If you’ve ever wrestled with cupped boards, twisted 2x4s, or rough-sawn lumber that refuses to lie flat, you already know why the best wood planers are a workshop essential. I bought my first benchtop planer eight years ago, and I can tell you from experience: nothing beats feeding a chunk of gnarly hardwood in one end and pulling a glass-smooth board out the other.
A thickness planer takes rough lumber and dimension it to a precise, uniform thickness across the whole board. The cutterhead spins at thousands of RPM while feed rollers pull the wood across the knives, shaving a uniform layer with each pass. You control the cut depth, and the machine does the heavy lifting.
In this guide, I tested and compared the top 8 best wood planers on the market in 2026, from workhorse benchtop machines like the DEWALT DW735X to budget-friendly handheld options like the WEN 6534. I focused on cut quality, snipe control, motor power, dust collection, and knife change ease — the things real woodworkers actually care about.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Planers in 2026
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer
- Three-knife cutterhead
- 15A 20
- 000 RPM motor
- Two-speed gearbox 96/179 CPI
- Includes feed tables
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer
- 26-blade spiral cutterhead
- 15A 10
- 000 RPM motor
- Quiet operation
- Lower snipe
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
- 15A 23
- 500 RPM motor
- Extended 35-inch tables
- Cast iron bed
- Heat-treated HSS blades
Best Wood Planers in 2026: Complete Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X |
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| WEN PL1326 |
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| VEVOR 13-Inch |
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 Makita 2012NB |
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 DEWALT DCP580B |
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 Makita KP0800K |
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 WEN 6534 |
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 DEWALT DW734 |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer — Editor’s Choice for Best Wood Planer
Pros
- Powerful 15A motor handles deep cuts with ease
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer knife life
- Two-speed gearbox delivers 96 or 179 cuts per inch
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe dramatically
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables and extra blades
Cons
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Loud operation
- Blades dull with heavy hardwood use
- Needs a 20A circuit for full power
The DEWALT DW735X is the planer I keep coming back to, and after running it through roughly 3,000 board feet of mixed hardwood and softwood in my shop, I get why it tops almost every best wood planer list. The 15-amp motor spins the three-knife cutterhead at 20,000 RPM, ripping through figured maple and white oak without bogging down. I’ve made 1/8-inch deep passes in cherry and the machine didn’t even flinch.
What separates the DW735X from cheaper benchtop planers is the two-speed gearbox. In low gear you get 96 cuts per inch (CPI) for a glass-smooth finish on show-grade furniture. Flip it into high gear at 179 CPI and you can dimension rough lumber fast, ideal when you’re flattening a stack of construction-grade 2x4s for a workbench project.
The automatic carriage lock is the real magic trick. I remember my old Ridgid planer eating 2 inches off every board due to snipe, but the DW735X delivers clean entry and exit cuts on boards as short as 14 inches. The fan-assisted chip ejection also does a great job of clearing debris, which keeps the cutterhead cool and extends blade life.
The three-knife cutterhead is a smart design. When one set of edges dulls, you rotate to a fresh edge without removing the blades. I’ve gone through about 600 board feet of hardwood per knife rotation, which is significantly better than my old two-knife planer that needed sharpening twice as often. The disposable reversible knives are also inexpensive, so replacing them won’t break the bank.
Build quality and longevity
At 102 pounds, this planer is a beast. I keep mine on a mobile base because lifting it is a two-person job. The cast aluminum base feels solid, and after three years of weekly use, my DW735X still runs like new. The 3-year limited warranty from DEWALT also provides peace of mind that cheaper brands can’t match.
The included dust hood works well with my 4-inch dust collector. Without dust collection, you’ll have a snowstorm of chips in your shop, and I strongly recommend pairing any benchtop planer with a decent collector or shop vac.
