The Best Wood Routers Tested for DIYers and Hobbyists
Seasoned DIYers and hobbyists know the difference a wood router can make on the quality of a woodworking project. From simple round-overs to fancy ogee (S-shaped) edges, the best wood router adds finishing touches that give the project a professional look. Routers are straightforward power tools that use a spinning bit to shape the edges of boards or make cutouts for wood joints or decorative elements.
Power tool manufacturers have made several advances in their routers in recent years, adding variable-speed dials, ergonomic handles, and plunge capability, so we wanted to test the top models to see how they performed. We selected from today’s best-selling options and tried them out in our woodworking shop to determine where they excelled—and what they could do better. We tested every function and scored the routers based on their performance.
While routers aren’t complex or difficult to use, the finished quality of the project will depend on the quality of both the tool itself and the chosen bit. We reached out to a professional woodworker to get their insight and expert recommendations. Ahead, learn what to look for when selecting the best wood router for your project needs and find out how the following models earned a spot in our lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kobalt Corded Router and Router Table
- BEST CORDLESS: Metabo HPT 36V Cordless Variable Speed Plunge Router
- BEST KIT: Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router Kit
- BEST PALM ROUTER: Makita RT0701C 1-1¼ HP Compact Router
- BEST PLUNGE ROUTER: Bosch MRP23EVS 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge-Base Router
- BEST TRIM ROUTER: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Router
How We Tested the Best Wood Routers
In our interview with Richard Louise, a professional woodworker and founder of Dovetails and Stitches, based in Birmingham, Alabama, with over 40 years of experience. Also a third generation furniture maker, Louise had plenty of expertise to share on wood routers. He says that motor power is a vital factor to consider: “However, it is not as clear cut as bigger is better. It really depends on the task you are doing with the router.” He continues by saying, “using a template bit to trim a 2-inch thick piece of hard maple, yes, a 2 or 2 1/2 horsepower router is almost mandatory.” He also adds that, on the opposite end of the motor power spectrum, “these are relatively large hand tools, so when you are doing something more intricate or delicate, say routing out for a bowtie, then I would opt for a smaller more nimble router, maybe even a trim router.”
We took this expert advice in mind, and before choosing routers for hands-on testing, we analyzed more than 25 routers in their respective categories, looking for the best models by type, speed, horsepower, ease of use, and other special features included by select brands. We also noted the collet size of each tool—the collet is the ring that holds the router bit in place. Some routers come with a ¼-inch collet while others come with an additional ½-inch collet. A ½-inch collet is best suited to heavy-duty routing projects, but a ¼-inch collet is suitable for most DIY routing tasks.
We selected both fixed-base routers and plunge routers for our tests. The models we tested came with various power sources and included bit speeds up to 31,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). We tested compact and full-size models to cover a range of user needs.
Next, we gathered armfuls of pine and oak boards and then started to test, routing the outside edges of the boards. We also tested the routers by beginning our cuts in the center of the material (aka the field), which required either a plunge router or carefully tipping a spinning router down when we were using a fixed-base model. We used various router bits to achieve different design results, and we noted how easy it was to adjust the bit’s depth and how precise the depth adjustment was.
We noted the brightness of the router’s guide lights, if applicable, the comfort factor (i.e., ergonomics), and how well the motor held up to routing dense wood, such as oak. As we put the routers through their paces, we awarded points for each based on a rubric. The better a router did on a specific test, the higher the points it received. After testing, we added and averaged the points to help determine the most suitable category for each model.
Our Top Picks
The following routers performed well in our hands-on tests and earned their place in this lineup. We tested routers for a range of needs, including basic models for general edge shaping, plunge-cut picks for cutting in the center of the wood, and even a couple that come with tables for more stability. Whether shoppers are looking for a corded shop model or a battery-operated portable router, they’re sure to find a good performer here.
Best Overall
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed base
- Speed: Up to 25,500 rpm
- Collet size: ¼ inch
What We Like
- Soft-start technology allows the bit to speed up gradually to keep from jerking the tool
- Compact enough for 1-handed operation, but high rpm makes quick work of routing hardwood or softwood
- A variable-speed dial is easy to reach with a thumb without letting go of the tool
- Dual LED lights help to illuminate the work area for great visibility
What We Don’t Like
- This compact router comes with a ¼-inch collet, so it’s best suited to small projects and detailed trim work
We didn’t set out to choose a compact model for our Best Overall pick, but the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router is only small when it comes to size—it’s right up there with full-size models when it comes to power and precision.
We’re familiar with DeWalt’s pro-quality power tools, so we weren’t surprised by the top-notch performance of this cordless route. It comes with a 20V MAX 3 amp hour (Ah) lithium-ion battery that powers the motor to speeds up to 25,500 rpm. A dial at the top of the motor adjusts the speed, and we found it simple to reach with a thumb without shifting our grip on the tool itself. The DeWalt can be held with two hands, but it’s compact enough to operate using just one—for those situations where a board must be braced with the other hand while routing.
We liked its soft-start technology that started the bit spinning smoothly without jerking the tool. It also uses constant response to monitor the bit’s speed and adjust it to suit the density of the wood. We routed the edges of both pine boards and hardwood (oak) boards and got smooth edge profiles on both. We also tested the DeWalt in the center of our material; this required tipping the tool, but its clear base gave us added visibility, so the results were good.
