Real data, ranked. No fluff, no filler.

The 10 Best Corded Routers

Compact, fixed-base and plunge routers for edges, dados and joinery, ranked from live Amazon data.

Ranked by ToolboxTop10 from Amazon data captured Oct 10, 2026. How we rank

A router spins a shaped bit at high speed to round over edges, cut grooves and dados, trim laminate and copy templates. Compact (palm) routers with 1/4-inch collets handle edge work; full-size 2+ HP routers with 1/2-inch collets drive big bits and live in router tables. We ranked 10 best-sellers on rating, review volume and features (variable speed, soft start, a plunge base, fine depth adjustment and bits or guides in the box). They run from about $50 for a WEN trim router to $230 for Bosch's plunge-and-fixed kit.

Looking for cordless instead? See the 10 best cordless routers →

Best Overall Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
Bosch
Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
4.8 (3,554)
$169
View on Amazon →
Best Budget AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base, Trim Bits, Edge Guide, Roller Guide, Dust Hood
AVID POWER
AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base, Trim Bits, Edge Guide, Roller Guide, Dust Hood
4.4 (4,266)
$67.99
View on Amazon →
Money No Object Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router
Bosch
Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router
4.7 (4,991)
$230.15
View on Amazon →

Which one is for you?

Where the deals are

The tools ranked here come from Bosch, Makita, SKIL, AVID POWER, DEWALT, and WEN. Prices on these brands move week to week on Amazon, and the deepest cuts usually land around Prime Day and Black Friday. Every price button on this page opens the live listing, so you always see today's number, not the one we captured on 2026-10-10. If your pick is over budget right now, check back in a few days — Bosch and Makita rotate through sales and bundle deals often.

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

#ToolPriceRatingReviewsTypeMotorVariable speedPlunge baseScore
1Bosch 1617EVSPK$230.154.74,991Plunge + fixed combo12 A, 2.25 HPYesYes97
2Bosch 1617EVS$1694.83,554Full-size fixed base12 A, 2.25 HPYesNo90
3Makita RT0701C$1594.73,934Compact fixed base6.5 A, 1.25 HPYesNo89
4SKIL RT1322-00$1694.71,994Plunge + fixed combo14 A, 2.5 HPYesYes87
5AVID POWER Compact router kit$67.994.44,266Compact fixed base6.5 A, 1.25 HPYesNo86
6SKIL RT1323-00$1054.81,331Full-size fixed base10 A, 2 HPYesNo85
7Bosch PR20EVS$113.544.63,504Compact palm5.6 A, 1 HPYesNo84
8DEWALT DW618$152.994.31,369Full-size fixed base12 A, 2.25 HPYesNo81
9DEWALT DW616$145.304.62,735Full-size fixed base11 A, 1.75 HPNoNo78
10WEN RT1460$49.674.3341Compact trim6 AYesNo75
✕AKYPACH woodblue7817D375AA$26.994.1262Fixed 30,000 rpm, no speed control; listing doesn't say what's in the boxAVOID

Tap a column heading to sort.

The full ranking

#1
Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router
Money No Object
Bosch

Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router

4.7 4,991 reviews
Score 97/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 42 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score100/100 → 35 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: variable speed, a soft start, plunge base, fine depth, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 97/100. How the score works

$230.15
Check price on Amazon
400+/mo

The 1617EVS motor with both a fixed and a plunge base and a carrying case: the most-reviewed router here and the one to buy if you want a single router for everything.

Best for: One router for everything: edges, plunge cuts, templates and a router table.

Skip it if: You only need edge work; it's the priciest here.

Type
Plunge + fixed combo
Motor
12 A, 2.25 HP
Speed
8,000-25,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 and 1/2 in
Weight
18.2 lb (kit)
In the box
Both bases, 2 collets, wrenches, case

Pros

  • 4,991 reviews, the most here
  • Fixed and plunge bases plus a case
  • Constant-response speed control and microfine depth

Cons

  • $230, the most expensive here
  • 1-year warranty
#2
Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
Best Overall
Bosch

Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router

4.8 3,554 reviews
Score 90/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score96/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score96/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score65/100 → 13 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, fine depth. Missing: plunge base, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 90/100. How the score works

$169
Check price on Amazon
900+/mo

The full-size router woodworkers have bought for decades: 2.25 HP with constant-response speed control, microfine depth adjustment, hardwood handles and a three-hole base pattern for router tables. The best-rated router here, with 900+ sold last month.

