Guide
Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Should You Buy?
The three main laser types (plus infrared and UV) explained: what each one cuts and engraves, what it can't do, sizes, prices and safety, with current machines as examples.
In short
Choose a blue diode laser for wood, leather, paper and engraving on a budget; a CO2 laser for clear acrylic and fast, thick cuts; and a fiber laser for engraving bare metal. Dual-laser machines pair a diode with an infrared or fiber laser for wood and metal in one box, and UV lasers are specialists for glass and plastics.
Laser engravers are named after the source that makes the beam. Each wavelength is absorbed by different materials, which is why no single laser does everything. Here's what each type does well, with examples from current machines and their makers' specifications (October 18, 2026).
The short version
| Feature | Blue diode | CO2 | Fiber (and infrared) | UV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | ~450 nm | ~10,600 nm | ~1064 nm | ~355 nm |
| Cuts wood | Yes, slower | Yes, fast and thick | Poorly | Thin only |
| Clear acrylic | No | Yes | No | Engraves; cuts non-transparent |
| Bare metal | Coated/painted only | No (marking spray only) | Yes | Light marking |
| Glass | Dark glass only | Engraves | No | Yes, including inside |
| Typical price | $500–$2,700 | $600–$8,000 | $1,300–$5,300 (dual machines) | $4,000+ |
| Example | xTool S1, M2 | xTool P2S, OMTech Polar Lite | xTool F1 Ultra, F2 Ultra | xTool F2 Ultra UV |
Blue diode lasers
A semiconductor laser at about 450 nm, sold from 6W (Glowforge Aura) to 60W (Creality Falcon2 Pro). xTool lists diode-cuttable materials as paper, wood, leather, MDF, felt and some dark opaque acrylic, and engravable materials including stainless steel, coated and painted metal, slate, marble and dark glass.
- Good at: wood, leather, paper, engraving gifts, coated tumblers; compact, quiet and low-maintenance.
- Can't do: clear or light-coloured acrylic (the beam passes through), bare reflective metals.
- Watch for: "laser power" claims. Compare optical output, not the electrical input some sellers quote.
CO2 lasers
A gas laser at about 10,600 nm in a glass or RF tube. It cuts thick material quickly: xTool rates the 55W P2S for 18 mm basswood and 20 mm acrylic in one pass, and the 80W P3 for 20 mm wood and 25 mm acrylic.
- Good at: clear and coloured acrylic, thick wood, fabric, leather, engraving glass and stone, fast signs.
- Can't do: bare metal without a marking spray.
- Watch for: size and weight (the P2S is 99 lb), water cooling, tube life and venting. Most desktop CO2 machines are Class 4.
Fiber and infrared lasers
Both work at about 1064 nm, which metals absorb. Small infrared diode modules (2–5W) in dual lasers such as the xTool F2 and Creality Falcon A1 Pro mark metal and plastic. Fiber sources (20–60W, as in the xTool F1 Ultra and F2 Ultra) engrave deeply and can cut thin metal sheet; MOPA fiber lasers can also colour-mark stainless steel.
- Good at: bare stainless steel, brass, aluminum, silver, gold, titanium; very fast galvo engraving.
- Can't do: cut wood well; work areas are small (often 220 × 220 mm or less).
UV lasers
A "cold" laser at about 355 nm for glass, crystal and heat-sensitive plastics. The xTool F2 Ultra UV can engrave inside glass (3D inner engraving) with a 0.02 mm spot. It's a specialist tool at $4,299.
How to choose
- List the materials you'll use most. That alone usually decides the type.
- Decide where it will run. At home near family or pets, choose a Class 1 enclosed machine.
- Then compare power, bed size and price.
Our laser engraver finder applies these rules to every machine we cover. See also best laser engravers, best for metal and what materials you can laser.
Frequently asked questions
Which laser type is best for beginners?
Can one laser do everything?
What does 1064 nm mean?
Sources
Specs, prices and claims in this article come from these sources.
- xTool S1 product page (diode material lists) · xTool · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- xTool P2S product page (CO2 cutting figures) · xTool · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- xTool F1 Ultra product page (fiber material lists) · xTool · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- xTool F2 Ultra UV product page · xTool · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Glowforge Performance Series tech specs (CO2 wavelength) · Glowforge · accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Glowforge Craft Series tech specs (diode wavelength and limits) · Glowforge · accessed Oct 18, 2026
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Research and editing
The LaserEngravers editorial team researches laser engravers from manufacturer documents, published measurements and owner reports.
