Glowforge Spark vs LaserPecker LP4
| Laser | ||
| Type | Diode Laser | Diode Laser |
| Wavelength | 455 nm | 455 nm |
| Optical Power | 6 W | 10 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 203 ร 305 mm | 160 ร 120 mm |
| Max Speed | 8,000 mm/min | 240,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Manual |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | No |
| Air Assist | No | No |
| Rotary Compatible | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Camera | Yes | No |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $899 | $1,099 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Weight | 4.9 kg | 4.23 kg |
Pros & Cons
Glowforge Spark
What we like
- Easiest laser to get started with โ ~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 โ safe for home and classroom use
- Wide material library with auto-detected settings
Watch out for
- Cloud-dependent โ requires internet for every job
- Small 203ร305mm cutting area for the price
- Only 6W โ limited cut depth and no thick stock
- Subscription costs for premium design catalogue
- Not compatible with LightBurn
LaserPecker LP4
What we like
- Portable at 4 kg โ battery-powered operation possible
- Dual laser (diode + IR): engrave metals AND organic materials
- Galvo speed 4,000 mm/s โ extremely fast for logos and batch production
- Built-in touchscreen for offline engraving without phone
- Works on 300+ materials, 8K resolution
Watch out for
- Tiny 160ร120mm working area limits project size
- No WiFi โ Bluetooth only (Dongle needed for PC)
- PowerPack battery for portable use sold separately
- No enclosure for eye safety โ requires goggles and conical cover
Compatible Materials
Glowforge Spark
WoodLeatherAcrylicCardboardFabricPaperRubber
LaserPecker LP4
WoodLeatherAcrylicPaperGlassAnodized Aluminumstainless steelplasticFabricfoodStonesilicone
The Glowforge Spark costs $899 (18% less) than the LaserPecker LP4, which is priced at $1,099.
The LaserPecker LP4 has 40% more optical power (10W vs 6W).
The Glowforge Spark offers a 69% larger work area (203 ร 305 mm vs 160 ร 120 mm).
The LaserPecker LP4 has a 97% higher maximum speed (240,000 mm/min vs 8,000 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Glowforge Spark includes an enclosure, while LaserPecker LP4 does not; Glowforge Spark includes a camera, while LaserPecker LP4 does not; Glowforge Spark includes WiFi connectivity, while LaserPecker LP4 does not; LaserPecker LP4 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Spark does not.