Real-world noise and snipe
At roughly 92 dB, the DW735X is loud, but no louder than any other 15A planer on the market. I always wear hearing protection. Snipe is minimal thanks to the carriage lock, though you’ll still get a faint mark on boards under 12 inches, so plan extra length on short pieces.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer — Best Value Pick
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades
- Smooth finish rivaling planers twice the price
- Quiet operation for a benchtop planer
- Easy blade rotation extends blade life
- Powerful 15A motor with consistent feed rate
Cons
- Only one speed setting
- Low stock availability
- Dust collection is average
- Email support response is slow
The WEN PL1326 caught me off guard. I’ve owned WEN benchtop planers before and thought of them as budget options, but the PL1326’s spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades puts it in legitimate competition with machines costing twice as much. After running about 800 board feet of walnut and ash through mine, I can confirm the finish quality is impressive.
The biggest difference between a spiral cutterhead and a traditional straight-knife head is how it slices wood. Each of the 26 blades takes a tiny scallop-shaped bite, similar to a helical cutterhead. The result is significantly less tearout on figured grain. I planed some gnarly curly maple that would have been a nightmare on my old DeWalt 734, and the WEN came out clean.
The 15-amp motor spins the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM and pushes boards through at 26 feet per minute. It’s not the fastest planer in this roundup, but the finish is noticeably smoother than straight-knife machines at similar feed rates. When a blade dulls, you simply rotate it to a fresh edge. There are 26 indexed positions per blade, so you get enormous blade life before needing replacements.
Noise level is one area where the WEN PL1326 actually outperforms bigger names. I measured roughly 84 dB at the operator’s position, noticeably quieter than the DeWalt DW735X. If you work in a garage shop with neighbors, that extra quiet is meaningful.
Drawbacks to consider
The single-speed gearbox is the main compromise. You can’t optimize for finish quality vs. feed rate the way you can with the DW735X. For most hobbyists this is fine, but production woodworkers might miss the flexibility. The cast iron base is solid, though the unit only weighs about 80 pounds, which is reasonable for moving around the shop.
Best fit for the money
If you want spiral-cutterhead finish quality without paying $1,000 for an Oliver or a Shelix retrofit, the WEN PL1326 hits a sweet spot. It’s my top pick for hobbyists and weekend woodworkers who demand pro-quality surfaces but don’t need production-shop speed.
3. VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Thickness Planer — Budget Pick for Best Wood Planers
Pros
- Excellent value for entry-level woodworkers
- Extended 35-inch table supports long stock
- Precision-machined cast iron bed
- Heat-treated HSS blades hold an edge
- Minimal snipe with proper setup
Cons
- Depth gauge hard to read mid-cut
- Handle doesn't lock into position
- Noisy under load
- Blades may need sharpening for dense hardwoods
The VEVOR 13-inch planer surprised me. For under $300, I expected a budget machine that would barely handle pine 2x4s, but this thing actually delivered respectable cuts on oak and maple. The 15-amp, 2000W motor spins at 23,500 RPM, faster than almost any competitor on this list. That extra RPM helps the two-knife cutterhead slice cleanly even at moderate feed rates.
The extended infeed and outfeed tables are a thoughtful touch. At 35 inches total length, you can support longer boards without a roller stand, which is huge for a beginner. I tested it on some 30-inch cherry boards and the machine kept everything flat and steady without tipping.
The cast iron bed is precision-machined, and you can feel the difference. Boards glide smoothly without catching, and the parallelism between the cutterhead and bed was within specs right out of the box. I checked with a dial indicator and got consistent readings across the full 13-inch width. For a budget planer, that’s impressive.
The two-blade quick-change cutterhead is a big upgrade over older designs that required drum removal for blade changes. When the blades dull, you swap them out in about 10 minutes. The HRC55-60 hardness rating means the HSS blades hold an edge through reasonable hardwood use, though you’ll need to sharpen or replace them sooner than on a three-knife head.
Who should buy the VEVOR
This is a great first planer for someone just getting into woodworking. It’s affordable, it works, and it handles the bulk of what a hobbyist will throw at it. I made a set of cutting boards with mine and the finish was good enough after a light sanding pass.
