Cordless routers were one of the last cordless tools to really come good. For years, the choice was between an underpowered trim router that struggled with anything bigger than a 6 mm round-over, or hauling out a corded 1/2″ plunge router every time you needed to edge a worktop. Brushless motors, higher-capacity batteries and better collet design changed that — and in 2026 the cordless trim/palm router category is genuinely trade-capable, with five tools that earn a place in a UK joiner’s, shopfitter’s or kitchen-fitter’s kit.
We’ve shortlisted the five cordless routers worth buying in the UK in 2026 — the Makita DRT50, the Bosch GKF18V-25, the DeWalt DCW600, the Milwaukee M18 FTR and the Ryobi R18TR. We’ve tested them for collet concentricity, plunge accuracy, brushless run-time, dust extraction, baseplate rigidity, edge-following on templates, and how each one feels for the kind of work UK joiners actually do — kitchen worktop edges, shop-fit detailing, door hinge mortising and trim mouldings.
All prices below are approximate UK retail at the time of writing for the bare unit. Kit pricing (with battery, charger and case) typically adds £100–£200 depending on platform and battery capacity. Some routers ship with both 1/4″ and 8 mm collets in the box; others sell those separately.
Our quick verdict
If you want the one-line answer: the Makita DRT50 is the best all-round cordless router for UK tradespeople in 2026 — solid LXT platform, brushless motor, the most accessory-compatible base system in this list (trim base, plunge base, offset base and tilt base all sold separately), and the kind of accuracy that holds up across the 30+ cuts you’ll do on a busy fitting day. It’s the cordless router most UK kitchen fitters end up with for a reason.
If you’re already on Bosch Pro 18V: the GKF18V-25 is genuinely class-leading for trim work — lightest, fastest no-load RPM, and the Bosch dust extraction shoe is the best in the list. If you’re on DeWalt 18V XR: the DCW600 is the most affordable cordless router that’s still trade-grade. If you’re on Milwaukee M18: the M18 FTR is the obvious pick. And if you’re working on a budget or doing light shop-fit/cabinet work: the Ryobi R18TR is the credible budget option that doesn’t embarrass itself on a worktop.
Makita DRT50 — Best all-round
Price: Around £190–£230 bare; £340–£420 as kit with 2x 5.0Ah batteries, charger and case
The Makita DRT50 is the cordless trim router the largest share of UK trade joiners and kitchen fitters end up with. Brushless motor delivering 10,000–30,000 RPM under variable speed control, accepts 1/4″, 8 mm and (via collet adapter) 6 mm cutters, and runs on the Makita LXT 18V platform that most UK trade joiners already own batteries for. Body weight without the battery is 1.8 kg — slightly heavier than the Bosch and DeWalt, but the extra mass damps vibration in long routing runs.
Where the DRT50 stands apart is the base ecosystem. The trim base is supplied as standard; the plunge base (196728-7), offset base (196950-7), tilt base (196095-3) and inverted base (under-table mount) are sold separately at £40–£90 each. Combine the plunge base with a guide bush kit and you’ve got a 1/2″ benchtop router without buying a second tool. That’s a level of versatility no other cordless router in this list matches.
Stocked at Screwfix, Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK, Power Tool World, FFX, Anglia Tool Centre and the UK Makita specialist dealer network. The DRT50 has been in the LXT range since 2017 — the design is mature, spares are everywhere, and second-hand market values hold up unusually well for a power tool.
Pros: Most accessory-compatible base system in this list (trim, plunge, offset, tilt, inverted bases), brushless motor with electronic speed control, 8 mm collet supplied as standard (not separate), accepts both 1/4″ and 8 mm cutters, mature LXT platform with the widest UK trade battery base, holds value well.
Cons: Heaviest body in this list at 1.8 kg bare, accessory bases are extra cost (£40–£90 each), dust extraction shoe is fiddlier to fit than the Bosch one, no on-board light, run-time at high RPM is shorter than the Milwaukee.
- Brushless motor for more endurance, longer life and more compact design
- Powerful, precise cutter with different attachments for different applications
- Adjustable speed via adjusting wheel
- With constant electronics and soft start
- With bright double LED
Bosch GKF18V-25 Professional — Best for Bosch Pro owners
Price: Around £210–£250 bare; £370–£440 as kit
The Bosch GKF18V-25 is the cordless trim router most UK shopfitters and trim joiners on the Bosch Pro 18V platform buy. Brushless motor at 13,000–25,000 RPM with variable speed, weighs 1.5 kg bare (lightest in this list), and the baseplate has a properly engineered offset that gives you better visibility on the cutter than any other cordless router on the UK market. Bosch’s dust extraction shoe is also the best in the list — a true sealed connection that captures 90 %+ of the dust at the cutter with a vacuum hooked up.
