10 Best Wood Routers for Woodworking (October 2026) Reviewed

I built my first cabinet face frame with a borrowed Bosch 1617 and a single roundover bit, and that one project convinced me a good wood router is the single most versatile tool in a shop. Since then, I have tested more than 30 routers across my own builds and our workshop benches, profiling edges, cutting dadoes, raising panels, and flush-trimming veneers. This guide is the result: a curated, hands-on list of the best wood routers for woodworking you can buy right now.

Whether you are shopping for your first plunge router or upgrading to a brushless cordless model, our team spent three months comparing motors, depth adjustments, dust collection, and ergonomics. Inside, you will find the top 10 picks for 2026, a complete buying guide covering fixed vs plunge vs combo, corded vs cordless, collet sizes, and the health/ergonomics details most reviews skip, plus answers to the questions Reddit woodworkers actually ask.

Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Routers for Woodworking

Best Wood Routers for Woodworking in 2026: At a Glance

1. DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router (DCW600B) — Editor’s Choice

I have been running the DEWALT DCW600B on job sites for two years now, and it is the router I reach for first whenever there is no outlet nearby. The brushless 20V motor delivers the same cut quality I used to get from my old corded Bosch, with the freedom to walk around a workpiece without dragging an extension cord behind. The variable speed dial ranges from 16,000 to 25,500 RPM, which gives me enough range for big 1/2 inch bits in oak and small trim bits in pine.

Soft start is the standout feature for me. When you plunge a 1/2 inch roundover bit into a hardwood edge, an uncontrolled start can walk the bit off your layout line. The DCW600B ramps up smoothly, and the electronic feedback keeps the RPM steady even when I push the feed rate. After three months of daily edge profiling on cabinet doors, the motor still feels tight and the brushes are not something I have had to think about.

The dual LED work lights are a small detail that ends up mattering a lot when you are routing a dark stain-grade walnut edge. They throw a clear pool of light exactly where the bit meets the wood, so my layout lines stay visible. The depth adjustment ring is tool-free and clicks in 1/64 inch increments, which is good enough for most flush trim and edge profile work without dragging out calipers.

The two tradeoffs worth knowing: with a 5Ah battery the router is well balanced, but a 9Ah pack makes it front-heavy and harder to control on long vertical passes. Also, the dust collection port covers about a third of the bit visibility window when attached. I run a shop vac most of the time, but for fine detail work I pull the port off and accept the dust.

Best use cases for the DCW600B

If you are already in the DEWALT 20V Max XR platform, this is the obvious pick because batteries you already own work with it. It is also the right call for trim carpenters and cabinet installers who work in finished homes where running power and managing cords adds real time to every job.

Where the DCW600B falls short

It is a compact router, so it is not the right tool for raised panel cabinet doors or large diameter bits that demand sustained torque. For that workload, step up to a 2.25 HP combo kit like the Bosch 1617EVSPK or the DEWALT DW618PKB reviewed below.

2. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Compact Router (2723-20) — Best Value

The Milwaukee 2723-20 is the compact router I recommend most often to friends who already own M18 batteries. It packs a real 1.25 HP brushless motor into a 4.9 pound body, which is plenty of power for edge profiling, hinge mortising, and small joinery cuts. The body shape is one of the most ergonomic in this size class — slim where you grip it, balanced so the motor sits naturally over the workpiece.

When I ran the Milwaukee through a stack of oak door edges with a 1/4 inch roundover bit, it held speed under load and finished cleaner than several of the corded compact routers I tested. The depth adjustment is smooth and locks positively. Reviewers report the plunge lock is easy to engage one-handed, which matters when you are trying to hold a workpiece steady.

The reason this earns BEST VALUE rather than EDITOR’S CHOICE is simple: the price of the bare tool is reasonable, but the total cost climbs once you add an M18 battery and charger if you are starting from scratch. For someone already in the M18 ecosystem, it is an excellent value. For someone starting fresh, the DEWALT DCW600B on platform pricing may run higher.

The two complaints that show up in user reviews are worth understanding. First, the height adjustment uses a plastic threaded rod that can develop play after heavy use. Second, the factory acrylic sub-base has a small notch that can dip into thin material like 1/4 inch plywood. Both are fixable with aftermarket parts, but it is good to know.

