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Top 15 Glowforge Competitors and Alternatives

Kevin Johnson
March 5, 2024
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11 min read

Glowforge is an award-winning 3D laser printer manufacturer based in Seattle, Washington. Dan Shapiro and Mark Gosselin founded the company in 2015. The founders raised over $27 million in pre-orders in 30 days through a crowdfunding campaign to establish the startup.

Unlike traditional 3D printers, Glowforge uses subtractive technology to engrave 3D products from durable materials like wood, leather, acrylic, paper, and fabric. Creators can use its cloud-based app to create 3D masterpieces at the touch of a button.

In May 2023, the company raised $20 million in Series E funds to accelerate innovation and expand product offerings and services. Glowforge has secured over $135 million in investor financing since its founding. [1]

Glowforge offers three printer models: Glowforge Basic, Pro, and Plus. All 3D printers have live camera preview, free web-based software, autofocus, and 3D engraving. They are also compatible with Mac, PC, tablet, and smartphone and engrave materials at a resolution of 1,000 DPI.

In July 2023, Glowforge unveiled a new lower-priced machine called Aura, which costs $1,200. The Aura is a smaller and cheaper version of Glowforge Plus and Pro. Over 100,000 creators and more than 4,000 US schools use Glowforge. However, the company faces stiff competition from OMTech, Gweike Cloud, FLUX, LaserPecker, FSL, xTool, and ThunderLaser. [2]

Here is an in-depth analysis of Glowforge’s top competitors and alternatives:

1. OMTech Laser

Year founded: 2020
Headquarter: Anaheim, California

OMTech is a laser engraving machine manufacturer. In 2022, OMTech expanded its Demo Room to dozens of US cities. The program has provided over 500 live laser demonstrations to engravers and enthusiasts since 2021. [3]

OMTech is a leading online laser engraver retailer with thousands of customers across the US. Like Glowforge, OMTech lasers can cut wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, cardboard, foam, and glass. OMTech’s latest machine is the Polar with a 50W laser tube, which is more than Glowforge Pro 45W. However, the company is best known for its budget-friendly CO2 laser cutters. OMTech is the top Glowforge competitor and alternative. [4]

2. Gweike Cloud

Year founded: 2004
Headquarter: Jinan, Shandong, China

Gweike is a leading Chinese laser engraver machine manufacturer. The company recently introduced its Cloud RF model to compete against Glowforge. As of July 2023, Gweike Cloud Pro sold at almost half the price of Glowforge Pro.

Gweike Cloud Pro and Glowforge Pro have similar working areas and accuracy. Still, Gweike Cloud Pro is faster than Glowforge Pro and has a rotary attachment option to enable users to engrave tall and round objects. Gweike Cloud is one of the best alternatives to Glowforge. [5]

3. FLUX Inc.

Year founded: 2014
Headquarter: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

FLUX is a 3D printer, 3D scanner, and laser engraver manufacturer. The company raised over $1.6 million in a Kickstarter project to develop the Delta. This all-in-one desktop device combines the functions of a 3D printer, 3D scanner, and laser engraver.

FLUX offers four devices – Beamo, Beambox, Beambox Pro, and HEXA. In 2022, FLUX established its open e-commerce platform, Design Market, to serve laser engraving enthusiasts. It works with over 100 local resellers and ships to 64 countries. FLUX is a formidable competitor for Glowforge. [6]

4. LaserPecker

Year founded: 2017
Headquarter: Shenzhen, China

LaserPecker is a global leader in portable and affordable laser engraving machines. In December 2022, the company launched its new LaserPecker 4. The LaserPecker offers innovative technological features, including a 10W laser, a larger engraving area, and a thicker cutting capacity. [7]

The LaserPecker 4 can engrave or cut plastic, glass, metals, bamboo, and stone. As of March 2023, the LaserPecker 4 had raised $4.5 million on Kickstarter from over 2,800 investors since its launch in Dec 2022. The LaserPecker 2 rose to fame after securing over $7.2 million on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. LaserPecker is a fast-growing Glowforge competitor. [8]

5. Full Spectrum Laser (FSL)

Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Las Vegas, Nevada

FSL is a laser technology developer best known for its Muse 3D printers, which compete against Glowforge. As of January 2023, FSL sold its Muse Core 40W laser cutter and engraver for $3,499.

