Best CO₂ Lasers 2026
CO₂ lasers are the standard for cutting acrylic and thick wood cleanly. These are the desktop and mid-size machines that rank highest in our database.
Rankings are generated from our scoring database — no sponsored placements. Scores reflect real-world capability, not marketing claims. How we score machines
- 1
Glowforge Aura8.6Glowforge · CO₂ · $999
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.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 2
Glowforge Pro8.6Glowforge · CO₂ · $2,999
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.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 3
Gweike Cloud Pro8.5Gweike · CO₂ · $1,659 – $2,539
Gweike Cloud Pro offers enclosed CO₂ cutting with cloud features and competitive pricing vs xTool P2. Good mid-premium CO₂ if you want LightBurn and community support. Verify local warranty before buying.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 4
xTool P28.4xTool · CO₂ · $3,399 – $6,609
The xTool P2 is a 55W enclosed CO₂ laser with a large work area and camera alignment. It cuts acrylic and wood far better than any diode laser. Expensive, but the closest thing to a 'set up and run a small shop' desktop machine.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 5
xTool P2S8.4xTool · CO₂ · $4,799 – $5,499
The P2S refines the original P2 with better software and autofocus. Same 55W CO₂ class for acrylic and wood production. Still xTool's main enclosed CO₂ below the P3 flagship: choose P3 if you need 80W and automation; P2S if 55W and budget fit.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 6
Monport 55W CO₂8.3Monport · CO₂ · $1,800 – $2,800
Monport sits between budget K40 machines and premium enclosed CO₂ like xTool P2. The 55W desktop models offer real cutting power with improved build quality and optional autofocus. Still needs ventilation, but closer to 'business ready' than a stock K40.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
- 7
Monport 40W CO₂8.2Monport · CO₂ · $600 – $1,230
Monport's 40W desktop CO₂ sits alongside OMTech K40 class with often better out-of-box experience. Entry CO₂ for acrylic and wood. Ventilation and learning still required.
- +Strong on acrylic and wood versus diodes on the same budget tier
- +Integrated cabinet helps contain the beam and everyday smoke versus open-frame diodes
- +Software listed on the profile: test your workflow (LightBurn or maker app) on scrap first
- −Ventilation to the outside is mandatory for regular cutting, not an optional upgrade
- −Tube life and replacement cost are part of the true ownership budget
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CO₂ laser in 2026?
The Glowforge Aura ranks first in our database with an overall score of 8.6/10, starting around $999. 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.
What is the most affordable good CO₂ laser?
Among our top picks, the Monport 40W CO₂ is the most affordable, starting around $600 with an overall score of 8.2/10.
How are these rankings built?
Rankings are generated from our scoring database — capability, ease of use, build quality, and value, weighted for each category. There are no sponsored placements, and scores reflect real-world performance rather than marketing claims.