Are cheap laser engravers any good? With The Best Options!

You know the saying – cheap is expensive but are cheap laser engravers any good? Is the statement cheap is expensive always true? While this adage might be true in most cases, there is always the exception. Price should be a determinant when buying anything but it should never be the only determinant. Sometimes, there are some cheaper alternatives that are just as good or even better than the expensive alternatives.

Although laser engravers can cost as much as $10,000, there are lots of cheap laser engravers (less than $500) that are just as good. If you are a DIY enthusiast or an entrepreneur looking to start a home-based laser engraving business, a cheap laser engraver may be good enough.



The expensive laser engravers are usually extremely sophisticated and ideal for industrial applications but for those just getting started in laser engraving then a cheaper laser is a viable option. Read on to find out why it’s perfectly fine to purchase a cheaper laser engraver.

Are cheap laser engravers any good?

Are cheap laser engravers any good

Understanding Cheap Laser Engravers

Cheap laser engravers, typically priced under $500, are usually diode-based machines with lower power outputs.

These machines are designed for hobbyists, small businesses, and beginners who want to explore laser engraving without a significant financial commitment.

Common Brands & Models:

  • Ortur Laser Master 2 Series
  • Longer Ray5
  • Aufero Laser 2

Pros of Cheap Laser Engravers

Despite their low price, budget laser engravers offer several advantages:

  • Affordability – Ideal for beginners or those with a limited budget.
  • User-Friendly – Many come with plug-and-play functionality and simple software.
  • Compact & Portable – Small footprint makes them suitable for home workshops.
  • Capable of Engraving Various Materials – Can engrave wood, leather, paper, and acrylic (but not metals without special coatings).
  • Good for Learning – Allows users to practice laser engraving before investing in an advanced machine.

Limitations of Cheap Laser Engravers

While they offer value, cheap engravers come with trade-offs:

  • Limited Power – Usually between 1.6W to 10W, which may struggle with deep engraving or cutting thicker materials.
  • Slow Processing Speed – Lower-powered lasers require multiple passes for effective engraving.
  • Restricted Material Compatibility – Cannot engrave metals or high-density materials without additional coatings or pre-treatment.
  • Shorter Lifespan – Lower-quality components may wear out faster compared to industrial-grade machines.
  • Smaller Work Area – Typically designed for small projects, limiting large-scale work.

What to Look for in a Cheap Laser Engraver

If you decide to buy a budget laser engraver, consider the following factors:

  • Laser Power – A higher wattage (5W or more) improves engraving speed and quality.
  • Work Area Size – Choose a model that fits your project requirements.
  • Software Compatibility – Ensure it supports popular software like LightBurn or LaserGRBL.
  • Safety Features – Look for emergency stop buttons, protective shields, and eye protection.
  • Customer Support & Community – A brand with active support and a user community is beneficial for troubleshooting.

Are Cheap Laser Engravers Worth It?

Cheap laser engravers are a great entry point for hobbyists and beginners. They are ideal for small projects, learning, and testing different materials. However, if you need precision, speed, and the ability to engrave a wide range of materials, investing in a mid-range or high-end laser engraver may be a better choice.

Who Should Buy a Cheap Laser Engraver?

✅ Hobbyists exploring laser engraving

✅ Beginners wanting an affordable starting point

✅ Small business owners with low-production needs

Who Should Avoid Cheap Laser Engravers?

❌ Professionals requiring high precision and speed

❌ Users needing deep engraving or cutting thick materials

❌ Businesses focused on metal engraving without coatings

So can you start a business with a cheap laser engraver?

Yes, you can start a small business with cheap laser engravers, especially for engraving wood, leather, acrylic, and coated metals. While budget models may have limitations in speed, power, and material compatibility, they are great for custom gifts, small crafts, and personalized products. As your business grows, upgrading to a more powerful laser can improve efficiency and expand your capabilities.


Best Cheap Laser Engravers Under $300


Ortur 10W Laser Master 2

Ortur 10W Laser Master 2

The Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A is an affordable yet powerful laser engraving and cutting machine, offering a true 10W laser module with impressive capabilities. It’s ideal for hobbyists and small business owners looking for precision, ease of use, and a budget-friendly option. Below is an in-depth review of its key features.

10W Powerful Laser Engraving & Cutting

The Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A boasts a 10W laser module with a compressed point of 0.05mm x 0.1mm, ensuring high precision. The large engraving area (390*410mm) makes it suitable for a wide range of projects.

