Top 7 Laser Engravers That Actually Work on Metal – Tested & Reviewed

In the world of crafting, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing, laser engravers have revolutionized how we personalize and mark metal surfaces. Gone are the days of relying on clunky mechanical tools or chemical etching—modern lasers deliver precise, permanent marks on everything from stainless steel jewelry to aluminum industrial parts. But not all lasers are created equal for metal: diode lasers often struggle with bare metals due to reflection, while CO2 models typically require marking sprays. The real stars? Fiber and infrared (IR) lasers, which penetrate metal effortlessly for clean, high-contrast engravings.

As of late 2025, we’ve scoured expert reviews, hands-on tests, and user feedback to pinpoint the top 7 engravers that actually excel on metal—without gimmicks or pre-treatments. These picks span budgets from under $500 to industrial heavy-hitters, focusing on portability, speed, and real-world performance on uncoated metals like stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Whether you’re a hobbyist etching custom dog tags or a pro marking tools, these machines deliver. Prices are approximate USD based on current retail, and we’ve included pros, cons, and test insights for each.

1. LaserPecker 4 – Best Overall Dual-Laser Portable Powerhouse

The LaserPecker 4 stands out as the world’s first dual-laser engraver, blending a 10W blue diode for organics with a 2W IR fiber for metals—making it a one-stop shop for mixed workflows. At just 3.3 lbs, it’s incredibly portable, ideal for on-the-go creators.

Key Specs:

• Power: 10W diode + 2W IR fiber
• Max Speed: 4,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.0019 mm
• Work Area: 115 x 80 mm (expandable with rotary)
• Price: $1,399

Pros: Swipe-to-switch lasers via touchscreen; supports curved surfaces and batch engraving; app-based control with Bluetooth/WiFi.
Cons: Manual focus; smaller native work area limits large projects.

Metal Performance: In tests, it effortlessly engraves lacquered metals, anodized aluminum, and 304 stainless steel with vibrant colors and no pre-treatment—penetrating bare surfaces for deep, rust-resistant marks on brass and copper. Users report crisp logos on titanium rings in under 30 seconds.

2. xTool F1 Ultra – Best for Speed and Versatility

xTool’s F1 Ultra ups the ante with a hybrid 20W blue diode and 20W IR fiber setup, enclosed for safety and portability. It’s a favorite for convention demos, thanks to its smart batch processing that handles dozens of metal pieces at once.

Key Specs:

• Power: 20W diode + 20W IR fiber
• Max Speed: 10,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.01 mm
• Work Area: 220 x 220 mm
• Price: $1,999

Pros: Autofocus and 50MP camera for precise positioning; excels at 3D metal carvings; WiFi-enabled for remote jobs.
Cons: Higher price point; struggles with ultra-clear materials like glass.

Metal Performance: Hands-on tests show it producing stunning color gradients on stainless steel (think rainbow hues on watch backs) and deep embossings on aluminum—faster than competitors, with rust removal in seconds. It cut custom metal business cards flawlessly, etching school logos without distortion.

3. ComMarker B6 – Best Compact Fiber for Pros

For those prioritizing pure metal mastery, the ComMarker B6 is a galvo-based fiber laser in a desktop footprint. It’s built for high-volume work, like serializing tools or personalizing firearms.

Key Specs:

• Power: 20W–60W fiber (MOPA optional for colors)
• Max Speed: 15,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.001 mm
• Work Area: 110 x 110 mm (up to 300 mm lenses)
• Price: $1,299

Pros: Autofocus; portable at 10 lbs; handles deep 3D textures and surface cleaning.
Cons: Limited to metals (no wood/organics); requires ventilation setup.

Metal Performance: Tested on stainless steel, brass, and copper, it delivers permanent, high-contrast marks—even drilling through 1mm aluminum sheets. Reviewers praise its speed for rust removal on industrial parts, with zero fading after months of wear.

4. xTool F2 – Best Budget Portable IR Option

The xTool F2 combines a 15W diode with a 5W IR module in a handheld design, perfect for mobile makers etching at markets or workshops.

