AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed vs Glowforge Spark
| Laser | ||
| Type | Diode Laser | Diode Laser |
| Wavelength | 455 nm | 455 nm |
| Optical Power | 20 W | 6 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 440 × 415 mm | 203 × 305 mm |
| Max Speed | 30,000 mm/min | 8,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Manual | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | No |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $929 | $899 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 4.9 kg |
AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed
What we like
- Enclosure improves indoor air/fume containment and safety
- Same touchscreen smart features as the open-frame Alpha MK2
- Better suited to shared/indoor workspaces than the open-frame version
- Automatic air assist included
Watch out for
- Highest-priced 20W Alpha MK2 configuration
- Bulkier and heavier than the open-frame model
- Exact enclosure dimensions not published as text — verify before publishing
Glowforge Spark
What we like
- Easiest laser to get started with — ~30-minute setup
- Free Glowforge Print software works on any device (Mac, PC, tablet, phone)
- Built-in camera with live preview for material placement
- Class 1 enclosed — safe for home and classroom use
- Wide material library with auto-detected settings
Watch out for
- Cloud-dependent — requires internet for every job
- Small 203×305mm cutting area for the price
- Only 6W — limited cut depth and no thick stock
- Subscription costs for premium design catalogue
- Not compatible with LightBurn
AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed
Glowforge Spark
The Glowforge Spark costs $899 (3% less) than the AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed, which is priced at $929.
The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed has 70% more optical power (20W vs 6W).
The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed offers a 66% larger work area (440 × 415 mm vs 203 × 305 mm).
The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed has a 73% higher maximum speed (30,000 mm/min vs 8,000 mm/min).
Feature-wise, AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed includes air assist, while Glowforge Spark does not; Glowforge Spark includes a camera, while AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed does not; AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Smart Enclosed includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Spark does not.