Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $3500 less.
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router wins 2 of 3 spec categories. Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router costs $26,627 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
- Modular extrusion and steel plate frame
- Profile linear guides with rack-and-pinion X/Y and ball-screw Z
- 1260 x 609 mm working area for smaller panels
Cons
- Configured cost depends on motor, spindle and accessory choices
- A control PC and spoilboard still need to be supplied
- Standard machine weight is 154 kg; plan handling and installation
- CNC12 setup and machine calibration are required
- Complex assembly requires mechanical aptitude
ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
Pros
- Closed-loop drives correct position and stop with an alarm instead of silently losing steps
- Published cutting speed up to 720 in/min (18.3 m/min) and rapids up to 1,800 in/min (45.7 m/min)
- Rails sit level with the bed, so sheets load from any side, and the space under the table stays open
- Starting price includes a 2.2 hp HSD spindle with VFD and RPM control, plus VCarve Pro
- Two-year warranty, lifetime phone support and detailed documentation from ShopBot in North Carolina
Cons
- Starts at $31,127 before vacuum hold-down, a bigger spindle, longer Z or the ATC version
- Needs a licensed electrician: 120 V for the motors plus 220 V single-phase or three-phase for the spindle
- Ships as modules for on-site assembly; the gantry alone weighs over 150 lb (68 kg) and needs two people
- Rack, pinions and V-rails need regular cleaning and greasing
- Takes a 120 x 79 in (3048 x 2007 mm) footprint for the 4 x 8 size
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $3500 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router
$4500ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
$31127As 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 PRS5 Alpha CNC Router?
The Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router ($4,500) features a 3000W spindle with a 1260×609mm work area and a Aluminum extrusion and steel plate construction, profile linear guides, rack and pinion on X/Y, ball screw on Z frame. The ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router ($31,127) features a 1641W spindle with a 2616×1245mm work area and a Welded and bolted steel legs and cross supports with aluminum extrusion table sides; hardened steel V-rail on X, linear rails on Y and Z; rack-and-pinion drive on all axes 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 PRS5 Alpha CNC Router?
The Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router is $26,627 cheaper at $4,500 vs $31,127. 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 PRS5 Alpha CNC Router scores higher (72/100 vs 22/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.