This is a side-by-side comparison of OMTech Laser, Thunder Laser, Boss Laser, and Aeon Laser products. The laser cutter model specifications listed reflect official company offerings as of March, 2022.
There was a time when finding a quality laser cutter affordable enough to have in your home workshop was nearly impossible. Those days are over. New technology and a changing marketplace have led to the creation of laser cutters that are small enough and cheap enough to be a viable option for many DIY fans.
Of course, a low cost does not automatically mean the best value. To get the most out of your home laser cutter, you not only need to consider the price but also the quality and features it offers you. There are many brands with affordable laser cutters to choose from, but you may find that the OMTech line of laser cutters offers you the most bang for your buck.
How Much Does a Laser Cutter Cost?
Laser cutters vary in price based on quality, brand name, features offered, and power levels. Generally speaking, they range in price from $4,000 to $15,000. A good rule of thumb is that the larger the workspace and higher the wattages, the more expensive your laser cutter is going to be.
You should also be aware that many projects may require specific add-on features or attachments to be done correctly. These add-on features can add hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars to the price of your laser cutter.
Is a Laser Cutter a Good Investment?
Whether or not a laser cutter is a wise investment for you depends entirely on what you hope to accomplish with this tool. If you are a beginner laser engraver or hobbyist who just wants to create whimsical works of art for your own enjoyment, then the cost may not be worth it for you. However, if you intend to use your laser cutter to start a laser cutting business, and create things that you can then sell to your customers, it may be able to pay for itself in no time by cutting out your need to ship the work off elsewhere.
If you have decided that a laser cutter is a wise investment for you, take the time to figure out exactly what tasks you need your DIY laser cutter to do for you. There is no need to pay more money for more power or workspace than you really need. Carefully consider any attachments you are considering for the same reason. Does the add-on make enough of a difference to your projects to be able to justify the additional costs? Check out this Laser Engraver Buying Guide video for more help.
Choose OMTech for the Best Laser Cutting Value
When looking for a budget laser cutting machine, or any other high-cost tool, it is helpful to do a bit of comparison shopping first. Taking a good look at what different brands have to offer and the prices they are asking gives you a great overview of what you can expect from an affordable laser cutter and at what price.
OMTech is not alone in the home laser cutter business. There are a few comparable laser brands out there. We'll compare these brands to show you why OMTech might be the best affordable laser cutter for you.
OMTech Laser Cutter
OMTech offers a wide range of affordable laser cutters, from desktop to high-powered cabinet models. They specialize in creating home laser cutters and they offer the pricing and options that will benefit DIY laser cutter users and professional laser engraving businesses alike. They also sell pre-owned laser machines that work like new but at a fraction of the original cost. Here are their lowest and highest priced models.
- DF0812-40RW: 40 watts, an 8" x 12" workspace, and starts at $499
- AF4063-150: 150 watts, a 40" x 63" workspace, and starts at $8,099
Thunder Laser Cutter
Thunder laser cutters start with a basic model at a starting price and then you can customize it to meet your needs. This sounds like a good way to go, but with just a little bit of math, you can see how quickly those optional features add up. Here are the base prices for their least and most expensive models:
- Mini 60: 40 watts, a 23.6" x 15.7" x .8" workspace, and starts at $5,600
- Nova 63: 100 or 130 watts, 63.0" x 39.4" x 9.1" workspace, and starts at $15,100
As you can see, the price rises dramatically as the size and power increase. Also, keep in mind the listed prices or for the basic models. Some people might end up paying more to get "add on" features that other brands may include in the base price.
Aeon Laser USA
Aeon Laser USA offers two types of CO2 laser cutters: the desktop, and professional versions:
- Mira 5 Desktop: 40 watts, an 11.75" x 19.75" workspace, and starts at $5,995
- Mira 9 Pro: 120 watts, a 23 5/8" x 35 1/2" workspace, and start at $9,995
The base price for the higher-end model is a good deal lower than the price quoted by Thunder Laser, but the workspace is also smaller.
Boss Laser Cutters
Boss laser specializes in industrial-sized CO2 laser cutters, but they also offer DIY laser engraver models that are compact and affordable enough to be considered home laser cutters:
- Boss LS-1416: 50 watts, a 15.75" x 13.75" workspace, and starts at $4,997
- Boss LS-1630: 70 watts, a 15.75" x 29.50" workspace, and starts at $7,997
Boss describes these models as hobby laser cutters, so they may not be designed to withstand the rigors of a professional workload.
OMTech Offers the Best Value in Affordable Laser Cutters
This quick comparison makes it clear that OMTech has a lot to offer someone in need of a home laser cutter. Not only are their prices the lowest in the market, but they have so many models to choose from that you are sure to find the one that best meets your needs without paying for features you do not need.
OMTech also knows that being able to afford the right laser cutter may be challenging for a lot of people. To help you bring one home they offer pre-owned laser engravers at a discount and a financing program to help you bring you home the best affordable laser cutter.