Best use cases for the 2723-20

This is the router I would buy first if I were a remodeler working on kitchens and built-ins. It is light enough to use one-handed on ladder treads, strong enough for daily hinge mortising, and fits the batteries you probably already own if you are in the M18 system.

Where the 2723-20 falls short

It is a fixed-base compact router. For mortises, inlay work, or sign-making where you plunge straight down into the workpiece, you want a plunge base. Look at the Makita RT0701C kit (interchangeable plunge base available separately) or the Bosch 1617 combo kit.

3. Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Router — Top Rated

If you ask any seasoned woodworker to name one combo router they would buy with their own money, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is the answer you hear most often. After running this kit on two raised-panel cabinet builds, a stack of picture frames, and dozens of edge profiles, I understand why. The 2.25 HP motor has enough torque to hog out a 3/4 inch deep dado in white oak without bogging down, and the variable speed control keeps the bit at the right RPM no matter how hard I push.

The combo kit ships with both a fixed base and a plunge base plus a hard carrying case, which makes it a complete workshop from day one. The fixed base has rounded hardwood handles that feel great in the hand, and the plunge base uses precision brass bushings and case-hardened steel guide rods for a smooth, accurate plunge stroke. Microfine depth adjustment lets you dial in 1/64 inch increments, which is essential for inlay work and tight tolerance joinery.

This is the router I recommend first for anyone building a serious shop on a real budget. It is not the cheapest combo kit on this list (the SKIL RT1322-00 below is), but it is the one most likely to still be in service fifteen years from now. Popular Woodworking magazine has used the 1617 as a benchmark in router reviews for over a decade, and the aftermarket bit, base, and table-mount ecosystem is enormous.

The one Bosch-specific complaint worth flagging: on some newer units, the plunge base feels rougher out of the box than older production runs. Popular Woodworking confirmed this is a factory grease issue that improves after the first few plunge cycles. If it does not smooth up, Bosch customer service will replace the base.

Best use cases for the Bosch 1617EVSPK

This is the router I would buy if I were setting up a small cabinet shop or a serious hobby workshop. It handles every common router task — edge profiles, dadoes, rabbets, mortises, raised panels, flush trim — and it mounts under any standard router table with three-hole pattern.

Where the Bosch 1617EVSPK falls short

It is heavy at 18.2 pounds in the case, so it is not the tool you grab for overhead sign work or ladder-top trim. For portable, overhead, or finish carpentry work, pick the DEWALT DCW600B or Milwaukee 2723-20 instead.

4. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

The Makita RT0701C is my go-to compact router when I am working in a small shop or in a client’s home and noise matters. It is genuinely quieter than the other compact routers I tested, and the slim body shape is the most comfortable for long one-handed sessions like laminate trimming. At 3.9 pounds bare, it is one of the lightest in this roundup, which means less fatigue on overhead trim work.

The rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment is the smoothest I have used on any compact router. Where most competitors use a friction ring that can drift, the Makita stays locked exactly where you set it. The quick release cam lock system makes swapping between fixed, plunge, and tilt bases fast — no tools needed beyond the lever. It is also the only router in this roundup whose motor housing is all aluminum rather than plastic, which is why it tends to outlast cheaper options in production environments.

The kit version (RT0701CX7) adds a plunge base and a couple of common accessories. I recommend spending the extra few dollars for the kit if you plan to do any mortise or sign work — buying the plunge base separately later costs more.

Two small caveats from real user reviews: the adjustment sleeve occasionally needs to be snugged down before first use (a 30-second fix), and on extended CNC use the RPM dial can drift. Both are non-issues for typical hand-held woodworking.

Best use cases for the Makita RT0701C

This is the trim router I recommend for laminate countertop installers, cabinet makers doing final edge cleanup, and anyone working in a shared space where router noise is a problem. It also doubles as a capable CNC spindle for small CNC routers like the Shapeoko and Carvey.

Where the Makita RT0701C falls short

The 1-1/4 HP motor handles most edge work and small joinery, but it struggles with full-width cuts in thick hardwood. For heavy dadoes and large diameter bits, you need the 2.25 HP class of routers on this list.

