As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser
- Best budget: Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser
- Best premium: xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser
- Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser: xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser
- Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser suits hobby crafting and small projects with a 12 x 12-inch work area.
- Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is the stronger choice for regular production, thicker materials and long projects using its pass-through slot.
- Glowforge Aura uses a diode laser; Glowforge Pro uses a 45W CO2 laser, making their material capabilities and project sizes distinct.
- Compare work area, material compatibility, ventilation needs and software before choosing a Black Friday 2026 laser cutter.
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is the compact crafting choice, while Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is the better fit for larger, more demanding work. The main difference is not just laser power: Aura is a small-format diode machine, while Pro offers a CO2 laser and a pass-through slot for long projects.
For this Black Friday 2026 buying guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across Glowforge models and competing laser cutters. My pick for most people depends on the material and project size: choose Aura for home crafts and occasional engraving, or Pro for a busier workshop. The alternatives below add options for larger beds, different workflows and more room to grow.
How We Picked
- Laser type and power, including the different strengths of diode and CO2 systems.
- Work area and pass-through support for small crafts, larger items and long materials.
- Material compatibility, based on manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
- Setup, software and ventilation considerations for home and workshop use.
- Value as a fit for the buyer’s projects, rather than headline power alone.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Laser power | Work area | Material pass-through |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser | Home crafts | 6W diode | 12 x 12 in | No |
| Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser | Production and long materials | 45W CO2 | 19.5 x 11 in | Yes, 20 in wide |
| Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser | Regular making | 40W CO2 | 19.5 x 11 in | No |
| Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser | Small beginner projects | 6W diode | 8.5 x 11 in | No |
| xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser | Large workshop projects | 55W CO2 | 26.7 x 14.1 in | Yes |
| xTool S1 20W Diode Laser | Larger-format diode work | 20W diode | 23.93 x 15.16 in | Yes |
| xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser | Multi-function crafting | 10W diode | 12 x 12 in | No |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser
The Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is the best compact Glowforge for home crafters who want a simple machine with a 12 x 12-inch work area. The Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser's diode laser suits engraving and cutting thinner craft materials, but it is not a substitute for a high-power CO2 machine.
Best for: Home crafts, gifts and small-format engraving.
- Laser power
- 6W diode
- Work area
- 12 x 12 in
- Laser type
- Diode
- Material pass-through
- No
- Compact footprint for a home craft space.
- 12 x 12-inch bed fits many common projects.
- Glowforge software provides a guided design workflow.
- Less laser power than Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser.
- No pass-through for long stock.
Is the Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is worth considering for home crafters who prioritize a compact setup and a 12 x 12-inch work area. Choose it for smaller projects and engraving, not for high-volume cutting or long materials.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser
The Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is the best Glowforge for production-minded makers who need a 20-inch-wide pass-through and more cutting power. The Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser's 45W CO2 laser handles a broader range of common workshop materials than the 6W Glowforge Aura.
Best for: Frequent making, larger projects and long materials.
- Laser power
- 45W CO2
- Work area
- 19.5 x 11 in
- Laser type
- CO2
- Material pass-through
- Yes, 20 in wide
- Higher power than the Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser.
- Pass-through supports long projects.
- Larger-format work suits repeat production.
- Requires more workspace and ventilation planning.
- More machine than occasional crafters need.
Is the Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is worth considering for makers who use a laser cutter regularly, work with a wider material range or need its 20-inch pass-through. The Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser's larger footprint and ventilation needs make it a poor match for a small, casual craft setup.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser
The Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser is the best middle-ground Glowforge for makers who want a CO2 laser and a 19.5 x 11-inch work area without needing Pro’s pass-through. The Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser's 40W output brings more cutting capacity than a compact diode model.
Best for: Regular makers who do not need a pass-through.
- Laser power
- 40W CO2
- Work area
- 19.5 x 11 in
- Laser type
- CO2
- Material pass-through
- No
- CO2 laser power for a wide range of craft work.
