Our Pick: Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2
It scores 52/100 overall versus 38/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 leads by 14 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2
Pros
- Very affordable entry point
- Large community and documentation
- Easy to assemble (2-3 hours)
- Upgradeable spindle and laser module
Cons
- Small work area
- Weak spindle — struggles with hardwoods and metals
- Frame flex under load
- Not suitable for aluminum without upgrades
LZ 3020 CNC Router
Pros
- Ultra-low price makes it one of the cheapest CNC routers available
- Slightly wider Y-axis than standard 3018 machines at 200mm
- Standard GRBL compatibility works with common software
- Good for learning CNC fundamentals without major investment
Cons
- Very weak spindle struggles with anything harder than softwood
- Minimal documentation and virtually no brand community
- Build quality is inconsistent across units
- Small work area limits practical projects
- No-name brand means spare parts can be hard to find
Verdict
Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It scores 52/100 overall versus 38/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2
$239LZ 3020 CNC Router
$200As 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 Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 and LZ 3020 CNC Router?
The Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 ($239) features a 120W spindle with a 300×180mm work area and a Aluminum extrusion frame. The LZ 3020 CNC Router ($200) features a 100W spindle with a 300×200mm work area and a Aluminum extrusion frame. Overall, the Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 or LZ 3020 CNC Router?
The LZ 3020 CNC Router is $39 cheaper at $200 vs $239. Our value scores rate the Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 higher at 88/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 PROVer V2 scores higher (82/100 vs 65/100). Both support Candle, LightBurn, LaserGRBL among other software options.