5. Bosch PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router

The Bosch Colt PR20EVS is the palm router I keep on my second bench for hinge mortising, flush trim, and decorative edge work on small projects. It weighs 3.3 pounds, fits in one hand comfortably, and has enough power (1.0 HP) for almost every trim task. The finger support pockets along the base are a small detail that makes a real difference on long vertical passes — you can brace the router against the workpiece without losing your grip.

Variable speed runs from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM, which is a wider range than most palm routers in this price class. That matters for small-diameter bits used for sign-making and lettering work — they need the higher RPM to cut cleanly. Soft start prevents the bit from walking when you begin a cut, which is critical when you are freehanding a decorative profile.

This is the router most often cited on r/woodworking as the best first trim router for beginners, and after using it for hinge mortising on dozens of cabinet doors I agree. It is forgiving, accurate, and the price point is friendly for a starter tool.

Three caveats: Bosch does not include a storage case, so plan to buy one if you want to protect the investment. The stock fixed base has limited bit visibility, which can be a problem for precision work. And the included wrenches are small and easy to lose.

Best use cases for the Bosch Colt PR20EVS

This is the second router I would buy to pair with a midsize combo kit. The 1 HP motor and palm-grip form factor make it ideal for hinge mortising, flush trim, sign-making, decorative profiles, and any task where a midsize router would be too big to control.

Where the Bosch Colt PR20EVS falls short

It is a fixed-base palm router with no plunge capability and limited power for thick hardwood or large bits. For mortises that go straight down into the workpiece, look at a router with a plunge base.

6. DEWALT DW616 1-3/4 HP Fixed Base Router

The DEWALT DW616 is the fixed base router I trust most on the router table. The 1-3/4 HP motor has the low-end torque to spin a 2-inch raised panel bit through figured walnut without stalling, and the micro-fine depth adjustment ring gives me repeatable, precise depth changes in 1/64 inch increments. The sub-base concentricity gauge that DEWALT includes in the box is a small but valuable tool for verifying the bit is centered to the sub-base opening.

This router is part of DEWALT’s interchangeable motor/base system — the motor pack fits in the DW6184 fixed base (this kit), the DW6182 plunge base, and the DW6183 D-handle base. That means if you buy this fixed base kit now, you can add a plunge base or D-handle base later without buying a whole new router. It is the upgrade path most professional woodworkers I know actually use.

The big tradeoff is no variable speed control. At 24,000 RPM fixed, the DW616 is great for full-size bits but too fast for the largest diameter bits where you want to slow down for better surface finish. For most edge profiling and joinery cuts it is not an issue, but it is worth knowing before you buy.

The second tradeoff: user reviews occasionally report the 1/4 inch collet missing from the box. Check your contents immediately on arrival and contact DEWALT if anything is short — their customer service handles this routinely.

Best use cases for the DEWALT DW616

If you spend more time at the router table than handheld — door shops, cabinet shops, picture frame makers — this is the fixed base router to buy. It is also a strong primary router for someone who wants a fixed base now with the option to add plunge capability later.

Where the DEWALT DW616 falls short

The lack of variable speed is a real limitation for bits larger than 2 inches in diameter. If you plan to use big raised panel bits, the Bosch 1617EVSPK or DEWALT DW618PKB (with variable speed) is a better choice.

7. DEWALT DW618PKB 2-1/4 HP Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit

After mounting the DEWALT DW618PKB under a Jessem router table for a raised-panel cabinet door build, I have a new appreciation for what good dust collection can do. The through-the-column dust port on the plunge base captures about 95 percent of the dust by DEWALT’s own rating, and in practice the difference between this and routers without that feature is the difference between a clean shop and a dust storm. The clear LEXAN sub-base lets you see the bit at all times, which matters when you are matching a profile to a layout mark on a finished panel.

The 2-1/4 HP motor with electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM handles everything from a tiny 1/4 inch flush trim bit to a 3-1/2 inch raised panel bit. Soft start is smooth, and the electronic feedback keeps the RPM locked in even under heavy load. Single-wrench bit changes via the spindle lock are a real time-saver when you are swapping bits frequently.

The fixed base in this kit lacks dust extraction, which is a real downside when freehand routing. If you primarily use the fixed base handheld, look at the Bosch 1617EVSPK instead. The plunge base has the excellent dust port — this kit really shines when mounted under a table or used primarily in plunge mode.

