Head to head
Sculpfun S9 vs Longer Ray5
Two budget open-frame lasers that are often found on AliExpress. The S9 is a focused engraving machine; the Ray5 adds a touchscreen and higher-power options.
Verdict
Pick the Sculpfun S9 if you mainly engrave and want the sharpest detail for the class; its fine spot suits slate, leather and photos. Pick the Longer Ray5 if you want to run jobs from the machine's own touchscreen without a laptop, or need the 10 W or 20 W version for more cutting.
Choose the Sculpfun S9 if…
- Engraving detail matters more than cutting speed
- You are comfortable running jobs from a laptop
- You want a simple, well-documented budget machine
Choose the Longer Ray5 if…
- You want to run saved jobs from a touchscreen
- You need 10 W or 20 W for more cutting
- You want one model line with several power options
Specs
Side-by-side specifications
From manufacturer data. Prices and stock are on the retailer's page.
| Sculpfun S9 | Longer Ray5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sculpfun | Longer |
| Type | Open frame | Open frame |
| Optical power | 5W | 5W / 10W / 20W |
| Work area | 410 × 420 mm | 400 × 400 mm |
| Laser class | Class 4 | Class 4 |
| Air assist | — | — |
| Camera | No | No |
| Software | LightBurn, LaserGRBL | LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
| Accessories we list | 3 | 4 |
Settings
Starting settings, side by side
Power · speed · passes for the same job on each machine. These are manufacturer and community starting points; run a test grid on your own material.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for cutting?
At 5 W both cut thin plywood in passes. The Ray5's 10 W and 20 W versions cut much faster; the S9 is a 5 W machine.
Do both work with LightBurn?
Yes, both are GRBL-based and work with LightBurn and LaserGRBL.
Are they good for beginners?
Yes. Both are in our budget picks. Add certified goggles, ventilation and air assist.
Still deciding? See the full ranking or the other comparisons.
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