# Laser Engravers Guide: Best Laser Engravers & Cutters (2026) > Independent guides to home and small-business laser engravers: diode vs CO2 vs fiber, honest wattage, safety and ventilation, material checker and profit… - Source: https://laserengraversguide.com/ - Markdown version: https://laserengraversguide.com/index.md --- Updated October 2026 # The best laser engravers of 2026, *ranked.* We compared 16 diode, CO2, fiber and portable lasers on what they can cut and mark, real optical power, work area, safety and price β€” so you buy the right machine for your projects and your space, not the loudest wattage claim. [See the ranking](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engravers-2026/)[Match my projects](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/) 16 lasers compared 8 brands compared 0 electrical-watt claims taken on faith πŸ† #1 Best overall 2026 ![xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p2s.Pf-kujUy_Z158m5F.webp) ## [xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) 8.7 Guide scoreout of 10 $$$$ Price tier: Premium Premium price tier - 55 W CO2: 18 mm basswood and 20 mm acrylic in one pass (maker claim), including clear acrylic - Dual 16 MP cameras, LiDAR autofocus and curved-surface engraving - 600 Γ— 305 mm bed plus passthrough for 3 m-long stock; strong built-in exhaust and air pump [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the review β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/)[Compare all 16](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/) - Optical output, not input watts - Safety & ventilation in every review - Free material checker & profit calculator Editor's picks ## The 4 lasers we'd buy in 2026 One clear winner for each kind of maker and budget. Tap a card for the full review. [Full ranking β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engravers-2026/) Best overall ![xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p2s.Pf-kujUy_Z2pBSVn.webp) ### [xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) 8.7 - 55 W co2 - Enclosed - 600 Γ— 305 mm Makers and small businesses who want to cut thick wood and every kind of acrylic, engrave glass, and still have camera-guided, autofocus convenience. - 55 W CO2: 18 mm basswood and 20 mm acrylic in one pass (maker claim), including clear acrylic - Dual 16 MP cameras, LiDAR autofocus and curved-surface engraving - 600 Γ— 305 mm bed plus passthrough for 3 m-long stock; strong built-in exhaust and air pump - Class 4 machine in a 99 lb, 1 m-wide box; needs a sturdy bench and venting outside or the AP2 purifier $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) Best for beginners ![xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-m2-10w.qZctskiw_Z1bjeX2.webp) ### [xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/) 8.5 - 10 W diode - Enclosed - 426 Γ— 320 mm - Bare metal First-time buyers who want a genuinely home-safe, camera-guided laser for gifts, stickers and crafts, with room to grow into more power or color printing. - Class 1 enclosure (TÜV SÜD certified) with a built-in air pump and exhaust fan, so no goggles in normal use - Two cameras (5 MP panoramic + 2 MP close-range) plus autofocus make placing designs on blanks drag-and-drop - Magnetic swappable heads: add a 20 W or 40 W diode, a 3 W IR head for metal and plastic, or a CMYK inkjet later - The 10 W head cuts only about 8 mm basswood and 3 mm black acrylic in one pass (maker claim), and no clear acrylic $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSVLTBH4?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/) Best value enclosed ![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_ZmSMjl.webp) ### [Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) 8.2 - 20 W diode - Enclosed - 358 Γ— 268 mm - Bare metal Home crafters and side-hustlers who want an enclosed, standalone laser with real 20 W cutting and an easy path to metal marking. - 20 W diode in a Class 1 enclosure with built-in air assist, flame and tilt detection - Touchscreen, Wi-Fi and app control, so jobs run without a tethered PC - Camera with roughly 3-second AI autofocus; LightBurn supported - Smaller bed than the cheaper Falcon A1 (358 Γ— 268 mm vs 381 Γ— 305 mm) $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) Best portable ![xTool F2 Portable Dual Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-f2.CKt7NejJ_Z1nRjwD.webp) ### [xTool F2 Portable Dual Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2/) 8.1 - 15 W dual laser - Galvo (portable) - 115 Γ— 115 mm - Bare metal Craft-fair and pop-up sellers who personalize small items on the spot (metal tags, tumblers, phone cases, leather) and need to carry the laser. - 5 W IR marks bare stainless, gold, silver and titanium; the 15 W diode handles wood, leather and dark acrylic - Galvo speed up to 6,000 mm/s: xTool quotes a business card in about 3 seconds - 50 MP camera with autofocus and batch positioning; 4.6 kg and arrives assembled - Small 115 Γ— 115 mm field without the slide extension $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LDYYC3?