Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $300 less.
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router wins 4 of 5 spec categories. Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router costs $300 less. Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router leads by 4 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router
Pros
- Welded steel frame delivers industrial-grade rigidity
- Linear rails and ball screws on all axes
- 4x2 foot work area handles most panel work
- Aggressive aluminum cutting capability
- Professional-grade precision at a prosumer price
Cons
- Expensive -- $4500 base price before spindle and electronics
- Total cost with spindle, VFD, and wiring exceeds $6500
- Very heavy -- requires concrete floor or heavy-duty stand
- Mach4 controller has a steep learning curve
- Complex assembly requires mechanical aptitude
ShopBot Desktop MAX
Pros
- Powerful 3.25 HP router included
- ShopBot's 25+ years of CNC expertise
- Excellent customer support and training resources
- Industrial-quality components
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Very expensive for a benchtop machine
- Proprietary ShopBot control software only
- Heavy -- needs a very sturdy table
- Moderate work area for the price
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $300 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router
$4500ShopBot Desktop MAX
$4800As 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 PRO4824 CNC Router and ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router ($4500) features a 2200W spindle with a 1220×610mm work area and a Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws frame. The ShopBot Desktop MAX ($4800) features a 2425W spindle with a 610×914mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-machined components frame. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router or ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router is $300 cheaper at $4500 vs $4800. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router higher at 52/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the ShopBot Desktop MAX scores higher (72/100 vs 22/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.