Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 38/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 4 of 5 spec categories. LZ 3020 CNC Router costs $2,600 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 42 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
LZ 3020 CNC Router
Pros
- Ultra-low price makes it one of the cheapest CNC routers available
- Slightly wider Y-axis than standard 3018 machines at 200mm
- Standard GRBL compatibility works with common software
- Good for learning CNC fundamentals without major investment
Cons
- Very weak spindle struggles with anything harder than softwood
- Minimal documentation and virtually no brand community
- Build quality is inconsistent across units
- Small work area limits practical projects
- No-name brand means spare parts can be hard to find
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 80/100 overall versus 38/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800LZ 3020 CNC Router
$200As 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 LZ 3020 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 LZ 3020 CNC Router ($200) features a 100W spindle with a 300×200mm work area and a Aluminum extrusion frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or LZ 3020 CNC Router?
The LZ 3020 CNC Router is $2600 cheaper at $200 vs $2800. Our value scores rate the LZ 3020 CNC Router higher at 72/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the LZ 3020 CNC Router scores higher (65/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.