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2/) Swipe for more picks β†’ Shop by project ## Best laser for what you make [All guides β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/guides/) 🧭 ### [First laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-beginners/) Forgiving, safe machines with cameras and autofocus for beginners. Top pick xTool M2 10W [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSVLTBH4?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick 🏠 ### [Indoors & classrooms](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-enclosed-laser-engravers/) Enclosed Class 1 lasers that contain the beam and the smoke. Top pick Falcon A1 Pro [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick πŸͺ΅ ### [Cutting wood](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/) The fastest, deepest cutters for plywood, signs and models. Top pick xTool P2S [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick πŸ”© ### [Metal & jewelry](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-metal/) Fiber and dual-source lasers that mark bare steel, brass and silver. Top pick xTool F2 Ultra [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHWVMX2L?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick πŸ₯€ ### [Tumblers & mugs](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-tumblers/) Rotary-ready lasers for powder-coated tumblers and drinkware. Top pick xTool F2 [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LDYYC3?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick πŸ’΅ ### [On a budget](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-budget-laser-engravers/) The best lasers under $500, and what you give up. Top pick Falcon A1C 10W [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5WTQNYH?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) See every pick Side by side ## Highest-rated lasers at a glance [Compare all 16 β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/) | Model | Score | Type | Output | Format | Work area | Metal | Price tier | Buy | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/)8.7 | 8.7 | CO2 | 55 W | Enclosed | 600 Γ— 305 mm | Coated metal only | **$$$**$Price tier: Premium | [Check price of the xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | | [xTool P3 80W Flagship CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/)8.6 | 8.6 | CO2 | 80 W | Enclosed | 915 Γ— 458 mm | Coated metal only | **$$$$**Price tier: Pro | [Check price of the xTool P3 80W Flagship CO2 Laser on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMJLMNF8?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | | [xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/)8.5 | 8.5 | Diode | 10 W | Enclosed | 426 Γ— 320 mm | Marks bare metal | **$**$$$Price tier: Budget | [Check price of the xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSVLTBH4?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | | [xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/)8.5 | 8.5 | Diode | 40 W | Enclosed | 498 Γ— 319 mm | Marks bare metal | **$$$**$Price tier: Premium | [Check price of the xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | | [xTool F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2-ultra/)8.5 | 8.5 | Dual laser | 60 W | Galvo (portable) | 220 Γ— 220 mm | Deep-engraves metal | **$$$$**Price tier: Pro | [Check price of the xTool F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHWVMX2L?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | | [Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/)8.2 | 8.2 | Diode | 20 W | Enclosed | 358 Γ— 268 mm | Marks bare metal | **$$**$$Price tier: Mid-range | [Check price of the Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) | "Output" is optical laser power, not the electrical input some listings advertise. Output is only comparable within one laser type: a 40 W CO2 and a 40 W diode behave very differently. See [laser wattage explained](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-wattage-explained/) and [diode vs CO2 vs fiber](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/). Want these numbers as a spreadsheet? [Download the same table as CSV or JSON](https://laserengraversguide.com/data/)(CC BY 4.0, free to cite). Free tools ## Don't