  • Cutting Capability: Cuts 30mm acrylic and 20mm wood with multiple passes.
  • Air-Assist Interface: Built-in for enhanced cutting performance.

Easy Installation & Robust Build

One of the standout features of this machine is its quick assembly time. Most users can complete setup within 10-15 minutes. The industrial-grade full-metal structure enhances reliability and precision. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance, repairs, and future upgrades.

Wide Software Compatibility

The Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A supports multiple engraving software, making it flexible for various applications:

  • Compatible Software: LaserGRBL, LightBurn
  • Supported Operating Systems: Windows (Win 7, 8, XP, 10, 11) and Mac (via LightBurn)
  • File Format Support: SVG, DXF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIF, CR2, etc.

Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority with the Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A, featuring multiple protection mechanisms:

  1. G-Sensor on Motherboard – Automatically stops the laser if the machine is tilted or displaced.
  2. Auto Laser Stop – Prevents fire hazards if the USB cable disconnects or the system crashes.
  3. Idle Protection – Turns off the laser if no movement is detected for an extended period.

Advanced Eye Protection

The machine comes with a newly designed laser protective cover that filters 98% of UV light, reducing eye strain. Additionally, laser safety goggles are included for extra protection.

New Upgrade: 10W Laser Module with Dual Fan Cooling

Equipped with a dual-fan cooling system, the laser module operates with efficient heat dissipation, ensuring longevity and stable performance.

Is It Worth It?

For under $300, the Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A provides exceptional value with its high power, precision, and safety features. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and DIY enthusiasts who want an affordable yet capable laser engraver and cutter.

Pros:

  • Powerful 10W laser for precise engraving and cutting
  • Large working area (390*410mm)
  • Easy assembly (10-15 minutes setup)
  • Wide software compatibility
  • Multiple safety protections
  • Eye protection with laser shield and goggles

Cons:

  • Not suitable for cutting metal
  • Requires ventilation for extended use

If you’re looking for an entry-level laser engraver that doesn’t compromise on quality and features, the Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-10A is one of the best budget options available.


Best Cheap Laser Engravers Under $200


Longer 5W Ray5 Laser Engraver 

Longer 5W Ray 5 Laser Engraver 

The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver is a versatile and high-precision laser engraving machine, perfect for DIY enthusiasts and small business owners. With advanced features like a 3.5″ touch screen, offline usage, and high-speed performance, this engraver provides a seamless and efficient engraving experience. Below is an in-depth review of its capabilities and features.

High-Speed Performance & Class II Laser

Equipped with a 240MHz ESP32 chipset, the Longer Ray5 5W achieves engraving speeds of up to 10,000mm/min. The multi-core architecture enhances compatibility, processing power, and energy efficiency, ensuring smooth performance across various projects.

High-Precision Laser Engraving

With a laser point size of 0.08mm x 0.08mm and an engraving accuracy of 0.01mm, this engraver delivers detailed and intricate designs. Whether working on fine patterns or complex projects, the Ray5 ensures top-notch precision.

Large Engraving Area & Versatility

The 400x400mm working area accommodates both small and large projects, providing flexibility for different engraving tasks. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from hobby projects to professional engraving needs.

Flexible Connectivity Options

The Longer Ray5 offers multiple connectivity methods, allowing for enhanced flexibility and ease of use:

  • USB
  • TF Card
  • WiFi
  • App Support

It is compatible with popular engraving software such as LaserGRBL and LightBurn, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a priority with the Longer Ray5, which includes several protective measures:

  • Emergency Shutdown – Instantly stops operation in case of an emergency.
  • Motion Protection – Halts the laser when unexpected movement is detected.
  • Overheating Detection – Prevents overheating-related damage.
  • Protective Covers & Goggles – Reduces UV exposure and ensures safe operation.

Material Compatibility

The Longer Ray5 is capable of engraving and cutting various materials, making it a versatile tool for creators:

Wood
Leather
Coated Metal
Dark Glass
Dark Acrylic
Stainless Steel

The engraver has undergone extensive Longer Lab tests, ensuring precise engraving results on all supported materials.

Easy Installation & 24/7 Customer Support

The Longer Ray5 comes with all necessary tools and detailed installation guides, making assembly quick and hassle-free. Additionally, the 24/7 customer support team is available to assist with any questions or troubleshooting needs.

Is It Worth It?

The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver is an excellent option for DIY users and professionals looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful engraving machine. With its high-speed processing, precision, large work area, and safety features, it stands out as one of the best choices in its category.

