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LaserEngravers by Infocedia

Glowforge laser engravers

Seattle-based Glowforge made laser cutting approachable with cloud software and Proofgrade materials. Today it sells two 6W diode craft lasers and two 40–45W CO2 lasers, all run from its web app.

Warranty
12-month warranty on the Aura and Spark, with 1- or 3-year extensions sold (Glowforge tech specs). Glowforge says the Performance Series has "double the warranty" but doesn't state the term on its spec page.
Official site
glowforge.com

Glowforge models we cover

Sorted by research score.

Glowforge Plus HD

7.6/10 Good research score

List price $6,999 (as of Oct 2026)

A 40W CO2 laser in a Class 1 case with a 19.5 × 11 in cutting area, HD wide-angle and macro cameras and autofocus, run from Glowforge's web app. Glowforge does not publish a cutting depth.

Pros

  • Class 1 CO2 laser
  • HD cameras and autofocus
  • Very easy software

Cons

  • $6,999
  • Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud app
  • No passthrough; no published cutting depth

Glowforge Pro HD

7.5/10 Good research score

List price $7,999 (as of Oct 2026)

Glowforge's most powerful laser: a 45W CO2 tube with a 19.5 × 11 in cutting area, Pro Passthrough for unlimited-length work, HD cameras, autofocus and enhanced cooling for all-day printing. Certified Class 4.

Pros

  • Passthrough for long signs
  • Enhanced cooling for all-day work
  • Easy software

Cons

  • $7,999
  • Certified Class 4
  • Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud app

Glowforge Aura

6.6/10 Fair research score

List price $1,199 (as of Oct 2026)

Glowforge's craft laser: a 6W blue diode in a Class 1 case with two cameras, autofocus and a passthrough slot, controlled from Glowforge's web app. Cutting area 12 × 12 in; cuts material up to 1/4 in thick.

Pros

  • Very easy setup and web app
  • Class 1 enclosure with two cameras
  • Passthrough slot

Cons

  • Only 6W: slow, thin cuts
  • Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud app
  • Not for glass, clear, white or blue acrylic

Glowforge Spark

6.3/10 Fair research score

List price $899 (as of Oct 2026)

Glowforge's smallest laser: a 6W blue diode in a 10.8 lb Class 1 case with an 8.5 × 11 in cutting area, cameras and autofocus, run from the Glowforge web app. No passthrough.

Pros

  • Compact and light
  • Class 1 with camera preview
  • Very easy to learn

Cons

  • 6W and an 8.5 × 11 in bed
  • Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud app
  • Sold out in October 2026

About Glowforge

Glowforge, based in Seattle, popularised home laser cutting with a simple web app, camera-based placement and QR-coded Proofgrade materials. Its range splits into the Craft Series (6W blue diode Aura and Spark) and the Performance Series (40W Plus HD and 45W Pro HD CO2 lasers).

The current range

Model Laser Cutting area Safety Price
Spark 6W diode 8.5 × 11 in Class 1 $899 (sold out)
Aura 6W diode 12 × 12 in Class 1 $1,199 ($999 on sale)
Plus HD 40W CO2 19.5 × 11 in Class 1 $6,999
Pro HD 45W CO2 19.5 × 11 in + passthrough Class 4 $7,999

Prices from shop.glowforge.com on October 18, 2026.

Strengths and weak points

Strengths: the easiest software of any brand we cover, cameras on every model, and Proofgrade materials that set themselves up. Weak points: every machine needs Wi-Fi and Glowforge's cloud, there is no LightBurn support, and prices are high for the laser power. The most-searched Glowforge problems are going offline and getting stuck calibrating; see Glowforge Offline and stuck on focusing.

Alternatives

Compare the Aura with the xTool S1, or see all Glowforge alternatives.

Glowforge questions

Does Glowforge need the internet?

Yes. Every Glowforge is controlled from Glowforge's web app and needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and an internet connection to print. See our guide to a [Glowforge showing Offline](/troubleshooting/glowforge/offline).

Does Glowforge work with LightBurn?

No. Glowforge lasers run only from Glowforge's own web app.

Is Glowforge worth the money?

For simplicity, perhaps; for power per dollar, rarely. The 6W Aura lists at $1,199 and the 40W Plus HD at $6,999, while rivals offer more power for less. See [Glowforge alternatives](/best/glowforge-alternatives).