The 5 Best Budget Wood Router For Woodworking In 2025

Wood routers are a tool that not everyone might need all the time. However, it is still a must-have for any wood-worker. Generally, wood routers are quite expensive and hence it might not be possible for everyone to buy the best one. But what if we tell you that there are some great budget wood routers available in the market?

Yes, you heard it right! There are some amazing wood routers available that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. In this article, we will be discussing the 5 best budget wood routers that you can buy.

The best budget router is the Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router that comes with all the qualities that one expects from a wood router. Continue reading for more information.

Best Budget Routers – Product Reviews

Below, I am sharing with you my personal experience of using some of the best budget routers. I have used these routers for different purposes and found them to be quite good.

1. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router – Overall Best

The Makita RT0701C comes with a 1/4″ collet chuck, 1/2″ collet adapter, shaft wrench, template guide adapter, and carrying case. It also has a one-year warranty.

Coming to its performance, the Makita RT0701C is a powerful and accurate router. It can easily handle all kinds of routing tasks with ease. The depth adjustment ring works well and the lock-on button keeps it from slipping during use.

The high visibility base design makes it easy to control and maneuver. The dust-sealed switch protects the device from sawdust and other debris, while the double insulated body prevents electric shocks. Overall, this is an excellent budget router for woodworking projects.

If you are looking for a powerful and accurate router that can handle all kinds of routing tasks with ease, then the Makita RT0701C is the perfect choice for you.

2. Bosch PR20EVS Router Tool – Premium Pick

What I love the most about this router is its angled cord exit that keeps the cord out of the way and its micro-fine depth adjustment that makes it easier to make precise adjustments.

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It also comes with a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch self-releasing collets that make it compatible with a variety of bits. And lastly, it has an ergonomic design that makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.

The Bosch PR20EVS router tool also comes with a variety of accessories, including a plunge base, edge guide, vacuum adapter, and a carrying case. These accessories make it even more versatile and allow you to use it for a variety of tasks.

Overall, the Bosch PR20EVS is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly wood router tool. It’s very versatile and comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for beginners. It’s also affordably priced and comes with a variety of accessories that make it even more versatile.

3. AVID POWER 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router – Budget Pick

Additionally, it comes with a depth adjustment knob that allows you to easily control the depth of your cuts.

I loved the metal locking mechanism of this router as it allows me to change the bits quickly and easily. Further, the router comes with Allen wrench, edge guide, and a carrying case for your convenience.

Coming to its dual LED lights, the router lets you work in low-light conditions without any issues. Plus, the soft-starting motor prevents it from jerking when you turn it on, which is always a bonus. One of the best things about this router is its compact size. It is small enough to be maneuverable yet still large enough to handle most routing jobs.

Additionally, it comes with a dust port that helps to keep your work area clean. All in all, if you are looking for an affordable wood router that performs well and comes with some handy features, the Avid Power 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router is a great option to consider.

4. WEN RT6033 15-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Woodworking Router Kit

The included edge guide helps you make straight cuts along edges, and the included 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch self-releasing collets make bit changes quick and easy. The dust port allows for connection to a standard dust collection system.

Plunging base locks it in place at any depth, making it perfect for template work. You also get a durable carrying case to keep everything organized.

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At 15 amps and 27,500 RPM, this WEN router can handle even the most challenging woodworking tasks. The soft-starting motor prevents sudden starts that could damage your workpiece, and the full feedback control provides precise depth adjustment.

I am sure you will love the parallel guide fence on this router that helps it cut straight without any fear or ruining the wood whatsoever. I personally love the build of this router. Giving a matte feel to the fingers, the rust-resistance body of this wood router is surely an excellent point about it. While I didn’t like the blades as much, I think the body has been built to last long and will surely help any woodworker save a great dime.

Overall, this is a great little router for the price, and it will do everything you need it to do for most woodworking projects.

5. ENERTWIST ET-RT-710S Compact Router Tool

The depth adjustment is also very easy to use. Just loosen the knob on the base and you can easily adjust the depth of cut. Moreover, the base is also tilt-able up to 45 degrees, allowing you to make bevel cuts easily.

The router comes with a 1/4-inch and a 1/2-inch collet, which can hold bits with shank sizes of 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch respectively. The collets are very easy to change and they can be changed without the need for any tools.

The package also includes a straight guide, a edge guide, a circle guide, and a template guide. These guides are very helpful in ensuring accuracy and precision in your work.

The only thing I don’t like about this router is that it does not have an LED light. This would have been very helpful in illuminating the work area, especially when working in low light conditions.

Overall, this is an excellent router for small woodworking projects. It is very easy to use and it comes with all the necessary accessories. If you are looking for a cheap wood router, then I would highly recommend this one.

Guide To Choose The Best Budget Wood Router

Choosing a router is a very important decision for any woodworker. There are many different types and sizes of routers available on the market, so it is important to select the one that best fits your needs. You need to be extra careful when investing in a budget router because it may not offer all of the features that you need or it may not be as durable as a more expensive model. Here are some tips on how to choose a router for woodworking:

The first thing to consider when choosing a router is the size of the bit that you will be using. The size of the bit will determine the depth of the cut that you can make. If you only plan on making shallow cuts, then a small router bit will suffice. However, if you want to be able to make deeper cuts, then you will need a router with a larger bit.

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The next thing to consider is the power of the router.  If you are going to be using the router for light-duty tasks such as trimming edges and shaping wood, then you will not need a very powerful model. A 1.5 horsepower router should be enough. However, if you are planning on doing more heavy-duty work such as carving or routing large pieces of wood, then you will need a more powerful router, such as a 2.0 or 3.0 horsepower model.

The size of the router is also an important consideration. If you only need to use the router for small tasks, then a compact model will be just fine. However, if you are planning on doing larger projects, then you will need a full-size router.

The type of router you select will also be determined by the types of projects you plan on doing. For example, if you only need to use the router for basic tasks such as trimming edges and shaping wood, then a plunge router will be just fine. However, if you are planning on doing more advanced work such as carving or routing large pieces of wood, then you will need a more powerful router such as a fixed-base or plunge-base router.

Make sure to consider all these points when investing in a router and don’t make a mistake that can ruin your woodwork just because you wanted to save money.

FAQ’s-Best Budget Wood Router

What Is The Best Budget Wood Router?

As you might have seen from the guide, the best budget wood router in my opinion is none other than the Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router . It’s a powerful and compact router that comes with plenty of features that enable you to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Is A Cheap Wood Router Worth It?

Yes, some inexpensive wood routers can be a great option for budget-conscious woodworkers. However, it is important to keep in mind that you may sacrifice some features and capabilities if you go with a cheaper model. With that said, there are still some great cheap wood routers out there that you can look for.

Wrapping Up Best Budget Wood Router

Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router: This is great wood router for the price it comes in. It offers durability, reliability, a very powerful 1-1/4 HP motor, and easy to use controls. The features it is packed with are only often expected from the expensive and high-end routers. You can use this wood router for various tasks like trimming, shaping, and slotting.

Bosch PR20EVS Router Tool: With a soft-start motor that provides smooth startup, this wood router is perfect for anyone starting out with woodworking. It has an ergonomic design that is easy to handle, and it comes with a plunge base and dust collection bag.

AVID POWER 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router: This wood router is perfect for the budget-conscious woodworker. It has a powerful 6.5-amp motor that can handle all of your routing needs. It also has an easy-to-use plunge base and comes with a dust collection bag. In its price, it is surely a steal deal that you would love getting your hands on.