xTool
xTool D1 Pro
The default answer: big bed, 10/20/40 W options, best accessory ecosystem.
- 10W / 20W / 40W
- 430 × 390 mm
- Open frame
Buying guide · updated November 2026
Best diode laser engravers of 2026
Seven machines, each the best at one job. We rank by what you will actually make, not by wattage.
| # | Pick | Machine | Power | Work area | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | xTool D1 Pro | 10W / 20W / 40W | 430 × 390 mm | Open frame |
| 2 | Best for cutting | Atomstack X20 Pro | 20W | 400 × 400 mm | Open frame |
| 3 | Best budget | Sculpfun S9 | 5W | 410 × 420 mm | Open frame |
| 4 | Best for small business | Creality Falcon 2 | 22W / 40W | 400 × 415 mm | Open frame |
| 5 | Best enclosed | xTool S1 | 20W / 40W | 498 × 319 mm | Enclosed |
| 6 | Best touchscreen | Longer Ray5 | 5W / 10W / 20W | 400 × 400 mm | Open frame |
| 7 | Best portable | LaserPecker 4 | 10W | — | Portable / handheld |
Atomstack
Atomstack X20 Pro
20 W with air assist in the box; cuts 8 mm plywood in two passes.
- 20W
- 400 × 400 mm
- Open frame
Sculpfun
Sculpfun S9
5 W but a tight 0.08 mm spot — engraves sharper than its price suggests.
- 5W
- 410 × 420 mm
- Open frame
Creality
Creality Falcon 2
22 W, fast, with a sane safety setup. Falcon Design Space or LightBurn.
- 22W / 40W
- 400 × 415 mm
- Open frame
xTool
xTool S1
Class 1 safety, 40 W option, auto-focus. For homes with kids or pets.
- 20W / 40W
- 498 × 319 mm
- Enclosed
Longer
Longer Ray5
Offline control from the built-in screen; 5/10/20 W variants.
- 5W / 10W / 20W
- 400 × 400 mm
- Open frame
LaserPecker
LaserPecker 4
Dual diode + infrared head marks bare metal; folds into a bag.
- 10W
- —
- Portable / handheld
How we picked
Each pick is the strongest machine for one use case, based on manufacturer specifications, included accessories, software support and what the machine can realistically cut and engrave. Settings for every machine are in the settings charts, labelled as starting points until bench-tested. We don't list prices; each button shows the current price at the retailer.
Shop by use case
Need something specific? See the best lasers for wood, for tumblers, for leather, for metal, for small business, on a budget or portable.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts do I need?
5 W engraves everything and cuts 3 mm plywood slowly. 10 W is the sweet spot for hobby cutting. 20 W+ is for regular cutting of 6–10 mm stock or production speed. Watts quoted are optical output, not electrical input.
Is xTool worth the premium over Atomstack or Sculpfun?
You pay for software polish, accessories that fit first time and support. If you are comfortable with LightBurn and a bit of tinkering, Atomstack and Sculpfun deliver the same cuts for less.
Should I wait for a newer model?
Diode modules improved quickly 2021–2024 and have plateaued. A current 10–20 W machine will not feel outdated in two years.