Photo: verblio.com
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) routers are advanced software-driven tools, which allow you to achieve industry-grade 3D cutting and milling on wood and other materials.
This tool is programmable using a PC to enable it to remove material from wood, plastic, PVC, foam, acrylic and even soft metals with near-laser accuracy for carving, decorating, engraving, milling, and other projects.
When shopping for a CNC router, you will be focusing on the size of its working area, the power, and speed of its motor, and software compatibility, among other features.
Diver into our top 9 CNC router reviews and buying guide to learn everything there is about these tools, and to help you choose the ideal model for your projects.
In this post:
- 9 Best CNC Routers – Review
- 1. BobsCNC E3 – Best CNC Router for Woodworking
- 2. BobsCNC E4 – Best Professional CNC Router
- 3. Genmitsu 3018-PRO – Best Portable CNC Router
- 4. NWA Piranha XL – Most Advanced CNC Router
- 5. MySweety 1610 – Best Budget CNC Router
- 6. MySweety 3018 – Best CNC Router for Hobbyists
- 7. NWA Piranha FX – Best Benchtop CNC Router
- 8. Vevor 3020T – Best CNC Router for Engraving
- 9. Taishi 6040 – Best High-Performance CNC Router
- How to Buy the Best CNC Router
- Conclusion
9 Best CNC Routers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. BobsCNC E3 (Best for Woodworking) |
| |
 | 2. BobsCNC E4 (Best Professional) |
| |
 | 3. Genmitsu 3018-PRO (Best Portable) |
| |
 | 4. NWA Piranha XL (Most Advanced) |
| |
 | 5. MySweety 1610 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 6. MySweety 3018 (Best for Hobbyists) |
| |
 | 7. NWA Piranha FX (Best Benchtop) |
| |
 | 8. Vevor 3020T (Best for Engraving) |
| |
 | 9. Taishi 6040 (Best High-Performance) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. BobsCNC E3 (Best for Woodworking)
|
2. BobsCNC E4 (Best Professional)
|
3. Genmitsu 3018-PRO (Best Portable)
|
4. NWA Piranha XL (Most Advanced)
|
5. MySweety 1610 (Best Budget)
|
6. MySweety 3018 (Best for Hobbyists)
|
7. NWA Piranha FX (Best Benchtop)
|
8. Vevor 3020T (Best for Engraving)
|
9. Taishi 6040 (Best High-Performance)
|
1. BobsCNC E3 – Best CNC Router for Woodworking
Photo: BobsCNC
- Control Software: GRBL
- Working Area: 45 x 39 x 8.5 centimeters
- Spindle Motor: 600 watts
- Frame Material: Multiple materials
To start us off is BobsCNC E3, which is a great all-round CNC router for woodworking. It has been designed to be the go-to router for a variety of wood-based projects including carving and decorating MDF, softwood, PVC, native wood, and other materials.
This tool boasts of a laser-cur frame, which comprises multiple materials, the prominent on being MDF. This frame gives it a solid construction.
It further utilizes the GT2 belt drive on both the X and Y axes, and its rail system is further supported by the SBR20 linear system. All its axes have switches for flexibility and ease of control.
Also, a DeWalt DW660 router is included with your purchase of this tool. All of its functions are driven by GBRL software, which is the industry standard.
We did note, however, that if you’re just getting started with CNC routers, this model may prove too advanced for you.
Pros:
- All-round router for woodworking
- Laser-cut frame for a solid build
- Superior belt and rail systems
- Includes a DeWalt DW660 router
Cons:
- Includes a DeWalt DW660 router
2. BobsCNC E4 – Best Professional CNC Router
Photo: BobsCNC
- Control Software: GRBL
- Working Area: 61 x 61 x 8.5 centimeters
- Spindle Motor: 600 watts
- Frame Material: Multiple materials
For professional and commercial projects, a key priority when choosing a CNC router getting one with a large working area. This feature is where the BobsCNC E4 excels.
It has a working area measuring 61 x 61 x 8.5 centimeters, making it the largest CNC router on our list. With ample working space, you can work on many projects.
By producing 600 watts of power, this CNC router is capable of accomplishing even the most demanding projects professionals undertake.
To support such a large working area, and the tool’s overall structure, this router’s frame is laser-cut and made of multiple sturdy materials.
This top-rated CNC router utilizes the GT2 belt drive on both the X and Y-axis. Also, it is supported by the SG20U rails system. Combined, these features make the router to achieve precision and reliable cutting.
A potential setback of the BobsCNC E4 is its high prices, which may not appeal to budget buyers.
Pros:
- A large working area for professional projects
- High power output for demanding tasks
- Laser-cut frame for sturdiness
- Superior belt and rail systems for reliability
Cons:
- Pricey
3. Genmitsu 3018-PRO – Best Portable CNC Router
Photo: Genmitsu
- Control Software: GRBL
- Working Area: 30 x 18 x 4.5 centimeters
- Spindle Motor: 120 watts
- Spindle Speed: 7,000 r/min
- Frame Material: PF + Aluminum
Genmitsu 3018-PRO is the most portable CNC router on our list. It is ideal for offsite projects that may, sometimes, require you to transport your router.