Pros:

  • High-speed engraving up to 10,000mm/min
  • Exceptional accuracy (0.01mm precision)
  • Large 400x400mm work area
  • Multiple connectivity options (USB, WiFi, TF Card, App)
  • Strong safety features for secure operation
  • Wide material compatibility
  • Easy setup with comprehensive support

Cons:

  • Limited to 5W power, making it less suitable for heavy-duty industrial tasks
  • Best results achieved on coated metal and darker materials

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-precision, and feature-rich laser engraver, the Longer Ray5 5W is a great investment for DIY enthusiasts and small businesses alike.


Best Cheap Laser Engravers Under $150


Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 Engraver

Aufero 2W Laser Engraver

The Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 is a compact, beginner-friendly laser engraving machine, offering an excellent balance of affordability and functionality. With a 15.7 x 15.7-inch engraving area, high-speed performance, and class 4 diode laser, it is an ideal choice for hobbyists, educators, and DIY enthusiasts looking for an efficient and cost-effective engraving solution.

1.6W Diode Laser Engraver

  • Laser Module: LU2-2A
  • Output Power: 1.6-1.8W
  • Motherboard: 32-bit MCU
  • High Baud Rate: Supports up to 921600 baud rate
  • Engraving Speed: Up to 10,000mm/min
  • Laser Spot Size: 0.07 x 0.06mm
  • Laser Class: Class 4

With its precise 0.07 x 0.06mm laser spot, the Aufero 1.6W ensures detailed engraving results on a variety of materials.

Excellent Mechanical Structure

The engraver is designed with a low gravity center X-axis, providing improved stability. The expandable frame increases the Y-axis length to 24 inches, allowing for a larger engraving range. This feature makes it perfect for various applications, including:

DIY home decorations
Personal creative projects
Course teaching & workshops
Small project studios

Cost-Effective Laser Engraver

This budget-friendly laser engraver supports a wide range of engraving materials, including:

Wood
Bamboo
Cardboard & kraft paper
Plywood & MDF
Leather & rubber
Black acrylic & coated metal
Thin plastic

It is compatible with BMP, JPG, PNG, JPEG, and SVG file formats, and supports LaserGRBL (Windows, free) and LightBurn (MacOS, Linux, paid) engraving software.

Eye Protection & Safety Features

  • Protective Cover: Filters 97% UV light, reducing eye strain.
  • Included Goggles: Provides additional safety during operation.
  • Active Position Protection: Prevents accidental misalignment.
  • Exposure Duration Detection & Limitation: Ensures safe operation time.
  • Laser Beam Safety Guard: Prevents unintended exposure.
  • Current Safety Control System: Provides enhanced security for beginners.

These safety features make the Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 a secure option for both newbies and experienced users.

Is It Worth It?

The Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 is a fantastic entry-level laser engraver that provides an excellent mix of affordability, performance, and safety. It is ideal for beginners, small project creators, and educators looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful engraving tool.

Pros:

  • Affordable price under $150
  • Large engraving area (15.7 x 15.7 inches)
  • High-speed performance (10,000mm/min)
  • Excellent material compatibility
  • Easy-to-use software integration
  • Multiple safety features for worry-free operation

Cons:

  • Limited 1.6W power, not suitable for deep cutting
  • Works best with coated metals and darker materials

For an entry-level laser engraver, the Aufero 1.6W Laser 2 offers great value while ensuring safe and precise engraving. If you’re looking for an affordable beginner-friendly laser engraver, this is a top pick!


Comparison Table: The Best Cheap Laser Engravers

Feature
Ortur Laser Master 2
Longer Ray5
Aufero Laser 2
Laser Power
10W
5W
1.6W
Engraving Area
390 x 410mm
400 x 400mm
400 x 400mm (expandable)
Laser Spot Size
0.05 x 0.1mm
0.08 x 0.08mm
0.07 x 0.06mm
Engraving Speed
Up to 10,000mm/min
Up to 10,000mm/min
Up to 10,000mm/min
Material Compatibility
Wood, Dark Acrylic, Coated Metal, Leather
Wood, Coated Metal, Dark Acrylics, Leather
Wood, Leather, Paper, Coated Metal
Software Compatibility
LaserGRBL, LightBurn
LaserGRBL, LightBurn
LaserGRBL (Windows), LightBurn (Mac/Linux)
Connectivity
USB
USB, TF Card, WiFi, App
USB
Safety Features
G-Sensor, Auto-Laser Stop
Emergency Shutdown, Motion Detection
Safety Guard, Auto Shutdown
Ease of Use
Modular Design, Quick Assembly
Touch Screen, Offline Mode
Beginner-Friendly, Compact
Best For
DIY Enthusiasts, Beginners
Hobbyists, Beginners
Budget-Friendly Entry Level Beginner
Price
Under $300
Under $200
Under $150

Each engraver has its strengths:

  • The Ortur 10W is the most powerful, ideal for cutting thicker materials.
  • The Longer 5W Ray5 offers touchscreen & offline usage, making it versatile.
  • The Aufero 1.6W is the most affordable & beginner-friendly choice.

