Our Pick: Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $2000 less.
Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 costs $2,000 less. Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 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
Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
Pros
- Excellent documentation and beginner-friendly setup from Sienci
- Anti-backlash ACME lead screws on all axes
- gSender is a polished, purpose-built CNC sender
- Active community forums with responsive manufacturer support
- Generous Z-axis travel of 114mm
Cons
- Small 12x12 inch work area for a machine at this price
- Router not included adds $100+ to total cost
- Larger LongMill models offer better value per square inch
- V-wheel motion system rather than linear rails
- Lead screws are slower than ball screws
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
Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $2000 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
$800Snapmaker 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 Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 and Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1?
The Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 ($800) features a 710W spindle with a 305×305mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws 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 Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 or Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1?
The Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 is $2,000 cheaper at $800 vs $2,800. Our value scores rate the Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 higher at 58/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 scores higher (88/100 vs 82/100). Both support gSender, UGS, CNCjs among other software options.