Best for: A first full-size router that can also go in a router table.

Skip it if: You only round over edges; a compact router is lighter and cheaper.

Type
Full-size fixed base
Motor
12 A, 2.25 HP
Speed
8,000-25,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 and 1/2 in
Weight
—
In the box
Router, 2 collets, 2 wrenches

Pros

  • 4.8 stars, tied for the best here; 900+ sold last month
  • 2.25 HP with constant speed under load
  • Microfine depth; mounts to router tables

Cons

  • Listing shows it ships in 8 to 14 days
  • 1-year warranty
#3
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base
Makita

Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base

4.7 3,934 reviews
Score 89/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 42 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score97/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score65/100 → 13 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, fine depth. Missing: plunge base, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 89/100. How the score works

$159
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

The compact router trim carpenters reach for: 1.25 HP in a slim aluminum body with electronic speed control, soft start and a rack-and-pinion depth adjuster. Takes standard template guides.

Best for: Edge profiles, hinge mortises and laminate with a pro compact router.

Skip it if: You want 1/2 in bits; it takes 1/4 in shanks.

Type
Compact fixed base
Motor
6.5 A, 1.25 HP
Speed
10,000-30,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 in
Weight
3.9 lb
In the box
Router, fixed base

Pros

  • 3,934 reviews at 4.7 stars
  • Electronic speed control and soft start
  • Rack-and-pinion fine depth; aluminum motor housing

Cons

  • Only the fixed base included
  • Listing showed only 7 left in stock
#4
SKIL 14 Amp Plunge and Fixed Base Router Combo (RT1322-00)
SKIL

SKIL 14 Amp Plunge and Fixed Base Router Combo (RT1322-00)

4.7 1,994 reviews
Score 87/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score89/100 → 31 pts
  • Features 20% of score65/100 → 13 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, plunge base. Missing: fine depth, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 87/100. How the score works

$169
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

The most powerful router here at 14 amps, with both bases and an LCD that suggests a speed for your bit and material. Electronic feedback holds speed under load.

Best for: Big bits and plunge cuts at a lower price than the Bosch combo.

Skip it if: You want a light router; the kit is 14.3 lbs.

Type
Plunge + fixed combo
Motor
14 A, 2.5 HP
Speed
Variable to 25,000 rpm
Collets
—
Weight
14.3 lb
In the box
Motor, fixed and plunge bases

Pros

  • 14 A, 2.5 HP, the most power here
  • Plunge and fixed bases
  • LCD speed guide by bit and material

Cons

  • 14.3 lbs
  • No fine depth adjuster listed
#5
AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base, Trim Bits, Edge Guide, Roller Guide, Dust Hood
Best Budget
AVID POWER

AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base, Trim Bits, Edge Guide, Roller Guide, Dust Hood

4.4 4,266 reviews
Score 86/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score98/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score60/100 → 12 pts

Has: variable speed, fine depth, a complete kit (everything you need in the box). Missing: a soft start, plunge base.

Total: 86/100. How the score works

$67.99
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

A complete compact-router starter kit for under $70: 1.25 HP, six speeds, rack-and-pinion depth, twin LEDs, five bits, edge and roller guides and a dust hood.

Best for: A first router with bits and guides in the box for under $70.

Skip it if: You want a long-standing tool brand.

Type
Compact fixed base
Motor
6.5 A, 1.25 HP
Speed
10,000-32,000 rpm (6 settings)
Collets
1/4 and 3/8 in
Weight
4.4 lb
In the box
5 bits, edge guide, roller guide, dust hood, spare brushes

Pros

  • Five bits, edge guide, roller guide and dust hood
  • Rack-and-pinion depth; twin LEDs
  • 4,266 reviews

Cons

  • No soft start listed
  • Its 3/8 in collet is an uncommon shank size in the US
#6
SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router (RT1323-00)
SKIL

SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router (RT1323-00)

4.8 1,331 reviews
Score 85/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score96/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score84/100 → 30 pts
  • Features 20% of score60/100 → 12 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, a complete kit (everything you need in the box). Missing: plunge base, fine depth.

