10 Best Wood Routers 2026 in the United States

The Festool 574689 Router OF 2200 Imperial is a strong contender in the wood-router category, especially for professionals or serious hobbyists seeking precision and efficiency. With a powerful 2200-watt motor, it delivers robust performance, making it suitable for a variety of routing tasks, from edge shaping to intricate designs. One of its standout features is the intuitive control panel, which simplifies adjustments with clearly labeled icons, allowing users to work more efficiently without constantly referring to the manual.

The router’s precision depth adjustment is another highlight, featuring a micro-adjustability dial that enables fine tuning for accurate depth settings—ideal for detailed woodworking projects. The magnetic spindle brake is a practical innovation as well, ensuring quick stops that enhance safety and extend the motor's lifespan.

On the ergonomics front, the design is well thought out, with a dust extraction column that helps keep your workspace clean by directing dust away from your line of sight. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize a tidy work environment. The router also integrates well with the FS guide rail system and various accessories, providing versatility for different routing tasks.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Festool router is corded, which might limit mobility in larger workspaces compared to battery-operated models. Additionally, its premium build and advanced features come with a higher price tag, which may not be ideal for casual users or beginners who might not need all the capabilities the router offers. Lastly, while the weight of 12.7 pounds contributes to its sturdiness, it may feel cumbersome for some users during extended use.

The Festool 574689 Router OF 2200 Imperial excels in power, precision, and user-friendly design, making it an excellent option for dedicated woodworkers, though its cost and weight might be considerations for occasional users.

The Makita RT0701CX7 compact router is a strong choice for those needing a versatile, reliable tool for woodworking projects. Its 1.25 HP motor provides solid power, making it capable of handling a variety of routing tasks without struggling. The variable speed control dial, ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM, allows you to adjust the speed easily to suit different materials and bit sizes, which is great for precision and control.

This model comes with two base types—fixed and plunge—offering flexibility depending on the task, whether you need to make shallow cuts or deeper plunge cuts. The router’s slim, ergonomic design helps reduce hand fatigue and gives better control during use, which is helpful for extended projects. The smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system and quick-release cam lock make setting and changing depths straightforward and accurate. However, the standard collet size is 1/4 inch, which is common for compact routers but may limit compatibility with some larger bits unless an adapter is used.

Dust collection is not integrated, so using an external vacuum or dust extractor would be advisable to keep your workspace clean. Weighing just under 4 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for comfortable handling but still feels solid and durable thanks to its aluminum construction. It’s a corded electric model, so keep in mind you’ll need access to a power outlet. This router is suited for hobbyists and professionals who want a compact yet powerful router with good speed control and ergonomic design, though it may not be ideal if dust collection or a larger collet size is a priority.

The DEWALT DCW600B 20V MAX XR Compact Metal Fixed Base Router is a lightweight, battery-powered tool designed for woodworking projects where portability matters. Weighing just over 4 pounds, it’s easy to handle and move around without the hassle of cords. Being battery-powered at 20 volts means it offers decent power for most small to medium tasks, but it might not match the continuous strength of corded routers for heavy-duty or extended use.

This model features a fixed base, which is great for stability during straight cuts but offers less flexibility compared to plunge bases if you need to start cuts in the middle of your workpiece. The compact size and ergonomic design make it comfortable to grip, helping reduce fatigue during longer jobs.

This DEWALT router is a solid choice for hobbyists and DIYers who need a portable, easy-to-use router for lighter routing tasks, while professionals working on heavy-duty projects might want a more powerful or feature-rich option.