Economy controller vs High-Performance GRBL CNC controller

Arduino + GshieldEconomy controllerHigh-Performance controllerDuet 2 wifi
Not picturedLeft in pictureRight in pictureNot pictured
Good choice for adding laser and SD cardGood aesthetics (premium black anodized aluminium housing)For the software geek
Cost€ (not offered anymore)€ (€94,99 VAT included)
Options:
– LCD screen and SD reader: €50
– external emergency button: €5
€€€ (€274,99 VAT included)€€ (149,99 VAT included)
Voltage

24V

220V->24V external power supply required

24V

220V->24V external power supply provided

24V

220V->24V internal power supply integrated

24V

220V->24V external power supply provided

Amount of stepper motor drivers3 (Y1 and Y2 motors share one stepper motor driver)4 (Y1 and Y2 motors have their own stepper motor driver)4 (Y1 and Y2 motors have their own stepper motor driver)5 (Y1 and Y2 motors have their own stepper motor driver)
Stepper motor driverTexas Instruments DRV8818Texas Instruments DRV8825 Toshiba TB6600Super quiet TMC2660
Current per stepper motor driver (NEMA 23 for CNC’s usually can take max 2.8A for max torque)Max. 2.3AMax 2.5AMax 4A but electronically limited to 2.8AMax 2.8A but software-wise set to 2.4A
Limit switches and Z probeNo pin for Z probe, but free pin on arduino. Pins for adding limit switches, but requires solderingConnectors for Z probe and limit switchesConnectors for Z probe and limit switchesConnectors for Z probe and limit switches
Attaching motorsTiny screw terminals – need extra wiring for Y axis as Y1 and Y2 motors wires share one terminalEach motor has it’s own connector on the controllerEach motor has it’s own connector on the controllerEach motor has it’s own connector on the controller
Attaching laserNo pin for laser, but free pin on arduino.

Physical button to set to laser mode

Connector for controlling laser

Connector for controlling spindle (requires relais) or laserYes, unused connectors are available, and can be configured in the software
GRBLYes 1.1Yes 1.1Yes 1.1
Compatible with UGS, Easel, etcYesYesYesNo
Cooling of the stepper drivers You can add heatsinks Heatsinks are recommendedHeatsink is optional as stepper drivers do not operate on full current (electronic reduction to 2.8A for motor protection)You can add heatsinks
Cooling of the housing You can add your own fan4cm 12V fan4cm 24V fanConnector for connecting 24V fan
HousingYou can print a 3D housingA 3D printed housing is providedPremium black anodized aluminium housingYou can print a 3D housing
SD card?Requires using pins on the arduino – no easy plug and play product availableConnector foreasy plug in of LCD display and SD card for offline control (a cost applies for the LCD display and integrated SD card reader option)Pins on the controller’s PCB are available – requires soldering 4 contacts to add LCD display and SD card for offline control (a cost applies for the LCD display and integrated SD card reader option)Yes, micro SD card reader
Wifi?NoNoNoYes
LCD display?Requires using pins on the arduino – no easy plug and play product availableConnector for easy plug in of LCD display and SD card for offline control (a cost applies for the LCD display and integrated SD card reader option) Pins on the controller’s PCB are available – requires soldering 4 contacts to add LCD display and SD card for offline control (a cost applies for the LCD display and integrated SD card reader option)Optional