As we enter 2026, laser engraving on wood continues to thrive for crafters, small businesses, and professionals. From personalized signs and decor to intricate furniture accents, the right machine delivers clean cuts, deep engravings, and high contrast on materials like plywood, basswood, cherry, and walnut. Leading brands like xTool, Glowforge, and OMTech dominate, with strong competition from Sculpfun, Atomstack, and Flux.

Top Brands Overview

xTool: Innovation Leader

xTool leads in 2026 with versatile, user-friendly machines blending power and features. Their CO2 lineup excels at thick wood cutting, while diode and hybrid models offer portability and multi-material capability.

• Standout Models: xTool P3 (high-end 80W CO2 for large projects), P2/P2S (55W desktop powerhouse), F1 Ultra (dual diode/fiber for detailed wood and metals), S1 (enclosed 40W diode rivaling CO2 cuts).
• Why Great for Wood: Superior cutting depth (up to 20mm+ on CO2), clean edges, and fast speeds. Excellent software (xTool Creative Space) with AI tools emerging.
• Best For: Small businesses and hobbyists scaling up.

Glowforge: User-Friendly Premium

Glowforge remains a favorite for ease of use, despite 2025 restructuring (co-founders reacquired assets). Their cloud-based app and HD models deliver reliable performance.

• Standout Models: Pro HD (45W CO2), Plus HD (40W), Aura/Spark (entry-level diode).
• Why Great for Wood: Strong on engraving and cutting thinner woods/ac acrylics, with intuitive design tools.
• Best For: Beginners and crafters prioritizing simplicity.
• Note: Internet-required operation and higher pricing are drawbacks.

OMTech: Value Champion

OMTech offers robust, affordable CO2 machines with professional features, often at lower prices than competitors.

• Standout Models: Polar/Polar+ (50-55W desktop), higher-power options like 100W+ for industrial use.
• Why Great for Wood: Excellent thick cutting, large work areas, and accessories included.
• Best For: Budget-conscious users needing power without premium pricing.

Other Strong Contenders

• Sculpfun: Affordable open-frame diodes (e.g., SF-A9, S70 Max) for detailed wood engraving.
• Atomstack: Reliable enclosed/options for hobbyists.
• Flux (Beamo): Compact CO2 for smaller spaces.

Quick Brand Comparison for Wood Work

Tips for Stunning Wood Results in 2026

• Wood Choices: Basswood for light contrast, walnut for dark burns, plywood for projects.
• Settings: Use air assist for cleaner cuts; test grids for optimal power/speed.
• Trends: Dual-laser machines (like xTool F1 Ultra) for wood + metal combos; AI design tools speeding workflows.

Whether you're a beginner or pro, 2026 offers incredible options. xTool edges out for overall innovation and wood performance, but match your budget and needs—happy engraving!