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- Best overall: Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine
- Best budget: Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
- Best premium: Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer
- Best for larger CO2 laser projects: xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter
- Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer uses a 45W CO2 laser to cut and engrave compatible materials across a 20-by-12-inch bed.
- Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is a versatile blade cutter for 300-plus materials, with support for 13 compatible tools.
- Laser engravers and Cricut machines serve different needs: lasers work with compatible wood and acrylic, while Cricut machines cut and draw on sheet materials.
- Compare work area, material compatibility, ventilation needs and included accessories before choosing a Black Friday 2026 machine.
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer and Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine are both popular creative tools, but they solve different problems. Glowforge Pro uses a 45W CO2 laser for engraving and cutting compatible materials; Cricut Maker 4 uses blades and tools to cut, score and draw on a broad range of craft materials. The right choice depends less on a headline feature and more on the projects, workspace and upkeep you want.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across eight laser and cutting machines. My pick for most people who want a broad range of paper, fabric and vinyl projects is Cricut Maker 4. For laser engraving and cutting, start with Glowforge Pro or compare the more compact and lower-power laser options below.
How We Picked
- Compared published cutting area, laser power, supported materials and compatible tools.
- Reviewed owner feedback for setup, software workflows, maintenance and common project needs.
- Considered the total workspace requirements, including ventilation and material handling.
- Included options across craft cutters, diode lasers and CO2 laser machines.
- Prioritized useful, verifiable specifications over Black Friday price claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Power or tool count | Work area or width | Material capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer | Large-format CO2 laser projects | 45W CO2 | 20 x 12 inches | Compatible laser materials |
| Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine | Versatile craft cutting | 13 compatible tools | Up to 12 feet Smart Materials | 300-plus materials |
| xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter | Bigger CO2 laser projects | 55W CO2 | 26 x 14 inches | Compatible laser materials |
| xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter | Enclosed diode-laser projects | 40W diode | 23.93 x 15.16 inches | Compatible laser materials |
| Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser | Compact laser crafting | 6W diode | 12 x 12 inches | Compatible craft materials |
| Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine | Everyday vinyl and paper crafts | 6 compatible tools | Smart Materials supported | 100-plus materials |
| Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine | Small-space crafting | Compact blade cutter | 9.5 inches wide | 50-plus materials |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer
The Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer is the best premium CO2 laser for makers who need a 20-by-12-inch work area and passthrough capability. The Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer's 45W CO2 laser handles engraving and cutting on compatible materials.
Best for: Large-format laser projects and long workpieces
- Laser
- 45W CO2
- Work area
- 20 x 12 inches
- Passthrough
- Yes
- Machine type
- Desktop laser
- CO2 laser supports engraving and cutting
- Passthrough accommodates longer materials
- Camera-assisted job placement
- Requires substantial ventilation and workspace
- More specialized than a blade cutter
Is the Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer is worth considering for makers who need a 45W CO2 laser, a 20-by-12-inch work area and passthrough capability. Check material compatibility, ventilation requirements and ongoing operating needs before choosing it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is the best all-around craft cutter for makers working across 300-plus materials. The Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine's compatibility with 13 tools supports cutting, scoring, drawing and other craft tasks.
Best for: Versatile paper, fabric and vinyl projects
- Materials
- 300-plus
- Compatible tools
- 13
- Smart Materials cut length
- Up to 12 feet
- Machine type
- Blade cutter
- Wide material and tool compatibility
- Supports long Smart Materials projects
- Useful for many home craft categories
- Does not replace a laser engraver
- Some tools and materials are separate purchases
Is the Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is worth buying for a flexible craft workflow across 300-plus materials. The Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine's 13-tool compatibility makes it a stronger fit than a laser machine for many fabric, paper, vinyl and scoring projects.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter
The xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter is the best high-capacity alternative for makers seeking a 26-by-14-inch work area. The xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter's 55W CO2 laser suits engraving and cutting compatible materials in a larger desktop format.
