Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
It scores 90/100 overall versus 48/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 costs $4,200 less. Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router leads by 42 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
- Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plates; profile rails, X/Y rack and pinion, Z ball screw
- Motor and spindle options suit different production workloads
- Maker supplies assembly guides and technical support
- Can cut aluminum, hardwoods, composites, and plastics
Cons
- Configured machine cost depends on motors, spindle and accessories
- Budget separately for a computer, spoilboard and dust collection
- Extremely heavy and requires significant shop space
- Kit assembly, squaring and setup require time and care
- CNC12 setup and CAM still require learning
Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1
Pros
- CNC routing, dual-extrusion 3D printing and laser engraving in one machine
- 400x400mm work area is large for a multi-function machine
- Enclosure with door detection; air purifier is a separate accessory
- Dual-extrusion print head and a laser module selected by package
- Premium build quality with linear rails on all axes
Cons
- 200W CNC module offers limited spindle power for the overall machine size
- Terrible value if CNC is your primary use case
- Proprietary ecosystem limits third-party upgrades
- Hardwood and some non-ferrous metals are supported, but cutting settings are material-dependent
- Heavy and takes up significant desk space
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 90/100 overall versus 48/100, 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
$7000Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1
$2800As 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 Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1?
The Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router ($7,000) features a 3000W spindle with a 1260×2508mm work area and a Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plates; profile rails, X/Y rack and pinion, Z ball screw frame. The Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 ($2,800) features a 200W spindle with a 400×400mm work area and a Aluminum with linear rails (modular, enclosed) frame. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router or Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1?
The Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 is $4,200 cheaper at $2,800 vs $7,000. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router higher at 52/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 scores higher (82/100 vs 20/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.