Glowforge Pro HD vs Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W
Verdict
On our scores the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W comes out ahead, 74 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W is a 50 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W costs about $6,340 less at list price.
The Glowforge Pro HD is best for
Small businesses, schools and makerspaces that will pay a large premium for the easiest browser-based CO2 workflow.The Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W is best for
Makers who want an all-in-one enclosed 50W CO2 with the rotary included, if they can catch it in stock.Specs and scores side by side
| Glowforge Pro HD | Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | CO2 laser | CO2 laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 45 W | 50 W |
| Work area | 495 × 279 mm | 510 × 300 mm |
| Max speed | n/a | 600 mm/s |
| Air assist | Built in | Built in |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Safety | Enclosed with lid and rear door interlocks, but rated Class 4 because of the passthrough slot; UL certified, no emergency stop button | Fully enclosed, maker states Class 1 (FDA certified), pauses when the lid is opened, emergency stop button |
| Weight | 25 kg | 42.6 kg |
| Price | $7,999 | $1,659 |
| Overall score | 66 | 74 |
| Power score | 76 | 80 |
| Speed score | 60 | 70 |
| Ease score | 93 | 82 |
| Safety score | 82 | 88 |
| Value score | 38 | 84 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Glowforge Pro HD or the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W?
On our scores the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W comes out ahead, 74 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W is a 50 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W costs about $6,340 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the Glowforge Pro HD or the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W?
At list price the Gweike Cloud Pro II 50W ($1,659) costs less than the Glowforge Pro HD ($7,999).
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).