Total: 85/100. How the score works

$105
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A 2 HP full-size router for about $105, tied for the best rating here, with soft start, speed control, a live-tool light and a parallel guide and dust adaptor in the box.

Best for: A full-size router with 1/2 in bits for around $100.

Skip it if: You need a plunge base; it's fixed only.

Type
Full-size fixed base
Motor
10 A, 2 HP
Speed
Variable to 25,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 and 1/2 in
Weight
7.7 lb
In the box
Parallel guide, dust adaptor, 2 collets

Pros

  • 4.8 stars, tied for the best here
  • 2 HP with soft start; 1/4 and 1/2 in collets
  • Parallel guide and dust adaptor included

Cons

  • No fine depth adjuster listed
  • 1-year warranty
#7
BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router
Bosch

BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router

4.6 3,504 reviews
Score 84/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score96/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score45/100 → 9 pts

Has: variable speed, fine depth. Missing: a soft start, plunge base, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 84/100. How the score works

$113.54
Check price on Amazon
600+/mo

Bosch's Colt palm router: 1 HP, macro and micro depth adjustment, a quick-clamp motor that moves between bases and an edge guide in the box. Lighter and cheaper than the Makita.

Best for: One-handed edge and laminate work with a light palm router.

Skip it if: You want soft start; it isn't listed.

Type
Compact palm
Motor
5.6 A, 1 HP
Speed
16,000-35,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 in
Weight
3.3 lb
In the box
Router, edge guide

Pros

  • 3.3 lbs, the lightest here
  • Macro and micro depth adjustment
  • Edge guide included

Cons

  • No soft start listed
  • Listing showed 15 left in stock
#8
DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM Variable Speed, 2-1/4 HP (DW618)
DEWALT

DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM Variable Speed, 2-1/4 HP (DW618)

4.3 1,369 reviews
Score 81/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score85/100 → 29 pts
  • Features 20% of score65/100 → 13 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, fine depth. Missing: plunge base, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 81/100. How the score works

$152.99
Check price on Amazon
400+/mo

The variable-speed DEWALT: 2.25 HP with full-feedback speed control, soft start, micro-fine depth and a 3-year warranty, for about $8 more than the single-speed DW616.

Best for: DEWALT fans who want variable speed and a 3-year warranty.

Skip it if: You want the best-rated full-size router; the Bosch 1617EVS is rated higher.

Type
Full-size fixed base
Motor
12 A, 2.25 HP
Speed
8,000-24,000 rpm
Collets
—
Weight
9.6 lb
In the box
Router

Pros

  • Variable speed with feedback control and soft start
  • Micro-fine depth adjustment
  • 3-year limited warranty

Cons

  • 4.3 stars, the lowest here
  • Listing showed only 2 left in stock
#9
DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, 1-3/4-HP, 11.0 Amp Motor (DW616)
DEWALT

DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, 1-3/4-HP, 11.0 Amp Motor (DW616)

4.6 2,735 reviews
Score 78/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score93/100 → 33 pts
  • Features 20% of score20/100 → 4 pts

Has: fine depth. Missing: variable speed, a soft start, plunge base, a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 78/100. How the score works

$145.30
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A single-speed DEWALT with micro-fine depth adjustment in 1/64-inch steps, a tool-free steel cam lock and a sub-base concentricity gauge for accurate bit centering.

Best for: Straight bits and edge work where one speed is fine.

Skip it if: You use large bits; it has no speed control.

