The MakerMade M2 is the cheapest router on this list, but don’t let its price fool you. This non-conventional CNC essentially hangs from a wooden backboard and moves across it using a system of pulleys and chains. The vertical arrangement means the footprint of the machine is much smaller than any other option on our list, which could be an advantage if you’re working on large projects in a small space!

One drawback is that you have to provide the spindle motor yourself, but that shouldn’t be too much trouble as you can add a handheld router for that.

For an even cheaper option, MakerMade also still offers the Original Maslow for about half the price of the M2.

• Price: From $1,200
• Features: Built-in dust collection, all-metal Z-axis assembly, repeatability within 1 mm

MakerMade M2 CNC

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The ZenbotCNC 4896 is the cheapest conventional router on this list, and as you might guess by its price, this router caters mainly to hobbyists. But it’s not to be underestimated: The ZenbotCNC 4896 is a very capable machine.

Among the materials it can cut are wood, non-ferrous metals, and PCBs. One thing to note is that, like with the MakerMade M2, you’ll have to provide the spindle yourself.

• Price: From $3,500
• Features: Bolted-together assembly, hardened steel linear rails, home switches on all axes
• Where to find it: ZenbotCNC

The StyleCNC 1325 is a comparatively affordable 4-axis CNC router. There are different options available, including a vacuum work-holding system or rotary table. The standard package includes HIWIN guide rails and ball screws, as well as a water-cooled spindle.

StyleCNC also offers free servicing and support, so this could be a good choice for those looking to get a lot of use out of their new router.

• Price: From $5,400
• Features: Automatic oil lubricator, HIWIN guide rails and ball screws, ER20 collets
• Where to find it: StyleCNC

The AvidCNC Pro4896 is a CNC router kit with a relatively low starting price, which makes it very accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. The basic kit features a ball screw Z-axis, rack and pinion drivers, as well as linear guide rails and bearings.

The Pro4896 has the unique advantage that it’s designed to be expanded at a later point. This can easily be done through adding more framework, should the need arise (and space allow)!

• Price: From $5,600
• Features: Expandability, 250-ipm cutting speed, ball screw Z-axis
• Where to find it: AvidCNC

Now we’re entering the part of the list that’s really aimed at professional makers: The Stinger III is undoubtedly an industrial-grade router.

The frame is built out of welded steel, and it features high precision bearings as well as hardened steel rails. The open-table design gives you unrestricted access from all sides of the router.

Another thing the Stinger III has going for it is the fact that every version includes a control PC with a 19” LED monitor and WinCNC preinstalled.

• Price: From $18,000
• Features: Welded frame, WinCNC controller, 3.5-hp variable-speed Milwaukee router
• Where to find it: CAMaster

The Grizzly G0895 is another industrial-grade router. Unlike almost all our other selections, it features a solid metal vacuum bed as a standard.

Another great thing is the 6-hp, 18,000-rpm spindle, combined with transit speeds of 1,600 ipm. This means the Grizzly G0895 can cut a wide range of materials with great precision.

• Price: $19,000
• Features: HIWIN linear rails, 10-hp vacuum table, 6-hp spindle
• Where to find it: Grizzly

The Laguna Swift 4×8 is a high-end CNC router, well suited for production purposes. It can process materials ranging from wood to aluminum and composites.

This is a versatile router that also has the option for a vacuum table for work holding and a fourth-axis turner.

• Price: From $20,000
• Features: 3-hp liquid-cooled spindle, T-slot table, optional vacuum table
• Where to find it: Laguna Tools

The Shopbot PRSAlpha is an industrial CNC router, and the most expensive on this list. It offers transit speeds of 1,800 ipm and cutting speeds of 600 ipm.

Unlike some of the other options, this router doesn’t have a welded steel frame, but rather one that’s bolted together, which means there’s more scope for adapting and upgrading.

• Price: From $20,000
• Features: Cutting speed of 600 ipm, linear bearings on the gantry, upgradeable 2.2 hp spindle
• Where to find it: ShopBot

The Shaper Origin is a handheld CNC router that allows you to do projects on practically any scale.

The way it works is a little complicated, but the gist of it is that the onboard camera scans the work area (as defined by some special tape). After this, you simply move the Shaper Origin over the area and it automatically makes adjustments as you go.

To make it a little closer to the rest of these routers, you can also purchase the corresponding workstation. It might not be a conventional CNC router, but it’s an affordable option that can certainly cut a 4×8 panel, and it thereby earns its place on this list!

• Price: $2,500
• Features: Wi-Fi for file transfers and updates, automatic cut correction, works on almost every surface

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