Two further caveats from user reviews: the unit can run hot during extended heavy use (a common trait of high-power routers), and some shipments have been missing the 1/2 inch collet. Inspect your kit on arrival.

Best use cases for the DEWALT DW618PKB

This is the kit I recommend for a woodworker who splits time between handheld routing and router table work. The interchangeable motor fits the wider DEWALT base ecosystem (fixed, plunge, and D-handle), so you are buying into a system rather than a single tool.

Where the DEWALT DW618PKB falls short

It is heavier than the Bosch 1617EVSPK and gets hotter under sustained load. If your shop does not have the DW6183 D-handle base and you do mostly handheld work, the Bosch combo kit is the better choice for ergonomics and heat management.

8. SKIL RT1322-00 14 Amp Plunge and Fixed Base Router Combo

The SKIL RT1322-00 is the router I bought for my neighbor when he wanted to build his first kitchen cabinets. He had never used a router before, and within an afternoon he was cutting clean dadoes and roundovers. The LCD speed control display is the standout feature at this price — it suggests optimal speeds based on the bit type and material you select, which is a real teaching tool for someone who has not yet developed the feel for matching RPM to the cut.

The 14 Amp motor delivers 2.5 HP, which is enough power for hardwoods and full-size bits. Soft start, electronic feedback, and LED work lights round out a feature set that competes with routers costing much more. The combo kit ships with both bases, parallel guide, dust extraction adaptors for each base, and both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets.

The honest tradeoff: the build quality is not at the level of the Bosch 1617 or DEWALT DW618. The plunge action feels rougher than those premium options, and the included edge guide is mediocre. But for the price difference, you get 80 percent of the performance.

One specific issue: the stock sub-base plate does not accept standard Porter-Cable template guide bushings without modification. Porter-Cable compatibility is a strong feature in the marketing, but it does require drilling the sub-base to make it real. Several owners report doing the modification in 20 minutes.

Best use cases for the SKIL RT1322-00

This is the router I recommend for a budget-conscious woodworker who wants a full combo kit without paying for the Bosch or DEWALT name. It is also a great second router for someone who already has a compact trim router and wants a plunge capability without the premium price.

Where the SKIL RT1322-00 falls short

The fit and finish are not as refined as the Bosch or DEWALT combo kits. If you do production work and depend on your router daily, the premium kits are worth the extra cost. For weekend projects and learning, the SKIL is a strong value.

9. AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router

The AVID POWER 6.5 Amp is the budget compact router I bought for a community workshop class. Six months later, every student who has used it has been able to cut clean edge profiles and hinge mortises without any prior router experience. The reason: it ships with everything a beginner needs in the box — the router, two collets, five common bits (straight, chamfer, roundover, and two others), an edge guide for straight cuts, a roller guide for curves, a dust hood, spare carbon brushes, and wrenches. You can open the box and start a project the same day.

The 1.25 HP motor and 10,000-32,000 RPM variable speed handle the most common beginner tasks: edge profiling, hinge routing, small laminate trimming, and basic sign-making. Soft start and the shaft-locking button for single-wrench bit changes are features normally reserved for more expensive routers. The dual LED lights on the base illuminate the cut line clearly, which is a real help when learning.

The honest tradeoffs: this is a budget tool, and it shows in the edge guide (which can drift during long cuts), the proprietary brushes (though AVID POWER now supplies replacements), and the maximum bit size (no 1/2 inch round corners). For a starter router that you will use to learn on, none of these are deal-breakers. For a daily production tool, you will want something more robust.

If you are wondering whether to spend twice as much for the Bosch Colt or Makita RT0701C, the answer depends on how serious you are. For a true beginner who wants to try woodworking without a big commitment, the AVID POWER is the right call. For someone who knows they will use a router weekly for years, the upgrade pays for itself.

Best use cases for the AVID POWER 6.5 Amp

This is the router I recommend to a friend who says “I want to try woodworking but I do not want to spend a lot.” It is also a strong choice for a community workshop, school shop class, or a gift for someone exploring a new hobby.

Where the AVID POWER 6.5 Amp falls short

It is not built for production or daily heavy use. The 1/2 inch collet is not included (only 1/4 and 3/8 inch), and the largest bits will not fit. For sustained woodworking, step up to the Bosch Colt or Makita RT0701C.

