Best CO₂ Laser Cutters of 2025
xTool vs OMTech vs Glowforge vs Gweike
Looking for the best CO₂ laser cutter for your creative projects or small business? This in-depth comparison examines the top options in 2025, including the xTool P2S, OMTech Polar+, Glowforge Pro, and Gweike Cloud, to help you make the perfect choice.
Expert Summary
After thorough testing and comparison of all major CO₂ laser cutters, the OMTech Polar+ offers the best overall value with its combination of 55W power, large work area, and included accessories at a price point of $2,799. For users seeking cutting-edge features, the xTool P2S delivers superior camera systems and faster engraving speed, while budget-conscious buyers should consider the Gweike Cloud.
The Competitors
xTool P2S
PREMIUM PICK
OMTech Polar+
BEST VALUE
Glowforge Pro
MOST POPULAR
Gweike Cloud
BUDGET FRIENDLY
Key Features & Differences
xTool P2S Advantages
The xTool P2S delivers premium performance with cutting-edge technology and best-in-class speed.
- Fastest engraving speed (600mm/s)
- Dual 16MP HD cameras for precise positioning
- 3D curved surface engraving capability
- Premium build quality and design
- Excellent customer support
Best for: Professional production environments and precision work
OMTech Polar+ Advantages
The OMTech Polar+ offers the best overall value with professional capabilities and included accessories.
- Best price-to-performance ratio
- Two rotary attachments included ($300+ value)
- Largest working area (500×300mm)
- Superior cutting depth capacity
- Professional LightBurn software included
Best for: Value-conscious professionals and serious hobbyists
Glowforge Pro Advantages
The Glowforge Pro offers simplicity with its cloud-based workflow and user-friendly approach.
- Intuitive cloud-based software
- Excellent user community
- Proofgrade™ material ecosystem
- Pass-through slot for oversized materials
- Sleek design and quiet operation
Best for: Beginners seeking simplicity and uninterrupted workflow
Gweike Cloud Advantages
The Gweike Cloud balances affordability with solid performance for budget-conscious makers.
- Most affordable CO₂ laser option
- Higher power than Glowforge (50W vs 45W)
- Large working area (500×300mm)
- Multiple connectivity options (WiFi, USB, Ethernet)
- Compatible with LightBurn software
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners and casual hobbyists
Interactive Comparison
Compare the leading CO₂ laser cutters side-by-side. Hover over each specification to see detailed highlights.
Premium Models
xTool P2S
OMTech Polar+
Established vs Budget
Glowforge Pro
Gweike Cloud
Material Capabilities
Wood
Acrylic
Leather
Paper
All four CO₂ laser cutters can handle common materials like wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, and cardboard. The key differences come in the maximum thickness they can cut effectively:
- xTool P2S: Cuts up to 15mm wood and 20mm acrylic with its 55W of power. The faster speed is advantageous for complex patterns.
- OMTech Polar+: Has the deepest cutting capability at 18mm for wood and 25mm for acrylic, making it ideal for thicker material projects.
- Glowforge Pro: Handles up to 12mm wood and 19mm acrylic with its 45W power, which is sufficient for most hobbyist applications.
- Gweike Cloud: Cuts approximately 15mm wood and 20mm acrylic, offering better material capabilities than Glowforge despite the lower price.
Important: None of these CO₂ lasers can cut metal. For metal cutting, you need a fiber laser or a much higher-powered industrial CO₂ laser.
Detailed Head-to-Head Comparisons
xTool P2S vs OMTech Polar+
→Compare these two 55W powerhouses to find the best value for your needs.
xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro
→Is Glowforge's premium price still justified in 2025? Find out in this detailed comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CO₂ laser cutters
For beginners, the Gweike Cloud offers the best balance of affordability and capabilities. The OMTech Polar+ is another excellent choice if you can spend a bit more, as it includes many accessories and has a large working area. The xTool P2S and Glowforge Pro are premium options that might be overkill for beginners unless you have specific needs that justify their higher prices.
No, none of these CO₂ laser cutters can cut metal. They can mark or engrave certain metals when using special marking compounds like Cermark or Molybdenum Disulfide spray. To cut metal, you would need a fiber laser or a much higher power CO₂ laser (typically 100W+) with specialized assistance systems.
The OMTech Polar+ offers the best overall value for money with its combination of 55W power, large work area, included rotary attachments, and significantly lower price compared to similar-spec machines. The Gweike Cloud is another good value option if you're on a tighter budget and can accept some compromises in performance and features.
For most users, the Glowforge Pro's higher price ($5,995) is difficult to justify in 2025 when comparing pure specifications. The xTool P2S and OMTech Polar+ offer more power and similar or better features at lower prices. However, if you highly value simplicity, cloud-based workflow, and Glowforge's excellent customer support and community, it might still be worth the premium for some users.
The xTool P2S is ideal for small businesses with high production needs due to its faster engraving speed, dual camera system for precise alignment, and 3D curved surface engraving capabilities. The OMTech Polar+ is an excellent alternative for businesses on a tighter budget that still need professional-grade capabilities and a large work area.
Final Verdict: OMTech Polar+ Offers Best Overall Value
After thorough testing and comparison, the OMTech Polar+ emerges as the best overall value for most users in 2025. With its combination of professional features, included accessories, and significantly lower price point ($2,799), it delivers the most bang for your buck.
For users who prioritize cutting-edge features and precision, the xTool P2S ($4,199) is worth the premium. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Gweike Cloud ($2,899), while those who value simplicity and ease of use might still find value in the Glowforge Pro despite its higher price.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an affiliate partner with xTool, OMTech, and other brands mentioned, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support our free content while providing you with direct links to purchase the products we review. Our primary goal is to offer valuable, trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions.