The Best Cheap Laser Engravers for Beginners
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The 8 Best Cheap Laser Engravers for Beginners

Best overall
  • Large engraving area
  • Many optional upgrades available
  • Fast engraving speeds with high accuracy
Best on a budget
  • Extendable working area
  • Useful measuring scale on the side extrusions
  • One screw height adjustment
Best high-end
  • Complete wireless control and monitor
  • Sleek and low profile design
  • Relatively straightforward assembly

Cheap laser engravers are easy to find nowadays. With significant progress in diode laser technology, it is now possible to purchase a laser engraver for your hobbies or small business at an affordable price.

Also gone are the days when cheap equaled low quality. For under $500, you can get a high-performing laser engraver like the ORTUR Laser Master 2 Pro that offers a great mix of features at a budget price.

There are several more excellent budget laser engravers to choose from, so let’s look at what you can get your hands on without draining your wallet.

SUMMARY
Cheap Laser EngraverWork AreaPowerTypePrice (~)Best Offer
ORTUR Laser Master 2 Pro400 x 400 mm10WSemiconductor$399
Two Trees TTS-55300 x 300 mm5.5WSemiconductor$279
Ortur Laser Master 3400 x 400 mm 10WSemiconductor$699
SainSmart Genmitsu Jinsoku LC-60600 x 600 mm5.5WSemiconductor$459
OMTech DF0812-40BG 200 x 300 mm40WCO2$499
Two Trees TS3300 x 200 mm10WSemiconductor$769
CR-Laser Falcon 10W400 x 415 mm10WSemiconductor$441
LaserPecker 1 Pro100 x 100 mm0.5WSemiconductor$455
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The Best Cheap Laser Engravers in 2024

Best overall
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Ortur manufactures some of the best budget laser engravers with excellent value for its users. The Laser Master 2 Pro- S2-SF is arguably their most popular offering designed for laser engraving and light-duty laser cutting.

It features a standard engraving area of 400 x 400 mm with a 10W diode laser module, more than adequate for most basic laser engraving projects. The laser module produces a fine spot of 0.05 x 0.1 mm, which provides sufficient detail for most engraving needs.

The frame of the OLM2 Pro is well-built, improving the rigidity and stability of the machine. This comes in handy if you want to engrave near the top speeds of up to 15,000 mm/min. You won’t achieve those speeds on most materials, however, but it is still good to have a machine that is as rigid as possible.

For safety, the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro offers flame detection, active position protection, and an emergency stop button. Combined, they make the engraver one of the safer cheap laser engravers out there. Especially on these budget machines, you want to make sure you have the right safety features in place.

On the software front, you can choose between LaserGRBL and LightBurn laser engraver software. It’s nice to see that Ortur offers support for LightBurn out of the box. That’s not always the case with K40 laser cutters, for example.

One downside is that the Ortur Laser Master 2 needs to be constantly connected to your computer. While you can bypass this by getting the offline controller unit, it’s an additional cost.

Comparing the engraving quality and clean cuts this machine delivers to the other machines in this list, the Ortur Laser Master 2 provides good value for under $500.00. It’s one of the best affordable laser engravers for beginners and hobbyists at the moment.

Standout Features

  • 235-gram lightweight laser module
  • 15,000 mm/min engraving speeds
  • 4 safety protocols

Technical Details

Engraving area 400 x 400 mm
Machine dimensions 600 x 570 x 189 mm
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 10W
Control software LaserGRBL and LightBurn
Connectivity USB type-B

What We Like

  • Large engraving area
  • Many optional upgrades available
  • Fast engraving speeds with high accuracy
  • Lightburn-compatible

Could Be Better

  • Need to purchase enclosure separately
  • Extensive assembly and calibration
  • No standalone use
Best on a budget

Under $300, the TwoTrees TTS-55 is one of the best budget laser engravers for a beginner. It’s easy to assemble, features a decent 300 x 300 mm engraving area, and comes with all the essentials you’d expect.

The desktop laser engraving machine features a 5.5W laser head capable of laser engraving wood, acrylic, leather, and other light materials. The laser spot size is fairly decent for the price, but the lower power means that you’re limited in material thickness and engraving and cutting speeds.

Two Trees has included a controller that integrates WiFi and Bluetooth which allows you to control the laser wirelessly. Through the mobile app on your smartphone, you can quickly send files and control the machine.

