I remember the first laser engraver I bought for my shop. It seemed perfect—on paper. Affordable, sleek, and packed with features. But within a month, it overheated, misaligned cuts, and ruined more material than I could afford to waste. I had chosen the wrong machine, and it cost me.

That mistake led me to spend years testing and researching laser engravers for small businesses. I’ve worked with machine dealers, repairers, and workshop owners to understand what truly matters—durability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.

If you’re here, you’re probably trying to find the right engraver without making the same expensive mistake. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 of the best laser engravers for small businesses.

You’ll learn about their performance, price, and what they’re best suited for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick the right machine—without regrets.

So let’s get started!

Quick Comparison Chart

Choosing the right laser engraver can be hard, especially with so many features to consider. This chart gives you a side-by-side look at key details—so you can compare size, power, and performance at a glance. Use it to spot what matters most to your work.

1. xTool P2 CO₂ Laser Cutter

When I first saw the xTool P2 in action, I was impressed. It cut clean lines through thick acrylic like it was slicing butter. I’ve tested many machines over the years, and this one stood out for small business use—especially if you’re just getting started.

If you need a beginner-friendly machine that handles wood, acrylic, and even leather with speed and accuracy, the xTool P2 is worth a serious look.

Key Features

• 55W CO₂ laser (great for cutting and engraving)
• Dual 16MP cameras help with auto-positioning your design
• Smart air assist and autofocus, so you don’t need to fuss with manual adjustments

These features are helpful if you’re not a tech expert. The cameras, especially, are a big time-saver. They scan your material and place your design right where it should go.

Work Area & Materials

The work area is 600mm × 308mm. That’s large enough for signs, wall art, and custom products.

You can cut:

• Wood
• Acrylic (up to 18mm thick in one pass—source: xTool official specs)
• Leather
• Paper
• Rubber

Software & Control

The machine works with xTool Creative Space and LightBurn. Both are beginner-friendly. LightBurn gives you more control if you’re ready to explore advanced features.

I like that you can run this on a laptop with no fancy system setup. It’s approachable—even if you’re new.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ Easy setup ✅ Great for signage, décor, and gifts ✅ Clean, consistent cuts

Cons ❌ Not built for heavy factory production ❌ A bit large if space is tight

Why Should You Buy It?

If you’re running a small craft business, furniture shop, or sign-making studio, this could be your go-to laser. It’s fast, clean, and doesn’t take weeks to learn.

However, if you need a machine for high-volume production or factory-level output, this might not be enough power or speed for your needs.

2. OMTech 60W CO₂ Laser Engraver (AF2028-60)

When I helped a friend launch his custom signage shop, he didn’t want a hobby machine—but he couldn’t go industrial either. You might be in that same spot. If so, the OMTech 60W CO₂ laser could be right for you.

This machine gives you solid power, consistent results, and more flexibility than most mid-range options. If you’re running jobs daily, it can keep up.

Key Features

• A 60W CO₂ laser that handles both engraving and cutting
• A motorized Z-axis table, so you can move the bed up and down without manual cranking
• A red dot pointer to help you place your designs accurately
• A Ruida digital controller, which gives you precise control and lets you run jobs offline

Work Area & Materials

The work area is 500mm × 700mm. That’s enough space for signs, panels, or multiple small parts at once.

• Cut: wood, acrylic, leather, rubber
• Mark: coated metal, glass, stone (source: OMTech official specs)

Software & Control

You can run jobs using LightBurn or RDWorks. I recommend LightBurn if you’re new—it’s easier to learn.

With the onboard LCD panel, you can work offline using a USB stick. No need to stay plugged into your computer.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ Strong power for the price ✅ Easy software compatibility ✅ Stable, all-metal frame

Cons ❌ Not portable—takes up a good chunk of space ❌ You’ll need to learn mirror alignment and CO₂ tube care

Why Should You Buy It?

If you want a reliable laser for your shop and you’re working on a budget, this one’s a smart choice. However, you’ll need to be hands-on. Cleaning mirrors and maintaining the laser tube is part of owning a CO₂ machine.