If you have a larger budget, explore the best laser engravers under $500 for higher-quality options.



4 reasons why its Okay to buy a cheap laser engraver

There is no denying that expensive laser engravers are built better and can, therefore, take on any laser engraving and laser cutting project. But not everyone can afford to cough thousands of dollars for a laser engraver. And that explains why there is a growing demand for cheap laser engravers. Here are a couple of reasons why I believe that a laser engraver doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive for it to be good.

1. Specialized Laser Engravers

Laser engravers are typically designed to engrave certain materials. Some engravers are best suited for metals for example Fiber Laser Engravers other’s for wood, glass, etc like Diode and CO2 Lasers. Even though most engravers can be used on a variety of materials, there isn’t a single engraver that is perfect for all materials.

So, let’s say you started a laser engraving business specializing in engraving acrylic and leather items and then one of your clients requested that you help them in making branded items for their restaurant.

You would need to engrave their signs, their logos, their wooden menus, their chinaware, and their wine glasses. You take the gig only to discover that the laser machine you have cannot handle engraving the wine glasses or the china as well as it handles the wooden menus. What to do?

So, you decide to purchase another laser engraver that is specially built for engraving glass and porcelain. And this is where cheap laser engravers come in handy. It wouldn’t make sense to buy a very expensive laser engraver for doing a single job, without any assurance that you will get similar gigs in the near future.

Besides, it wouldn’t make any business sense to buy a second laser engraver if the one you have had already cost you an arm and a leg. If you are looking for a laser engraver for a home-based business, you are better off with cheap laser engravers.

2. The intended purpose

What can you do with a laser engraver

Before you make a purchase decision, it is a good idea to, first of all, establish the intended purpose of your laser engraver.

Whether you are a craftsman, a DIYer, or an entrepreneur, the best laser engraver for you should not be based on price but based on function.

Which materials will you be working on? Who are your target clients? How much do you intend to charge for your services? Will you be making custom items for clients?  

Understanding your business model beforehand will go a long way in helping you determine if a cheap laser engraver is any good. Here is the question you should answer – can a cheap laser engraver enable me to meet my business objectives? If the answer to this is a definite yes, then it makes no sense to go for the pricey options on the market.  

3. Product Quality

Price is not always indicative of product quality. Sometimes, pricing is more of a branding technique. Some companies actually overprice their products because they want to appeal to the masses who always assume that expensive is synonymous with quality.

There are actually some pretty neat laser engravers that cost less than 500 dollars. So how do you know if cheap laser engravers any good?  Here are two things you can look out for.

  • Customer support

Some of the cheap laser engravers, like most other cheap products, have crappy customer support. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the installation of a laser engraver while customer support doesn’t respond to your SOS.

The easiest way to tell if a company has good customer support is to shoot them a couple of questions before you even make your purchase. Find out how quickly they respond and if they do, find out if they answer your question satisfactorily. You might pleasantly be surprised to find cheaper laser engravers that have even more reliable customer support than the expensive models.

  • Customer reviews

The best place to check for customer reviews is Amazon. Amazon doesn’t allow any Tom Dick and Harry to review products on their website. You can only review a product that you have actually bought. So when you read reviews from Amazon, there is a very good chance that you are actually reading honest unbiased reviews of other users.

If you check out some of the cheap laser engravers, you will notice that most of them have lots of positive reviews from other satisfied customers.

4. Changing Technology

LaserPecker 1 Pro (Basic) Laser Engraver

Like most other technological devices, the configuration options of laser engravers have drastically increased in the last decade while the size and price have continued to go down.

A couple of years ago, all laser engravers were so expansive that they were only used by industries for engraving serial numbers. Logos and other branding on manufactured products.

But cheaper technology has made it possible to manufacture cheaper laser engravers that actually have even more sophisticated controls than the old expensive laser engravers. For instance, some of the cheap laser engravers now come with Bluetooth capabilities which makes it easy to control them from a mobile device.