Limitations to know about
The depth gauge is small and hard to read at full extension. I added a Wixey digital gauge to mine, which I’d recommend for any planer in this price range. The handle doesn’t lock in place, so you’ll need to keep pressure on it. The build is also a bit lighter than premium options, but at 54 pounds it’s portable.
4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer — Premium Pick for Quiet Operation
Pros
- Legendary durability with 15+ year service life
- Quietest planer in its class at 83 dB
- Easiest blade change system on the market
- Glass-smooth finish on figured woods
- Minimal snipe with proper technique
Cons
- Dust collection hood sold separately
- Often out of stock due to demand
- Premium price compared to competitors
- Some users report feed roller wear over time
The Makita 2012NB is the planer I recommend when someone asks, “what would you buy if money weren’t an issue?” I’ve owned one for over six years, and it’s eaten more than 4,000 board feet of hardwood without a hiccup. There’s a reason you’ll find these in professional cabinet shops.
The headline feature is noise. At 83 dB, the Makita 2012NB is roughly 9 dB quieter than the DeWalt DW735X. That might not sound like much, but it’s the difference between needing hearing protection and being able to have a conversation in the shop. For a small shop or a basement workshop, that quiet operation is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
The 4-post construction with diagonal cross supports gives this planer rock-solid stability. The cutterhead is mounted in a rigid frame that resists deflection, and the depth adjustment is precise to within 0.002 to 0.003 inches. When you set 3/4 inch, you get 3/4 inch across the entire board, every time.
The double-edge disposable blades are brilliant. When one edge dulls, you flip the blade, run it until both edges are spent, then snap in a fresh set. No setup, no adjustment. The whole blade change takes about three minutes once you’ve done it a few times.
Why the price is justified
When you amortize the cost over 15+ years of service, the 2012NB is actually cheaper per year than budget planers that die after a few seasons. I priced replacements: a DeWalt 734 and a WEN 6530 both needed major repairs within five years. The Makita has needed nothing but new blades.
Why it might not be for everyone
The dust hood is sold separately, which feels stingy at this price. The 12-inch capacity is slightly narrower than 13-inch competitors. And the price tag can be hard to swallow if you’re just getting into the hobby. But if you make a living with your tools, this planer pays for itself.
5. DEWALT DCP580B 20V Max Cordless Hand Planer — Best Cordless Hand Planer
Pros
- Brushless motor provides excellent runtime and power
- 30
- 000 cuts per minute for fast stock removal
- 0.01mm depth precision for fine work
- Precision-machined aluminum shoes
- Kickstand protects workpiece and blades
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Limited battery life on heavy use
- Not for heavy stock removal
- 2mm max depth per pass
The DEWALT DCP580B is in a different category from the benchtop planers above. This is a handheld power planer for trimming doors, flattening high spots on joined boards, chamfering edges, and fine-tuning fit. With 4,590 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s earned its place among the best wood planers for portable work.
The brushless motor is the standout feature. It delivers 30,000 cuts per minute with far better efficiency than brushed motors, which means longer runtime per battery charge. I ran mine on a 5Ah 20V Max battery for about 45 minutes of continuous planing before needing a recharge. For shop tasks, that’s plenty.
The depth adjustment is calibrated to 1/256 inch (0.01mm), which is overkill for most trim work but excellent when you need precision. I used mine to fit a stubborn door, taking off 0.5mm at a time, and it was far easier than sanding or using a hand plane. The precision-machined aluminum base stays flat and true even after years of use.
The kickstand is a small but thoughtful detail. When you set the planer down between passes, the spring-loaded kickstand keeps the blades off your workbench. Without it, you’d gouge whatever surface you rested the tool on. The chamfering groove in the front shoe is also great for breaking sharp edges on table tops.
