Best Wood Routers
Top wood routers ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Bosch 1617EVSPK
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
- Both fixed and plunge bases included
- Variable speed 8,000-25,000 RPM
- 1/4 and 1/2-inch collets included
Cons
- Heavier than compact routers
- Plunge lock lever can be stiff
Don't buy this if…
- Always start the router before contacting the workpiece and feed against the direction of bit rotation to prevent the router from climbing and grabbing.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Dual LED illumination
- Both bases included in kit
Cons
- 1.25-HP limits heavy routing
- Only 1/4-inch collet
Don't buy this if…
- The 1/4-inch collet cannot accept 1/2-inch shank bits; for large profile bits and heavy dados, a full-size router with 1/2-inch collet is required.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Four bases included in kit
- Slim barrel grip for control
- Very quiet for its power
Cons
- Only 1/4-inch collet
- Plunge base depth stop is basic
Don't buy this if…
- The tilt base is designed for decorative edge work only and should not be used for joinery operations where square cuts are critical.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 3.5-HP handles any bit size
- Perfect for router table mounting
- Electronic variable speed
Cons
- Too heavy for handheld edge work
- Very loud at full power
Don't buy this if…
- This router must be used with hearing protection; the 3.5-HP motor at full load generates noise levels exceeding 100 dB.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Guide rail compatibility
- Integrated dust extraction
- Micro-adjustable fence for precision
Cons
- Very expensive
- Festool ecosystem lock-in
Don't buy this if…
- The guide rail compatibility requires purchasing Festool guide rails separately, which represent a significant additional cost.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Affordable 2-HP plunge router
- Variable speed control
- Transparent base for visibility
Cons
- Collet concentricity can vary
- Base casting is rougher than premium
Don't buy this if…
- Check the collet and bit for runout before each use; excessive runout causes poor cut quality and can lead to bit breakage.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cordless 20V MAX freedom
- Brushless motor for runtime
- Dual LED worklights
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- 1/4-inch collet only
Don't buy this if…
- Cordless routers can slow down as battery charge drops, causing burn marks on the wood; swap to a fresh battery before it depletes.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Above-table height adjustment
- 3.25-HP motor handles any bit
- Single-wrench bit changes
Cons
- Very heavy at 17 lbs
- Plunge springs are stiff
Don't buy this if…
- The above-table adjustment is designed for router table use; attempting to use it handheld with the adjustment mechanism exposed is awkward and unsafe.
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
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