Another year has passed, and with it comes a new wave of powerful and innovative laser engravers. This guide covers the best laser engravers to buy in 2025 and 2026, based entirely on hands-on testing. I have personally tested every machine mentioned here, putting each one through real-world performance challenges — because spec sheets can be misleading, but real testing never is.
As always, I’ve selected top machines across all key categories: diode laser engravers, fiber laser marking machines, CO₂ laser cutters, dual-beam laser engravers, and this year’s biggest breakthrough technology — UV laser engravers.
Also don’t forget to read through our selection of best laser engravers and laser cutters from the previous year 2024.
Table of Contents
*The links on this website can be affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When you buy through these links you will support this website, which helps me to run this website(which cost money and a TON of time) and provide all these extensive reviews and information to you for free, without any paid membership.
Best Diode Laser Engravers of 2025
Diode lasers have finally reached a true mature state. Once considered simple hobby tools, they have evolved into powerful, reliable, and highly capable machines thanks to major improvements in beam quality, cooling systems, and multi-diode module design. My recent reviews show that modern diode engravers now achieve cutting speeds and precision previously found only in CO₂ laser cutters, making them a strong choice for hobbyists, makers, and even small businesses. The rapid growth of the laser engraving market further reflects this shift, as diode lasers continue to offer exceptional performance at an affordable price point.
What Diode Laser Engravers Can and Cannot Cut or Engrave?
A diode laser can cut materials such as wood, cork, paper, leather, and dark-colored acrylic reliably. For example, material-guides confirm that diode lasers handle wood and MDF well, and easily cut black or dark acrylic cores. However, you cannot cut transparent, white, or blue acrylic with a diode laser because the beam is reflected rather than absorbed—thus it fails to penetrate.
On the engraving side, diode lasers cover a broad material set: they handle stone, rubber, anodized aluminum, painted metal, stainless steel, and even glass or clear acrylic if you coat the surface with a temporary black layer first (to enhance absorption).
That said, the technology still has limits: diode lasers cannot engrave raw aluminum, brass, copper, or zinc, and when used on plastics they often leave a “melted” edge and low-contrast finish, making results less visually appealing compared to UV or fiber systems.
Sculpfun S70 Max – The Best Large Open-Frame Diode Laser
The Sculpfun S70 Max is the most impressive diode laser cutter I’ve tested to date. It features a 70 W laser module (built from twelve 6 W semiconductor diodes) and offers an ultra-fine spot size of about 0.15 × 0.12 mm, enabling high-precision engraving and cutting.
It has a rigid industrial-grade frame with a massive 830 × 800 mm working area, giving plenty of space for furniture-sized pieces or batch work. The machine includes autofocus functionality via a Z-axis motorised system and focusing sensor for quick setup and consistent focus across large boards. It also features a high-flow 50 L/min air-assist pump, which improves cutting quality by clearing smoke and keeping material clean.
For fume and light containment, there is an optional enclosure (the B70 series) that improves extraction and enables safer indoor operation. Overall, the S70 Max combines serious power, precision engineering, and features tailored for larger-scale or heavier tasks—making it a standout among diode lasers moving into the “professional” category.
Its only drawback is its huge footprint, which doesn’t fit most standard benches.
As a thank you I have provided you with discount coupons:
– JT30 (B70/SP1/H4 single purchase discount) $30/€30 OFF
– JT60 (S70 machine single purchase discount) $60/€60 OFF
– JT120 (S70 machine + B70 bundle discount) $120/€120 OFF
– JT150 (S70 machine + B70+SP1+H4 discount) $150/€150 OFF
Sculpfun SF-A9 – Best Compact Open-Frame Laser Engraver
If you prefer a smaller unit, the SF-A9 offers a 40W laser module, excellent build quality, and continues Sculpfun’s strong reputation for reliable open-frame systems.
The Sculpfun SF-A9 delivers excellent build quality and versatility for its class. Ideal for hobby workshops and makers, it offers reliable cutting and engraving of wood, leather, and darker acrylics. Its smaller footprint makes it a great choice where space is limited, without sacrificing performance.
Atomstack Kraft – Best Enclosed Diode Laser Engraver
The Atomstack Kraft stands out with a dual-beam laser module combining a 20W blue diode with a 1.3W infrared laser, giving it capabilities that typical diode lasers lack. It can engrave all metal types and certain plastics. Especially it can produce clear and white engravings on black acrylic which is much better than the classic “black melted” look that can be done with a blue diode.
