Compare software

LightBurn vs Universal Gcode Sender: catalog facts
LightBurn	Universal Gcode Sender
Best for: Makers and small shops running a laser cutter or engraver	Best for: Hobbyists running GRBL-based CNC routers and laser engravers
Paid Paid licence in Core and Pro editions, with a 30-day unrestricted free trial.	Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0, supported by donations and sponsors.
Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Works with hundreds of laser cutters and engravers Design, layout and machine control in one program All 3 strengths for LightBurn Works with hundreds of laser cutters and engravers Design, layout and machine control in one program Full-featured 30-day trial with no watermarks	Supports GRBL, FluidNC, TinyG, g2core and Smoothieware 3D visualizer with real-time tool position All 4 strengths for Universal Gcode Sender Supports GRBL, FluidNC, TinyG, g2core and Smoothieware 3D visualizer with real-time tool position Built-in designer that imports SVG, DXF and images for engraving Gamepad, joystick and web pendant control
Paid licence, with updates tied to a yearly period Focused on lasers; CNC routing needs the separate MillMage product	Java-based interface Maintained largely in one developer's free time
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for LightBurn lightburnsoftware.com Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Universal Gcode Sender winder.github.io/ugs_website Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.