Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 3 of 4 spec categories. 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
- 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
Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
Pros
- VCarve Desktop software included ($350 value)
- Router included for true out-of-box operation
- Precision-ground steel rails provide smooth motion
- Long 914mm Y-axis is great for guitar necks and long workpieces
- US-based company with phone support
Cons
- Proprietary controller limits third-party software options
- Narrow 406mm X-axis limits project width
- Premium price for the work area compared to Onefinity or Shapeoko
- Smaller community than competitors
- Upgrade path to larger machines requires a new purchase
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 ($2800) features a 710W spindle with a 610×610mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with linear rails and ball screws frame. The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router ($2000) features a 710W spindle with a 406×914mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-ground rails 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 $2000 vs $2800. 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.