Entry-level price no longer means entry-level features. In 2025 you can buy a sub-$1,000 laser engraver that ships with autofocus cameras, dual-beam modules, offline touchscreens, or even hybrid diode-plus-infrared sources ready for stainless steel. Below are the five machines that give you the most “extra” for the money, followed by a quick spec-decision matrix so you can see which bells & whistles actually matter for your workshop.

1. xTool F1 – Dual-Laser Pocket Rocket

Typical street price: $949

Why it’s beyond basic

• 10 W 450 nm diode + 2 W 1064 nm IR in one head; toggle in software.
• No-metal-prep marking on stainless, chrome, or anodized aluminum.
• Fully enclosed, 180 × 180 mm bed, 2 s autofocus camera, batch-jig mode.
• Wi-Fi & USB-C offline operation; safety interlock auto-pauses if lid opens.

Best for: Makers who want to engrave Yeti tumblers or iPhone cases out of the box without buying extra sprays or a fiber laser .

2. Ortur Laser Master 3 (20 W) – App-Controlled Workhorse

Street price: ≈ $899

Why it’s beyond basic

• Real 20 W optical output, 20,000 mm/min engraving, 15 mm basswood in one pass.
• LU2-4 camera module for live “what-you-see-is-what-you-burn” framing.
• Auto-focus z-axis, crash-protection limit switches, dynamic-power ramping.
• Bluetooth & Wi-Fi built-in; start jobs from the Ortur App while you sip coffee.

Best for: Users who hate laptop tethering and need raw cutting muscle .

3. Sculpfun S30 Ultra 16 W – Speed & Silence

Street price: ≈ $749

Why it’s beyond basic

• 40,000 mm/min raster speed—twice as fast as most competitors.
• 0.08 × 0.1 mm compressed spot for photo-real detail on wood or leather.
• Linear rails on every axis, steel-core belts, and TMC2209 silent steppers.
• Modular air-assist nozzle and removable aluminum side panels included.

Best for: High-volume Etsy sellers who need fast, quiet, fine engraving .

4. ATEZR P20 Plus – Touchscreen Production Center

Street price: ≈ $849

Why it’s beyond basic

• Quad-diode 20 W source, 24,800 mm/min, 15 mm wood cut in one pass.
• 4.3″ color touchscreen with built-on g-code library—run jobs without a PC.
• Wi-Fi, TF-card, and mobile-app workflow; resume after power loss.
• Optional 400 × 400 mm extension kit and rotary chuck for tumblers.

Best for: Small-batch factories that want a standalone “appliance” feel .

5. OMTech 40 W CO₂ – Glass & Acrylic Specialist

Street price: $999

Why it’s beyond basic

• True 40 W CO₂ tube engraves glass, mirrors, and clear acrylic—jobs no diode can touch.
• Reci tube, Ruida controller, LightBurn-ready, water chiller, and air-assist included.
• 300 × 200 mm work table with pass-through slot for longer signs.

Best for: Mixed-material shops that need polished acrylic edges or glass gifts .

What “Extra” Features Actually Matter?

Quick Pick Guide

• Need metal & wood in the smallest footprint? → xTool F1
• Want max power plus wireless control? → Ortur Laser Master 3
• Detail-obsessed and hate noise? → Sculpfun S30 Ultra
• Prefer a tablet-style, PC-free workflow? → ATEZR P20 Plus
• Must engrave glass or cut clear acrylic? → OMTech 40 W CO₂

Accessories You’ll Still Want

1. Air-assist pump (~ $50) – cleaner cuts, longer lens life.
2. Laser-safe enclosure or goggles – mandatory for open-frame units.
3. LightBurn license ($60) – unlocks advanced fills, dithering, and camera alignment.

Bottom Line

Spend a grand today and you can walk away with autofocus cameras, dual-beam heads, touchscreens, and even a water-cooled CO₂ tube—features that were $3,000+ only a few years ago. Match the extras to the jobs you actually run, and your “budget” laser will feel anything but basic.