Top 5 Cheap Laser Cutting Machines - High Quality, Low Cost

Cheap doesn’t have to mean low quality — not anymore.

Today’s budget laser cutters are powerful enough for real woodworking, acrylic cutting, leather projects, and custom crafts.

Whether you’re starting a side hustle or building your first maker setup, these five machines offer the perfect balance of price, performance, and reliability.

How Much Laser Power Do You Really Need for Cutting

If you’re shopping for a cheap laser cutting machine, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by wattage numbers and marketing claims.

Should you choose 5W? 10W? 20W? Do you really need a Diode Laser or CO₂ Laser machine?

Good news—you don’t need an expensive, high-power laser to get excellent cutting results.

You just need the right amount of power for your materials and your goals.

When price matters, diode lasers give you the best mix of performance and affordability.

• 10W diode → good for light cutting (2–5 mm basswood, thin acrylic, leather)
• 20W diode → faster cuts, cleaner edges, and can handle 8–12 mm wood
• 30W–40W diode → for heavier hobby use (still much cheaper than CO₂)

If you want a cheap laser cutter that still cuts well, a 10W or 20W diode is the smartest choice.

What Materials Can Be Cut with a Cheap Laser Engraver? Full List

If you’re working with a cheap laser engraver — usually a 10W–20W diode or an entry-level 40W CO₂ machine — the materials you can cut are different from what an expensive fiber or high-power CO₂ machine can handle.

The good news?

Budget lasers can still cut a LOT of useful materials.

Below is the complete, easy-to-read list of what you can and cannot cut with a cheap laser engraver.

Top 5 Cheap Laser Cutting Machines with High Quality

Finding a laser cutter that’s both affordable and good quality can be challenging, especially with so many low-cost models on the market.

To help you cut through the noise, I’ve selected five budget-friendly laser cutting machines that deliver surprisingly strong performance for their price.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, small shop owner, or a first-time maker, these machines offer great value without sacrificing build quality or cutting ability.

1. Falcon A1 10W

The Falcon A1 10W is one of the most reliable budget diode lasers available.

Its dual-beam 10W module provides enough power to cut 2–5 mm wood in one pass and up to 8 mm with multiple passes.

It’s clean, stable, beginner-friendly, and supports LightBurn—making it an excellent entry-level option for users who want consistent quality without a high price tag.

2. ACMER P2 20W

The ACMER P2 offers a strong balance between price and performance.

With a true 20W output, it cuts 6–10 mm wood efficiently and handles heavier hobby projects effortlessly.

It arrives partially pre-assembled, includes solid safety features, and supports a large working area.

For users who want a powerful cutter under a modest budget, the P2 is one of the best value picks.

3. Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro S2

Known for its stability and strong community support, the Ortur LM2 Pro S2 is a well-built diode laser suited for both beginners and experienced users.

It provides good cutting power, precise engraving, and advanced safety mechanisms.

While not the cheapest, its reliability and active ecosystem make it a trustworthy long-term choice for hobby creators.

4. VEVOR 20W Laser Engraver

VEVOR’s 20W laser engraver is a solid low-cost option for users who need a larger work area and decent cutting strength.

The machine performs well on wood, leather, cardboard, and some plastics, offering clean cuts at a competitive price point.

It’s a straightforward pick for budget users who still expect respectable build quality and cutting performance.

5. Fokoos FE10 Laser Engraver

If you’re looking for one of the most affordable 10W machines on the market, the Fokoos FE10 is a strong contender.

It’s lightweight, simple to use, and performs surprisingly well for its price.

While it doesn’t match the cutting depth of more powerful models, it’s perfect for entry-level engraving, craft projects, and light cutting needs.

Carefully Balance Cost and Performance

When you’re shopping for a cheap laser cutting machine, the goal isn’t to find the lowest price — it’s to find the best performance you can get within your budget.

A machine that’s too weak will struggle with basic cuts, while an overpriced model may include power or features you don’t actually need.

Start by asking what materials you plan to cut, how thick they are, and how often you’ll use the machine.

For light hobby work, a 10W–20W diode laser offers the best price-to-performance ratio.

If you need cleaner edges or thicker cuts, stepping up to an entry-level 40W CO₂ laser provides a noticeable improvement without a huge jump in cost.

The key is to avoid paying for unused capability while ensuring the machine is strong enough for your actual projects.

A balanced choice gives you reliable cutting power without stretching your budget.

The End

In the end, choosing a cheap laser cutter doesn’t mean settling for weak performance. With today’s 10W–20W diode lasers and entry-level CO₂ machines, hobbyists and small businesses can get impressive cutting results without overspending.

As long as you match the machine to your materials and stay realistic about what each power level can do, you’ll get a cutter that works hard, lasts long, and stays comfortably within budget.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to pick the machine that fits your projects — and start creating with confidence.