Here’s an overview of the Best Laser Engraver that we’ll explore today:
Laser engravers have moved from niche hobbyist tools to versatile production aids for small businesses and serious makers. The category spans compact entry-level units suitable for wood and soft plastics to higher-power machines capable of cutting thicker materials and engraving metals with proper coatings. This review examines five models across a price spectrum from budget to premium, focusing on real-world usability, material handling, software compatibility, safety features, and total cost of ownership. Our testing approach combines controlled material tests (wood, acrylic, leather, and coated metals where applicable), speed and precision benchmarking, setup and software usability assessments, and reliability checks (stability, smoke management, and noise). The lineup includes ACMER’s S1 and Acmer 2.5W variants, CREALITY FALCON’s 22W Falcon2, and Longer’s Ray5 series (both 5W and 20W configurations) to illustrate how differences in power, workflow, and accessory ecosystems translate into practical outcomes. The products covered are: ACMER S1 (0-based index 0), CREALITY FALCON2 (index 1), LONGER RAY5 20W (index 2), LONGER RAY5 5W (index 3), and ACMER S1 2.5W (index 4).
1. ACMER S1 Laser Engraver
- Brand: ACMER
- Manufacturer: ACMER
Overview: The ACMER S1 is positioned as a compact, high-precision diode-based engraver with a 130x130mm working area, 6W diode power (approx. 48W machine output) and a 455±5nm wavelength. It emphasizes fine detail with a 0.01mm repeatable positioning accuracy and engraving speeds up to 10,000 mm/min. The device arrives 99% preassembled and is designed for straightforward startup, with compatibility for macOS, Windows, Linux and support for LightBurn and LaserGRBL. Its compact aluminum chassis keeps weight around 4.2 pounds, enabling easy transport and integration into home studios or small workshops.
In practice, the S1 excels at detailed wood, acrylic, leather, and some coated metals, offering crisp lines with a predictable, repeatable focus thanks to the fixed 2mm focal length. The 6W diode provides safer operation relative to higher-power CO2-class devices, and its class 4 certification is typical for consumer-grade higher-power diodes. The included 130x130mm area is adequate for small-batch items like nameplates, jewelry engravings, or personalized gifts. However, the trade-off for size is depth of cut and cutting thickness, where thicker plywood or dense acrylic may require multiple passes or a larger bed.
Pros
- High-precision 0.01mm engraving accuracy and fine details
- Very beginner-friendly with minimal assembly
- Compact, portable form factor
- Broad software compatibility (LightBurn, LaserGRBL)
Cons
- Limited working area (130x130mm) restricts larger parts
- Diode-based power limits cutting thickness compared to higher-end CO2 or higher-watt options
- Class 4 laser requires strict safety practices
2. CREALITY FALCON2 22W Laser Engraver Machine with Air Assist
- Brand: CREALITY FALCON
- Manufacturer: CREALITY FALCON
Overview: The CREALITY FALCON2 is a premium, higher-power laser system featuring a 22W laser with integrated air assist, and a 25000 mm/min engraving speed. It supports thicker cuts (up to ~12 mm wood in one pass and 3 mm black acrylic in a single pass) and includes a 4-in-1 rotary roller kit to handle cylindrical objects. The machine is designed for higher-volume work, with safety features such as an anti-UV filter, emergency stop, and a robust build suitable for small businesses or serious hobbyists seeking faster throughput.
In practice, Falcon2’s air assist improves cut quality and edge cleanliness by reducing paving and burn marks, while the rotary kit expands capabilities for badges, bracelets, bottles, and other cylindrical items. The combination of LightBurn and LaserGRBL compatibility plus offline TF card operation provides flexible workflows. However, the device’s weight (~28 kg) and footprint demand a dedicated workspace, and the higher price point reflects the more industrial-grade ambitions. The 22W class 4 laser also requires more stringent safety precautions and enclosure considerations.
