Glowforge Pro HD vs OMTech Polar Lite 55W
Verdict
On our scores the OMTech Polar Lite 55W comes out ahead, 75 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W costs about $5,799 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 OMTech Polar Lite 55W is best for
Small shops and serious hobbyists who want an all-in-one enclosed CO2 that runs LightBurn offline.Specs and scores side by side
| Glowforge Pro HD | OMTech Polar Lite 55W | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | CO2 laser | CO2 laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 45 W | 55 W |
| Work area | 495 × 279 mm | 510 × 300 mm |
| Max speed | n/a | 500 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, listed as an FDA Class 1 laser with lid interlock and emergency stop, plus a water temperature alarm |
| Weight | 25 kg | 41 kg |
| Price | $7,999 | $2,200 |
| Overall score | 66 | 75 |
| Power score | 76 | 82 |
| Speed score | 60 | 65 |
| Ease score | 93 | 82 |
| Safety score | 82 | 88 |
| Value score | 38 | 78 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Glowforge Pro HD or the OMTech Polar Lite 55W?
On our scores the OMTech Polar Lite 55W comes out ahead, 75 to 66. The Glowforge Pro HD is a 45 W co2 laser with a 495 × 279 mm work area; the OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The OMTech Polar Lite 55W costs about $5,799 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the Glowforge Pro HD or the OMTech Polar Lite 55W?
At list price the OMTech Polar Lite 55W ($2,200) 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).