A UV laser works at 355 nm. Most materials absorb that wavelength in a very thin layer, so the laser marks with little heat. That gives clean white marks on glass and crystal, crisp marks on white plastic, and engraving inside a glass block. The trade-off is power: UV sources are a few watts, so they engrave rather than cut.
Side by side
| Model | Lasers | Bed | Max speed | Wood cut | Safety | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xTool F2 Ultra UV | 5 W UV | 200 x 200 mm | 15000 mm/s | 15 mm | Class 4 | $4,299 |
| xTool P2S | 55 W CO2 | 600 x 305 mm | 600 mm/s | 18 mm | Class 4 (a Class 1 version exists) | $2,999 |
| xTool F2 | 15 W Blue diode5 W Infrared | 115 x 115 mm | 6000 mm/s | — | Enclosed cover | $1,499 |
Why these picks
Best desktop UV laser: xTool F2 Ultra UV
5 W UV, 200 mm field, 3D inner-glass engraving up to 70 mm square. A specialist. UV light is absorbed by glass and many plastics that blue and infrared lasers pass through or melt, so it engraves crystal, glass and white plastics cleanly with almost no heat mark. It also engraves inside glass blocks (3D inner engraving, 70 mm square). Tom's Hardware gave it Editor's Choice.
5 W UV 200 x 200 mm · $4,299
Alternative for glass surfaces: xTool P2S
A CO2 frosts glass surfaces well and also cuts sheet material. 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
Alternative for plastics: xTool F2
The 5 W infrared marks many plastics at a third of the price. Same compact idea as the F1 with more power on both lasers: 15 W blue instead of 10 W, and 5 W infrared instead of 2 W. The bigger infrared is the reason to pick it, because it marks metal and plastics faster and can do some color marking. xTool gives no maximum cutting thickness, so treat it as an engraver.
15 W Blue diode5 W Infrared 115 x 115 mm · $1,499
Have a specific material and thickness in mind? The laser finder filters every model we cover.
FAQ
What can a UV laser do that others can't?
Engrave inside glass and crystal, mark clear glass cleanly, and mark white or heat-sensitive plastics without melting them.
Can a UV laser cut?
Thin material, slowly. Tom's Hardware measured about 15 mm basswood and 12 mm acrylic on the F2 Ultra UV, but with multiple passes.
Is a UV laser safe at home?
The F2 Ultra UV is enclosed but rated Class 4, and no safety glasses come in the box. Use UV-rated glasses when the lid is open.
Sources
Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.