Best Cordless Router
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The best cordless router depends on the battery you already own. This page lists nine brand-name cordless routers and the specs each Amazon listing states for battery platform, speed range, weight and included parts. Seven of the nine say tool only, bare or battery not included, and in the text we read no listing says a battery and charger come in the box. We do not rank the routers, and where a listing is silent the tables say “not stated”.
Quick answer
- Match the battery first. The Makita, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Metabo HPT and Bosch listings name 18V platforms, and the DEWALT, Craftsman and WEN listings name 20V platforms. The FLEX listing names a 24V lithium battery, a separate platform.
- Check the battery and charger line before you buy. Seven of the nine listings say tool only, bare or battery not included in the title or item name. The Makita listing puts its battery wording in a sentence about another model number, and the Bosch text we read does not say.
- Speed ranges differ. The Milwaukee listing states the widest span at 21,000 RPM, and the Ryobi listing states the narrowest at 10,000 RPM.
- Do not assume a battery from another brand fits. Each listing names its own battery family, such as Makita 18V LXT, Metabo HPT 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt, or Ryobi 18V ONE+.
Side-by-side stated specs
Each figure below comes from the listing named in its row. Span is the highest stated RPM minus the lowest stated RPM in that listing, so a range of 10,000 to 30,000 gives a span of 20,000. Where the listing gives no range, the span is not computed.
| Router | Battery platform | Stated speed range | Span (RPM) | Stated weight | Battery and charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V Max XR DCW600B | 20 volts | not stated | not computed | 4.15 pounds | Title says Tool Only |
| Makita XTR01Z | 18V LXT | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM | 20,000 | not stated | Description says sold separately, in a sentence naming model XTR01T7 |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL compact router (bare) | 18 volts | 10,000 to 31,000 rpm | 21,000 | not stated | Item name says BARE; charger not stated |
| Ryobi PCL424B | 18V ONE+ | 20,000 to 30,000 RPM | 10,000 | 3.2 pounds | Battery not included (title); charger not stated |
| Craftsman CMCW400B | V20 | 16,000 to 30,000 RPM | 14,000 | 4.1 pounds | Bare Tool Only (title); charger not stated |
| Metabo HPT M1808DAQ4 | 18V | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM | 20,000 | 2.5 pounds | Battery not included (title); charger not stated |
| FLEX FX4221-Z | 24V lithium | 16,000 to 31,000 RPM | 15,000 | not stated | Battery and charger not included (title) |
| Bosch GKF18V-25N | 18V | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM | 20,000 | not stated | not stated |
| WEN 20610BT | 20V Max | 12,000 to 28,000 RPM | 16,000 | not stated | Battery and charger sold separately (listing note) |
The nine routers, one at a time
DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router, Brushless, Tool Only (DCW600B)
This DEWALT router is listed as tool only, and the listing says lithium-ion batteries are required without naming a battery or charger in the package. It has a brushless motor, a variable-speed dial, a depth adjustment ring, dual LEDs and an electronic brake. The listing says its soft start motor uses full-time electronic feedback to hold speed during cuts. The included components are a fixed base, an instruction manual, a wrench and the router motor. The listing gives no speed range, so skip it if you need a stated RPM before you buy, or if you want a battery and charger in the box.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 20 volts; 20V Max XR (title) |
| Speed range | not stated |
| Weight | 4.15 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.38 x 6.1 x 5.75 inches |
| Included components | Fixed base, instruction manual, wrench, router motor |
| Battery and charger | Title says Tool Only; lithium ion batteries required; charger not stated |
Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router
Makita lists this compact router as Router Only. The listing says its brushless motor uses electronic speed control to keep speed steady under load, with a dial running from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. The product description also mentions rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment, dual LED lights and a quick release cam lock for base changes. The description says batteries and charger are sold separately, but that wording sits in a sentence about model XTR01T7, so we do not treat the battery line as settled. Skip it if you do not already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, or if you need a stated weight, since the listing gives none.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18V LXT (title) |
| Speed range | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM (dial) |
| Motor | BL brushless; electronic speed control holds speed under load |
| Dimensions | 6.2 inches wide and 8.5 inches high; the listing gives width and height only |
| Weight | not stated |
| Style | Router Only |
| Battery and charger | Sold separately (description); the same sentence names model XTR01T7 |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact Router (bare)
The listing’s item name is M18 FUEL COMPACT ROUTER (BARE), and the listing title is a cordless compact router rated at 18 volts. The listing says its POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers the power of corded compact routers, and its speed dial runs from 10,000 to 31,000 rpm. A Macro Adjust button gives 1.5 inches of adjustable range, and the listing says its REDLINK PLUS electronics protect against overloads, heating and over-discharge. The listing text we read is short, so most cells below read not stated. Skip it if you need a stated weight, or if you want a battery and charger in the box.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18 volts |
| Speed range | 10,000 to 31,000 rpm |
| Motor | POWERSTATE brushless |
| Adjustment | Macro Adjust button, 1.5 inches of adjustable range |
| Dimensions | 3.21 inches wide and 6.88 inches high |
| Weight | not stated |