Pros
- Powerful 22W laser enables faster cuts and thicker materials
- Integrated air assist improves cut quality
- Rotary roller kit expands cylindrical engraving capabilities
- High throughput suitable for small businesses
- Strong software ecosystem and offline options
Cons
- Heavier, larger footprint requiring dedicated space
- Higher price and maintenance complexity
- Class 4 laser entails stricter safety requirements
3. LONGER RAY5 Laser Engraver 20000mW Laser Cutter 130W CNC Laser Cutter with 3.5″Touch Screen Laser Engraving Machine DIY Engraver Tool for Metal Glass Wood Leather Laser Class ii
- Brand: Longer
- Manufacturer: Longer
Overview: Longer’s Ray5 20W model targets users needing heavier-duty engraving and cutting, with a 400x400mm working area, a 256-color palette for in-house color engraving, and a 0.01mm engraving precision. It uses a 20W laser module and a 400x400mm bed, offering multi-machine synchronization via a 240MHz ESP32 chipset and support for LaserGRBL and LightBurn. It also emphasizes continuous operation with 7×24-hour capability and a protective cover plus safety features like an emergency shutdown.
In day-to-day use, Ray5 stands out for its large workspace, color-engraving capabilities, and the potential for scalable multi-machine setups. The 0.01mm resolution and multi-core control enable detailed, color-aware designs and more complex output. The main considerations are setup complexity and ongoing cost: the larger bed, higher-power laser, and more advanced electronics translate to a steeper learning curve and higher maintenance, but the payoff is significant for makers doing larger panels, signage, or intricate metal/wood engraving on a routine basis.
Pros
- Large 400x400mm working area
- High engraving precision with 0.01mm resolution
- 256-color palette enables color engraving
- ESP32-based multi-machine control for scalability
- Supports continuous operation
Cons
- Heavier and larger footprint
- Higher initial cost and ongoing maintenance
- Potentially steeper learning curve
4. LONGER Laser Engraver Ray5 5W Higher Accuracy DIY Laser Engraving Machine with 3.5″ Touch Screen
- Brand: Longer
- Manufacturer: Longer
Overview: The Longer Ray5 5W model is a more compact, budget-conscious option with a 400x400mm working area, 0.08×0.08mm laser spot and 0.01mm engraving accuracy. It uses a 5W laser, powered by a 240MHz ESP32 chipset, and offers USB, TF card, WiFi, and app-based connectivity for offline operation. It emphasizes safety features such as emergency shutdown and motion protection, and includes compatibility with LaserGRBL and LightBurn.
In practice, the 5W Ray5 delivers solid performance for hobbyist workloads—engraving wood, leather, acrylic, and some metals with appropriate coatings. The large bed size makes it attractive for bigger projects, but the lower laser power means cutting thicker materials requires slower passes or multiple passes. The device’s flexibility in connection methods and offline operation is a real plus for makers without a dedicated PC, though you’ll want to manage expectations around depth of cut and speed when working with tougher materials.
Pros
- Large 400x400mm working area
- Affordable entry into higher-end features
- Offline operation options (USB, TF card, WiFi, App)
- Good compatibility with LaserGRBL and LightBurn
Cons
- Only 5W power limits cutting/thickness
- Longer processing times on hard materials
- Potentially bulky for small desks
5. Acmer Laser Engraver Machine
- Brand: ACMER
- Manufacturer: ACMER
Overview: This Acmer S1 variant presents a very budget-friendly entry point with a 2.5W laser (2500mW optical, ~24W system power) and a 130x130mm working area. It targets beginners and casual makers who want actionable results without a large upfront investment. The device is preassembled and uses the same compatibility stack as the higher-power ACMER S1, supporting LightBurn and LaserGRBL on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and files like NC, DXF, BMP, JPG, and PNG.
In practice, the 2.5W S1 is ideal for small gift engravings, sign projects, or delicate wood and light plastic work. The compact size makes it easy to place in a kitchen workstation or small studio. However, the reduced laser power translates into slower cuts and less capability for deep engraving or thicker plastics and metals; users should temper expectations and plan for more passes on stubborn materials. Given its price, it’s a compelling starter kit with reasonable future-proofing through software compatibility.
Pros
- Very affordable entry point
- Preassembled for quick setup
- Compact and portable
- Broad software compatibility
Cons
- Low laser power limits cutting depth
- Small working area constrains project size
- May require longer engraving times on tougher materials
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about laser engravers to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.