4 manufacturer photos · 1 / 4
Glowforge · CO₂
Glowforge Aura
Consumer-friendly CO₂ laser with the simplest setup: at a subscription cost
All Glowforge models →Add to compare →
Last updated How we evaluate
Released October 2023
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.
Compare the Glowforge Aura to…
Popular side-by-side matchups with full specs, scores, and an honest verdict.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
Real CO₂ cutting
A glass-tube CO₂ laser cuts cast acrylic and thick soft woods in ways diodes cannot match at the same price tier. Budget for outdoor exhaust or serious filtration : the cutting advantage is real, the ventilation homework is too.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
Glowforge Aura is built for acrylic signage, thick wood, and shop production once exhaust is sorted. 6.8W adds headroom on panels and multi-pass jobs.
Skip if you
Avoid without ducting, for occasional gifts only, or if budget ignores tube replacement, power, and floor space. Bare metal without an IR accessory stays out of scope.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
What this machine is for
Easiest CO₂ setup for crafters who want zero tinkering
Simple CO₂ cutting and engraving for crafters who prioritize ease of use over power and cost efficiency.
Laser spot size
~0.2 mm CO₂ spot
Motion precision: 0.025 mm
Sample engrave job
~6–9 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~3–5 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Reference benchmark: same job size on every machine so you can compare times fairly. Times are estimates for the reference job above; your design complexity and settings will change them.
Materials
- · Wood
- · Leather
- · Acrylic
- · Paper
- · Fabric
- · Anodized aluminum
Accessories & add-ons
Typical inclusions and add-ons for this profile : confirm your SKU.
- Included
Enclosure / cabinet
- Optional
Laser safety glasses
CO₂ wavelength: match OD rating for 10.6 µm if required by manual
- Recommended
Fire extinguisher
Editorial guidance : not a live parts list. See also: Ventilation setup · Safety basics
Practical notes
Beginner notes
This profile covers Glowforge Aura. Read the TL;DR and benchmarks before buying, then compare nearby models on the Compare page.
Pro tips
Factor subscription cost over 2–3 years into your budget. Proofgrade materials are convenient but expensive: third-party plywood works with testing. Aura is craft-scale, not sign-shop scale.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 300 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- 100–200 mm/s fill
- Avg cut speed
- 8–20 mm/s on 3 mm plywood
Alternatives to the Glowforge Aura
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
xTool · Diode · $999 – $3,049
The 20W S1 is the value pick in xTool's enclosed diode line: same cabinet and filters as the 40W, but less cut depth on thick wood. Buy this if safety matters and you mostly engrave.
xTool · 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.
Glowforge · 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.