Looking at a Glowforge? Here's Why You Should Consider Thunder Laser Instead
What Glowforge Doesn’t Tell You (Until It’s Too Late)
Many creators don’t realize the true cost of slow jobs, quality, limited software, and delayed support can have on their business – until they hit a wall. That’s why we put their top-of-the-line machine head-to-head with two of ours: the Thunder Bolt and the Nova Plus 35.
SPEED — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Speed isn’t just a spec, it’s the difference between doing five jobs a day or fifteen. If you’re running a business, every minute counts.
Top Speeds:
Glowforge Pro:
140 mm/s
Thunder Bolt:
1,000 mm/s
Nova Plus 35:
1,200 mm/s
Real-World Example:
Engraving a detailed graphic onto a 12”x18” bamboo cutting board:
Glowforge Pro:
45–60 minutes
Thunder Bolt:
10–15 minutes
Nova Plus 35:
8–12 minutes
That’s 4-5x faster and better engraving quality than Glowforge
Why it matters:
Faster engraving speeds mean you can produce more items in less time, take on larger orders, and make more money without buying another machine.
See the speed for yourself:
BUILD QUALITY — Built for Business, Not Just Hobby Use
Glowforge machines are compact and appealing to beginners, but many owners outgrow them quickly due to design limitations and wear and tear.
Thunder machines are engineered for long-term performance:
Industrial-grade components built to last
Heavy-duty frames reduce vibration and increase precision
Full access to internal parts for easy cleaning and maintenance
Built to run for hours without issue
Why it matters:
Less downtime. Fewer repairs. Lower maintenance costs. A machine that grows with your business instead of holding it back.
Hear Why Build Quality Makes All the Difference
CUSTOMER SUPPORT Real Help, Real Fast
Glowforge support is often slow, email-only, and parts can take weeks to arrive.
Thunder Laser USA offers:
- Support responses typically within minutes
- Real-time help via phone, email, and chat
- Parts stocked in Texas for quick turnaround
- A team that knows the machines inside and out
- Troubleshooting and guidance to keep you moving
Why it matters:
When your laser is down, your business is on hold. We help you avoid long delays, expensive parts, and missed deadlines.
Hear Why Support Makes All the Difference:
SOFTWARE — More Control. More Features. No Monthly Fees.
Glowforge software is cloud-based, limited, and locked behind a subscription model.
LightBurn, which comes standard with Thunder Laser machines, puts full control in your hands—with no recurring cost.
| Feature | Glowforge App | LightBurn (Thunder Laser) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet required | Yes (cloud-based only) |  No (runs locally) |
| Subscription for features | Yes (Glowforge Premium) | No |
| Node editing | Limited | Full control |
| Multiple layers and passes | Limited control | Advanced layering & pass settings |
| Camera alignment | Sometimes inaccurate | Highly accurate with manual or camera support |
| Custom shortcuts & hotkeys | No | Yes |
| Material libraries | Basic (premium only) | Fully customizable |
| Grayscale engraving | Minimal | Full grayscale control |
| Design tools | Very limited | Built-in vector & raster editing |
| OS Compatibility | Browser only | Windows and MacOS |
Why it matters:
Glowforge users often deal with:
- Needing a constant internet connection
- Software crashing mid-job due to cloud lag
- Paying extra monthly fees for basic features
- Limited control over job settings and order
LightBurn gives you full control, runs offline, includes powerful design tools, and never locks features behind a paywall. It’s the professional choice for creators who want to work smarter and faster.
Upgrading your Glowforge?
Thunder Laser facts you may not know!
Thunder vs Glowforge
A collection of videos showcasing Thunder Laser vs other competitors.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve hit the limits of what Glowforge can offer—or want to start with something that can keep up with your goals—the Thunder Bolt or Nova Plus 35 is the upgrade you’ve been looking for.
FAQ's
Can Thunder Lasers cut thicker materials than Glowforge?
Definitely. With more powerful laser options (60W–130W), Thunder Lasers can handle thicker woods, acrylics, and more in a single pass.
Is Thunder harder to use than Glowforge?
Not at all. LightBurn is incredibly intuitive, and we provide live 1:1 onboarding, plus phone/chat/email support. Most users say it’s easier than the Glowforge web interface once they get the hang of it.
Can Thunder Lasers handle the same materials as Glowforge?
Absolutely. Thunder Lasers can cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather, glass, rubber, fabric, stone, and more — with high precision and clean results.
Will I miss the Glowforge Proofgrade system?
Not really. Thunder gives you more freedom — you can use materials from anywhere. And we’ll help you dial in your settings with guides and pre-tested material libraries.
Is Thunder worth the upgrade?
If you’re ready to go from “just dabbling” to running a serious laser operation — whether it’s for a side hustle or full-time business — Thunder is 100% worth it.