Laser Engraving Buyer's Guide

Find the Best Desktop Laser for Your Business

We’ve combined our years of industry experience and created a laser engraver buyer’s guide! This guide is to help you choose the best laser for your business, classroom, maker space, and beyond. Compare models, laser types, and discover which laser will help you cut, engrave, and create with confidence. Prepare to explore, create, or profit from our top picks for laser engraving equipment!

Who Should Read This Guide?

This guide is perfect for:

• First-time users and hobbyists getting into laser engraving
• Businesses looking to expand and diversify their product offerings
• Sign and personalization shops diversifying their technology or adding additional capabilities for small projects
• Creators already using printing technologies like sublimation?or UV-LED?that are ready to level-up by combining technologies
• Educators looking for ways to add hands-on learning to their classroom
• Anyone looking for plug-and-play desktop laser engravers with top-tier support

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving uses a concentrated beam of light to vaporize material and permanently mark or cut through surfaces like wood, acrylic, leather, anodized aluminum, and more.

Depending on the machine’s power and features, you can use the marks and cuts to create intricate engraved designs and custom cut shapes to create everything from personalized signage and 3D prototypes to personalized gifts. Laser engraving is popular among makers, educators, and business professionals alike for its diverse material compatibility and high-quality output.

Laser engravers offer:

• High-value personalized output
• Diverse material compatibility
• A fast-growing market for customized products

Related Reading:

• What’s the Difference Between Raster and Vector Engraving?
• Top 20 Laser Projects to Make with the Flux Beambox II

Types of Laser Engraving Machines

There are several types of laser engraving technologies, each suited to different materials and applications. Here's a quick overview:

1. CO₂ Laser Engraving: This is one of the most common types of laser engraving. CO2 lasers are ideal for marking and cutting non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, leather. CO₂ lasers are known for their precision and versatility, making them popular for both hobbyists and commercial use.
2. Fiber Laser Engraving: These lasers are perfect for marking metals and some plastics. They are highly efficient, with a longer lifespan and faster engraving speeds, making them ideal for industrial applications that require deep engraving or marking on hard surfaces like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.
3. Diode Laser Engraving: Often used in more affordable desktop models, diode lasers are suitable for engraving, or marking, on softer materials like wood, leather, and certain plastics. With diodes, you can also mark on metal without a metal marking spray. They are a great choice for beginners or small businesses looking for cost-effective solutions.
4. UV Laser Engraving: Known for its cold marking process, UV laser engraving is excellent for delicate materials such as glass, plastics, and silicon. It offers high precision without causing thermal stress, making it ideal for applications that require intricate details.

Each type of laser engraver has its unique advantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs of your projects and the materials you plan to work with.

What can you make with a laser engraver?

Laser engraving opens up a world of profitable and creative possibilities:

• Custom tumblers and drinkware
• Engraved wood signs and home décor
• Acrylic games and display items
• Leather patches and keychains
• Nameplates, tags, and trophies
• 3D designs and prototypes...you’re limited only by your imagination!

Laser project inspiration:

• Single-Ply Acrylic Projects A-Z
• Custom Stanley Tumbler Nameplates
• Four-in-a-Row Laser Game Tutorial

What all do you need to get started with laser engraving?

Here are the three main components for your laser engraving setup:

1. Laser Engraver Machine
2. Computer with Design Software (such as Beam Studio, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW)
3. Air Extraction System for safe indoor use

Optional Add-Ons:

• Rotary attachments (for cups and glasses)
• Material kits for experimenting with blanks
• Software upgrades for enhanced design control

Things to consider when shopping for a laser engraver

Before you start your laser shopping journey, let’s consider a few key factors to simplify the shopping process. Your ideal laser choice will depend on your workspace, budget, and what you want to create. Here’s what to consider when comparing laser engravers:

What’s your budget?

Laser engravers can vary in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. While it's essential to select a laser that aligns with your budget, don’t compromise on quality to save a little money. If your ideal machine exceeds your budget slightly, you may consider exploring financing options or choosing a name-brand machine with less power or a smaller bed size.

• Entry-level models (like diode or lower-wattage CO₂ lasers) are perfect for hobbyists and small craft businesses.
• Mid-range machines offer higher power, larger work areas, and are great for growing shops.
• Large-scale machines like Epilog are designed for large-scale production use

Tip: Look for starter bundles that include materials and accessories to help you get going without added costs.

How much space do you have?

Desktop laser engravers are compact, but they still require adequate ventilation and workspace.

• Make sure you have a heavy-duty table and enough space to access the laser.
• Consider air extraction setup, laptop space, and access to outlets. You can have a laser in an enclosed space, you just need the proper ventilation system!

What do you want to make?

• Want to engrave tumblers or cut wood signs and cut through acrylic? A CO₂ laser like the Flux Beambox II is ideal.
• Doing light crafts like paper, leather, or phone cases? A diode laser?might be perfect.

Knowing your material types and desired output size will help you pick the right wattage and laser bed dimensions and avoid future frustrations.

