Brand new in spring 2025, the Algolaser Pixi is a 10 x 10 cm enclosed desktop laser that can engrave straight out of the box, with no computer and no app. I expected another small beginner toy. Instead, I got features I'd normally associate with pro machines.
Engraving without a computer
What surprised me most is the built-in AlgoOS operating system. It comes loaded with ready-made designs and settings for every material: choose the material, pick a design and the machine knows what to do. There's even a free sketch mode where you draw with the included pen and engrave your drawing. Setup is basically plugging it in and focusing: you open the top lid and use a small tool and the knob on top.
You can use it in three ways. Run it standalone with AlgoOS, loading your own images from a USB-C stick at the back (I did that with my logo and engraved it everywhere). Connect it by USB to LightBurn or other GRBL software. Or use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with the Android and iOS app. One thing to remember: if your object stops the lid from closing, it won't start. That's a safety feature, and it confused me once or twice.
Results that don't look entry-level
I engraved my logo on a key bowl from a dollar store, without even using full power. With the roller I engraved a kitchen paper roll with amazing detail. On black acrylic, a tiger came out lighter than I'd hoped, but nothing melted. I also made a business card for a friend, leather keyrings for my kids and little cat and fish keyrings straight from the built-in designs. Through LightBurn, I pushed the power for a deep engraving on a wooden keyring. My only fails were my mistakes: a piece of wood that was too thick to cut, and some hard cardboard.
Thought out for beginners
There are 3 W, 5 W and 10 W versions. I believe mine was the 5 W, and the 3 W comes in under $200. Algolaser clearly focused on ease of use. There's a roller that lifts the whole machine with height knobs at the back, a bed with separate sides for engraving and cutting, and a filter and blower with a tube to vent outside. The build quality left me astonished, and it's going on my desk as my go-to engraver.