Our Pick: CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $450 less.
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) wins 4 of 5 spec categories. CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) costs $450 less. The overall scores are virtually tied — the differences are in the details below.
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
Pros
- 800W water-cooled spindle at budget price
- Cast aluminum frame is rigid
- Can cut aluminum and brass
- Huge aftermarket parts ecosystem
Cons
- Quality varies hugely between sellers
- May need rewiring for safety
- Documentation is often poor or in Chinese
- Shipping takes 2-6 weeks
Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
Pros
- Excellent documentation and beginner-friendly setup from Sienci
- Anti-backlash ACME lead screws on all axes
- gSender is a polished, purpose-built CNC sender
- Active community forums with responsive manufacturer support
- Generous Z-axis travel of 114mm
Cons
- Small 12x12 inch work area for a machine at this price
- Router not included adds $100+ to total cost
- Larger LongMill models offer better value per square inch
- V-wheel motion system rather than linear rails
- Lead screws are slower than ball screws
Verdict
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $450 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
$350Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
$800As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) and Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) ($350) features a 800W spindle with a 300×400mm work area and a Cast aluminum frame. The Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 ($800) features a 710W spindle with a 305×305mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. Overall, the CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) or Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) is $450 cheaper at $350 vs $800. Our value scores rate the CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) higher at 92/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 scores higher (88/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach3, Candle, UGS among other software options.