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Plunge Router Comparison - October 2025
| 1 Best Choice  9.8Exceptional | 2 Best Value  9.7Exceptional | 3  9.6Exceptional | 4  9.4Excellent | 5  9.2Excellent | 6  9.1Excellent | 7  8.9Very Good |
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ModelBOSCH 1617EVSPK Wood 12 Amp Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base with a Variable Speed Motor | Model DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 1.25-HP Max Torque (DWP611PK) | Model DEWALT Router, Fixed and Plunge Base Kit, Soft Start, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DW618PKB) | Model SKIL 14 Amp Plunge and Fixed Base Router Combo — RT1322-00 | Model WEN RT6033 15-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Woodworking Router Kit with Carrying Case & Edge Guide | Model WORKPRO Compact Router Combo Kit, 6.5 Amp Compact Router Fixed Base & Plunge Router for Woodworking Slotting Trimming, 6 Variable Speeds to 32000 RPM | Model igooo 1.25HP AC Electric Plunge Woodworking Router Kit, 6 Variable Speed, Soft Start Motor, with Edge Guide, 1/4”, 6mm and 8mm Collets, 6 bits, Vacuum Adaptor, 120V 60Hz 850W Model ER850 |
BrandBosch | Brand DEWALT | Brand DEWALT | Brand Skil | Brand WEN | Brand WORKPRO | Brand igooo |
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  |
Features | ||||||
Comfortable 9.4 | Comfortable  9.8 | Comfortable 9.1 | Comfortable 9.6 | Comfortable 8.4 | Comfortable 7.9 | Comfortable 7.0 |
Flexibility 9.4 | Flexibility 9.8 | Flexibility 9.1 | Flexibility 9.4 | Flexibility 8.9 | Flexibility 9.9 | Flexibility 9.4 |
Simple to use 9.4 | Simple to use 9.8 | Simple to use 9.1 | Simple to use 9.4 | Simple to use 8.9 | Simple to use 8.6 | Simple to use 7.9 |
Maneuverability 9.4 | Maneuverability 9.8 | Maneuverability 9.1 | Maneuverability 9.6 | Maneuverability 8.9 | Maneuverability 8.6 | Maneuverability 7.7 |
Durability 9.4 | Durability 9.6 | Durability 9.1 | Durability 9.6 | Durability 8.9 | Durability 8.6 | Durability 7.9 |
Worth the money 9.4 | Worth the money 9.6 | Worth the money 8.6 | Worth the money 9.6 | Worth the money 9.1 | Worth the money 7.7 | Worth the money 7.0 |
Tech Specs | ||||||
included components Router 1617EVSPK , plunge base RA1166 , fixed base RA1161 , fixed base chip shield, plunge base chip shield, 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch self-releasing collet chucks, comfortable forged 16-mm and 24-mm bit change wrenches, T-handle hex-height adjustment wrench, and rugged carrying case. Enjoy these hand set accessories as a single package for professional quality and control. | included components DWP611PK - Compact Router, and Plunge Base | included components DW618M motor pack, DW6184 fixed base, DW6182 plunge base, 1/4 and 1/2 collets, Wrench, Large hole sub base, Vacuum adapter and soft carry bag | included components - | included components Variable Speed Plunge Woodworking Router, Hard-Shelled Case, Multi-Function Straight Edge Fence, Template Guide, Circle-Cutting Centering Pin, Fence Scale, and 1-1/2-Inch Dust Collection Duct | included components 6 x router bits, 1 x corded compact router, 1 x fixed base and plunge base, 1/4 and 3/8 collet cone, 1 x straight guide, 2 x template guides, 1 x trimming guide, 2 x wrenches, 3 x dust hoods, 1 x guide holder. | included components Vacuum Adaptor, Edge Guide, 6mm Collet, 1/4-Inch Collet, 8mm Collet |
customer reviews4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 4, 600 ratings 4.8 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2, 278 ratings 4.8 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1, 920 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars | customer reviews - | customer reviews 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1, 272 ratings 4.5 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 28 ratings 3.9 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars |
item weight 18.2 pounds | item weight 8 pounds | item weight 10.1 pounds | item weight - | item weight 19.01 pounds | item weight 9.17 pounds | item weight 8.89 pounds |
batteries required No | batteries required No | batteries required No | batteries required - | batteries required No | batteries required No | batteries required No |
product dimensions 11.5W x 11.6H | product dimensions 1W x 6.7H | product dimensions 6.88W x 21.88H | product dimensions 10.04 x 14.37 x 10.43 inches 14.33 Pounds | product dimensions - | product dimensions - | product dimensions 7.48 x 5.12 x 12.99 inches |
item package quantity 1 | item package quantity 1 | item package quantity 1 | item package quantity - | item package quantity 1 | item package quantity 1 | item package quantity - |
power source Corded Electric | power source Corded Electric | power source Corded Electric | power source - | power source - | power source ac | power source ac |
batteries included No | batteries included No | batteries included No | batteries included - | batteries included - | batteries included No | batteries included - |
