Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by Sharaj
A palm router is one of the most useful tools for neat edge work and small woodworking projects. Compact and easy to control, the palm routers are ideal for trimming laminates, rounding edges, cutting grooves, and adding clean decorative details without the bulk of a full size router. Their lightweight design makes them especially handy for one-handed use and precise finishing work.
In this guide, we’ve selected the best palm routers available in the UK, based on performance, control, build quality, and overall value for both DIY users and keen woodworkers.
Top Palm Routers UK
Bosch 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router
We found its power‑to‑size ratio outstanding, giving true mains‑like performance in a compact cordless package. The integrated dust extraction, safety features and precise adjustability make it a top choice for pros and serious hobbyists.
Key Speciality: Pro level Cordless Performance with Dust Control
We consider the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router one of the most capable cordless palm routers available, combining strong performance with true jobsite portability. Its 18V brushless motor delivers plenty of torque along with a high top speed, making it suitable for everything from light trimming to more demanding edge-forming tasks. Bosch has also included practical features such as dual vacuum adaptors and a chip shield, helping improve dust extraction during both edge and surface routing.
Best Choice For
This is a great option for tradespeople and serious DIYers who want cordless convenience without compromising on performance. It’s particularly well suited to site work, cabinetry, windowsills, and larger edge-forming jobs where good control, dust management, and safety matter.
Why we like it:
Caveats and realistic expectations
Practical insight
We find the dust extraction additions to be a genuine time and health saver — they make it usable indoors without a generation of dust across the workshop. The combination of power, control and useful safety features is why we rate it highly for professionals who need a reliable cordless solution.
Bosch 12V Cordless Palm Router GKF
We found it exceptionally balanced and easy to control for delicate edge profiling. Its compact 12V platform is quiet, convenient and perfect for finishing work where a full-size router would be overkill.
Key Speciality — Compact Precision with Professional Build
We see the Bosch 12V Cordless Palm Router as a purpose-built trimming tool that makes detailed finishing work quick and easy. Its asymmetric grip, light weight, and well-balanced design allow precise control along edges and profiles — the kind of tasks that would normally mean bringing out a larger, heavier router. The compact 12V platform also helps keep noise and vibration low, making it more comfortable to use for longer trimming sessions.
Best Choice For
This is our pick for carpenters, joiners, and keen DIYers who want a dedicated edge and finishing router. It works particularly well for rounding edges, trimming laminates, cleaning up door edges, and cutting small rebates where accuracy and control matter most.
Key features and practical benefits:
Limitations and realistic use cases
Practical insight
We regularly reach for this palm router when we want to avoid the hassle of a full-size router: it’s much quicker to set up for small finishing passes and edges. If you do a lot of heavy routing in hardwood then a larger machine is still the right choice, but for finishing, trimming and site touch-ups this tool speeds the job and reduces mess. The availability of third-party 3D-printed fences and jigs also adds flexibility for users who like to tinker.
KATSU 710W Compact Palm Router
We view it as a no‑nonsense, capable corded trimmer that delivers strong results for the money. It’s ideal for workshop tasks and occasional production jobs where value and dependable performance matter more than premium finishes.
Key speciality — solid, affordable performance
We see the KATSU 710W Compact Palm Router as a dependable budget option that delivers genuine routing capability without a big investment. This corded palm router provides consistent power, and the 710W motor has enough strength for trimming, rebates, and most hobbyist routing jobs. Variable speed control also makes it easier to work with different materials, including MDF, softwood, and laminates.
Best Choice For
This router is a great choice for DIYers, hobbyists, or anyone looking for a reliable spare or secondary router for the workshop. It’s particularly well suited to door fitting, hinge recesses, and occasional trimming tasks where a straightforward, low-cost tool makes the most sense.
What we like about it:
What to be aware of
Practical tip
For deeper cuts take multiple shallow passes rather than trying to remove too much material in one go — the router rewards sensible technique. If you want an economical machine for steady day-to-day DIY use, this KATSU unit represents strong value for money and will cover most non‑professional work comfortably.
20V Compatible Cordless Palm Router Trimmer
We appreciate the torque and convenience of a battery‑powered trimmer that runs on a widely available 20V platform. While the motor impresses for DIY jobs, the accessory quality and some plastics are less durable than trade‑grade alternatives.
Key speciality — cordless freedom with decent torque
We see this router as a practical take‑up for DIYers who already own 20V batteries and want a compact trimmer without buying a full branded system. The brushless motor provides strong torque and the variable speed options allow tidy work on edges, rebates and small profiles.
Best choice for
This is best for hobbyists and weekend woodworkers who want a portable router to grab and go for quick trimming and finishing tasks. If you already have compatible batteries it’s an economical way to expand your kit.
What stands out:
Limitations to consider
Practical insight
For grab‑and‑go routing tasks this trimmer is a useful addition to a battery ecosystem. We’d treat it as a capable DIY machine rather than a trade workhorse: invest in a few higher‑quality bits and perhaps a spare base plate early on and you’ll get the best service from it.
