Best Cordless Router - Head To Head 

This is how comparison videos should be done. Right to the point, specific details and explanations of the characteristics compared, why they matter and how each router fared. I'm just getting back into woodworking after learning a bit as a kid and I don't often know which features are most important for me or why I should look for them. I bought a starter pack of power tools from a bunch of different sellers on a garage sale app. I did pretty well (I think) saving a ton of money over new and videos like this helped a bunch in choosing. But, I didn't look at (apparently) the right video before buying a used corded plunge router and got a Craftsman Industrial for $30. It wasn't until I started to look at it and clean it up that I realized two limitations that I'd overlooked (3 if you count the fact that Craftsman is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker and parts are problematic because it's on the older side): it's got 1 speed at 12,000rpm and it came with zero accessories, which means I need a 1/4" adapter if I'm going to use anything other than 1/2" bits. Still, so far it seems to be a pretty good buy, though I haven't actually used it, yet. Lesson learned. One lesson I did learn before I started was to buy all corded tools in the beginning and I did. With the exception on cordless drill and driver which I got from my brother in law, they're all corded. The drill/driver set are Dewalt, and I have two batteries and a charger for them, so I got lucky there. Likely, if I buy any other cordless tools, they'll be Dewalt, too, if for no other reason than batteries are ridiculously expensive and don't often come with the tools much, especially second-hand. Glad he knew what he was about with tools and didn't buy cheap.

The Dewalt has the benefit of being the same size as their compact routers so the plug in stuff is the same size; I gave the plunge base and it makes it a much more useful tool.

At least two of my Ryobi 4ah batteries are well over 10 years old (they're not even anti-theft green!) and are still working flawlessly with no discernable (at least by me) drop in power or runtime. So is the original Ryobi drill I bought with them. Regardless of anything else, that has sold me on Ryobi. I think people get in their heads because they equate Ryobi to "cheap" and/or just don't like the color, tbh. Then again, I'm a hobbyist, not a contractor, so YMMV.

One of the best tool comparisons ever. Excellent work and info.

Your scoring system does help us very much. Just pure ranking doesn't help to know how much difference there is between them. (I.e. the 1st and 5th may be nearly the same on some categories and vastly different for others.)

Another great review and video. After watching I decided to go with the Milwaukee. For a light duty home user the better ergonomics and better adjustments were more important to me than more power. Runtime wasn't really a factor since I have plenty of batteries for both the DeWalt and Milwaukee platforms. Thanks for providing the information needed to make an informed decision.

I have the Ryobi router here, and while I think you were a bit hard on it in some spots -- e.g. you said it had one of the best depth adjustment mechanisms, then in that ergonomics category it placed 4th somehow -- I agree it probably comes in last when compared to these other routers. But if you're already invested in the Ryobi line, it's a very capable tool and a great deal, so you should buy it. That said, if I was to replace all my Ryobi 18V today, it'd probably be with the Milwaukee stuff over the Dewalt. I'm starting to get into Milwaukee's 12V line now, and it's great for lighter-duty tools, with a nice trade-off in size and weight. The 12V stuff used to be dogs, but Milwaukee's 12V tools are the sweet spot for DIYers today -- mostly the FUEL brushless stuff, but even some brushed tools like the 3/8" ratchet is excellent and in some cases a better choice.

Lovly refreshing straight to the point review Thankyou. Been looking at the dewalt for some time and you’ve sold it to me so appreciate your time and effort 👍🏻

Thanks for putting all this time in to doing this test. very well done

Best testing on RU-vid. Always. No silliness as we see on some other channels.

