The Glowforge Pro has long been the gold standard for user-friendly CO2 laser cutters, but at $6,000+, its cloud dependency, limited speed (around 142 mm/s), and proprietary ecosystem leave many makers frustrated. In 2025, the market has exploded with alternatives that deliver superior power, offline operation, larger workspaces, and innovative features like curved-surface engraving—all under $2000. These machines aren't just cheaper; they're faster, more versatile, and often include pro-level add-ons like rotaries and conveyors that Glowforge charges extra for (or doesn't offer at all). Whether you're engraving acrylic signs, cutting plywood furniture, or batch-processing custom tumblers, here's our roundup of the best Glowforge Pro killers that punch way above their price.

1. xTool P2 55W CO2 – Best Overall for Power and Precision

• Price: ~$1,999 (frequently on sale under $1,800 with bundles including rotary and enclosure)
• Laser Type: 55W sealed CO2 tube (10W more than Glowforge Pro's 45W optical)
• Work Area: 26" × 14" (660 × 355 mm) with passthrough up to 118" long via optional conveyor
• Key Features: Dual 16MP HD cameras for real-time previews and auto-alignment; curved-surface engraving for bowls and bottles; LiDAR autofocus; 600 mm/s engraving speed (4x faster than Glowforge); batch processing for unlimited sheets; built-in air assist and HEPA filtration.

Why it beats Glowforge: The P2's higher wattage cuts 20mm acrylic and 18mm walnut in one pass—double what the Pro manages—while its offline LightBurn compatibility frees you from WiFi woes. Unlike Glowforge's plastic build, the P2's steel frame handles heavy production, and curved engraving opens doors to 3D projects Glowforge can't touch. Pros include seamless rotary integration (included in bundles) and expandable height up to 8.5" with a riser. Cons: Conveyor is $700 extra, though still cheaper than Glowforge's ecosystem lock-in.

2. OMTech Polar 350 50W CO2 – Best Value with Built-In Essentials

• Price: ~$1,499–$1,699 (includes rotary, exhaust fan, and water chiller)
• Laser Type: 50W CO2 tube
• Work Area: 20" × 12" (510 × 300 mm) with passthrough for unlimited length
• Key Features: 600 mm/s max speed; software-controlled Z-axis for easy focusing; integrated air assist and cooling; LightBurn/Ruida support; rotary for cylindrical engraving; front/back doors for easy access.

Why it beats Glowforge: At half the price, the Polar delivers comparable power but with offline control, a built-in chiller (Glowforge requires add-ons), and a passthrough that handles 20"-wide sheets without hacks. It's 4x faster on engravings and includes a rotary out of the box—perfect for tumblers—while Glowforge's proprietary parts make repairs a nightmare. The sturdy metal chassis outperforms Glowforge's plastic in durability, and US-based support is responsive. Cons: No built-in cameras (add a webcam for $50), and autofocus requires manual tweaks.

3. Gweike Cloud 45W CO2 – Best for Beginners with Smart Automation

• Price: ~$1,299 (bundles with enclosure and air assist under $1,500)
• Laser Type: 45W CO2 tube (matches Glowforge's power but with better efficiency)
• Work Area: 20" × 12" (510 × 300 mm) with passthrough slot
• Key Features: Auto-focus camera; 500 mm/s speed; enclosed design with lid sensor; app-based controls (offline mode available); compatible with LightBurn; optional rotary and conveyor.

Why it beats Glowforge: The Cloud's true CO2 performance cuts thicker materials (up to 15mm plywood) at speeds Glowforge can't match, plus its enclosed Class 1 safety and auto-focus make it idiot-proof for newbies—without the cloud mandate. Expandable to 80W later, it's future-proof, and the passthrough supports long banners or furniture parts. Pros: Compact footprint and quiet operation. Cons: Software is solid but less polished than xTool's; no curved engraving native.

4. Longer Laser B1 48W Diode – Best Budget Powerhouse for Speed Demons

• Price: ~$1,599 (with enclosure, rotary, and air assist)
• Laser Type: 48W diode (8-beam array for uniform output)
• Work Area: 17.7" × 17.3" (450 × 440 mm), expandable to 36" with extension kit
• Key Features: 30,000 mm/s cutting speed (insane for wood); built-in camera and air pump; LightBurn compatible; galvo-like beam grouping for pro engravings; smoke extraction included.

Why it beats Glowforge: While diode-based, the B1's raw speed obliterates Glowforge on wood and leather (25mm basswood in one pass), and its massive area handles bulk jobs without passthrough hacks. Offline operation and upgrade paths to 66W add longevity Glowforge lacks. It's a beast for non-acrylic work, with uniform marks on coated metals. Pros: Quiet and rigid frame; easy lens swaps for thick cuts. Cons: Diode limits clear acrylic cutting (use spray for metals); no native CO2 versatility.

5. Monport 40W CO2 – Best for Expandable Upgrades

• Price: ~$1,199 (desktop model with passthrough and rotary bundle)
• Laser Type: 40W CO2 tube
• Work Area: 16" × 12" (400 × 300 mm) with passthrough
• Key Features: User-replaceable tube (up to 60W); 400 mm/s speed; LightBurn support; air assist; modular add-ons like chiller and exhaust.

Why it beats Glowforge: Fully upgradable parts (no proprietary lock-in) and offline use make it a reliable workhorse, cutting 12mm acrylic cleanly at a fraction of Glowforge's cost. The passthrough and rotary enable jewelry-to-signage versatility. Pros: Excellent value and community support. Cons: Slower than 50W+ rivals; basic camera (no HD previews).

Honorable Mentions

• Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W Diode (~$1,099): Huge 31" × 33" area for banners; great for wood but skips CO2 acrylic prowess.
• Atomstack Hurricane 55W CO2 (~$1,799): Solid passthrough and power, but bulkier footprint.
• xTool S1 40W Diode (~$1,499): Enclosed safety with rotary; diode alternative for metal-focused shops.

Final Recommendations by Use Case

• Pro CO2 Power for Acrylic/Wood Shops → xTool P2 (unmatched speed and cameras for batch jobs).
• Budget All-Rounder with Passthrough → OMTech Polar 350 (includes everything, future-proof).
• Beginner-Friendly Enclosed CO2 → Gweike Cloud (auto-focus without the learning curve).
• Ultra-Fast Wood/Metal Hybrid → Longer B1 (speed king for high-volume).
• Upgradable Starter → Monport 40W (grow without replacing the machine).

In 2025, ditching Glowforge means gaining freedom, speed, and savings. These alternatives aren't compromises—they're upgrades that let you scale from hobbyist coasters to small-business empires. Ready to laser up? Start with LightBurn software (universal across all) and dive in.