For a first laser we weight safety and ease over raw specs: an enclosure, a camera for placing designs, and software that works without setup. All picks here are enclosed.
Side by side
| Model | Lasers | Bed | Max speed | Wood cut | Safety | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creality Falcon A1 | 10 W Blue diode | 381 x 305 mm | 600 mm/s | — | Class 1 | $599 |
| xTool S1 | 40 W Blue diode | 498 x 319 mm | 600 mm/s | 18 mm | Class 1 | $1,699 |
| xTool M1 Ultra | 20 W Blue diode | 300 x 300 mm | 400 mm/s | 10 mm | Enclosed | Varies |
| Creality Falcon A1 Pro | 20 W Blue diode+2 W IR option | 358 x 268 mm | 600 mm/s | — | Class 1 | $1,099 |
Why these picks
Best cheap first laser: Creality Falcon A1
Enclosed Class 1 with cameras 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 if you'll grow into it: xTool S1
40 W, Class 1, autofocus and LightBurn support. 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
Best for crafters: xTool M1 Ultra
Laser, blade, inkjet and pen in one box. A craft room machine more than a laser cutter. It swaps between a 10 or 20 W diode, a blade (up to 2.5 mm), a color inkjet and a pen. If you'd otherwise buy a Cricut and a small laser, this replaces both. As a pure laser it is slow (400 mm/s) and the 300 mm bed is small.
20 W Blue diode 300 x 300 mm · Varies
Best mid-range: Creality Falcon A1 Pro
20 W with autofocus and optional infrared. Twice the power of the A1 plus autofocus and Wi-Fi. The optional 2 W infrared module adds metal and plastic marking, which closes much of the gap with xTool's dual-laser machines. The bed is smaller than the A1's.
20 W Blue diode+2 W IR option 358 x 268 mm · $1,099
Have a specific material and thickness in mind? The laser finder filters every model we cover.
FAQ
What power should a beginner buy?
10 W engraves everything a diode can and cuts thin wood. 20 W cuts 6-10 mm. 40 W cuts 15-20 mm. If you'll sell cut products, 20 W or more saves a lot of time.
Is a laser engraver safe indoors?
An enclosed Class 1 machine is safe to look at while running. You still need to vent the smoke and never leave it unattended.
Sources
Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.