10 Best Cutting Machines 2025 in the United States

The Glowforge Pro HD is a powerful laser cutter and engraver with a strong 45-watt CO2 laser, making it capable of cutting and engraving a wide range of materials like wood, leather, metal, stone, and even chocolate. It can handle materials up to half an inch thick, which suits many creative and professional projects. One of its standout features is the passthrough slot that allows for continuous printing on longer materials, which is great for bigger projects. The built-in camera and autofocus help you see exactly how your design will be engraved, making the process more precise and user-friendly.

Since it operates automatically and includes software for design control, it is accessible to users who might not be very tech-savvy, though some learning is still needed. The machine is fairly large and heavy (129 pounds), meaning it requires a dedicated workspace. It also boasts good safety testing and a one-year warranty, which adds reassurance. While it works with many materials, very thick or heavy metals might be beyond its reach.

As a higher-end model, it may be an investment better suited for small businesses, serious hobbyists, or craftspeople rather than casual users. The Glowforge Pro HD provides strong cutting power, versatile material compatibility, and useful features that support detailed and extended projects, but it requires some space and a bit of a learning curve.

The Cricut Maker 4 is a versatile and robust smart cutting machine designed for a wide range of crafting and DIY projects. It offers an impressive cutting area, accommodating materials up to 13 inches wide, which is suitable for large and intricate designs. With a cutting force strong enough to handle over 300 different materials, it excels in cutting not only common crafting mediums like vinyl and cardstock but also more durable materials such as leather and matboard. This makes it a flexible tool for both beginner and advanced users.

The included Fine-Point Blade and additional accessories like the Light Grip Mat and Weeder Tool ensure you have everything needed to start your projects right away. The machine also features compatibility with inkjet printers for full-color sticker designs, adding to its creative potential. The Design Space app provides a user-friendly platform for project planning, boasting an extensive library of digital content and guided tutorials to help users maximize the machine's capabilities.

However, the machine’s relatively large size and weight (21.4 pounds) might be cumbersome for those with limited workspace. Additionally, while the Design Space app offers many features for free, accessing the full range of content and project templates requires a Cricut Access subscription, which is an added cost. The Cricut Maker 4 is highly recommended for crafters looking for a powerful, versatile machine with extensive material compatibility and robust software support. Its ease of use and comprehensive beginner’s guides make it approachable, though the size and subscription costs could be considerations for some users.

The xTool M1 Ultra is a versatile 4-in-1 crafting machine that combines laser engraving, blade cutting, inkjet printing, and pen drawing, making it suitable for users looking to do multiple craft projects with one device. Its standout feature is the easy swap design, allowing quick changes between functions in just a few seconds, which is great for saving time and streamlining creative work. It supports over 1000 materials, from thin to thick and even curved surfaces, offering impressive material compatibility uncommon in similar machines.

The 10W Class I laser delivers precise engraving with a good balance of power and safety, suitable for detailed work on various materials. The included software is user-friendly, featuring AI-assisted tools and snapshot previews that help beginners achieve professional results without complex setup. The machine comes pre-assembled, which reduces the frustration often faced by new users. While it covers multiple functions, some specialized users might find dedicated machines more powerful in one specific mode.

The xTool M1 Ultra is an excellent choice for hobbyists and small business crafters who value versatility, ease of use, and wide material support in a single compact machine.