The best wood planer depends on the work you do most: refining rough lumber, leveling glued-up panels, fitting doors, or making quick adjustments on site. The right model can improve consistency while reducing sanding and material waste.
This roundup compares compact hand planers, cordless options, and benchtop thickness planers across cutting capacity, power, cutterhead design, portability, and value.
Best 10 Wood Planers Picks for 2026
Best Overall
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
- 13-inch capacity with a 15-amp motor
- Two feed speeds for roughing or finishing
- Three-knife head and automatic carriage lock
Best For: Frequent thicknessing of wide boards in a busy workshop
Best Handheld
WEN 6530 3-1/4-Inch Electric Hand Planer
- Lightweight 6.5-pound handheld design
- Up to 34,000 cuts per minute
- Sixteen depth settings and rabbeting guide
Best For: Edge trimming, small projects, and portable planing
Best Helical Head
FINDBUYTOOL 13-Inch Helical Planer
- Helical head with 40 carbide inserts
- Two feed rates for roughing or finishing
- 13-inch capacity with precision depth adjustment
Best For: Hardwood work and feature-focused shop setups
Best Value Benchtop
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Planer
- 15-amp motor for hardwood cuts
- Three-knife head delivers 96 CPI
- Long tables provide 33-1/2 inches of support
Best For: Reliable benchtop thicknessing with straightforward controls
Best Mini Hand Plane
JORGENSEN No.101 Mini Wood Planer
- Sharpenable O1 tool-steel blade
- Ductile-iron body for durability
- Adjustable depth for detail work
Best For: Portable trimming, crafts, and detail woodworking
Best Benchtop Thickness Planer
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer
- 13-inch board capacity
- 26-blade spiral cutterhead
- 15-amp motor with 10,000 RPM
Best For: Workshop thicknessing of wide boards
Best Cordless Power Planer
DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Planer
- 30,000 cuts per minute
- Fine calibrated depth adjustment
- Cordless 20V brushless design
Best For: Portable planing and edge chamfering
Best Overall Benchtop Pick
- 15-amp motor for hard and soft wood
- 12.25-inch cutting width
- Reversible two-knife cutter head
Best For: DIYers and general benchtop woodworking
Best With Stand
VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 13-inch cutting width
- Includes heavy-duty stand
- Automatic feed and return rollers
Best For: Wider stock processing with a stable stand
Best Extended-Table Design
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
- 35 inches of total table support
- 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity
- Cast-iron bed with two-knife cutter head
Best For: Long boards and stable benchtop planing
Best Overall – DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
The DEWALT DW735 is a strong all-around choice for wood planers when you need substantial capacity, adjustable feed speed, and consistent thicknessing. Its 13-inch width, 15-amp motor, three-knife cutter head, and automatic carriage lock suit demanding shop work.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a versatile benchtop thickness planer for wider boards and frequent use.
Pros:
- 13-inch capacity and powerful 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor handle larger cuts.
- Two-speed gearbox supports faster roughing or finer cuts at 96 or 179 CPI.
- Three-knife cutter head offers longer knife life and easier changes.
- Fan-assisted chip ejection, folding tables, and turret depth stop improve convenience.
Cons:
- Its larger 24.13-by-22-by-18.1-inch footprint requires dedicated workspace.
- It is a corded tool, so placement depends on access to a 120-volt outlet.
The DW735 stands out among wood planers for combining wide capacity with useful feed-rate control and practical setup features. It is a particularly compelling pick for demanding hobbyist or professional shops.
Best Handheld – WEN 6530 3-1/4-Inch Electric Hand Planer
The WEN 6530 is a compact option among wood planers for trimming edges, leveling surfaces, and making quick adjustments directly at the workpiece. Its 6-amp motor, 3-1/4-inch cutting width, and six-pound design make it easier to maneuver than a benchtop model.
Best For: DIYers and woodworkers who need a lightweight handheld planer for smaller projects and edge work.
Pros:
- Lightweight 6.5-pound design is easy to carry and control.
- Motor delivers up to 34,000 cuts per minute.
- Sixteen depth stops adjust cuts from 0 to 1/8 inch.
- Includes a rabbeting guide, dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence bracket, and two-year warranty.
Cons:
- Its 3-1/4-inch width is less suitable for wide-board thicknessing.
- The corded design limits mobility compared with cordless tools.
For portable shaping and light stock removal, the WEN 6530 offers useful adjustment range without the size or weight of a benchtop planer. Its included accessories also make it a practical entry-level choice.
Best Helical Head – FINDBUYTOOL 13-Inch Helical Planer
The FINDBUYTOOL 13-inch thickness planer is one of the more feature-rich wood planers in this group. It pairs a 2.5HP, 15-amp motor with a helical cutterhead, two feed rates, precision height adjustment, and a cast aluminum base for demanding stock preparation.
Best For: Woodworkers processing hardwoods who value carbide inserts, adjustable feed rates, and shop-oriented controls.
