The 6 Best Cheap Wood Routers Under $100: 2024 Review

Best budget router under 100 dollars

Want a quick answer? Makita RT0701C is the best budget router under 100 dollars. Read on to find out why!

On Sale Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

One of the most difficult things to balance with power tools is price vs functionality, especially if you are new to woodworking. Even experienced woodworkers looking to stock their shop with budget-friendly tools, like a cheap wood router, may not be sure what features they can go without.

The following guide discusses the benefits and limitations of budget routers and reviews some products, one of which may be the best wood router under 100 dollars for your shop.

The 6 Best Budget Routers Under $100:

1. Makita RT0701C Compact Router

On Sale
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router
  • Variable speed control dial (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
  • Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
  • Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control

OVERVIEW

This compact design provides 6.5 amps of power that generates a maximum of 1.25 HP. That should allow you to do various profile cuts as well as guided work of shallow and medium depths without bogging down as you work.

PROS

  • It has a variable speed dial, with ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 RPMs. That higher end will work well with most smaller bits in the 1/4-inch shank range;
  • It comes with a fixed base, but Makita offers additional base types separately. That includes a plunge base option as well as a tilt-base;
  • A quick-release cam lock adds security to the settings you make for depth. You should be able to make these adjustments quickly with the knob before locking them into place.

CONS

  • While this product comes with a straight guide, that guide will not connect to all bases available for the router. For instance, it will not mate up with the plunge base;
  • You might need to check on the bit of tightness every so often. That is due to the fact that some bits may become loose as you work.

2. Bosch PR20EVS Palm Router

BOSCH PR20EVS Router Tool, 1 Horsepower 5.6 Amp...
  • PR20EVS Colt Palm Router features a 1.0 Horse Power 5.6 amp variable speed motor with speeds from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM
  • CONVENIENT: Provides a straight edge guide to lead router along edges of work piece or up to 3-5/8 inch from edge; The wood router also features an angled cord exit to keep the cord out of the way...
  • DURABLE: The rugged aluminum fixed base of the wood router is durable, solid and precise; The PR20EVS features unique finger support pockets for additional stability, especially when trimming edges

OVERVIEW

As the name indicates, this router is palm-sized and can be easily controlled with just one hand. This can be to your advantage, especially when working with smaller pieces that you will use on fine furniture projects that require a more delicate tool.

PROS

  • It uses an advanced cord design. There is an angled opening that will help to keep the power cord out of your way, and it also uses a power cord that is a foot longer than other models;
  • You can make quick depth adjustments. Controls allow you to make larger macro-adjustments to get you in the general range, and you can then follow this up with micro-adjustments for highly accurate bit depth;
  • Makita has included finger support pockets. This is an ergonomic design that provides a natural placement for fingers as you work, allowing for better control.

CONS

  • It uses a small one-horsepower electric motor. That will be fine for small pieces and bits, but this will also limit you to medium-sized or larger projects;
  • It will require you to perform maintenance more often. This includes greasing moving parts as well as more frequent cleaning to free up debris.

3. PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 Router

PORTER-CABLE Router, 4.5-Amp, Single Speed 31,000...
  • 31,000 RPM, 4.5 amp motor
  • Precision-machined, cast-aluminum fixed base
  • Extra large locking clips allow for a quick motor release and/or course depth adjustment

OVERVIEW

Porter-Cable offers plenty of power with this model at a good price. A 4.5 amp motor will help to generate up to 31,000 RPMs. This will get you through most of the woods that you will be using in entry- and intermediate-level projects.

PROS

  • It uses a fixed base made from cast aluminum. This will tend to last longer than bases made from more flimsy materials and should provide a smooth motion as you move across the wood;
  • Locking clips are large by design. This allows you to manipulate them easily, even if you have large hands or fingers, and makes making adjustments quicker;
  • A spindle lock is included in this budget router design. The lock is easy to operate and will allow you to make quick bit changes with just a single wrench.

CONS

  • They use a single-speed motor here. A lack of variable speed adjustments makes this less versatile and could prevent the use of some bits that require a different running speed for optimal performance;
  • The base-to-housing connection point can be loose, so you may need to watch this as you make connections.

4. Ryobi P601 One+ 18V Cordless Router

Ryobi P601 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Fixed...
  • LED LIGHTING: A set of LED lights onboard this unit allow you to see your project clearly in less than optimal lighting conditions
  • GRIPZONE OVERMOLD: Maintain a firm grip with the rubber coating that allows precision handling, even in slippery conditions
  • DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB: Don’t worry about having to use a tool; fine tune the depth of your cuts with the onboard, easy-to-use knob

OVERVIEW

The obvious advantage a cordless router offers is the ability to work anywhere. You are not only free from power outlets, but you are also able to reach materials that might not be easy to access with a corded unit.

PROS

  • Ryobi uses Gripzone Overmold to cover the hand hold position on this power tool. This is an ergonomic design that helps to provide more grip as you hold onto the tool;
  • There are seven 18-volt battery options available from Ryobi to power this cordless router. That allows you to exchange with a lot of different battery-powered tools;
  • It uses LED lighting. These should allow you to see in conditions that would otherwise require an additional light source as well as another hand.

CONS

  • It does not come with a battery. One downfall with many platforms is that you have to purchase batteries separately from the power tool, like here;
  • This product is top-heavy. The location of the battery makes the unit heavier along the top, making it more difficult to balance on the edges as you trim.

5. TACKLIFE PTR01A Compact Router Kit

No products found.

OVERVIEW

This is a kit in the true sense of the word. This product comes with the router as well as two collets, flex shaft, compass, guide, and auxiliary handle. A handful of bits, keys, and wrenches completes a decent list of extras that come out of the box.

PROS

  • You get a fixed and plunge base with this router. That provides you with easily repeatable cuts as well as more versatility than a plunge depth will offer you;
  • Comfortable handles make holding this power tool easy. The knobs are large enough for the entire hand and are angled so you hold it properly without having to strain as you work;
  • A six-speed dial offers more settings than most other dials that usually provide only five positions or less.

CONS

  • It may be harder for you to see the contact point between the bit and the surface. The opening to see through is a bit narrow on this product;
  • It has a tall profile that may feel a bit unstable along the edges. Due to the height and cord placement, this router may be less balanced than a shorter model would be as it sits on an edge.

6. Ryobi 8.5 Amp 1-1/2 HP Fixed Base Router

Ryobi 8.5 Amp 1-1/2 HP Fixed Base Router (Green)...
  • Three Different Length : Every package contains three iPhone cables in different lengths 3.3 ft,6.6ft and 10ft for various distances charging! Easy to carry, It suits every occasions, home, office,...
  • Nylon Braided:Cable Covered with braided-nylon fiber jacket and anodized aluminum shell which is durable and sturdier than the normal lightning cable but also flexible and tangle-free.Nylon braided...
  • Fast Charging : Strong Charging Performance & Sync ensures 2.1 A output fast charging, faster than most of standard cables. Transfering data also up to 480 Mbits. The compact aluminum connector helps...

OVERVIEW

If you are a green builder, the idea of getting a renewed power tool should fit into your lifestyle choices. This product has been inspected by professionals and will come with a money-back guarantee that lasts for 90-days after your purchase.

PROS

  • One major advantage of renewed power tools is that you get a model for a reduced price. This can put a router in your hand that you would normally not be able to afford;
  • It has a base that is wider than most other products reviewed here. That will provide you with more stability as you work, especially along edges;
  • A clear shield helps to keep debris from flying at your face. This shield offers extra safety and also keeps your eyes on the contact point of the bit as you work.

CONS

  • One downside is that renewed products will not usually have part or work warranty coverage after three months. This is less than most manufacturers offer by at least half a year;
  • Battery platforms on renewed power tools rarely charge to 100 percent. The maximum battery level is usually rated at 80 percent or more, but it will not be brand new.

Budget Router Buying Guide

I remember when I first got a wood router, my decision was based on affordability more than any other feature. As a beginning woodworker or someone who just may be new to these types of power tools, you will discover that you will not need to spend a lot of money to get a router that can match your needs. The key is to understand what a router can provide and decide what features are more important than the others.

Electric motor power

Most motors used for routers will draw between 3 and 15 amps. This will put the horsepower output at 1.5 to 3.5 HP. You will find that budget-friendly products often fall towards the lower end of the power range, which will be sufficient for many woodworking or DIY projects.

How many times the bit rotates each minute (RPMs) is also a statistic that many users apply to their power calculations. Variable speed motors can range between 8,000 and 26,000 RPMs, and you might be surprised to find that many of the best wood routers under 100 dollars are capable of these speeds.

Ergonomics

Weight is a factor for most hand-held routers, with heavy models creating more user fatigue. One advantage found with budget routers is that they are made from light materials and smaller motors, making them lightweight.

Ergonomic elements are added to some models and should not be overlooked. Padding and textured grips improve your ability to hold the router for longer periods of time. They may also help to reduce the vibration that will be transferred from the work to your hand.

Router bits

These power tools are measured in 1/4 and 1/2-inch collet sizes. The collet determines the size of the bit shank that the router can hold. Many of the cheaper router designs will use 1/4-inch bits.

That may limit the availability of larger bits you can use with one of these routers, but you should have an excellent range of bits for most beginner or intermediate woodworking projects.

Extras

Dust collection is something to think about, so look for adaptors that fit your shop vac hose. Also, soft start-ups will prevent the bits from jumping, and a brake circuit will save motor wear and speed up your workflow. A few battery-powered models are available for those looking to avoid depending on plugging into an outlet.

What Are The Trade-Offs?

Saving money does have its costs if that makes sense. What I mean is that you will have to trade in features that make work easier in order to save some money.

To begin with, many of the budget-friendly models are made from cheaper building materials that may not last as long. It won’t be an issue for casual users, but it might become a factor if you find yourself using your router a lot.

Motors will usually not generate lots of power. This may limit you later when you start to make deep cuts in harder woods, but you will be all right to start with.

You will be stuck with 1/4-inch router bits with most budget-friendly buys, but the torque needed for larger bits may be lacking with a smaller motor anyways.

Finally, the ergonomics might be lacking a bit, depending on the manufacturer.

Best Bang For Least Bucks

On Sale
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router
  • Variable speed control dial (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
  • Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
  • Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control

You would not go wrong with any of the products reviewed here. That said, I do think that the cheap wood router I like the most is the Makita RT0701C Compact Router.

It might not have the largest motor, but the 1.25 HP should get through most edging and cut projects a new woodworker would need. You will still get a top RPM speed of 30,000, so smaller bits should cut smoothly as well.

It takes 1/4-inch router bits, a size that still offers plenty of selection while avoiding larger bits that the lower 10,000 RPMs might not work well with anyway.

A fixed base can be interchanged with additional base types that you can purchase separately. Finally, the bits can be changed quickly on this model, so you can keep a good workflow going without a lot of downtime.

If you need something more sophisticated, make sure to also check out the reviews of the best plunge routers and the best wood routers overall. I also have a review of the best router tables, so check that out also if you need one in your shop.

About the author

Picture of Arthur Kudriavcev

Arthur Kudriavcev

I was introduced to woodworking by my grandfather when I was 11 years old. I spend most of my free time working on woodworking projects and writing for this blog. Apart from that, I also enjoy weightlifting and chess.

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