Top 5 Affordable Laser Engravers Under $200 in 2025
Affordable doesn’t have to mean limited. In 2025, the market is full of compact, capable laser engravers under $200.
We’ve tested and compared the top contenders that punch well above their price—ideal for makers, DIYers, and small startups.
Part 1: Best 5 Affordable Laser Engravers Under $200
Looking for a budget-friendly machine that doesn’t compromise on quality? Here are the top affordable laser cutter picks that give you serious value without the hefty price tag:
1. ACMER S1 Refurbished (2.5W)
The ACMER S1 Refurbished is an excellent option if you want professional-level engraving features at a fraction of the price. The 2.5W laser power is ideal for engraving wood, leather, and plastic. Refurbished models are tested for quality and often come with warranty support, which makes this even more appealing if you’re shopping smart on a budget.
Price: $69 (official refurbished model)
Source: ACMER Official Store
Features Verified:
- 2.5W laser module
- ~130×130mm working area
- Engraves wood, plastic, leather
- Ultra-budget-friendly, great for beginners
2. Falcon CR 5W(2.5W)
Falcon CR 5W is often marketed as a 5W laser, but realistically offers effective output around 2.5W, still plenty for most hobby uses. It’s compact, durable, and easy to set up, which makes it perfect for beginners. It works well on wood, paper, plastic, and leather.
Price: $139.99 (Creality Official Sale)
Source: Creality Official Website
Features Verified:
- Advertised as 5W, realistic power ~2.5W
- Extremely fine spot (0.12×0.06mm)
- Engraves wood, paper, leather
- Portable and beginner-friendly
3. DAJA DJ6 Laser Engraver (3W)
The DAJA DJ6 is a compact, sleek engraver with surprising power. It features a 3W laser, which gives it a slight edge over many similarly priced competitors. It supports wireless engraving via an app and is compatible with Android and iOS.
Price: $145 (official store); ~$227 on eBay
Source: DAJA Store
Features Verified:
- 3W diode laser
- 80×80mm work area
- App-controlled via Bluetooth
- Supports wood, leather, plastic
4. ORTUR Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-2 (1.6W)
Don’t let the lower power fool you. The ORTUR Laser Master 2 S2 LU2-2 is a precise and stable machine, ideal for simple, detailed engraving. It’s especially good for line art and small logos, making it a favorite among craft makers.
Price: $189.99
Source: Ortur Official Store
Features Verified:
- 1.6W–10W modules available (base model includes 1.6W)
- 390×410mm work area
- High precision and LightBurn compatible
5. LONGER Ray5 5W
The LONGER Ray5 offers impressive laser power and features for under $200. This model provides excellent value for your money for anyone seeking a cheap laser engraver with decent power and build quality.
Price: $199.99 (Base Kit)
Source: LONGER Official Store
Features Verified:
- True 5W diode laser
- 400×400mm work area
- Touchscreen & offline engraving
- Works with wood, leather, cardboard, acrylic
Part 2: How to Choose the Right Affordable Laser Engraver
Choosing the right engraver starts with knowing what you plan to use it for.
Ask yourself: What materials do you want to engrave? How much power do you need? Are you a beginner or someone with experience?
Here are some key things to look for:
- Laser Power: For basic tasks, 1.5W to 3W is usually enough. More power = deeper cuts.
- Work Area: Consider the size of items you’ll engrave. A larger bed means more flexibility.
- Software Compatibility: Check if it supports LightBurn or LaserGRBL.
- Connectivity: USB is standard, but some have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- Safety Features: Look for protective shields, goggles, or emergency stop buttons.
Whether you need an affordable laser cutter for occasional DIY use or a low-cost laser engraver for small products, the right machine balances price, safety, and performance.
Part 3: Where to Buy Affordable Laser Engravers (and Get the Best Deals)
You can find cheap laser engravers online across various trusted platforms. Here’s where to look:
- Amazon: Great for comparing brands, reading reviews, and getting fast shipping.
- Official Brand Sites: Companies like Falcon Laser or ORTUR often run seasonal sales and bundle deals.
- Refurbished Markets: Consider platforms that offer factory-refurbished models with warranties.
- Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay or AliExpress can have lower prices, but be sure to verify seller credibility.
Always compare prices and check what’s included, since sometimes a low-cost laser cutter may need extra accessories like goggles or cutting mats.
Part 4: Affordable Laser Engravers for Specific Uses (Wood, Acrylic, Jewelry)
Not every engraver handles all materials equally.
Here's a quick guide to help:
- Wood: Most budget machines can handle wood easily, so look for at least 2.5W power.
- Acrylic: Needs higher laser intensity—3W or higher recommended. Clear acrylic requires special types of lasers.
- Jewelry (Metal): You’ll need specialized lasers like fiber lasers, which are not usually under $200. However, some 5W diode lasers can mark coated metals.
Always check the supported material list and sample projects to be sure. Most affordable laser engravers will do just fine if you're mainly into wooden crafts.
Part 5: Falcon vs xTool: Which Brand Offers Better Value
When it comes to affordable engravers, Falcon and xTool are two brands that pop up often.
1. Falcon Laser
Backed by Creality’s reputation for user-friendly tech, Falcon turned heads at IFA Berlin 2024 with its smart and powerful machines like the Falcon A1 (CoreXY design, built-in camera, auto material detection) and the feature-packed Falcon2 Pro.
From budget-friendly starters to high-powered 60W+ beasts, Falcon offers practical, reliable tools for hobbyists, schools, and small businesses alike—without breaking the bank.
2. xTool Laser
xTool is a top-tier laser brand under Makeblock, known for pushing the boundaries of laser tech. Their lineup includes everything from diode and CO₂ to fiber lasers, all designed with performance, innovation, and ease-of-use in mind.
Whether you're a weekend crafter or a professional maker, xTool's machines are built to deliver clean results with plenty of advanced features.
That said—if you're watching your budget and need something simple and effective to get started, Falcon often offers better bang for your buck. xTool machines are powerful and polished, but usually come with a steeper price tag. Here are also many xTool alternatives for you.
3. Use Case Comparing
Use Case |
Recommended Brand |
Budget Hobbyist |
Falcon |
Small Business Workshop |
xTool |
Schools & Families |
xTool |
First-Time User |
Falcon (A1) |
Tech-Forward Creators |
xTool |
Price-to-Performance Seekers |
Falcon (Pro series) |
Your Turn
That’s our rundown of the best laser engravers under $200—and yes, real quality can come at a budget price. Still weighing your options? The Creality Falcon stands out for its balance of performance and reliability, making it a perfect launchpad for your next creative leap.