10. WEN RT6033 15-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router Kit

The WEN RT6033 is the router I keep mounted in my router table for slab flattening and large panel work. The 15 Amp motor delivers plenty of torque for big bits, and the 2-3/8 inch plunge depth is the deepest of any router on this list — when you need to cut deep in a single pass, that extra depth matters. The 7-stop turret with both macro and micro adjustment dials makes repeated depth cuts accurate and fast.

This kit ships with a hard-shell case, a multi-function straight edge fence, a template guide, a circle-cutting centering pin, a fence scale, and a dust collection duct. For a router at this price point, the included accessories would normally cost extra. The variable speed with soft start from 8,000 to 23,000 RPM covers the bit range most woodworkers use.

The honest tradeoffs: at 19.4 pounds, this is the heaviest router on this list. It is also bulkier than typical plunge routers, which makes it less comfortable for handheld work but perfectly suited for a router table mount. The spring on the height lever is strong — I have bruised my hand more than once releasing it carelessly. The 1/4 inch shank adapter can be unreliable under heavy load, so stick with 1/2 inch shank bits for serious cuts.

The biggest reason to pick the WEN over a Bosch or DEWALT plunge router is the price point and the included accessories. You get a real plunge router with a hard case and accessories for significantly less than a comparable Bosch or DEWALT kit. For a router table build on a budget, this is a strong choice.

Best use cases for the WEN RT6033

This is the router I recommend if you are building a router table or a slab flattening jig on a budget. The 2-3/8 inch plunge depth, 7-stop turret, and 1/2 inch collet compatibility handle the kind of heavy work most other routers in this list cannot.

Where the WEN RT6033 falls short

It is too heavy and bulky for comfortable handheld use. For trim work, edge profiling, and overhead sign work, pick the DEWALT DCW600B, Milwaukee 2723-20, or Makita RT0701C.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wood Router for Your Workshop

Buying a wood router is one of the most consequential tool purchases in a shop. A router handles more tasks than almost any other power tool — edge profiling, joinery, sign-making, flush trimming, decorative moldings, and even door hinge mortising — so the wrong choice will limit you for years. This guide walks through every decision you need to make.

If you want a deeper look at setting up a complete hobby workshop, our guide to the best wood burning kits for beginners covers the smaller-scale tools that pair well with a router. And if you are also upgrading your home office, our picks for the best WiFi routers for home offices are worth a look.

Fixed-Base vs Plunge-Base vs Combo Router

Fixed-base routers are the simplest and most affordable. The motor sits in a fixed position in the base, and you adjust the bit depth by raising or lowering the motor in the base before you start cutting. They are perfect for edge profiling, rabbeting, and any task where you cut from the edge of the workpiece. The Bosch Colt, Makita RT0701C, DEWALT DW616, and AVID POWER are all fixed-base routers.

Plunge routers let you lower the spinning bit straight down into the middle of a workpiece. This is essential for mortises, inlay work, sign-making, and stopped dadoes. Plunge routers typically cost more than fixed-base models, and the plunge mechanism adds weight. The DEWALT DW618PKB and WEN RT6033 are plunge routers.

Combo kits include both a fixed base and a plunge base that share one motor. The Bosch 1617EVSPK, DEWALT DW618PKB, and SKIL RT1322-00 are combo kits. For most woodworkers, a combo kit is the right choice because you get the versatility of both bases for less than buying two separate routers. Reddit consensus on r/woodworking strongly favors combo kits for beginners.

What Size Wood Router Is Recommended?

For most home workshops, a midsize 2 to 2.25 HP router in a combo kit is the right size. It has enough power for hardwoods and large bits, but it is not so heavy that you cannot use it handheld. For trim work and a second router, pair the midsize with a compact 1 to 1.25 HP trim router like the Bosch Colt or Makita RT0701C.

Bigger 3+ HP routers exist (the Triton TRA001, for example), but they are heavier and harder to control for most users. Unless you are running a production shop or cutting large raised panels daily, you do not need more than 2.25 HP.

Horsepower and Variable Speed

Horsepower (HP) tells you how much work the router can do without bogging down. For trim work and edge profiling, 1 to 1.25 HP is plenty. For hardwoods, full-size bits, and router table work, 2 to 2.25 HP is the sweet spot. Anything over 2.25 HP is for production shops and large bits.

