Best Wood Routers for DIYers
A router shapes edges, cuts dadoes and mortises, makes joinery, and trims laminate. A fixed base gives precise edge work; a plunge base starts cuts in the middle of a board. Combo kits do both.
What to look for
- ·A fixed-and-plunge combo kit is the most versatile first router, covering edges, dadoes, and mortises with one motor.
- ·Variable speed lets you slow large bits for safety and clean cuts. A soft start reduces the jolt at power-on.
- ·A compact (trim) router is ideal for edge profiles, round-overs, and laminate; a full-size 2+ HP router handles big bits and table use.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Router | Editor's pick | $200 to $260 | The best all-around combo |
| DeWalt D26204K Combo Router | Editor's pick | $200 to $270 | Pro flexibility |
| DeWalt DW621 Plunge Router | Editor's pick | $180 to $240 | Precision plunge work |
| SKIL 14-Amp Router Combo | Best value | $150 to $200 | Best value combo |
| Makita RT0701C Compact Router | Best value | $100 to $140 | Edges, profiles, and laminate |
| Bosch Colt PR20EVS Compact Router | Best value | $100 to $140 | One-handed detail work |
| Ryobi 1.5 HP Fixed-Base Router | Budget pick | $60 to $90 | Budget edge work |
| Craftsman Router | Budget pick | $70 to $110 | Occasional budget routing |
| WEN Plunge Router | Budget pick | $50 to $80 | One-time projects on a budget |
Editor's pick
Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Router
$200 to $260
The best fixed-and-plunge combo for the money, with a 12-amp variable-speed motor to 25,000 RPM and both bases. A versatile, durable first router that does it all.
Best for: The best all-around combo
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
DeWalt D26204K Combo Router
$200 to $270
A pro-grade combo with plunge and fixed bases for edge profiles, joinery, and interior cuts. Flexible and precise for serious woodworking.
Best for: Pro flexibility
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
DeWalt DW621 Plunge Router
$180 to $240
A respected dedicated plunge router prized for precision, durability, and dust collection. The pick for mortises, dadoes, and template work.
Best for: Precision plunge work
Typically available at Amazon, Acme Tools.
Best value
SKIL 14-Amp Router Combo
$150 to $200
A 2.5 HP variable-speed combo with fixed and plunge bases at a standout value around $169. Plenty of power and versatility for the price.
Best for: Best value combo
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Makita RT0701C Compact Router
$100 to $140
A smooth, popular compact router for edge profiles, round-overs, and laminate trimming, with variable speed and soft start. A favorite light-duty workhorse.
Best for: Edges, profiles, and laminate
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Bosch Colt PR20EVS Compact Router
$100 to $140
A well-built palm router with variable speed for edge work and detail cuts. A reliable value for one-handed trimming and profiling.
Best for: One-handed detail work
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Budget pick
Ryobi 1.5 HP Fixed-Base Router
$60 to $90
An affordable corded fixed-base router for edge profiles and basic joinery. A budget pick for DIYers starting with router work.
Best for: Budget edge work
Typically available at Home Depot.
Craftsman Router
$70 to $110
A familiar-name corded router at a budget price for occasional shaping and trimming. Basic but serviceable, with easy parts and returns.
Best for: Occasional budget routing
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon.
WEN Plunge Router
$50 to $80
About the cheapest plunge router worth owning for a one-time project. Basic, but it cuts dadoes and edges for very little.
Best for: One-time projects on a budget
Typically available at Amazon.
Frequently asked
Fixed-base or plunge router?+
Fixed-base routers are precise for edge work and tasks at a set depth. Plunge routers let you start a cut in the middle of a board, ideal for mortises, dadoes, and inlay. A combo kit with both bases on one motor is the most versatile first buy.
What can I do with a wood router?+
Round over and profile edges, cut dadoes and rabbets for joinery, hollow mortises, trim laminate and veneer flush, cut hinge mortises, and follow templates for repeatable shapes. It is one of the most versatile woodworking tools.
Do I need a router table?+
Not to start, but a table makes edge profiles, narrow stock, and repeatable cuts far safer and easier by holding the router stationary. Many combo kits and tables are compatible, so it is a natural upgrade as you do more.
What router speed and horsepower do I need?+
For general home use, a 1.5 to 2.25 HP variable-speed router covers most bits and tasks. Large panel-raising bits need a 2+ HP router run at lower speed. Compact trim routers (around 1 HP) are great for edges and laminate.
Are routers dangerous?+
They demand respect: high-speed bits can grab and kick. Use sharp bits, take light passes, feed against the bit rotation, secure the workpiece, wear eye and ear protection, and never adjust with the router running. A router table adds control and safety.