As we head into late 2025, metal laser engraving continues to boom for custom work like jewelry, tools, and industrial tags. Diode and CO2 lasers fall short on bare metals, but fiber and MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) lasers deliver precise, deep etches on stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and more—without coatings. Based on hands-on tests from experts at Hobby Laser Cutters, TechRadar, CNET, and YouTube reviewers who've run real-world jobs (engraving tumblers, cutting thin sheets, and color-marking titanium), we've ranked the top 7. Criteria: 20-60W power for depth, 100x100mm+ areas, speeds over 10,000mm/s, prices under $5,000, and proven reliability from 2024-2025 benchmarks. These machines shine for small businesses and home setups, with user feedback highlighting ease and ROI.

1. xTool F1 Ultra

Overview

Tested as a hybrid beast by CNET and YouTube pros, the F1 Ultra blends fiber for metal mastery with diode for versatility. It aced 3D carvings on steel and color etches on titanium in under 2 minutes per piece.

Key Specs

• Power: 20W fiber + 20W diode
• Engraving Area: 220 x 220 mm
• Speed: Up to 10,000 mm/s
• Price: $3,649

Pros

• Dual setup etches metals deeply (up to 2mm) and handles wood/plastics.
• 16MP camera auto-aligns batches; conveyor-ready for production.
• LightBurn compatible; enclosed for safety.

Cons

• Premium price; enclosure bulks it up slightly.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

In CNET's trials, it etched stainless steel flawlessly, outperforming pure diodes on raw metal. Ideal for Etsy jewelers scaling to 50+ pieces daily.

2. ComMarker B4

Overview

Hobby Laser Cutters' gateway fiber pick, the B4 crushed deep 3D engravings on brass and rust removal on tools in 2024 tests. YouTube reviewer "Laser Everything" called it "insane value" for tumblers and jewelry.

Key Specs

• Power: 20W MOPA fiber
• Engraving Area: 110 x 110 mm (upgradable to 200 x 200 mm)
• Speed: Up to 15,000 mm/s
• Price: $1,999

Pros

• MOPA tech for color marks on stainless and grays on aluminum.
• Portable (under 10kg); includes rotary and foot switch.
• Beginner-friendly with EZCAD/LightBurn.

Cons

• No native autofocus (manual adjust needed).

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

Ablated 1mm deep on steel in one pass per tests; etched photos on metals without distortion. Perfect for home-based custom gifts under $2K.

3. ComMarker B6

Overview

An upgraded B4 with autofocus, the B6 excelled in split-mode tests for curved metals like rings, per Hobby Laser Cutters. Users on X praised its quick setup for small shops.

Key Specs

• Power: 20-30W MOPA fiber
• Engraving Area: 150 x 150 mm
• Speed: Up to 15,000 mm/s
• Price: $2,299

Pros

• Auto-focus speeds up jobs; versatile lenses included.
• Deep 3D effects on titanium; leather/plastic bonus.
• Compact frame for desk use.

Cons

• Lens swaps for larger areas add time.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

2025 reviews showed 0.01mm precision on aluminum; color-varied stainless in 30 seconds. Great for mobile engravers at craft fairs.

4. Monport GA60

Overview

The "big surprise" of 2024 per Hobby Laser Cutters, this MOPA unit nailed sturdy, calibrated etches on stone-adjacent metals. Tom's Hardware tests confirmed deep cuts on 1mm sheets.

Key Specs

• Power: 60W MOPA fiber
• Engraving Area: 150 x 150 mm
• Speed: Up to 10,000 mm/s
• Price: $2,799

Pros

• Rotatable column collapses for storage; auto-focus shines.
• High power for thin metal cuts; 100,000-hour diode life.
• Out-of-box calibration minimizes tweaks.

Cons

• Heavier (20kg) than portables.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

Etched 3mm deep on brass in benchmarks; rust-free on tools. Suited for garage workshops handling industrial tags.

5. Gweike Cloud G2

Overview

TechRadar's portable fiber champ, the G2 zipped through 15,000mm/s tests on copper, outpacing rivals. Handheld mode wowed for on-site metal personalization.

Key Specs

• Power: 20W fiber
• Engraving Area: 120 x 120 mm (extendable)
• Speed: Up to 15,000 mm/s
• Price: $1,899

Pros

• Ultra-portable (2kg); app/Wi-Fi control.
• Precise on chrome/brass; rotary for cylinders.
• Affordable entry to pro fiber.

Cons

• Smaller base area limits flats.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

Sliced 0.5mm aluminum sheets cleanly; color-marked titanium vibrantly. Ideal for traveling small biz owners.

6. Cloudray Neo 60

Overview

YouTube's "best for metal" from Machines for Makers, the Neo 60 powered through 60W deep engraves on steel in 2025 trials, edging out competitors in speed-depth balance.

Key Specs

• Power: 60W fiber
• Engraving Area: 150 x 150 mm
• Speed: Up to 20,000 mm/s
• Price: $3,199

Pros

• High wattage for 5mm+ depths; galvo for speed.
• UV-resistant enclosure; LightBurn ready.
• Cuts thin metals like butter.

Cons

• Steeper learning for galvo software.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

Benched 2x faster than 30W models on stainless; 3D effects popped on zinc. For fabricators needing volume.

7. OMTech Galvo 20W

Overview

OMTech's budget metal specialist, reviewed as "tidy and reliable" on Reddit and CNET. It handled 20W etches on coated metals flawlessly in entry-level tests.

Key Specs

• Power: 20W fiber
• Engraving Area: 110 x 110 mm
• Speed: Up to 10,000 mm/s
• Price: $1,499

Pros

• Rewired for safety; compact galvo design.
• Great for plastics too; rotary included.
• Lowest entry price for fiber.

Cons

• Basic software; upgrades needed for power users.

Why It Works on Metal (Tested)

Etched glass-like on aluminum per 2025 reviews; doubled output for startups. Best starter for home hobbyists dipping into metal.

Model	Power	Engraving Area (mm)	Max Speed (mm/s)	Price	Best For (Tested Strength)
xTool F1 Ultra	20W Fiber + Diode	220 x 220	10,000	$3,649	Versatile 3D metal carving
ComMarker B4	20W MOPA	110 x 110 (up to 200)	15,000	$1,999	Budget color marking
ComMarker B6	20-30W MOPA	150 x 150	15,000	$2,299	Auto-focus curved etches
Monport GA60	60W MOPA	150 x 150	10,000	$2,799	Deep industrial cuts
Gweike Cloud G2	20W Fiber	120 x 120	15,000	$1,899	Portable speed engraving
Cloudray Neo 60	60W Fiber	150 x 150	20,000	$3,199	High-volume depth work
OMTech Galvo 20W	20W Fiber	110 x 110	10,000	$1,499	Entry-level reliability

Conclusion

These seven fiber-focused engravers proved their metal mettle in 2025 tests—prioritize MOPA for colors (ComMarker duo) or high-wattage for cuts (Monport/Cloudray). Start with the OMTech for budgets or xTool for all-in-one. Pair with ventilation and safety glasses; real users report 2-3x faster workflows on metal jobs. Etch your niche and thrive!