Greetings
What are the best Diode Laser brands?
Newton
There is no real answer to this question. Ask each community and they will tell you their lasers are the best. There are popular brands and recently many new ones joined the competition.
Personally, I like Sculpfun most, they have superior user support, great laser heads and a quite open architecture. I don’t like xTool, much proprietary software, and bad support. But you will get many different answers, depending where and whom you ask 
My vote goes to Sculpfun…
I very much recomend Atomstack. Had one for years now. As for customer support I can’t say. I’ve never ever needed any. Judging by the number of members here that always seem to have problems, most seem to have Sculpfun Machines. My personal opinion only. Just a conclusion that’s formed in my mind. Price plays a big part in choice as does features. Good luck with your decision making.
Another Sculpfun owner here. I have the S30 Pro (10w machine). I directly switched from a Sainsmart 3018 Pro CNC/Laser (5w) with very few changes. In other words, it was a no-hassle switch. I prefer my experimenting to be with the materials and the machine just work.
Hi.
While that’s generally the case, I for one agree with:
The GRBL:ish controller can be added to that list.
There are (or at least were) many good reasons for choosing XTool, but the issues You mentioned will prevent at least me from recommending their products.
As-is anyway 
.
Very true.
Especially with the sparse information we have been gíven for the specs and/or intended primary use of the said laser.
Not to mention the budget of course.
Regards,
Sam
I’d like to put in a good word for the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro. I’ve been running it for over two years now and it’s still going strong. Their customer service is great (at least it has been for me), and it allowed me to start a small business and earn enough to buy an OMTECH 60W CO2 laser.