It also includes:
- Autofocus
- Efficient enclosure for smoke extraction
- Innovative automatic fire extinguishing system
An excellent choice for those needing light metal engraving without buying a fiber laser.
Best Fiber Laser Engravers for Metal in 2025
Fiber lasers remain the ultimate machines for metal engraving. They deliver speed, precision, and industrial-grade results unmatched by other technologies.
Why Fiber Laser Engravers Are Best for Engraving and Cutting Metal?
Fiber lasers can engrave virtually every type of metal, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, silver, and gold. Beyond metals, they also perform exceptionally well on certain plastics, stone, rubber, and leather, producing crisp, permanent marks. Thanks to their high energy density, fiber lasers are also widely used for rust removal, surface cleaning, and restoring metal parts, making them valuable for both manufacturing and restoration work.
However, their limitations are well-defined: fiber lasers cannot engrave wood or any organic materials, as the wavelength bounces off without interacting. They also cannot engrave glass unless it is first coated with a temporary black layer to help the laser absorb properly.
ComMarker Titan 1 – Best Professional Fiber Laser Engraver
The ComMarker Titan 1 is the best fiber laser I have tested to date. This industrial-grade split-type system supports up to a 200W JPT MOPA source and includes a tall Z-axis column for large objects, big rotaries, and fixture systems.
Highlights include:
- Support for 110mm, 200mm, and 300mm lenses
- Ability to engrave deep 3D textures and even drill through thick aluminum
- 15,000 mm/s engraving speeds via an industrial galvo system
- Compatibility with ComMarker’s flexible fixtures, one of my favorite accessories
For professional engraving businesses, this machine is exceptional.
Also check out the ComMarker Amazon Store.
ComMarker B6 Review – Best Compact Fiber Laser Engraver for Small Businesses or Hobbyists
The ComMarker B6 is a compact yet highly capable fiber laser that supports 20W–60W JPT MOPA or Q-switched sources, giving it performance levels comparable to much larger industrial machines. Despite its small footprint, it offers autofocus, excellent precision, and broad material compatibility, making it one of the best portable fiber laser systems available today for small businesses, makers, and on-site engraving work.
Best UV Laser Engravers of 2025 – Best Lasers for Glass and Plastic
UV lasers have exploded in popularity this year. Once extremely expensive and limited to industrial labs, they’ve now become affordable and accessible for small businesses, makers, and hobbyists. Thanks to major improvements in UV diode and DPSS laser technology, these machines deliver incredible detail, clean “cold-ablation” engraving, and compatibility with a wider range of materials than any other laser type—making them one of the fastest-growing segments in the laser engraving market of 2025.
How UV Laser Engravers Work (Cold Ablation Advantages Explained)
UV lasers use cold ablation, breaking chemical bonds without heat. This prevents burning, melting, and warping — allowing unmatched detail and precision.
They can produce deep, burn-free engravings in wood, engrave all metals with consistent results, and outperform every other laser type on plastics. They can also engrave glass directly, including creating embedded 3D engravings inside the glass. Additionally, they’re ideal for rubber stamps, high-temperature gasket cutting, and fabric dye removal without damaging fibers.
ComMarker Omni Series – Best UV Laser Engravers of 2025
ComMarker has released the strongest UV lineup of the year.
ComMarker Omni 1 5W
The ComMarker Omni 1 is a 5W entry level UV laser engraver that still handles nearly all common UV engraving tasks with precision and consistency. Despite its lower power, it delivers excellent detail, clean cold-ablation engraving, and broad material compatibility, making it the best value model in the entire Omni series and an ideal choice for small businesses and makers wanting professional UV performance without the premium cost.
ComMarker Omni 1 10W
The ComMarker Omni 1 10W is a professional water-cooled UV laser engraver equipped with an external chiller, making it ideal for production environments, long engraving sessions, and users who want lower operating noise. With twice the power of the 5W model, it delivers significantly faster engraving speeds, improved efficiency, and the ability to produce deeper engravings in metal, stone and wood. The increased power also allows it to cut thin wood cleanly and with greater precision, making it a strong choice for small businesses that need higher throughput and consistent performance.
If you are not sure if you should get 5W of 10W UV laser engraver, read my article where I compared 5W vs 10W UV laser engraver in a series of practical tests!
