I’ve been using the LONGER Ray5 5000mW for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with its performance. The 15.7" x 15.7" working area gives plenty of room for larger projects, and the machine itself feels sturdy and well built. Setup was straightforward thanks to clear instructions, and I was up and running in under an hour. The engraving quality is excellent. Wood, acrylic, and leather come out clean and detailed, and the air assist kit makes a huge difference—it reduces burn marks and improves cut depth significantly. I’ve also tested it on glass and coated metal with good results. The included 4-in-1 rotary roller kit is a big bonus for anyone who wants to engrave cups, tumblers, or other cylindrical items—it works smoothly and is easy to adjust. One of my favorite features is the built-in touchscreen. Being able to run jobs directly from a TF card without needing a computer connection is very convenient. The safety features (like flame detection and motion alarm) give me extra peace of mind when running longer jobs. I previously owned an earlier model of the Ray5, but this upgraded 5000mW version is a big step up. It’s more powerful, faster, and most importantly, it can engrave on glass, which the older one couldn’t handle. The engraving quality is sharp and clean across wood, acrylic, and metal, and with the air assist kit, cuts are much smoother with less burning. Read more

My first laser the learning curve was a bit much lol but once u just keep playing with engravings and cutting you find that sweet spot and it works flawless I love this little guy lol Read more

It works great, but full of Chinese spyware, when downloading laserburn software it ask permission for location and contacts permissions on your phone, there is no need for any software to ask for that kind of information Read more

A few years ago I actually made my own mini laser engraver using recycled DVD. At that time commercial laser engravers cost >$1000. I can't believe that now I can get a desktop laser engraver for ~$100. I have been using the engraver for 5 days now and I am impressed by how easy to use it and how reliable it works. The engraver is surprisingly lightweight and can be easily carried around with one hand. It is not big (see the photos) but have a decent working area. It is so lightweight so that I can direct put it on top of the working material and move it around instead of moving the material around. The 2.5W laser, tho not the most powerful one, but I can engrave a 1mm groove at 50% power and 500mm/s speed on plywood board, or engrave a 2in by 2in image on card board at 80% power and 2000mm/s speed and finish it in 10 min. I think running it even slower and so multiple pass I might be able to cut through 6mm plywood boards. The engrave quality is awesome (accurate, uniform, consistent). Another surprise is the app support. I was afraid that I needed to keep a laptop connected to the engraver to have it work. I was happy to find out that the engraver has a pretty convenient phone app that can be downloaded in play store. I can connect to the engraver wirelessly via wifi via the app, create patterns, specify laser power and speed, send the G code to the engraver, start/pause the engraving remotely on the phone. The engraver doesn't come with any case, I think this makes the engraver very flexible to use. However I highly recommend to get a case with vent. There are burning fume which can be a little unpleasant. I plan to build one using acrylic sheet and aluminum extrusions. The best $100 I recently spent! Read more

