Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

Atomstack A5 Pro vs Glowforge Plus

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Atomstack A5 Pro comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 3.5). The gap is mostly about beginners seeking simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Laser Engravers

Atomstack A5 Pro

4.0

$149.99as of Jul 7

The Atomstack A5 Pro is a 20W diode laser engraver with fixed focus design that simplifies operation. Reviewers noted its ease of assembly and included protective shroud, though it lacks endstops for automatic positioning. The laser outputs 5-5.5W optical power, which is lower than the electrical input rating. Users appreciate its compatibility with standard laser software and ability to work with various materials including wood, plastic, and leather. It's best suited for beginners or hobbyists seeking a straightforward engraving solution.

Strengths

— Fixed focus laser design eliminates need for manual focusing
— Includes protective acrylic shroud for added safety
— Supports multiple engraving materials including wood, plastic, and leather

Watch-outs

— No endstops included for automatic homing
— Laser output power is 5-5.5W despite 20W input rating

$149.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Laser Engravers

Glowforge Plus

3.5

$2,249as of Jul 7

The Glowforge Plus remains the friendliest laser cutter to use on the market, according to reviewers who praise its out-of-the-box ease of use and idiot-proof autofocus. While not the most powerful or fastest option available, it's still highly recommended for beginners and hobbyists. The machine requires a web-based app and internet connection to operate, and while it's pricier than some alternatives, reviewers note it offers good value and has proven durable over multiple years of use. It's particularly suited for users wanting a reliable, user-friendly machine rather than maximum cutting power.

Strengths

— User-friendly design that's easier to set up and operate than most competitors
— Includes proof-grade materials with QR codes for automated settings
— Web-based software that's accessible from any device with internet access

Watch-outs

— Expensive compared to entry-level alternatives
— Requires ongoing internet connection to operate

$2,249 · Buy at shop.glowforge.com Full review →

How they stack up

Atomstack A5 Pro

The Atomstack A5 Pro's fixed focus design and protective shroud make it more beginner-friendly than the Ortur Laser Engraver 4, which requires complex alignment. However, it's less powerful than the xTool D1 Pro and lacks the large cutting area and included software tutorials that make the D1 Pro more accessible.

Glowforge Plus

The Glowforge Plus is friendlier than the xTool P2 in terms of setup and operation, but it lacks the P2's powerful 55-watt CO2 laser and built-in fume extraction. It also requires internet connectivity, unlike the more independent Ortur Laser Engraver 4, which offers high-speed operation without cloud dependency.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Atomstack A5 Pro	Glowforge Plus
Laser Power	20W	40 watts
Laser Type	Diode Laser	CO2 Laser
Work Area	410*400mm	20" x 20"
Software	ATOMSTACK Studio Software	web-based software
Machine Size	410 x 400 mm	38" x 20.75" x 8.25"
Weight	8.82 lb	48 lb
Max Speed	—	Up to 12x faster top speed

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