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LightBurn price: Core vs Pro

LightBurn's pricing changed to two editions. Here is what each costs, what it covers, and how the total compares with free and subscription tools.

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01

The short answer

If your laser has a GRBL-type controller — most diode lasers — LightBurn Core is enough; on LightBurn's EU store it cost €105.95 on 26 September 2026. If you run a CO2 laser with a Ruida controller or a galvo laser, you need LightBurn Pro at €211.95. Both are one-time purchases for commercial use, activate on up to three computers, PC or Mac, and include a year of updates. After that year the software keeps working; renewing only buys another year of updates.

  • Diode (GRBL) → Core
  • Ruida CO2 or galvo → Pro
  • One-time licence, 3 computers, 1 year of updates
Is LightBurn worth it?
02

Core vs Pro in detail

LightBurn Core covers G-code based controllers: GRBL, Smoothieware, Marlin, GRBL-LPC and Cohesion3D boards. LightBurn Pro is the licence for every supported controller: the same G-code controllers plus DSP controllers such as Ruida, Trocen and TopWisdom, and galvo lasers using EZCad2, EZCad3 or BSL controllers connected by USB. An existing Core key can be upgraded to Pro by paying the difference. LightBurn offers a free trial so you can test with your hardware first.

  • Core: GRBL, Smoothieware, Marlin, GRBL-LPC
  • Pro: adds Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom and galvo
  • Core-to-Pro upgrade and free trial available
03

What it costs over time

Because updates are included for one year, the long-term cost depends on whether you want new versions. You can keep using the version you have indefinitely, or renew for another year of updates. Compare that with the alternatives honestly: LaserGRBL, MeerK40t, K40 Whisperer and Rayforge are free. Vextrify has a free browser tier for preparation; its machine control comes with Studio Pro at €149.99 per year or €17.99 per month, or Lifetime Pro at €249 once, each with a 24-hour free trial of the desktop app.

  • LightBurn: pay once, optional update renewals
  • LaserGRBL, MeerK40t, K40 Whisperer, Rayforge: free
  • Vextrify: free browser tier; control from €17.99/month
04

Which is cheaper for you?

For a single diode laser and a Windows PC, a free tool may be all you need. For a Ruida CO2 laser, the realistic supported options are LightBurn Pro and Vextrify, and the choice comes down to one-time licence versus subscription, and whether you want photo preparation, relief and camera placement in the same app. Prices on this page are from LightBurn's EU store and Vextrify's own pricing file on the date shown; always check the current price before buying.

  • One diode on Windows → free tools are often enough
  • Ruida CO2 → LightBurn Pro or Vextrify
  • Always check current prices before buying

Common questions

How much does LightBurn cost?

On LightBurn's EU store on 26 September 2026, LightBurn Core cost €105.95 and LightBurn Pro €211.95. Prices vary by region, so check the store.

What is the difference between LightBurn Core and Pro?

Core covers G-code controllers like GRBL, Smoothieware and Marlin. Pro adds DSP controllers such as Ruida, Trocen and TopWisdom, and galvo lasers.

Is LightBurn a subscription?

No. It is a one-time licence with one year of updates; the software keeps working afterwards, and renewing only adds another year of updates.

Do I need LightBurn Pro for a CO2 laser?

For a CO2 laser with a Ruida controller, yes — Core does not cover DSP controllers. A stock K40 with an M2 Nano board is not driven by LightBurn directly.