Pros:
- Forty carbide inserts are designed for longer life and smoother cutting.
- Two feed rates—21 and 12 FPM—support roughing or finishing work.
- 13-inch width and six-inch thickness capacity accommodate substantial boards.
- Includes extendable tables, a four-inch dust port, LED work lights, and overload protection.
Cons:
- At 70 pounds, it is relatively heavy to move around the shop.
- Its extensive features may be more than needed for occasional light-duty planing.
The FINDBUYTOOL combines broad capacity with a helical insert cutterhead and precision-oriented adjustments. It is worth considering when surface quality, hardwood capability, and built-in convenience features are higher priorities.
Best Value Benchtop – DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Planer
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
Check Price On AmazonThe DEWALT DW734 is a straightforward benchtop choice among wood planers, offering a 12-1/2-inch width, 15-amp motor, and three-knife cutter head. Its long feed tables and carriage lock help support boards while reducing movement that can contribute to snipe.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a capable portable planer with long material support and simple depth controls.
Pros:
- 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor handles larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods.
- Three-knife cutter head provides 96 cuts per inch for a fine finish.
- Reversible disposable knives offer longer knife life and quick changes.
- Extra-long tables provide 33-1/2 inches of material support.
Cons:
- It has only one stated feed speed, unlike the two-speed DW735.
- The 12-1/2-inch capacity is slightly narrower than a 13-inch planer.
The DW734 focuses on core thickness-planing performance rather than extra feed-rate settings. Its long tables, four-column carriage lock, and turret depth stop make it a practical option for repeatable stock preparation.
Best Mini Hand Plane – JORGENSEN No.101 Mini Wood Planer
For detail work, trimming, and craft projects, the JORGENSEN No.101 is a compact manual option among wood planers. Its ductile-iron body, adjustable cutting depth, and sharpenable O1 tool-steel blade make it suited to controlled surface work rather than large-scale stock removal.
Best For: Detail woodworking, trimming, deburring, polishing, and DIY projects where portability and precise manual control matter.
Pros:
- O1 tool-steel blade is finely sharpened, reusable, and adjustable.
- Ductile-iron body is designed for rugged, heavy-duty use.
- Compact size and flat bottom support portable, controlled operation.
- Adjustable cutting depth accommodates different woodworking tasks.
Cons:
- Manual operation is less suitable for quickly leveling large boards.
- Its mini size limits the amount of material removed per pass.
This JORGENSEN is a practical choice when precision and portability are more important than speed. It is especially appealing for beginners and detail-focused woodworkers who want a small hand plane with durable construction.
Best Benchtop Thickness Planer – WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer
The WEN PL1326 is a powered benchtop choice for woodworkers who need to thickness wider boards efficiently. Its 15-amp motor, 13-inch capacity, and spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades are designed to produce a smooth finish across repeated passes.
Best For: Workshop thicknessing of boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, especially when a smooth finish and consistent material removal are priorities.
Pros:
- Spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades.
- Handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
- 15-amp motor reaches 10,000 RPM with a 26 feet-per-minute feed rate.
- Onboard material-removal gauge helps guide cutting depth per pass.
Cons:
- At 36.74 kg, it is substantially less portable than handheld wood planers.
- Corded operation requires access to a suitable power source.
Choose the WEN when your projects call for powered thicknessing rather than occasional hand trimming. Its broad capacity and spiral cutterhead make it a strong fit for a dedicated workshop setup.
Best Cordless Power Planer – DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Planer
The DEWALT DCP580B is a cordless option for fast, portable material removal. Its brushless motor delivers 30,000 cuts per minute, while the calibrated depth knob, aluminum shoes, and included guide fence support controlled planing and edge work.
Best For: Portable planing, edge chamfering, and smoothing tasks where cordless convenience and quick stock removal are useful.
Pros:
- Brushless motor is designed to provide power and runtime.
- 30,000 cuts per minute support fast material removal.
- Calibrated depth adjustment provides fine control down to approximately 0.01 mm.
- Kickstand, aluminum shoes, and front groove support safer, more precise work.
Cons:
- Sold as a bare tool, so a compatible 20V battery and charger are not included.
- Maximum cut depth is 2 mm, limiting heavy stock removal per pass.
The DCP580B suits users who already have compatible DEWALT 20V batteries and need a mobile power planer. Its combination of speed, fine adjustment, and edge-chamfering features makes it versatile for jobsite and workshop use.
Best Overall Benchtop Pick – CRAFTSMAN CMEW320
For shoppers comparing wood planers for general workshop use, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 combines a 15-amp motor with a 12.25-inch cutting width. Its solid-steel, two-knife cutter head and reversible knives are designed for smooth operation and extended cutting life.
Best For: DIYers and woodworkers who want a capable corded benchtop planer for both hard and soft wood.
Pros:
- 15-amp motor supports hard- and soft-wood material removal.
- Two-knife cutter head uses quick-change, reversible knives.
- Vacuum port helps connect the planer to dust collection.