The main downside of the TTS-55 is that it lacks several key safety features. On top of that, the side-mounted Y-axis stepper motors restrict the maximum size of your workpiece.

An air-assist functionality to improve the laser engraving and cutting quality could have been a solid addition. Even though we understand that at this price, compromises have to be made.

Altogether, the Two Trees TTS-55 proves to be a capable laser engraver. After a proper setup, it can deliver good results. It can be a great secondary laser engraving machine or the first one for simple jobs.

Standout Features

  • Wireless connectivity
  • Modular design
  • 32-bit motherboard

Technical Details

Engraving area 300 x 300 mm
Machine dimensions 570 x 510 mm
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 5.5W
Control software LaserGRBL, LightBurn
Connectivity USB type B, WiFi

What We Like

  • Extendable working area
  • Useful measuring scale on the side extrusions
  • One screw height adjustment

Could Be Better

  • No air assist
  • Lacks emergency button
Best high-end
A TwoTrees TS3 laser engraver
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The Ortur Laser Master 3 takes everything that’s included in the OLM 2 Pro and makes it even better. The OLM 3 has significantly improved design, features, usability, and laser power over its predecessor.

For example, the OLM 3’s design provides a lower center of gravity leading to a more stable performance. Especially at higher operating speeds, this makes a big difference.

All aluminum profiles are enclosed, not only giving the laser engraver a sleek design but also improving safety. Without exposed parts, there’s a lesser chance of getting injured while using the laser engraver.

By default, the Ortur Laser Master 3 comes with a 10W laser engraving module capable of cutting through 12 mm wood pieces in a single go. It lets you achieve fast engraving speeds of 20,000 mm/min, almost a 30% increase over the previous generation.

The OLM3 still retains all the safety features of its predecessor while adding a safety lock and voltage safety system. Additionally, Ortur has included WiFi for complete wireless access to the OLM 3. You can use the Laser Explorer mobile application to control and send your custom designs to the laser engraver.

If you’re looking for the highest specs, reliability, and safety in a cheap laser engraver, then Ortur Laser Master 3 is your best bet. If Ortur releases the same range of accessories in the future as those for the OLM2 Pro, you can expect a durable machine that will last you many years to come.

Standout Features

  • Built for speed
  • Sensorless homing
  • Plenty of safety precautions

Technical Details

Engraving area 400 x 400 mm
Machine dimensions 580 x 550 x 150 mm
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 10W
Control software Laser Explorer, LightBurn, LaserGRBL
Connectivity USB type A, WiFi

What We Like

  • Complete wireless control and monitor
  • Sleek and low profile design
  • Relatively straightforward assembly
  • Built-in air-assist nozzle in the laser head

Could Be Better

  • Low clearance under laser head
  • Limited user interface
Largest laser engraver under $500
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A large engraving area allows you to work on big materials in a single go without having to break up your design or cutting job into smaller pieces. With its 600 x 600 mm working area, the Genmitsu Jinsoku LC-60 lets you achieve exactly that.

This comes in especially handy if you are a business owner. Not only can you take on bigger projects, but you can also batch engrave many objects at once.

SainSmart has included an air-assist system within the machine, which is rare for budget laser engravers. Along with it, you also get dual Y-axis stepper motors for improved precision and accuracy.

Its 5.5 W laser module might seem insignificant for such a large work area, but the power is sufficient for laser engraving on your typical non-metals (paper, leather, wood, etc.). You won’t achieve blistering speeds, but if you’re okay with that, there is no need to spend large amounts of money on higher-powered laser modules.

The assembly process of the LC-60 is straightforward, and the laser engraver is easy to use with both LaserGRBL and LightBurn software. Overall, Jinsoku LC-60 is the largest cheap laser engraver you’ll find for under $500.

Standout Features

  • Large engraving area
  • Inbuilt air assist
  • Test fire and auto-home buttons

Technical Details

Engraving area 600 x 600 mm
Machine dimensions 900 x 850 x 165 mm
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 5.5W
Control software LaserGRBL, LightBurn
Connectivity USB

What We Like

  • Easy assembly and setup
  • Improved accuracy with dual Y-axis motor
  • Neat cable management

Could Be Better

  • No provision for enclosure
  • Long engraving times when using entire area
Most powerful under $500
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CO2 laser engraving machines are known for their versatility and ease of working with various materials. OMTech’s DF0812-40BG 40W K40 laser is one of the best-value CO2 laser engravers in the market.