FSL and Glowforge offer three product versions for different target consumers. Their premium models – Glowforge Pro and Muse Titan – have an enclosed setup, requiring users to open the door to access the work area. However, Muse Titan has an advantage over Glowforge because it offers high-powered laser systems with 75W, 90W, or 100W output power. FSL Muse is one of the best alternatives to Glowforge for professional engravers. [9]

6. xTool

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Shenzhen, China

xTool is a laser cutter company founded by Jasen Wang. The founder and CEO first created Makeblock, focusing on STEAM education to help underage students improve their creativity. In late 2020, Makeblock switched to a laser machine business to provide creation solutions.

xTool ventured into the laser cutter sector in 2021 after launching the xTool D1 series. The company later introduced the xTool M1 laser cutter and engraver, which won a Red Dot Design Award. In April 2023, xTool launched its new xTool P2, which has the speed and accuracy of a CO2 laser cutter. xTool is one of the top competitors for Glowforge. [10]

7. ThunderLaser

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Quitman, Texas

ThunderLaser is a leading global manufacturer of laser cutting and engraving machines. The company specializes in high-end laser machines. In April 2023, ThunderLaser showcased its innovative products at the International Sign Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. [11]

ThunderLaser offers three cutting-edge laser machines: the Nova51, Odin32, and Aurora8. Businesses that require high-quality and efficient production can use the Nova51 laser cutter. The Odin32 laser engraver serves small businesses and individuals looking to create intricate designs and prototypes. ThunderLaser is a worthy competitor for Glowforge.

8. Snapmaker

Year founded: 2016
Headquarter: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Snapmaker is a digital fabrication tools manufacturer. Its desktop 3D printers combine 3D printing, laser engraving, cutting, and CNC carving. In 2022, the Snapmaker 2.0 3-in-1 printer won the iF Design Award.

Snapmaker 2.0 A350T, Artisan, and J1 compete against Glowforge’s products. In April 2023, Snapmaker Artisan and J1 won the Red Dot Design and iF Design Awards. Artisan is the continuation and upgrade of the Snapmaker 2.0, while J1 is Snapmaker’s first IDEX 3D printer. Snapmaker is an industry-leading alternative to Glowforge. [12]

9. Inventables

Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Chicago, Illinois

Inventables is a 3D carving company founded by CEO Zach Kaplan. It offers intuitive software, an easy-to-use carving machine, and carving materials. In Oct 2022, Inventables launched 3D carving in Easel Pro.

Inventables is best known for its affordable 3D carving machines X-Carve Pro and X-Carve, but it also offers Easel and Easel Pro design platforms. With the launch of 3D carving in Easel Pro, users can now import 3D STL files and start working in minutes. The enhancement increases Inventables’ competitive advantage over Glowforge. [13]

10. AtomStack

Year founded: 2020
Headquarter: Shenzhen, China

AtomStack is a global 3D printer brand. The company offers AtomStack A5 and AtomStack, which compete against Glowforge. In 2022, AtomStack had one enterprise manufacturing center in Shenzhen, China.

AtomStack A5 is an all-in-one device. The company launched the open-frame diode laser engraver, AtomStack X7, as an upgrade from A5. This series has the X7 with 5W laser and the X7 Pro with 10W. Both devices use a 5W diode laser module and quadruple compression technology. AtomStack is a worthy alternative to Glowforge. [14]

11. Dremel

Year founded: 1932
Headquarter: Racine, Wisconsin

Dremel is a multinational power tools brand owned by Bosch. The company focuses on home improvement and hobby applications. For over 85 years, Dremel has provided rotary tools used in the metalworking industry.

Dremel is best known for its rotary tools, such as the Dremel 3000, 4000, and 8200 series. However, the company also offers Dremel Digilab LC40, which competes against Glowforge Plus in the professional laser cutter for the small business category. Both are accurate at high speeds and cut through several materials, such as wood and metal. Dremel is a worthy alternative to Glowforge. [15]

12. Monport Laser

Year founded: 2020
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington

Monport is a laser engraving machine manufacturer. The company serves metal engraving enthusiasts and small businesses. In August 2023, Monport launched two integrated fiber-marking machines – GP and GI MOPA laser – to celebrate its anniversary. [16]

Monport and Glowforge offer cutting-edge engravers, but Monport specializes in metal engraving machines. In September 2023, the company introduced high-powered laser engravers. The Monport 100W, 130W, and 150W CO2 machines enhance precision and efficiency in deep laser cutting applications. Monport is a fast-growing competitor for Glowforge. [17]

13. Ortur

Year founded: 2018
Headquarter: Dongguan, Guangdong, China

Ortur is a laser engravers and cutters manufacturer. Its machines are compatible with various engraving software, such as LaserGRBL and LightBurn. In July 2023, the company launched its latest product called Ortur Laser Master 3 LU3-20A. [18]

Ortur engravers and cutters support Win XP, Win 7, Win 8, Win 10, Mac, and Linux systems, but earlier models lacked advanced features. The latest Laser Master 3 LU3-20A machine addresses this shortcoming with features that enhance its functionality. Professionals and hobbyists can use this 20W laser to cut materials, such as wood, acrylic, leather, and fabric. Ortur is one of the best alternatives to Glowforge.

