In 2025, desktop laser cutters have become increasingly popular among hobbyists and small business owners, offering high precision and versatility for various crafting and small projects. Below are some top-rated desktop laser cutters suitable for home crafting and small projects:

Glowforge Aura

• Price: $1,199, currently on sale at Best Buy for $999
• Features: Equipped with a low-power laser, it has a footprint of 39" × 25" × 10" and is designed to cut and engrave typical craft materials like paper, thin wood, faux vinyl, and leather. It is simple and intuitive to use, with a compact design that saves space. Its cloud-based interface allows users to easily operate it via a web browser, eliminating the need for additional software installation. The integrated internal camera enables users to monitor the cutting and engraving process in real time. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including JPG, PNG, SVG, and PDF, making it convenient for users to import and export designs.
• Advantages: Compact size, user-friendly interface, suitable for beginners. Excellent performance on paper, thin wood, and other craft materials, capable of creating intricate designs and patterns.
• Disadvantages: The laser power is relatively low, limiting its ability to cut thicker materials. The aura filter is loud and expensive.

xTool P2 55W Hybrid Laser System

• Price: Around $4,200
• Features: Combines a 55W CO₂ laser and diode laser, offering excellent performance for both precision engraving and heavy-duty cutting. Its work area is 518 × 305mm, and it comes with a versatile accessory kit supporting the cutting of extra-long materials (up to 3 meters) and engraving curved objects like tumblers and glasses. It also includes AI-powered software for design adjustments and optimized cutting paths.
• Advantages: High power and versatility, capable of cutting a wide range of materials including wood, acrylic, glass, and transparent surfaces. The built-in alignment camera ensures accurate positioning, and the included fire prevention system enhances safety.
• Disadvantages: Its massive footprint and relatively high price may not be suitable for users with limited space or a tight budget.

OMTech Polar+

• Price: $2,799
• Features: Features a 55W CO₂ laser, a large work area of 640 × 430mm, and comes with a variety of accessories. It supports automatic focusing and has a user-friendly interface.
• Advantages: Combines professional-grade features with a significantly lower price point. It delivers excellent value for money and is suitable for both home users and small businesses.
• Disadvantages: The software may not be as intuitive as some other models, and setup requires some technical knowledge.

AtomStack A5 M50 Pro

• Price: Around $1,500
• Features: Equipped with a 5.5W laser and a 410 × 400mm engraving area, it can engrave materials like wood, plastic, leather, PCB, and certain types of metal. It can also cut through light wood, cardboard, acrylics, and thin plastic boards. It is made of all-aluminum alloy, lightweight, and compact, making it ideal for portable use or users without a permanent workspace. It supports multiple software options and input file formats, allowing users to connect to a PC via USB and start using it right out of the box. It also features a fixed-focus laser, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, it can be controlled via the AtomStack smartphone app over Wi-Fi or via the terminal interface for offline operation, with a red emergency stop button for safety.
• Advantages: Affordable, compact and lightweight, portable, compatible with various software and file formats, easy to operate, and suitable for a range of craft jobs. The compression laser can reduce the focus area to 0.08 × 0.08mm for precise engraving, and it can cut materials up to 15mm thick.
• Disadvantages: None notable at present.

Pergear LaserStorm S5 Laser Engraver

• Price: Under $2,000
• Features: Despite its relatively lower laser power compared to other machines, it excels as an engraver. The compact machine is easy to use for craft projects involving wood, plastic, leather, and other materials. It supports software such as LaserGRBL, LightBurn, and Mac systems. Constructed from all-aluminum alloy anodized material, it ensures durability and can complete tasks within 10–20 minutes.
• Advantages: Compact design, suitable for craft projects. Supports multiple software options, offering users greater flexibility.
• Disadvantages: Average laser power may limit its cutting capabilities for thicker materials.

xTool M1

• Price: Around $1,000
• Features: The xTool M1 is a 3-in-1 desktop hybrid laser and blade cutting machine. It integrates laser engraving, laser cutting, and blade cutting. With a 16MP high-resolution camera, it can auto-focus and visually process materials, making it easy to start creating in just three simple steps. It supports over 300 materials, including vinyl, metal, leather, wood, paper, PVC, fabric, iron-on, cardboard, felt, ceramics, and plastic. Its True 5W laser output power can cut 6mm wood in one pass, thanks to its compressed spot technology. It also has a Class I FDA safety rating, with a viewing cover that filters blue light to protect eyes and a built-in fan with exhaust pipe to quickly blow away and discharge smoke.
• Advantages: Multi-functional, capable of handling various materials. Compact size, easy to use, and highly suitable for small gifts and craft projects.
• Disadvantages: Not compatible with LightBurn.

When selecting a desktop laser cutter for home crafting and small projects, it is important to consider factors such as the type of materials you need to process, the required precision, and your budget. The above-recommended laser cutters each have their own strengths and can meet the needs of different users. For beginners, the Glowforge Aura and AtomStack A5 M50 Pro are excellent choices due to their user-friendly features and affordable prices. If you need higher power and versatility, the xTool P2 and OMTech Polar+ would be more suitable. The Pergear LaserStorm S5 and xTool M1 are also worth considering for their compact size and portability.