Portability is achieved through a combination of low weight and small size. This router weighs only 15 pounds, which makes it lighter than most models.
You will be getting a versatile tool that can cut through most plastics, woods, soft aluminum, PVC, PCB, and acrylics.
Its height has been raised to 4 centimeters for better stability especially during the tool’s operation. This feature makes it one of the best tabletop CNC routers you can get.
This tool uses GRBL software, which is an industry-standard. The software is easy to use and enjoys vast support from its global users.
The compactness of the Genmitsu 3018-PRO does, however, compromise of its working area which is one of the smallest we’ve recorded.
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Versatile to support a wide range of applications
- Raised to enhance stability
- Uses standard GRBL software with vast support
Cons:
- Small working area
4. NWA Piranha XL – Most Advanced CNC Router
Photo: Next Wave Automation
- Control Software: VCarve Desktop V9.5
- Working Area: 61 x 30 x 10 centimeters
- Frame Material: Aluminum
NWA Piranha XL is the most technologically-advanced CNC router on our list, making it convenient and easy to use.
It is the only router on our list with a touchscreen color graphic pendant, which provides you with a control panel for the tool.
Besides the touchscreen, this router does not require you to connect it to a PC computer. Simply design your work and save it on a flash drive that you can then plug into the pendant and proceed to run.
These advancements combine well with the large 61 x 30 x 10-cm working area to help you accomplish projects like creating carvings, plaques, precision parts, and ornamentals.
This router also ships while fully assembled thus saving you the time and effort you would otherwise require for the task.
A notable downside of the NWA Piranha XL is its steep price, which makes it the most expensive CNC router on our list.
Pros:
- Has an intuitive touchscreen pendant
- No connection to PC required
- A large working area for versatility
- Comes fully assembled
Cons:
- Very expensive
5. MySweety 1610 – Best Budget CNC Router
Photo: MySweety
- Control Software: GRBL
- Working Area: 16 x 10 x 4.5 centimeters
- Spindle Speed: 7,000 r/min
- Frame Material: Aluminum
MySweety 1610 is the best budget CNC router on our list. It is ideal for beginners who want to familiarize themselves with the features and working of this tool.
It comes with a modest working area of 16 x 10 x 4.5 cm, which is enough to support miniature projects such as basic decorations on boards, foam, plastic, and many other materials.
With a spindle speed of 7,000 r/min, you can depend on this CNC router to accomplish its cutting tasks with precision.
The tool utilizes the GRBL standard design software, which is easy to learn and has a vast user community you can tap into for more insights when getting started.
You won’t have any challenges setting up this CNC router as it comes with a detailed and simplified assembly guide.
A significant downside of the MySweety 1610 is its very small working area, which potentially limits the scale of projects you can undertake on it.
Pros:
- Reasonably-priced and affordable
- A modest working area for small projects
- Standard software package
- Simple to assemble
Cons:
- Very small working area
6. MySweety 3018 – Best CNC Router for Hobbyists
Photo: MySweety
- Control Software: GRBL
- Working Area: 30 x 18 x 4.5 centimeters
- Spindle Speed: 10,000 r/min
- Frame Material: Aluminum
After learning everything about CNC routers in the previous model, you can switch to MySweety 3018, which is great for hobbyists.
You get some improved working area of 30 x 18 x 4.5 centimeters from the smaller MySweety 1610 model reviewed earlier.
This tool also packs an improved spindle speed of 10,000 r/min from the previous one of the smaller MySweety 1610 CNC router.
It comes with a wealth of accessories and spares you can assemble by yourself. You get 10 pieces of the cutter, a 5mm extension rod collet, and 4 pieces of plates.
What more, this CNC router is very affordable compared to rival models. You will be getting some good value for your money.
We did note, however, that the MySweety 3018 CNC router is not ideal for beginners as it requires some prior mechanical knowledge to operate.
Pros:
- Larger working area than the previous model
- Improved spindle speed
- Comes with many accessories
- Affordable compared to rival models
Cons:
- Not recommended for beginners
7. NWA Piranha FX – Best Benchtop CNC Router
Photo: Next Wave Automation
- Control Software: VCarve Desktop V9.0
- Working Area: 30 x 33 x 7.6 centimeters
- Spindle Speed: 16,000 -35,000 r/min
- Frame Material: Aluminum
NWA Piranha FX is the best benchtop CNC router on our list. It is ideal for small projects which are supported by a compact 30 x 33 x 7.6-centimeter table.
The entire machine will fit easily on your desk, allowing you to create carvings, plagues, precision parts, and ornamental boxes.
Just like the NWA Piranha XL, this model also has a touchscreen pendant, which enhances the ease and convenience of using the tool. You don’t require plugging in the router directly to your PC.
This router has 3D carving capabilities and a 3D models library which enables you to create exquisite corbels and intricate inlays.
However, just like the NWA Piranha XL, this CNC router is also very expensive and not accessible to budget buyers.
