VerdictAI

Reviewer consensus · 2026

Best Corded Wood Routers of 2026What 75 reviewers actually think, trust-weighted

Corded wood routers remain the backbone of most woodworking shops, and the consensus across mainstream tech press, specialist woodworking communities, and verified-purchase reviewers points to a handful of repeat favorites. This roundup synthesizes what reviewers across the internet have already written, weighting independent specialist publishers and long-running woodworking subreddits above retailer marketing copy. Where high-trust sources disagree with the marketing or with mainstream praise, we surface that conflict rather than smoothing it over.

Sources behind this verdict

75 reviewers, weighted by source trust

75reviewers read

Weighted by source trust

We don’t review products. We read what other reviewers wrote, score each source for trustworthiness, and synthesize the consensus.

How sources are scored →

Trust hierarchy

Trusted2
Verified0
Supporting13
Flagged0

Source mix

75signals
  • 43Community
  • 32Video

Trusted · 2 sources

Independent · documented methodology
r/Woodworkingr/Tools

Supporting · 13 named sources

CommunityVideo
r/BeginnerWoodWorkingr/harborfreightr/DewaltYouTube · review videoYouTube · Watch before ordering!YouTube · 00. Tool reviewYouTube · ReviewYouTube · Horsepower 5.6 Amp ...YouTube · Best Kit under $200YouTube · and Features!YouTube · DEWALT Router Accepts All ShanksYouTube · 3/4 HP ...YouTube · HP (DW616) Review

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Highest-rated by the consensus

#1 of 8
Top pick · #1BOSCH Router 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Woodworking Router
Best overall

BOSCH Router 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Woodworking Router

★★★★★4.8(4,986)93Excellent

Across the reviewers we read, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is the default recommendation when someone wants a single router that does nearly everything. High-trust r/Tools threads describe it as 'probably the most popular do it all router,' noting it's powerful enough to flatten slabs at 2.25 HP, accepts a plunge base, and is so ubiquitous that it fits most router tables.

Price

$239.00

Read review →Check Price

The rest of the rankings

#2,8

Frequently asked

4 questions
What's the best all-around corded router for a first-time buyer?
Across the reviewers we read, the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo is the most frequently recommended single-router-for-everything pick. Specialist woodworking and tools subreddits repeatedly call it the most popular 'do it all' router thanks to its 2.25 HP, variable speed, and the option to swap between fixed and plunge bases. If budget is the priority, the SKIL fixed-base models draw strong value praise.
Do I need a 1/2-inch collet or is 1/4-inch enough?
Reviewers consistently flag that 1/4-inch-only compact and trim routers (like the DEWALT DWP611 and Bosch Colt) are excellent for edge profiles and light work but limit bit selection and cutting speed. For panel raising, slab work, or heavier hardwood routing, community consensus favors a 2 HP+ machine that accepts 1/2-inch shanks, such as the Bosch 1617 series or SKIL RT1322.
Are budget routers like SKIL and AVID POWER worth it?
Verified-purchase reviewers and beginner woodworking communities generally find budget routers good value for light and hobby work, with the SKIL fixed-base earning particularly strong marks. However, high-trust subreddit threads warn that SKIL plunge bases can feel flimsy and that very cheap compact routers should be reserved for light cuts and 1/4-inch shanks.
Is a corded router still better than cordless?
For sustained, high-power work like slab flattening or dado cutting, reviewers across communities still favor corded routers for uninterrupted power. Cordless trim routers win on portability for edge work, but the corded 2.25 HP machines remain the consensus choice when raw power and run time matter.