The 7 Best Benchtop Planers of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

A benchtop planer transforms rough lumber into perfectly dimensioned boards, and the right one can pay for itself with a few projects. But with models ranging from $300 to $700, choosing the best one for your shop requires understanding what separates good machines from great ones.

We’ve analyzed professional reviews, user feedback, and real-world testing to identify the top benchtop planers for 2025.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

1. DeWalt DW735X — Best Overall

Price: ~$600 | Width: 13″ | Motor: 15 amp

In head-to-head testing, the DeWalt DW735X finished in first place by a wide margin. It’s widely regarded as the gold standard for benchtop planers, and after using one, you’ll understand why.

What makes it special:

• Dual-speed gearbox: Switch between 96 CPI (cuts per inch) for fast stock removal and 179 CPI for furniture-quality finish
• Three-blade cutterhead: Spins at 10,000 RPM, removing up to 1/8″ in a single pass
• Automatic head lock: Locks the cutterhead and roller assembly when you stop adjusting, drastically reducing snipe
• X package includes: Infeed/outfeed tables and extra blades

The downside: It’s loud. Really loud. Plan for hearing protection.

Verdict: If you can afford it and handle the noise, the DW735X is the one to beat.

2. Makita 2012NB — Best Portable

Price: ~$550 | Width: 12″ | Motor: 15 amp

The Makita 2012NB has been around for years, yet it remains one of the most reliable benchtop planers available. If portability or noise levels matter to you, this is your machine.

What makes it special:

• Interna-Lok head clamp: Makita’s exclusive automated system virtually eliminates snipe
• Quietest operation: At 83 dB, it’s the quietest benchtop planer on the market
• Compact design: Lighter and more portable than competitors
• Legendary reliability: Makita’s build quality means this planer lasts for decades

The downside: Slightly narrower (12″) than 13″ competitors. Blade changes are more involved.

Verdict: For job site use or noise-sensitive shops, the Makita is unbeatable.

3. DeWalt DW734 — Best Value

Price: ~$400 | Width: 12-1/2″ | Motor: 15 amp

The DW734 offers much of what makes its big brother great at a significantly lower price. It’s a proven workhorse found in countless home shops and job sites.

What makes it special:

• Three-blade cutterhead for smooth finish
• Excellent dust collection port design
• Solid build quality with proven track record
• $200 less than the DW735X

The downside: No two-speed option — fixed at 96 CPI.

Verdict: For most woodworkers, this offers everything needed at a reasonable price.

4. Craftsman CMEW320 — Best Budget Option

Price: ~$350 | Width: 13″ | Motor: 15 amp

Craftsman delivers respectable performance at an entry-level price. If you’re building your first shop or working within a tight budget, this gets you planing capability without breaking the bank.

The trade-offs: More snipe than premium models. Finish quality requires additional sanding for fine work.

5. WEN 6552T — Budget with Three Blades

Price: ~$380 | Width: 13″ | Motor: 15 amp

WEN packs surprising features into a budget package, including a three-blade cutterhead typically found on more expensive machines.

Best for: Hobbyists who want more capability than entry-level machines without stepping up to premium pricing.

6. Cutech 40200HC-CT — Best Finish Quality

Price: ~$550 | Width: 13″ | Motor: 15 amp

The Cutech features a spiral (helical) cutterhead — the same technology found in planers costing twice as much. The result is noticeably smoother surfaces, especially on figured wood.

What makes it special:

• Helical cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts
• Significantly quieter than straight-blade designs
• Inserts can be rotated to fresh edges, extending cutter life dramatically

The downside: Less powerful than DeWalt or Makita.

7. Powermatic 15HH — The Ultimate Upgrade

Price: ~$1,300 | Width: 15″ | Motor: 3 HP

When you outgrow benchtop machines, the Powermatic 15HH bridges the gap to full-size planers. It’s more than most hobbyists need, but serious furniture makers swear by it.

What to Look For

Cutting width: 12″ handles most boards. 13″ adds versatility for panel glue-ups.

Cuts per inch (CPI): Higher CPI means smoother finish but slower feed. The DW735X’s dual-speed option gives you both.

Snipe reduction: All benchtop planers produce some snipe. The Makita’s Interna-Lok and DeWalt’s auto-lock systems minimize it.

Noise: If you work in a shared space or near neighbors, the Makita’s quiet operation is worth its price premium.

Dust collection: A planer generates mountains of chips. Good dust collection saves cleanup time and protects your lungs.

The Bottom Line

For most woodworkers: The DeWalt DW735X justifies its price with unmatched versatility and performance.

For quiet operation: The Makita 2012NB is worth the premium for noise-sensitive situations.

For budget builds: The DeWalt DW734 delivers proven reliability at a reasonable price.

Whichever you choose, a benchtop planer opens up a world of possibilities — from processing rough lumber at a fraction of S4S prices to milling stock to exact thicknesses for your projects.

Where to Buy

Here are verified links to purchase the planers featured in this guide:

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