guess. Check. [All tools β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/) [🎯 ### Laser Matcher Your materials, space and budget in; the lasers that fit out, ranked by our score. Match my projects](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/)[πŸ§ͺ ### Can My Laser Cut It? What diode, CO2, fiber and UV lasers do with each material β€” and what never to laser. Check a material](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/)[πŸ’° ### Profit Calculator True cost per item, profit per sale and how fast a laser pays for itself. Run the numbers](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/profit-calculator/) Buying advice ## Comparisons & guides [All guides β†’](https://laserengraversguide.com/guides/) [Gift guide ### Best Laser Engraver Gifts 2026: What to Give, and What It Needs to Run Safely The best laser engraver gifts 2026: Class 1 lasers by budget and recipient, plus the glasses, ventilation and fire gear a gifted laser needs to run safely. Updated Nov 1, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-gifts-2026/)[Explainer ### Laser Engraver vs Cricut: Which One Should Crafters Buy in 2026? Laser engraver vs Cricut: blades cut vinyl, paper and fabric; lasers cut and engrave wood, leather and acrylic. Materials, safety, costs and who needs which. Updated Nov 1, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-vs-cricut/)[Laser types ### Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Do You Actually Need? Diode vs CO2 vs fiber lasers explained: how wavelength decides what each cuts and marks, plus speed, upkeep, cost and safety, plus our picks of each type. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/)[Head-to-head ### xTool F1 Ultra vs LaserPecker LP5: Which 20 W Fiber + Diode Laser to Buy? xTool F1 Ultra vs LaserPecker LP5: two 20 W fiber + 20 W diode galvo lasers. Field size, enclosure, camera, LightBurn, portability and which one to buy. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/xtool-f1-ultra-vs-laserpecker-lp5/)[Head-to-head ### Creality Falcon A1 vs Falcon A1 Pro: Is the 20 W Upgrade Worth It? Creality Falcon A1 vs A1 Pro: 10 W vs 20 W enclosed diode lasers. Bed size, cutting, autofocus, Wi-Fi, IR metal marking, real prices and which one is worth it. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/creality-falcon-a1-vs-falcon-a1-pro/)[Head-to-head ### xTool S1 40W vs xTool P2S 55W: Enclosed Diode or Desktop CO2? xTool S1 40W vs P2S 55W: an enclosed Class 1 diode vs a desktop CO2. Clear acrylic, cutting, cameras, upkeep, safety, real prices and which one fits your space. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/xtool-s1-vs-xtool-p2s/) ## Research you can actually check. [How we score lasers](https://laserengraversguide.com/how-we-research/) 01 ### Honest watts We list optical output and only compare power within one laser type, so a big number on a listing can't mislead you. 02 ### Safety counts Enclosure, laser class, smoke and fire handling are part of every score, not a footnote. 03 ### Tools, not just words A matcher, a material checker and a profit calculator turn "which laser?" into an answer. ## Laser engraver FAQ ### What is the best laser engraver in 2026? It depends on what you make and where. Our top-rated pick overall is the xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser. Best for beginners: the xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser. Best value enclosed: the Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W. Our best laser engravers guide ranks them by project and budget. ### Diode, CO2 or fiber: which laser should I buy? A blue diode laser is the affordable all-rounder for wood, leather, dark acrylic and coated metal. A CO2 laser cuts faster and handles clear acrylic and glass. A fiber laser marks and deep-engraves bare metal. The material checker shows what each type can do, material by material. ### Are laser engravers safe to use at home? They can be, with the right setup. Enclosed Class 1 machines contain the beam while the lid is shut; open-frame lasers are Class 4 and need wavelength-rated glasses for everyone in the room. Every laser makes smoke that must be vented outdoors or filtered, and you should never leave a job running unattended or laser PVC or vinyl. ### How much does a good laser engraver cost? Capable open-frame diode lasers start around $300–$600. Enclosed diode machines with cameras run roughly $700–$2,000. Desktop CO2 lasers and fiber markers typically cost $2,000–$7,000. Budget extra for ventilation or a purifier, safety gear and a rotary if you'll do tumblers. #1 Best overall xTool P2S $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)