Which is the Best Laser?
The xTool blew me away from the day I had it set up and running on my bench, but I also gave glowing reviews to the Gweike Cloud recently, and I have always said that the Glowforge was the laser that allowed my wife to start her laser business.
Which is the best really?
It’s hard to make a choice on your behalf, but as you can see below I managed to figure out who I would recommend should look at each one, and made a conclusion based on my experience.
Overall, the xTool P2, Glowforge, and Gweike Cloud are all powerful and versatile laser engravers that can be used for a variety of projects. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, your level of experience, and your budget.
Specifications Comparison
Feature | xTool P2 | Glowforge | Gweike Cloud |
---|---|---|---|
Laser tube | 55W CO2 | 45W CO2 | 50W CO2 |
Working area | 24 x 12 inches (495 x 279 mm) | 20 x 11 inches (500 x 300 mm) | 20.08 x 11.8 inches (510 x 300mm) |
Max cutting depth | 20 mm | 12 mm | 18 mm |
Max engraving speed | 600 mm/s | 5.58 inches per second (141.732 mm/s) | 500 mm/s |
Software | XCS/Lightburn | Glowforge Cloud | Gweike Cloud/LightBurn |
Price | $4,999 Check the Price | $4,995 to $6,995 Check the Price | $2,850 Check the Price |
THE BEST LASER CUTTER: xTool P2

The xTool P2 features a powerful 55W laser tube that can cut through thick materials in one pass. It also has a high engraving speed of up to 600mm/s. The machine also comes with two 16-megapixel cameras, a wide live preview of the entire working area, and a close-up focusing camera for a precise view of a particular area.
- Specifications:
- Engraving/cutting area: 600 x 308 mm (23.62 x 12.13 inches)
- Power: 55W CO2 laser
- Advantages:
- 55W – Powerful and fast
- Two cameras, one wide and one for close inspection
- Expandable workspace with riser and conveyor options
- Unique features such as engraving on curved surfaces and batch engraving
- Disadvantages:
- Most expensive when fully kitted out
- Slower camera view than Glowforge
- LightBurn is as yet at the time of writing not fully compatible
Check out the xTool P2 Laser Cutter at xTool
THE BEST LASER CUTTER FOR BEGINNERS: Glowforge Pro

The Glowforge is a great choice for anyone who wants to get started with laser engraving or cutting. It is easy to use and has a wide range of capabilities, designed for both hobbyists and professionals. It uses an up to 45-watt laser and has a decent capacity of 20×12 inches. The instructions, software, and features make it easy to use, such as autofocus and a built-in camera that allows you to see your design in real-time before you cut or engrave.
- Specifications:
- Engraving/cutting area: 49.5 x 27.9 cm (19.49 x 10.98 inches)
- Power: 45W
- Advantages:
- Capable and well-regarded laser cutter and engraver
- Easy to use with a huge community of support and designs available
- Camera for positioning and easy-to-use autofocus
- Disadvantages:
- Requires third-party inline fan for good ventilation
- The high price for the Pro, plus the advanced software is a monthly subscription
- Cloud-only software, no offline options
THE BEST LASER CUTTER ON A BUDGET: Gweike Cloud Pro

The Gweike Cloud laser engraver is a powerful and versatile machine due to its 50W laser tube that can cut through thick wood in one pass. It also has a large usable working area of 20 x 11 inches, making it suitable for a variety of projects.
- Specifications:
- Engraving/cutting area: 51 x 30 cm (20.08 x 11.81 inches)
- Power: 50W
- Advantages:
- Affordable price for the specification
- Capable 50w laser
- LightBurn compatibility (extra purchase)
- Disadvantages:
- Steep learning curve due to poor instructions
- No autofocus
- The camera does not work well as yet