The complete reference for maker machines

Easiest CO₂ setup for crafters who want zero tinkering

Glowforge's compact CO₂ laser designed for crafters. Easy software, quick setup, and decent cutting for thin materials. The catch: premium hardware price plus required subscription for full features, and a smaller work area than xTool P2.

Pass-through CO₂ crafting for long materials with zero-config software

The Glowforge Pro adds passthrough slot for long materials and stronger CO₂ performance vs Aura. Still cloud-dependent with subscription pressure. Best for design-focused crafters who refuse to touch LightBurn: not for cost-sensitive makers.

Fast portable dual-laser for on-site customization and small-batch metal + wood

xTool F2 (2025) upgrades the F1 formula with more power, a 50MP alignment camera, and up to 6,000 mm/s galvo speed. Dual-source (diode + infrared) for metal marking and organics in a compact box: xTool Studio only, no LightBurn.

Vinyl & paper cutting plus light laser engraving in one machine

The M1 Ultra combines a diode laser with a digital blade cutter (like a Cricut on steroids). Cut vinyl, paper, and fabric with the blade; engrave wood and leather with the laser. Niche but powerful if your workflow mixes both: wrong pick if you only want laser cutting.

Affordable fiber marking for metal personalization and small business

The ComMarker B4 is a popular entry-level fiber galvo engraver for jewelry, tools, and metal gifts. Marks stainless, aluminum, and brass without spray. Small marking field: not a cutter for wood or acrylic.

MOPA fiber marking with color on stainless and production metal work

ComMarker B6 adds MOPA fiber for color effects on stainless and finer control on deep metal engraving. Step up from B4 for shops that need color marking or faster production.