11 Best Compact and Trim Router for Woodworkers 2023 – Top Tools for Small Work

Let Woodhutt share an insight into my experience when I first heard about compact routers; my first reaction was why would anyone purchase this if they have a full-fledged router already in their workshop?

But I had an epiphany, the manufacturers and designers would be on something after all, and after some contemplation, I realized that was its size and less cumbersome, which makes it unique and innovative. So I do my extensive research on the Best compact router and finally got one.

So in this buying guide, we will look at some of the best compact routers across categories to augment your routing experience.

Compact Routers Reviews – Updated

1. DEWALT DWP611 Compact Router

 

In case you love the ease of preset depths and you’re new to woodworking, you should get a fixed base router. With their present depths, these routers take away the worry of manually controlling the depth. Another plus is that they are the best type of palm routers for shaping the edges. A DeWalt router table can be recognized from a distance.

Stand-out Features Include

This is the perfect marriage between the ergonomically design and durability; if you want a lighter weight and substantial trim router for your workshop, this is the ideal product as it has so many noticeable features like Dual LED and a clear sub-base having D-shape for clear visibility during hand-held routing.

It has variable speed setting which can be monitored and regulated as per your needs also it has soft starting motor has electronic speed control feature which maintains the speed when encountering different resistance which supports in change between different kinds woods and reduces the risk of twisting and helps you in making sophisticated cuts with ease.

Besides, it has a powerful motor, which is a handful for more complex applications that can be transitioned easily between fixed and plunge bases, and it also comes with combo kits, and it has three years limited warranty.

10,000 to 30,000 RPM Speed

This fixed base router from Avid Power comes with a powerful 6.5amp motor that works awesomely at a maximum of 1.25 horsepower. You can use it for all routing and laminate trimming gigs that require this much power. The RPM that you can have varies from 10,000 minimum to 30,000 maximum.

Variable Speed Control

Why do they make sure that these routers can deliver work at such a huge variable RPM range? It is because you do not need a similar amount of power or the same type of bits for two different jobs. This is where variable speed trim router comes into play. You can choose the speed you want for a particular material.

Rack and Pinion Depth Adjustment System

As you might have noticed in the case of the above palm router reviews, this one also has a rack and pinion depth adjustment system. This model (rack and pinion) is used in many other tools, equipment and even in cars because of its simplicity and ease of use.

Dual LED Lights

Just like in the case of the DeWalt compact router, this one also has dual LED lights to illuminate your work area and make it easy for you to work out the delicate details.

Ergonomic Design

This machine is smaller than most of the routers on this list. It has a compact and sleek profile with an ergonomic design. It reflects attention to detail. For example, it has a rubber-covered handle for a strong and comfortable grip. You can easily manage it with one hand

Quick Locking System

With Avid Power MW104’s quick locking system, it is very convenient and quick to go through base changes or depth adjustments.

Aluminum Body

The Body of this device is also made of industry-grade aluminum. It can definitely withstand rough use and countless rounds of trimming.

Dust Hood

Since a router accumulates a lot of dust – mostly wooden dust, they added a dust hood to this trim router. It makes it easy to remove the dust and keep the workspace clean.

 

2. Makita RT0701C Compact Router

 

Makita’s RT0701C is what I consider the best overall because of the combination of much-needed features and qualities that this electric gadget offers. It is also a fixed-based palm router with a powerful motor and many features that reflect attention to detail. And it is the best palm router of 2023.

Stand-out Features Include

In simple terms, Makita compact router is suitable if you want a slim and ergonomically designed body for control and accuracy, and its weighting only 3.9 easy to carry and it’s one of the best palm routers, which helps in a firm grip and excellent control while trimming which is fantastic.

Due to its variable speed control system that enables you to accommodate various applications and match their speed, its electronic speed control maintains constant speed during operation.

Its noticeable feature is its quick-release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments, which means you can make exact cuts as you want to make it. It has a double insulated powerful aluminum motor, which is durable and due to its double insulation, so dirt can go inside it.