Collet capacity is 1/4″ (supplied) plus 8 mm (sold separately at £15–£25). The base has a fine-height adjustment wheel rather than the click-detent system on the Makita — slower to set but more accurate for precision template work and hinge mortising. The body is short and tall (rather than wide and flat like the DRT50), which keeps it centred over the cutter and reduces user fatigue on long edges.
Stocked at Screwfix, Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK, FFX, Power Tool World and Bosch Pro’s trade counter network. The Bosch Pro 18V battery platform has the highest-capacity Procore 18V 12.0Ah option, which gives the longest practical run-time of any battery in this list.
Pros: Lightest router in this list (1.5 kg bare), best dust extraction in this list (sealed shoe), best visibility on the cutter, fine-height adjustment wheel for precision template work, runs on Procore 12.0Ah for class-leading run-time, on-board LED.
Cons: 8 mm collet sold separately, no plunge base option (Bosch sell a separate cordless plunge router — the GOF18V-28 — at significantly higher cost), most expensive bare-unit price in this list, only justifies switching to Bosch Pro 18V if you’re already on the platform.
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE AND PORTABILITY: Best power-to-size ratio in its class
- EFFICIENT BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Produces 1.39 peak horsepower and 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
- COMPACT, ERGONOMIC DESIGN: High and low soft gripping positions for easier handling in both horizontal and vertical applications
- SIMPLIFIED, FLIP-AND-RELEASE SPINDLE LOCK LEVER: Quick and easy bit changes
- ENHANCED DUST EXTRACTION: Delivered by two vacuum adaptors and one chip shield for both edge and surface routing applications
DeWalt DCW600 — Best for DeWalt 18V XR owners
Price: Around £150–£185 bare; £290–£350 as kit
The DeWalt DCW600 is the cordless trim router with the most generous price-to-spec ratio for tradespeople already on DeWalt 18V XR. Brushless motor with variable speed 16,000–25,500 RPM, 1.6 kg bare, takes 1/4″ and 8 mm collets (8 mm sold separately at £10–£15). The fine-depth adjustment is detent-click rather than wheel — slightly less precise than the Bosch, slightly more precise than the Makita.
DeWalt’s trim base is supplied with a transparent baseplate that gives genuinely useful visibility on the cutter from above, and the dust extraction shoe attaches with a single screw — a small but real ergonomic improvement over the Makita’s two-screw shoe. There is no plunge base option for the DCW600 in the UK (DeWalt sells the separate DCW604 plunge router instead, which is the closest equivalent to the Makita plunge setup).
Stocked at Screwfix (next-day on the DCW600N-XJ, code 124KJ), Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK, FFX, Power Tool World, Anglia Tool Centre and the full DeWalt UK trade counter network. The DeWalt 18V XR platform is the second-largest trade cordless platform in the UK after Makita LXT — battery availability is excellent.
Pros: Cheapest brushless cordless router from a tier-one brand in the UK, transparent baseplate for cutter visibility, easy single-screw dust extraction shoe, on-board LED, takes 1/4″ and 8 mm cutters, runs on DeWalt 18V XR with the broadest UK battery availability after Makita.
Cons: No matching plunge base — you have to buy the separate DCW604 if you want plunge capability, top RPM lower than the Makita and Bosch, no fine-wheel depth adjustment, baseplate is slightly more flexible than the Bosch and Makita units.
- CORDLESS CONVENIENCE: Enjoy freedom of movement with this cordless compact router. Ideal for woodworking projects where portability and flexibility are essential for precise results.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Designed for easy handling, this hand held router weighs only 3.9 lb. Its small size makes it perfect for trim work and detailed routing in tight spaces.
- FIXED BASE PRECISION: The fixed base router design ensures stability and control. Achieve clean, accurate cuts on wood surfaces for professional-quality woodworking every time.
- BATTERY POWERED PERFORMANCE: Powered by a 20 V battery, this cordless router delivers consistent power without the hassle of cords. No batteries included, allowing you to choose your preferred option.
- VERSATILE WOODWORKING TOOL: Suitable for a variety of tasks, this router woodworking tool is great for edge forming, trimming, and shaping. Perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTR — Best for site abuse
Price: Around £220–£260 bare; £400–£480 as kit
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTR is the cordless trim router for tradespeople who are heavy on tools and rough on kit. The FUEL brushless motor runs 10,000–31,000 RPM with full variable speed control, and the body is Milwaukee’s signature over-engineered construction — the baseplate is the most rigid of any router in this list, and the body shrugs off site drops and abuse that would crack the Ryobi housing in months.
