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If you invest in a CNC machine, you need to ensure you’re getting the best buy. There are a couple of factors to consider before choosing a CNC machine. One of these factors is cost.

CNC machines are not exactly the cheapest tools in a workshop. However, they bring about the best return on investment due to their versatility and multiple applications. Professional-grade CNC machines might not exactly be in your budget range. 

2 Best Budget CNC Machines in 2023:

	👑 BEST OVERALL	🛠️ BEST FOR BUDGET
	SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer	RATTMMOTOR 3018 PRO

MAX ROTATIONAL SPEED 👩‍🔬	10000 RPM	10000 RPM
SPINDLE MOTOR 📏	75W	100W
WEIGHT ⚖️	21.4 lbs	14.67 lbs
PROS 👍	Straightforward to use. This machine is very beginner friendly.	Cheapest decent CNC machine
CONS 👎	Due to the motor’s small size, the router’s speed is limited	Power cord seemed cheap and didn’t stay in place
PRICE 💵	$269.00	$144.99

This is why we have written this guide. This guide will show you what to consider before making a CNC purchase decision.

What to Expect With Budget CNC Machines

While budget CNC machines are cost-effective, They are not so efficient at cutting square or rectangular parts. They only function effectively when cutting circular parts. Another thing to note in budget CNC machines is that they are often fitted with less powerful spindles. Because these spindles use cheaper, smaller bearings, their performance is poorer than the more expensive machines. 

Also, the manufacturing quality and stability of the budget CNC machine are lower because the casting used in these machines is small. 

CNC machines are very useful.

We pulled the latest customer sentiment data and asked for recommendations from our community to share with you what we think are the best budget CNC machines (all are under $400) in 2023:

1. SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer – Best Overall

Regarding low-cost CNC machinery, SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 PROver takes a leading position. It has excellent records among users, and it is a good fit for beginners. With an engraving depth of 1.8 inches, this machine can work with various product types. It is pre-assembled and requires minimal effort to put the pieces back together when it comes out of the box.

This machine has an upgraded offline controller, giving you complete control. Its body is made completely of aluminum, giving it extra stability. This stability helps it to mill a wide range of materials. It works with CAD/CAM software which takes in the commands you give and converts them to instructions for the machine. 

PROver works with an open-source Grbl v1.1. It has powerful drivers designed to improve the life and performance of the machine. It also comes with Optocouplers, which prevent the mainboard from making hard stops without the risk of damage and get rid of signal noise, leading to improved project consistency.

Highlighted features:

• Price: $266.34
• Material: Aluminum
• Voltage: 24 Volts
• Maximum rotational speed: 10000
• Weight: 21.4 Pounds
• Dimension: 18.42 x 16.65 x 10.75 inches

What we like:

• This machine is very easy to assemble. 
• It is very easy to use. This machine is very beginner friendly. With or without experience, any user can get the hang of it easily. 

What we don’t like:

• Due to the motor’s small size, the router’s speed is limited.

2. Longer Ray5

This CNC machine is sleek and comes with its uniqueness. It is a touch screen, and it has offline engraving. It has a built-in controller, so there is no need to connect the machine to a computer. All you need to do is save the file to a TF card, and the machine will start running following the program that has been pre-set.

The laser engraver uses the latest engraving technology, which uses a laser dot size of 0.08 mm by 0.08 mm, making the laser work more powerful. The engraving speed is so fast that it can reach up to 10000 mm per min.

Ray5 has several safety features, including; active position protection, a power button, a thermal protection function, and a current safety control system. Ray5 is built with the 240MHz ESP32 Chipset, which increases the machine’s speed and efficiency. It supports a WiFi connection to enable the cutting and engraving process through the web or application. 

Some of its special components are; a built-in controller, 3.5″ touch screen, 32-bit chipset, precision beam, thermal protection, and move protection.

Highlighted features:

• Price: $299
• Material: Metal
• Voltage: DC 12 V
• Maximum cutting speed: 10000 mm/min
• Package dimension: 23.25 x 12 x 5.25 inches
• Weight: 10.19 pounds

What we like: 

• It has very functional thermal protection, which can automatically shut down if it detects flame or overheating in the area of engraving.
• It is very versatile and can be used for different forms of engraving.

What we don’t like:

• It does not exactly have the best finishing.

3. RATTMMOTOR 3018 PRO

An outstanding feature of this machine is its ease of installation. It is shipped in bulk, but it comes with an English installation, an operational manual, and an instructional video showing you exactly how to go about the assembly process. This machine is most suitable for beginners and DIYers looking to try out new stuff. For experts and industry professionals, this might not be a suitable model.

This machine has a fixed external frame made of molding material. The working table is made of aluminum alloy, and the screws are made of stainless steel. It has high precision, and it is aesthetically pleasing. One excellent feature of this machine is that it is very durable. It can last very long, still in the best conditions. 