Key Specs:

• Power: 15W diode + 5W IR
• Max Speed: 6,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.02 mm
• Work Area: 115 x 115 mm (handheld expandable)
• Price: $1,349

Pros: Ultra HD camera for live previews; WiFi and curved-surface support; lightweight (under 5 lbs).
Cons: Manual adjustments for some angles; not ideal for ultra-fine details on soft metals.

Metal Performance: It shines on anodized aluminum and stainless steel, creating clean engravings on bare copper without sprays—tests etched jewelry pendants in vibrant detail, outperforming single-diode rivals on reflectivity.

5. Gweike Cloud G2 – Best for Colorful Metal Effects

This 20W fiber galvo laser emphasizes aesthetics, producing full-color engravings on metals via MOPA tech—think anodized hues on phone cases.

Key Specs:

• Power: 20W fiber
• Max Speed: 15,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.01 mm
• Work Area: 150 x 150 mm
• Price: $1,119

Pros: High-speed color marking; compact (6.5 lbs); app control for easy uploads.
Cons: No WiFi (Bluetooth only); can’t handle non-metals well.

Metal Performance: In reviews, it excelled at colorful stainless steel effects and deep brass markings—engraving acrylic-backed metals with zero bleed, ideal for custom gifts. Tests showed it outpacing diodes on copper reflectivity.

6. OMTech 50W – Best Industrial Fiber Beast

OMTech’s 50W fiber is for serious setups, with a large field lens for batch-processing metal sheets—think automotive parts or signage.

Key Specs:

• Power: 50W fiber
• Max Speed: 7,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.04 mm
• Work Area: 200 x 200 mm
• Price: $3,999

Pros: Cuts thin metals; consistent Fθ lens for uniform depth; expandable lenses.
Cons: Heavy (66 lbs) and stationary; steep learning curve for software.

Metal Performance: Lab tests confirmed deep engravings on titanium and raw aluminum, with clean cuts through 0.5mm steel—perfect for industrial permanence, no pre-coating needed.

7. Hansmaker F1 Pro – Best Entry-Level Fiber Portable

Rounding out the list, the Hansmaker F1 Pro offers pro-grade fiber in a budget-friendly, handheld package—great for beginners dipping into metal work.

Key Specs:

• Power: 20W fiber
• Max Speed: 10,000 mm/s
• Accuracy: 0.02 mm
• Work Area: 110 x 110 mm
• Price: $1,259

Pros: Color engraving on stainless; fast setup; versatile for acrylics too.
Cons: Manual focus; limited area for big jobs.

Metal Performance: It handled color marks on stainless steel and clean etches on brass in tests, with users noting sharp results on tools—affordable entry to fiber without sacrificing quality.

Model	Power Type	Best For	Price Range	Metal Speed (mm/s)
LaserPecker 4	Dual (Diode + IR)	Portability	$1,400	4,000
xTool F1 Ultra	Dual (Diode + Fiber)	Versatility	$2,000	10,000
ComMarker B6	Fiber	Professional	$1,300	15,000
xTool F2	Dual (Diode + IR)	Budget Mobile	$1,350	6,000
Gweike Cloud G2	Fiber	Colors	$1,120	15,000
OMTech 50W	Fiber	Industrial	$4,000	7,000
Hansmaker F1 Pro	Fiber	Beginners	$1,260	10,000

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Metal Laser in 2025

Selecting the right engraver boils down to your needs: Go portable with the LaserPecker 4 or xTool F2 for on-site work, or scale up to the ComMarker B6 for production. Budget under $1,500? The Hansmaker shines. Always prioritize ventilation, eye protection, and software compatibility (LightBurn is a universal winner). These machines aren’t just tools—they’re creativity amplifiers. Ready to mark your territory? Start with a test on scrap aluminum and watch the sparks fly (safely, of course). For the latest deals, check manufacturer sites like xTool or LaserPecker. Happy engraving!