Looking for an affordable yet capable laser engraver for wood, leather, acrylic, or other materials? While most high-power laser cutters cost thousands, there are surprisingly good budget-friendly options under $600 that deliver solid performance for hobbyists and small businesses.
In this guide, we’ll review the best laser engravers under $600, compare their features, and help you choose the right machine for DIY projects, crafts, or small-scale production.
✅ Key Features:
10W diode laser (upgradeable to 20W)
16″ x 12″ work area – large for its price
Precision up to 0.01mm
LightBurn & xTool Creative Space compatibility
🔹 Pros:
✔ Fast engraving speed (up to 400mm/s)
✔ Works with wood, leather, acrylic, and coated metals
✔ Easy assembly
🔸 Cons:
✖ Not ideal for deep cutting (best for engraving)
💡 Best For: Hobbyists and small businesses needing high precision at an affordable price.
Price: ~$599 (on sale)
✅ Key Features:
10W output power (focused beam for better engraving)
400 x 430mm work area
Adjustable Z-axis
Supports LightBurn & LaserGRBL
🔹 Pros:
✔ Excellent engraving quality
✔ Sturdy aluminum frame
✔ Good ventilation design
🔸 Cons:
✖ Slower cutting speed compared to CO2 lasers
💡 Best For: Beginners who want great engraving quality without breaking the bank.
Price: ~$549
✅ Key Features:
5W diode laser (safe for beginners)
410 x 400mm engraving area
Modular design (expandable)
Works with LaserGRBL & LightBurn
🔹 Pros:
✔ Very affordable
✔ Easy to set up
✔ Good for wood, leather, and acrylic
🔸 Cons:
✖ Lower power = slower engraving
💡 Best For: First-time buyers who want a simple, low-cost engraver.
Price: ~$399
✅ Key Features:
10W diode laser
400 x 400mm work area
High-speed engraving (up to 500mm/s)
Compatible with LightBurn
🔹 Pros:
✔ Faster than most budget engravers
✔ Good for detailed designs
✔ Sturdy construction
🔸 Cons:
✖ Requires some assembly
💡 Best For: Users who need fast, precise engraving for small batches.
Price: ~$589
✅ Key Features:
5W diode laser (upgradeable to 10W)
410 x 400mm engraving area
Ultra-lightweight (easy to move)
Works with LaserGRBL
🔹 Pros:
✔ Compact and portable
✔ Good for small crafts and gifts
✔ Low power consumption
🔸 Cons:
✖ Not ideal for thick materials
💡 Best For: Crafters and DIYers who need a small, portable engraver.
Price: ~$349
Diode Lasers (all options under $600) – Best for engraving wood, leather, acrylic.
CO2 Lasers (rare under $600) – Better for cutting but more expensive.
5W – Good for light engraving (paper, thin wood).
10W – Best balance (faster, deeper engraving).
20W (upgradeable) – More power for cutting (but usually over $600).
Small (12″x12″) – Good for jewelry, small crafts.
Medium (16″x12″) – Best for most hobbyists.
Large (20″x20″+) – Rare under $600.
LightBurn (best for advanced users).
LaserGRBL (free, good for beginners).
Proprietary apps (some are limited).
Enclosure (recommended for indoor use).
Air assist (helps with smoke and cleaner engravings).
Emergency stop button.
🏆 Best Overall: xTool D1 Pro (10W) – Best mix of speed, precision, and value.
💰 Best Budget Pick: Atomstack A5 Pro (5W) – Great starter machine.
⚡ Fastest Engraving: TwoTrees TS2 (10W) – High-speed performance.
🎨 Best for Beginners: Ortur Laser Master 3 (10W) – Easy to use.
Q: Can a $600 laser engraver cut wood?
A: Yes, but mostly thin wood (3-5mm). For thicker cuts, you’d need a CO2 laser (50W+).
Q: Is LightBurn worth it for a budget engraver?
A: Yes! It offers better control than free software like LaserGRBL.
Q: What materials can a $600 laser engrave?
A: Wood, leather, acrylic, paper, coated metals, and some plastics.
Q: Are these machines safe for home use?
A: Yes, but always use ventilation and avoid flammable materials.
If you need a quality laser engraver under $600, the xTool D1 Pro (10W) is our top pick for its speed, precision, and upgrade options. For beginners, the Atomstack A5 Pro (5W) is a great low-cost choice.