3. Blue Elephant 1390 CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine

I’ve seen a lot of laser machines come and go in small shops. Some start strong but wear out fast. Others need constant tweaking just to stay accurate. But when I visited a factory using the Blue Elephant 1390, I saw a different story. The machine was running non-stop—clean cuts, smooth engravings, no drama.

If you’re running a serious business and want something that lasts, this machine was built for that.

Key Features

• A heavy-duty steel frame that keeps things stable, even at high speed
• Optional rotary attachment, great if you want to engrave on bottles or cylinders
• Auto-feeding system for longer runs
• Stable linear guides for smooth, precise movement
• High-speed performance that doesn’t lose accuracy

Work Area & Materials

The work area is 1300mm × 900mm. That gives you space to work on furniture panels, large acrylic sheets, and production runs.

You can cut and engrave:

• Wood
• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
• Acrylic
• Leather
• Paper

Software & Control

You can run it with RDWorks, LightBurn, or even CorelDraw. That gives you freedom to choose the software that fits your workflow.

It supports both vector engraving (for outlines and cut paths) and raster engraving (for shading and pictures). You don’t need extra tools or plugins—it integrates smoothly with design software.

Pros and Cons

✅ Built for nonstop work

✅ Precise and clean cuts every time

✅ Reliable customer service and tech support

Cons ❌ Larger footprint—make sure you have enough space in your workshop

Why Should You Buy It?

If you’re building a business and need something that won’t slow you down, the Blue Elephant 1390 is a solid choice. It’s strong, fast, and built to last through years of production.

4. Glowforge Plus Laser Cutter

The first time I tried the Glowforge Plus, I didn’t even read the manual. I plugged it in, connected it to Wi-Fi, dropped in a piece of plywood—and within 30 minutes, I had a finished sign. If you’re a creative person who wants something simple and clean, this machine is made for you.

You don’t need to know much about laser settings or software. The Glowforge handles most of that for you.

Key Features

• 40W CO₂ laser—good for cutting and engraving soft to medium materials
• Autofocus so you don’t have to adjust height settings manually
• Built-in alignment camera that shows you exactly where your design will land
• A compact, enclosed design that fits on a desktop
• Built-in ventilation system to reduce smoke and fumes

Work Area & Materials

The work area is 515mm × 280mm. That’s smaller than most industrial lasers, but it’s enough for:

• Custom signs
• Jewelry
• Leather patches
• Greeting cards
• Small product packaging

Software & Control

Glowforge uses a cloud-based app. You upload your designs online and control the machine through your browser.It’s easy to use. Just drag and drop your design.

But here’s the catch: You need an internet connection. No offline option, which can be a deal-breaker for some.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ Clean, enclosed design ✅ Super easy to learn ✅ Great for custom gifts and crafts

Cons ❌ Needs the internet to work ❌ Not made for thick materials or factory use

Why Should You Buy It?

If you’re a hobbyist, teacher, or small business owner making gifts or signage, Glowforge Plus could be a great fit. You’ll get fast setup, simple controls, and a clean design that works right from your desktop. However, if you need offline access or plan to cut thicker, tougher materials, you might feel limited.

5. xTool D1 Pro 10W Diode Laser

If you’ve been thinking about trying laser engraving but don’t want to spend too much, the xTool D1 Pro 10W is a solid place to start. I’ve seen beginners use it to make everything from keychains to leather patches. It’s compact, budget-friendly, and easy to work with.

You don’t need a big workshop or a technical background to get going.

Key Features

• A 10W diode laser, which is good for engraving and light cutting
• Steel linear rails for high precision and smoother motion
• A simple open-frame design—easy to access your material
• Optional rotary module, great for customizing cups, tumblers, and other round items

Work Area & Materials

You get a 430mm × 390mm workspace. That’s enough room for small signs, craft pieces, or multiple items at once.

It works well on:

• Wood
• Leather
• Paper
• Stainless steel (for marking, not cutting)

Software & Control

You can use LightBurn or xTool Creative Space. Both are user-friendly. LightBurn gives you more control if you want to design or adjust settings in detail.

