Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
It scores 90/100 overall versus 80/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins 4 of 5 spec categories. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 costs $4,200 less. Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router leads by 10 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
Pros
- Industrial-grade linear rails and ball screws
- Steel frame provides exceptional rigidity
- Can cut aluminum aggressively
- True CNC motion controller (not GRBL) for advanced features
- Scales to larger Avid machines if you outgrow it
Cons
- Expensive for the work area offered
- Router/spindle not included
- Mach4 software has a steep learning curve
- Requires a Windows PC with parallel port or motion controller
- Assembly is more involved than consumer machines
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x8 foot work area handles entire sheet goods
- Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws
- Industrial-grade rigidity for aggressive cutting
- Avid CNC has an excellent reputation and support
- Can cut aluminum, hardwoods, composites, and plastics
Cons
- Expensive -- $7000 base before spindle and electronics
- Total cost with spindle, VFD, and wiring approaches $10000
- Extremely heavy and requires significant shop space
- Complex multi-day assembly requires mechanical expertise
- Mach4 software has a steep learning curve
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It scores 90/100 overall versus 80/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
$7000As 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 Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 and Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 ($2800) features a 710W spindle with a 610×610mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with linear rails and ball screws frame. The Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router ($7000) features a 2200W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws frame. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 is $4200 cheaper at $2800 vs $7000. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router higher at 52/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 scores higher (40/100 vs 20/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.