The 9 Best Wood Router Kits of 2023

Best Overall

Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit

4.2

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There's no need to choose between a wood router with a fixed base or plunge base, or between a router with a 1/4-inch collet chuck or 1/2-inch collet chuck when you can simply purchase the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit and get all of the above. But that isn't where the features of our top choice stop. There are quite a few other things to love about this wood router.

Sturdy construction is just one of the things we like about this tool. Built of strong aluminum with easy-to-grasp, sturdy wood handles on the fixed base and soft-grip handles on the plunge base, this is a carpentry must-have that will stand up to project after project. It's 12-amp, 2-horsepower motor isn't the most powerful you'll find, but it's more than adequate for the majority of DIY projects you are likely to undertake, and you'll appreciate the adjustable speed dial with settings from 8,000 to 25,000 rpm.

The router's Constant Response Circuitry starts the tool up smooth and easy, and then maintains constant speed while you work for extra control when making difficult or fine cuts. Plus, the depth indicator and bit-height adjustment system are easy to see and adjust, helping you fine-tune your work.

Whether you plan on using this router to cut and style trim, build furniture with perfectly cut joints, add decorative cuts to wood, or cut multiple pieces of wood using a template, you'll appreciate its smooth and versatile performance, relatively quiet operation, and accurate settings.

Price at time of publish: $249

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: 1/4 and 1/2 inch | Base Type: Fixed and plunge | Power: 2.25 horsepower | Max. Speed: 25,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 2 1/4 inch}

Best Value

Skil RT1322-00 Variable Speed Combo Router

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A good wood router can be expensive, but that doesn't mean there aren't bargains to be found that offer high performance at a reasonable price. The Skil RT1322-00 is one such tool. This tool has a 14-amp, 2.5-horsepower motor, includes both a plunge-base and fixed-base, and comes with both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chucks. It even has an LCD display that determines the optimal speed setting for you after you enter the material being cut, its diameter, and the base you are using, and then shows you the speed level as you work. The variable speed ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm.

Like many more expensive routers, this one has soft-start for better control, and electronic feedback that helps keep the speed steady while you work. It has three incorporated LED lights to illuminate the bit area, three coarse settings for depth plus micro-depth adjustment for fine tuning, and even a safety light that turns on when the tool is connected to a power source.

Price at time of publish: $149

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: 1/4 and 1/2 inch | Base Type: Plunge and fixed | Power: 2.5 horsepower | Max. Speed: 25,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 2-1/4 inch}

Best Cordless

DEWALT DCW600B Cordless Compact Router

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Cut the cord, but keep the power with DEWALT's DCW600B Cordless Compact Router. Compact routers, also called palm routers, are a bit smaller than the usual router, making them ideal for situations where you need to carry the tool to your work, rather than cutting on a tabletop.

This fixed-base router runs off any DEWALT 20-volt battery or install the DEWALT 60-volt FLEXVOLT battery for up to eight times the run length from the 1.5-horsepower motor. Note that the tool does not include the battery, however, you'll need to purchase that separately if you don't already own one.

This sturdy router has a brushless motor with soft-start performance that helps keep your cuts precise and accurate. The variable speed motor adjusts from 16,000 to 25,500 rpm, and a depth-adjustment ring makes it easy to set the height of the bit. It has a 1/4-inch collet chuck, so it is a great choice for detailed or lightweight-to-moderate jobs, but not the right tool for heavy-duty projects. Two LED built-in lights help you visualize your cuts as you work

Price at time of publish: $219

_{Power Source: Battery | Collet: 1/4 inch | Base Type: Fixed | Power: 20 volts | Max. Speed: 25,500 rpm | Depth Capacity: Not stated}

Best Fixed-Base

RIDGID R22002 11-Amp Fixed-Base Router

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Cut through even hard wood with ease using the RIDGID R22002 Fixed-Base Router. It has an 11-amp, 2-horsepower motor with a soft start for perfect control from start to finish, whatever your project. The 1/2-inch collet chuck can handle heavy-duty bits, and the spindle lock makes it a breeze to change bits when desired. The micro-depth adjustment system lets you pinpoint just how deep you want your cuts to go, keeping your work as precise as possible.

The body of the tool is magnesium, and it has soft handles that minimize vibration while keeping your grip steady. The variable speed motor can go as fast as 23,000, so you can adjust as needed based on the material you are cutting and the precision required for your task. This is an excellent addition to the workshop of any carpenter or woodworker, whether professional or enthusiastic hobbyist.