It uses manual focus, so you’ll adjust the height yourself. It sounds tricky, but once you do it a few times, it’s pretty simple.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ Lightweight and portable ✅ Good value for hobby use or small custom jobs ✅ Compatible with common design software

Cons ❌ Open frame means no built-in safety enclosure ❌ Not strong enough for thick or dense cutting

Why Should You Buy It?

If you want a simple, affordable laser for light-duty engraving, the xTool D1 Pro 10W could be a great fit. You’ll be able to create custom designs on wood, leather, and more—without a steep learning curve. However, if you need serious cutting power or plan to run it every day for high-volume jobs, you’ll probably outgrow it fast.

6. Epilog Zing 24 Laser Cutter

If you care about clean lines, crisp logos, and fine engraving, the Epilog Zing 24 might catch your eye. I’ve seen it used in small engraving shops, especially for custom awards and detailed promotional items. It’s reliable, accurate, and backed by a company with a long history in the U.S.

You’ll pay more for it—but you’ll get peace of mind.

Key Features

• CO₂ laser power options from 30W to 50W, depending on how deep or fast you want to cut
• Both vector (outline) and raster (shading) engraving modes
• A solid steel frame that keeps the machine stable for years
• Low vibration movement system that keeps your cuts smooth and precise

Work Area & Materials

The work area is 610mm × 305mm. That gives you space to handle plaques, award plates, leather pieces, and custom gifts.

It works well on:

• Wood
• Acrylic
• Rubber
• Fabric
• Plastics

Software & Control

You’ll use Epilog Dashboard to manage your jobs. It works well with design software like CorelDraw, Illustrator, and AutoCAD.

The setup is plug-and-play. You design, send it over, and start engraving—it’s that simple.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ High-quality, sharp engraving results ✅ Excellent U.S.-based support and training ✅ Long-lasting and durable

Cons ❌ Costs more than most small-business lasers ❌ Support is best if you’re in the U.S.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you’re focused on detailed engraving and want a machine that performs consistently, the Epilog Zing 24 is worth considering. You’ll get great results, solid support, and a tool that can grow with your shop. However, the price may be too steep if you’re just starting out or looking at your budget.

7. Monport 80W CO₂ Laser Engraver

If you’re cutting thicker materials or working on big projects, the Monport 80W might be the powerhouse you need. I helped a small rental shop install one last year, and they’ve been running it almost every day since. It’s fast, strong, and surprisingly affordable for what it offers.

You’ll notice the difference right away—deeper cuts, smoother edges, and faster job times.

Key Features

• A strong 80W CO₂ laser tube
• Motorized Z-axis to adjust bed height automatically
• Adjustable honeycomb table for better airflow and material support
• Comes with air pump, exhaust fan, and water cooling system already included

Work Area & Materials

You get a 500mm × 700mm workspace. That’s enough for furniture panels, signs, or batch production.

You can work with:

• Wood
• MDF (a type of engineered wood)
• Leather
• Paper
• Acrylic
• Rubber

Software & Control

The Monport supports LightBurn and RDWorks. Both are great for design and control. LightBurn is more beginner-friendly.

You also get a Ruida control panel, which is one of the most popular laser controllers out there. You can even run jobs offline via USB, which adds flexibility.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅ Strong laser power for deep, fast cuts ✅ Comes with key accessories—no need to buy extras ✅ Great value in its class

Cons ❌ Takes up floor space ❌ Learning curve is a bit steeper for beginners

Why Should You Buy It?

If you’re a rental shop, small manufacturer, or serious workshop user, the Monport 80W gives you strength and speed without breaking your budget. You’ll be able to cut deeper, finish jobs faster, and take on bigger projects. However, if you’re tight on space or working from home, the size and setup may feel overwhelming.

Conclusion

Remember that first machine that nearly ruined my materials? That one mistake sent me on a years-long search—and now you’ve got everything I learned in one place.

You’ve seen the top 7 laser engravers for small business. Each one has strength. Each one fits a different kind of maker.

Now it’s your turn.

What could your business look like with the right tool in your hands?

Contact us today so we can help you find the right fit.