Best Laser Engraver for Wood (2026)

Wood is the easiest material for any blue diode or CO2 laser. The difference between machines is how thick they cut in one pass, the size of the bed and whether the machine is enclosed. All cut figures below are manufacturer or reviewer numbers for basswood or similar soft wood; hardwoods cut thinner.

Side by side

Model	Lasers	Bed	Max speed	Wood cut	Safety	Price
xTool S1	40 W Blue diode	498 x 319 mm	600 mm/s	18 mm	Class 1	$1,699
Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W	40 W Blue diode	400 x 415 mm	417 mm/s	20 mm	Class 1	$1,899
xTool P2S	55 W CO2	600 x 305 mm	600 mm/s	18 mm	Class 4 (a Class 1 version exists)	$2,999
Creality Falcon A1	10 W Blue diode	381 x 305 mm	600 mm/s	—	Class 1	$599
xTool D1 Pro	20 W Blue diode	430 x 390 mm	400 mm/s	10 mm	Open frame	$1,199

Why these picks

Best enclosed diode: xTool S1

Class 1 box, 18 mm cherry in one pass at 40 W. The diode to buy if you want a closed box you can run in a room with other people. 40 W cuts 18 mm hardwood in one pass, the bed is close to letter-plus size, and it works with LightBurn as well as xTool's software.

40 W Blue diode 498 x 319 mm · $1,699

Biggest enclosed bed: Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W

400 x 415 mm and 20 mm basswood in one pass. The Falcon2 frame inside a transparent Class 1 enclosure. It has a larger bed than the xTool S1 and cuts 20 mm basswood in one pass, but focusing is manual and the camera needs calibration. Check the newer Pro S, which adds one-click autofocus.

40 W Blue diode 400 x 415 mm · $1,899

Best for thick cuts and clear acrylic: xTool P2S

55 W CO2, 18 mm basswood and clear acrylic too. The sensible CO2 for a home shop or small business. CO2 cuts clear acrylic, which no blue diode can, and 55 W goes through 18 mm basswood in one pass. The 600 x 305 mm bed takes common sheet sizes cut down once.

55 W CO2 600 x 305 mm · $2,999

Best on a budget: Creality Falcon A1

Enclosed Class 1 for about $599. The lowest-cost way to get an enclosed, Class 1 laser with a camera. 10 W is enough for engraving and thin cuts. Creative Bloq notes it needs a wired laptop connection and regular camera calibration.

10 W Blue diode 381 x 305 mm · $599

Best for oversize pieces: xTool D1 Pro

Open frame that extends to 936 mm. An open-frame workhorse that many sellers started on. No enclosure means you need goggles, ventilation and a fireproof surface, but you can also place it over big pieces or extend the bed to 936 mm. Newer enclosed diodes (S1, Falcon2 Pro) are safer for most homes.

20 W Blue diode 430 x 390 mm · $1,199

Have a specific material and thickness in mind? The laser finder filters every model we cover.

FAQ

Diode or CO2 for wood?

Both cut wood well. A 40 W diode is cheaper, quieter and needs no water cooling. CO2 is faster, leaves cleaner edges and also cuts clear acrylic. If wood is all you do, a 40 W diode is enough.

How thick can a laser cut wood?

In one pass: about 10 mm for 20 W diodes, 18-20 mm for 40 W diodes, and 18-20 mm for 55-80 W CO2 machines in our list. Multiple passes go further but char the edges more.

Do I need an enclosure?

Not to cut wood, but an enclosure blocks stray laser light, contains smoke and stops pets and kids from getting close. Open frames need goggles for everyone in the room.

Sources

Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.

Best laser engraver for wood