- Ball-bearing-mounted cutter head is designed for smooth operation.
Cons:
- Its 12.25-inch cutting width is narrower than the 13-inch models in this roundup.
- The corded design requires access to a suitable power source.
The CMEW320 is a practical middle-ground choice when smooth cutting, reversible knives, and straightforward dust collection matter more than maximum width. It is a solid fit for routine stock preparation on a benchtop.
Best With Stand – VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer
This VEVOR thickness planer stands out among wood planers for its included heavy-duty stand, 13-inch capacity, and automatic feeding. The 15-amp motor runs at 8,000 rpm, while foldable extension plates help save space when the machine is stored.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a wider planer with a stand, return rollers, and support for stock up to 6.3 inches thick.
Pros:
- 13-inch maximum cutting width handles broad boards.
- Included iron stand provides a more stable setup.
- Automatic feeding runs material at up to 6 m/min.
- Dust-exhaust interface can connect to a dust collector or use the included dust cover.
Cons:
- At 67 pounds, it is heavier than the other listed options.
- The included stand and larger dimensions require more setup and storage space.
Choose this model if a stable, stand-mounted arrangement and wider capacity are priorities. Its height adjustment crank, scale ruler, and return rollers also make repeated stock processing more convenient.
Best Extended-Table Design – VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
For wood planers that need extra support for long boards, this VEVOR model provides a 13-inch worktable with pull-out extensions and 35 inches of total table length. Its cast-iron bed, two-knife cutter head, and 15-amp motor are suited to both hard and soft wood material removal.
Best For: Woodworkers who prioritize long-stock support, a wide worktable, and a durable cast-iron base.
Pros:
- 13-inch width and capacity for boards up to 6 inches thick.
- Extended tables provide 35 inches of total support.
- Quick-change two-knife cutter head is hardened for durability.
- Vacuum port helps reduce chips in the workspace.
Cons:
- Its 54-pound weight makes it less convenient to move frequently.
- The single-speed design offers less speed flexibility.
The extended table setup makes this planer especially appealing for longer workpieces that benefit from steady infeed and outfeed support. It is a substantial benchtop option for users who value a cast-iron work surface and straightforward chip extraction.
How We Picked the Best Wood Planers
We organized these Wood Planers by the jobs they are designed to handle rather than treating every model as interchangeable. Our comparison considers maximum cutting width and depth, motor or battery system, cutterhead style, feed-rate options, portability, dust collection, adjustment controls, and the likely maintenance demands of the blades or carbide inserts.
Handheld planers are judged primarily on maneuverability, balance, cutting control, and convenience for edge work or on-site corrections. Benchtop thickness planers receive more weight for stock capacity, feed consistency, snipe control, cutter longevity, and support for longer boards.
Quick Comparison
| Best for | Recommended type | What to prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| General workshop thicknessing | 13-inch benchtop planer | Two-speed feed, solid tables, accessible dust port |
| Large or frequent stock removal | Heavy-duty benchtop planer | Powerful motor, wide capacity, reliable cutterhead |
| Edge trimming and repairs | Corded hand planer | Comfort, depth adjustment, manageable weight |
| Job-site work | Cordless hand planer | Battery compatibility, balance, runtime, bare-tool cost |
| Fine hand-tool work | Mini manual planer | Blade control, sole flatness, comfortable grip |
Key Buying Factors for Wood Planers
Capacity and Intended Work
A 13-inch benchtop machine handles common boards and panel components, but capacity alone does not determine performance. Check the maximum stock thickness, minimum thickness, table length, and whether extension tables are included. For doors, shelves, and long boards, stable infeed and outfeed support can matter as much as motor power.
Cutterhead and Blade Design
Three-knife cutterheads can provide fast material removal, while two-knife designs may be simpler to maintain. Helical or spiral cutterheads use multiple carbide inserts and often produce quieter operation with smoother results, especially when working figured or difficult grain. Replacement cost and adjustment time should be part of the calculation.
Power, Feed Rate, and Finish
Higher power helps a planer maintain speed under load, but feed-rate options are valuable when switching between rough removal and finishing passes. Take shallow cuts, support the workpiece properly, and do not assume a higher no-load RPM guarantees a better surface.
Portability, Dust, and Safety
Benchtop planers are heavy and benefit from a dedicated stand or sturdy workbench. A functional dust port helps control chips, but planing generates substantial debris, so use suitable collection and eye and hearing protection. Handheld models are easier to transport but require especially careful two-handed control.
Who Should Buy Which Wood Planers?
Choose a benchtop thickness planer if you regularly dimension rough lumber or need repeatable thickness across multiple boards. Choose a handheld corded model for occasional edge correction, door fitting, and renovation work near an outlet. A cordless planer is the better fit for mobile carpentry when you already own compatible batteries. If your projects emphasize traditional hand-tool work or small adjustments, a mini manual planer may be enough. For demanding workshop use, prioritize cutterhead durability, feed consistency, and serviceable parts over the lowest purchase price.