Pros:
- Optimal table size for benchtop placement
- Ideal for creating carvings, plagues, and precision parts
- Touchscreen pendant for ease of use
- Has 3D carving capabilities
Cons:
- Very expensive
8. Vevor 3020T – Best CNC Router for Engraving
Photo: Vevor
- Control Software: Mach3
- Working Area: 22 x 42.5 x 1.5 centimeters
- Spindle Motor: 300 watts
- Spindle Speed: 8,000 r/min
- Frame Material: Aluminum
If you specialize in engraving, then you need a tool that complements your skill best. Vevor 3020T is one of the best CNC routers for engraving soft materials including wood, plastics, PVC, and PCB.
It comes with 3 axes, which are composed using trapezoidal screws and hard shafts chrome-plated. These features optimize the router for plane engraving.
The tool’s working area is made of aluminum and a dust-proof plate is easy to clean and durable to give you long-lasting service.
To help you achieve the highest degree of precision engraving, the router has a powerful 300-watt motor, whose speed peaks at 8,000 r/min.
You can control the router using a desktop computer and instructions defined using Mach3 software.
We did note, however, that the software that is required to run Vevor 3020T requires a license from Planet-CNC, which has to be bought separately to access all its features.
Pros:
- Features optimized for engraving
- Aluminum and dust-proof working area
- Powerful and fast motor
- Software-driven for optimal control
Cons:
- Software license has to be purchased separately
9. Taishi 6040 – Best High-Performance CNC Router
Photo: Taishi
- Control Software: Mach3
- Working Area: 50 x 40 x 7.5 centimeters
- Spindle Motor: 800 watts
- Spindle Speed: 24,000 r/min
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
Taishi 6040 is the best high-performance CNC router on our list with its powerful spindle motor and high spindle speed.
This router’s spindle motor produces 800 watts of power to accomplish the heavy-duty projects you undertake. This power ill support engraving, carving, and decorating oft wood, MDF board, native wood, PVC, and Acrylic.
It also has the fastest spindle speed of 24,000 r/min, which is the fastest of all the CNC routers on our list. With such high speeds, you are guaranteed fast and precision cutting.
You can capitalize on the two benefits above on a large working area of 50 x 40 x 7.5 centimeters, which ranks highly on our list.
This tool also boasts of a thick aluminum plate that is strong and durable. The overall build is thickened and toughened for durability.
The only issue we noted with the Taishi 6040 is its steep price, which may prevent budget buyers from enjoying its superior features.
Pros:
- Powerful motor for demanding tasks
- High spindle speed for precision cuts
- Large working area
- Premium and durable build quality
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Buy the Best CNC Router
1. Software Compatibility
It is impossible to exploit the full benefits and features of your CNC router without the appropriate software package.
Software is used to make the designs that will be transferred to and reproduced by the router. The most common software packages used with CNC routers include GRBL, VCarve Desktop, and Mach3.
GRBL is the most common package and most routers are compatible with it. It is regarded as the industry standard because of its vast user base.
The other two are also great. Just ensure you check your router specifications to determine the compatible software package.
2. Working area
The working area of your CNC is a key consideration because it is the surface on which all cutting projects are executed.
If you’re a professional who regularly makes sophisticated designs, carving, and decorations on a wide range of materials such as softwood, PVC, MDF, plastics, and many others, then a large working area is ideal the best fit.
When getting started with CNC routers, a small to medium working area of 30 x 18 cm, for instance, is great for creating simple models you can use for learning.
3. Spindle Motor and Speed
The speed of your CNC router will affect is performance and precision. High-speed routers of up to 24,000 r/min are great for precision cutting tasks such as engraving and making designer curving.
Fast spindle motors get the job done in less time compared to the slower ones. Thus, if you have intensive woodworking projects, a fast CNC router will come in handy.
For beginners, a slower spindle motor and speed of up to 10,000 r/min is great for learning and understanding how speed affects the outcome of your projects.
4. Materials
The materials used to make your CNC router affects its durability, weight, and maintenance.
Many of the CNC routers we reviewed use aluminum as the primary material. It is rust-resistant, light, and tough to resist rapid wear.
Some models utilize multiple materials such as MDF and aluminum alloys, which serve different purposes such as enhancing durability and precision.
5. Availability of Spare Parts
Maintenance is an integral step in ensuring that your CNC router is functioning optimally, and to enhance its durability.
You should go for a tool whose spare parts are readily available and are easy to fix.
Some models come with spare parts included for your convenience. Others will have clear instructions for basic maintenance so that you don’t have to constantly seek professional assistance that may cost more.
6. Ease of Use
A CNC router is a fairly advanced machine that included both hardware and software components. It can be intimidating for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, the tool gets easier to use.
One way to fast-track the learning process of using your CNC router is to refer to the manual included with your purchase.
Online videos and community forums are also of benefit, especially to beginners.
Conclusion
Having discovered everything there is to know about CNC routers and their numerous benefits, you are not well-equipped to proceed with your purchase.
Remember to confirm important features including software compatibility, the size of the tool’s working areas, the spindle motor and corresponding speed, and the tool’s ease of use.
Our detailed top 9 CNC router reviews and buying guide are handy companions to help you choose the model that best meets your woodworking demands.