The control button is updated to include an emergency stop button and an XYZ axis limit. It is designed with a mini fan which helps to keep the temperature in check, ensuring that it does not overheat during operation. 

The PRO CNC Wood Router machine finds its application in numerous hard and soft material types. In general, it has excellent quality. 

Highlighted features:

• Price: $146
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Voltage: 220 Volts
• Dimension: ‎17.03 x 9.25 x 6.86 inches
• Weight: 14.67 pounds

What we like: 

• It is portable, making it easy to assemble and wield.
• It is quite affordable, making it a good buy for beginners.

What we don’t like:

•  The power cord might be unstable and require external components to keep it plugged safely into an outlet. 

4. ANNOYTOOLS All Metal 3018 PRO+

If you are looking for an economical and easy machine, then the 3018 PRO + CNC Router machine is a perfect fit. It is an advanced machine equipped with recent and easy-to-use features. It can be assembled within 30 minutes, and it is very effective. 

It is very strong. All its body parts are made of metal. The frame is made from thick aluminum alloy, the drives are driven by leadscrew, and it has solid steel rails with bearing slides. It has a powerful 500W 52 mm motor that can cut into many material types.

This machine is very compatible with system software. Its mainboard is GRBL V1.1, and it is compatible with software that is related. It comes with instructions on how to install and use the software and how to assemble the machine. It is also equipped with an emergency stop switch to ensure machine safety.

The quality is top-notch, and it is very cost competitive. Customer support has also been proven to have good records. Whatever your needs or problems, reach the support line, and an expert will quickly give you a solution. 

Highlighted features: 

• Price: $349.99
• Material: Aluminum
• Power source: AC/DC
• Dimension: 16.61 x 16.29 x 13.77 inches
• Weight: 25.5 pounds

What we like:

• It has a straightforward procedure. Everything from the assembly to the usage is easy to understand. 
• It is very sturdy

What we don’t like:

• There might be a little glitch in the electrical and programming parts.

5. xTool D1 Pro 20W Upgraded Laser Engraver

The D1 Pro Laser head machine is more powerful than ever. It uses 0.08 mm compressed spot technology, and it has a maximum DPI of 1000. With these specifications, you can rest assured of the accuracy of the carving done on your materials. It also has a high maximum processing speed reaching up to 24000 mm per min. With this speed, your projects will certainly be completed fast and with the right accuracy. 

It is designed with an eye protection tool. This prevents the laser from affecting your eyes while in operation. It also has a flame alert function to prevent wood burning. With its built-in large-capacity SD card, it can support offline processing. It also allows the connection of USB and WiFi, thereby eliminating the need for wires. 

A notable feature of the D1 Pro is extended life. It uses a blue light semiconductor laser that moves its service life up to 10000 hours. Its control algorithm is stable, thereby reducing vibration and prolonging the life of the motor. It is designed with an integrated auxiliary nozzle which reduces the pollution of the laser head protection lens. 

The xTool has specialized software called the xTool Creative Space Software. It is a professional-client control software that supports both Mac and Windows Operating Systems. The software provides high-quality material pictures and case works. 

Highlighted features:

• Price: $399
• Material: Aluminum
• Maximum processing speed: 24000 mm per min. 
• Dimension: 31.3 x 14.5 x 5.3 inches
• Weight: 18.93 pounds

What we like:

• It has a sturdy frame that makes it durable.
• It is designed with safety in mind, including the fire alarm.

What we don’t like:

• Connections might occasionally disconnect following a possible software issue.

FAQs

Q: What is the best entry-level CNC machine?

A: If you’re just getting started with CNC machines and trying to test the waters, Desktop CNC Routers (3018 CNCs and Chinese CNCs) are the best options. 

For starters, the Genmitsu CNC 3018 PRO is an excellent choice. It has an engraving depth of 1.8 inches, and it can work with a variety of products, including wood, plastics, acrylics, and aluminum. It is built to last, and it runs on Arduino. 

Q: How much is an entry-level CNC machine?

A: An entry-level CNC machine costs anywhere from $150 – $500. The Genmitsu CNC 3018 PRO costs about $249.

Q: Are small CNC machines worth it?

A: There are several advantages to getting a small CNC machine. First, a full-size CNC machine is large, and only some physical shops can accommodate the size. Workshops today focus on tools that take up little spaces to make the entire office space aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a smaller size CNC machine that has the same capability and functionality is a preferable option.

Also, a small CNC machine has a minimum footprint. This makes it ideal for hobbyists or DIY CNC machinists working from a garage or a workshop.

Here are some of the benefits you can get from a small CNC machine;

• Small CNC machines have an amazing central nervous system (CNC controller.)
• It saves up office space.
• The versatility of a small CNC machine allows it to perform numerous activities, unlike the traditional CNC machine.
• They are easy to learn and use.
• CAD/CAM software is also applicable to small CNC machines
• All parts of the machine can come off within tolerance.

Therefore, when you find the right one, a small CNC machine is entirely worth it. We hope that with this guide, you land a worthy purchase.