Head-to-head · Best Laser Engravers

Glowforge Plus vs Ortur Laser Engraver 4

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 (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about users wanting simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →

Ranked #6 in Best Laser Engravers

Ortur Laser Engraver 4

4.0

2 sources1 derived$279as of Aug 1

The Ortur Laser Master 3 is a high-end engraver and cutter with a 20W modular laser that moves at 20000 mm/min, aimed at professionals and experienced hobbyists. Reviewers liked the sleek open-frame design and the full set of accessories, while flagging a complicated assembly and a basic air assist pump. It works well on wood, acrylic, glass, and aluminum, with specific settings recommended for each. Newcomers to laser technology should start somewhere else.

Strengths

— 20W modular laser module for high-power engraving and cutting
— 20000 mm/min maximum speed for efficient operation
— Open-frame design with sleek low-profile build and concealed wiring

Watch-outs

— Requires significant assembly effort with disassembled main components
— Not suitable for beginners due to complexity of setup and alignment

$279 · Buy at business.walmart.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

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.

Ortur Laser Engraver 4

The Ortur Laser Engraver 4 surpasses the xTool D1 Pro in power with its 20W modular laser and high-speed operation, but it requires more complex setup and lacks the included tutorials and ease of assembly that the D1 Pro provides. It also doesn't match the xTool P2's built-in fume extraction or the Atomstack P50 Pro's air assist system.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Glowforge Plus	Ortur Laser Engraver 4
Laser Power	40 watts	20W
Laser Type	CO2 Laser	CO2 laser cutter
Work Area	20" x 20"	15.74" x 15.74" (400 x 400 mm)
Software	web-based software	LightBurn (Paid), LaserGRBL (Free)
Machine Size	38" x 20.75" x 8.25"	600mm570mm130mm
Material	Aluminum	Metal
Weight	48 lb	14.3 lb
Dimensions	38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25″	—
Max Speed	Up to 12x faster top speed	20000 mm/min

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