14. Boss Laser

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Sanford, Florida

Boss Laser is a laser engraving and cutting equipment manufacturer. Its e-commerce website offers CO2 laser cutter and engraver systems. As of June 2023, Boss Laser served customers from its over 60,000-square-foot facility in Florida.

Boss Laser offers industrial-grade laser cutters, engravers, markers, and the LSR. In June 2023, the company launched the LSR Hybrid equipped with a CO2 laser and CNC spindle. This cutting-edge tool is the second product released from Boss Laser in less than a year after the Alignment Tool Kit. Boss Laser is one of the fastest-growing competitors for Glowforge. [19]

15. ZMorph

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Wrocław, Poland

ZMorph is a Polish 3D printer manufacturer. The company raised $1.2 million in April 2020 for its ZMorph VX multitool 3D printer. In April 2021, ZMorph introduced its latest large-format industrial-grade 3D printer, the ZMorph i500.

ZMorph provides high-quality solutions for education and industrial applications. In August 2022, Sygnis acquired ZMorph and integrated it into the Sygnis Group as a subsidiary. This acquisition increases ZMorph’s competitive advantage over Glowforge. [20]

 References & more information

  1. Glowforge (2023, May 17). Glowforge adds $20M in Series E Funds to Fuel Innovation and Development. Business Wire
  2. Schlosser, K. (2023, Jul 25). Glowforge releases a new $1,200 laser printer to make home crafting a more accessible hobby. Geekwire
  3. OMTech Laser (2022, Apr 4). OMTech Laser Celebrates 500th Demo Room Booking. 24-7PressRelease
  4. EH Admin (2023, May 16). OMTech Laser: Uses, Materials, Laser Engraving Applications. Engineering Hulk
  5. CNC Sourced Staff (2023, Jul 3). Gweike Cloud Pro vs. Glowforge Pro: Which is the Best Desktop Laser? CNCSourced.com
  6. Top 3D Shop Staff (2022, Nov 13). FLUX Brand Review: Professional Laser Cutters and Engravers. Top3DShop.com
  7. LaserPecker (2022, Dec 15). LaserPecker Announces the LaserPecker 4, a High-Speed Dual Laser Source in One Engraver and Cutter. Globe Newswire
  8. Tommy, L. (2023, Apr 14). How LaserPecker 4 raised $4.5 million on Kickstarter. Pledge Box
  9. John, M. (2023, Jan 21). Muse vs. Glowforge: Which laser is better? Mellow Pine
  10. Dean, I. (2023, Apr 18). The new xTool P2 laser cutter: everything we know. Creative Bloq
  11. ThunderLaser Staff (2023, Apr 21). ThunderLaser Showcases Innovative Laser Products at International Sign Expo in Las Vegas. ThunderLaser.com
  12. Snapmaker (2023, Apr 15). Snapmaker Artisan and J1 Win Red Dot and iF Design Award 2023. PRNewswire
  13. Inventables (2022, Oct 18). Inventables Launches 3D in Easel Pro. Globe Newswire
  14. John, M. (2023, Feb 21). AtomStack X7 Laser Review: Tested 2023. Mellow Pine
  15. CNC Sourced Staff (2023, Jul 4). Glowforge Plus vs. Dremel LC40: Which laser cutter is best for you? CNCSourced.com
  16. Monport Laser (2023, Aug 4). Fiber Laser Technology Pioneer Monport Laser Extends Anniversary Celebrations with Revolutionary Series Launch. PRNewswire
  17. Monport (2023, Sep 7). Monport Introduces High-Powered Laser Engravers for Precision Deep Laser Cutting. Live5News
  18. Shaikhnag, A. (2023, Jul 17). Ortur launches a new high 20W laser engraver with color marking capability. 3D Printing Industry
  19. Boss Laser (2023, Jun 23). Boss Laser Announces New Product, the LSR Hybrid – All-in-One CO2 Laser and CNC Machine. Newswire.com
  20. Johnson, O. (2022, Aug 1). Polish deep-tech company Sygnis acquires ZMorph and launches the Sygnis Group. TCT Magazine
  21. Featured Image by Opt Lasers

 Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

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