Cost and Licensing
EzCad Licensing
EzCad is usually bundled with the laser machines that use it, meaning the cost is included in the price of the machine. While this makes it accessible as part of a package, it limits flexibility since the software isn’t widely available for separate purchase or use with different hardware.
LightBurn Pricing
LightBurn offers a more flexible, tiered pricing model. The cost ranges from $60 for GCode controllers to $150 for galvo systems. This structure allows users to choose the level of support they need and provides the option to add more features as required. A free 30-day trial is also available, making it easy to test before buying.
Tutorials and Community Support
Learning Resources
EzCad offers limited tutorials and guides, mostly found in user forums and older videos, which can be challenging for beginners. In contrast, LightBurn provides extensive and accessible resources, including detailed tutorials and documentation on their official site, along with specific guides for transitioning from EzCad to LightBurn.
User Community and Support
EzCad has a large, established industrial user base, but official support is limited, leading to slower updates. LightBurn, however, has a highly active user community and frequent updates, with developers regularly engaging with users and releasing new features based on feedback, making it a more responsive and user-friendly option.