Best Planers
Top planers ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
DeWalt DW735X
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Three-knife cutterhead is unique at this price
- Two-speed feed rate for finish control
- Extra-long tables reduce snipe
Cons
- Knives are proprietary and not cheap
- Heavy at 92 lbs
Don't buy this if…
- The three disposable knives must all be replaced together to maintain balance; replacing only one knife will cause vibration and poor surface quality.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Auto-head-lock eliminates snipe
- Induction-hardened columns for precision
- Remarkably quiet operation
Cons
- 12-inch capacity limits wide boards
- Single-speed feed rate
Don't buy this if…
- The auto-head-lock system has a specific engagement procedure described in the manual; skipping steps can result in head slippage and snipe.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Granite tables resist rust and warping
- Affordable for a 13-inch planer
- Removes up to 1/8 inch per pass
Cons
- Two-blade cutterhead not as smooth as three
- Snipe requires sacrificial boards
Don't buy this if…
- Always use hearing protection with this planer, as it generates noise levels exceeding 100 dB at the operator position.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead eliminates tearout
- Carbide inserts last much longer
- Much quieter than straight-knife planers
Cons
- Slower feed rate
- Inserts are individually replaceable but fiddly
Don't buy this if…
- Individual carbide inserts must be torqued to specification during rotation or replacement; over-tightening can crack the insert.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cast-iron base for stability
- Precision-ground tables
- Great value for the build quality
Cons
- Snipe on first and last inches
- Only two blades in cutterhead
Don't buy this if…
- Feed boards with the grain direction to avoid severe tearout; feeding against the grain can cause dangerous kickback on thin stock.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Spring-loaded blade guard stand
- Dual-mount guide fence
- Powerful 6.5-amp motor
Cons
- Handheld, not a thickness planer
- 3.25-inch width limits coverage
Don't buy this if…
- Handheld planers can kick back violently if the blade catches a knot or cross-grain; always secure the workpiece and stand to the side.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Snipe-lock mechanically prevents snipe
- Three-blade cutterhead
- Lifetime service agreement when registered
Cons
- Registration required for warranty
- Heavy for a benchtop planer
Don't buy this if…
- The snipe-lock must be engaged by hand before each planing session; forgetting to engage it results in normal snipe on the first and last 2 inches.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cordless 20V MAX convenience
- Brushless motor for runtime
- Carbide reversible blades included
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- Limited depth of cut per pass
Don't buy this if…
- The 5/64-inch maximum depth of cut means multiple passes are needed for significant material removal; this is a finishing planer, not a roughing tool.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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