What kept this model second on the list is due to the non-compatibility of its plunge base with standard templates and having to buy a separate adapter for making it compatible though the regular base is incompatible another thing which is mentioned to note is that it comes with only three preset depth stops in plunge base as some products have five as compared to this.

Plunge Based Router

There are two types of routers – the plunge base ones do not have a preset depth and you can easily adjust that when you lower the bit. However, the fixed base ones have a preset depth. Plunge ones have better power management and they offer better control.

10,000 to 30,000 RPM

As you can see, this apparatus seems to have hit the sweet spot when it comes to power. Its powerful battery creates masterpieces at an RPM range starting from 10,000 and ending at 30,000 RPM.

Rack and Pinion Depth Adjustment System

Since it is a plunge-based router you can easily adjust the bit’s depth before you start using it. The rack and pinion adjustments system helps you with that. With few parts, lightweight and simple functionality, this system offers precise and quick depth adjustment.

Slim and Ergonomically Designed Body

Unlike the bestseller model, this one is not a heavy, fat and unergonomic router. The slim and ergonomic profile of this router makes it super easy for the user to control it the way they want.

Quick Release System

To have this router have a strong grip on the wood, install it and then remove it easily, they introduced a quick-release cam lock system. This cylindrical system provides secure locking and unlocking.

Electronic Speed Control

While working on a wood project, delicacy is everything and you want to be in total control of how the project moves further. To allow you to have better control, this machine lets you choose from speed settings.

Soft & Smooth Start

With one single push on the power button, this machine starts softly and smoothly.

 

3. Bosch Colt PR20EVS Compact Router

 

As you must have noticed, this is the bestseller that I picked for this compact router review. What makes this Bosch small router better than others is the trust that buyers put in Bosch. As Bosch is the name of trust and there are certain amazing qualities that brought this big number of sales for this machine.

Stand-out Features Include

This palm router is simply a champ. It comes with a 1hp motor, which isn’t overwhelming but isn’t weak either and powerful enough to take a 1/4″ bite with a 1-1/4″ core box bit in maple, ash, and other softwoods and also it can handle a 5/16 ogee in treated pine in one pass.

The palm grip fits your hand pretty well, and the base has an imprint for using your thumb as a guide, which provides a firm hold. It’s excellent that it comes with two real wrenches one for the shaft and another one for the nut rather than a stamped piece of steel that you can replace.

The power cord is about a foot long and made with a soft material not weak, and doesn’t get also tangled. It comes one-year limited warranty, which is fantastic.

The only downside of this compact router is not having a plunge base; this small router with a plunge base would be excellent for doing inlay work and stringing if Bosch comes with it soon.

16,000 – 35,000 RPM Motor

The kind of work that you do with this tool does not only require precision, but it also requires power. This is why this router comes with a 1.0 horsepower and 5.6amp speed motor that delivers work at a maximum of 16,000 to 35,000 RPM. As a rule of thumb, if its motor is anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 RPM, it is considered powerful enough to do a hard-core job.

Straight Edge Guide

This Bosch small router comes with a straight-edge guide. What is a straight edge guide? It keeps the router from running amok on your wooden project and keeps it straight. This is why you trim with accuracy at a distance of 3 to 5/8 inches from the edge.

Angled Cord Exit

What I specifically love about this, is the attention to detail. What do I mean by attention to detail? Take their angled cord exit feature that keeps the cord out of the why while you use it.

Rugged Aluminum Body

This is a heavy machine with a rugged aluminum body which adds to the durability, strength and trim quality of the router.

Precise Depth Adjustment

Since it is a fixed base router, it is very important for it to have a precise and fast, preset depth adjustment system.

 

4. Porter-Cable 450 Compact Router

 

Porter-Cable’s compact router is an exciting option as it is easy to hold with one hand and has ample power for laminate and woodworking as it is perfect for rounding over and cove cuts.