Run-time is the standout here. On an M18 RedLithium 6.0Ah battery the FTR will route around 30 m of 10 mm-wide chamfer in oak before the battery taps out — best in this list by 25–30 %. The dust extraction shoe is good (not quite Bosch-level but better than DeWalt and Makita), the on-board LED is properly bright, and the speed dial is mounted on top of the body where you can see it without taking your hand off the router.
Stocked at ITS, FFX, Toolstation, Amazon UK, Power Tool World, the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Club network, and the Milwaukee trade counter chain. M18 is the third-largest UK trade cordless platform — battery availability has improved significantly in the last two years and is now broadly comparable to DeWalt 18V XR for first-fix trades.
Pros: Most rigid baseplate in this list, best run-time per Ah of any cordless router on the UK market, FUEL brushless motor delivers more torque than the equivalent Makita or DeWalt, on-board LED is the brightest in this list, top-mounted speed dial is more practical than the Bosch side dial.
Cons: Heaviest router in this list (1.9 kg bare), no plunge base option in the UK range, 8 mm collet sold separately at premium price (£20–£30), only makes sense if you’re already on M18 or willing to switch.
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Power of corded compact routers and higher SPM to complete cuts in hard woods
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance and protects from overloads, heating and over-discharge
- Variable speed dial ranges between 10,000 and 31,000 rpm, providing precise control for clean edges and details
- Macro Adjust button allows for fast macro-adjustments and 1.5" of adjustable range
Ryobi R18TR-0 18V One+ — Best on a budget
Price: Around £85–£110 bare; £180–£230 as kit with 4.0Ah battery and charger
The Ryobi R18TR-0 is the cordless trim router most credible at the DIY-to-light-trade transition. Brushed motor (not brushless — the only one in this list), 10,000–29,000 RPM, 1.4 kg bare, accepts 1/4″ cutters only (no 8 mm collet option in the UK market). The baseplate is plastic-bodied rather than the cast aluminium of the trade brands — fine for plywood and softwood work, marginal on hardwood and worktop work.
On a Ryobi 4.0Ah HP battery, the R18TR will get through around 8–12 m of 6 mm round-over in oak before the battery taps out — roughly half what the Milwaukee or Bosch managed. That’s fine for occasional shop-fit trim and cabinet door edging; it’s not enough for a full kitchen install. Brushed motor is also the weak point — the brushes need replacement after 80–100 hours of intensive use, which is around 2–3 years for a light-trade user.
Stocked at Screwfix, B&Q, Argos, Amazon UK, MyToolShed and the Ryobi specialist retailer network. Don’t buy this if you’re a professional joiner doing kitchen fits five days a week — the brushed motor and plastic baseplate will give up. Do buy it if you’re a builder who needs a router occasionally, or a competent DIYer doing furniture and shop-fit work at the weekend.
Pros: Cheapest credible cordless router on the UK market, runs on the Ryobi One+ batteries you might already own from your drill kit, light at 1.4 kg, variable speed control, useful for shop-fit trim and light cabinet work.
Cons: Brushed motor (will need brushes replaced eventually), plastic-bodied baseplate flexes under heavy cuts, no 8 mm collet option, shorter run-time per Ah than any other router in this list, no plunge base option in the UK Ryobi range, no on-board light.
- Cordless 18V 1/4″ trim router ideal for adding edge profiles to enhance woodworking projects
- Micro depth adjustment for precise and accurate cutting
- Transparent base offers stability and accuracy
- LED light illuminates your work area for better visibility on working material
UK cordless routers compared at a glance
|
Router |
Motor |
Collets |
Weight Bare |
Approx Bare Price |
Best for |
|
Makita DRT50 |
Brushless |
1/4″ + 8 mm |
1.8 kg |
£190–£230 |
All-round trade use |
|
Bosch GKF18V-25 |
Brushless |
1/4″ (8 mm extra) |
1.5 kg |
£210–£250 |
Bosch Pro owners, trim work |
|
DeWalt DCW600 |
Brushless |
1/4″ + 8 mm extra |
1.6 kg |
£150–£185 |
DeWalt XR owners, value |
|
Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTR |
Brushless |
1/4″ (8 mm extra) |
1.9 kg |
£220–£260 |
Site abuse / M18 owners |
|
Ryobi R18TR-0 |
Brushed |
1/4″ only |
1.4 kg |
£85–£110 |
Budget / light-trade use |
Buyer’s guide — what actually matters
Battery platform first, router second
Same rule as every other cordless tool category: buy the router that runs on the platform you already own. The £30–£50 saving you make picking the cheapest brand evaporates as soon as you have to buy a new battery and charger. If you’re starting from scratch, Makita LXT has the broadest UK trade ecosystem and the DRT50 has the most accessory-rich base system, which is what makes it the most flexible long-term choice.
