Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Specs are evenly split between both machines. Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router costs $800 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 12 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
- Aluminum frame with profile linear guides and ball screws on every axis
- Designed for wood, plastics and non-ferrous metal work with a suitable spindle and tooling
- True CNC motion controller (not GRBL) for advanced features
Cons
- Expensive for the work area offered
- Spindle, control package and work surface affect the complete-system cost
- CNC12 setup and learning the machine still take time
- Requires a suitable Windows control PC for CNC12
- Assembly is more involved than consumer machines
Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
Pros
- VCarve Desktop software included ($350 value)
- Color touchscreen pendant and VCarve Desktop included
- Precision-ground steel rails provide smooth motion
- 635mm Y travel suits smaller signs and narrow workpieces
- US-based company with phone support
Cons
- Proprietary controller limits third-party software options
- 330mm cutting width limits larger projects
- Premium price for the work area compared to Onefinity or Shapeoko
- CAM still needs the correct Next Wave postprocessor
- Check accessories and work envelope before planning larger projects
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 80/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
$2000As 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 Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 ($2,800) features a 710W spindle with a 660×961mm work area and a Aluminum frame with profile linear guides and ball screws on all axes frame. The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router ($2,000) features a 710W spindle with a 330.2×635mm work area and a Aluminum table and steel-reinforced gantry, linear guides and anti-backlash lead screws frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router is $800 cheaper at $2,000 vs $2,800. Our value scores rate the Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router higher at 58/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router scores higher (88/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.