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The Best Budget Wood Router with Reviews 2024

Disclaimer: None of our reviews are sponsored. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links.


A wood router should be part of any woodworker’s arsenal of tools.

Firstly, there is no better tool to rout, cut grooves or profile edges.

Second, there are brilliant for adding your own personal touch to a project through the implementation of a unique edge or pattern design.

However, not everyone is looking for the most expensive version of a product.

Maybe you don’t require a pricey high-end model or you are just looking to save a few dollars. Either way, here is a guide that has grouped the 5 best budget wood routers under $100 all into one place, let’s take a look!


Quick Picks

Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...

Best Pick
Makita Router
The Makita RT0701C offers the complete package, with its uncompromising design and strong feature set. Ideal for amateur woodworkers looking for the next tool to add to their collection.
Best Value
Bosch Colt PR20EVS Router
Highly reviewed and manufactured by a well-known brand, the Bosch PR20EVS offers unbeatable functionality for a brilliant price making this one of the most sort after budget routers on the market.
Best Budget
Enertwist Variable Speed Router
The ultimate budget wood router, truly a must have for all woodworkers and hobbyists looking to save as much as possible. Nothing comes close to the quality of the ET-RT-710S at this price point.

The Best Budget Wood Router with Reviews 2024

Here's a list of budget wood routers we found for less than $100:

1. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

  • Variable speed dial control with speeds of 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
  • Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system
  • Quick release cam lock system
  • Electronic speed control
  • Soft startup
  • Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 6 inches
  • Weighs 3.9lbs

Pros

  • Lightweight and ergonomic design
  • 1 year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee
  • Easy to read depth scales

Cons

  • Isn’t compatible with standard templates
  • A number of accessories don’t fit

Overview

When it comes to budget wood routers, the Makita RT0701C is hands down the best option on the market. It delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to functionality and performance. It features a variable speed control dial which ranges from 10,000 – 30,000 RPM and allows the user to fine tune the speed to their application.

The 1 ¼ horsepower motor is capable of soft startup which adds to the users control. Its electronic speed control maintains consistent speed under load and the quick release cam lock system allows easy base installation / removal and depth adjustments. Uses 0.25’’ router bits.

Comes with a one year warranty from the date of purchase and a 30 day money back guarantee! It is not compatible with standard templates and the 4 hole pattern on the base plate doesn’t match up with many accessories.

Amateur woodworkers and hobbyists alike will greatly appreciate the functionality and performance the Makita RT0701C has to offer, there really is nothing better under $100!

2. Bosch Colt PR20EVS Variable-Speed Palm Router

  • 1 Horsepower 5.6 amp motor
  • Variable speed motor with speeds of 16,000 – 35,000 RPM
  • Precise depth adjustment system
  • Angled cord exit
  • Versatile bit changing system
  • Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 4.7 inches
  • Weighs 3.3 pounds

Pros

  • Plenty of power
  • Well-known brand
  • Capable of reaching higher RPM than other models

Cons

  • Micro depth adjustment could be easier
  • Only uses 0.25 ’’ bits

Overview

The Bosch PR20EVS is a compact and lightweight router that is easy to use. Suited to beginners and hobbyists it takes our best value pick. The 1 horsepower, 5.6 amp motor comes with variable speed capability able to produce speeds of 16,000 – 35,000 rpm. For added ease of use the variable speed dial is mounted on top of the tools body.

It provides a straight edge guide that will guide the router parallel to the edge of your workpiece up to 3-5/8’’ away from the edge. This offers the opportunity to perform a wider variety of cuts. An angled cord exit and ability to perform quick and easy bit changes add to the convenience of this product and allow the user to complete jobs sooner and with less hassle.

Includes a fixed base, 0.25’’ self-releasing collet chuck, shaft wrench and collet wrench. No plunge base is included (can be purchased separately). Can vibrate a lot at times and only uses 0.25 ‘’ bits.

Our best value pick, the Bosch PR20EVS is brilliantly priced for the number of features it offers. Truly a must have for those in need of a single-hand trim router.

3. Enertwist ET-RT-710S Budget Palm Router

  • 1.25 horsepower motor with speeds of 10,000 – 32,000 RPM
  • Soft starting motor with electronic speed control
  • Adjustable rack and pinion depth control
  • Quick release cam lock system
  • Overload stalling protection
  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 6.8 inches
  • Weighs 4lbs

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Very affordable
  • Anti-vibration aluminum housing

Cons

  • No case included
  • Not aimed at professionals

Overview

The Enertwist ET-RT-710S takes our best budget spot. This model packs a durable 1.25 horsepower motor able to produce 6 variable speeds ranging from 10,000 – 32,000 rpm. It also has soft start functionality for improved user control, incremental speed increases and electronic speed control to maintain bit speed, no matter the work material.