ComMarker Omni X
The premium UV laser engraver with:
- Full enclosure
- Automatic Z-axis adjustment (autofocus)
- Ability to create 3D engravings inside glass from STL files
- Intuitive ComMarker software
I have tested the 5W Omni X and recently received the 10W Omni X laser upgrade, which I’ll review soon. Subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when I release the review article!
xTool F2 Ultra UV Preview – Brand New UV Laser Engraver for 2025/2026
xTool is preparing to enter the UV market with the F2 Ultra UV, which I am already testing. Early results look promising, and a full review is on the way. Subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when I release the review article!
Best CO₂ Laser Cutter for Wood and Acrylic in 2025/2026
CO₂ Laser Cutting Power and Material Compatibility
CO₂ laser cutters are the workhorses of material cutting and engraving, especially for plywood, MDF, acrylic, leather, and fabric. Their far-infrared wavelength (10600nm which is basically heat) is absorbed evenly across surfaces and is not affected by material color, which makes CO₂ systems the only laser type capable of cutting every color of acrylic, including white, clear (transparent), and blue. They also excel at engraving anodized aluminum and stainless-steel tumblers when used with a rotary tool, producing crisp, durable marks. CO₂ lasers can engrave glass as well, though the finish is typically less smooth and detailed compared to what a UV laser can achieve.
xTool P3 – Best High-End Desktop CO₂ Laser Cutter
The xTool P3 is the best and most advanced desktop CO₂ laser cutter currently available. With a powerful 80-watt CO₂ laser tube, a spacious 36″ × 18″ (91 × 45 cm) work area, and the intuitive ACS Automatic Creation System, it delivers an exceptionally user-friendly experience even for beginners. Safety is also a major highlight: the P3 includes a built-in automatic fire-extinguishing system, making it one of the safest CO₂ laser engravers on the market for home and professional use.
In terms of performance, the P3 can cut 25 mm (1 inch) acrylic in a single pass, engrave at speeds up to 1200 mm/s, and uses a dual-camera positioning system with highly accurate autofocus for seamless material alignment. When paired with the conveyor feeder, the P3 can process virtually unlimited-length materials, making it suitable for extra-large signs, furniture parts, production runs, and long engravings that smaller machines simply cannot handle. It truly is the best desktop CO2 laser cutter of 2025/2026.
By clicking the links above you are also getting some custom discount from me as a thank you for reading this article!
I know the P3 is an investment, but there’s actually a $500 trade-up program running right now. If you’ve owned any laser machine before, you can get a $500 discount voucher to use towards the P3. So, if you’re thinking of upgrading, now might be the perfect time!
xTool P2S – Best Compact CO₂ Laser Cutter for Home Workshops
The P2S maintains much of the P3’s technology in a smaller 55W package with a 60 × 30 cm work area. It supports the same accessories ranging from rotary attachments, conveyor feeders, fire extinguishers and smoke purifiers and features the same industry-leading dual-camera positioning system, capable of extremely precise alignment — even on randomly placed toothpicks!
Best Dual-Beam Laser Engravers in 2025 (Diode + IR/Fiber Laser Machines)
Dual-beam lasers combine a blue diode module with an infrared fiber or IR laser source, giving them exceptional versatility in a compact footprint. This dual-wavelength setup allows one machine to handle both non-metal materials (with the blue diode) and metal engraving (with the infrared beam), eliminating the need for two separate laser systems. As a result, dual-beam engravers deliver far broader material compatibility while maintaining a small, portable, and user-friendly design.
xTool F1 Ultra – Best All-Around Portable Dual-Beam Laser Engraver
The xTool F1 Ultra features both a 20W blue diode laser and a 20W infrared fiber laser, giving it the ability to engrave an exceptionally wide range of materials—including wood, leather, stone, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, and more. The IR beam can even produce some color effects on stainless steel and perform effective rust removal, making the machine surprisingly capable for its compact size. I consider it the best dual-beam laser engraver in 2025/2026.
One of its most impressive capabilities is its performance on black acrylic. The infrared laser produces bright, white, photo-realistic engravings with incredible clarity, while the blue diode laser handles the precision cutouts, allowing you to create clean, professional results that would normally require two separate machines.
