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.

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The short answer

Glowforge Plus comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about users wanting simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Laser Engravers

Atomstack A5 Pro

4.0

4 sourcesall derived$143.09as of Jul 31

The Atomstack A5 Pro is a 20W diode laser engraver whose fixed focus design keeps operation simple. Reviewers found it easy to assemble and liked the included protective shroud, but noted it has no endstops for automatic positioning. Optical output measures 5-5.5W, well under the electrical input rating. It runs standard laser software and handles wood, plastic, and leather. Beginners and hobbyists who want straightforward engraving are the audience.

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

$143.09 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Laser Engravers

Glowforge Plus

4.3

3 sourcesall derived$2,249as of Aug 1

Reviewers still call the Glowforge Plus the friendliest laser cutter to use on the market, thanks to how little you have to do out of the box and an autofocus that's hard to get wrong. It isn't the most powerful or fastest option, but it remains a common recommendation for beginners and hobbyists. Operation depends on a web-based app and an internet connection. It costs more than some alternatives, though reviewers rate the value well and report it holding up over multiple years of use. Choose it for reliability and ease 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 →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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
Work Area	410*400mm	20" x 20"
Weight	8.82 lb	48 lb
Laser Type	Diode Laser	CO2 Laser
Machine Size	410 x 400 mm	38" x 20.75" x 8.25"
Material	Aluminium Alloy	Aluminum
Software	ATOMSTACK Studio Software	web-based software
Dimensions	—	38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25″
Max Speed	—	Up to 12x faster top speed

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