5 Best Wood Router Prices: How Much Is a Wood Router? 5 Picks Compared

By Sienna Ashford

Updated November 2026

If you are asking how much is a wood router, the honest answer is that the range is wide, and the right choice depends on the kind of work you do more than on the sticker. A fixed-base router suits tabletop edges and dados, a plunge router handles mortises and inlay, and a compact laminate trim router fits tight spaces. This guide compares five well-regarded models across those needs, judged on motor power, base style, speed control, depth adjustment and the feedback owners most often report. We did not run these machines ourselves; the picks reflect manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

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

Wood router for woodworking with exclusive quick-clamp system, variable speed, microfine depth & Constant Response Circuitry Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router

View on Amazon

Best for: Overall versatility in a single kit

This suits woodworkers who want one router that handles plunge cuts and edge work without buying two machines. It is a strong first router for a growing shop.

Key specs

• 2.25 HP motor
• Variable speed dial
• Microfine depth adjustment
• Quick-clamp system for base changes

Pros

• Both plunge and fixed bases included
• Speed control suits a range of bit diameters
• Microfine depth adjustment helps with repeatable setups

Cons

• Heavier than trim-style routers, which matters for overhead work
• Kit bases take some time to learn to swap cleanly

Bottom line: Pick this if you want the most flexibility from one purchase and plan to do both edge and plunge work regularly.

View on Amazon

BOSCH GOF13-25 1-3/4 HP Mid-Size Plunge Router

BOSCH GOF13-25 1-3/4 HP Mid-Size Plunge Router – 11,000 to 28,000 RPM, Ergonomic Design, With Detachable Parallel Guide

View on Amazon

Best for: Plunge cuts such as mortises and inlay

This is aimed at furniture makers and cabinetmakers who cut mortises, slots and inlays and want a mid-size body that is easier to control than a full-size machine.

Key specs

• 1-3/4 HP motor
• 11,000 to 28,000 RPM range
• Detachable parallel guide included

Pros

• Wide speed range for different bit sizes
• Mid-size body balances power and handling
• Parallel guide helps with straight edge cuts

Cons

• Plunge-only setups need a fixed base bought separately for table work
• Guide accessories are sold in limited configurations

Bottom line: A solid choice for anyone whose main work is plunge routing rather than tabletop edge profiling.

View on Amazon

Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router

Router woodworking with variable speed dial, microfine depth adjust, constant response, clean router wood cuts Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router

View on Amazon

Best for: Benchtop and router table work

This suits woodworkers who mount a router under a table or use it for repeated edge profiling, where a fixed base and steady speed matter most.

Key specs

• 2.25 HP motor
• Electronic constant-response circuitry
• Variable speed dial
• Microfine depth adjustment

Pros

• Constant response helps hold speed under load
• Fixed base suits table mounting
• Microfine depth adjustment aids fine setups

Cons

• Fixed base alone offers no plunge capability
• Heavier body is less suited to handheld overhead cuts

Bottom line: Choose this if your router will spend most of its life in a table or on edge work.

View on Amazon

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

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

View on Amazon

Best for: Light trimming and small, budget-minded jobs

This is a practical pick for hobbyists who need to trim laminate, rout small profiles or work in tight spaces where a full-size router is overkill.

Key specs

• 6-amp motor
• 1/4-inch collet
• Variable speed control

Pros

• Light and easy to hold for small work
• Variable speed adds control on delicate cuts
• Budget-friendly entry point

Cons

• Lower power limits deep or wide cuts in hardwood
• Small 1/4-inch collet restricts bit choice compared with 1/2-inch machines

Bottom line: A sensible starter for light work, but not the right tool for heavy stock removal.

View on Amazon

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

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

View on Amazon

Best for: Heavier fixed-base routing

This suits users who want a sturdy fixed-base router for edge profiling and dadoes in regular woodworking, and who value a robust motor for larger bits.

Key specs

• 1-3/4 HP class
• 11.0 amp motor
• Fixed base configuration

Pros

• Strong motor for larger bits and dense wood
• Simple fixed-base design is easy to mount
• Widely available with a long owner track record

Cons

• Fixed base only, so plunge work needs another router
• Older design may lack some modern electronic features

Bottom line: Good for woodworkers who need dependable fixed-base power and do not need plunge capability.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide

Motor power and amperage

Router motors are usually rated in horsepower or amps. Around 1-3/4 HP to 2.25 HP covers most furniture and cabinet work, while trim routers at lower amperage suit light jobs. More power lets you take deeper passes and run larger bits without bogging down.

