The 6 Best Palm Routers in 2023

Oct 07, 2023

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Palm routers provide the control and stability needed for light-duty routing projects. These efficient hand tools are an essential piece of a woodworker's toolkit.

Palm routers—the smallest member of the router family tree—are handheld power tools that let users easily create decorative edge profiles and perform joinery cuts on wooden workpieces.

Unlike bulkier plunge routers that tend to be better-suited for large, heavy-duty projects, palm routers are relatively compact and lightweight, making them perfect for precision tasks that require maximum control and maneuverability. Plus, since they’re designed to be operated one-handed, they’re easier to use than you might think.

We found all the best palm routers out there to help you find the right one to add to your toolkit. Here are our picks.

For more woodworking power tools, check out our top picks for woodworking routers, wood planers, and cordless drills.

Although most palm routers are fairly similar in terms of size and power, typically one to 1.25 horsepower, there are some features that can help differentiate which palm routers are ideal for your intended use.

With recent advancements in battery technology, cordless routers are becoming more prevalent, and they're a convenient option for those looking for maximize maneuverability. These battery-powered models do have a limited runtime, though, so they might not be ideal for all-day projects or for beginners who need more time to get the hang of using a router.

You should also consider whether or not you’d benefit from any router accessories, like templates or bits. If you’re just starting out, a router kit with templates and bits is extremely helpful in letting you get started right away—no learning curve or extra gear required. If you’re an experienced woodworker who already has a bit collection, you can skip the kit and get a standalone pick to save some cash.

You should also think about the size of bit you’ll be using. Palm routers are only suited for up to 1/4-inch shank bits, so if your project requires something larger, get a plunge router with a 1/2 inch collet.

When selecting the options for this article, I first called upon my personal experience working at a custom furniture woodshop in New York City. There, I used a wide range of routers, which gave me the hands-on insight needed to recognize what makes a good—or bad—router.

I’m familiar with a range of trustworthy brands, too, and my overwhelmingly positive experience with Bosch routers makes them an easy choice as the top pick. I’ve also used Makita and DeWalt routers with success and reliability. As always, we feature a range of prices, so regardless of budget, you can find a palm router that fits your needs.

Bosch power tools have a great reputation for being reliable and easy to use, and this variable speed palm router is no exception. You can easily adjust the speed using the top-mounted speed dial—from 16,000 to 35,000 RPMs—and precisely customize the bit depth with a height adjustment mechanism.

An LED light increases accuracy as you work, and the included straight-edge guide allows you to confidently position the bit up to 3 and 5/8 inches from the edge of your workpiece. The hard-sided carrying case keeps your tool protected and convenient to transport whenever you need to.

Despite the low cost of this Bosch router, it's still a perfectly functional option for any DIYer. Its 1-horsepower motor and variable speed control makes it useful for a range of tasks, from light-duty laminates to soft wood rabbeting.

My favorite feature of this router is its lightweight. At a little over three pounds, this compact tool offers total maneuverability and control—essential for any routing project. You’ll need to use a wrench to swap out bits—no quick-change here—but if you don't plan on doing that very often, this won't affect you too much.

This battery-powered DeWalt palm router eliminates the need for frustrating and cumbersome extension cords, making for a convenient and tripping-hazard-free working environment. The electronic brake increases safety even more, quickly stopping the motor as soon as the unit is shut off.

A variable speed dial lets you control the RPM output to suit your specific task, and two LEDs help illuminate your work surface.

Keep in mind that this model does not include a battery, so we’d suggest this model for those who already have or plan on getting other DeWalt 20-volt tools and batteries.

I always appreciated the rugged and durable construction of Makita tools while working on commercial construction projects, which made this router an easy choice for our heavy-duty option.

Not only is it durable enough to stand up to the abuse of a busy job site, but thanks to its wide speed range, this router is also ideal for using large diameter bits. I also appreciate its "soft start" circuitry that slowly ramps up to the desired speed, increasing motor lifespan and reducing vibrations.

You can also get this one as part of a kit that converts this tool into a plunge router.

This combo kit is a great choice for beginners just starting out, or experienced woodworkers who want to expand their router capabilities. It includes a 1.25-horsepower Bosch router, as well as a plunge router base, which features the two-handed control needed for surface detailing.

This kit also comes with an eight-piece template set, which should come in handy for the most common dovetail and hinge sizes. These templates and the router itself each come with hard carrying cases, making it easy to keep all the pieces organized and safe when not in use.

You’ll need to supply your own 12-volt Bosch battery, but if you already have a collection of cordless Bosch tools, this palm router is an effective and budget-friendly option.

Its ergonomic handle is perfect for those who find typical palm sanders too bulky, or just want more control while they work. Its light weight (2.2 pounds plus the battery) makes operation even more comfortable, and the textured grip ensure maximum stability as you work.

The relatively low RPM capability does limit the versatility of this router a bit, so it isn't a practical choice for larger projects.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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