The exceptional feature is its Compatibility as its kit came with a fixed base and plunge base, allowing the motor to switch between the bases for configuration flexibility.

Its aluminum motor and base construction provides long-term durability and having a 1.25HP motor delivers the power to meet the most robust applications. Its Large, low-pressure spindle lock button allows for comfortable but single wrench bit changes.

Its Depth ring and clamping mechanism combine to ensure the motor remains locked in position, and the adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64.

 

 

5. Porter Cable PCE6430 – Single Speed Trimmer

 

When your wood project requires you to be tough, handle a more powerful machine and deal with materials that require a strong, sturdy and super-potent trim machine, you go for Porter Cable’s PCE6430. This best-rated laminate router creates more than enough power for any type of project that you have and the cast-aluminum fixed base stays sturdy.

10,000 to 31,000 RPM

With a 4.5amp motor and a maximum RPM of 31,000, you can use this machine for any type of wood project that you have. However, I doubt that with a mere 4.5amp machine you can reach this trim router’s maximum RPM threshold.

Precision Machined

This is a precision machined router. Now, what does this mean? Well, as the name suggests, a precision-machined trim router is a piece of close-tolerance machining that trims wood with great precision and as per accurate specifications.

Extra Large Locking Clips

It has extra-large locking clips that make it easy and convenient to quickly release the motor or adjust the depth.

Quick and Accurate Bit Height Adjustments

A big concern for a carpenter in the midst of a wooden project is to quickly and accurately adjust the height of the bits. It is crucial because not only do bits change from time to time, but their height adjustment is also subject to certain needs. The depth ring of this machine makes it convenient to adjust bits’ height.

Single-Wrench Bit Changes

Now, this is what I was talking about. All bits are not made to do the same job. From time to time a carpenter needs to change the bits to deliver a particular type of job. With the spindle lock button, you wrench the bit and change it easily.

Perfect for Multipurpose Projects

Because of its usability and the RPMs that it can hit, this machine is ideal for all sorts of trimming, hinge routing and small edge forming jobs.

Ergonomic Single-Handed Control

The ergonomic design of this device makes it easier to control it single-handedly and trim the laminate.

LED Light and Clear Base

This router too has a transparent base and an LED light functionality that enables the user to work easily.

 

6. MasterWorks Tool’s Avid Power MW104 Compact Router

 

In case you want to own a router in your workshop, but you do not like big and heavy that most of the companies make, Avid Power’s MW104 will surprise you. It is the best compact router of 2023.

Every once in a while, you buy something inexpensive you use it, and you almost feel like you stole it same goes for this product like having a kit with more attachments than the other kits and having two pairs of gloves included in it for safety purposes as this might heat-up while operating.

Furthermore, it comes with a lot of accessories like vacuum attachment and dust hood, 3/8 collet, and two edge guides, which are included in it and have a box of router bits, moreover its accessories are interchangeable with other brands too which is stand out benefit of this product.

It has features like Dual LED Lights to illuminate the dark working area, and its smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system provides precise depth adjustment.

The variable speed control dial allows users to choose a more appropriate speed for different applications.

10,000 to 30,000 RPM Speed

This fixed base router from Avid Power comes with a powerful 6.5amp motor that works awesomely at a maximum of 1.25 horsepower. You can use it for all routing and laminate trimming gigs that require this much power. The RPM that you can have varies from 10,000 minimum to 30,000 maximum.

Variable Speed Control

Why do they make sure that these routers can deliver work at such a huge variable RPM range? It is because you do not need a similar amount of power or same type of bits for two different jobs. This is where the variable speed trim router comes into play. You can choose the speed you want for a particular material.

Rack and Pinion Depth Adjustment System

As you might have noticed in the case of the above palm router reviews, this one also has a rack and pinion depth adjustment system. This model (rack and pinion) is used in many other tools, equipment and even in cars because of its simplicity and ease of use.

