The LaserPecker LP5 20W Dual-Laser Engraver is a strong option for those looking for a budget-friendly yet capable laser engraver, especially suited for small business use or hobbyists wanting professional results. With a powerful 20W dual-laser setup, it can handle materials like metal, wood, glass, acrylic, and titanium. Its speed is impressive—cutting and engraving at 10,000mm/s—which means projects get done quickly, supporting batch work such as jewelry tags efficiently. The engraving precision is very fine at 0.0027mm, helping produce detailed designs.

The included air purifier and safety features like a shield and emergency stop make it safer for use in public spaces or workshops, which is a big plus. It also supports popular design software like LightBurn, giving flexibility in creative options. The engraving area is decent, especially with the slide extension (160x300mm), and the rotary module extends its use to round objects like mugs and tumblers. The machine is relatively portable at 6kg, making it suitable for on-the-go jobs like craft fairs or pop-up shops.

On the downside, while the bundle is comprehensive, the item weighs nearly 48 pounds (which is not very light) and may be slightly bulky for very small workspaces. Also, cutting thickness limits (up to 20mm wood and 0.5mm metal) might restrict heavier industrial projects. The one-year warranty provides some security but might feel short for heavy users. This laser engraver balances power, precision, and safety well, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile, fast machine for detailed engraving in a budget-conscious setting.