Is power or speed more important?

Power and speed are both important features of your laser, but how you plan to use your laser will help you decide what laser wattage is right for you.

• Higher wattage = deeper cuts and faster production. Great for wood signs, cutting thicker acrylic, and scaling your shop.
• Lower wattage = slower but often more affordable and easier to control for fine detail. Best for engraving, not cutting.

If you prioritize batch production and speed, opt for a 50W+ CO₂ laser. If your focus is engraving smaller projects, a 40W or diode laser may be more cost-effective.

What materials can you use with a laser engraver?

This is a great question with lots of answers! In short, laser engravers can cut everything from plastics, wood, leather, paper, and can mark on laser-ready blanks. Check out our engraving plastics series to learn more.

• Engraving Plastics Part 1
• Engraving Plastics Part 2
• Engraving Plastics Part 3
• Engraving Plastics Part 4
• Engraving Plastics Part 5

More resources about what you can make with a laser engraver and laser-ready materials!

• How to Laser Engrave Wood Products | JPPlus
• Acrylic Projects Playlist
• Laserable Sheet Playlist
• Engraving/Cutting Education Playlist

Top Desktop Laser Engravers at JPPlus

JPPlus offers Flux and Glowforge® laser engravers, two of the most trusted names in desktop lasers. These brands offer user-friendly, high-performance lasers engravers that are simple to operate, without sacrificing any function. These brands offer the features and flexibility you need whether you’re just starting your engraving journey or scaling up an existing operation.

Even if you’re not currently seeking a desktop-sized laser, smaller lasers can serve as a fantastic complement to shops that utilize larger lasers. This way, you won’t have to occupy your larger machine for one-off tasks and smaller jobs!

Flux Lasers

Compare Flux CO₂ Lasers: Beamo, Beambox II & Hexa

Flux offers a variety of excellent CO2 laser options including the Flux Beamo, Flux Beambox II, and the Flux Hexa that range from 30W to 60W.

Flux CO₂ lasers offer reliable performance, precision, and user-friendly design at an affordable laser price point. Here's a side-by-side look at the Flux Beamo, Beambox II, and Flux Hexa so you can find the right fit for your business or creative workflow.

Flux Beamo – 30W CO₂ Laser

Best for: Hobbyists, beginners, and light-duty engraving

The Flux Beamo is the smallest in our Flux lineup, but it still packs a serious punch! The machine offers a compact, budget-friendly, and easy to use, laser option that’s perfect for makers, crafters, and hobbyists just getting into laser cutting and engraving.

• Power: 30W
• Work Area: 11.8" x 8.2"
• Fits on most desktops with a small footprint
• Works with: Wood, leather, acrylic, cardboard, and more.

Flux Beambox – 40W CO₂ Laser

Best for: Intermediate users who want more space and power

The Flux Beambox offers ten more watts of power than the Beamo, the extra wattage adds more cutting area and laser strength so you can cut faster and through thicker materials with ease. Along with the boosted power, the Beambox offers laser engravers useful features like a built-in camera for design alignment and a 40W laser tube for thicker materials.

• Power: 40W
• Work Area: 15.7" x 14.7"
• Intuitive touchscreen controls and safety features
• Perfect for: Custom signage, crafts, small production runs

Flux Beambox II – 50W CO₂ Laser

Best for: Small businesses and shops scaling up

The Beambox II took everything great about the Beambox and turned up the volume! With a true upgrade in both size and power, the Flux Beambox II comes with a 50W laser and a larger work area, making it a workhorse for more demanding projects. Plus, with the optional chuck rotary and camera features you can create laser markings on large drinkware and curved objects!

• Power: 50W
• Work Area: 23.6" x 14.7"
• Ideal for: Deep cuts, multiple item runs, and thicker materials
• Built for: Personalization businesses, retail shops, and production setups

Flux Hexa – 60W CO₂ Laser

Best for: High-volume production and advanced creators

The Flux Hexa is the “top dog” of the Flux lasers. The Hexa delivers top-tier performance with a high-speed motion system and 60W of laser power perfect for users who need more speed, precision, and productivity in a professional production environment.

• Power: 60W
• Work Area: 28.7" x 15.7"
• Engraving Speed: Up to 900mm/s
• Designed for: Advanced shops, pro users, and serious entrepreneurs

Compare Glowforge® CO₂ and Diode Lasers

Glowforge® offers several great options for those who are looking to start a laser engraving hobby or scale laser projects into their business slowly. The Glowforge® lasers are user-friendly laser cutters designed with the user in mind. You’ll have a machine in your craft room that’s just as pleasant to use as it is to look at! Whether you're crafting at home or launching a small business there's a Glowforge® to match your workflow.

Glowforge® Aura – Diode Laser

Best for: Crafters, hobbyists, and beginners

The Glowforge® Aura is a compact diode laser that's perfect for everyday creative projects. With an approachable design, safety-first features, and cloud-based software, Aura makes it easy to get started with laser crafting.