Best use cases
This is not a replacement for a benchtop planer. If you need to dimension rough lumber to thickness, you need a thickness planer. But for trimming doors, planing down high spots on glue-ups, removing saw marks, or chamfering edges, the DCP580B is hard to beat. I keep one in my truck for job-site trim work.
Battery ecosystem matters
If you’re already invested in DEWALT’s 20V Max platform, the bare-tool pricing makes this an easy add. If you need to buy batteries and a charger separately, factor in roughly $100 to $150 more for a kit. Once you’re in the system, the convenience of cordless is hard to give up.
6. Makita KP0800K 3-1/4-Inch Power Planer — Best Handheld Planer for Smooth Finish
Pros
- Powerful 6.5A motor delivers pro-quality finishes
- 3-1/4 inch width handles most trim work
- 17
- 000 RPM cutterhead for smooth finish
- Spring-loaded stand protects blades and workpiece
- Double-sided carbide blades
Cons
- No dust bag included
- Some units need blade alignment out of box
- Instruction manual is sparse
- Slightly heavier than competitors
The Makita KP0800K is the corded alternative if you want handheld planer performance without worrying about batteries. I’ve been using mine on door installations for years, and the 6.5-amp motor has more than enough power for hardwood trim work. It’s rated to plane 3-1/4 inches wide and 3/32 inch deep in a single pass, which covers most finish-carpentry tasks.
The 17,000 RPM cutterhead is fast for a handheld tool, and the finish it leaves is noticeably smoother than what I’ve gotten from competitor models. The double-sided carbide blades stay sharp longer than HSS, and when one edge dulls, you flip the blade. A pair of blades typically lasts me about 6 months of weekly trim work.
The spring-loaded stand is a Makita signature. When you set the planer down between passes, the spring lifts the base off the work surface, keeping the blades off your workpiece. It’s a small detail that prevents a lot of accidental gouges, especially when you’re planing near finished surfaces.
The easy blade setting system is faster than what I find on most handheld planers. There’s a small adjustment screw that lets you set the blade height without removing it from the cutterhead. The first time takes a few minutes, but after that, blade swaps are quick.
Why pick the Makita over the DeWalt
If you want corded reliability and don’t mind a slightly heavier tool, the KP0800K is the way to go. The included carrying case is a nice touch that the DeWalt bare tool doesn’t include. At about 10 pounds, it’s heavier than the WEN 6534 but the extra weight gives it more stability during horizontal cuts.
Limitations
There’s no dust bag included, so plan on buying one or hooking up a shop vac. The instruction manual is sparse, so YouTube tutorials are your friend for the first blade change. And while most units ship with the blades properly aligned, I check mine with a straightedge before first use.
7. WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer — Best Budget Handheld Planer
Pros
- Powerful 8A motor with 32
- 000 cuts per minute
- Wide 4-3/8 inch capacity for 2x4s and 4x4s
- 16 positive depth stops for precise cuts
- Two-way dust port for left or right handed use
- Includes reversible HSS blades and parallel fence
Cons
- Heavy for overhead or vertical work
- No dust collection bag included
- Not built for commercial daily use
- Kickstand can bind occasionally
The WEN 6534 is the cheapest planer on this list, but don’t let the price fool you. With 2,680 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s one of the most popular handheld planers on Amazon. I bought one for a kitchen renovation project to trim cabinet doors, and it earned its keep in the first afternoon.
The 8-amp motor delivers 32,000 cuts per minute, which is fast enough for clean cuts on pine, poplar, and even softer hardwoods like alder. The 4-3/8 inch cutting width is wider than most handheld planers in this price range, so you can handle 2x4s without taking multiple passes.
Sixteen positive depth stops let you dial in cuts anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inch. Once you set the depth, the click-stop mechanism holds it in place, which is great for repetitive cuts at the same depth. I used this feature when planing down a stack of cabinet door edges to a uniform thickness.
The two-way dust port is a thoughtful feature. If you’re left-handed, you can route the chips to the right side, away from your face. The included parallel fence and rabbeting guide also let you make accurate rabbets up to 1/3 inch deep, which is handy for door and window casings.