You can use my discount code “xToolJT” for additional discount as a thank you for reading this article!
xTool F2 Ultra – Most Powerful Dual-Beam Laser in 2025/2026
The upcoming F2 Ultra is larger and far more powerful, offering:
- 40W blue diode
- 60W MOPA fiber laser
- Full-color stainless steel engraving
- Improved plastic engraving
- Much deeper and more detailed 3D metal embossing
A review is coming soon. Subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when I release the review article!
Hansmaker D1 Ultra – New Challenger
The Hansmaker D1 Ultra is currently under testing and shows impressive build quality, a premium feel, and a strong accessory package including an exhaust turbine, rotary tool, and conveyor feeder. A full review will be released shortly.
Final Thoughts — Which Laser Is Best?
Pros and Cons of Each Laser Type – Which One Should You Choose?
| Laser Type | Best For | Main Strengths | Main Limitations | Example Best Laser Engraver 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diode Laser | Wood, leather, paper, dark acrylic | Affordable, beginner friendly, open-frame or enclosed options | Cannot cut white/blue/clear acrylic, weak on raw metals, melted plastic edges | Sculpfun S70 Max (best open-frame), Sculpfun SF-A9 (compact open frame), Atomstack Kraft (best enclosed) |
| Fiber Laser | Metal engraving (steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc.) | Deep, permanent metal engraving, very fast, ideal for production | Cannot engrave wood or organic materials, needs coated glass, higher price | ComMarker Titan 1 (best professional fiber), ComMarker B6 (best compact) |
| UV Laser | Plastics, glass, fine detail work, mixed materials | Cold ablation, no burning, best detail on plastics and glass, engraves almost any material | Less deep on metal than fiber, higher cost than diode, newer technology | ComMarker Omni X (best UV / 3D glass), Omni 5W & 10W (best value and production) |
| CO₂ Laser | Plywood, MDF, acrylic (any color), leather, fabric | Best for cutting thick wood and acrylic, large work area, strong for signs and furniture | Not ideal for bare metal, glass detail worse than UV, larger footprint | xTool P3 (best desktop CO₂), xTool P2S (best compact CO₂) |
| Dual-Beam Laser | Mixed projects with both metal and non-metal parts | Combines blue diode + IR/fiber, engraves metal, acrylic, wood, tumblers in one machine | More expensive than single-type lasers, smaller work area than big CO₂ machines | xTool F1 Ultra (best portable dual-beam), xTool F2 Ultra (most powerful dual-beam) |
Conclusion
Diode lasers offer affordability and versatility for hobbyists, fiber lasers dominate metal engraving, UV lasers provide unmatched detail and material compatibility, CO₂ systems excel at cutting wood and acrylic, and dual-beam machines bridge the gap between metals and non-metals in a compact footprint.
I hope this guide has helped you narrow down the best laser engraver for your needs in 2025 and 2026. All of the models mentioned here were personally tested by me in real-world conditions, so you can trust that their performance has been thoroughly evaluated beyond the spec sheet.
If you’d like to dig deeper, you’ll find full review videos, written tests, and detailed comparisons on my YouTube channel and on HobbyLaserCutters website.
And if you want to stay in touch with our latest reviews, subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when we release new review articles!
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for upcoming reviews, new testing methods, and the latest updates on emerging laser engraving technology!
Also don’t forget to read through our selection of best laser engravers and laser cutters from the previous years: 2024, 2023 and 2022!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laser engraver is best for beginners in 2025?
For beginners, a diode laser engraver is usually the best starting point because it is more affordable and easier to use. Machines like the Sculpfun SF-A9 or Sculpfun S70 Max are good choices for wood, leather, simple acrylic work, and general hobby engraving without the complexity of industrial fiber or CO2 systems.
What is the best laser engraver for cutting acrylic and plywood?
For cutting acrylic and plywood, a CO2 laser cutter is the best option. CO2 machines such as the xTool P3 and xTool P2S can cut any color of acrylic(which diode lasers can’t) and handle thick plywood efficiently. They are ideal for sign making, furniture parts, and larger cutting projects where diode lasers would be too slow or under-powered.
What’s the best laser engraver for metal engraving?
The best laser engravers for metal are fiber lasers. Fiber lasers such as the ComMarker Titan 1 and ComMarker B6 are ideal for deep, high-contrast engravings on stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and more. MOPA type fiber lasers can even produce colorful engravings on stainless steel and titanium!
What is the best laser engraver to buy in 2025?