As a cabinet maker who rounds all my edges on cabinetry... I could spend 8 hours on a trim router on a large job. Holding a trim router with 1 hand for that amount of time is excruciatingly painful and difficult. I had to add a hardwood handle onto makita trim router. And yes the base on it sucks. I made my own base kinda like the DeWalt base but with a larger square flat surface. After taking care of those details I have 0 issues with the router and I could not imagine replacing it at this time. I already went through a DeWalt router. The motor speed was all funky. I don't have much confidence in DeWalt durability since I've had 2 DeWalt Routers and a few DeWalt drills that crapped out on me. Never had a Makita crap out unless I broke it being a dummy

Just bought the Dewalt today I’m no router user but I was impressed by it I’m heavily invested in Dewalt btw

Wow that's a lot of good information! Half of that I never even thought of. I love your passion for getting us the information we need

I am considering moving to a cordless router and this helped considerably.

Great review! Bigger stator diameter on the motor translates to lower RPM, but higher torque. That's why the Dewalt was the fatty of the group/less comfortable to hold over time, but ripped through the boards faster. That also translates to increased efficiency/longer battery life and most likely more longevity.

Robert and Crew, thank you for the amazing tutorial on these awesome tool line. It took lots of time to think the process through, time to film this, edit it, and push it out to us. Much appreciated, in all of the outstanding details you put in it. I am a Makita man myself and will be picking one up today for sure, I don't do tons of router work but enough to have one when I need to, and how can I go wrong with Makita. Thank you!!

You guys are the best! Thank you. I'm buying the dewalt.

I like this style of review straight forward and highly informative, you must have been good at presentations in school!

Awesome job guys!! Y’all are the best unbiased tool review channel on here! Hope your channel continues to grow!!

Outstanding. The DeWalt Cordless Router will be my seasonal gift to myself. Thank you.

I was on the fence on which router to get my hands on. Now thanks to you I know what to get. Dewalt it is 👍🏼👍🏼

TBB, One technical details that I didn't hear mentioned (reviewed) was the screw pattern on the base, in regards to if it follows a common or universal pattern compatible with many 3rd-party items such is circle cutting jigs. I have the Makita, and have found out the hard way that is has a model-specific mounting pattern which is not commonly accounted for in accessory manufacturers designs. (Side note, I have a Bosch 1619 which is similar in that same regard, but has multiple screw hole patterns, so it works with OEM baseplates/accessories and some 3rd-party ones with a common pattern.

Should do a head to head of the battery platform or brand in general cause generally people buy what ever tool is on the platform rather then buying different brands all the time but yeah would live to see a platform comparison

When I look for tools review I always eek you guys out first keep making great videos.

A lot of detail and work went into this video. Keep up the good work.

This video was essential to helping me choose which router to buy. Thanks Rob!

Just brilliant comparison! Great review! I am just about to make my choice. Thanks for your help! Greetings from Russia!

My go to channel when I'm getting a new tool. Thanks

Early Halloween video? You got most of the ingredients for a pretty strong jumpscare at the start of this video.

You should also be able to get a battery adapter. If most of your tools are a certain brand but just want the best out of each bare tool.

For the price ryobi is great. My experience they last just as long as higher end brands, don’t have to worry about battery obsolescence, and I can outfit two of my guys with a tool for the price of one high end. No brainer for me.

Got the dewalt with plunge base yesterday. Feels so solid.

Looking at these 4 years later. I get Milwaukee and DEWALT tools. There is a DEWALT deal out at a store near me. You pay $250 for a charger and 5ah power stack and you get 2 free bare tools. I was going to get a flex volt angle grinder ($250) and the router ($199)

Great review. Definitely disappointed with the run time results(really thought Milwaukee would do much better). Can’t help but wonder what the difference would be if the tools were all set to the same rpm instead of max??? Thank you for another awesome video!

I was looking at the Dewalt but it felt bulky to me ,I just bought a $30.00 corded trimmer on ebay and love it ,no big heavy battery on top ,cords aren't the end of the world .

Thanks for selling me on ryobi. I have all ryobi, so far ryobi has the largest tool selection. and I have been useing them for years no problems. There price range is good but the best fact is one battery for all 18v everyone else changes batterie, not good.

The Milwaukee is very nice. I bought one 3 weeks ago. Works great.