| Battery and charger | not stated; item name says BARE |
Ryobi PCL424B 18V ONE+ Compact Fixed Base Router
Ryobi lists this 18V ONE+ fixed base router as tool only, with the battery not included. The listing says it works with any Ryobi 18V battery, and it gives a speed range of 20,000 to 30,000 RPM with a dial. The listing also names a micro depth dial, a quick-release lever for bit changes, a dust port and an LED light. At 3.2 pounds it sits between the Metabo HPT at 2.5 pounds and the Craftsman at 4.1 pounds. One bullet in its list describes lawn and landscape replacement parts, not this router, and we did not use it. Skip it if you need a range that starts below 20,000 RPM, because the listing starts its range there.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18V ONE+; works with any Ryobi 18V battery |
| Speed range | 20,000 to 30,000 RPM |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Features | Micro depth dial, quick-release lever, dust port, LED light |
| Battery and charger | Battery not included (title); charger not stated |
Craftsman V20 Router Tool, Bare Tool Only (CMCW400B)
Craftsman’s V20 cordless router is listed as bare tool only. The listing says it has a brushless motor, a variable speed dial from 16,000 to 30,000 RPM, a depth adjustment knob and an LED light. It also says the package includes an edge guide and a dust port adapter. The listing gives a weight of 4.1 pounds and dimensions of 7 inches wide by 6.2 inches high. Skip it if you need a speed setting below 16,000 RPM, because the listing starts its range there, or if you want a battery and charger in the box.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | V20 (title) |
| Speed range | 16,000 to 30,000 RPM |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Depth adjustment | Knob |
| Included | Edge guide and dust port adapter |
| Dimensions and weight | 7 inches wide, 6.2 inches high, 4.1 pounds |
| Battery and charger | Bare tool only (title); charger not stated |
Metabo HPT M1808DAQ4 18V Cordless Trim Router
Metabo HPT’s 18V cordless trim router is listed with the battery not included. The listing says it runs from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM, weighs 2.5 pounds and accepts both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch collets. It comes with a trimmer guide, straight guide, template, dust collection port and bit changing wrench. The listing says it is compatible with 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt batteries. Skip it if you need a stated maximum depth, which the listing does not give, or if you do not already own a compatible Metabo HPT battery.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18V; compatible with 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt batteries |
| Speed range | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM |
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
| Collets | 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch |
| Included | Trimmer guide, straight guide, template, dust collection port, bit changing wrench |
| Maximum depth | not stated |
| Battery and charger | Battery not included (title); charger not stated |
FLEX FX4221-Z 24V Brushless Cordless Trim Router
FLEX lists this trim router with the battery and charger not included. Its battery platform is 24V lithium, which differs from the 18V and 20V platforms in the other listings. The listing says it has a 1.5 max horsepower brushless motor, six speed settings from 16,000 to 31,000 RPM, a spindle stop for bit changes, quick-release depth collars that adjust to 1/64 inch, and a quick-adjust edge guide. It also gives a runtime figure for a 5.0Ah battery, which the other listings do not. Skip it if you already own 18V or 20V batteries, since this router needs a 24V pack.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 24V lithium |
| Speed range | 16,000 to 31,000 RPM, six settings |
| Motor | 1.5 max horsepower brushless |
| Depth adjustment | Quick-release collars to 1/64 inch |
| Edge guide | Quick-adjust edge guide |
| Bit change | Spindle stop |
| Weight | not stated |
| Battery and charger | Not included (title) |
Bosch GKF18V-25N 18V Cordless Router
Bosch lists this palm router on an 18V platform with a brushless motor, which the listing says delivers 1.39 peak horsepower and speeds from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. Its depth adjustment works in 1/64-inch increments, with a maximum depth cut of 1-11/32 inches. A flip-and-release spindle lock lever is listed for bit changes, and the listing describes two vacuum adapters for dust extraction. The text we read does not say whether a battery or charger is included, and it gives no weight. Skip it if you need the battery and charger line settled before you buy.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18V (title) |
| Speed range | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM |
| Motor | Brushless, 1.39 peak horsepower |
| Depth adjustment | 1/64-inch increments; maximum depth cut 1-11/32 inches |
| Bit change | Flip-and-release spindle lock lever |
| Dust extraction | Two vacuum adapters |
| Weight | not stated |
| Battery and charger | not stated |
WEN 20610BT 20V Max Cordless Brushless Compact Trim Router
WEN lists this 20V Max router as tool only with the battery not included, and its note says the battery and charger are sold separately. The listing says it has five speeds from 12,000 to 28,000 RPM, a brushless motor, a 1/4-inch collet and an adjustable base with 1-5/8 inch of travel. The base has a 1-inch scale with 1/16-inch markings and a transparent baseplate, according to the listing. The listing recommends a battery of at least 4Ah for best performance. Skip it if you need a stated weight, or if you do not already own a WEN 20V Max battery.
| Spec | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Battery platform | 20V Max (title) |
| Speed range | 12,000 to 28,000 RPM, five speeds |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Collet | 1/4-inch |
| Base travel and scale | 1-5/8 inch travel; 1-inch scale with 1/16-inch markings |
| Weight | not stated |
| Battery and charger | Battery not included (title); sold separately (note); 4Ah minimum recommended |
Buying checklist
- Confirm the battery family in the listing against a pack you already own.