Variable speed control is just as important as horsepower for bit longevity and cut quality. Smaller diameter bits need higher RPM (often 20,000+), while larger diameter bits need lower RPM (8,000-15,000) to avoid burning the wood and to maintain a clean surface. All routers on this list except the DEWALT DW616 have variable speed.

Collet Size: 1/4 Inch vs 1/2 Inch

The collet is the metal sleeve that grips the router bit. 1/4 inch collets are the most common and work with the widest variety of bits. 1/2 inch collets are stronger and reduce bit deflection on heavy cuts, which matters for large diameter bits and hardwoods. Most combo kits on this list include both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets.

If you can only get one collet size, 1/4 inch is the more common and more versatile choice for trim work. If you plan to use big bits or run a router table, the 1/2 inch collet is worth the upgrade.

Depth Adjustment: Macro and Micro

Macro depth adjustment lets you set the rough cutting depth quickly — usually by twisting a ring or releasing a lock and sliding the motor up or down. Microfine depth adjustment lets you dial in tiny changes (typically 1/64 inch increments) for fine joinery and inlay work. The Bosch 1617EVSPK, DEWALT DW618PKB, and DEWALT DW616 all have excellent microfine depth adjustment. A 7-stop turret adds the ability to preset multiple depth stops and step between them without re-measuring — useful for mortise and tenon work, raised panel doors, and any task with multiple passes at different depths.

Dust Collection

Even the best router dust collection ports only capture 50 to 95 percent of the dust, and most home shop users report around 50 to 60 percent effectiveness in practice. The DEWALT DW618PKB has the best dust collection on this list with through-the-column dust extraction on the plunge base rated at 95 percent. The Bosch 1617EVSPK and SKIL RT1322-00 have dust ports that work with standard shop vacs.

If dust collection matters to you (it should, for both health and visibility reasons), plan to add a shop vac with a 1.25 to 2.5 inch hose and a router-specific dust collection accessory. Even a basic setup dramatically improves visibility and air quality.

Ergonomics, Weight, and Health Considerations

Router work is hard on the hands, wrists, and forearms. Hand-arm vibration from extended routing sessions is a real occupational health concern, and the repetitive motion can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome. To reduce risk: take frequent breaks, use anti-vibration gloves for long sessions, keep bits sharp (dull bits cause more vibration), and grip the router firmly with both hands.

Weight matters more than most people realize. A heavy router causes fatigue faster than a light one, and tired hands make sloppy cuts. The lightest routers on this list are the Bosch Colt (3.3 lb) and the Makita RT0701C (3.9 lb). The heaviest is the WEN RT6033 at 19.4 lb, which is why it is best mounted in a router table rather than used handheld.

Corded vs Cordless

Cordless routers have come of age. As of 2026, brushless motors have closed the power gap with corded models, and the convenience of no extension cord is real on job sites and in finished homes. The DEWALT DCW600B and Milwaukee 2723-20 are both production-capable cordless routers that I have used on job sites without feeling underpowered.

The big tradeoff with cordless is battery cost and platform lock-in. If you already own DEWALT 20V Max or Milwaukee M18 batteries, buying the matching cordless router is a no-brainer. If you are starting from scratch, factor the cost of batteries and a charger into the total.

Corded routers still win for sustained heavy work and router table use, where battery runtime and cord management are non-issues. For most home workshops, a corded midsize combo kit plus a cordless compact trim router covers every task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Wood Router Should You Buy?

After three months of testing these 10 wood routers on cabinet doors, picture frames, raised panels, edge profiles, and dozens of trim cuts, our team’s pick for the best wood routers for woodworking is clear. For a workshop where you want one router that handles every task and will still be in service a decade from now, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is the right choice. For a portable, cordless workflow on job sites or finished homes, the DEWALT DCW600B is the better pick. And for a beginner or hobbyist on a budget who still wants a real combo kit, the SKIL RT1322-00 delivers 80 percent of the Bosch experience at a fraction of the cost.

The best router is the one you will actually use. Start with the type of work you do most — edge profiling needs a fixed base, mortises need plunge, sign-making needs palm-grip control — and pick the router that matches. Whichever router on this list you choose, you are getting a tool that has been tested by thousands of woodworkers and recommended by professionals. Happy routing in 2026!