Can’t quite decide if you want a fixed router or a plunge router? Why not have both?

You can have both and more with this Makita XTR01T7 Compact Router Kit. Everything you need to round out edges, cut chamfers, or produce inlays is right here in this neat package. You’ll get a fixed base and a plunge base, so you can use whichever is most comfortable for you or fits your application. This package already has a couple of Makita 18V batteries, a charger, a hard plastic case, and other important accessories.

Its brushless motor is housed in a lightweight yet durable aluminum casing. It has a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the RPM depending on your application. The battery is long-lasting too, so you’ll get more cuts out of every charge.

The only factor that could discourage potential buyers from choosing this cordless trim router is its price. But if you’re a professional who can’t be bothered to look for compatible parts and you want to splurge, then this might be the right laminate trimmer for you.

Although it is a cordless laminate trimmer, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 Compact Router performed like a corded one. Its powerful brushless motor delivers a max 1.25 HP, so you can take on the toughest materials and jobs worry-free. 

Its variable speed control lets you toggle the speed from as low as 10,000 RPM to 31,000 RPM. The speed dial features prominently at the side so you can easily reach and adjust it.

This tool has a fixed base with a clamp closure, and macro adjustments are also done using this clamp. If you want finer adjustments, then use the micro-adjustment dial in front.

There are two ways you can change the bits in this tool. You can press the red button at the base and tighten/loosen the collet with the wrench. Or if you like the good old-fashioned way of changing bits, then you can always use both the collet and spindle wrenches.

The package includes two sub-base plates, a couple of wrenches, a dust shroud, a fixed base, and a straight edge guide.

The DEWALT DCW600B Cordless Router’s sheer power goes beyond its compact size. This cordless trim router features a durable brushless motor and variable speed control. You can adjust the speed from 16,000 RPM up to 25,500 RPM to suit your application. You can also depend on the motor to shut off pretty quickly as it has an electronic brake system.

The fixed base has a quick-release clamp for easy coarse depth adjustment and bit changes. The rear of the fixed base is covered in a large rubber overmold to ensure that it is secure in your grip as you work. 

Changing the bit is easy with this compact trim router. Just press the yellow button at front, and use the wrench (included) to tighten or loosen the collet.

This is one of the priciest trim routers on the list despite it not having a battery and charger included in the package.

The Bosch 12V Max GKF12V-25N Palm Edge Router was designed with the comfort of the user in mind. Everything about this tool is intuitive. Unlike other corded and cordless laminate trimmers, it does not have a flat top where the battery is attached. It has an elongated top where the battery is neatly stored inside, while the overmolded handle underneath sits securely in your grip. The location of the on-off switch/depth adjustment lock is also great for both left and right-handed users.

Adjusting the coarse depth is hassle-free thanks to the button located at the base. If you want to adjust the depth in increments, then you can use the knob that is located under the coarse adjustment button. 

You can use it to cut grooves, but its single-speed and overall design make it ideal for rounding out edges. The price is pretty reasonable, but you will need to buy a compatible Bosch 12V lithium-ion battery pack as it is not included in the package.

The Ryobi P601 One+ Trim Router combines its powerful performance with impressive battery life. This single-speed router can produce up to 29,000 RPM and is powered by a long-lasting 18V battery. 

One of the features that make this tool stand out is its LED light. Let’s face it. Not all job sites or garages have good lighting. Your poor eyesight has even interfered with your work so many times, so a tool with an LED light is a boon for your workshop.

Ryobi modified the overmolded handle so it is located near the top of the unit. The problem is it is too big and it’s not intuitive, so you still end up holding the base instead of the handle itself.

The price is pretty reasonable, but keep in mind that you have to invest in a compatible Ryobi battery and charger as they are not included in the package.

There are a lot of features that I like in this RIDGID R86044V Compact Router. This cordless laminate trimmer has a variable speed control that can go from as low as 17,000 RPM to 25,000 RPM. This tool is perfect for rounding out edges or cutting grooves in softer workpieces that might be damaged by a more powerful trim router.

This RIDGID trim router has a fixed base that you can easily remove using the quick-release clamp. The clamp is also used to make coarse adjustments, while the dial at the front is used to make micro-fine adjustments.

The see-through square and round base plates make up for the lack of an LED light. It also has a transparent fence to ensure a cleaner work area.

The price is pretty reasonable, but this tool also doesn’t come with a RIDGID battery pack. If you don’t own a RIDGID battery pack at home or work, then it’s going to add to the total cost.

With 30,000 RPM on the top end, Kobalt’s cordless router is only slightly less powerful than the top versions, but it’s far from underpowered.

It has an excellent sightline to the bit, and the controls are simple to operate. The free mobility of the micro-adjustment, on the other hand, maybe a difficulty for some people. On the other hand, it shares top scores with Makita for ergonomics.

Because of the collet lock placement, there is no way to change the bit without entirely removing the router from its base. Because it’s usually easier to replace bits on any trim router with the base off, this shouldn’t be a problem for everyone.

This is one of our favorite cordless router types that does not come with a battery or charger. However, the fence is included, and it has one of the best warranties available, lasting five years.