The machine has a compact form factor with metal panels enclosing the entire working area. With a laser engraving area of 200 x 300 mm, it is small enough to fit on a desktop yet big enough for most basic engraving jobs.

The 40W CO2 laser tube is tucked behind the machine and has a water cooling system to keep it running at optimal temperatures. The 40W power of the laser contributes to incredibly fast engraving speeds. Compared to the other laser engraving machines in its price range, the OMTech 40W stands out as being the most powerful.

OMtech has included a red-dot guidance system for quick positioning of the laser on the workpiece. If you want to work with thicker materials, you can remove the work bed for an extra 5 mm depth.

Despite its acceptable build quality, the LCD user interface and the mushy plastic buttons feel clunky and give the laser engraver a dated look. There’s also no provision for an air-assist system, limiting you from getting high-quality cuts without having to post-process your workpieces or having to invest in an upgrade.

Still, as one of the best budget laser engravers under $500, the OMTech 40W laser engraving machine delivers decent performance. If you are dead set on getting a CO2 laser cutter, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, then this is the one for you.

Standout Features

  • Double duty workspace
  • Water cooling system
  • Removable work bed

Technical Details

Engraving area 200 x 300 mm
Machine dimensions 800 x 500 x 250 mm
Laser type CO2
Laser wattage 40W
Control software LaserDRW
Connectivity USB, Ethernet

What We Like

  • Ease of use and set up
  • Easy positioning using red-dot guidance
  • Built-in exhaust system with 4" duct fan
  • 2-year warranty

Could Be Better

  • No air assist
  • User interface feels clunky
  • No stock LightBurn support
Best enclosed under $1000
A TwoTrees TS3 laser engraver

The Two Trees TS3 is a well-balanced laser engraver that aims to deliver a simple yet powerful engraving experience. It’s a diode laser in a compact form factor featuring a similar enclosed design to the Omtech 40W CO2 laser, albeit with slight differences.

Noticeable differences are the sizable orange-tinted viewing panel for quick access and a touch screen on the top. The enclosure is helpful for reducing harmful fumes and makes it safer to use than other open-frame laser engravers.

The TS3 comes with a 10 W engraving module capable of engraving most non-metallic materials. In our Two Trees TS3 review, we found the engraving quality to be excellent, with excellent details and contrast on wood and cork materials.

Also included on the machine are a WiFi connection and micro SD card support so you can use it offline without a computer. TwoTrees has a mobile application using which you can send your engraving files and control the machine.

The TS-3 desktop laser engraver still has room for improvement in its build quality, work area, and documentation. But, that could be a consequence of keeping the costs low.

Regardless of these aspects, looking at the engraving capabilities and enclosed design, the TwoTrees TS3 outputs excellent results and is one of the few laser cutters to offer such features below $1000.

Standout Features

  • Enclosed engraving area
  • Built in air filter
  • Multi-utility work surfaces
  • Flame detector

Technical Details

Engraving area 300 x 200 mm
Machine dimensions 570 x 430 x 270 mm
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 10W
Control software LaserGRBL, Lightburn
Connectivity USB, WiFi, microSD card

What We Like

  • Intuitive touchscreen interface
  • Several connectivity options
  • Easy focusing of laser

Could Be Better

  • Poor build quality
  • Lacks an open-lid sensor
  • Inconsistent WiFi connection
Best under $500

The CR-Laser Falcon from Creality is its first foray into the laser engraving market. As such, Creality has built a solid laser engraver for hobbyists and small business owners.

The strong points of the Falcon laser are its excellent laser engraving and cutting quality, robust build, and ease of use. The machine features a standard engraving area of about 400 x 400 mm in an open-frame design. This design is popular amongst budget laser engravers and lets you engrave on large workpieces.

You can choose between a 5W and 10W laser module, although the latter will give you better engraving results with various non-metal materials. Creality has also made focusing extremely easy, as you can quickly adjust the laser height with the help of two thumb screws on the module’s side.

We noticed in our CR-Laser Falcon review, the engraving quality exceeded our expectations, and the cuts were clean and precise. Moreover, we appreciate the addition of a USB type C port and a microSD card slot for wired and offline control.

However, Creality can improve cable management and include an emergency button with control buttons on the engraver’s control panel. Otherwise, the CR-Laser Falcon is built nicely and consists of all the essential features you’d expect from a sub $500 desktop laser engraver.

