The short answer
Choose LaserGRBL if you are on Windows, run a GRBL diode laser, and want a free, simple controller. Choose LightBurn if you want the widest device support — including CO2/Ruida — and a mature, polished workflow, and you are happy to pay for it. If you are on a Mac, want to run several lasers at once, or want image, AI and vector prep built in, neither classic option fits well — and that is where Vextrify comes in.
Free + Windows + GRBL diode → LaserGRBL
Broad device support, paid → LightBurn
Mac, multi-laser, all-in-one prep → Vextrify
LaserGRBL: free, simple, Windows-only
LaserGRBL is a popular free controller for GRBL-based diode lasers. It is lightweight, fast to learn and costs nothing, which makes it a common first tool. The trade-offs are real: it runs on Windows only, it does not support CO2/Ruida or fiber machines, and its image and layout features are basic compared with paid tools. For Mac owners it is simply not an option.
Free and lightweight
Windows-only, GRBL diode only
Basic image and layout tooling
LightBurn: broad, mature, paid
LightBurn is the paid standard for a single machine, with support for a huge range of diode, CO2 and Ruida lasers on Windows and macOS, plus a large community and shared settings libraries. It is reliable and full-featured for machine control. The cost is a license, and like most laser software it drives one machine at a time and focuses on control rather than upstream image, AI or vector preparation.
Widest device support, Windows and Mac
Mature, reliable, big community
Paid; single machine at a time
Where Vextrify fits
Vextrify is a different shape of tool: a browser-and-desktop suite that runs several lasers at once, places designs on the material with a calibrated camera and the Artboard, and builds in background removal, vectorizing, photo and AI prep. It runs natively on macOS and Windows, has a free browser tier to start, and exports clean files for LightBurn or Ruida when you want them. It is the strongest pick when Mac support, multiple lasers or integrated prep matter.
Several lasers at once, camera-aligned
Native Mac and Windows, free browser tier
Built-in background, SVG, photo and AI prep
The verdict
For a free Windows GRBL setup, LaserGRBL still does the job. For maximum device breadth on one machine, LightBurn is worth the license. But if you are on a Mac, plan to run more than one laser, or want to prepare artwork and control the machine in one place, Vextrify is the more future-proof choice — and you can try it free before deciding.
Free Windows GRBL → LaserGRBL
Broadest device support → LightBurn
Mac / multi-laser / all-in-one → Vextrify