Also includes overload stalling protection to prevent the router from stalling, therefore adding to user safety. An adjustable rack and pinion depth control for added precision when cutting and a quick release cam lock system for easy base removal.

Accessories include a straight edge guide, dust extraction hood, curved edge roller guide, ¼ ‘’ & 3/8 ’’ drop-forged collet, spanner wrench, collet nut and a replacement carbon brush set.

If you are a craftsman or hobbyist looking for a lightweight, small and easy to manage router that can easily cope with a variety of soft and hardwoods for a budget price, then the Enertwist ET-RT-710S will suit you down to a T.

4. WEN 6033 Budget Plunge Router

  • 15 amp variable speed motor with speeds of 8,000 to 23,000 RPM
  • Macro and micro adjustment dials
  • Spring loaded base with lockdown knob
  • Plunge depth of up to 2 3/8 inches
  • Soft startup design
  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 12.5 x 13.2 inches
  • Weighs 11.6lbs

Pros

  • Easy to change between fixed and plunge bases
  • Comes with plenty of accessories
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • Runs louder than other models
  • Lower top end RPM than other models
  • Carrying case is cheaply made

Overview

When buying the WEN 6033 you are essentially getting two routers in one with its spring-loaded base that features a lock-down system which allows for easy change between fixed and plunge bases. Maximum plunge depth up to 2-3/8 ’’.

The motor is a 15 amp variable speed motor with speeds in the range of 8,000 to 23,000 rotations per minute. It also features soft start up capabilities which add to user safety and prevents unwanted damage to your workpiece. Macro and micro adjustment dials to maximize precision and the 1/2-inch collet includes an additional 1/4-inch adapter, allowing for compatibility with a wide variety of bits.

Comes with a multi-function straight-edge fence, template guide, circle-cutting centering pin, fence scale, 1 ½ dust collect duct and a carrying case. Accepts both 0.25 ’’ and 0.5 ’’ router bits. 2 year warranty included. Runs loader and has a lower top end RPM than other models. The carrying case provided is of poor quality.

The WEN 6033 is for individuals looking for a budget fixed and plunge router all rolled into one.

5. Masterworks AERM144 Fixed-Base Budget Wood Router

  • 11 amp, 2 horsepower motor with a maximum speed of 25,000 RPM
  • Micro-fine depth adjustment ring for adjustments in 1/64’’ increments
  • Accepts 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch router bits
  • Aluminum motor housing and bases
  • Dust sealed power switch
  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.5 x 6.4 inches

Pros

  • Comes with a variety of useful accessories
  • Durable
  • Comfortable to use

Cons

  • Not as reputable a brand name as other models
  • Some of the accessories and questionable

Overview

The Masterworks AERM144 features an 11amp, 2 horsepower motor capable of speeds up to 25,000 rpm. Micro-fine adjustment ring for adjustments in increments of 1/64 of an inch and rubber molded handles for added comfort during use. The aluminum motor design and dust sealed power switch adds to the durability of this product.

Included are; 1 x ¼ ‘’ collet chuck, 1 x 3/8 ’’ collet chuck, 2 x wrenches, 2 x carbon brushes, 1 x edge guide, 1 x tool bag and a warranty card. Accepts 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch router bits. This model does not carry as reputable a brand name as its competitors and some of the accessories lack quality.

The Masterworks AERM144 is an extremely functional budget router that can perform a wide range of jobs, from precise bit plunging, dovetail cutting, edge forming and more.

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Wrapping it up

After hours of dedicated research, these are, in our opinion, the top 5 budget wood routers on the market. A good budget router should, of course, be priced accordingly while maintaining high performance standards through an efficient motor and job focused features.

It is for these reasons our top pick goes to the Makita RT0701C. Upon trying this product you will wonder what took you so long to pull the trigger, and with the fantastic 1 year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee you really have nothing to lose!

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About Jacob Hanson

Jacob is the Editor at Toolsfirst.com. He used to be the owner of a local construction company with over 20 years experience in the trade. He now enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools as well as publishing guides to help readers.

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