As someone who's always tinkering with DIY projects, from custom wooden signs to personalized gifts, I was on the hunt for an affordable yet reliable laser engraver to take my hobbies to the next level. After reading countless reviews and comparing options, I decided to pull the trigger on the LONGER Ray5 laser engraver. Let me tell you, it has exceeded every expectation I had. I've been using it for a couple of months now, and it's become an indispensable tool in my workshop. If you're a beginner dipping your toes into laser engraving or an experienced maker looking for something straightforward and powerful, this machine is a fantastic choice. Here's my in-depth take on why I highly recommend the LONGER Ray5. Unboxing and Initial Setup: Surprisingly Simple One of the biggest hurdles with new tech gadgets is the setup process, but the Ray5 made it a breeze. The package arrived well-packaged with everything I needed right out of the box: the engraver itself, a sturdy frame, protective eyewear, an air assist pump (which is a nice bonus for cleaner cuts), and all the necessary cables. Assembly took me less than 30 minutes—mostly just attaching the laser module to the frame and connecting the wires. The instructions are clear, with both written guides and QR codes linking to video tutorials on the LONGER website. No need for fancy tools; a basic screwdriver does the trick. What really impressed me was how beginner-friendly the whole process felt. I'm not a tech wizard, but I had it up and running on my laptop within an hour. The software download was seamless, and it supports multiple operating systems like Windows, macOS, and even some mobile integration. If you're worried about compatibility issues, don't be—the Ray5 plays nice with popular design software like LightBurn and LaserGRBL, which are free to try. Overall, the ease of setup alone makes this a standout for newcomers who might be intimidated by more complex machines. The App and Software: Intuitive and User-Friendly The heart of the Ray5's appeal is its companion app and software ecosystem. LONGER provides their own app, which is incredibly intuitive. It's got a clean interface where you can import designs, adjust settings like power, speed, and passes with sliders, and even preview the engraving path before committing. I love the mobile app version too—it lets me control the engraver from my phone, which is perfect for quick adjustments while I'm in the middle of a project in the garage. For beginners, the app includes preset modes for different materials (wood, leather, acrylic, etc.), so you don't have to guess at settings. As someone who's graduated from beginner to more experimental projects, I've appreciated the advanced features like multi-layer engraving and custom focus adjustments. The software is responsive, with minimal lag even on my mid-range laptop. One small nitpick: while it's great for 2D designs, if you're into super intricate 3D modeling, you might need to pair it with more robust software like Adobe Illustrator for prep work. But for 90% of what I do, the built-in tools are more than sufficient. It's this thoughtful software that bridges the gap between novice and pro users seamlessly. Performance and Engraving Quality: Exceptional Results on Wood and Beyond Now, onto the fun part—the actual engraving. The Ray5 is a diode laser with a 5W output, which might not sound like much compared to industrial beasts, but for hobbyists, it's plenty powerful. On wood, it delivers stunning results. I've engraved everything from plywood coasters to oak plaques, and the lines are crisp, with deep burns that look professional. The engraving speed is adjustable up to 600mm/s, so I can knock out a simple design in minutes or take my time for finer details without sacrificing quality. What surprised me most is its versatility across materials. Wood is its sweet spot—I've done beautiful etchings on basswood, pine, and even reclaimed barn wood with no issues. But it handles other stuff brilliantly too: leather for custom wallets, acrylic for clear awards, and even anodized aluminum for metal tags. The engraving effect is consistent, with minimal charring thanks to the optional air assist, which blows away smoke and debris for cleaner edges. I've experimented with coloring agents on wood to enhance contrast, and the Ray5 picks it up flawlessly. Safety-wise, it's solid. The enclosed design and included goggles keep things secure, and the emergency stop button is easily accessible. I've run it in my home workshop without any ventilation headaches, though I do recommend a small fan for longer sessions. Power consumption is low, so it doesn't spike my electricity bill, and it's quiet enough that I can use it while watching TV. Build Quality, Portability, and Daily Use The Ray5's build is robust for its price point. The aluminum frame is stable, reducing vibrations that could blur engravings, and the working area (130x130mm) is generous for most personal projects—big enough for phone cases or small signs but compact for desktop use. At around 5kg, it's portable; I can easily move it from my desk to the patio for outdoor projects. The laser module is modular, so if you want to upgrade power later (LONGER offers higher-wattage options), it's straightforward. In terms of durability, it's held up great. I've put in dozens of hours without any wear, and the customer support from LONGER has been responsive via email when I had a minor software query. Firmware updates are pushed through the app, keeping it current. If I had to point out any drawbacks, it's that the stock lens can get dusty after heavy use (easy fix with the cleaning kit they include), and for very thick materials over 10mm, you might need multiple passes. But these are minor compared to the overall value. Who Is This For? My Final Recommendation The LONGER Ray5 is perfect for beginners who want to start engraving without a steep learning curve or massive investment—with around $300 in many places, which is a steal for the quality. Experts will appreciate the expandability and reliable performance for prototyping or small-batch production. Whether you're making holiday gifts, Etsy items, or just personalizing your gadgets, this engraver sparks creativity without frustration. In a sea of laser engravers, the Ray5 stands out for its balance of ease, power, and affordability. It transformed my hobby from sketches on paper to tangible, impressive creations. If you're on the fence, go for it—you won't regret it. Five stars all the way! If LONGER keeps innovating like this, they'll have a loyal customer in me for life. Read more