Our Pick: Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
It scores 72/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins 3 of 5 spec categories. CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) costs $2,650 less. Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router leads by 8 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
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
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
Pros
- Large 711x1600mm work area handles big woodworking projects
- VCarve Desktop and router included -- truly turnkey
- Steel frame maintains good rigidity even at this size
- US-based company with phone support
- Precision-ground rails for smooth, accurate motion
Cons
- At $3000, the proprietary controller is a significant limitation
- Large footprint requires dedicated shop space
- Heavy at 52kg -- needs a sturdy work surface
- Smaller user community than competing platforms
- 710W trim router may be underpowered for aggressive cuts at this machine size
Verdict
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 72/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
$350Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
$3000As 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) ($350) features a 800W spindle with a 300×400mm work area and a Cast aluminum frame. The Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router ($3000) features a 710W spindle with a 711×1600mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-ground rails frame. Overall, the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) or Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) is $2650 cheaper at $350 vs $3000. 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router scores higher (88/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach3, Candle, UGS among other software options.