- Same listed work area as Glowforge Pro.
- Useful balance for a dedicated maker space.
- No pass-through for long materials.
- Aura is more compact for occasional projects.
Is the Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Plus 40W CO2 Laser is worth considering when a CO2 machine and a 19.5 x 11-inch bed suit your projects, but long stock is not part of your workflow. Compare its capabilities with Glowforge Pro before choosing between the two.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser
The Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser is the best small-format Glowforge for beginners who mainly engrave or cut smaller craft materials. The Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser's 8.5 x 11-inch work area is more limited than Aura’s, making it a focused option for compact projects.
Best for: Beginners with a small project list and limited space.
- Laser power
- 6W diode
- Work area
- 8.5 x 11 in
- Laser type
- Diode
- Material pass-through
- No
- Small working area supports compact crafts.
- Diode format suits engraving-focused projects.
- Glowforge software offers a guided workflow.
- Smaller bed than Glowforge Aura.
- Not designed for larger production jobs.
Is the Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser is worth considering for beginners whose projects fit its 8.5 x 11-inch bed. Pick Glowforge Aura instead when extra work area matters, or compare Glowforge Pro for a CO2 laser and pass-through.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser
The xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser is the best large-format alternative for makers who need a 26.7 x 14.1-inch work area and a pass-through. The xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser's 55W CO2 laser and larger bed make it a strong fit for workshop projects beyond Aura’s compact format.
Best for: Large projects, busy workshops and long stock.
- Laser power
- 55W CO2
- Work area
- 26.7 x 14.1 in
- Laser type
- CO2
- Material pass-through
- Yes
- Larger work area than the Glowforge models listed here.
- 55W CO2 laser suits demanding workshop use.
- Pass-through supports longer materials.
- Needs a dedicated, well-ventilated work area.
- More machine than a casual hobbyist needs.
Is the xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser is worth considering for workshop users who need its 26.7 x 14.1-inch bed, 55W CO2 laser and pass-through. Glowforge Aura is a more suitable format for home crafters with smaller projects.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
xTool S1 20W Diode Laser
The xTool S1 20W Diode Laser is the best enclosed diode alternative for makers who want a 23.93 x 15.16-inch work area. The xTool S1 20W Diode Laser's 20W diode offers a larger format than Glowforge Aura, without stepping up to a CO2 machine.
Best for: Makers seeking a larger enclosed diode machine.
- Laser power
- 20W diode
- Work area
- 23.93 x 15.16 in
- Laser type
- Diode
- Material pass-through
- Yes
- Larger bed than Glowforge Aura.
- Enclosed design suits a dedicated workspace.
- 20W diode output exceeds the 6W Glowforge models.
- Diode and CO2 machines handle materials differently.
- Check the exact material and cut requirements first.
Is the xTool S1 20W Diode Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The xTool S1 20W Diode Laser is worth considering when a larger bed and enclosed diode format match your projects. Compare material compatibility with Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser before choosing, since laser type affects what each machine can cut.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser
The xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser is the best versatile craft machine for makers who want a 12 x 12-inch laser area alongside other creative functions. The xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser's 10W diode laser offers a middle ground between Glowforge’s 6W diode models and higher-power machines.
Best for: Crafters who want one machine for varied projects.
- Laser power
- 10W diode
- Work area
- 12 x 12 in
- Laser type
- Diode
- Material pass-through
- No
- 10W diode power is above Glowforge Aura.
- 12 x 12-inch laser area suits many crafts.
- Multi-function design supports varied workflows.
- Not a replacement for a high-power CO2 laser.
- Check included modules for your desired workflow.
Is the xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser is worth considering for crafters who value its 12 x 12-inch laser area and multi-function approach. For regular cutting of larger projects, compare its diode format with Glowforge Pro’s 45W CO2 laser.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Glowforge Aura vs Glowforge Pro: what is the main difference?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser has a 12 x 12-inch work area for small craft projects. Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser has a 19.5 x 11-inch bed and a 20-inch-wide pass-through for longer stock.