Best for: Bigger CO2 laser projects
- Laser
- 55W CO2
- Work area
- 26 x 14 inches
- Camera
- Dual-camera system
- Machine type
- Desktop CO2 laser
- Large work area for a desktop laser
- CO2 laser supports varied compatible materials
- Camera system helps position work
- Needs dedicated space and ventilation
- More machine than basic craft projects require
Is the xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter is worth considering for larger laser projects that benefit from its 26-by-14-inch work area. Confirm that its footprint, ventilation setup and material requirements fit your workspace before choosing it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter
The xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter is the best enclosed diode option for users who want a 23.93-by-15.16-inch work area. The xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter's 40W diode laser is designed for engraving and cutting compatible materials.
Best for: Enclosed diode-laser projects
- Laser
- 40W diode
- Work area
- 23.93 x 15.16 inches
- Machine type
- Enclosed diode laser
- Material range
- Compatible laser materials
- Enclosed format helps contain the work area
- Large bed for a diode machine
- Suitable for engraving and cutting
- Material compatibility differs from CO2 lasers
- Still needs careful smoke management
Is the xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter is worth a look for buyers seeking an enclosed diode machine with a 23.93-by-15.16-inch work area. Check its material compatibility against your project list, especially before planning acrylic work.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the best compact Glowforge choice for small-format projects on a 12-by-12-inch work area. The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser's 6W diode laser is aimed at engraving and cutting compatible craft materials.
Best for: Compact laser crafting
- Laser
- 6W diode
- Work area
- 12 x 12 inches
- Machine type
- Craft laser
- Material range
- Compatible craft materials
- Smaller format than a large CO2 laser
- Designed for craft-scale projects
- Glowforge software workflow
- Lower power than the Glowforge Pro
- Work area limits larger project layouts
Is the Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is worth considering for compact engraving and cutting projects that fit its 12-by-12-inch work area. Choose the Glowforge Pro instead when higher laser power or passthrough capacity matters more.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine is the best straightforward cutter for everyday makers who need support for 100-plus materials. The Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine's six compatible tools cover common cutting, writing and scoring tasks.
Best for: Everyday vinyl and paper crafts
- Materials
- 100-plus
- Compatible tools
- 6
- Machine type
- Blade cutter
- Smart Materials
- Mat-free cutting supported
- Covers common home crafting needs
- Supports mat-free Smart Materials projects
- Simpler tool range than Maker 4
- Fewer compatible tools than Maker 4
- Not made for laser engraving
Is the Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine is worth buying for common vinyl, paper and home-decor projects across 100-plus materials. Choose Cricut Maker 4 when the added tool compatibility and broader material range suit your plans.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best small Cricut for compact craft spaces and projects up to 9.5 inches wide. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine's portability and support for 50-plus materials suit labels, cards and smaller decals.
Best for: Small-space crafting and labels
- Materials
- 50-plus
- Maximum material width
- 9.5 inches
- Machine type
- Compact blade cutter
- Use
- Cards, labels and decals
- Compact size suits small workspaces
- Good fit for labels and cards
- Handles common craft materials
- Narrower working width than larger Cricut machines
- Less versatile for specialty materials
Is the Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is worth considering for labels, cards and decals up to 9.5 inches wide. Choose a larger Cricut model for broad material projects or designs that need more working width.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Glowforge Pro or Cricut Maker 4?
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer is better for compatible-material engraving and laser cutting, while Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is better for versatile blade-based crafts. Glowforge Pro provides a 45W CO2 laser and a 20-by-12-inch bed; Maker 4 supports 300-plus materials and 13 compatible tools.
The machines are not direct substitutes. A laser directs a beam onto compatible materials, making it suited to engraving and cutting projects such as personalized signs. A Cricut machine moves blades and other tools through materials such as vinyl, cardstock and fabric.
Choose by your project list, not a single headline spec. Glowforge Pro requires a suitable ventilation plan and room for the machine. Cricut Maker 4 needs less specialized space, but supplies, tools and material choices still shape the finished project.
What materials can each machine work with?
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine supports 300-plus materials, while Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer works with materials approved for its 45W CO2 laser. Material compatibility is the key distinction when choosing between the two.
Cricut Maker 4 suits projects using paper, vinyl, fabric and other compatible sheet materials. Tool selection changes the type of work, with options for cutting, scoring and drawing. Cricut Explore 4 offers a narrower tool selection for common craft projects.
