Best Laser Cutters and Engravers 2024

While the best 3D printers can turn a spool of filament or a vat of resin into a working model, sometimes the best way to build something is by cutting through layers of acrylic, wood or metal to get the shapes you need. Other times, you just need to imprint an image or text on an existing surface. For these use cases, you need a laser cutter / engraver.

Laser cutters, also sometimes called laser engravers, come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to safely work with a variety of materials from oak to iron-on transfers. You can get one of the best low-power laser cutters for as little as $220. Low wattage lasers are cheaper and perfect for engraving images and cutting thin materials. Higher wattage machines are more expensive, and can cut through thicker material in one pass. To help you choose, we’ve tested several models and listed the best laser cutters below.