Creality · Laser Engravers & Cutters
Creality Falcon A1C review: a tiny enclosed laser for coasters and gifts
A compact Class 1 laser with 5 W or 10 W diode, optional AI camera and IR module, from $269. Sharp results and great value; the 150 × 150 mm area is small.
Good
Best for Beginners and gift makers who want a small, safe laser on a desk
List price$369
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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 A1C is the cheapest enclosed Falcon and the easiest to fit on a desk. 3DPrinting.com scored it 4.5/5 and got its best results on slate and stainless steel with the IR module; TechRadar was instantly impressed. The 150 × 150 mm area is small, the head doesn’t lift after focusing, and software has rough edges. For coasters, tags and gifts it is excellent value.
What we like
- Fully enclosed Class 1 from $269
- Lifting platform gives 148 mm of clearance for taller objects
- 10W cut 5 mm basswood in one pass (3DPrinting.com)
- Optional 1.2W IR module marks stainless steel and slate cleanly
- Built-in presets make first projects easy
What could be better
- Small 150 × 150 mm work area
- Head doesn’t lift after focusing; it jammed on a bowl
- Camera costs extra ($30) and its cable came loose in transit
- Time estimates about 25% short on multi-layer jobs; no job history
- Wi-Fi needs 2.4 GHz; no air purifier included
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Power and speed + 25% Results and build + 20% Software and safety + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The A1C is Creality’s smallest enclosed laser, launched in mid-2026. It is a Class 1 box that fits on a desk, with a 5W or 10W diode, an optional AI camera, and an optional infrared module for metal. A lifting platform lets you engrave objects up to 148 mm tall.
On 31 October 2026 it costs $269 (5W) or $369 (10W). The AI-camera versions cost $299 and $399.
Tests
3DPrinting.com used the 10W with the camera and the 1.2W IR kit for about a month:
- Cork and bamboo coasters came out well on the built-in presets.
- Denim engraved at 35% and 10,000 mm/min.
- 5 mm basswood cut through in one pass at 90% and 300 mm/min. The 3 mm preset did not cut 5 mm.
- The IR module gave the best results of the review on brushed stainless steel (about 30 minutes) and slate, and marked black marble. White marble did not mark.
- The time estimate for a 30-minute job was within 7 seconds, but multi-layer jobs ran about 25% longer than estimated.
The final score was 4.5/5, with value rated 5/5 and software and camera 3.5/5.
Problems
- The area is small. TechRadar notes that 150 × 150 mm is a size usually seen on fibre lasers, not diodes. Fine for coasters and tags, not for multiple parts at once.
- The head doesn’t lift after focusing. Anything taller than a coaster must be flat across the bed or sit near the home corner; 3DPrinting.com jammed it on a bowl.
- The camera cable came loose in shipping. The fan stops when the laser stops, there is no job history, and library search is poor.
- Wi-Fi needs 2.4 GHz and pairing via a side button.
Who should not buy it
- Anyone making signs or larger panels.
- Anyone cutting more than 5 mm wood.
vs rivals
- vs Falcon A1 ($549): much bigger 381 × 305 mm bed, 10W only, no IR option. See A1 vs A1C.
- vs LaserPecker LP2 ($549): portable and handheld-capable, but open and engraving-only.
Final thoughts
If you want a small, safe laser for personalised gifts, the A1C 10W with camera ($399) is the version to buy. Add the IR kit if you want to mark metal.
Sources
Full specifications
| Laser | 5W or 10W blue diode; optional 1.2W IR (1064 nm) |
|---|---|
| Work area | 150 × 150 mm, up to 148 mm clearance |
| Speed | Up to 15,000 mm/min |
| Enclosure | Class 1, fully enclosed |
| Size and weight | 336 × 377 × 341 mm, 9.8 kg |
| Software | Falcon Design Space, LightBurn |
| Price | 5W $269 · 10W $369 · with AI camera $299 / $399 |
| Released | 2026 |
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Creality Falcon A1C
List price $369. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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