Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
It scores 90/100 overall versus 56/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins 4 of 5 spec categories. BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3) costs $6,570 less. Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router leads by 34 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x8 foot work area handles entire sheet goods
- Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws
- Industrial-grade rigidity for aggressive cutting
- Avid CNC has an excellent reputation and support
- Can cut aluminum, hardwoods, composites, and plastics
Cons
- Expensive -- $7000 base before spindle and electronics
- Total cost with spindle, VFD, and wiring approaches $10000
- Extremely heavy and requires significant shop space
- Complex multi-day assembly requires mechanical expertise
- Mach4 software has a steep learning curve
BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3)
Pros
- Good work area for the price
- Uses a real trim router for more cutting power
- Quick assembly in 2-3 hours
- Made in the USA with good customer support
Cons
- Plywood frame has limited rigidity
- Router not included adds to total cost
- Cannot cut metals
- Belt drive limits positioning precision
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 90/100 overall versus 56/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
$7000BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3)
$430As 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 PRO4896 CNC Router and BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3)?
The Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router ($7000) features a 2200W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws frame. The BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3) ($430) features a 900W spindle with a 450×390mm work area and a Laser-cut birch plywood with aluminum extrusion rails frame. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router or BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3)?
The BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3) is $6570 cheaper at $430 vs $7000. Our value scores rate the BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3) higher at 80/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the BobsCNC Evolution 3 (Evo 3) scores higher (78/100 vs 20/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.