Dual LED Lights

Just like in the case of the DeWalt compact router, this one also has dual LED lights to illuminate your work area and make it easy for you to work out the delicate details.

Ergonomic Design

This machine is smaller than most of the routers on this list. It has a compact and sleek profile with an ergonomic design. It reflects attention to detail. For example, it has a rubber-covered handle for a strong and comfortable grip. You can easily manage it with one hand.

Quick Locking System

With Avid Power MW104’s quick locking system, it is very convenient and quick to go through base changes or depth adjustments.

Aluminum Body

The Body of this device is also made of industry-grade aluminum. It can definitely withstand rough use and countless rounds of trimming.

Dust Hood

Since a router accumulates a lot of dust – mostly wooden dust, they added a dust hood to this trim router. It makes it easy to remove the dust and keep the work-space clean.

 

7. Ryobi P601 Trim Router Cordless Battery Powered

 

Ryobi trim routers are best known for best cordless routers and Ryobi’s P601 looks like a miniature spacecraft, but this fixed-base trim router is one of the best on Amazon. It is one of the few that I’ve noticed so far with such a great and easy depth adjustment mechanism.

While’s top is massive, the ergonomic design and rubberized grip make it easy to hold on it. And top of that, it is battery powered wood router that gives you more flexibility and convenience in woodworking projects.

29,000 RPM

This machine is a powerful routing tool that delivers great quality trim routing at a maximum power of 29,000 RPM. This is an 18V router that is perfect for all sorts of trimming, hinge routing and edge forming jobs.

LED Lights

Just like all other high-quality trim apparatuses on this list, this one also has LED lights to illuminate your workspace. It could be better to have a transparent base to have a better-lighted workspace, but these lights still do the job.

Rubber Coated Grip

This machine has a rubber over-mold, Ryobi’s proprietary Gripzone rubberized grip that leaves no space for this router to slip out of your hands.

Depth Adjustment Knob

This is a micro-adjustment trim router which means that because of the depth adjustment knob on this router, you can easily and precisely control the depth of the cuts that you make.

Aluminum Body and Base

The entire router is made of industry-grade aluminum and the base is also made of the same material. Due to the aluminum base, you enjoy better control on gravity while using the router.

Works with Ryobi 18V Lithium Ion Batteries

This apparatus is compatible with all Ryobi 18V lithium Ion batteries. Models of the batteries that you can use with the router are P100, P102, P103, P104, P105, P107 and P108.

600 Linear Feet/Charge

With batteries fully charged, in one go you can perform 600 linear feet cuts with amazing precision and accuracy.

 

8. CtopoGo – One Hand Router

 

CtopoGo’s compact router is not the top one on Amazon – it is more like an entry-level machine (when you look at a number of reviews etc.), but in terms of features and the trim routing options that it provides, this router can be matched with any top of the line router on this list.

30,000 RPM

As I said, this might be a new trim router when compared with those that have an established footing, it is not underpowered or substandard. Take the RPM for example; this trim router can make 30,000 turns in a minute. This provides ample speed for any project.

Trimming Guide

You can use this device in two different ways. One of them is to use it with a trimming guide. The trimming guide, as the name suggests, is an apparatus that keeps the compact router running along the curve so it can cut with accuracy.

Straight Guide

The other accessory that allows a different type of function is the straight guide. As we have discovered already, a straight guide is used to keep the trim router straight and stable while one works on a piece of wood.

Accessories Included

Just like Makita’s best package deal trim router, this one also comes with almost all needed accessories. It is good because you won’t likely have to buy anything aftermarket. Included accessories are wrenches, chucks, trimming guide, straight guide, adapter and sub-base plate etc.

Dust Cover

Sawdust is one of the biggest problems that a craftsman faces while trimming wood. This palm router takes care of that with a transparent cover that contains the sawdust.

Transparent Base

To make it easy for the user to see the wood and have a clear view of the workspace, they gave this router a transparent base. I personally believe that adding an LED light or two could be even better.

