A CO2 laser works at 10,600 nm, which almost every organic material and glass absorbs. That's why it cuts clear acrylic and engraves glass, two jobs a blue diode can't do. Desktop CO2 machines need water cooling and an exhaust vent to the outside.
Side by side
| Model | Lasers | Bed | Max speed | Wood cut | Safety | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xTool P2S | 55 W CO2 | 600 x 305 mm | 600 mm/s | 18 mm | Class 4 (a Class 1 version exists) | $2,999 |
| xTool P3 | 80 W CO2 | 915 x 458 mm | 1200 mm/s | 20 mm | Class 1 (Class 4 with the conveyor feeder) | $6,999 |
| OMTech Polar 50W | 50 W CO2 | 510 x 300 mm | 500 mm/s | 10 mm | Enclosed | $2,300 |
| Glowforge Pro HD | 45 W CO2 | 495 x 279 mm | — | — | Class 1 | $7,999 |
| Glowforge Plus HD | 40 W CO2 | 495 x 279 mm | — | — | Class 1 | $6,999 |
Why these picks
Best overall: xTool P2S
55 W, 600 x 305 mm bed, dual cameras and autofocus for about $2,999. 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 for production: xTool P3
80 W, 36 x 18 in bed, 1,200 mm/s and Class 1. A production machine. Twice the speed of the P2S, a 36 x 18 in bed that takes half sheets, an inverter chiller and built-in fire suppression. It weighs 105 kg and draws up to 1,400 W, so plan the room before the purchase.
80 W CO2 915 x 458 mm · $6,999
Best budget CO2: OMTech Polar 50W
50 W with a 20 x 12 in bed and rotary for about $2,300. A desktop CO2 that undercuts Glowforge by thousands with a larger bed and LightBurn support. Maker Hacks notes it has no autofocus. Compare it with the xTool P2S, which costs a bit more and adds autofocus and faster motion.
50 W CO2 510 x 300 mm · $2,300
Easiest to use: Glowforge Pro HD
Browser software and a passthrough slot, at a high price. Glowforge sells simplicity: browser software, a camera-based layout and a polished enclosure. The Pro HD's passthrough slot handles boards longer than the bed. On specs alone it costs more than double an xTool P2S, which has more power and a larger bed.
45 W CO2 495 x 279 mm · $7,999
Glowforge without passthrough: Glowforge Plus HD
40 W for $6,999. The same Glowforge experience at 40 W and without the passthrough, so material is limited to about 18 in deep. For the money, an xTool P2S or OMTech Polar gives more power or bed.
40 W CO2 495 x 279 mm · $6,999
Have a specific material and thickness in mind? The laser finder filters every model we cover.
FAQ
Can a CO2 laser engrave metal?
Not bare metal. It engraves anodized aluminum and painted or coated metal, and marks steel with a marking spray. For bare metal add an infrared module or buy a fiber laser.
Does a desktop CO2 need venting?
Yes. Cutting acrylic and wood produces smoke that should go outside through a window kit or a filter unit.
Glowforge or xTool?
On specs, the xTool P2S has more power and a bigger bed for well under half the price of a Glowforge Pro HD. Glowforge's case is simple software and a passthrough slot.
Sources
Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.