Best Wood Routers Under $150 (2026)

The WEN RT1460 is a classic laminate trim router. A 6-amp soft-start motor ramps up gradually to prevent the jolt that twists a router in your hand, and the variable speed dial covers 12,000 to 30,000 RPM. The adjustable straight base has 1-5/8 inches of travel and a one-inch scale marked in 1/16 inch steps.

A transparent base lets you see the bit and the line you are following, which matters more than power on a trim router. Speed control matters because bit diameter dictates safe speed: small straight bits run fast, and larger roundover bits need lower speeds. The WEN covers both.

Compared with the AVID POWER, the WEN has soft start and a wider documented speed range. Ownership notes: use sharp carbide bits, make light passes rather than one deep cut and keep your hands clear of the bit. It is the sensible first router. A small trim router like this one is the right tool for hinge mortises, but it cannot plunge into the middle of a board, so use a template and clamp it firmly. Change bits with the router unplugged and tighten the collet nut firmly, but do not bottom the shank, leaving about 1/8 inch of clearance in the collet.

The AVID POWER 6.5-amp router has an 800-watt motor, a rack-and-pinion depth system and dual LEDs that light the cutting path. A fixed base keeps the router at a constant depth, and the rack-and-pinion system lets you dial in exact depth with a knob, instead of loosening a clamp and eyeballing.

At 6.5 amps it has slightly more motor current than the WEN RT1460, but no soft start is listed. Bits are included, which helps beginners. The LEDs are a good feature on a trim router, since the bit is small and shadows are common.

Ownership notes: a compact router is best for edges and trim, and 1.25 HP is plenty for those jobs. A lesser-known brand means thin support. If you want the nicest depth adjustment at a low outlay, it is a good choice. If a bit you plan to use has a 1/2 inch shank, this router will not take it, so check the bit catalog before you buy. Keep the dual LEDs clean of dust, since a film of sawdust dims them and makes the cut line harder to follow.

The TEENO is a palm router with a solid aluminum body, an 800-watt copper-wound motor and six speed settings. The maker says it is more durable than plastic models, and a metal body does dissipate heat and resist cracks better. It stands 7.9 inches tall, which is compact for one-handed use.

Compared with the WEN RT1460, the TEENO has a similar 6.5-amp motor, six speeds in place of a dial and a metal body. It is a good choice if you plan to use the router often and want a body that resists drops.

Ownership notes: use the right speed for the bit, keep the base clean and check that the collet nut is tight. For a router that feels sturdy at a low outlay, it is a strong choice. The metal body also gives you a better grip for a base-plate pressure against the work, which keeps the bit at a consistent depth. On aluminum bodies the heat from long sessions moves to the housing, so rest the tool between passes on a long edge.

This AVID POWER router has a 5.3-amp, 630-watt motor and runs up to 35,000 RPM, the highest speed in this lineup. Three guide modes help with edge work, and a fixed base keeps the cut depth set. High speed produces a clean finish with small bits, because each cutting edge removes less wood per revolution.

Its motor is weaker than the 6.5-amp AVID and TEENO, so it bogs sooner on deep cuts or hardwood. Compared with the WEN RT1460, it has a higher top speed but no published soft start. It suits trimming laminate, roundovers in pine and light edge work.

Ownership notes: lower speeds suit larger bits, and high speed on a large bit is dangerous. Use light passes, sharp bits and clamp your work. It is the router for trim and small jobs. Bits in the 1/4 inch range, such as a roundover or a chamfer, are the match for this speed, and a 1/2 inch cove bit is not. A router that can reach 35,000 RPM should only run that fast with small, balanced bits, since a large bit at that speed is a hazard.

The Seesii is a cordless palm router with a brushless motor, an aluminum base, an LED display and two 4.0Ah batteries. Without a cord you can route trim in place, such as a door jamb or a countertop edge, without dragging a cord across the work.

Cordless routers draw heavy current, so runtime depends on the cut. A 4.0Ah pack is a good size, and two packs let you swap. Compared with the corded WEN RT1460, the Seesii is more convenient but gives up sustained runtime and costs more per unit of power.

Ownership notes: the platform is proprietary, so replacement packs may be hard to find. Brushless motors run cooler and last longer. For trim in place, it is the most convenient choice. Cordless routers also let you route a groove in a finished cabinet without a cord to snag, a real advantage in a kitchen. Allow the bit to stop spinning completely before setting the tool down, because a coasting bit can dig into the work.