Standout Features

  • One-button operation
  • Wide material compatibility
  • Built-in bubble level

Technical Details

Engraving area 400 x 415 mm
Machine dimensions N.A
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 10 W
Control software LaserGRBL, LightBurn
Connectivity USB type C, microSD card

What We Like

  • Easy and quick assembly
  • Excellent engraving quality
  • Large engraving area

Could Be Better

  • Weak cable management
  • No manual control buttons on the machine panel
Best portable under $500

LaserPecker engravers are some of the few portable laser machines with excellent design and neat features. The LaserPecker 1 Pro is among the lower end of professional-grade, portable, and relatively affordable laser engravers.

There are four different versions of the LP1 Pro, amongst which the LP1 Pro Deluxe and the LP1 Pro Suite provide the most value for your money. The difference between both models is the inclusion of a foldable enclosure with the Deluxe version. Each laser engraving machine features a small 500 mW module using which you can work on wood, leather, acrylic, and glass.

With both the LP1 Pro versions, you get an auto-focusing system that automatically adjusts the laser’s focus as per the material’s thickness. The preview mode traces an outline of the engraving area, which helps you to arrange the workpiece neatly below the laser pointer.

The LP1 Pro works without a wired connection and uses the LaserPecker App as its control hub. However, this limits the LP1’s compatibility with other laser engraving software, and even though the application is feature-rich, some users might find some features missing within the software.

LaserPecker has designed the LP1 Pro to be the best portable laser engraver. Its ease of use, compact design, and good laser engraving performance make it a capable desktop laser engraver. You can use it to engrave on virtually any surface and workpiece of any length.

Standout Features

  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Auto-focusing support stand
  • Full app control
  • 10,000 hours laser lifespan

Technical Details

Engraving area 100 x 100 mm
Machine dimensions 65 x 61 x 63 mm (without stand)
Laser type Semiconductor
Laser wattage 0.5 W
Control software LaserPecker App
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0

What We Like

  • Works on portable power banks
  • Plug-n-play, easy to use design
  • Intuitive app user interface
  • Complete wireless operation

Could Be Better

  • Incompatible with 3rd party laser control software
  • Small engraving area for the price
  • Low laser power

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Cheap Laser Engraver

Build Quality

Simply because you’re buying a cheap laser engraver, it doesn’t mean you need to overlook the machine’s build quality. The best budget laser engraver machines will deliver excellent engraving quality and last you a long time, depending on how well you maintain it.

There are a few things you need to remember when considering the build quality of the laser engraver – frame material, assembly structure, and the quality of the components used in the machine.

Metal is the preferred frame material, as it gives the laser cutter a rigid structure and helps with stability during engraving. Likewise, all the laser engravers in this list have a metal frame, including the cheap Twotrees TTS-55 laser engraver.

Assembly-wise, all the components need to be bolted together very well, and there should be no gaps between any panels or extrusions. And for the quality of the features, ensure all the parts used are in good condition and without any faults.

Almost all the best budget laser engravers in this list are well-built and offer acceptable build quality for their price. Some of the best laser engravers to provide top-notch build quality are Ortur Laser Master 3, Genmitsu Jinsoku LC-60, and the OMtech 40W laser engraver.

Air Assist Functionality

The air assist functionality is a steady stream of air blowing on the workpiece during the laser cutting and engraving operation. This air stream allows you to cut fast and deeper without the laser burning your edges. The final result is a clean-looking cut with minimal burnt edges. And while it’s not an essential feature, an air assist system helps to get good quality results.

This feature is hard to come by in the best budget laser engraver machines as manufacturers tend to skip on an air assist to keep costs low. But, if you’re considering buying a laser engraver for your small business, you should consider machines with at least an optional air assist functionality.

From the list, the Genmitsu Jinsoku LC-60 has one of the best integrated air-assist systems in a cheap laser engraver. It’s built within the nozzle and has an air compressor and tubing installed.

In contrast, the Ortur Laser Master 3 and the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro have air-assist functionality but do not come with an air pump. You’ll need to spend some extra money on an air-assist pump to take advantage of this feature.