Price at time of publish: $175

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: 1/2 inch | Base Type: Fixed | Power: 2 horsepower | Max. Speed: 23,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 2 inch}

Best Plunge-Base

Bosch MRP23EVS 15-Amp Electronic Plunge-Base Router

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If your carpentry projects involve a lot of grooves or other cuts that rely on carefully calculated cutting depths, a plunge-base router is the best choice for you. And the Bosch MRP23EVS Electronic Router is tops among the many available choices. This 15-amp, 2.3-horsepower router has plenty of power and durable construction that tackles woodworking projects with ease. You'll appreciate the smooth plunge action that makes it easy to accurately position the bit, as well as the micro-fine depth adjustment, as well as Bosch's Constant Response Circuitry that maintains an even speed throughout the cut.

The router includes both a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chuck, so you can choose which best suits your project. The variable speed settings stretch from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm. A built-in, always-on LED light illuminates the bit so you can easily see what you are cutting. The tool features soft-start technology that reduces the start-up torque to help keep your cuts as accurate as possible.

Price at time of publish: $279

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: 1/4 and 1/2 inch | Base Type: Plunge | Power: 2.3 horsepower | Max. Speed: 25,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 3 inch}

Best Palm Router

Ryobi P601 ONE+ 18-Volt Cordless Trim Router

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If you just need a compact, simple router for trimming edges and similar lightweight jobs, then the Ryobi P601 ONE+ is a great choice for your workshop. This cordless trim router can be operated with one hand, and runs off an 18-volt Ryobi battery (the battery is sold separately if you don't already own one) and has a fixed base for easy cutting of edges and trim. Its aluminum base is sturdy and keeps the tool from feeling wobbly while you work, while the rubber-coated grip helps you keep a firm hold on the router, even if your hands are a bit sweaty.

There's no variable speed control on this basic router; it runs at 29,000 rpm. It does allow you to adjust the cutting depth, however, with micro-adjustments for fine-tuning your settings. The tool has a 1/4-inch collet chuck and a built-in work light to illuminate the bit area. All in all, this is a fine tool if you only want a basic router at a reasonable price for simple carpentry tasks.

Price at time of publish: $69

_{Power Source: Battery | Collet: ¼ inch | Base Type: Fixed | Power: 18 volt | Max. Speed: 29,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 1-1/2 inch}

Best for DIY Projects

Makita RT0701CX3 Compact Router Kit with 3 Bases

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If you like to have flexibility to tackle a wide range of DIY projects, then you'll appreciate the Makita RT0701CX3, which is a compact, corded router that includes three bases instead of the usual one or two. You get a plunge base that lets you adjust the depth from 0 to 1-3/8 inches, a tilt base for making cuts at an angle from -30 to 45 degrees, and an offset base for making tough, close-to-the-edge cuts in spaces as tight as 3/4-inch from the wall. The tool has a 6.5-amp, 1 1/4-horsepower motor and a 1/4-inch collet chuck.

The router also offers soft-start for precision and electronic speed control to maintain an even speed while you work. Although compact, the tool is built for durability. It is easy to use and adjust, and powerful enough for most projects a DIYer is likely to choose, such as cutting grooves, dados, or inlays. One thing it lacks, however, is a built-in work light.

Price at time of publish: $279

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: 1/4 inch | Base Type: Plunge, tilt, offset | Power: 1.25 horsepower | Max. Speed: 30,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 1 3/8 inch}

Best for Power

Makita RP2301FC 3.25 Horsepower Plunge Router

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If you use your router for professional carpentry or woodworking, are a very avid hobbyist, or simply plan on taking on a major carpentry project, then you need power and durability. And that's just what you'll get with the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router, which has a 15-amp, 3.25-horsepower motor that runs variable speeds from 9,000 to 22,000 rpm. Here's a router that's built to last, with sturdy construction and plenty of great features.

This is a plunge-base router, with depth adjustments up to 2 3/4 inches; that's more than most routers offer. It comes with both a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chuck, and has a soft-start function, electronic speed control, and an electric brake. It's designed for easy adjustments of all types, and its rubberized grips make it easy to hold while you work, even through long routing sessions.

Price at time of publish: $586

_{Power Source: Corded | Collet: ¼ and ½ inch | Base Type: Plunge | Power: 3.25 horsepower | Max. Speed: 22,000 rpm | Depth Capacity: 2-3/4 inch}