Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
It scores 88/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router wins 3 of 5 spec categories. ShopBot Desktop MAX costs $400 less. Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router leads by 6 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x4 foot work area with industrial rigidity
- Welded steel frame is vastly more rigid than aluminum extrusion
- Linear rails and ball screws on all axes
- Cuts aluminum aggressively and can handle mild steel
- Professional-grade machine at a prosumer price
Cons
- Very expensive -- $5200 before spindle and electronics
- Total cost with spindle, VFD, and accessories exceeds $7000
- Heavy -- requires concrete floor or heavy-duty stand
- Steep learning curve with Mach4
- Assembly is complex and time-consuming
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 PRO4848 CNC Router wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 88/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
$5200ShopBot 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 PRO4848 CNC Router and ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router ($5200) features a 2200W spindle with a 1220×1220mm 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 PRO4848 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router or ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The ShopBot Desktop MAX is $400 cheaper at $4800 vs $5200. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router higher at 55/100.
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 25/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.