1. Best Overall: Thunder Laser Nova 24 (80W CO₂)

✅ Type: CO₂ Laser
✅ Power: 80W (upgradeable to 100W)
✅ Work Area: 24" x 16"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, MDF
✅ Cutting Depth:

• Plywood: 15mm

• Acrylic: 10mm
  ✅ Price: ~$8,500

Why It’s Great?
✔ Perfect balance of power & workspace size
✔ High-speed cutting (500mm/s)
✔ Excellent airflow for clean cuts
✔ Ideal for small businesses & serious hobbyists

Best For: Those who want professional results without industrial-sized machines.

2. Best Budget CO₂ Laser: OMTech 60W (DF0812-60BG)

✅ Type: CO₂ Laser
✅ Power: 60W
✅ Work Area: 12" x 8"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, rubber
✅ Cutting Depth:

• Plywood: 12mm

• Acrylic: 8mm
  ✅ Price: ~$3,500

Why It’s Great?
✔ Most affordable true CO₂ laser
✔ Built-in air assist (reduces burning)
✔ Great starter machine for small projects

Best For: Beginners who want real CO₂ power on a budget.

3. Best for Safety & Simplicity: Glowforge Pro (45W CO₂)

✅ Type: CO₂ Laser
✅ Power: 45W
✅ Work Area: 11" x 19.5"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, fabric
✅ Cutting Depth:

• Plywood: 6mm

• Engraving: Ultra-fine detail
  ✅ Price: ~$6,995

Why It’s Great?
✔ Fully enclosed & safe for home use
✔ Cloud-based software (easy for beginners)
✔ Pro Passthrough for longer materials

Best For: Home crafters who prioritize safety & ease of use.

4. Best for Metal Engraving: xTool F1 (10W IR + 2W Diode)

✅ Type: Infrared + Blue Diode Laser
✅ Power: 10W (IR) + 2W (Blue)
✅ Work Area: 12" x 12"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, bare metal engraving
✅ Cutting Depth:

• Plywood: 5mm (multiple passes)

• Metal: Engraving only
  ✅ Price: ~$1,499

Why It’s Great?
✔ Only budget laser that engraves bare metal
✔ Compact & portable (fits in small spaces)
✔ Safe enclosed design

Best For: Jewelry makers & metal engravers.

5. Best Large-Format Option: Boss Laser LS-1416 (100W CO₂)

✅ Type: CO₂ Laser
✅ Power: 100W
✅ Work Area: 36" x 24"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, rubber
✅ Cutting Depth:

• Plywood: 18mm

• Acrylic: 12mm
  ✅ Price: ~$15,000

Why It’s Great?
✔ Huge workspace for big projects
✔ Industrial-grade precision
✔ Great for small-batch production

Best For: Advanced hobbyists & small businesses needing a large cutting area.

🔍 How to Choose the Right Laser Cutter

1. Determine Your Needs

• Hobbyist? → 40W-60W CO₂ or diode laser

• Small business? → 80W-100W CO₂

• Metal engraving? → Fiber or IR diode laser

2. Consider Workspace Size

• Small (12"x12") → Jewelry, small signs

• Medium (24"x16") → Furniture inlays, decor

• Large (36"x24") → Big signage, panels

3. Budget vs. Power

💡 Best Laser Cutter Applications

✔ Woodworking (signs, puzzles, furniture)
✔ Acrylic Crafts (jewelry, displays)
✔ Leather Goods (wallets, bags)
✔ Metal Engraving (jewelry, tools)

🏅 Final Verdict: Best for Your Needs

• Beginner? → OMTech 60W (~$3.5K)

• Safety First? → Glowforge Pro (~$7K)

• Metal Engraving? → xTool F1 (~$1.5K)

• Pro-Level Power? → Thunder Nova 24 (~$8.5K)

• Large Projects? → Boss LS-1416 (~$15K)