Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424
It scores 78/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 wins 3 of 4 spec categories. Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router costs $200 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 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 Standard 2424
Pros
- Linear rails and ball screws provide industrial-grade precision
- Steel frame is far more rigid than aluminum extrusion machines
- Avid CNC build quality and customer support are excellent
- Upgradeable path to larger Avid PRO machines
- Handles aluminum milling with proper tooling
Cons
- Router/spindle not included adds to total cost
- Mach4 controller has a steep learning curve
- Expensive for the 24x24 inch work area
- Assembly is time-consuming and requires careful alignment
- Total cost with spindle and electronics exceeds $3000
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 Standard 2424 wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 78/100 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 Standard 2424
$2200Next 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 Standard 2424 and Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 ($2200) 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 Standard 2424 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 or Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router is $200 cheaper at $2000 vs $2200. 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 30/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.
Related Comparisons
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424
$350 vs $2200
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
$350 vs $2000
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424
$2800 vs $2200
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
$2800 vs $2000