The DeWalt router comes with the ability to make micro adjustments to the bit’s depth, which is vital for precision designs. This fine-tuning ability separates an average router from a great one. The tool also features a guiding light that was bright enough to illuminate clearly the material we were routing. The only downside—and it’s just a personal choice—is not having a ½-inch collet. The collet on this DeWalt router is only ¼ inch, so it’s well suited to routing curves and details on smaller projects rather than commercial use.
Read our full review: DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
Get the DeWalt wood router at The Home Depot (battery and charger included), Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Kobalt Corded Router and Router Table
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed base
- Speed: Up to 25,000 rpm
- Collet size: ¼ inch and ½ inch
What We Like
- Its 12-amp motor produces 25,000 rpm that cuts through both soft and hard kinds of wood easily
- The router comes as a kit with an included router table that lets users choose freehand or stationary (table) operation
- The router has both ¼-inch and ½-inch collets making it useful for all-size routing projects
What We Don’t Like
- Speed is not adjustable on this router—it continuously rotates at top speed
This Kobalt router can tackle a range of jobs without costing a fortune. It has a 12-amp motor and spins up to 25,000 rpm, depending on wood density, although the speed is not adjustable. The fixed-base router housing features two ergonomic handles that gave us a high degree of stability while we worked freehand. Still, we liked the ability to connect it to the router table (included), which gave us added control.
When attached to the table, the power is controlled via a large red/yellow button on the front—no reaching under the table and fumbling for a switch on the router itself. This is a nice feature, and the instructions for setting it up come with the table assembly manual. We assembled the table in about 10 minutes.
We routed the edges on both soft pine and harder oak, and the corded Kobalt performed flawlessly both when we used it freehand and attached to the router table. We had trouble starting cuts in the center of our material, mainly because the router base blocked the visibility of the bit when we tipped the router in place. (Tipping is required when starting a fixed-base router in the center of the material.)
For some, the lack of adjustable speed may be a slight downside, but with practice and a light touch, we found we could adjust the pressure of the bit against the wood and still maintain a high level of control.
Get the Kobalt wood router at Lowe’s.
Best Cordless
Metabo HTP 36V Cordless Variable Speed Plunge Router
Product Specs
- Type: Plunge
- Speed: Up to 25,000 rpm
- Collet size: ¼ inch and ½ inch
What We Like
- Powerful 36-volt motor produces bit speeds of up to 25,000 rpm
- Dual handles are ergonomic, and the power button is located on the right-side handle for easy operation
- The rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes this a portable and versatile tool—no electrical cords to work around
- Plunge action allows for precision routing in the field of the material
What We Don’t Like
- The guide light is on the dim side; may not provide the best visibility
Here come the power players! The 36-volt motor on the Metabo plunge router is powerful enough to generate up to 25,000 rpm of spinning-bit speed—as much as many full-size corded models. It also features a speed adjustment that let us reduce the speed as desired during testing.
This is a plunge router, so we used it to start routing in the centers of our boards. The open center base plate design allowed us to see and align the bit precisely before we started routing. The Metabo comes with dual ergonomic handles and features a power button right on the top of one handle, making it simple to start and stop. It comes with bit depth adjustment and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included).
The plunge action is smooth, and we found it easy to lower the spinning bit into the wood and then cut detailed designs. We also tested the Metabo’s performance making outside edge cuts: While we were able to create several uniform edge profiles, we had the best results with plunge routing.
The Metabo cut smoothly on both pine and oak boards. If we could change one thing, we’d opt for a brighter LED guide light, since clearly seeing the material while routing is one of the keys to professional-looking designs.
Get the Metabo wood router atAmazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.
Best Kit
Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Combo
- Speed: Up to 25,000 rpm
- Collet size:¼ inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, and 8 millimeters
What We Like
- Plunge base, fixed base, and benchtop functionality make this router suitable for several routing needs
- Its powerful corded 12-amp motor automatically increases and decreases power to maintain consistent bit speed
- The router table has an adjustable fence that helps users guide the material being routed for consistent results
What We Don’t Like
- This is a corded model, so the user is limited to electrical outlet access
- The router table takes about 30 minutes to put together, and the instructions aren’t as clear as they could be
The Bosch Router Power Tools kit has almost endless possibilities. This router set comes with a plunge base, a fixed base, and a benchtop table, all compatible with the included router. The router itself features a 12-amp motor with speed adjustments up to 25,000 rpm.
Swapping from the fixed-base casing to the plunge casing was straightforward, taking about 3 minutes per change, and both bases come with precision bit depth adjustments. We used the plunge base to test cuts in the field and found it easy to align the bit and lower the router effortlessly for accurate cuts.
With the fixed-base casing on, we tested the Bosch router for freehand cuts and table cuts. It worked flawlessly on both—the routed designs were smooth and precise. The table is sturdy and stable, but it did take about 30 minutes to assemble. Once assembled, however, it took only a few minutes to attach the router to the underside of the table. The constant-speed feature directed more power to the bit when we switched from pine to oak. We could hear the motor increase in horsepower to keep the bit spinning at our selected speed.
This kit is on the pricey side, but it’s a top option for woodworkers who work on various projects and need both a plunge router and a fixed-base router.
Get the Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Palm Router
Makita RT0701C 1-1¼ HP Compact Router
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed base
- Speed: Up to 30,000 rpm
- Collet size: ¼ inch