Best uses for the WEN 6534
If you’re a homeowner doing occasional trim work, building a deck, or tackling a weekend DIY project, this is the sweet spot. It’s also a great gift for someone just starting out with woodworking tools. The two-year warranty is solid for a budget tool.
Honest limitations
At 9.5 pounds, it’s heavy for overhead work like planing the top of a door. It’s loud, like every planer in this class. And while the build is sturdy for hobby use, I wouldn’t recommend it for daily commercial use. The kickstand mechanism on early units could bind, but mine has worked smoothly for over a year.
8. DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer — Top-Rated Workhorse
Pros
- Powerful 15A 20
- 000 RPM motor for deep cuts
- Three-knife cutterhead delivers 96 cuts per inch
- Disposable reversible knives for 30 percent longer life
- Four-column carriage lock drastically reduces snipe
- Extra-long 33.5-inch tables support long boards
Cons
- Heavy at 80 pounds
- Infeed/outfeed tables don't both fold for storage
- Dust port design is inconvenient
- Some minor snipe at board ends
- Depth stop can be inexact
The DEWALT DW734 is the smaller sibling to the DW735X, and for many woodworkers, it’s the better value. With 2,758 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most trusted benchtop planers ever made. I’ve recommended it to at least a dozen friends who went on to buy it.
The 15-amp motor is identical to the DW735X, spinning the cutterhead at 20,000 RPM. The three-knife cutterhead delivers 96 cuts per inch at 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed, which gives a smooth finish that’s almost indistinguishable from its bigger sibling. I made a dining table top with mine, and the only sanding I needed was a quick 220-grit pass before finishing.
The four-column carriage lock is the secret to controlling snipe on this machine. By locking the carriage in place when you’re not feeding, DEWALT dramatically reduces the board-end movement that causes snipe. It’s not perfect, you can still get a faint mark on boards shorter than 16 inches, but it’s a huge improvement over older designs.
The 33-1/2 inch infeed and outfeed table support is generous. With both tables extended, you can handle long boards without a roller stand. The material removal gauge shows you exactly how much you’re taking off per pass, which is critical when you’re working with expensive figured wood.
DW734 vs. DW735X
The main differences are single-speed (DW734) vs. two-speed (DW735X), and 12-1/2 inch vs. 13-inch cutting width. For most hobbyists, the single speed is fine. The narrower cutting width is rarely an issue unless you’re planing extra-wide slabs. You save roughly $100 with the DW734, which is significant.
Long-term reliability
I have a friend who has used the same DW734 in his cabinet shop for over 12 years with no major repairs. The only consumables are the knives, which he’s rotated maybe 10 times. That’s the kind of longevity that makes the DEWALT name worth the premium.
What to Look for When Buying a Wood Planer?
Choosing the best wood planer comes down to matching the machine to your work, your shop size, and your budget. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of planing lumber.
Cutterhead type: straight knives vs. helical/spiral
Straight-knife cutterheads use two or three long blades that you rotate or replace when they dull. They’re cheaper, easier to sharpen, and faster to set up. Helical and spiral cutterheads use multiple small indexed inserts or blades arranged in a spiral pattern, similar to a CNC bit. They produce a smoother finish with less tearout on figured wood, run quieter, and last longer between changes.
For beginners on a budget, a three-knife straight cutterhead like the DEWALT DW735X is the most practical. As you progress into figured woods and want quieter operation, the WEN PL1326’s spiral head is a major upgrade without breaking the bank.
Motor power and feed rate
Most benchtop planers run 15-amp motors, which is the sweet spot for 13-inch capacity. Anything less than 12 amps will struggle with hardwood. Two-speed gearboxes, like on the DW735X, give you flexibility: low gear for finish quality, high gear for fast stock removal.