Rotary Axis Compatibility 

Using a rotary axis attachment on your cheap laser engraver, you’ll be able to work with cylindrical objects such as glasses, cups, baseball bats, and cans. Often, a rotary attachment is an external accessory; you need to buy it separately. But, before that, you need to ensure that your laser engraver has the provision to function with the rotary attachment.

Aside from the Creality CR-Laser Falcon, and the LaserPecker 1 Pro, all laser engraver machines are compatible with a rotary axis attachment.

Laser Power

Laser power plays a crucial role in determining engraving quality and material compatibility. It also directly influences the engraving speed and laser cutter capabilities of your machine.

A 5.5W module on the laser head delivers acceptable results and is enough for laser marking small and shallow designs. While you can use the 5.5W laser for cutting wood and other materials, it will need several passes and slow cutting speeds for a deep cut.

A 10W laser module is ideal for laser engraving and laser cutter work, and it has an intense laser beam that can burn materials quicker than a 5.5 W laser module. For example, the Ortur Laser Master 3 and the Creality CR-Laser Falcon can cut through 10 mm wooden workpieces in a single pass.

The laser wavelength of CO2 laser engravers makes them compatible with various materials. The OmTech 40W CO2 laser works seamlessly with several types of wood, acrylic, leather, and in some cases coated metals too.

5.5W laser power will be enough for your needs if you’re going for basic engraving projects and small hobby purposes. In contrast, if you need a more versatile machine with better engraving and laser cutter capabilities, a 10 W laser is the right choice.

Lastly, a CO2 laser tube makes more sense for a small-business owner or experienced hobbyist from a professional perspective. It will give you better material compatibility and will outperform the 10W diode lasers in several aspects.

Software Compatibility

Good hardware is only as good as the software driving it. For these cheap laser engravers, it’s crucial to ensure good software compatibility. It will help keep your costs low while allowing you to extract the most out of your machine.

LaserGRBL and LightBurn are two of the most popular laser engraving software with many valuable features. Both these software let you control the machine and configure its laser power, speed, and other crucial parameters.

Except for the LaserPecker 1 Pro, all the other laser engravers in this list are compatible with LaserGRBL, at least. LightBurn, too, works on most of the engravers, other than the OmTech laser. Although, you can upgrade its motherboard and use it with LightBurn engraving software.

The advantage of LaserPecker 1 Pro’s integrated software is better compatibility with the machine. But, this single software compatibility limits you from exploring the features of other software.

Therefore, it’s better to select software like LaserGRBL and LightBurn, which are compatible with the best budget laser engraver machines and have a strong user community. In case you run into any issues, there will be plenty of people to help you.

How Much Does a Decent Laser Engraver Cost?

To get yourself a decent desktop laser engraver, you will need to prepare to spend between $300 and $400. This price range should get you a small but reliable machine that is capable of producing quality engravings. Depending on your needs, you may have to invest in additional features or accessories, which can raise the cost somewhat.

Is There Money in Laser Engraving?

Yes, there is money to be made in laser engraving. Depending on the type of projects you take on, you can potentially make a full-time income. If your goal is to just supplement your current income with a side business, then even a cheap laser engraver can get you started quickly and affordably.

Are Laser Engravers Easy to Use?

Yes, laser engravers are relatively easy to use when it comes to creating intricate designs on a range of materials. However, there are still safety precautions that need to be taken into account before starting any project with them.

This includes wearing appropriate protective gear such as goggles that protect against laser radiation, making sure that there is adequate ventilation during operation due to smoke from burning materials. Even the best laser engraver machines are dangerous when used incorrectly.

Conclusion: Which Laser Engraving Machine is For You?

Our top pick among all the best cheap laser engravers right now is the ORTUR Laser Master 2 Pro-S2-SF. It offers excellent engraving quality, solid construction, and is compatible with various accessories, all under $500.

If you’re willing to spend slightly extra, the Ortur Laser Master 3 will be the best option for under $1000 for professional needs. It has improved features compared to its predecessor, and the engraving quality and cutting speeds are enough for professional users.

Alternatively, if you want to go to the extreme low end, the Twotrees TTS-55 is one of the best budget laser engravers that comes with all the basic features and outputs a decent engraving quality. It will suit beginners and budget hobbyists looking for a low-cost laser engraver.

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Pranav is a skilled content creator specializing in 3D printing, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sinhgad Institute of Technology. His work stands out for blending technical precision with accessible, clear explanations, making complex topics understandable and encouraging exploration and experimentation with innovative techniques.

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