Choose Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser for occasional, compact projects. Choose Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser for frequent work, larger pieces or long materials. Base the decision on your projects, not power alone.
What can the Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser do?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is designed for small-format engraving and cutting on compatible craft materials. Its 12 x 12-inch work area suits items such as personalized gifts, labels and ornaments.
Check Glowforge’s material guidance for each project. Material composition, color and finish affect diode performance. Choose another machine if your regular projects need a larger bed, a pass-through or more demanding cutting capability.
Why choose the Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser?
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser combines 45W CO2 power with a 19.5 x 11-inch bed and a 20-inch-wide pass-through for long pieces. Its capabilities suit frequent cutting and larger workshop projects.
Plan for the machine’s footprint, safe operation and exhaust ventilation. For occasional small crafts, Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser offers a more compact option. Review manufacturer guidance for materials and ventilation before use.
Should you buy a Glowforge or an xTool laser cutter?
xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser has a 26.7 x 14.1-inch work area. Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser has a smaller bed, plus a 20-inch-wide pass-through for long stock.
For diode options, xTool S1 20W Diode Laser has a 23.93 x 15.16-inch work area, while xTool M1 Ultra 10W Diode Laser has a 12 x 12-inch laser area and a multi-function workflow. Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is a compact craft machine.
Compare work area, material compatibility, software and ventilation requirements. Choose a bed size and laser type suited to your actual projects.
What should you check before buying a laser cutter on Black Friday 2026?
Match the machine to your project size, materials and use frequency. Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser has a 12 x 12-inch bed; Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser adds a pass-through for long stock.
Confirm material compatibility, software requirements, included accessories and workspace needs. Follow manufacturer instructions for exhaust, maintenance and safe operation.
Buying Guide
Choose the right laser type
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser and Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser use different laser types. Check compatibility with your materials and project thickness.
Match the work area to your projects
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser has a 12 x 12-inch bed; xTool P2S 55W CO2 Laser has a 26.7 x 14.1-inch work area. Measure typical designs and stock before choosing.
Look for pass-through support
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser has a 20-inch-wide pass-through for long materials. Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser does not.
Plan for ventilation and setup
Review manufacturer instructions for ventilation, workspace, safety, materials and software before setting up Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser.
FAQ
Glowforge Aura vs Glowforge Pro: which is better for beginners?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is the better fit for beginners focused on small home crafts and a compact 12 x 12-inch work area. Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is a more capable workshop machine, but its larger setup suits frequent users more than casual starters.
Can the Glowforge Aura cut the same materials as the Glowforge Pro?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser and Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser use different laser types and power levels, so their material capabilities are not identical. Check Glowforge’s current material guidance for the exact material, color and thickness before buying or beginning a project.
Is Glowforge Pro worth it for long projects?
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser is worth considering for long projects because its 20-inch-wide pass-through supports material beyond the standard bed. Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser has no pass-through, so it suits designs that fit within its 12 x 12-inch work area.
Which is better, Glowforge Aura or xTool S1?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is a compact choice with a 12 x 12-inch bed, while xTool S1 20W Diode Laser provides a larger 23.93 x 15.16-inch work area. Compare software, materials, workspace and your preferred workflow before selecting either diode machine.
What is the best Glowforge for home crafts?
Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser is the best Glowforge fit for many home crafters who want a compact machine and a 12 x 12-inch work area. Glowforge Spark 6W Diode Laser suits smaller projects, while Glowforge Pro is better for frequent workshop use.
Should I buy a CO2 or diode laser cutter?
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 Laser suits users who need a CO2 machine and a pass-through, while Glowforge Aura 6W Diode Laser fits compact craft projects. Choose based on the exact materials, thicknesses and project dimensions listed in the manufacturer’s guidance.