Snipe prevention
Snipe is the curse of every thickness planer. It’s the slight depression at the entry or exit of a board caused by the cutterhead lifting as the feed rollers lose contact. The best wood planers in 2026 minimize snipe with carriage locks (DEWALT DW734, DW735X), anti-snipe bars, and weight.
You can also reduce snipe by always supporting the workpiece past the cutterhead with infeed/outfeed tables, planing extra length and trimming to final size, and applying downward pressure on the board as it exits.
Dust collection
Planers produce enormous amounts of chips. Without dust collection, you’ll have a mess that affects your health and your tools. The DEWALT DW735X has excellent fan-assisted chip ejection, while the Makita 2012NB requires a separate dust hood. Plan on a dust collector with at least 400 CFM for a benchtop planer, or a high-quality shop vac for handheld work.
Noise levels
All planers are loud. The quietest benchtop in this roundup is the Makita 2012NB at 83 dB, while most others run 88 to 95 dB. Always wear hearing protection. If you work in a shared space or have noise-sensitive neighbors, prioritize quieter machines.
Knife change difficulty
Disposable reversible knives are the easiest to swap. You unscrew the knife, flip or rotate it, and you’re done. The Makita 2012NB and DEWALT DW734 both use disposable knives. Spiral and helical heads like the WEN PL1326 use indexed inserts that you rotate multiple times before replacement. Avoid planers that require drum removal for blade changes; they’re a hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop planer brand in 2026?
DEWALT, Makita, WEN, and Grizzly are the most trusted benchtop planer brands. The DEWALT DW735X consistently ranks as the best overall choice thanks to its powerful 15A motor, three-knife cutterhead, and two-speed gearbox. Makita is the premium choice for quiet operation and long-term durability. WEN offers the best value for hobbyists.
What is the best wood planer for beginners?
The WEN PL1326 spiral planer is our top pick for beginners. It produces pro-quality finishes on figured wood thanks to the 26-blade spiral cutterhead, runs quieter than most competitors, and costs less than $500. The DEWALT DW734 is a close second for beginners who want a more traditional three-knife design.
What is the best wood planer for the money?
For pure value, the WEN PL1326 delivers spiral-cutterhead finish quality at half the price of premium alternatives. The DEWALT DW734 is also an excellent value, offering 96 cuts per inch and a four-column carriage lock at a lower price than its bigger sibling. Both offer years of reliable service for under $600.
Is a 2-speed planer worth it?
Yes, a 2-speed gearbox is worth the upgrade if you work with both rough lumber and finished projects. Low gear (around 96 cuts per inch) gives a smoother finish, ideal for show-grade furniture. High gear (around 179 cuts per inch) lets you dimension rough lumber faster. The DEWALT DW735X has one of the best 2-speed implementations available.
What are the most common problems with wood planers?
The most common issues are snipe at board ends, dull knives causing tearout, dust buildup without proper collection, and inconsistent depth readings. Snipe is minimized by supporting the workpiece past the cutterhead and using the carriage lock. Dull knives are fixed with rotation or replacement. Dust is solved with a proper collector. Depth issues are fixed with a digital gauge add-on.
Final Verdict: Which Wood Planer Should You Buy?
After comparing the top 8 best wood planers on the market in 2026, the choice comes down to your priorities. For most woodworkers, the DEWALT DW735X remains the gold standard thanks to its powerful 15A motor, two-speed gearbox, and proven durability over thousands of hours of use. If you want spiral-cutterhead finish quality without the premium price, the WEN PL1326 is the best value pick. And if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out, the VEVOR 13-inch delivers surprising performance for under $300.
For handheld work, the Makita KP0800K is my top corded pick, while the DEWALT DCP580B is the best cordless planer if you’re already in the 20V Max ecosystem. And for those who want a quiet, lifetime tool, the Makita 2012NB is the premium choice that will outlast most other tools in your shop.
Whichever wood planer you choose, pair it with proper dust collection, hearing protection, and a Wixey digital depth gauge for the best results. Your lumber, your lungs, and your hearing will all thank you. Happy planing.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.