Good picks for this: Bosch 1617EVSPK, DEWALT DW616

Fixed base versus plunge base

A fixed base keeps the bit at a set depth and suits table mounting and edge work. A plunge base lets you lower the bit into the work for mortises and stopped cuts. If you do both, a combination kit saves you from buying two machines.

Good picks for this: Bosch 1617EVSPK, BOSCH GOF13-25

Speed control and speed range

Larger bits need slower speeds to avoid burning and chatter, while small bits run faster. Look for variable speed control, and check the listed RPM range against the bit sizes you plan to use.

Good picks for this: BOSCH GOF13-25, Bosch 1617EVS

Collet size

Most full-size routers take 1/2-inch collets, which hold larger bits more securely. Smaller 1/4-inch collets limit you to lighter bits. If you plan to use large profile or panel-raising bits, a 1/2-inch collet is the safer choice.

Good picks for this: DEWALT DW616, Bosch 1617EVS

Depth adjustment

Fine depth control matters for repeatable joinery. Microfine adjustment lets you dial in small changes without guesswork, which helps when you are sneaking up on a dado or rabbet fit.

Good picks for this: Bosch 1617EVSPK, Bosch 1617EVS

Size, weight and handling

Heavy routers are steady on a table but tiring for long handheld work. Trim routers are light and nimble for small jobs but less stable on wide cuts. Match the body size to how you will hold it most of the time.

Good picks for this: WEN RT1460, BOSCH GOF13-25

Durability and care

Keep the collet clean, check the carbon brushes periodically, and store the router with bits removed. Owners of brand-name routers commonly report long service lives with routine maintenance, though heavy daily use will eventually wear brushes and bearings.

Good picks for this: DEWALT DW616, Bosch 1617EVS

FAQ

How much is a wood router?

Prices vary widely by type and motor size. Small trim routers sit at the low end, while full-size combination kits and heavy fixed-base models cost more. Check current listings for exact figures, since they change often.

What is the difference between a plunge router and a fixed-base router?

A fixed-base router has a set bit height and suits table mounting and edge profiling. A plunge router lets you lower the spinning bit into the wood, which is needed for mortises, stopped grooves and inlays.

Do I need a 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch collet?

A 1/2-inch collet is better for large bits and heavy cuts because it holds them more securely. A 1/4-inch collet suits light trimming and small bits, and it is common on compact trim routers.

What horsepower do I need for woodworking?

For furniture and cabinet work, a router in the 1-3/4 to 2.25 HP range covers most tasks. Smaller trim routers are fine for light work but struggle with deep passes in hardwood.

Can one router do both table work and plunge cuts?

Yes, if you buy a combination kit that includes both a fixed base and a plunge base. Otherwise you will need a separate router for each job.

Should I always use variable speed?

Variable speed is useful because larger bits need slower speeds for clean cuts, while small bits can run faster. It is a worthwhile feature for most woodworkers.

Conclusion

When you ask how much is a wood router, the real answer depends on what you cut. The Bosch 1617EVSPK suits shops that want both plunge and fixed-base capability in one kit. The BOSCH GOF13-25 fits plunge-heavy furniture work, while the Bosch 1617EVS and DEWALT DW616 suit fixed-base and router table use. The WEN RT1460 is a practical choice for light trimming and small jobs. Match the motor, base style and collet to your projects, and the right router will become clear.

Sources

• Workplace safety guidance for power tools, including guarding and eye and hearing protection (osha.gov)
• Consumer product safety information on power tool hazards and recalls (cpsc.gov)
• Measurement and standards resources relevant to precision woodworking setups (nist.gov)

Related reading

• Wood by Wright Router Plane Compared: 7 Best Picks for 2026
• Top 7 Wood Router in Tools for Woodworkers Compared
• Top 7 Router Bit to Level Wood Picks for Slab Flattening and Trimming
• Top 7 CNC Router Wood Signs Picks: Bits and Kits for Sign Making
• Top 7 Best CNC Router Bits for Wood Compared for Every Project

About Sienna Ashford

Sienna researches and writes buying guides and how-to articles on woodworking. Picks are based on product specifications, brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, and are updated as new models come out.