Laser machines need more careful material checks. Glowforge Pro, xTool P2 and xTool S1 each have specific compatibility requirements; never assume a material is safe to engrave or cut. Review manufacturer guidance before buying supplies or starting a project.
How much space and setup do these machines need?
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer and xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter need more workspace planning than Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine because laser projects require attention to ventilation and smoke management. Their work areas also support larger projects.
A laser setup needs a stable surface, space to load materials and a ventilation plan suited to the machine and materials. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser has a 12-by-12-inch work area, while xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter has a larger 23.93-by-15.16-inch area.
Cricut machines suit a less specialized craft table. Cricut Joy Xtra has a 9.5-inch maximum material width, making storage and smaller projects easier to manage. Measure both the machine footprint and the room needed to feed mats or long materials.
Which machine offers the best value for Black Friday 2026?
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine offers strong value for makers who will use its 13 compatible tools and 300-plus-material range. Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer offers more value for users whose projects specifically require CO2 laser engraving or cutting.
Value depends on what arrives in the box, which tools and materials you already own, and the accessories your projects require. Compare included blades, mats, filters or ventilation accessories and software features before deciding between listings.
Black Friday 2026 is a good time to compare complete bundles and seller terms. Focus on the model name, machine generation, included supplies, return window and warranty coverage. Skip it if a deal listing leaves those details unclear.
Which alternatives should buyers consider?
xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter is a strong alternative when a 26-by-14-inch work area is the priority, while Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser suits a smaller laser workspace. Each option serves a different scale and type of project.
For a versatile craft cutter, Cricut Maker 4 is the broadest pick in this guide. Cricut Explore 4 covers common cutting needs with 100-plus material compatibility, and Cricut Joy Xtra is the compact choice for smaller designs.
For an enclosed diode option, compare xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter with the Glowforge laser models. Laser power alone does not determine the right machine: working area, approved materials, software workflow, ventilation and support all matter.
Buying Guide
Match the machine to your projects
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine supports 300-plus materials for varied craft work, while Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer uses a 45W CO2 laser for compatible laser projects. List your planned materials and finished-project sizes before comparing models.
Measure the available work area
xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter offers a 26-by-14-inch work area, while Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine handles materials up to 9.5 inches wide. Measure the machine footprint, loading clearance and room for longer materials.
Check supplies and ongoing needs
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine uses compatible tools and craft materials, while laser machines need approved material choices and a ventilation plan. Compare bundle contents and required accessories rather than focusing only on the machine.
Review software and support
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer and Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine have distinct software workflows. Before purchase, check design-file support, software access requirements, warranty terms and the seller's return window.
Compare the exact Black Friday bundle
Cricut Explore 4 Cutting Machine and Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine bundles can vary in included tools and materials. Verify the full model name, supplied accessories, seller and warranty details for each Black Friday 2026 listing.
FAQ
Glowforge Pro vs Cricut Maker 4: which is better for beginners?
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is the easier fit for beginners focused on common paper, vinyl and fabric crafts. Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer suits beginners whose goal is laser engraving or cutting and who have suitable space and ventilation.
Can Cricut Maker 4 cut wood like Glowforge Pro?
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is a blade-based craft cutter, not a CO2 laser. Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer cuts or engraves only materials approved for its 45W laser. Check each manufacturer's material guidance before planning a wood project.
Is the Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer worth it for a small business?
Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer is worth considering for a small business that needs a 45W CO2 laser, passthrough capability and a 20-by-12-inch work area. Confirm production needs, material compatibility, ventilation and ongoing costs before purchase.
What is the best Cricut alternative to Glowforge Pro?
Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine is the strongest Cricut alternative for broad craft cutting, with support for 300-plus materials and 13 compatible tools. Cricut machines do not replace Glowforge Pro's laser engraving and cutting functions.
Is xTool P2 better than Glowforge Pro?
xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter offers a larger 26-by-14-inch work area and a 55W CO2 laser. Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer provides passthrough capability and a 20-by-12-inch area. Choose based on workflow, workspace and project size.
Which compact machine is best for small crafts?
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the compact choice for small craft projects up to 9.5 inches wide. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is a better match when compact laser engraving or cutting is the goal and materials suit its 6W diode.