Brushed vs brushless
Every router in this list except the Ryobi R18TR is brushless. Brushless motors run cooler, run longer per charge, and don’t need carbon brush replacement. The trade-off is price — brushless motors add roughly £50–£80 to the bare unit price. For occasional use the brushed Ryobi is fine; for daily trade work, the long-term economics of brushless are unarguable.
Collet capacity: 1/4″ plus 8 mm is the trade spec
The 1/4″ collet is the universal trim router standard — most UK trim, round-over and chamfer cutters are 1/4″ shank. The 8 mm collet matters because higher-quality straight cutters and hinge-mortising cutters are often only available with 8 mm shanks (the metric trade standard from European cutter manufacturers like CMT, ENT and Trend). If you’re doing kitchen worktop work or precision hinge mortising, the 8 mm collet is essential — and the Makita DRT50 is the only router in this list that includes both as standard.
Plunge base or no plunge base?
Trim routers in fixed-base mode handle 90 % of trade work — chamfer, round-over, edge trimming, template-following. The 10 % a plunge base adds is hinge mortising, stopped grooves and inlay work. If you do any of those regularly, the Makita DRT50 + plunge base combo is the cheapest credible setup in the UK market. If you don’t, save the £80–£100 and stick with the trim base only.
Dust extraction is non-negotiable for kitchen work
If you’re routing worktops in a customer’s kitchen, you need proper dust extraction — both for hygiene and because MDF dust is a respiratory hazard. The Bosch GKF18V-25 has the best sealed-shoe extraction in this list, with the Milwaukee FTR a close second. Make sure your vac/extractor hose matches the shoe outlet (32 or 35 mm is the standard) and use a HEPA-rated extractor for MDF and dense composite materials.
FAQs
Is a cordless router really worth it over a corded one?
For trim and edge work, yes — without question. Cordless trim routers cover the entire shop-fit, kitchen-edge and door-fitting workload without the cable getting in the way of the work. For heavier benchtop work (deep grooves, dadoes, 1/2″-shank cutters), you still want a corded 1/2″ plunge router or a router table. Cordless and corded routers solve different problems — the cordless ones don’t replace the bench setup, but they replace the corded trim router completely.
Can a cordless router do a full kitchen worktop?
Yes, with the right battery. A Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTR on a 6.0Ah battery, or a Bosch GKF18V-25 on a Procore 8.0Ah, will route a full UK kitchen worktop set (sink cut-outs, mitres, edge profiles) on one or two batteries comfortably. The DeWalt DCW600 and Makita DRT50 will manage the same workload, you’ll just swap batteries once or twice more. The Ryobi R18TR is not the right tool for this job — its brushed motor and plastic baseplate will struggle with 38 mm laminate worktop work.
Are 8 mm collets really necessary?
If you only do round-over, chamfer and trim work, no — 1/4″ cutters cover everything. If you do kitchen worktop work, hinge mortising, or use European cutter brands (CMT, ENT, Trend, Festool), yes — the best cutters in those categories are 8 mm-shanked. The Makita DRT50 supplies the 8 mm collet in the box; everyone else sells it separately at £10–£30.
Do cordless routers run as fast as corded ones?
Top RPM is genuinely comparable — every brushless router in this list reaches 25,000–31,000 RPM no-load, which is what UK corded trim routers do. Under-load RPM (i.e. with a cutter actually engaged in timber) is where the difference shows up — corded routers maintain RPM better at heavier cuts. For trim work this doesn’t matter; for deep grooving and dadoing it does. Use the right cutter and the right depth-per-pass and cordless routers handle the work cleanly.
Where can I buy these in the UK?
Makita DRT50 is at Screwfix, Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK, FFX, Power Tool World and Anglia Tool Centre. Bosch GKF18V-25 is at Screwfix, Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK and FFX. DeWalt DCW600 is at Screwfix (code 124KJ for DCW600N-XJ), Toolstation, ITS, Amazon UK and the DeWalt trade counter network. Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTR is at ITS, FFX, Toolstation and Amazon UK. Ryobi R18TR-0 is at Screwfix, B&Q, Argos and Amazon UK.
Final word
Cordless routers are finally a genuine trade category, not a DIY compromise. The Makita DRT50 is the right router for most UK joiners and kitchen fitters because of the LXT ecosystem and the accessory bases — that flexibility matters more in the long run than any single spec advantage. If you’re on a different platform, buy the router that matches — Bosch GKF18V-25 for Pro 18V, DCW600 for DeWalt XR, M18 FTR for Milwaukee. Don’t switch platforms for one tool; do switch cutter brands to whichever has the best 1/4″ and 8 mm range for the work you actually do — that’s where the real performance gains live.
