HobbyistLaser

LightBurn vs EZCad for Fiber Lasers: Which Should You Use?

LightBurn is better software. EZCad is free. Here's when the $60 upgrade is worth it — and when it isn't.

Our Top Pick

OMTech 30W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver

30 W·MOPA·$699
8.4
Buy on AmazonRead Full Review

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Quick Comparison

ProductRatingPrice
OMTech 30W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver30 W · MOPA8.4/10$699Buy on Amazon
ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver30 W · Q-Switched8.2/10$699Buy on Amazon
GWEIKE G2 Pro 30W Fiber Laser Engraver30 W · Q-Switched8.3/10$799Buy on Amazon

The Core Difference

EZCad (free, Windows-only) has been the default fiber laser software for years. It works, but the interface is dated, the workflow is unintuitive, and Mac/Linux support doesn't exist. LightBurn ($60 one-time, all platforms) redesigned the workflow from scratch. It handles galvo fiber lasers, supports rotary attachments properly, has a modern UI, and integrates directly with JPT MOPA sources for pulse-width control from within the software. For machines that support both: LightBurn is almost always the right choice.

When EZCad Is Fine

EZCad works well if: you're on Windows and happy with it, you're doing simple marking (text, logos, basic shapes), and you don't need rotary support or advanced MOPA pulse-width control from software. Some older machines only support EZCad and can't use LightBurn — check compatibility before buying.

Machines with Confirmed LightBurn Support

These machines have confirmed, working LightBurn compatibility in our testing:

OMTech

OMTech 30W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver

8.4
30 W · MOPA · Yes · $699
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

ComMarker

ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver

8.2
30 W · Q-Switched · No · $699
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

ComMarker

ComMarker B4 60W JPT MOPA Fiber Laser

9.0
60 W · MOPA · Yes · $1099
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

GWEIKE

GWEIKE G2 Pro 30W Fiber Laser Engraver

8.3
30 W · Q-Switched · Yes · $799
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

ComMarker

ComMarker B6 20W Fiber Laser Engraver

8.0
20 W · Q-Switched · No · $599
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

xTool

xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber Laser Engraver

8.6
20 W · Q-Switched · No · $1299
Read Full ReviewBuy on Amazon

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