Anesty Compact Corded Palm Router Trimmer
We see this as a very affordable entry point for hobbyists and first‑time buyers. It delivers good basic performance but buyers should be mindful of stability and the variable quality of the supplied bits.
Key speciality — low-cost, complete starter kit
We think this router’s main appeal is its price and the fact it arrives ready to go with a selection of bits and a trimmer base. For occasional tasks around the home — small trims, shaping edges and basic routing — it represents a sensible, affordable option.
Best choice for
This is our pick for occasional DIYers, hobbyists and gift buyers who want a compact, usable router without spending much. It’s ideal for first‑time users who want a straightforward tool to learn with before stepping up to trade machines.
What it offers:
What to watch out for
Practical tip
If you’re buying this as your first router, pair it with a small dust extractor and a few better quality router bits and you’ll have a very capable starter setup. It won’t replace a trade tool, but for weekend projects and learning it does the job well and represents good value.
Final Thoughts
Our clear top pick is the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router. It delivers near-mains performance in a compact, cordless package, with strong dust extraction and precise adjustability — ideal for tradespeople and serious hobbyists who need power and portability without compromise.
For fine finishing and edge profiling, the Bosch 12V Cordless Palm Router GKF is our runner-up. It’s exceptionally balanced and easy to control, making it perfect for detailed joinery, cabinetry touch-ups and anyone who prioritises finesse over brute force.
How we approach palm routers (and how to pick the right one)
We test palm routers for three things: control, cut quality and real-world convenience. Control means how the tool feels in the hand and how easy it is to hold steady during an edge profile. Cut quality is about is chip-out, accuracy and how clean the cut looks straight from the tool. Convenience covers dust collection, bit changes and whether the router sits comfortably on a variety of jigs.
Choosing the right palm router comes down to use case. Here are our short rules of thumb:
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Power / Platform | Standout benefit | Best for | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router | 18V brushless | Mains-like power, integrated dust extraction | Pros & serious hobbyists on site | 9.5/10 |
| Bosch 12V Cordless Palm Router GKF | 12V compact | Precision edge work, excellent balance | Cabinetmakers, fine finishing | 9/10 |
| KATSU 710W Compact Palm Router | 710W corded | Strong value, dependable for workshop use | DIYers and budget-conscious users | 7.8/10 |
| 20V Compatible Cordless Palm Router Trimmer | 20V platform | Torque and convenience on common battery platform | DIY cordless users with existing batteries | 7/10 |
| Anesty Compact Corded Palm Router Trimmer | corded entry | Very affordable entry-level option | Occasional DIY and beginners | 6.8/10 |
Our product overviews
Bosch 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router — Key speciality: compact cordless power with excellent dust control.
Bosch 12V Cordless Palm Router GKF — Key speciality: surgical precision for edge profiling.
KATSU 710W Compact Palm Router — Key speciality: value-driven corded performance.
20V Compatible Cordless Palm Router Trimmer — Key speciality: convenience on a common battery platform.
Anesty Compact Corded Palm Router Trimmer — Key speciality: extremely affordable entry point.
Practical tips we actually use in the shop
Accessories worth buying
We hope this helps you choose a palm router that fits your workflow. We’ve leaned on real shop time to rank these tools — if you want a shortlist for a particular project (cabinet doors, box joints, edge banding), tell us what you’re making and we’ll narrow it down further.
FAQ
For most edgework and trimming tasks, yes. Palm routers excel at edge profiling, flush trimming and small mouldings. For heavy-duty plunge routing or large-diameter bits you’ll still want a full-size router, but palm models give very professional finishes on smaller workpieces.
Generally yes — most palm routers accept common 6mm or 1/4" shank bits. Check the router collet size first. Using the right shank size and sharp, high-quality bits has a greater effect on finish than the tool itself.
Corded models offer consistent power for long sessions and are great if you work in a fixed bench setup. Cordless palm routers bring mobility and convenience for on-site work or cramped benches. If you want the best of both worlds, a cordless brushless model on a robust battery platform (like the Bosch 18V) is our pick.
Very important. Small routers can still kick up a lot of dust when working edges or grooves. Good dust extraction keeps your cut line visible, protects the cutter, and reduces clean-up time. We found integrated extraction on the Bosch Colt made a noticeable difference in both visibility and maintenance.
Use eye and ear protection, clamp your work firmly, take light passes rather than heavy cuts, and ensure the router is off before changing bits. For cordless units, remove the battery before any adjustments. Always feed against the rotation of the cutter (conventional feed) for safer, cleaner cuts.
Yes — a basic corded trimmer like the KATSU 710W or the Anesty model can deliver excellent results for beginners who learn proper technique. The key is steady hands, the right bits, and taking multiple light passes rather than one deep cut.
