Creality · Laser Engravers & Cutters
Creality CR-Laser Falcon 5W review: the $119 way to try laser engraving
Creality’s cheapest laser: a 5 W open-frame diode with a fine 0.06 mm spot, $119. Good beginner engraver; cuts only about 5 mm wood and has minimal safety features.
Good
Best for First-time users who want to learn laser engraving cheaply
List price$119
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The CR-Laser Falcon 5W is the cheapest way into Creality lasers. Tom’s Hardware called it a good beginner laser with minimal safety features; it cuts wood up to about 5 mm and needs several slow passes for more. The Gadgeteer found it easy to assemble with great engraving output. At $119 it is a fine way to learn, as long as you buy goggles too.
What we like
- Only $119 on the official store
- Fine 0.06 mm spot for detailed engraving
- Easy assembly, about 30 minutes, tools included
- Large frame for its price
- Works with LightBurn and LaserGRBL
What could be better
- Cuts wood only up to about 5 mm (Tom’s Hardware)
- Minimal safety features; open frame
- Darker engravings need several passes
- Can burn through into the surface beneath; use a backstop
- Old 2022 design; reviews are a few years old
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Power and speed + 25% Results and build + 20% Software and safety + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The CR-Laser Falcon 5W was Creality’s first laser engraver. It is a simple open-frame machine with a 5W diode and a very fine 0.06 mm spot. It is now the cheapest machine in the range at $119 on the official store (The Gadgeteer paid $349 in 2022).
Reviews
- Tom’s Hardware called it a good beginner laser with only minimal safety features. It cut wood up to about 5 mm; thicker material needed several slow passes at 100%.
- The Gadgeteer assembled it in about 30 minutes with the included tools, and found 5W plenty for fun projects. Lighthouse and portrait engravings looked great after several passes for darker tones. A plaque cut burned straight through into the cardboard beneath, so put a backstop or honeycomb under your work.
- Creality’s store page shows a handful of mostly positive buyer reviews; one buyer wanted a clearer manual for laser settings.
All of these reviews date from 2022, so firmware and software have moved on since.
Safety
There is no enclosure and few safety features. Wear 455 nm laser goggles, work on a fire-safe surface, ventilate the room and never leave it running.
Who should not buy it
- Anyone who wants to cut wood or acrylic regularly.
- Anyone who wants an enclosed laser: the Falcon A1C starts at $269.
vs rivals
- vs CR-Laser Falcon 10W ($205): twice the power for $86 more, the better buy if you plan to cut. See 5W vs 10W.
- vs Falcon A1C 5W ($269): enclosed and much safer, with a smaller area.
Final thoughts
The 5W is a cheap trial of laser engraving. If you think you will stick with the hobby, the 10W or the enclosed A1C is money better spent.
Sources
Full specifications
| Laser | 5W blue diode |
|---|---|
| Spot size | 0.06 mm |
| Cutting | Wood up to about 5 mm (Tom’s Hardware) |
| Machine size | 568 × 632 × 198 mm |
| Software | LaserGRBL, LightBurn, Falcon Design Space |
| Price | $119 · basic kit $199 · all-in-one $329 |
| Released | 2022 |
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Creality CR-Laser Falcon 5W
List price $119. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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