- Read the title for tool only, bare or battery not included before you add a battery and charger to the cart.
- Compare the stated speed range with the bit you plan to use, and do not treat the span as a rating.
- Check the included guides and dust accessories, since only the Craftsman and Metabo HPT listings name them clearly.
- Check the collet size. The Metabo HPT lists 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch collets, and the WEN lists 1/4-inch.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a tool-only router and expecting a battery in the box. Seven of the nine listings say tool only, bare or battery not included.
- Assuming the 24V FLEX router shares packs with 18V or 20V tools. The listing names a 24V lithium battery.
- Choosing on the speed span alone. The listings state ranges, not which speed suits which bit or wood.
How we chose
We searched Amazon for “cordless router trim router” and read the results on 2026-10-22. We opened nine listings for cordless routers that name a manufacturer in the title or item name. We left out the corded routers in the same results, any listing whose title says it is compatible with another maker’s battery, even when a seller name appears in the title, and a plunge-base combo kit with no maker named in its title. The nine are not ranked. For each one we copied only the specs its listing states, and we marked a spec not stated when the listing was silent.
What we could not verify
We could not verify whether any stated speed range matches how a router runs under load, because the listings give ranges and nothing about load. We could not confirm the battery and charger line for the Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch listings, or the charger line for the others. The sources we opened do not confirm that a battery platform claim holds for every battery in the same family, and they include no manufacturer page for these routers.
What the sources do not say
The listings do not say which speed suits which bit, wood or cut. Only the Bosch listing gives a maximum depth cut. None of the nine listings compares cordless and corded routers side by side, so the Milwaukee power claim is the listing’s own statement. The FLEX listing gives a runtime figure for a 5.0Ah battery, but no other listing gives a runtime, so the table cannot compare runtime across the group.
FAQ
Is a cordless router as strong as a corded router?
The listings we opened do not compare cordless and corded routers side by side. The Milwaukee listing says its motor offers the power of corded compact routers, which is the listing’s own claim, and the sources we opened do not cover it.
Do I need to buy a battery with these routers?
Most of them do not include one. Seven of the nine listings say tool only, bare or battery not included, and the Makita and Bosch listings do not say it clearly. Check the title and the included details before you buy. If you are looking at trimming tools rather than routers, see our guide to the best cordless grass shear and hedge trimmer.
Which speed range should I look for?
The listings do not say which speed suits which bit or wood, so no speed range here is better on its own. Use the span column to compare what each listing states, and check the bit’s own rating before you pick a setting. The spans run from 10,000 RPM for the Ryobi to 21,000 RPM for the Milwaukee, and the DEWALT listing gives no range.
Can I use a battery from another brand in these routers?
Do not assume it. The listings name their own battery families, such as Makita 18V LXT, Metabo HPT 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt, Ryobi 18V ONE+ or WEN 20V Max, and none names another brand’s battery as a match. If you are comparing DEWALT 20V MAX tools, see our guide to the best DeWalt 20V Max pole hedge trimmer.
Which of these routers come with guides or bits?
The Craftsman listing names an edge guide and a dust port adapter, and the Metabo HPT listing names a trimmer guide, straight guide, template, dust collection port and bit changing wrench. The FLEX listing names a quick-adjust edge guide among its features, and the other listings do not name accessories in the text we read.
Which router on the list is the lightest?
Among the listings that state a weight, the Metabo HPT is lightest at 2.5 pounds. The Ryobi is 3.2 pounds, the Craftsman 4.1 pounds and the DEWALT 4.15 pounds. Five of the nine listings do not state a weight.
Bottom line
Start with the battery you already own. Pick the router whose listed battery platform matches it, and if the listing does not say the battery and charger are included, budget for them separately.
Sources
- DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router, Brushless, Tool Only (DCW600B) (opened 2026-10-22)
- Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router (opened 2026-10-22)
- Milwaukee Cordless Compact Router,18.0 Voltage (opened 2026-10-22)
- RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Compact Fixed Base Router Tool Only (Battery Not Included) – PCL424B (opened 2026-10-22)
- CRAFTSMAN V20 Router Tool, Cordless, Variable Speed, Fixed Base Router with Depth Adjustment, Bare Tool Only (CMCW400B) (opened 2026-10-22)
- Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Trim Router, Variable Speed LED Light, M1808DAQ4 (opened 2026-10-22)
- FLEX 24V Brushless Cordless 1.5 HP Trim Router Tool, Battery and Charger Not Included – FX4221-Z (opened 2026-10-22)
- BOSCH GKF18V-25N 18V Cordless Router, Palm Router for Woodworking (opened 2026-10-22)
- WEN 20V Max Cordless Brushless Compact Trim Router with Fixed Base (Tool Only – Battery Not Included) (20610BT) (opened 2026-10-22)