Because of the changing technology, laser engravers have gotten cheaper over the years but this shouldn’t necessarily be taken as proof of their bad quality.

Laser Engravers Glossary Of Terms

A

  • Air Assist – A system that blows air onto the engraving surface to reduce burns and improve cutting quality.
  • Alignment – The process of ensuring the laser beam is correctly positioned for accurate engraving.
  • Axis (X, Y, Z) – The directions in which the laser head moves: X (left to right), Y (front to back), and Z (up and down for focus).

B

  • Baud Rate – The speed at which data is transferred between the engraver and the computer.
  • Beam Diameter – The width of the laser beam, affecting precision and engraving detail.
  • Burn Marks – Discoloration or charring on materials caused by excessive laser power or poor settings.

C

  • CO₂ Laser – A type of laser that uses a gas-filled tube to produce high-powered cutting and engraving, more expensive than diode lasers.
  • Cutting Speed – The rate at which the laser moves while cutting a material.
  • Cooling System – Helps prevent the laser module from overheating, usually with fans or water cooling.

D

  • Diode Laser – A low-cost laser type commonly found in budget engravers, ideal for wood, leather, and coated metals.
  • DPI (Dots Per Inch) – A measurement of engraving resolution; higher DPI means finer detail.
  • Driver Software – A program required to communicate between the laser engraver and the computer.

E

  • Engraving Area – The maximum workspace where the laser can engrave.
  • Engraving Speed – The rate at which the laser moves while engraving; affects detail and burn risk.
  • Exposure Time – The duration the laser beam stays on the material, impacting depth and contrast.

F

  • Focal Length – The optimal distance from the laser lens to the material for the sharpest engraving.
  • Fiber Laser – A high-power laser type used for engraving metals, not commonly found in cheap engravers.
  • Frame Structure – The body/frame of the engraver, affecting stability and precision.

G

  • G-Code – A programming language used to control laser engraving movements.
  • GRBL – An open-source firmware used in many affordable laser engravers.

L

  • LaserGRBL – A free laser engraving software compatible with many budget diode lasers.
  • Laser Spot Size – The width of the laser’s beam, affecting engraving precision.
  • LightBurn – A popular paid software for controlling laser engravers with more advanced features.

M

  • Material Compatibility – The types of materials a laser engraver can cut or engrave.
  • Mirror Alignment – The process of adjusting mirrors to direct the laser beam (common in CO₂ lasers).
  • Motion Sensors – Safety features that stop the laser if the machine is moved or tilted.

P

  • Pass Depth – The depth a laser cuts per pass; deeper cuts may require multiple passes.
  • Power Output – The strength of the laser, usually measured in watts (W).
  • Protective Cover – A shield or goggles to protect eyes from harmful laser exposure.

R

  • Raster Engraving – A method where the laser moves back and forth like a printer, engraving images.
  • Rotary Attachment – A device that allows engraving on cylindrical objects like tumblers.

S

  • Safety Features – Protections like emergency stop buttons, tilt sensors, and flame detection.
  • Spot Compression – Technology that focuses the laser into a finer point for higher detail.

T

  • TF Card (MicroSD Card) – Some engravers support file transfers via a memory card for offline engraving.
  • Tilt Sensor – A safety mechanism that shuts off the laser if the machine tilts or moves unexpectedly.

V

  • Ventilation System – Helps remove smoke and fumes created during engraving.
  • Vector Cutting – A method where the laser follows a continuous path to cut shapes precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap laser cutters worth it?

Yes, cheap laser cutters can be worth it for beginners and hobbyists, offering decent engraving capabilities on wood, acrylic, and some metals. However, they may lack power, precision, and durability compared to higher-end models, making them less suitable for professional use.

What type of laser engraver is the cheapest?

Diode laser engravers are the cheapest type. They are great for beginners and hobbyists, suitable for engraving wood, leather, and some coated metals, but have lower power compared to CO₂ or fiber lasers.

Are cheap laser engravers good enough to start a business and make money?

Cheap laser engravers can be good enough to start a small business, especially for engraving wood, leather, and acrylic. However, they have limitations in power, speed, and material compatibility. If you plan to scale your business, investing in a more powerful Diode, CO₂ or fiber laser may be necessary for higher efficiency and quality.

Final thoughts

Cheap laser engravers can be a valuable tool for beginners and hobbyists, offering affordability and ease of use. However, they come with limitations in power, speed, and material compatibility. If your needs align with what a budget laser engraver can offer, they can be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, consider mid-to-high-end alternatives for greater versatility and efficiency.