The best laser engraver to buy in 2025 depends on the materials you want to work with. For metal engraving, a fiber laser such as the ComMarker Titan 1 is ideal. For cutting acrylic and plywood, a CO2 laser like the xTool P3 performs best. If you want maximum versatility across plastics, glass, and mixed materials, a UV laser from the ComMarker Omni 1 series is one of the strongest choices. If you want simpler and portable machine, then a dual beam laser like the xTool F1 Ultra might be the best choice for you.
Is a UV laser better than a diode, fiber or CO2 laser?
A UV laser is not universally better, but it is the most versatile in certain applications. UV lasers use cold ablation, meaning they remove material without burning, melting, or creating heat-affected zones. This makes them the best choice for ultra-fine engraving on materials that other lasers struggle with—such as plastics, glass, rubber, PCB materials, high-temperature gaskets, and coated or sensitive surfaces. Their tiny spot size and non-thermal process produce exceptional detail and crisp results.
However, other laser types still outperform UV systems in specific areas:
CO₂ lasers remain the best option for fast cutting of thick plywood, MDF, and all colors of acrylic. Their far-infrared wavelength is designed for clean, efficient cutting and large-format work.
Fiber lasers remain unmatched for deep metal engraving, color marking on stainless steel, high-speed production, rust removal, and metal surface cleaning. Their ability to penetrate and modify metal at high energy levels is something UV lasers cannot replicate.
Diode lasers still offer the best budget-friendly entry point, especially for hobby woodworkers and makers who need versatility without the cost of UV or fiber systems.
In short, UV lasers excel at precision and material diversity, but CO₂ and fiber lasers dominate in their respective specialties.
To learn more, you can read my full UV vs. Fiber Laser comparison article, where I compare both technologies side-by-side and explain the practical differences you’ll encounter when using each machine.
Can one laser engraver do everything?
No single laser engraver can do everything perfectly. Diode lasers are great for beginners and basic cutting and engraving on wood and dark acrylic. CO2 lasers are best for cutting thicker wood and acrylic in any color. Fiber lasers are made for fast, deep metal engraving. UV lasers are the most versatile for plastics, glass, and mixed materials. Your best choice depends on the materials and projects you work with most often.
What is a dual-beam laser engraver and who is it for?
A dual-beam laser engraver combines two laser sources, typically a blue diode and an infrared or fiber laser, in one machine. This allows you to engrave and cut wood, acrylic, and coatings with the blue diode while also engraving metals with the infrared beam. Dual-beam systems like the xTool F1 Ultra and xTool F2 Ultra are ideal for makers who frequently switch between metal and non-metal projects and want a single, compact machine instead of two separate lasers.
What is the safest laser engraver for home use?
The xTool P3 is one of the safest laser engravers for home use thanks to its fully enclosed Class-1 safety design, dual interlocking lid sensors, and an integrated fire-detection system with automatic CO₂ fire suppression extinguishing system, which dramatically reduces the risk of fire during cutting. It also uses dual cameras, LiDAR, and an AutoLift autofocus system to eliminate common setup errors that often cause overheating or uncontrolled burns. Combined with its strong enclosure, advanced fume-extraction compatibility, and stable industrial-grade build, the xTool P3 offers multiple layers of protection that make it significantly safer than typical open-frame diode lasers or older CO₂ machines, making it one of the best and safest choices for home workshops and small studios.
This post was written by JT Makes It.
JT Makes It is an engineer, hobbyist, and DIY-er armed with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and over a decade of professional experience in the industry. From an early age, JT Makes It was pushed by an insatiable curiosity, spending countless hours disassembling, understanding, improving, and creating various gadgets and products. This lifelong passion led to a broad spectrum of technical expertise ranging from electronics, woodworking, metalworking, and CNC machinery, with a particular focus on laser engravers.
For the past 9 years, he has shared his expertise through engaging videos on his YouTube channel. With the last three years dedicated to scrutinizing and testing laser engravers, he also created this website and emerged as a recognized authority in the field. His expertise extends across the spectrum of laser technologies, ranging from diode lasers, CO2 lasers, and fiber lasers, paying attention to details and providing practical insights.
With JT Makes It, expect a blend of technical expertise, backed with hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for innovation and creation, making him a trusted source in the realm of DIY and laser engraving enthusiasts alike.
*The links on this website can be affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When you buy through these links you will support this website, which helps me to run this website(which cost money and a TON of time) and provide all these extensive reviews and information to you for free, without any paid membership.
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