warranty description 1 Year | warranty description 3 Year Limited Warranty | warranty description 3 year limited manufacturer's warranty | warranty description - | warranty description - | warranty description - | warranty description Manufacturer warranty for 1 year from the date of purchase. |
special features plunge | special features plunge | special features Variable Speeds | special features - | special features - | special features WPS | special features - |
voltage 120 Volts | voltage 120 Volts | voltage 120 Volts | voltage - | voltage - | voltage - | voltage 120 Volts |
style Router Tool Combo Kit | style Compact router | style Router | style - | style Plunge Router | style - | style - |
base type Plunge, Fixed | base type Plunge | base type Plunge, Fixed | base type - | base type - | base type - | base type - |
Review | Review | Review | Review | Review - | Review - | Review - |
Available On  | Available On  | Available On | Available On | Available On | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.8
1Bosch12% OffBOSCH 1617EVSPK Wood 12 Amp Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base with a Variable Speed Motor
9.4 Comfortable9.4 Flexibility9.4 Simple to useWhy we love it
Durable aluminum construction.
Includes both plunge and fixed bases.
Adjustable speed for versatile use.
-
9.7
2DEWALT32% Off
DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 1.25-HP Max Torque (DWP611PK)
9.8 Comfortable9.8 Flexibility9.8 Simple to useWhy we love it
Durable motor handles tough applications effortlessly.
Variable speed control optimizes bit speed for precision.
Soft-start motor ensures smooth, controlled operation.
-
9.6
3DEWALT
DEWALT Router, Fixed and Plunge Base Kit, Soft Start, 12-Amp, 24,000 RPM, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DW618PKB)
9.1 Comfortable9.1 Flexibility9.1 Simple to useWhy we love it
Powerful motor for tough hardwoods.
Easy switch between fixed and plunge bases.
Effective dust collection system.
Plunge Router Buyer's Guide
Written by Ryanne BrownIntro
A plunge router is a type of router that is used to route out areas or make cuts in a variety of materials like wood, metal, plastic and more. It consists of a motor with a spindle that holds a router bit, and a base with handles and a plunge mechanism that allows the bit to move up and down. Plunge routers are typically used for making plunge cuts, grooves, mortises, dados and other intricate cuts, as well as for routing out edges and corners. In order to choose the right plunge router for your project, you need to consider the type of material you are working with, the size of the workpiece and the type of cut you want to make.
Size and power
When choosing a plunge router, the size and power of the motor are important considerations. Generally, the bigger the motor, the more power it has, which can be useful for cutting tougher materials or making more intricate cuts. However, it’s important to make sure that the router you choose is not too powerful for the material you are working with, as this can cause burn marks or even damage the material. It’s also important to consider the size of the workpiece you are working with--if the workpiece is too large for the router’s base, you may need to purchase a larger router to accommodate it.
Types of plunge router
There are several different types of plunge routers available, including fixed base, plunge base and combination base routers. Fixed base routers are the most common type, and they are typically used for basic routing tasks such as cutting dados, grooves and mortises. Plunge base routers are more versatile, as they can be used to make plunge cuts, as well as to route out edges and corners. Combination base routers are a combination of the two, and they are often used by more advanced woodworkers who need the versatility of both types of routers.
Features and accessories
When choosing a plunge router, it’s important to consider the features and accessories it has. Look for a router that has an ergonomic handle to make it easier and more comfortable to use, as well as adjustable speed and depth settings for more precise control. It’s also a good idea to look for a router that comes with a dust extraction port, as this can help to keep your work area clean and safe. Other accessories you may want to consider are additional router bits, router tables and edge guides.
Safety features
When using a plunge router it’s important to take safety precautions. Look for a router that has safety features such as an emergency stop switch and a guard to protect against kickback. It’s also a good idea to wear safety glasses and ear protection when using a router, and to make sure the router is unplugged when you are not using it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plunge router is an important part of any woodworking project. It’s important to consider the type of material you are working with, the size of the workpiece, the type of cut you want to make and the features and accessories the router has. It’s also important to take safety precautions when using a plunge router. With the right router for your project, you can make precise, professional-looking cuts with ease.
Our ranking system
At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
