Can You Actually Start Laser Engraving With Under $150 in 2026

If you're interested in getting into laser engraving but you're on a tight budget, you're probably asking: can I actually start laser engraving with under $150? Or do I need to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get started?

You'll see a lot of people online saying you need to spend at least $500 to get a decent machine. But the truth is, technology has come a long way, and in 2026 you absolutely can start laser engraving with under $150. Let me show you how.

Yes, You Really Can Start Laser Engraving Under $150

Five years ago, this would have been really difficult. You either had to buy a cheap no-name machine that barely worked, or spend a lot more for a quality brand. But today, reputable brands like Tyvok make quality entry-level machines that fit perfectly into this budget.

For example, the Tyvok A1 Mini is just $109 for the 3.5W version and $149 for the 5W version. That's right – you can get a brand-new quality laser engraver for well under $150.

You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get started with laser engraving anymore. You don't even need to spend $500. $109 is enough to get started and make great projects.

What Do You Get When You Start Under $150?

So what exactly do you get for that money? With the Tyvok A1 Mini, you get:

• A complete, ready-to-use diode laser engraver
• Your choice of 3.5W or 5W power
• A 120 × 130mm working area
• Compatibility with all standard software like LightBurn
• Simple setup that takes less than 10 minutes
• Ultra-portable design that's easy to move

This is enough to engrave all the most common beginner materials: wood, leather, anodized aluminum, acrylic, cardboard, and more. You can make all the most popular small products like keychains, pet tags, jewelry, and small custom gifts.

That's everything you need to get started and actually start making things (and even making money).

What Are the Limitations of a $100-$150 Laser?

Let's be honest – there are some limitations you need to know about when you're buying at this price point:

1. Small working area: At 120 × 130mm, you're limited to small items. You won't be able to do large cutting boards or big signs. But if you're mainly making small items like keychains and pet tags, this is perfectly fine.
2. Primarily for engraving, not cutting: These lower-power machines can cut thin materials, but they aren't designed for cutting thick wood or acrylic. If you want to do a lot of cutting, you'll need a more powerful machine later.
3. Lower power than more expensive machines: 3.5W/5W is enough for engraving most materials, but it won't be as fast as a 10W machine.

These limitations only matter if you actually need those things. If you're a beginner just testing the waters or you only plan to make small items, these limitations won't affect you at all.

What Do You Need Besides the Laser Machine?

The machine itself is $109-$149, but you'll need a few other things to get started:

• A computer: You probably already have one – any regular laptop or desktop works fine.
• LightBurn software: This is the standard software for laser engraving. It has a free 30-day trial, and a permanent license costs $60 one-time (that's it, no subscriptions).
• Materials: You just need a few scraps to get started – $20 is enough for your first projects.

So total cost to get fully set up:

• Minimum (using free trial first): $109 + $20 = $129
• Everything upfront: $109 + $60 + $20 = $189

Even if you buy everything upfront, you're still only at $189, which isn't much more than $150. And if you want to start really cheap, you can get going for under $130.

Is It Worth It to Start Cheap?

In my opinion, absolutely yes – especially if you're a beginner.

Here's why starting cheap makes sense:

• Low risk: If you try it and discover you don't really like laser engraving, you've only lost $100 instead of $500+.
• You can still make sellable products: You can absolutely make great-looking products that people will buy with a $109 machine. Many beginners start making money back quickly with small items like pet tags.
• You can upgrade later: Once you start making money and know you love it, you can always upgrade to a bigger machine. Your first machine doesn't have to be your forever machine.
• Perfect for students and people on a budget: You don't need a lot of money to get started with this hobby anymore.

Conclusion

So to answer your question: Yes, you absolutely can start laser engraving with under $150 in 2026.

Technology has changed, and you don't need to spend a fortune anymore to get a quality machine from a reputable brand. The Tyvok A1 Mini gives you everything you need to get started for just $109-$149, and it's perfect for beginners.

If you're on the fence about trying laser engraving, this is the perfect low-risk way to get started.

👉 Check out the Tyvok A1 Mini and get started today:
Tyvok A1 Mini Desktop Laser Engraving Machine (3.5W $109 / 5W $149)

Read our full review for more details:
Is the Tyvok A1 Mini Worth It in 2026? Full Review for Beginners

Published: March 20, 2026 by Alex Maker