Multipurpose

This is by all means a multipurpose router that one can use in many different types of word projects such as wood processing, cabinet processing, handicrafts, wood veneer, plastic sheeting and with many other materials that need cutting and trimming etc.

 

9. Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trimmer Router

 

As you can see, now I’m moving from Amazon’s most favorite and top-selling trim routers to those that do not have a big number of sales/reviews, but they compete big brands with their superb quality and features. This is the first laminate trim router on my list that provides options in terms of bases.

20,000 – 30,000 RPM

As you can see, this a very powerful 1-1/2 horsepower palm router that provides an amazing RPM of 20,000 minimum to 30,000 maximum. With the greater speed, you can trim wood in less time. It is better than Ridgid cordless laminate trimmer.

Square and Round Bases

To add versatility to the way you use your trim router and make it more convenient for you, this trim router does not only come with a round base but a square one too.

LED Light

This trim router also has an LED light. Illuminate your workspace before you make a wrong cut or curve.

Micro Adjust Dial

This small router allows you to adjust the depth of the trim router bits in a very easy way. The easy-access micro-adjust dial can be used to precisely adjust the depth.

Overmold Grip

Just like Ryobi’s trim router, this one also has a rubberized over mold grip. The over-mold grip – as the name suggests – covers the top material with the material used in the grip. In this case it is rubber. A rubberized grip boosts better control on the router.

Spindle Lock

For easy, quick and convenient bit changes, this router has a spindle lock. As you might have noticed on a similar machine or a drill machine, the spindle lock locks the bit and secures it until a change is required.

Flat Top for Easier Bit Changes

What I loved about this router is the manufacturers’ attention to detail. For example, they intentionally made it a flat top so the user can place it upside down and easily change the bit. This is not this easy in the case of other trim routers.

No-Mar Top

Since the top is designed to be placed on the surface to change the bits, they covered it with rubber so the metal would not mar the fine texture of wood underneath it.ou

Soft Start

This small router presents a soft and quick start operation. Just press the button and see how the motor starts up gradually.

Quick Release Lever

There is a quick-release lever, just like you notice in the case of other such routers, that you can use to easily remove the motor from the base.

Variable Speed

As we know, variable speed settings are important when you transit from slow to fast or fast to slow trimming based on the nature of the material.

 

10. Cozyel Cheap Trim Router

 

In case you still remember, Cozyel is the best budget trim router on my list. At the moment it costs less than $40. And although the price is roughly half the price of a high-quality, top-of-the-line, trim router, its performance is still satisfactory. It has all the bells and whistles that you expect from your trim router.

800 Watts Powerful Router

The motor in this powerful router takes 800 Watts of power. When you consider that a trim router’s wattage can be anywhere from 400 to 3000 watts, you see that this trim router is definitely not underpowered.

Dressing Guide

This trim router comes with two guides. One of them is the dressing guide. A dressing guide is what you use while working on the curve and you use it to ensure that cutting is precise and accurate.

Straight Guide

The other accessory is a straight guide. A straight guide, as we know by now, is used while working on a big or thick piece of wood. It helps keep the small router straight and stable.

External Carbon Brush

The carbon brush on this machine is an external carbon brush. Since it is a universal brush it can be replaced easily – anytime and anywhere.

Quick Release Lever

Just like in case of all other trim routers, this one also has a quick-release lever to remove the motor from the base.

Multipurpose

This is a multipurpose trim router. It means it can be used in tasks other than laminate trimming. You can use it for wooden processing, cabinet project, handicrafts and other such projects.

 

11. Grizzly Industrial T27139 Plunge Base Router

 

In case you were wondering whether all of the tools on this list are fixed base ones or if there is any plunge base router, do know that Grizzly Industrial’s T27139 is one of the best plunge base routers that you can find on Amazon.

10,000 – 30,000 RPM

This plunge base router comes with a 1 horsepower and 6.5amp motor. This motor completes 10,000 to 30,000 turns in a minute. This means that you get to do wood trimming at an incredible speed.