• Laser Type: Diode
• Work Area: 12" x 12"
• Perfect for: Paper, leather, wood, acrylic, cardstock, and more – cannot cut clear or reflective materials
• Includes: Compact filter for indoor use

Glowforge® Spark – Diode Laser

Best for: DIYers and beginners looking for desktop simplicity

The Glowforge® Spark is an entry-level diode laser with a smaller footprint, ideal for creative experimentation and compact workspaces. With the same intuitive software Glowforge is known for, the Glowforge Spark is a great way to start your laser journey.

• Laser Type: Diode
• Work Area: 8.5" x 11" (letter-sized materials)
• Perfect for: Engraving paper, wood, and light materials – cannot cut clear or reflective materials
• User-Friendly: Plug-and-play setup with cloud-based control

Glowforge® Pro – 45W CO₂ Laser

Best for: Professionals, side hustlers, and full-time makers

The Glowforge® Pro is the top-tier model in the Glowforge® lineup, offering 45W of CO₂ laser power and a passthrough slot for large-format projects. It’s the go-to for business owners and pros who need clean, fast cuts on a wide range of materials.

• Laser Type: 45W CO₂
• Work Area: 19.5" x unlimited (with passthrough)
• Designed for: Wood, acrylic, leather, glass, stone & more
• Perfect for: Small-scale production, signage, personalization

WATCH VIDEO: What's the difference between Spark & Aura?

Setting Up Your Laser Engraving Workspace

Once you’ve decided on the right laser engraving machine for you, make sure you have all of the right tools! To make the most of your laser engraver, consider adding essential accessories and workspace upgrades:

• Fume Extractors: Improve air quality and safety. A fume extraction or ventilation system is required for your safety.
• Rotary Attachments: Engrave round objects like tumblers and glasses.
• Materials Kits: Try out different woods, acrylics, and leather blanks.
• Software Add-ons: Use design tools like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW.

Explore our Laser Engraving Accessories Collection →

Laser Quiz

Still not sure which laser engraver to choose? Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the perfect machine for your needs whether you’re a beginner, a business owner, or somewhere in between. You can also call us and speak directly with an equipment specialist or schedule a virtual demo!

1. What are you planning to use your laser for?

(Select the one that fits best)

2. What materials do you want to work with most?

3. How much workspace do you have?

4. What’s most important to you?

5. What’s your comfort level with tech?

Your Results:

Mostly A's – Glowforge® Spark
You’re just starting out and want something affordable and compact. The Glowforge® Spark diode laser is perfect for beginner projects like wood tags, cards, or custom gifts.

Mostly B's – Flux Beamo
You're ready to create real products! The Flux Beamo offers a 30W CO₂ laser, touchscreen controls, and 30W of power for engraving and cutting projects.

Mostly C's – Glowforge® Aura
You’re focused on simplicity and safety—especially in educational or home environments. The Glowforge® Aura is a super user-friendly diode laser ideal for classrooms and home crafters.

Mostly D's – Flux Beambox II
You're scaling up and ready to take on larger projects or higher volumes. The Flux Beambox II 55W + faster speed, offer room to grow your small business.

Mostly E's – Flux Hexa
You need power and speed. The HEXA is your production powerhouse, offering 60W CO₂ laser power, a huge bed, and rotary support for tumblers and more.

Mostly F's – Glowforge® Pro HD
You want an easy, professional-grade engraver with fast setup and cloud connectivity. The Glowforge® Pro HD is the go-to for educators, crafters, and creative businesses.

More Resources to Explore

Even more tips and tricks!

• Mastering Making
• Personalization Podcast
• How to Create a Jig for Your Laser

Resource Index:

Educational Articles & Blog Posts

• What’s the Difference Between Raster and Vector Engraving?
• Top 20 Laser Projects to Make with the Flux Beambox Pro
• How to Laser Engrave Wood Products | JPPlus

Laser Project Tutorials & Inspiration

• Single-Ply Acrylic Projects from A-Z
• Custom Stanley Tumbler Nameplates
• Get Inspired! “Four in a Row” Game
• Acrylic Projects Playlist (YouTube)
• Laserable Sheet Material Playlist (YouTube)
• Engraving/Cutting Education Playlist (YouTube)

Material Education Series

• Engraving Plastics Part 1
• Engraving Plastics Part 2
• Engraving Plastics Part 3
• Engraving Plastics Part 4
• Engraving Plastics Part 5

Product Comparison & Demo Playlists

• Flux Laser Playlist (YouTube)
• Flux Beambox II Playlist (YouTube)
• Glowforge® Laser Playlist (YouTube)
• Glowforge® Spark Intro Video
• Glowforge® Pro Video Overview
• Workspace Setup Guide

Podcasts & Series

• Personalization Podcast
• Mastering Making Series

Laser Tools & Accessories

• Explore Laser Engraving Accessories Collection
• How to Create a Jig for Your Laser

Check out our Resources