The 7 Best Budget Laser Cutters of 2025 (Tested & Ranked)

Stepping into the world of laser cutting no longer requires a massive industrial budget. The market is now flooded with desktop laser cutters that are surprisingly capable, user-friendly, and, most importantly, affordable. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small business owner, or educator, there’s a perfect machine waiting for you.

But with so many options, how do you choose? We spent months sourcing, testing, and pushing the most popular budget-friendly laser cutters on the market. We evaluated them on cut quality, ease of use, software, safety features, and overall value. Here are our top picks, tested and ranked for 2025.

1. xTool F1: Best Overall Budget Laser Cutter

Our Verdict: The xTool F1 earns our top spot by being the most versatile and technologically advanced laser in its class. Its unique dual-laser system is a game-changer.

• Key Features: 10W Diode & 2W Infrared Laser, 5-second automatic focus, ultra-high-speed processing, portable design.
• Best For: Hobbyists and professionals who work with a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and even metals like anodized aluminum.

Why We Picked It: The xTool F1 isn’t just a diode laser. The addition of a 2W IR infrared laser allows it to mark metals directly, a feature typically found on much more expensive fiber lasers. Combined with its blistering speed, automatic focus, and excellent companion app, the F1 offers unparalleled convenience and capability for its price.

2. Ortur Laser Master 3: Best Value for Money

Our Verdict: A perennial favorite, the Ortur Laser Master 3 continues to dominate with its robust performance, solid construction, and exceptional community support.

• Key Features: 10W (Optical Power) Diode Laser, L-Async closed-loop motor system, automatic focus, modular design.
• Best For: Makers and DIY enthusiasts who want reliable performance and a massive online community for support and upgrades.

Why We Picked It: Ortur nailed the formula with the Laser Master 3. The L-Async motor system ensures incredibly precise and clean cuts at high speeds without the “jaggies” common in cheaper machines. It’s built like a tank, easy to assemble, and the output quality consistently rivals machines that cost hundreds more.

3. Sculpfun S30 Pro: The Powerhouse Performer

Our Verdict: If raw cutting power on a tight budget is your goal, the Sculpfun S30 Pro is almost impossible to beat.

• Key Features: 20W (Input Power) Diode Laser, large 430x400mm work area, air assist included, solid aluminum frame.
• Best For: Users who primarily need to cut through thicker materials like 15mm plywood or acrylic and need a large work area.

Why We Picked It: The Sculpfun S30 Pro delivers staggering performance for its price. It cut through materials we thought would require a CO2 laser with remarkable ease. The inclusion of a functional air assist out of the box is a huge plus for cut quality and safety. It’s a no-frills workhorse that gets the job done.

4. TwoTrees TTS-55: The Large-Format Champion

Our Verdict: Need to cut a full-size guitar body or a large sign? The TwoTrees TTS-55 offers an enormous work area without demanding an enormous budget.

• Key Features: 20W/24W (Input Power) options, massive 810x460mm work area, sturdy linear rail construction.
• Best For: Woodworkers, sign makers, and anyone whose projects demand a very large cutting bed.

Why We Picked It: While other machines on this list have respectable work areas, the TTS-55 is in a league of its own. The build quality is impressive for the price, with linear rails providing smooth and accurate movement over the huge surface. If your primary constraint is physical space, this is your machine.

5. Atomstack A20: The Reliable All-Rounder

Our Verdict: Atomstack has built a reputation for quality and the A20 is a testament to that. It’s a well-balanced, dependable machine that excels at both engraving and cutting.

• Key Features: 20W (Input Power) Diode Laser, modular design, rotary attachment compatibility, excellent software support.
• Best For: Beginners and intermediate users looking for a hassle-free, reliable machine with great customer support.

Why We Picked It: The Atomstack A20 doesn’t have one flashy “wow” feature; instead, it does everything very well. The setup is straightforward, the software (LaserGRBL, LightBurn) works flawlessly, and the cutting results are consistently clean and precise. It’s the Toyota Camry of budget lasers—incredibly reliable.

6. Comgrow Z1: The Best for Beginners

Our Verdict: The Comgrow Z1 is designed with the absolute novice in mind. It emphasizes safety and ease of use without completely sacrificing performance.

• Key Features: 10W (Optical Power) Diode Laser, enclosed design with viewing window, compact footprint, beginner-friendly software.
• Best For: Families, schools, and first-time users who prioritize safety and a simple setup process.

Why We Picked It: Many budget lasers are open-frame, which can be a safety concern. The Comgrow Z1 comes with a well-ventilated enclosure that contains the laser light and debris, making it a much safer choice for shared spaces. It’s the least intimidating machine to unbox and start using on day one.

7. LaserPecker 4: The Ultimate in Portability

Our Verdict: The LaserPecker 4 redefines what a laser engraver can be. It’s not for large-scale cutting, but for ultra-portable, high-quality engraving on small objects, it’s unmatched.

• Key Features: Dual-Laser (LX1 & LS1 modules), foldable design, battery-powered option, app-controlled.
• Best For: Creators on the go, engraving personalized items like phones, wallets, and cups, or for those with extreme space limitations.

Why We Picked It: If you need to take your laser to a market, a client’s office, or just store it in a drawer, the LaserPecker 4 is the only real choice. Its innovative foldable design and powerful, swappable laser modules produce stunning results. It’s a specialist tool, but it’s the best at what it does.

Budget Laser Cutter Buying Guide: What to Consider

Before you click “buy,” keep these factors in mind:

1. Laser Type & Power:
   • Diode Lasers: The most common in this budget range. Great for wood, acrylic, leather, and paper. Power is often listed as “Input” (e.g., 40W) and “Optical Output” (e.g., 5W, 10W). Optical Output is the key number for comparing cutting ability.
   • CO2 Lasers: More powerful and faster for cutting, but generally more expensive and larger. You’ll find a few entry-level models nearing the top of the “budget” category.
2. Work Area: Match the machine’s bed size to your projects. There’s no point paying for a massive bed if you only engrave coasters.
3. Software & Connectivity: Most machines use LaserGRBL or are compatible with LightBurn (a premium, but vastly superior, software). Check if the machine connects via Wi-Fi, USB, or offline control.
4. Safety:This is non-negotiable. Laser cutting produces toxic fumes and involves high-intensity light.
   • Always use a dedicated fume extractor or work in a very well-ventilated area.
   • Wear appropriate laser safety glasses.
   • Never leave the machine running unattended.
   • An enclosed machine (like the Comgrow Z1) is a significant safety advantage.
5. Essential Accessories:
   • Air Assist: Dramatically improves cut quality and prevents flame marks by blowing air directly on the cut point. Many newer models include this.
   • Rotary Attachment: Essential for engraving round objects like mugs and bottles.
   • Honeycomb Bed: Provides better support for materials and prevents “backscatter” that can ruin the underside of your workpiece.

Final Thoughts

The “best” budget laser cutter is the one that best fits your specific needs, workspace, and skill level. For most people, the versatile xTool F1 or the incredibly valuable Ortur Laser Master 3 are the safest bets. But whether you need raw power, a giant bed, or total portability, there’s an amazing machine on this list ready to bring your creations to life. Happy making