3 Step Turret Plunge Adjustability

With a 3-step turret, you can easily adjust the depth of the plunge. The turret, as the name suggests, is the part of the router on top of the bit. The 3-step process allows you 3 adjustments to play with.

Micro-Adjustable Guide Bearing

The micro-adjustable guide bearing of this machine can guide the machine in a better way and provide more precise and micro-adjustments.

Fence

One of the accessories that you get with this router is a fence. A fence can be used in a few different ways, but its job is to make trimming flawless. It can be found at the bottom of the router and it improves the trim router’s functionality.

Collet Wrench

Last, but not least, there is another accessory worth mentioning here. A collet wrench is included in the package. Collet is the nut that is needed to replace one bit with another and the collet wrench is what you use to loosen or tighten the collet.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Trim / Compact Router

In the past, trim routers were tools designed for a single carpentry task trimming countertop laminate. Recently, however, manufacturers have responded to user feedback with features that make these tools more versatile and easier to use.

The best trim routers in this new crop are perfectly suited to a variety of furniture-making tasks: rounding over and chamfering edges, routing hinge mortises, flush-trimming veneer, and edge banding, routing cavities for inlay, and more. Their small size and light weight make them agile, so they are easy to move around corners and along curves and to balance on edges and narrow parts like legs.

They can be used one-handed, which means you can fly around a workpiece, holding the router and easing the edges with one hand while holding and repositioning the workpiece with the other.

There are a lot of new models on the market, and choosing one is difficult if you can’t get them all in the shop and try them So now, let’s dig deep into the factors to consider before making the purchase, which may impact your decision in buying the specific product as you need.

Adjustable Bit Height

The twist is good too. When using the fixed base on the Porter-Cable (below) and its close relative, the DeWalt, all height adjustments are made by releasing a locking lever and then turning the motor in the base, another system that works very well.

The Clear View for Easy Routing

When routing mortises for inlay or hinges, you need to stay within the layout lines, so visibility is key. A base with a large cutout and clear sub-base, like the DeWalt’s, creates the perfect window, letting you see exactly what you’re routing and giving you a clear picture of the application.

But in Porter cable they have a tunnel vision as the base on the Porter-Cable offers a great view of the bit up high, but the sub-base is opaque and has a small opening, so it is very difficult to see what the bit is routing and does not give clear visibility of it. 

Our Recommendation

There are a lot of options for compact routers in diverse price ranges. The wide disparity in prices also leads to some significant differences when it comes to real-world performances. Our pick of the lot would be DEWALT DWP611 Compact Router due to its outstanding Compatibility with a fixed base and plunge base and ergonomically designed and durable and clear visibility of its base and sub base.

All the other items are likewise the best in each category they feature. Depending on your needs, they are the ideal choice for you.

All I can assure you is you won’t regret it if you pick from the products under review. I now leave you to select the best compact router of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Router

What is the best small router?

Avid Power MW104 is the best small router. It is compact and easy to hold with one hand.

What can a trim router do?

The most usual Trim router uses are fine trimming of wood, hinge mortises, edge rounding, cutting and similar activities.

What is the difference between a plunge router and trim router?

A trim router is a low horsepower tool mostly used for trimming, while a plunge router is a big horsepower tool for bigger purposes than just trimming.

Are palm routers any good?

Yes, they are good because they are easy to handle, lightweight and most compact in size. Makita cordless router kit is an example.

What is the best Compact router for sign making?

DeWalt router 20 (DWP611) is one of the best routers for sign making.

What can I do with a trim router?

Trim routers can be best used for trimming the laminate. They can bring edging into alignment.

What is the best trim router?

Ryobi cordless router is the best trim router – at least one of the best. The second best in my opinion is Bosch cordless router.

What is the difference between a router and a trim router?

All these routers are more or less the same. It is just that a trim router is a small, single-handed and compact version of regular routers.

Take a look at these Compact Routers that are available right now on Amazon: