Glowforge Aura vs Glowforge Pro
Spec-by-spec breakdown of the Glowforge Aura and the Glowforge Pro: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.
8.6
Glowforge AuraGlowforge · CO₂
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.
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8.6
Glowforge ProGlowforge · CO₂
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.
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Glowforge Aura
2 spec wins
Glowforge Aura wins on
Glowforge Pro
3 spec wins
Glowforge Pro wins on
Overall, it's a tie — both score 8.6 in our database.
| Spec | Glowforge Aura | Glowforge Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Brand | Glowforge | Glowforge |
| Laser type | CO₂ | CO₂ |
| Main focus | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs | Handles everyday engraving and cutting jobs |
| Main objective | Easiest CO₂ setup for crafters who want zero tinkering | Pass-through CO₂ crafting for long materials with zero-config software |
| Best for |
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| Scores | ||
| Score | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Value score | Best9.0 | 8.1 |
| Ease of use | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Capability | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Build quality | 8.5 | Best9.0 |
| Pricing | ||
| Price | Best $999 919 € Plus mandatory Premium subscription (~$50/mo) for full functionality | $2,999 2.759 € Pro vs Pro+ passthrough depth; subscription extra |
| Hardware | ||
| Power | 6.8W CO₂ | Best45W CO₂ |
| Work area | 279 × 241 mm | Best279 × 483 mm with passthrough |
| Precision | 0.025 mm | 0.025 mm |
| Real-world performance | ||
| Sample engrave | Filled photo or logo on birch plywood ~6–9 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) | Filled photo or logo on birch plywood ~5–8 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) |
| Sample cut | Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood ~3–5 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) | Simple square cut-out from 3 mm acrylic ~2–4 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) |
| Spot size | ~0.2 mm CO₂ spot | ~0.18 mm CO₂ spot |
| Max speed | 300 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Materials | ||
| Engraves |
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| Cuts |
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| Cannot do |
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| Software & connectivity | ||
| Software | Glowforge web app | Glowforge web app |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Verdict | ||
| TL;DR | 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. | 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. |
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“Best” highlights the strongest spec on paper for that row only — not an overall buying recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Glowforge Aura or Glowforge Pro?
They are tied in our database: both score 8.6/10 overall. The right pick depends on which specs matter most for your projects — the table above breaks it down.
Which is cheaper: Glowforge Aura or Glowforge Pro?
The Glowforge Aura is the more affordable option, starting around $999, versus $2,999 for the Glowforge Pro.
Which is better for a beginner: Glowforge Aura or Glowforge Pro?
Both are equally approachable: each scores 9.5/10 for ease of use in our database.
What is the main difference between the Glowforge Aura and the Glowforge Pro?
The Glowforge Aura is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting, while the Glowforge Pro is a CO₂ laser geared toward engraving & cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.