It’s all about the eco system u r in, I use dewalt, I have almost every battery powered tool they make, I’m a huge fan of the 60v stuff, I love using my router with the 60v battery as the extra weight makes it smoother to me

Thanks Rob for your great detailed review. I think I will choose the Milwaukee. I like the Dewalt but it looks a lot bigger.

Thanks. Love the review. I think you should give a weighted score for the different categories. Giving score based on place, while ignoring difference in scrore loses a lot of data. A close third place is better than a far second place.

Lots of people will make their purchase choice based on the tool ecosphere that they have chosen already for their portable tools. Still appreciate your review.

I have the Dewalt, which I just got recently. Had the corded version and just got the cordless. But I just use the 5Ah battery instead of the larger and heavier 6Ah and works well.

If you can purchase the Dewalt router during the holiday season when some of the best deals are happening it's a no brainer.

I picked up the rigid trim router even though read a few readings about the stalling but figured what i assumed I'd be using it for i shouldn't have that problem because i have the batteries for rigid and didn't want to start another system... But watching some of these videos might be reconsidering some choices down the road

Sadly, no one brand makes the best of every tool.. Regardless of reviews. we will just buy the one that takes all the batteries we already own. Dewalt for me. Love me that 60v flexvolt.

FYI volume control during the editing process of your videos is must. Loud intro before the actual video starts will easily deter people from further watching your videos. Just sharing from a viewers POV. Not intending to be negative. Overall this was a really great and informative video.

Excellent review with great detail and good tests to normalize the cutting results between the routers. Thanks for the video, i am looking for a cordless router and this information is very helpful.

Has anyone watched reviews like this and decided to get a tool that isn't their main brand? I have a Ridgid set, the hammer drill, impact, circular and Sawzall all work great for me as a casual user and obviously it would be nice to have the continuity, but this review was one where I could honestly say I was convinced to definitely not get it, even for just diy stuff. Up until the cnc test I rationalized that the benefit of it being "my" brand offset the negatives, but, if it literally couldn't get through that, while a tool half it's cost did, I just couldn't justify that.

Totally love the channel. Thank you. Maybe in the Spring you can use the Ridgid Octane unit in another comparison. Keep up the amazing job!

all of the dewalt bases for their compact router will work with the cordless version as well

My Dewalt bare tool came with a guide, second base plate, second chuck and also a dust shroud

Is there an updated video? Some, if not all, have gone to brushless motors. Also, the Ridgid now has a metal housing for the motor and plastic for the battery connection. One thing I look at is the warranty period and what is covered by the warranty. That was not even touched in the video.

I hate to be so critical, thanks for spending the time and sharing the info, but choosing the highest setting (RPM) for each router makes the majority of the tests/comparisons invalid. The RPM range differs enough to make it an apples to oranges comparison not to mention the highest speed is rarely the correct speed especially when cutting plywood or poplar.

Your reviews are great and very much assist in my new purchases. Thank you...

Great review as always. Needed a router and Milwaukee wasn't out yet so bought the Ryobi. It did what I needed to do and was cheap. It's definitely top heavy, but I was able to finish my project and now have it in my toolbox for future work. Also bought the makita, but didnt want to invest in a fourth battery platform.

I knew straight away that the Milwaukee would be the outright winner for me, as I have loads of Milwaukee batteries to go with my other Milwaukee tools. Nice testing though.

I bought a Dewalt drill last year to replace my 10 years plus one and am disappointed by the quality and lack of power and have move onto Makita for all my power tool needs. I'm going to try to buy a Makita router.

I'll still stick with my Lifetime Warranty RIDGID Products. That alone makes it the winner in my book.

I think it would be interesting to try to run a few of them at the same RPM. I.e. turning down the milwaukee to match the dewalt no load rpm.

Dewalt yp. Dewalt Bevel saw, Dewalt 5"orbit sander, Dewalt drill set, Dewalt mulity tool, Dewalt sawsaw

Ryobi and Rigid have similar features to Milwaukee because they are owned by the same parent company.