Type
Full-size fixed base
Motor
11 A, 1.75 HP
Speed
Single speed
Collets
1/4 and 1/2 in
Weight
6.2 lb
In the box
Fixed base, 2 collets, concentricity gauge, wrenches

Pros

  • Micro-fine depth in 1/64 in steps
  • Steel cam lock and quick-release motor
  • Concentricity gauge included

Cons

  • Single speed, so no slowing down for big bits
  • Warranty listed as "call vendor"
#10
WEN RT1460 6-Amp Handheld 1/4-Inch Variable Speed Laminate Trim Router
WEN

WEN RT1460 6-Amp Handheld 1/4-Inch Variable Speed Laminate Trim Router

4.3 341 reviews
Score 75/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score69/100 → 24 pts
  • Features 20% of score60/100 → 12 pts

Has: variable speed, a soft start, a complete kit (everything you need in the box). Missing: plunge base, fine depth.

Total: 75/100. How the score works

$49.67
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

The cheapest router here: a 6-amp trim router with a soft-start motor, speed dial, a clear base with a depth scale, a guide fence and a trim guide, and a 2-year warranty.

Best for: Laminate trimming and small edge work for about $50.

Skip it if: You want fine depth adjustment; it has a scale, not a micro adjuster.

Type
Compact trim
Motor
6 A
Speed
12,000-30,000 rpm
Collets
1/4 in
Weight
—
In the box
Guide fence, trim guide

Pros

  • Lowest price here
  • Soft start and variable speed
  • Guide fence, trim guide and 2-year warranty

Cons

  • No fine depth adjuster
  • 4.3 stars

How we rank

Every tool gets one score from 0 to 100, weighted 45% on its star rating, 35% on how many people have reviewed it (more reviews = more confidence the rating is real), and 20% on the features that matter for the job. The list is ordered by that score. Best Overall is our pick for the best all-around, ready-to-use tool; Best Budget the best value at or under $70; and Money No Object the one to buy if price is no object.

The features score is built from variable speed (25%), a soft start (20%), plunge base (20%), fine depth (20%), a complete kit (15%), capped at 100. The review-count score is on a log scale, so each tenfold jump in reviews adds the same amount, and 5,000 or more reviews gets full marks. Open Why this score on any tool to see its numbers.

What changed

We re-check every listing on this page on a rotation. The most recent changes:

Buyer's guide

Compact router or full-size router?

A compact (palm or trim) router, about 1 to 1.25 HP with a 1/4-inch collet, handles edge profiles, laminate and hinge mortises one-handed. A full-size 2+ HP router with a 1/2-inch collet drives big bits, cuts deep dados, and goes in a router table. Many woodworkers own one of each.

Fixed base or plunge base?

A fixed base sets the bit depth before you start, ideal for edge work and router tables. A plunge base lets you lower the spinning bit into the middle of a board for mortises, stopped dados and inlays. Combo kits include both.

Why does variable speed matter?

Big bits move much faster at their edge, so they need lower rpm to cut cleanly without burning or vibrating. Variable speed lets you slow down for large panel and profile bits.

1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shank bits?

Half-inch shanks are stiffer, vibrate less and are safer for large bits. Quarter-inch bits are fine for compact routers and small profiles. Full-size routers usually include both collets.

Does soft start matter?

A big router twists in your hands when it starts. Soft start ramps the motor up gradually so the router doesn't jerk, which is safer and easier on the motor.

Tools to avoid

Not everything in the search results deserves your money. This one would rank dead last on our scale — here's the listing to walk past, and exactly why.

✕ Avoid
AKYPACH Wood Router, Electric Hand Trimmer, 110V 800W 30000R/MIN (Blue)
AKYPACH

AKYPACH Wood Router, Electric Hand Trimmer, 110V 800W 30000R/MIN (Blue)

4.1 262 reviews   $26.99

A single-speed trim router that only runs flat out. The WEN RT1460 costs about $23 more and adds variable speed, soft start and a 2-year warranty.

Why we'd skip it

  • It runs at a fixed 30,000 rpm with no speed control. Larger profile bits need lower speeds to cut cleanly and safely, so this tool limits you to small bits.
  • The listing's "Included Components" field just says "1", and the bullets list accessories only as "some accessories, such as wrenches", so you can't tell what you're getting.
  • The model number is a random string (woodblue7817D375AA), so there's no model to look up for parts or support.
See the listing on Amazon (so you recognize it)
↑