Great review once again Rob

Cheers Rob, just got the de walt for $150, go yellow team 🙌

Always do amazing review...thanks again!

Even though the Ryobi was the lowest rated, it seems to be the least good rather than bad one. It seems to be great if you consider that the Ryobi is about half the price of the others.

Why was the Bosch Colt left out of this competition?

In regard to gripping the dewalt router high, your hand in the picture is both above, on and below the black ring. Please clarify. In the video at 6:07 is this the correct or incorrect hand holding position?

Realize that Milwaukee was docked 3 points (23% of its entire score) for the Variable Speed Adjust being in a preferred position for 90% of users (right hand). Considering Milwaukee only was out first place by one point, It would easily be the winner for most users. :)

I got a set of tools from Ryobi. I will test them soon by making guitars

Comprehensive. Well done.

Great Tool Review as usual! Everyone watches your tool reviews w/ bated breath hoping the brand tool they've invested in does well! Lol Dewalt has a little bit of an advantage in the power dept being a 20V!

I am a proud Dewalt router owner, it hasn't arrived yet though.

Needs a sound warning man OMG

Great Review! Will a smaller AH battery for the tool affect it's effectiveness in anyway other than run time?

Rob, why wax the Bosch not included in the comparison?

Great review as always. Since I'm already in the RIDGID platform, their router is on my wishlist. I'm a little disappointed you didn't test the newer Octane model. While most of the design features are the same, I wonder how the performance & power ratings would be different. Plus, now at $99 bare tool, it's cheaper than the R86044B that you tested.

It's all with personal preference. I just watched a video where the guy said ryobi and milwaukee were the worst and dewalt was the best.

How can you rate the Ridgid and Ryobi different - they are basically the same router? The only real difference is the color and battery. Even are made in the same TTI factory. They can even take the same (Ridgid) accessories.

Best of the best channel!!

Very helpful video, thank you.

Why not test the octane version of the ridgid? The tool you tested is the previous version that was phased out for the octane version. You are using the newest versions of the other brands so it seems a little biased.

Damn great tool comparison

I can't find the Dewalt anywhere. Why would they stop producing this?

Nice review, thank you!

Cool test

Which would you say is the quietest to run, for people who live in apartments

Excellent content. Others would have unnecessarily made the video much longer.

Good grief, I didn’t pay anything like $199 for the bare DEWALT. Paid much less.

hi rob, i have to disagree with you... the makita is small , light , reliable , and easiest to use as all carpenters want.. comes with loads of accessories if wanted.

Kinda feel like Ryobi and Rigid are just in these reviews for giggles.

My favourite colour is red so it's Milwaukee for me.

Hi Rob. Thanks for another informative review. Do you know whether the plunge base for the makita trim router would fit the m18. So it's been out 6 to 8 months and still extremely difficult to come across. Thanks again for sharing your skills over the years.

Great tutorial!!

Where is the Kobalt was it not available back then?

All this testing is all well and good but at the end of the day it comes down to what battery platform you're on I have 15 makita batteries so I'm not going to buy dewalt any time soon

Damn good vid…subbed!

@A Concord Carpenter / ToolBoxBuzz Rob, after your CORRECTION to the rankings, what exact CATEGORY in the rankings brought the Makita into 2nd Place???

Great review.

what about as a table router up side down ? did the vents plug up ? does the router over heat ?

I'm a part time technophobe or maybe just lacking common sense. Either way it wasn't so long ago that in order to get the information from channels like yours you had to actually know a woodworker (willing to school you). And outside of a bored uncle who does more grumbling than teaching.(ok that's my personal experience) The point of my rambling is to say 💭 "I'm truly grateful to you, the Tool Box Buzz crew and the other ppl and channels dedicated to keeping the craft of wood working not just alive but thriving.. My 10 yr old grandson spends a weekend with me each month. And one of my biggest joys is watching him bypass the playstation 🎮 to don work clothes, goggles. Eager to build something. Seriously Thankful for all that you do 👍🏾